News Nearby: Gym Owner Blindsided by Opening of LA Fitness in Smithtown

Here's a look at this week's headlines from nearby Patch towns:

but the owner of – an existing gym in the plaza – said he was not notified of the gym’s upcoming arrival by landlord Acadia Realty until after the deal was public.

Snap Fitness owner Alex Leyberman said when he got word of having competition in the same shopping center the response Acadia gave him was simple: Having LA Fitness in the plaza was a smart business move.

In , the spring season at the Long Island Museum has officially kicked off, re-opening on Friday following a hiatus of about two months.

"There seems to be a buzz in the community about the new season and specifically the new exhibition, 'Long Island in Bloom,'" museum spokeswoman Julie Diamond said in an email to Patch.

Read the whole story about the "Long Island in Bloom" exhibit, now on display .

senior Justin Bakewicz has been named the .

He will receive $1500 towards his future career goals in recognition of his achievements and future goals in the agricultural industry. He competed against ten other finalists from districts across New York State, and his win marks the second straight year a student from Long Island took first place.

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A former state employee , according to an audit conducted by the state comptroller's office.

Newsday reports state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said Rico Singleton, the former deputy chief information officer for the Office of Technology, told CA if it didn't provide credits to the state for future work, it would be blacklisted.

and convenience store at the Smithtown Town Board's public hearing Thursday.

Thanks to the Smithtown Board's live video feed, those who could not make it in person had the opportunity to witness what went on at the meeting. Several commentors chimed in on Patch's coverage of the hearing, taking issue with Hess attorney Eugene DeNicola's comments toward speakers at the hearing.