Header images: NYS Education Building, Albany — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Route 109 crash scene — News 12 Long Island · Rescued turtle — Suffolk County SPCA

By I Love Babylon · Week of August 23 – August 29, 2026

The State Education Department sent a monitor into the Wyandanch schools. The State Department of Transportation finally opened a study of the West Babylon intersection residents have been complaining about for years — two days after another crash there. And in Amityville, a 14-year-old junior fire department captain was hit by a car and his neighbors raised more than $28,000 before the week was out. Here’s everything worth knowing from across the Town of Babylon — the big stories up top, quick hits below.

Jump to a story:
A State Monitor for Wyandanch Schools •
A Traffic Study for the Intersection Everyone Warned About •
An Amityville Teenager, and a Town That Answered •
A Turtle Caged Underwater at Geiger Park •
Frank Cassata Way •
Guilty Plea in the 2025 Wrong-Way Crash •
A Hovercraft, a Sandbar and a Copiague Family •
New Trailer for the West Babylon Scouts •
Jaelynn Burgess, Athlete of the Week •
The Babylon Village Waterfront Changes Hands •
Quick Hits •
Coming Up •
Remembering Our Neighbors •
What to Watch Next

TOP STORY · WYANDANCH · AUGUST 25

A State Monitor Is Going Into the Wyandanch Schools

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa has appointed Dr. Lorna R. Lewis as Academic Monitor for the Wyandanch Union Free School District, effective ahead of the 2026–27 school year. The announcement came from the State Education Department on August 25.

The detail that matters most is the one that is easy to skim past: Lewis will not be the district’s only state-appointed overseer. She joins Albert Chase, who has served as Wyandanch’s Fiscal Monitor since April 2020. A district with a fiscal monitor for more than five years now has an academic one alongside him.

Lewis brings close to five decades in education. She began as a science teacher and retired in June 2025 as Superintendent of the Malverne school district. Before that she led East Williston and Plainview–Old Bethpage, and served as Deputy Superintendent in Three Village. She is a past president of the Long Island ASCD and a past president of the New York State Council of School Superintendents — the first woman of color to hold that office — and has coached with the Women of Color Education Collaborative.

The State did not announce a term length or a budget for the appointment. Families should watch for how the monitor’s findings are reported to the community, and on what schedule.

Sources: NYS Education Department → · Newsday →

PUBLIC SAFETY · WEST BABYLON · AUGUST 26

A Traffic Study for the Intersection Everyone Warned About

The New York State Department of Transportation is launching a traffic study at Route 109 and Herzel Boulevard in West Babylon, reviewing crash data and intersection conditions. The announcement landed the same week as yet another collision there.

At about 4 a.m. on August 26, an MTA truck driven westbound on Route 109 by a 29-year-old West Islip man collided with an eastbound sedan driven by a 31-year-old Valley Stream man turning left onto Herzel. No injuries were reported. It followed an August 7 crash between a pickup and a sedan that injured both drivers, and a fatal crash at the same intersection in 2022.

Residents have pointed repeatedly at the blinking yellow left-turn arrow, saying drivers misjudge oncoming traffic; the same complaint has been raised about Herzel and Wellwood Avenue in North Lindenhurst. DOT had previously said the intersection meets all state and federal standards — a position that sits awkwardly next to a new study of it. Spokesperson Stephen Canzoneri said: “Safety is a shared responsibility and NYSDOT urges motorists to drive responsibly by obeying posted speed limits and staying alert.”

A study is not a signal change. But it is the first time the State has agreed to look, and that is further than this has gotten before.

Sources: News 12 → · News 12 update →

COMMUNITY · AMITYVILLE · AUGUST 27

An Amityville Teenager Was Hit by a Car, and the Town Answered in Three Days

Jack Nehring, 14, an Amityville High School freshman, was struck by a car in Amityville on Monday, August 24. He suffered an orbital fracture and is expected to need surgery, continuing medical care, and an extended absence from school.

A GoFundMe organized by family friend Kayla Cooper had raised more than $28,000 across over 320 contributions by the time Greater Long Island reported the story on August 27 — covering medical bills, the surgery, his parents’ lost wages, and transportation to appointments.

The list of what this kid does is longer than most adults’: Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Drama Club productions, a local band, volunteer work, a part-time job, and a captain’s post in a local junior fire department. His father, Chris Nehring, sits on the Amityville Board of Education; his mother, Elizabeth Nehring, is president of the Amityville 6–12 PTSA.

Three hundred and twenty donations in three days is its own kind of local news.

Source: Greater Long Island →

CRIME · DEER PARK · AUGUST 23

A Turtle Was Found Caged Underwater at Geiger Park

Town of Babylon park rangers at Geiger Park Lake in Deer Park found a turtle deliberately confined in a submerged cage secured with zip ties, a fishhook lodged in its mouth and tethered so the animal could not escape. The rangers came across it at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, while responding to complaints about e-bikes in the park.

They initially believed the turtle was dead. It was alive — which suggests it had not been in the water long. It was taken to West Islip Veterinary Hospital for emergency evaluation and treatment.

The Suffolk County SPCA is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone who saw suspicious activity around Geiger Park Lake, or who knows who is responsible, can call 631-382-7722. All calls are kept confidential.

Sources: News 12 → · LongIsland.com → · Daily Voice →

COMMUNITY · DEER PARK · AUGUST 26

The Corner of Deer Park Avenue and Claremont Is Now Frank Cassata Way

A street dedication ceremony on August 26 named the corner of Deer Park Avenue and Claremont Street after Frank Cassata, with the sign carrying the nickname the town gave him: “Mr. Deer Park.” Cassata died on July 12, 2023, at 89.

He came to New York from Sicily in 1954 at 21, having sold zeppoles, olive oil and citrus as a teenager in Italy. On Long Island he started by selling paper bags to merchants. He became the original owner of Frank’s Delicatessen and went on to develop shopping centers — Deer Hills Plaza among them — industrial buildings, homes and senior rental housing across the Town of Babylon. His son, Rosario “Russ” Cassata, established the Cassata Foundation in 2017.

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter attended. Donnelly, on Cassata’s presence at Little League, CYO sports and every local dinner: “He was in the middle of it all.”

Source: Patch →

COURTS · DEER PARK · AUGUST 28

Guilty Plea in the Wrong-Way Deer Park Crash That Injured a Couple in Their Seventies

Miandad Khan, 38, of Dix Hills, pleaded guilty on Friday, August 28 before Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins in the wrong-way crash on Deer Park Avenue near Jacqueline Way and Grand Boulevard on May 17, 2025.

Khan’s Mercedes-Benz E350 struck a 2020 Acura, a Honda SUV and a Toyota RAV4, along with other vehicles stopped at a light. An elderly couple in their 70s in the RAV4 suffered facial and spinal fractures that required surgery. Two teenagers in the Honda had minor injuries; the Acura driver was treated as well.

The charges included aggravated vehicular assault, two counts of second-degree assault, driving while ability impaired by drugs, and third-degree assault. The case was brought by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Khan was represented by attorney William Keahon. He is due back in court October 30, with an expected sentence of two to six years in prison.

Source: Patch →

ON THE WATER · COPIAGUE · AUGUST 22

A Hovercraft, a Sandbar and a Copiague Family With a Two-Year-Old

A Copiague family’s 25-foot Parker ran aground at the mouth of the Fire Island Inlet at low tide late on Saturday, August 22. Aboard were a 30-year-old man, his 30-year-old wife, their 2-year-old son, and the child’s 62-year-old grandfather.

The mother called 911 at about 11:30 p.m. Suffolk County Police responded, but the water was too shallow for officers to get within half a mile by conventional means, so the department’s marine unit deployed a police hovercraft. The family was reached and evacuated by roughly 2 a.m. and brought to the New York State Boat Basin. The toddler was taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital with minor injuries. No one else was hurt.

Source: News 12 →

COMMUNITY · WEST BABYLON · AUGUST 28

Two Months After a $10,000 Theft, the West Babylon Scouts Have a Trailer Again

West Babylon Boy Scout Troop 2014 unveiled a donated replacement trailer on August 28, two months after the troop’s original trailer was discovered missing at the end of June. The trailer and its contents were valued at roughly $10,000 to $12,000 — camping supplies for four patrols, four kitchen setups, cooking equipment, tents for more than 20 Scouts, tables, and years of troop memorabilia.

The replacement was donated by Mangano Family Funeral Homes and Family Florist; president Sal Mangano gave the trailer, with general manager Dominic Carella involved. Troop leader Barry Spainer, Babylon Councilman Anthony Manetta, and Scouts Chris Hurst and Jack O’Dougherty were on hand.

The police report is still active and none of the stolen property has been recovered. The troop still needs tents, tarps, cooking utensils and shelving. Spainer put it plainly: “Now we have a starting point because before this we had nothing.”

Source: Patch →

SPORTS · WEST BABYLON · AUGUST 28

Jaelynn Burgess Is Suffolk County’s Student Athlete of the Week

Jaelynn Burgess, 16, entering 11th grade at West Babylon High School, was named Suffolk County Student Athlete of the Week. She plays shooting guard in basketball and both wide receiver and safety in flag football.

On January 20, against East Islip, she scored her 1,000th career point — the first sophomore in West Babylon history to reach the mark. She is a four-time All-League, three-time All-Conference and three-time All-County selection, and in her first year of flag football earned All-County and All-League honors, along with a trip to MetLife Stadium for interviews.

Off the court: Athletes Helping Athletes, Math Club, National Technical Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, Student Association, DECA, and Blue and Gold. “My dad showed me the game when I was really young,” she said. “Ever since then, I’ve been just all basketball.” Her goals for the year: a deeper playoff run, the school’s all-time scoring record, and more girls playing.

Source: Patch →

BUSINESS · BABYLON VILLAGE · AUGUST 26

A Big Piece of the Babylon Village Waterfront Just Changed Hands

Hampton Watercraft and Marine has purchased five properties along the Babylon Village waterfront, including the marina, according to Newsday.

Newsday blocks automated readers, so we are working from the summary rather than the full article — but the shape of it is worth flagging now. Five contiguous waterfront parcels and a marina moving to a single owner is the kind of transaction that sets the tone for a stretch of village shoreline for a decade. Read the full report for the terms.

Source: Newsday →

Quick Hits

  • A police drone led officers to a Lindenhurst burglary suspect within 36 minutes. Suffolk County Police used a drone-as-first-responder deployment after a residential burglary on Richmond Avenue at about 7:06 p.m. on August 26. Isaias Miranda, 26, of Lindenhurst was taken into custody on Kings Avenue at about 7:42 p.m. after a short foot chase, and charged with second-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. Patch →
  • Three people were hospitalized after a box truck crash in East Farmingdale. At about 5:50 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, a Nissan Frontier struck the rear of a Hino box truck stopped at the light at Broadhollow Road and Michael Avenue. Nissan driver Jose Garcia-Morales, 25, of Copiague was seriously injured; passenger Noe Reyes-Ramirez, 21, of Copiague and box truck driver James Gordon, 48, of Rockville Centre had non-life-threatening injuries. All three went to Good Samaritan. Detectives ask anyone with information to call 631-854-8152. Patch → · Hoodline →
  • Two women are wanted for a $2,475 theft spree at The Arches in Deer Park. Police say they took $1,390 in handbags from Coach at 152 The Arches Circle and $1,085 in makeup from Sephora at 637 The Arches Circle at about 7 p.m. on August 6. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward — anonymous tips at 1-800-220-TIPS or P3Tips.com. Patch →
  • One person was injured in a West Babylon crash on Mount Avenue on the night of Sunday, August 23. Police say a 46-year-old Wyandanch man was driving on Mount Avenue at the time. News 12 →
  • A driver was hurt after slamming into a parked trailer in West Babylon. A Wyandanch man was injured when his vehicle struck the trailer, police said. Patch →
  • A Deer Park homeowner put up a Dolly Parton light show the same night the Governor had seventeen landmarks across the state lit up. Local, unbidden, and entirely in character for Deer Park Avenue. Newsday →
  • The Town’s native plant program is wrapping up its workshop series. Town sustainability staffer Jassi Anand has been running sessions on growing native species; the last one is Monday night at the Phelps Lane Park pool building in North Babylon. Newsday →

Coming Up in and Around Babylon

  • Final native plant workshop — Monday evening, Phelps Lane Park pool building, North Babylon. Details →
  • Babylon Dental Care’s annual Care Day — Sunday, October 25, free dental care for Long Islanders in need. Far off, but worth putting in the calendar now. Details →

Looking for something to do this weekend? Don’t miss our latest events roundup — your guide to festivals, live music, markets and family fun across the Town of Babylon.
See this weekend’s events →

Remembering Our Neighbors

We take a moment to remember neighbors whose obituaries were published or shared this week. Our thoughts are with their families and friends.

One name this week was a fixture behind a Deer Park counter. Nidhin “Nate” Mohan, who was born in India and opened New Island Pharmacy in Deer Park in 2012, has died. He is survived by his parents in Thrissur, Kerala. A neighborhood pharmacist is one of the few people in a town who know almost everybody, and for fourteen years that was him. Newsday →

What Residents Should Watch Next

The Wyandanch academic monitor is the story with the longest tail. A district that has had a fiscal monitor since 2020 now has an academic one too, and the question families should press is how and when Dr. Lewis reports back to the community. At Route 109 and Herzel, watch whether the DOT study produces an actual signal or striping change — a study that ends in “meets all standards” a second time would be its own answer. The Khan sentencing on October 30 is on the calendar. And the Geiger Park cruelty case is open with a $2,000 reward on it; if you were at the lake on August 23, the SPCA wants to hear from you at 631-382-7722.

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