Stuck in Mud, a Heist on the Run & a Fiery Scare

Good Morning,

The kidnapping case of a local teen continues to expand. Seemingly daily, there are more revelations.

Read about the disappearance of the local cobbler. Don’t forget to check out our sponsor, The Flyover.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

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Local Pulse

🆘 A Medford man had to be rescued after getting stuck in chest-high mud at a Smithtown park while trying to retrieve his dog. Emergency responders managed to pull him to safety, and both he and the dog are okay. News 12

📺 An upcoming Netflix documentary about Gabby Petito is drawing mixed reactions online, with some calling it "disrespectful." While some see it as a way to raise awareness about domestic violence, others argue it's exploiting her tragic story. Daily Voice 

🔥 A solar panel fire broke out on the roof of a Bayport home, according to police. Firefighters quickly responded to contain the blaze, and no injuries were reported. Patch

🏆 The Bayport-Blue Point Board of Education recognized its Teachers’ Association’s Teachers of the Month from September 2024 to January 2025. Among them, Lori Katakofsky was honored as the September Teacher of the Month for her dedication to Academy Street’s primary students. Colleagues and students praise her as kind, compassionate, and deeply committed to her students’ success. BBP Schools

🚔 Police are searching for a suspect involved in a robbery at a TD Bank in Patchogue. Authorities say the individual fled the scene after demanding cash, and an investigation is ongoing. MSN

🚨 An eighth person has been charged in the bizarre case of a Patchogue teen who vanished and was later rescued from a docked boat. Authorities continue to unravel the shocking details surrounding the teenager’s disappearance and recovery. New York Post

🎆 New York and New Jersey are gearing up to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with special events and historical commemorations. Plans include educational programs, exhibits, and community celebrations to honor the nation’s milestone. I Love NY

Day in History

 From Prosperity to Perseverance: The Decline of the Shoe Repair Industry in Suffolk County

In 1934, the Suffolk County Master Shoe Rebuilders Association was formed in Patchogue with a strong sense of purpose—unifying the trade, securing fair wages, and regulating working hours to ensure sustainability in the industry. At the time, shoe repair was not just a necessity but a thriving profession, with dozens of independent cobblers serving every town in the county. The association’s goal of standardizing pricing and materials reflected the importance of the trade in everyday life, as shoes were valuable possessions meant to be repaired, not replaced.

Fast forward 90 years, and the landscape of shoe repair has dramatically changed. The industry, once a staple of every main street in America, has faded into near-obscurity, overwhelmed by the rise of mass-produced, disposable footwear and shifting consumer habits. Where a town like Patchogue or Riverhead once had multiple independent shoe menders, today, only a handful remain across all of Suffolk County. Many are small, family-run businesses holding on despite declining demand.

The challenges that the 1934 association sought to combat—undercutting, material quality, and fair wages—pale in comparison to the existential threats of the modern era. The dominance of fast fashion, synthetic materials, and cheap overseas manufacturing has made shoe repair economically unviable for most consumers. Instead of resoling a leather boot, many find it cheaper to replace it entirely with a new pair from a big-box store.

Yet, the trade is not entirely lost. The few remaining cobblers, often operating in small workshops tucked away in strip malls or inside dry-cleaning businesses, serve a niche but loyal clientele—those who value craftsmanship, sustainability, or own high-end footwear worth preserving. Some repair shops have adapted by expanding their services to include leather goods restoration, bag repair, and key cutting, but the traditional cobbler remains an endangered figure in American towns.

The industry that once organized to set minimum prices and fair working hours now struggles against a world where convenience outweighs longevity. The spirit of the trade lingers, but the bustling shoe repair shops of 1934 have largely become echoes of a bygone era.

Community Highlights

• Bellport High School's theater department is set to present Tina Fey's "Mean Girls" on February 7 and 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Ebersole Auditorium.ickets are priced at $15.he student cast, pit, and crew have been working diligently to perfect the performance.

• The Patchogue Young Professionals' 2025 Patchogue Plunge has been relocated to Sandspit Marina and will take place on Super Bowl Sunday.

• Experience the legacy of British Blues as Kofi Baker and Malcolm Bruce, sons of Cream's Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, perform live at the Patchogue Theatre on February 16 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available for $56 to $76.

• Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Partner Yoga class at Yoga Sangha in Patchogue on February 14 at 6:00 PM, led by Renee and Jimmy Lennon. The session costs $25 per couple and includes light refreshments. Reserve your spot here.

• Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day at the Patchogue-Medford Library on February 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.amilies with children of all ages are welcome to drop in and enjoy various activities.Learn more here.

• After three years in operation, Burrito Mariachi has closed its Patchogue drive-thru location at 272 E Main St.he family-owned Mexican restaurant, which opened this branch in October 2021, continues to operate its Farmingdale location.he Patchogue property is now available for lease.Read more here.

• Patchogue Arts Council is hosting "Wining About Art", on 2/7, a unique event exploring medieval to gothic art, mythical beasts, sacred symbolism, and stone guardians, while enjoying wine.

• The Bellport Chamber of Commerce invites members to the 2025 Installation Dinner on February 12th, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, at the Bellport Country Club. Enjoy networking, community engagement, live music by the Sitting Ducks, and exciting raffles. Tickets are $50 per person with a cash bar—don't forget to bring business cards and promotional materials!

• Shakedown Citi is performing live at the 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue, NY, on February 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST. Don't miss this exciting concert!

• Get ready for a fun-filled Galentine's Party with Vio featuring activities, treats, and a celebration of friendship on February 10th. Gather your besties for an unforgettable evening! [Eventbrite]

Local Sports

Here’s your local sports recap for 1/28:

Girls Basketball
Bellport 36 Smithtown West 62
Bayport-Blue Point 38 Sayville 41

Boys Basketball
Bellport 59 Smithtown West 67

Another exciting night of competition! Stay tuned for more updates. 🏀💪

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