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Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Babylon Village Time to check smoke ___________ LI’s American Idol ____________ resident honored MAssApequA contestant alarm batteries Page 3 VOL. 60 NO. 8
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MARCH 12 - 18, 2026
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Three Village Trustees, pOsT Village Justice running in Lindenhurst March 18
Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Courtesy/Ronald Tolkin
Gentle current harkens spring Spring whispers over Belmont Lake State Park as the lake awakens from the grip from February’s blizzard and water spills softly over the bridge into a new season.
Survey shows most students don’t support armed guards in Babylon schools By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
While a recent community survey finds that 60% of Babylon families support or strongly support introducing armed guards in local schools, student sentiment tells a different story. A survey of 510 Babylon Junior-Senior High School students found that 82% feel very safe or somewhat safe while at school. The survey, conducted by students in Babylon High School’s Advanced Placement Research class at the request of Superintendent Carisa Manza, explored student views on armed guards. AP students Jake Brunet, Samantha Curtin, Logan Gricka, Kayla Hague, and Alexander McKen-
zie presented their findings at the February Board of Education meeting. Only 23% of students said they are somewhat or very concerned about current safety at BHS, and 60% expressed some or high confidence in the ability of “BHS’s present-day security guards,” the students reported. Yet when asked whether armed guards would make them feel safer, 42% said yes, and an additional 36% said maybe. Students offered a range of opinions in openended survey responses. Some supported armed guards as an added layer of protection: “I support it because if something were to happen, armed guards could protect us right away,” one student wrote. Others voiced concerns: “The thought of CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Lindenhurst Village voters will head to the polls Wednesday, March 18, to vote for three Village Trustees. Running unopposed are Maryann Weckerle, Patrick Pichichero, and David Collins, who was appointed to complete the unexpired term of RJ Renna, now Suffolk County Legislator for the 14th LD. Also running for reelection unopposed is Village Justice John Bopp. Polls are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters can file paper ballots at Alleghany Avenue, Bower Street, Daniel Street, and West Gate Avenue schools, and at the Delaware Avenue Firehouse, Main Fire House on Wellwood Avenue, and Lindenhurst Rainbow Center. The candidates spoke on a number of issues. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT “Under this administration, our role transformed from managing a declining downtown to managing its explosive growth,” said Weckerle. “Our approach has been proactive, leading to few vacant stores. Our policy of promoting economic development has resulted in a diverse, sustainable business district.” The Village collaborates with the Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement
District to bring vibrant businesses to downtown and other commercial areas. “We meet with new businesses throughout the process, and we are exploring options to expand downtown parking. We support local organizations in hosting street fairs and events that bring residents and visitors into our village,” Weckerle said. Trustees said the Village also supports owner-occupied residences such as condominiums and mixed-use zoning for apartments over retail or offices, which could provide affordable housing for younger residents. TRANSPARENCY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Collins noted that Lindenhurst Village was named the 10th top village in New York State. “We have Village Board meetings twice a month, advertised and open to the public. Agendas are available in advance, and all residents are invited to speak without a time limit,” he said. Village officials are active in local organizations and regularly meet with business leaders to discuss village matters. “The independent review by U.S. News & World Report in 2025 comes as no surprise to those who call Lindenhurst home,” Collins said. PUBLIC SAFETY In 2023, the Village created a Public Safety Department, separate from code enforcement. “This CONTINUED ON PAGE 9