Cops: St James Teen Had "Hit List:

Suffolk County Police have arrested an 18-year-old St. James resident who sent instant messages to a 12-year-old girl threatening to kill several mutual acquaintances.

Officers from the Sixth Precinct Crime Section received a report from officials at a local school stating that there was a “hit list” against several of their students and recent graduates. This list was obtained by a 12-year-old student who gave it to a school administrator. After completing an investigation, police arrested Christopher Inserra, 18, of 2 Whisper Hill, St. James.

Officers determined that the 12-year-old girl was engaged in an instant messaging session with Inserra via the Internet. The two had met the previous year at school and continued an Internet friendship. During the most recent conversation, Inserra made threats against the lives of specific students that he felt were mean to him in the past. He also engaged in conversations with the 12-year-old about a possible suicide pact.

Inserra was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor. He was released on bail and will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.

Police have not indicated if the accused or alleged victims are students of the Smithtown Central School District.

Traffic Alert:

A motorcycle accident at Route 347 and Southern Blvd. is causing delays Wednesday morning in the area.

Traffic Alert: Pole Down on Rt. 25

There is heavy traffic Friday morning at the intersection of Route 25 and Terry Road in Smithtown where a telephone pole has fallen following a motor vehicle accident.

Update: Fire Alarm Puzzles Students, Teachers

Students and teachers had an unexpected recess Wednesday during 5th period.

A day after students and staff were left outside for most of 5th period Wednesday, we now know what caused the fire alarm to unexpectedly activate around 10:15 a.m. "It turned out to be a faulty alarm head in a storage room," said assistant principal Mr. Rose in an e-mail to building staff.

A preplanned fire drill during 2nd period, shortly after 8 a.m., evacuated the building for a few short minutes. But the alarm was activated again around 10:15 a.m. unexpectedly. Within moments of the alarm activation, the St. James Fire Department was notified of the situation and began to gather their crews. Minutes later the fire department arrived on scene with at least two fire engines, one rescue truck and an ambulance. From the south side of the building the trucks could be seen entering the campus but then disappeared behind the north side of the building.

Witnesses on the north side of the building tell The Matador Online the situation remained calm as officials and fire crews searched the area.

The notification of the fire department is a routine measure taken when the alarm is unexpectedly activated.

Shortly before 11 a.m. the 'all clear' was given and students and staff were allowed to reenter the building. No one was injured during Wednesday's incident.

Acoustic Cafe is Back!

The '08-'09 school year is kicking off with another rockin' Acoustic Cafe.

Mrs. Woods, along with a group of East students including senior Sean Leigh, will be hosting this week's musical melody. Musical groups from the East community will be delighting audiences in the Commons Cafe this Friday starting at 7:30 p.m. et.

TheMatadorOnline.com will be on hand to document the event; there will be a detailed photo gallery of the show next week. As well, SmithtownRadio.com, the school radio station, will kick off the day's activities by hosting a day-long marathon of live musical performances from the station's archive. The marathon will run on their live stream all day Friday leading up to live coverage of the Cafe at 7:30 p.m. Radio coverage will be hosted by seniors James Brierton and Megan Russ.

College Reps. Coming to East

Attention Seniors: Representatives from the following colleges will be in the counseling center the week of September 22nd:
9/23 - James Madison University - Period 3
9/24 - SUNY New Paltz- Period 4
9/24 - SUNY Binghampton - Period 7
9/24 - RIT - Period 9
9/25 - Lehigh - Period 4
9/26 - Iona - Period 4
9/26 - Colgate - Period 7
9/29 - Seton Hall - Period 4

Beep...beep! Safe Driving Presentation

There will be two safe driving presentations in September. Any senior who wishes to drive to school and does not currently have a parking sticker must attend. Both sessions are open to students from both East and West.
>September 24th at 7:00 pm, High School East auditorium.
>September 25th at 7:00 pm, High School West auditorium.