🌱Missing Nassau Teen + Mineola Fire Clarification

Welcome back, Merrick! It's Wednesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in Merrick today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy; windy, milder. High: 46 Low: 37.

Here are the top five stories today in Merrick:

1. Authorities have issued an alert regarding a 15-year-old missing from Nassau County. Click over to the Daily Voice to see a photo and read details about Heimy Rodenzo-Flores. Investigators are asking for community assistance in locating the teen.
2. New details have emerged regarding Sunday's gas station robbery at a Valero on Jerusalem Avenue. Nassau Police say a 63-year-old clerk was forced at gunpoint to empty the cash register. The suspect fled on foot. (Merrick Patch)
3. There has been some clarification regarding the two fires on Second Street in Mineola on Friday and Saturday last week. Now officials are saying the second blaze was likely a rekindling of the first. A dozen people were displaced by the initial fire. (The Island Now)
4. More catalytic converter thefts are happening in the area. Police say two suspects stole $30,000 worth of the devices from Novak Auto in Oceanside on Friday, January 14. Investigators report that the suspects removed part of a metal wall protecting the business and positioned a truck adjacent to the opening in order to steal about 50 catalytic converters before leaving the scene. (Daily Voice)
5. Oceanside boys basketball triumphed over Uniondale on January 11. Click over to the liherald.com to get the details and see photo highlights of the Sailors' home win.

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Today in Merrick:

• Drop-in at Scrubzbody in Farmingdale between 12:15 PM - 4:00 PM for a 45-minute guided session on making your own scrub! Prices start at $26.
• Zumba for Adults! [Virtual] - Freeport Memorial Library invites you to a fun way to torch calories at home while working on your dance moves! Tap the link to get details about how to connect. (6:30 PM)
• BRIC presents: How to Start a Business on a Small Budget [Virtual] - Learn the basics with help from the Freeport Memorial Library. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• North Merrick Public Library announces a new activity for the littles: "Join Ms. Janet for Baby and Toddler Storytimes on our very own YouTube channel! New storytimes posted every Tuesday at 10 am. See you there!" (Facebook)
• Merrick Library's Winter Reading program started yesterday, January 18, but there's plenty of time to join! Pick up your log in-person or tap the link to find out how to track your literary accomplishments online. The program goes through February 18. (Facebook)
• Need your booster? Discover the latest whereabouts of the Vaxmobile via Instagram.
• Winter weather got you down? The Town of Hempstead reminds you that there's lots to do in the country's largest township, and some of it doesn't even require a snow shovel. (Instagram)

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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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Announcements:

• Behind The Scoreboard – Babe And A Young Fan (Details)
• New Book by Wantagh Author (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Ash DeMello