Get those pumpkins and tools ready — it's almost time for the Bridgehampton Lions Club's annual pumpkin-carving contest.

A dead whale that washed ashore at Kirk Beach in Montauk on Tuesday and a dead gray seal that was found there on Wednesday were both so severely decomposed that further study is needed to determine the causes of death.

Wainscott United, a group of residents who oppose village incorporation efforts, on Saturday questioned the validity of a petition to incorporate being circulated by a citizens group.

I really don't have any excuses, but it's been well over a month since I have picked up a fishing rod. I'm not quite sure of the reason, but other than pulling my lobster and crab traps out of the water for the season shortly after Labor Day, I had not even untied my dock lines. My boat, and my body, have sat idle for too long.