DWI arrests and a garden by the lake

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Issue #345

Brian Grant

May 29, 2026

Good Morning

Today’s newsletter starts with a police investigation DWI arrests from a pre-Memorial Day weekend checkpoint. We also have brighter news, including national praise for Long Island Community Hospital, a new pollinator garden at Great Patchogue Lake, and top honors for Patchogue-Medford students. Plus, the farmers market is back and there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the community.

Brian Grant

Editor

Police Investigating Incident in Patchogue

Suffolk County police are investigating an incident that occurred on Lakewood Street in Patchogue early Wednesday morning. Read full story →

8 Arrested in Pre-Memorial Day Weekend DWI Crackdown

Eight people were arrested during an overnight sobriety checkpoint at Waverly Plaza in Patchogue as part of a pre-Memorial Day weekend crackdown on impaired driving. Read full story →

Patchogue Hospital Named Among Best in Nation for Heart Attack Care

Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue has been recognized as one of the top hospitals in the nation for heart attack patient outcomes, according to CMS data analyzed by Becker's Cardiology. The hospital ranked 9th lowest in the country for hospital return days, with a score of -45.5. This metric measures unplanned hospital visits within 30 days of discharge, with lower scores indicating better follow-up care, proper medication management, and appropriate post-acute care planning. Read full story →

New Pollinator Garden Coming to Great Patchogue Lake

A new pollinator garden is being planted on the south side of Great Patchogue Lake to protect bees and butterflies while reducing stormwater runoff. The project is funded by a grant from the NYS Attorney General's office and will involve over 50 community volunteers.

• Pat-Med High School Names Top Graduates – Patchogue-Medford School District has named Taylor Tor as valedictorian, Michael Russell as salutatorian, and Chloe Lin as class essayist for the Class of 2026. Tor will attend the University of Connecticut to study physiology and neurobiology, Russell heads to the University of South Carolina for biochemistry, and Lin will study engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. Learn more →

• Patchogue Farmer's Market Returns Sunday – The Patchogue Farmer's Market is back for the season every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the LIRR Station. Stop by for fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisan products from area vendors. The market runs through November 1st. Learn more →

• PEACE Project Student Ambassador Opening Exhibition – Join Student Ambassador Jakob Wasserberger for an interactive art experience at MoCA L.I. on Sunday, May 31 from 3:00–4:00 PM. . Learn more →

• Two Pat-Med Students Named Among LI's Best Flag Football Players – Senior quarterback Mackenzie Hughes and junior wide receiver Ella Melo from Patchogue-Medford High School have been named to Newsday's top 50 Long Island flag football players list. Hughes threw for 3,756 yards and 59 touchdowns last season, while Melo compiled 110 flag pulls and eight interceptions on defense. Both were elected team captains for the 2026 season. Learn more →

• An Evening of Music & Cocktails at The Gateway – The Gateway presents a cabaret-style evening featuring Broadway songs performed in the lobby and Historic Barn Theater on Thursday, June 4th from 7:00-9:30 PM. Get tickets →

Patchogue-Medford Library is hosting Long Island's first Pop Con, an adult-focused Comic-Con style event on Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the main library on East Main Street. Food trucks and themed drinks will be available. Rain date is June 6. Read full story →

• 5th Annual Stomp the Stigma 5k – Sign up now for this charity 5k run/walk focused on mental health awareness. Join the community for this important event supporting mental health initiatives. Learn more →