🌱 Eight Puppies Rescued From Mississippi + Smithtown Police Blotter

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Debora Whitehead, your host of the Smithtown Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town. Today you'll read about these stories and more...

• Paws of War rescued eight puppies from Mississippi.
• Police sought a shoplifter.
• Smithtown Police blotter and more!

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Saf-T-Swim Smithtown

Visit Saf-T-Swim Smithtown — Long Island’s #1 Swim School

Since 1984, Saf-T-Swim Swim School has been providing Long Island families with the skills they need to become safe in and around water — coming soon, a BIGGER experience at Saf-T-Swim Smithtown.

This bigger location will feature:

• Two warm-water swimming pools
• Quieter environment designated for Adaptive Aquatics, a new 1:1 program that utilizes a specific structure that helps swimmers with special abilities achieve milestones. To learn more, click here.
• Dedicated space for 4:1 group lessons where students are paired with kiddos of similar age and swim abilities. Click here to reserve your group lesson spot.

Saf-T-Swim Smithtown is located at 7 Browns Rd., Nesconset and is open seven days a week.

And now, today's weather:

Cloudy and cooler. High: 50, low: 41.

Are you a business owner or marketer in Smithtown who wants to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales? If that's you, then I invite you to see how our newsletter sponsorships combine our local audience reach with your expertise to attract new customers. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top four stories in Smithtown today:

1. Nesconset-based nonprofit Paws of War rescued eight Mississippi puppies under harsh circumstances. The dogs are doing well and being well taken care of in the institution until they find their forever homes. (News 12 Hudson Valley)
2. Police sought a man who stole 60 pairs of jeans from the Oldy Navy Store in Commack. Police said the merchandise was worth $1,650. Click on the link to see a picture of the suspect. If you recognize him, contact Suffolk crime stoppers at www.P3Tips.com. (Patch)
3. Real Estate investor, Mukesh Patel, announced his intentions to turn the old Commack Motor Inn into a family-oriented business. The building was sold last month for $14 million. Some residents expressed satisfaction to see the motel businesses leave the community. The Smithtown Patch will update readers on what's coming next! (News 12 Bronx)
4. Smithtown Police Blotter reports police activity in the neighborhood from Dec. 24 - Jan. 1. One of the incidents was a burglary at the Smithtown Bypass. A total of twenty-five tires and rims were stolen from King O'Rourke Buick GMC. (Smithtown Patch)

Today in Smithtown:

• Girl Scout Daisies Troop 936-Smithtown Library (Smithtown Building). (4 p.m.)
• The Piano Lesson at Celebrate St. James. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The band Zebra's Randy Jackson will hit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame stage on Sunday. The special concert begins at 2 p.m. If you want more information and to purchase tickets, click here. (Patch)
• Long Island News 12 gives tips for those who need extra help to learn how to stay safe during the winter on Long Island. The guide provides information about how to keep warm in extreme cold! (News 12)
• Have you heard of the Winter Run Series? The 5K race returns to Long Island State Parks on Sundays at 11 a.m. Participants will enjoy hot beverages and baked goods after each race. There also will be medals and prizes. One of the events will be held at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park on Jan. 22. If you want more information and to see the full schedule of races, visit here. (Mommy Poppins)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Fitness 4 You — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• (mostly) TRUE THINGS STORYTELLING SHOW. (January 7)
• East Wind Wedding Showcase. (January 8)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll see you soon.

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Have a story idea? Please get in touch with me! I would love to hear from you! Wife, mom, foodie, traveler, and nature lover.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Smithtown Daily? Contact me at Smithtown@Patch.com.