🌱LI COVID Numbers Decreasing + Gang-Related Arrests In Hempstead

Up and at 'em, Merrick! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started. Here are the most important things happening in Merrick today.

First, today's weather:

Rain, then snow, 1-2". High: 38 Low: 15.

Here are the top five stories today in Merrick:

1. To open on a positive note: Positive cases of the Omicron variant have decreased in the area, according to various sources. Governor Kathy Hochul reports that cases have gone down about 11 percent from the state's peak on Sunday, January 2, says a report from the Daily Voice. More locally, Nassau County registered a seven-day average of 16.9 percent positive rates, down about 9 percent since the county's January 5 peak. (The Island Now)
2. Police arrested three after executing a search warrant and discovering illegal firearms and MDMA. The search took place at a home on Glenmore Avenue in Hempstead on Thursday, January 13. The residents have been identified as Angelica Rustin, 28, Devon Fenner, 34, and Rasheed Bullen, 28. Officials say that all three are known gang members. (Daily Voice)
3. The Nassau County Police Department says they've arrested Jeustin Maldonado, 22, of Uniondale, for the second-degree murder of Osmin Campos-Sandoval, of Hempstead. Four other individuals have been arrested in relation to the murder of Campos-Sandoval. The murder took place in 2016 and involved two rival gangs. (Daily Voice)
4. Read about County Executive Bruce Blakeman's tour of the Nassau County's African American Museum on January 16. Blakeman praised the museum, noting its distinction as the only institution in New York State focused on African American history. Click over to the article to learn more about the unique and important institution. (LongIsland.com)
5. Plan your upcoming days with the latest list of upcoming open houses in the Merrick Area. Highlights include a 1921-built classic in Freeport at just over half a million and a cute "as-is" in Merrick. (Merrick Patch)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Merrick:

• N. MERRICK TAG SALE by Invited Estate Sales by Tracy Jordan - Discover new-to-you treasures. Click over to the site for a list of items on offer. (9:30 AM)
• Cross Cultural Council for the Arts - Freeport Memorial Library invites you to a discussion about community efforts. (6:30 PM)
• Teen Cooking with Chef Rob: Hot Chocolate Cookies - Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to this culinary event for Merrick Library cardholders only. Registration required. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Nassau County's first winery is open! You can taste the local terroir at Inseime Wines in Oceanside. (Instagram)
• Need to simplify your routine this evening (or any evening)? George Martins Grillfire now serves to-go meals and cocktails! Check out the lineup at the restaurant's website.

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Featured businesses:

• Miller Home Technologies — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Curbside Food Drive (January 22)
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• Behind The Scoreboard – Babe And A Young Fan (Details)
• New Book by Wantagh Author (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you around!

— Ash DeMello