🌱NCPD Looking For Homicide Suspect + Blakeman Distributes Masks

Hello, people of Merrick! Ash DeMello here with the latest Merrick Daily.

First, today's weather:

Fog with rain and drizzle. High: 47 Low: 43.

Here are the top five stories today in Merrick:

1. Wednesday was Groundhog Day, but whether the rodent saw its shadow depends on who you ask. Timothy Bolger reports that Holtsville Hal did not see his shadow; Malverne Mel did indeed. Learn about their dispute at the Long Island Press.
2. Keep tabs on the pandemic with a look at the latest reported hospital capacity in the Merrick area. Statewide, approximately 80% of inpatient beds are occupied; COVID-19 patients occupy about 17% of total beds. Closer to home, those numbers look more like 75% and 23% respectively. (Merrick Patch)
3. The Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad issued an alert for a Long Island homicide suspect earlier this week. Santos Valeriano Argueta was shot and killed shortly before 11:00 PM on Sunday, January 30, in Hempstead. Investigators are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of the person who shot Argueta. (Rutherford Daily Voice)
4. Merrick Patch shares five local homes that may just be worth checking out. Click over to find options for every sort of buyer, including a slick, one-bedroom in Freeport and a stunning, water-adjacent, million-dollar listing on Shore Drive.
5. Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman distributed pandemic relief supplies to senior residents of Glen Cove this week. Blakeman was joined by Glen Cove execs and reps from the Nassau County Department of Human Services. (LongIsland.com)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Merrick:

• Zumba Gold for Adults [VIRTUAL] - Freeport Memorial Library offers a chance to log on for fun and fitness from home. (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM)
• In Flight: Migration & Making - Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center welcomes folks 8 years and up to a bird-watching session with a craft and talk on migration. Registration required. (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
• Live Band Karaoke @ K.J. Farrell's - Get ready to share your talent (or at least your passion) with help from the venue's 'Human Jukebox.' (7:00 PM)
• Craft time with Lupe! - Register for an in-person or remote crafting session with the Freeport Memorial Library. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In recognition of Black History Month, the North Merrick Public Library has a curated selection of books on the topic. "Check out a book from one of displays to celebrate and learn more!" (Facebook)
• Mark your calendars for healthy inspiration! The Merrick Library is welcoming back Chef Girl Nutrition on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:00 PM. A registered dietician and chef will share a virtual, interactive cooking class to help you learn how to make a healthy meal that tastes great! (Facebook)
• Need a new spot to spend your next happy hour? Burgerology in Farmingdale is offering a 'Reverse Happy Hour' with drink specials today from 8:00 PM - close. (Instagram)

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Featured businesses:

• Miller Home Technologies — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Long Beach Polar Bear Splash Benefiting Make-A-Wish (February 6)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Ash DeMello