🌱 Lawmakers On Mask Policy + Merrick Housing Market Update

Happy Monday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and colder. High: 30 Low: 17.

Here are the top 3 stories in Merrick today:

1. On Saturday, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Gov. Kathy Hochul resumed their war of words, this time over mask mandates. Earlier in the week, Blakeman tried to set a new mask policy for kids in school through an executive order. Gov. Hochul said he did not have that authority and stated those who defy state rules should expect consequences. (News 12 Bronx)
2. On Friday, 10 state lawmakers weighed in about Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's controversial decision to end the mask mandate in schools. While he is giving school districts the power to reverse the mandate, the state Department of Education said the new county executive does not have the authority to override the mask mandate in the COVID-19 pandemic. (Patch)
3. Curious to see which homes are now on the market? Here's a sampling of the latest batch of new properties to hit the housing market in and around Merrick. (Merrick Patch)

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Today in Merrick:

• PTA District Council Meeting At North Merrick UFSD (9:00 AM)
• Camp Science Fair Parent Information Meeting At North Merrick UFSD (7:00 PM)
• PTA Council Meeting At Bellmore-Merrick Central School District (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Want to sign your child up for Merrick Bellmore Little League's 2022 season? Registration closes on Jan. 16. (Facebook)
• Yesterday (Jan. 9), Merrick Truck Co. 1 was invited by the Freeport Fire Department to participate in a multi-company drill to practice forcible entry, searching, and an apartment fire scenario in a multi-dwelling building. (Facebook)
• A neighbor on Thomas Street found a drone in their backyard and is looking for the owner. If it's yours, you can message the poster for the address. (Nextdoor)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.