As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to inspiring tales of community brotherhood. But some stories are just plain weird. Here are some of the stranger headlines from the past seven days.
Sinkhole Swallows Up SUV After Water Main Breaks
A broken water main caused a sinkhole on Mount Pleasant Road near Cambridge Drive in Smithtown on Tuesday morning, Suffolk County Water Authority workers at the scene confirmed.
The workers have repaired the main and are currently filling the 6-foot deep hole in the road. Workers at the scene stated the road should be re-opened by late afternoon. No specific estimated time was given.
The sinkhole swallowed-up an SUV at 3:39 a.m. Tuesday, according to Suffolk County Police, causing Suffolk County Water Authority workers to report to the scene. Police said there were no reported injuries.
Paranormal Research Society Has Fun With Katie's Bar Demon
The haunted history of Katie's of Smithtown on West Main Street is well known by locals, making it one of the favorite nightlife spots in town. Its haunted history also makes it a favorite of paranormal activity groups, like Gotham Paranormal Research Society, a group that according to Katie's owner Brian Karppinen, holds monthly meetings in the bar basement. During it's monthly meeting on Jan. 11 the group celebrated the birthday of member Natalie by hanging out with the bar demon, and recorded it for the world to see.
Necropsies: Ship Killed Large Whale; Baby Whale Very Ill
Two whale necropsies were performed this week have soveld the riddle of what killed two whales that washed up onAmagansett beaches last weekend.
The larger whale, a female finback that washed up dead on Sunday morning, was struck by a ship. While on first visual inspection the whale showed no signs of being hit, when marine biologists got a look at the side it was laying on when it was first beached, the trauma became obvious.
As for the young pygmy sperm whale that washed up later on Sunday afternoon, it was in very bad condition before it was euthanized at the beach, marine biologists said.
The male whale — a yearling, less than 2 years old — was suffering from severe peritonitis, or inflammation of its intestines. It had a severe ulceration in its gastrointestinal tract and parasites in the whale's stomach chambers, in addition to "a lot of blood" from hemorrhaging, likely from the large ulcerations.
