10 local stories you may have missed last week

Last week, the tragic events at the Boston Marathon had people across the country, including here on Long Island, paying close attention to national headlines as the dramatic developments of the case played out.

One week after the bombings, here are 10 local stories you might have missed:

1. Mock drunk-driving crash sends sobering message

Massapequa High School students were given a dose of shock treatment last week when school and Nassau County officials organized a graphic, mock car crash on the school’s football field. The presentation was an effort to deter drunken driving after prom.

2. Man gets alligators with his morning coffee in Calverton

Frank Nasse, of Manorville, typically takes his morning coffee on a boat ramp overlooking the Peconic River so he can look out on the water and the birds. Friday, he did a double take. What he saw instead was an alligator.

3. 6-ton fake tater stops at Hofstra

Katie Navarino was sitting in the library at Hofstra University in Hempstead Wednesday morning when she saw a giant potato drive down Hempstead Turnpike. It didn’t take long for word of the Big Idaho Potato sighting to spread throughout the student body.

4. Suffolk County lets low-risk inmates work outside

Several Suffolk County correction inmates spent hours raking mulch at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, which overlooks Kaler’s Pond in Center Moriches, as part of a program allows nonviolent inmates to use some of their trade skills at the request of nonprofit and governmental agencies.

5. Southwest offers Caribbean flights out of MacArthur

Planning a trip to the Caribbean? It just got easier.

6. East Hampton reigns in proposed leash law

When it comes to an embattled leash law for East Hampton Village beaches, the dogs are getting a free pass at least until the Fourth of July.

7. Riverhead supervisor says loss makes him better town leader

Town Supervisor Sean Walter -- mentioning a greater power -- said he realizes “Riverhead is where I belong.” The statements came two months after his failed run for the Suffolk County Legislature.

8. Basketball game honors Merrick teen’s legacy

Jacob Greenberg was an inspiration to those that knew him. On April 14, friends of Greenberg, who died unexpectedly in 2005 at age 14, held a memorial basketball game in his honor.

9. Long Beach community rallies to save the West End library

The West End branch of the Long Beach Public Library is a humble structure, but one that some residents are prepared to fight for.

10. Town, wildlife rehabilitators close to deal

The rotating roster of animals cared for by wildlife rehabilitators Bobby and Cathy Horvath will still have a home in Nassau County -- but not at the couple's North Massapequa house.