A fire in North Babylon damaged two homes on Embargo Place
Eight people, including one firefighter, were treated at a hospital after fire heavily damaged two homes in North Babylon on Saturday night, according to a post on the North Babylon Fire Company's Facebook page
The North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company and eight other mutual aid companies responded to the house fire on Embargo Place in North Babylon at 7:15 p.m
The fire started in one house but jumped to another
according to a statement issued by the North Babylon Fire Company
"Crews were met with a heavy fire load," according to the Facebook post
"Multiple hose lines were stretched and an aggressive attack was made
The fire was brought under control in approximately 90 minutes."
Four residents and one firefighter were transferred to a hospital for evaluation
The Red Cross responded to help the residents displaced by the fire
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Suffolk County arson detectives and the Town of Babylon fire marshals were investigating the cause
Four residents and one firefighter were taken to a hospital for evaluation after a fire damaged two homes on Embargo Place in North Babylon on Saturday evening
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Lonny Shockley played basketball at North Babylon High School and later returned to become an assistant coach
He was also an assistant coach at Dowling College and counseled inmates in Yaphank and on Rikers Island
A highly respected presence on the Long Island basketball scene for decades
Lonny Shockley was a little different from many of his peers
Basketball was his passion from the time he was a youngster to when he helped North Babylon High School win its first county championship to coaching in college and high school
But he also was friends with celebrities who lived in his TriBeCa neighborhood
counseled jail inmates about life after release
and worked summer basketball camps run by the Knicks and Lakers
“I remember one time we were out in his neighborhood and he told me we were meeting a friend for lunch and when we got there it was Ethan Hawke,” his nephew Jeff Randolph said
“He knew everyone — Robert De Niro — and we used to call him ‘The Mayor of TriBeCa.’ ”
he was a great family man,” said his daughter
“But he was also a person who cared deeply for others
Shockley died of natural causes on March 19 in Charlotte
Alonzo Hilton Shockley III was born May 21
in Delaware to parents who were educators and activists in the Civil Rights Movement
He was 8 when the family relocated to New York and ultimately settled in North Babylon
a passion for Michigan State — where his father and older sister went — and a love of sports in general
as “gregarious,” he made friends easily and showed a talent for playing basketball
He attended North Babylon High School and was a member of the varsity boys basketball team when it captured its first Suffolk County title in 1970
After attending Wagner College on Staten Island
Shockley returned to Long Island and chose to indulge his passion for sports by coaching everything from youth baseball to middle school basketball and then becoming an assistant coach under Joe Pellicane at his high school alma mater
When Pellicane was hired to be the men’s basketball coach at Dowling College before the 1986-87 season
“I wanted him there because he was good with people
honest and genuine and he had an eye for talent,” Pellicane said
“I was always taken with the way he cared so much about every player’s future beyond college.”
“People will probably remember him best as the coach who best promoted team chemistry and kept players from getting [mentally] off track,” said Scott Greene
who played at Dowling and now is an assistant coach for the boys basketball team at Wyandanch High School
Shockley was on the staff for arguably the school’s finest men’s basketball moment when Dowling won the 1988 ECAC Division II championship
He made some of his biggest impressions and long-standing relationships with the people at Dowling
including players who still refer to him as “Shock” or “Shocker.”
but he was also like a big brother,” said Kenny Parham
who played at Dowling and now is the boys basketball coach at Bay Shore High School
there were life lessons and there was inspiration from him
“He had a personality that got along with everyone and was a positive influence to all,” said Mike Voyack
who was on Pellicane’s staff with Shockley before becoming head coach
“He could help anyone through any hard time.”
Shockley worked for the state as a guidance counselor at jails
first at the Suffolk County jail in Yaphank and later on Rikers Island
“He helped the younger [inmates] work through things so they wouldn’t make the same mistakes when they got released,” she added
In the summers Shockley worked at basketball camps
including one run by the Knicks and another run by the Lakers
a gig he landed due to a friendship with Mitch Kupchak
the Long Islander who played in the NBA and became the Lakers’ general manager
lived in the TriBeCa neighborhood of Manhattan and that made for long days
then to Dowling in Oakdale for practice and then home
“He’d have to leave early to get to work out East and wouldn’t get home until 10 p.m.
and he never complained about anything because he loved what he was doing,” Pellicane said
“Even when he encountered health problems later in life
working and coaching boys and girls basketball at the United Nations International School where he coached Joakim Noah
who suffered a number of illnesses resulting from the collapse of the World Trade Center towers in the Sept
He moved with his daughter to Charlotte in 2021
A memorial service was held April 5 at Trinity Church in Manhattan and he was interred at a cemetery in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx
Scenes from a Suffolk flag football game between North Babylon and host Patchogue-Medford on Monday
Brielle Papaleo of Patchogue-Medford makes the catch during a Suffolk flag football game against North Babylon on Monday
Paige McGowan of Patchogue-Medford (left) is congratulated by Angie McGrath of Patchogue-Medford on a long catch during a Suffolk flag football game against North Babylon on Monday
Ella Melo of Patchogue-Medford pulls the pass from the air during a Suffolk flag football game against North Babylon on Monday
Dakota Rivers of North Babylon punts during a Suffolk flag football game against Patchogue-Medford on Monday
Jasmine McKay of North Babylon makes a run down field during a Suffolk flag football game against Patchogue-Medford on Monday
Paige McGowan of Patchogue-Medford grabs the catch before Katelyn Nunziato of North Babylon can pick it off during a Suffolk flag football game on Monday
Quarterback Madison Murdocco of North Babylon looks to pass during a Suffolk flag football game against Patchogue-Medford on Monday
Jasmine McKay of North Babylon is stopped by Marie Cataldo of Patchogue-Medford during a Suffolk flag football gammon Monday
Marie Cataldo of Patchogue-Medford is surrounded by the North Babylon defense during a Suffolk flag football game on Monday
Patchogue-Medford head coach Brad Weinman during a Suffolk flag football game against North Babylon on Monday
Madison Snee of North Babylon grabs the pass meant for Angie McGrath of Patchogue-Medford during a Suffolk flag football game on Monday
Camryn Young of Patchogue-Medford leaps for the catch during a Suffolk flag football game against North Babylon on Monday
Katelyn Nunziato of North Babylon charges down field during a Suffolk flag football game against Patchogue-Medford on Monday
North Babylon head coach Alyssa Gulino during a Suffolk flag football game against Patchogue-Medford on Monday
Ella Melo of Patchogue-Medford grabs the flag during a Suffolk flag football game against North Babylon on Monday
Jasmine McKay of North Babylon makes the catch during a Suffolk flag football game against Patchogue-Medford on Monday
Kelsey Vargas of Patchogue-Medford deflects the pass intended for Katelyn Nunziato of North Babylon during a Suffolk flag football game on Monday
Kelsey Vargas of Patchogue-Medford scores during a Suffolk flag football game against North Babylon on Monday
Natalia Lomax of North Babylon breaks up the pass intended for Angie McGrath of Patchogue-Medford during a Suffolk flag football game on Monday
Katelyn Nunziato of North Babylon breaks up the pass intended for Paige McGowan of Patchogue-Medford during a Suffolk flag football game on Monday
Angie McGrath of Patchogue-Medford makes an interception and races down field during a Suffolk flag football game against North Babylon on Monday
Quarterback Mackenzie Hughes of Patchogue-Medford prepares to throw a pass during a Suffolk flag football game against North Babylon on Monday
Natalia Lomax of North Babylon readies the snap during a Suffolk flag football game against Patchogue-Medford on Monday
2025 at 10:06 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The New York Blood Center has announced an "urgent call" for blood donations after the blood supply nationwide got "dangerously low." (Shutterstock)NORTH BABYLON
NY — The New York Blood Center has announced an "urgent call" for blood donations after the blood supply nationwide hit a "dangerously low" level
with collections nearly 20 percent below hospital demand
The NYBC is urging people to donate, especially those with type O+ and O- blood. According to the organization, O- is the universal blood type used in emergencies and the current supply has dropped to a critically low two-day level. In a press release
the NYBC said it expects to collect only about 6,500 donations this week
falling about 1,600 donations short of what is needed to maintain a safe and stable blood supply in New York
school breaks and packed calendars have kept regular donors away—leaving donation levels dangerously low at a time when they should be ramping up
More than 56,000 traumas are reported in New York State annually
most occurring between May and September when accidents
car crashes and violent injuries rise dramatically
The North Babylon community is rallying to help and the North Babylon Chamber of Commerce is hosting a blood drive at Sunset Plaza on Monday
Appointments are recommended, but not required, and can be scheduled here
Eligible donors must have an ID with a signature or photo
have gotten no tattoos in the past year and be 16 to 75 years of age (16-year-old donors require parental consent.)
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An employee told Patch the store on Deer Park Avenue will close its door for good on Feb
it's offering liquidation sales of up to 50 percent off on everything
the retail giant will close around 700 stores nationwide
after nearly 40 years as a go-to party supply store
The company said the decision to shut down was made "following exhaustive efforts by the Company to find a path forward that would allow continued operations in an immensely challenging environment driven by inflationary pressures on costs and consumer spending
company reps said that to "accomplish an orderly wind down," it filed Chapter 11 in the U.S
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas
This followed a 2023 restructuring in which it eliminated nearly $1 billion in debt
will retain over 95 percent of its 12,000 employees "for some time" to assist with the wind-down process
2025 at 12:54 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The new Dunkin' in North Babylon features a drive-thru lane
NY — A new next-generation Dunkin' store design has opened in North Babylon
donut and breakfast giant opened its doors at 1260 Deer Park Ave
"It is a Next Gen restaurant featuring a modern design that provides a fresh
including our innovative iced beverage tap system and updated bakery case," the rep said
Last summer, Patch reported that the global franchise planned to move from its prior location across the street to a new restaurant featuring a drive-thru lane
A grand opening celebration is slated for Wednesday
The celebration will feature a donation in partnership with the Joy in Childhood Foundation to a local organization and giveaways for guests
The new North Babylon Dunkin' is open 24 hours a day
Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ tickets, April 24 – June 15.
You can still say North Babylon runs on Dunkin’ — just not in the spot as it used to.
A brand new Dunkin’ opened this month at 1260 Deer Park Ave., right across the street from the one that shut its doors last year (at 120 Deer Park Ave.).
The new location has been in the works since last summer. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In Dunkin’ menu news, the doughnut and coffee shop chain will have four new offerings this spring. This does not include the triumphant return of the Dunkalatte and three other items.
Dunkin’ is set to phase in the new items in two stages, according to food blogger Markie Devo. Five of the items will hit the menu on March 5; the rest will be added on April 2.
There are the five being added in the first round: Dunkalatte, Pistachio Latter, Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders (new), Chicken Bacon Croissant Stuffers and Sweet Black Pepper Seasoned Snackin’ Bacon.
Here are the three additions coming in April: Cotton Candy Specialty Doughnut, Blueberry Sprinkled Munchkins and Spring Munchkins Bucket. All three are new items.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Markie_devo (@markie_devo)
Tap here to see what’s happening
2025 at 11:37 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A twister-like cloud was spotted in the sky above a Long Island school on Wednesday
NY —A unique twister-like cloud was observed Wednesday morning on Long Island
according to a new video posted by a North Babylon resident
shows a dark cloud swirling above Marion G
Testa told Patch that he shot a quick video of the cloud with his phone before it dissipated
never seen anything like that in person," Testa said
maybe 20 or 30 seconds before it was out of sight."
while a woman calls it "an optical illusion."
a funnel cloud is associated with a rotating column of air that is not in contact with the ground (therefore different from a tornado)
it remains unclear if or when the cloud over North Babylon ever touched the ground or the water
as a "violently rotating column of air" that reaches the ground
A tornado nearly always starts as a funnel cloud
and may be accompanied by a loud roaring noise
Patch has reached out to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to find out exactly what type of cloud it is
2024 at 5:37 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Polls will be open from 6 a.m
NY — Voters in Deer Park and North Babylon will be lining up at the polls for Election Day on Nov
New York State Senate and New York State Assembly are on the ballot
People can check their voting status and polling places for both early voting and Election Day on the New York state website
Here's what to expect when you cast your ballot:
There are 28 early voting locations in Suffolk County
You can find your assigned polling place by visiting the New York State Board of Elections website.For questions about voting in Suffolk, contact the Suffolk County Board of Elections at 631-852-4500
The following are the key contested races that will be on the ballot for Bay Shore voters.President/Vice President
2024 at 5:39 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A woman crashed her car into the North Babylon Party City on Thursday
NY — A woman crashed into Party City's North Babylon store on Thursday
Police said a 50-year-old woman drove a 2015 Subaru through into Party City
The building was damaged and no injuries were reported
The crash took place shortly after the party supply retail chain announced its plans to close 700 stores nationwide, including 14 stores on Long Island, including its North Babylon location, in a statement on Saturday
2025 at 11:25 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Voting is slated for May
NY—The North Babylon School District announced on Friday that it has moved all budget voting locations to a single central location at North Babylon High School
"With the safety of students and staff in mind
the North Babylon School District has made the decision to move the polling places for the annual budget and trustee vote to a centralized voting location," officials said in a statement
Voting for the annual budget vote and trustee election is slated for Tuesday
The district said the relocation was also made to continue to provide voters with "an accessible voting location and increased parking options."
Voters are asked to park in the West parking lot on Phelps Lane and enter directly through the West Gym doors
2024 at 9:46 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The crash happened on Sunday
NY — A school bus carrying the North Babylon High School boys' winter track team crashed into a pole in the school's parking lot and injured several students on Sunday
Police told Patch that the full-size school bus was transporting around 30 students to a track meet around 10:45 a.m
According to an email from the district's superintendent of schools Kenneth Graham viewed by Patch
the students were transported to local hospitals to treat "minor injuries."
Graham said the North Babylon Fire Department was called to the scene and helped evaluate students
"We appreciate the quick response of the fire department and EMS responders
and we thank them for their assistance," Graham wrote
Graham was not immediately available for comment
Cameron Serrano #2 of North Babylon draws a shooting foul on Anderson McMorris #13 of Half Hollow Hills West during the fourth quarter of the First Annual Alexander Aurrichio Memorial Holiday Tournament at Half Hollow Hills High School West on Saturday
Seemingly on the verge of wrapping up a boys basketball tournament title
North Babylon led Half Hollow Hills West by 10 with less than four minutes to play Saturday
But Hills West refused to go quietly on its home floor
Anderson McMorris’ steal and layup made it a one-point game with 30 seconds left
North Babylon junior guard Cameron Serrano was fouled with 17.3 seconds left and hit the second of two free throws to extend the Bulldogs’ lead to two
North Babylon used its remaining three fouls to give
and Hills West had one final sideline out of bounds play with 3.1 seconds remaining
Ethan Saintjean’s potential winning three-pointer fell short at the buzzer and the Bulldogs captured the inaugural Alexander Aurrichio Memorial Holiday Tournament with a 46-44 victory in Dix Hills
“It’s tough to get this environment during the season,” North Babylon coach Rakeem Vanterpool said
“We’re playing for a championship game today
I tell them every possession counts in a championship game.”
who scored in bunches at the rim and posted a 10-point third quarter
who is in his first season with North Babylon after transferring from St
“I need to get to the basket more because I shoot a lot
“That’s the best I’ve seen him play this year.”
Saintjean had 15 points and Jack Vafeas added 14 for Hills West (7-1)
The tournament is named in memory of Aurrichio
a former three-sport standout at Hills West who died at 30 years old in a cycling accident in Australia on June 8
Aurrichio was a three-year varsity basketball player and two-year captain who helped lead the Colts to the 2008 Suffolk Class AA title
so much to the community,” said Bill Mitaritonna
who is in his 19th season coaching Hills West
“His spirit will always live on because of this tournament
I want the younger kids to know how hard you need to work to get to that moment
to get to that spot that we want to get to.”
He played soccer and baseball at Columbia and went on to play Australian rules football professionally
He also was a coach and paraprofessional at Hills West
Mitaritonna presented a postgame slideshow on Aurrichio
whom he called “a special human being,” in front of the fans and both teams
Hills West senior forward Emmanuel Saintjean earned the “Rooch” award
which honors the type of player that Aurrichio was — someone who does all the little things that might not show up in the boxscore
“I’m just thinking as Mitaritonna’s talking
“Sometimes the star players get all the recognition
but it’s the guys that do everything that don’t get recognized.”
2024 at 9:30 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The new Dunkin' in North Babylon will feature a drive-thru lane
NY — Dunkin' has plans to open a new Deer Park location just in time for fall
donut and breakfast giant is moving across the street from its current location to 1260 Deer Park Avenue in North Babylon
The new restaurant will feature a drive-thru lane on the premises
Although the rep couldn't share the exact opening date
they confirmed the new Dunkin' will be up and running by fall 2024 and will throw a grand relocation event to celebrate
NY — The start of the school year was filled with smiling faces as students and staff in the North Babylon School District were welcomed back on September 3
Students at North Babylon High School and Robert Moses Middle School were greeted by staff members and administrators at the building entrances
elementary students were also welcomed back to their building and had time to settle in
get acquainted with their new classrooms and reconnect with friends
Thanks to the new school start times implemented this year
elementary students arrived at their respective schools at the same time
Universal prekindergarten students had a special orientation day to allow ample time to become familiarized with their new classrooms and routines
2025 at 4:21 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The results are in for North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company's 2025 Chief's Office and Executive Board
NY — The North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company held its annual election on Sunday
2025 at 3:18 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}On Thursday police searched Robert Moses Middle School after a staff member received a "threatening email." (Google Maps)NORTH BABYLON
NY — Suffolk police responded to a "threatening email" sent to a staff member at Robert Moses Middle School that sparked an investigation and "sweep" of the school
According to an email viewed by Patch from North Babylon superintendent Kenneth Graham
an RMMS school administrator "received an email containing threatening language that was deemed to be concerning."
Graham said that "out of an abundance of caution," school officials contacted police who "conducted a sweep of the school building."
"SCPD determined that the email was non-credible and that there was no threat to student or staff safety and gave the 'all clear.'
"Due to the necessary safety protocols implemented during the police investigation
middle school students were held on their buses
which caused a subsequent delay in some of our pickup times for the elementary school."
Police told Patch that the "school was searched and nothing was found."
School officials were not immediately available for comment
2024 at 4:24 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Two people were killed and four were seriously injured in a West Babylon car crash on Saturday morning
NY — Two people were killed and four others seriously injured in a West Babylon car crash on Saturday morning
of Lindenhurst was driving a 2017 Kia sedan eastbound on Railroad Avenue and failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of Great East Neck Road when his vehicle struck a 2025 Kia Seltos traveling southbound on Great East Neck Road around 1 a.m.
Desmond was pronounced dead at the scene while Riley Goot
was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip where he was pronounced dead
were transported to Good Samaritan for treatment of serious injuries
was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore for treatment of serious injuries
The vehicles were impounded for safety checks
Anyone with information on the crash to call the First Squad at 631-854-8152
2024 at 2:56 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Clockwise from left: Jackie Kane
(North Babylon Union Free School District)NORTH BABYLON
NY — The North Babylon Union Free School District appointed four new administrators on July 1
New additions to the team include Laurie Melesh
assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services and special education; Nicholas Pei
world and dual languages for kindergarten through 12th grade; Jackie Kane
coordinator of elementary curriculum and instruction for pre-k through fifth grade; and Charles Schulz
reading and library for grades sixth through 12th
Melesh has served as supervisor of special education at the Mineola School District
she worked as program director for Westbrook Preparatory School from 2013 to 2016
She holds a bachelor of science degree in speech-language pathology and audiology from SUNY Cortland and a master of science degree in special education from CUNY Hunter
She also holds certifications in applied behavior analysis
educational leadership and school district leadership
English as a new language and library as well as associate principal in Commack School District since 2019
he was the coordinator of English in Commack School District from 2015 to 2019
He holds a bachelor of arts degree from SUNY Buffalo and a master of science in education from Hofstra University
He also holds a school district leader certification
Kane has worked in the North Babylon School District as a kindergarten through 12th-grade technology integration specialist and then as the elementary technology integration specialist for the last eight years
she was an elementary teacher at Kennedy Crossan Elementary School in Philadelphia
She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The University of Scranton and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Chestnut Hill College
Pei possesses 13 years of experience related to educating multilingual learners in the New York City Department of Education and North Babylon School District
He served as English as a new language teacher at Parliament Place Elementary School since 2021
he was an ENL teacher and ENL and dual language coordinator at P.S
He holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University
He also holds a master’s of education in school leadership and TESOL from Touro College
2024 at 5:27 pm ET"We and our partners at the Suffolk County Police Department's First Precinct will come after any business in town that is putting our children in danger." — Councilman Terence McSweeney
(Town of Babylon)Police arrested an employee on September 9 and seized numerous vape products from the business
NY — The Town of Babylon shut down a North Babylon convenience store after it was busted for selling vape products to an underage customer last week
On September 10, the town's Code Enforcement team ordered Milk N' Things on Deer Park Avenue to close after employee Ashish Brahmbhatt, 36, was arrested the day before for selling vape products to a minor for the second time
Numerous illegal flavored vape products were also seized from the store
The order prohibits occupancy of the building and states that violating the order is a "Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by up to a year in prison."
Officials told Patch that there's no timeframe for the shop to reopen and they "certainly won't allow them to" unless they are "confident they will follow the law."
"Let us make something very clear: we and our partners at the Suffolk County Police Department's First Precinct will come after any business in town that is putting our children in danger," said Councilman Terence McSweeney
chair of the Town's Public Safety Committee
Brahmbhatt was charged with second-degree unlawfully dealing with a child
a misdemeanor and is slated to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on September 27
Jasmine McKay of North Babylon brings the ball down court during a Suffolk League III girls basketball game against Huntington in North Babylon on Tuesday
Jasmine McKay once again proved that she can’t be stopped
In her first league game of her final season
the senior led all scorers with a season-high 28 points in North Babylon’s 46-33 win over visiting Huntington in Suffolk III on Tuesday night
The Bulldogs led by just one point in the first quarter
Sophomore Olivia Rush had seven first-half points and McKay contributed six points and four steals
“Olivia did a great job driving to the basket,” North Babylon coach Matt Gianelli said
McKay sparked the Bulldogs by making two of her four three-pointers in the third quarter
The Bulldogs finally began to pull away at the end of the third
Gianelli called a timeout that led to a 5-0 run from North Babylon (3-1)
“The momentum from that was definitely carried into the fourth quarter,” Gianelli said
Lauren Donaghy scored 15 points and Ava McDonald scored 12 points for Huntington (2-1)
Ryan Ticas helped an injured man get to shore at Cedar Beach
(Steve Gravano/Town of Babylon)Ticas is officially a hero
(Steve Gravano/Town of Babylon)NORTH BABYLON
NY — North Babylon has a true hometown hero—and he's a local teenager
a 15-year-old resident of North Babylon who was presented with the Town of Babylon's Heroism Award—the Town’s highest honor—for helping an injured man at Cedar Beach in mid-July
when he noticed an elderly man in distress who struggling to maintain his balance while calling for help
Ryan noticed the man was bleeding and rushed to help the man
He brought him to shore and alerted lifeguards
the man was airlifted via helicopter to a trauma center
After Supervisor Rich Schaffer and the town board presented Ryan with the town's prestigious Heroism Award
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was hospitalized with severe injuries on Sept
21 after a car wreck changed the lives of five Long Island families forever
the driver of a Kia sedan ran through a red light on Railroad Avenue in West Babylon and hit a 2025 Kia Seltos on Great East Neck Road that contained five local teenagers
of Lindenhurst was pronounced dead on the scene while Riley Goot
was pronounced dead shortly after at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip
were all hospitalized for treatment of serious injuries
Bella died after four days on life support but saved the lives of three other people by donating her organs
the three surviving young men are still on the road to recovery
Shortly after the crash, Jack's family said on their GoFundMe page that he was "intubated with swollen airways after enduring a long facial surgery."
Theresa DePietto of Hope Floats Long Island gave Patch the update
Jack is doing better but still has an incredibly long road to recovery ahead of him," DePietto said
as his jaw is wired shut and he struggles with eating each day."
DePietto added that he has multiple medical procedures "in his future," but "his family is thankful to have him home."
"They are all incredibly grateful for the love and support shown from family
The families of Anthony and Austin were not immediately available for comment
Online fundraisers were quickly created for each family and remain active as the families navigate ever parent's worst nightmare
Click here to help Jack Murphy, Austin Trezza, and Anthony Pagliuca on their road to recovery
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Brook Milheiser of North Babylon celebrates with teammates after putting the winning goal into the net during a Suffolk girls soccer game against Northport on Thursday at Northport
Brook Milheiser struggled to put the moment into words
And that’s understandable as it’s not often that a freshman scores the tying and winning goals to complete a player-down
Milheiser's goals lifted North Babylon to a 4-3 win over host Northport in Suffolk League IV girls soccer on Thursday
the North Babylon players dogpiled on top of the freshman and when they emerged
Milheiser was on the shoulders of two of her teammates
I don’t even know,” a still-shocked Milheiser said
Milheiser scored the tying goal with 4:43 left in the second half after fielding a pass from Monica Clavijo
taking a touch and perfectly placing a left-footed shot in the top of the net
Milheiser scored the winner in a scrum in front of the net off an assist from Katelyn Nunziato following a long ball from Jenna Biondo with 2:43 left
All of this occurred with North Babylon down a player for the final 16:06 after a North Babylon player received two yellow cards
“Down a man and to score three goals like that
it shows me what I think we know and it’s that we have a special group,” coach Steve Corrado said
they want to succeed and they are really coming together.”
Biondo scored less than two minutes after North Babylon started playing a man down
She flicked in a goal off a ball played in by Avery Halleran with 14:09 left and instead of a long celebration
she signaled to her teammates to continue playing
We just had to keep moving forward and we got the outcome we wanted.”
Elly Arabadjief and Riley Cash each scored for Northport (2-2
Melania Turano scored the first goal for North Babylon (4-0-1
Corrado was proud of Milheiser for her late goals
and loved how the team celebrated its freshman hero
“We had her up here last year as an eighth grader
A great moment for her and she deserves to be carried off the field after those two goals.”
Corrado also believes Thursday’s victory confirms what he’s always known about his team
“Being a man down is huge because it tells you a lot about the character of your team and we have to keep working hard to get better,” he said
“And this just shows us there are certain heights we can climb to that if they doubted it before
‘We believe in you’ and maybe they’ll believe in themselves as well.”
Owen O'Brien covers high school and college sports for Newsday
He's also covered professional teams such as the Mets
Jets and Giants since graduating from the University at Buffalo
2025 at 1:12 pm ETFirefighter Peter Danielle rescued a Lindenhurst resident from a house fire that killed one person
(Steve Gravano/Town of Babylon)The rescue happened in January
NY — A West Babylon firefighter was recently honored by Town of Babylon officials for his role in rescuing a Long Island resident from a house fire in January
Firefighter Peter Danielle rescued a man from a blaze on Storz Place in Lindenhurst that killed one person and seriously injured two others
"On behalf of the Town of Babylon community
the West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department and the Lindenhurst Fire Department for their dedicated efforts in safeguarding lives and property on that day," village officials said
Danielle was returning to his own home that night when he "noticed smoke and a peculiar odor," which promoted him to investigate
Danielle heard people calling for help while neighbors confirmed people were trapped inside the home and entered the home with two Suffolk County police officers
Danielle successfully removed the person from the home and brought them to the front lawn where EMS provided medical attention
Town of Babylon officials said they were "privileged" to honor Danielle for his "courageous actions."
2025 at 1:22 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Mobile beach permits for Town of Babylon beaches are now on sale
but beach lovers can start getting ready for summer fun now that Town of Babylon mobile beach permits are on sale
active military and active Town of Babylon fire department members
Last summer, town officials announced a new mobile beach permit system aiming to reduce long waits and improve beach accessibility. Residents can now obtain the mobile beach passes on their smartphones using the new Town of Babylon Yodel Portal or by downloading the Yodel App on Apple and Android devices
Users must upload photos of their license and car registration with matching Town Of Babylon addresses while volunteer fire
and active military will require additional documentation
the mobile beach pass is used "exactly" like the sticker beach pass
The mobile beach pass is linked to a vehicle
just like the stickers and can be used at Overlook Beach
2025 at 3:31 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Town of Babylon is hosting a job fair
NY — The Town of Babylon is hosting a career fair aiming to help young adults and recent graduates who may not be pursuing traditional college paths
The fair will connect guests with a wide range of career options
at the Town Hall Annex Gym in North Babylon and will focus on providing career guidance and job opportunities for students and young adults who may not be pursuing traditional college paths
Attendees will have the chance to meet representatives from trade unions
healthcare organizations and a variety of local private sector companies offering career options
Town of Babylon Councilmen Anthony Manetta and Terence McSweeney are hosting the event
The duo found inspiration in a 2023 survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York that highlights the need to fill the pending workforce shortages across the region that cited an aging population
lack of affordable housing and high cost of living as the causes of a significant worker shortage on Long Island
"This event is an excellent resource for young people and their families to learn about career paths that do not require a four-year degree," Manetta said
and professionals to help connect our students to good-paying
The career fair is presented in conjunction with the Long Island Federation of Labor
and the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties
and the Town of Babylon Chamber of Commerce Collaborative
Manetta’s Office at AManetta@TownofBabylonNY.gov or call 631-957-4482
Town Hall Annex Gym is located at 281 Phelps Lane in North Babylon
NY — North Babylon High School senior Jayden Tran has been selected as a QuestBridge Scholar and has been matched with the University of Chicago starting in fall 2025
QuestBridge is a nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving
low-income students with full scholarships to top colleges across the United States
QuestBridge will be covering all annual expenses including tuition
Through the National College Match application
students who have excelled academically can highlight their unique story and stand out in the college admissions process
QuestBridge selects top applicants as finalists
and students can rank up to 15 colleges to be “matched” to the college that appears highest on their list and is able to match with them
Tran is a member of the orchestra in North Babylon
He is a first-chair violinist and was selected as a New York State School Music Association’s All-State participant
He is also a member of the National Honor Society
He volunteers as a counselor in the summer for the district’s music and art summer camp
Bella was on life support after suffering severe brain trauma
losing her spleen and a "tremendous amount of blood" in the crash
the driver of a Kia sedan ran through a red light heading eastbound on Railroad Avenue and hit a 2025 Kia Seltos traveling southbound on Great East Neck Road that contained five local teenagers
were all hospitalized at local hospitals for treatment of serious injuries
Bella picked up her brother and a few friends from a party and was driving them home when the car was sideswiped and "thrown into a pile of destruction."
emergency medical services were on the scene
including the West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department crew who found one of their own
a member of the fire department since 2023
and Jack were transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip
while Anthony was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore
A vigil was held Sunday evening at Pape Field in West Babylon
Riley's funeral took place on Wednesday at Claude R
2024 at 8:51 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Police arrested the man and seized numerous vape products from the business
NY — A man was arrested Monday for selling a flavored vape product to a person under the age of 21 today in North Babylon
was arrested after an investigation found that he sold vape products to a minor while working at Milk N’ Things on Deer Park Avenue
and numerous flavored vape products were seized from the business
Police said Brahmbhatt was issued a field appearance ticket and is slated to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on September 27
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A teenager is facing charges after an alleged reckless driving crash on Long Island that left a Good Samaritan disfigured
The intersection of Skidmore Road and Lloyd Avenue in North Babylon
was indicted for assault and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Friday
in connection with a North Babylon crash in August 2024
Mkrtchian was speeding eastbound on Skidmore Road in a Mercedes Benz sedan when she ran a stop sign at Lloyd Avenue at around 6 p.m
splitting the pole in half and causing significant damage to her car
A Good Samaritan on his way home witnessed the crash and pulled over to check on the woman
Mkrtchian reversed her vehicle at a high speed
striking the man and pinning him between his car and hers
Mkrtchian reportedly attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by a second Good Samaritan who threw a brick through her windshield
The injured man was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to amputate the remainder of his lower leg
A Suffolk County judge ordered Mkrtchian to surrender her passport and placed her on supervised release
Her driving privileges were suspended while the case proceeds
“This Good Samaritan exemplified the best of our community
and instead of receiving gratitude from this defendant
suffered devastating injuries due to her alleged actions that will forever impact his life,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney
“My office will vigorously prosecute this case to hold the defendant accountable for her alleged conduct and to send a clear message that such disregard for human life and safety will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”