Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Assault Charge Against Smithtown Councilman Dismissed After 5 Months

Also check out America at 250 for Educators on the Smithtown Patch calendar

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Cheers Smithtown! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Assault charge against Smithtown councilman dropped and case sealed
  • Beloved Smithtown barbecue joint returns after yearlong fire shutdown
  • How a Smithtown East student just earned elite National Merit honors.

Also on today's calendar: America at 250 for Educators and 17 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Humid with periods of sun, with a high of 80 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 80, low: 59.
  • Saturday: Clouds and sun; not as warm, with a high of 69 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Assault Charge Against Smithtown Councilman Dismissed After 5 Months (patch.com) — Smithtown residents are learning that an assault charge against Town Councilman Thomas Lohmann, stemming from an April altercation with fellow Councilman Tom McCarthy at Smithtown Town Hall, has been dismissed and sealed by the court. Lohmann, a former NYPD officer, says the decision validates his long-standing claims of innocence and pledges to stay focused on representing Smithtown residents. His attorneys credit both their own investigation and the district attorney's review for concluding there was no case to pursue.
   

• Smithtown BBQ Spot Reopens After Fire Shut It Down For More Than A Year (patch.com) — Smithtown food lovers can once again visit Big Belly Que, which has reopened after a devastating 2025 fire in a neighboring unit forced the beloved West Jericho Turnpike barbecue spot to close for more than a year. Owner and lifelong Smithtown resident Chris Emanuelo and partner Kathy Lever describe a grueling rebuild, financial strain, and deep uncertainty, but say unwavering support from loyal Smithtown customers and their landlord made the comeback possible. The restaurant now sports a refreshed interior, a reunited staff, and lines of regulars eager to welcome it back into the community.
   

• Smithtown HS East Student Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist (patch.com) — A Smithtown High School East student, Yuran Tang, has been named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, a prestigious honor based on top PSAT scores. To become a finalist, Tang must submit an essay, secure a school recommendation, and maintain strong grades and test scores, reflecting well on Smithtown's schools and academic community.
   

📸 Around Smithtown

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I have not been to the dentist in a long time due to severe anxiety with dentiists in general.
    I need crowns and/or implants. Any recommendations would be appreciated. TIA. (Nextdoor Caroline)
  • Whats the best place to donate shoes?
    I have a lot of pairs I'll never wear again and some are barely used. (Nextdoor Forestwood)
  • Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Store Manager in Smithtown. Apply here.
  • Red Bull GmbH posted a job opening for Merchandiser (Full Time) in Commack. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Smithtown here.

🗞 Nearby News

Kings Park

  • Rabid Raccoon Found At Popular LI State Park, Suffolk Officials Say (patch.com)
  • How an unexpected real estate connection helped first-time Long Island buyers furnish their new home (liherald.com)
  • Kings Park residents oppose trucking station at closed landfill (newsday.com)

Hauppauge

  • Pilates is on the rebound on Long Island. Here's why. (newsday.com)
  • Duck Donuts opens in Huntington Station (newsday.com)
  • Suffolk County Launches 'Night Court' for Traffic and Parking Violations (town.news)

Huntington

  • Long Island Realty Company Marks 5 Years Of Fighting Hunger With Food Drive (patch.com)

Ok Smithtown! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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