News Nearby: Madonna Slapped With Cease And Desist Order

Here’s a look at some of the top stories that made headlines in and around your community this week.

Southampton

County To Madonna: ‘Stop Cutting Through Preserved Land’

The Queen of Pop doesn't rule the land in Suffolk.

The county planning department issued Madonna and a Bridgehampton construction company a cease-and-desist letter last month because the county said that an access road violates preservation law.

Riverhead

Excavation Permit Denied, Property Owners Want to 'Work With Town’…

After an application to excavate his Sound Avenue parcel was denied, a Riverhead property owner said he wants to work with the town for a solution.

East Hampton

Jason Lee’s Attorney: ‘Sex Was Consensual, Not Rape’

The sex between a Goldman Sachs executive and the woman who accused him of rape was consensual, according to defense attorney, Edward Burke Jr.

Jason Lee was arraigned on a three-count indictment, including first-degree rape, in Suffolk County Criminal Court on Friday.

Westhampton-Hampton Bays

Conservative Primary For Supervisor: Too Close to Call

For several tedious hours on Tuesday, Suffolk County Board of Elections workers counted and recounted 144 hand-written ballots cast by Conservative voters in a primary race for Southampton supervisor last week. In the end, neither side was able to claim victory.