Header images: Main Street storefront, Babylon Village — DanTD / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Raccoon (file photo, Central Park) — Rhododendrites / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wyandanch station at dusk — TheCatalyst31 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
By I Love Babylon · Week of September 13 – 19, 2026
A long-dark storefront on East Main Street is about to be a diner again. A rabid raccoon turned up outside a Babylon home, and the resident who touched it is fine. Wyandanch schools had two scares in four days: carbon dioxide that emptied three buildings on Tuesday, and a classroom fire on Friday. A freshman from Amityville also did something no Farmingdale State player had done before. Here’s everything worth knowing from across the Town of Babylon, with the big stories up top and quick hits below.
Jump to a story:
Whiskey Down Comes to East Main •
A Rabid Raccoon at a Babylon Home •
Two Scares at Wyandanch Schools •
The Amityville Church Stabbing •
Apollo, Found Behind a Tire-Barred Door •
The E-Bike Warning •
Deer Park’s Underpass Murals •
Amityville’s Field Plan •
A Wyandanch Indictment •
Sports Roundup •
Quick Hits •
Coming Up •
Nearby •
Remembering Our Neighbors •
What to Watch Next
TOP STORY · BUSINESS · BABYLON VILLAGE
Whiskey Down Diner Is Days From Opening at 175 East Main
The old Ristorante Gemelli space in Babylon Village has a new tenant, and now an opening that sounds close. Greater Long Island toured the nearly finished Whiskey Down Diner at 175 E. Main St. on September 16 and reported it is preparing to open later this month.
It is the brand’s second location; the first opened in Farmingdale in June 2019. The owners are siblings Alyson, John and Kristina Kanaras. Their father Peter has run the Olympic Diner in Deer Park since 1980, so this is a Town of Babylon diner family moving into the village, not a chain. The Babylon room is roughly twice the size of the Farmingdale one, with a bigger dining room, high ceilings, an outdoor patio, and a bar in the middle of the floor instead of against a wall. “The bar is right in the middle … it’s awesome,” Alyson Kanaras told the site. The menu keeps Farmingdale’s core lineup of specialty burgers, creative plates and seasonal specials. Hours have not been posted yet.
That storefront has been dark on the village’s main block for a long time. A full-size diner with a patio brings evening foot traffic to the whole block, not just to itself.
Sources: Greater Long Island →
PUBLIC HEALTH · BABYLON · SEPTEMBER 9–11
A Babylon Resident Had Contact With a Rabid Raccoon
On September 9, a Babylon resident found a sick-looking raccoon outside their home and came into contact with it. They got medical attention and are in good health. Suffolk County Police collected the animal. A second raccoon, found dead on a Bay Shore property the same week, was tested too. Both came back positive for rabies on September 11, confirmed by the New York State Wadsworth Center. They are Suffolk’s 43rd and 44th terrestrial rabies cases since February 7, 2025. Officials said no other people or pets were exposed.
The fall bait drop we reported last week is still under way across the Town through October 1. If you see an animal acting strangely, don’t touch it. Call Suffolk County Police at 631-852-COPS or NYSDEC at 631-444-0250.
Sources: Suffolk County → · FOX 5 → · Patch →
SCHOOLS · WYANDANCH · SEPTEMBER 15 & 18
Two Scares in Four Days at Wyandanch Schools
On Tuesday, high carbon dioxide readings emptied three district buildings on one campus: Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, LaFrancis Hardiman Elementary and an administrative building. In a letter to families, the district said the problem appeared to come from kitchen equipment and was found during lunch. It said several students were affected but did not say how badly. All three buildings were later cleared for reentry.
On Friday, just before 2 p.m., a television caught fire in a classroom at Wyandanch High School during dismissal. The Wyandanch Fire Department and six mutual-aid departments responded, and the fire was out by about 2:15. It stayed in that one room. No students or staff were hurt, damage looked minimal, and dismissal was delayed about 15 minutes. The district said it would assess the damage and make sure the building was safe before students returned.
Nobody was seriously hurt, and each incident was handled in hours. For a district already under close state watch, though, two building emergencies in one week will be noticed. Families should look for any follow-up from the district on what caused the CO2 reading.
Sources: News 12 (CO2) → · News 12 (fire) →
CRIME · AMITYVILLE · SEPTEMBER 11
A Man Was Stabbed in the Neck at a Meeting in an Amityville Church Basement
Suffolk County Police say a 65-year-old man was stabbed in the neck at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11, during a meeting in the basement of the First United Methodist Church at 25 Broadway in Amityville. He was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Police arrested Daniel Escobar, 33, of Bay Shore on Ackerson Boulevard in Bay Shore at 10:22 p.m. that night and charged him with first-degree assault. He was arraigned September 12 in Central Islip. It was the week’s most widely covered local story, picked up by at least seven outlets.
Sources: Suffolk County Police → · LongIsland.com → · ABC7 →
ANIMALS · WHEATLEY HEIGHTS · SEPTEMBER 15
A Starving Cane Corso Named Apollo Was Found Behind a Door Held Shut by Tires
The Suffolk County SPCA has charged Isaiah Thomas, 20, of Wheatley Heights with failing to give his dog proper veterinary care, food and water. Investigators found Apollo, his four-year-old Cane Corso, shut in a basement behind a metal door held closed by the weight of three car tires. The dog scored 2 out of 9 on the standard body-condition scale. He had fleas, open wounds, severe muscle loss, and skin disease with hair loss and scabbing. SPCA Chief Roy Gross said Apollo is now being treated at a local shelter. Thomas was given a field appearance ticket and is due in First District Court in Central Islip on October 5.
Sources: Greater Long Island → · LongIsland.com → · News 12 →
SAFETY · WEST BABYLON · SEPTEMBER 12
The Town, the Police and West Babylon Schools Sent One Warning About E-Bikes
West Babylon UFSD sent families a safety message about e-bikes and e-scooters, issued jointly with the Suffolk County Police Department and the Town of Babylon. It covers the legal rules, the risks and safe use. The message says that over the past school year SCPD “responded to numerous incidents involving these devices, with dozens of children having been injured, some seriously.” E-bikes and e-scooters are banned on West Babylon school grounds and fields. It was signed by Superintendent Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly and Senior Guard Brian Wallace. If your kid rides one, the letter is worth five minutes whatever district you’re in.
Sources: West Babylon UFSD →
ARTS · DEER PARK · SEPTEMBER 12
Deer Park’s LIRR Underpass Now Says “Deer Park Proud”
New murals reading “Deer Park Loves the Arts” and “Deer Park Proud” were unveiled under the Deer Park Avenue LIRR overpass on September 12. Work ran from the end of the school year through the summer. Behind it were the Deer Park Arts Council, the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts and its president Ron Becker, Deer Park High art teacher Rebecca Yackel, alumni Saawariya Shahriar and Nabila Sultana, and junior Reanissa Norton.
Sources: Deer Park UFSD →
SCHOOLS · AMITYVILLE · SEPTEMBER 17
Amityville Is Rebuilding the Miles Middle School Field and Going After a State Grant
At the September 17 board meeting, Facilities Director Al Gallina walked through finished and planned work: athletic field and playground upgrades, a new public address system, traffic pattern changes, and flooring, fencing and roofing. The biggest item is a full renovation of the Edmund W. Miles Middle School athletic field. It gets regrading and new irrigation, and the old basketball and handball courts come out. The district also plans to apply to the state’s Clean Green Schools Grant Program, which pays up to $5 million for one building and $10 million in total. An energy audit and feasibility study come first, ahead of an application window expected in early 2027.
Sources: Amityville UFSD →
COURTS · WYANDANCH · SEPTEMBER 15
A Wyandanch Man Was Indicted on Child Rape Charges
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced the indictment of Nixon Nehemias Marquezmestanza, 22, of Wyandanch. He faces two counts of first-degree rape, plus first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges involve alleged incidents in July and August with a six-year-old he had childcare access to. He was arrested August 31, and bail was set at $500,000 cash or $1.5 million bond. His next court date is October 29. The top count carries up to 25 years. These are accusations, and he is presumed innocent.
Sources: Suffolk County DA → · Greater Long Island →
Sports Roundup
- Javier Newman of Amityville scored a hat trick in his first college game, a first at Farmingdale State. He came off the bench in the 24th minute on September 16 and scored six and a half minutes later. By early in the second half he had three goals and an assist in a 5–3 win over Baruch. No player in program history had scored a hat trick in his collegiate debut, and his seven points tie for the third-most in a single game in program history. Farmingdale State →
- North Babylon’s Katelyn Nunziato was in on the decisive play three games running. She assisted Kayla Mendez’s 23-yard winner with 3:13 left in a 1–0 win over Gettysburg (Sept 12). She scored in a 3–0 win over Greensboro alongside fellow North Babylon native Jenna Biondo (Sept 13). She set up the best chance of a 0–0 draw with Western Connecticut (Sept 16). Gettysburg → · Greensboro → · WestConn →
- North Babylon’s Jack Miller ran for 314 yards and five touchdowns against Smithtown East, enough to make Newsday’s Week 1 Gridiron Greats. Newsday →
- Sayville shut out Babylon, 20–0, in the opener; the game was scoreless until a Sayville quarterback run just before halftime. Suffolk County News →
- Wyandanch lost its home opener to Shoreham-Wading River, 40–0, the Warriors’ ninth straight loss dating to last season. John Glenn is next. MaxPreps →
- Farmingdale State golf finished second of 14 teams at the Cangero Invitational at Eisenhower Park. East Farmingdale’s Rishi Talwar tied for 15th with a 76. Farmingdale State →
- Hometown freshmen on college rosters: Frank Vano of Babylon, a defensive back at SUNY Maritime, and Zion Woodhull-Trippett of West Babylon, a quarterback at Mount Union. Vano → · Woodhull-Trippett →
Quick Hits
- Deer Park police are still asking for help finding Shivani McShane, 16, who left her Deer Park home on September 5. Police said she may be in the Mastic or Shirley area. She is 5′5″, about 120 pounds, with brown eyes. Call 911, SCPD at 631-852-2677, or the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752. Newport Dispatch →
- A West Babylon senior is a National Merit semifinalist. Addison Eglin, who is also the student member of the West Babylon board of education, qualified on her PSAT score. West Babylon UFSD →
- Deer Park High laid 12 wreaths for the 12 community members killed on 9/11. The Patriot Club placed them on the front lawn. In gym class, students did a stair climb on the bleachers in honor of Welles Crowther, “The Man in the Red Bandanna.” Patch →
- The Gilgo investigation is still working to identify “Asian Doe.” DA Tierney said his office collected 25 DNA samples from volunteers in Flushing, after 24 in Manhattan’s Chinatown in August. He said the genetic genealogy has turned up “promising” family connections. Newsday →
- More than 50 Jovia Financial volunteers helped with Backpack Pirates, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless’ one-day summer camp in Wheatley Heights. Children living in shelters each picked out a new backpack full of school supplies and clothes. LIBN →
- Suffolk confirmed its third human West Nile case of the season, a Town of Islip resident over 50 who was hospitalized and is recovering at home. Mosquito season runs through November. Suffolk County →
Coming Up in and Around Babylon
- Now through October 4 — Long Island Public Arts Festival at Geiger Memorial Park, Deer Park. The ribbon-cutting with Town officials is still “to be announced.” LongIsland.com →
- Now through October 25 — On Your Feet!, the Gloria and Emilio Estefan musical, at the Argyle Theatre in Babylon Village.
- Saturday, October 10 — Long Island Columbus Day Parade, Deer Park. A ceremony at noon at the Lake Avenue Firehouse, then the parade at 1 p.m. along Deer Park Avenue and Lake Avenue to the Brumidi Lodge at 2075 Deer Park Ave., with food trucks, rides and live music after. Free admission and parking. Patch →
- Sunday, October 11 — Babylon Beautification Society Annual Fair, Argyle Park, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. More than 325 craft vendors and 30 food vendors.
- Wednesday, October 21 — Newsday Marching Band Festival. Robert Moses Middle School opens the night with the national anthem, and the North Babylon High School Marching Band closes it with Kings and Queens. More than 375 district students take part. Tickets are $16 plus fees and free under 10, and half the proceeds go back to the band program. North Babylon UFSD →
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 →
Nearby
- A West Islip driver was indicted after prosecutors say he hit and killed a pedestrian on the Robert Moses Causeway, then drove home twice before calling 911. Stephen Aylward, 63, was arraigned September 18 on charges including second-degree manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter. The DA says he was impaired by alcohol and drugs on June 25 when he struck Yusuf Gul, 27, of Bay Shore on the shoulder near Sunrise Highway. Prosecutors say he drove home, went back to the scene, drove home again, and called 911 at 2:03 p.m., about half an hour after the crash. Bail was set at $250,000 cash. Patch →
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.
- Jo Ann Sciacca, North Babylon. Legacy →
- Alfred Harold Eriksen, Lindenhurst, 1956–2026. Tribute Archive →
- Charles Glamann, Lindenhurst, April 15, 1938 – September 16, 2026. Tribute Archive →
- Mary C. Shelley, Deer Park. She raised her family in North Babylon, then lived in Deer Park for more than 60 years. Legacy →
- Arja Mathews, West Babylon. Dignity Memorial →
- Anthony Bob Figaro, Deer Park. Legacy →
- Sister Rita Smith, 93. She was born in Lindenhurst, one of 18 children, and spent nearly 74 years with the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville. After three decades teaching, including at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst, she became an addiction counselor, and in 2007 the intake coordinator for the Town of Babylon’s Division of Drug and Alcohol. Newsday →
- Ronald W. Schweizer, 77, of Jamesport. He was born in Amityville, grew up in Farmingdale, and spent nearly 50 years building Suffolk County’s roads and bridges. Riverhead News-Review →
What Residents Should Watch Next
Whiskey Down’s opening date is the good-news question, and it should be answered within days. At Wyandanch, watch for the district to say what set off the carbon dioxide alarm and whether the kitchen equipment has been fixed or replaced. Apollo’s owner is due in court October 5, and the Wyandanch indictment returns October 29. Rabies is also worth keeping in mind: that is 44 confirmed cases in Suffolk in 19 months, with the vaccine baits going out now. Leave the baits where they are, and leave strange-acting animals alone.
ARE YOU A BABYLON LOCAL ICON?
Two questions.
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If you said yes to both, you belong on Babylon Local, and you may already be on it. The directory lists 1,178 businesses across the Town of Babylon. No Google profile yet? Reach out anyway. We’re happy to help you set one up.
One hundred of them will carry the Founding Icon badge. It’s the upgraded listing with your photos, reviews, Google map, events and video, plus an AI assistant that answers questions about your business around the clock. Every business in this week’s briefing is one a neighbor already knows. The Icon listing is how the rest get found.
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— ILoveBabylon.com ·
Amityville · Babylon Village · Copiague · Deer Park · East Farmingdale ·
Lindenhurst · North Babylon · West Babylon · Wyandanch · Wheatley Heights ·
Gilgo Beach · Oak Beach · Captree
