An elementary school teacher from Merrick already accused of one sex crime now faces charges in two counties. Daniel Rothbard, 28, was arrested Sept. 3 for allegedly forcing a 13-year-old girl from Suffolk County to engage in oral sex at his Meadowbrook Avenue home on July 7, authorities said. Police learned about the encounter after Rothbard was arrested July 21 in Suffolk County for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in the parking lot of Westbrook Elementary School in West Islip, after meeting her on MySpace. Believing there may have been more victims, authorities began a probe into his online life. more

The elementary school teacher already accused of a sex crime now faces charges in two counties. more

In response to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's and Department of Health's May report on synthetic turf, Environment and Human Health Inc., a nonprofit group based in North Haven, Conn., issued a rebuttal listing its concerns with the state's findings. Environment and Human Health describes itself as "an organization dedicated to protecting human health from environmental harms through research, education and the promotion of sound public policy." The group comprises "doctors, public health professionals and policy experts committed to the reduction of environmental health risks to individuals." more

Nearly 200 people filled the Merrick Library for the first of two public hearings on Sept. 1 to speak out against a proposed 12 percent rate hike for Aqua New York Water Service. A second hearing was held in the evening at Brookside School and was also well attended, according to reports. The rate hike proposal angered the many residents from Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown and Massapequa who have no alternative water provider and reportedly pay more than neighboring communities in the Town of Hempstead that are part of municipal water districts. more

An Oceanside man who was hit by a car while riding a bike on the bike path that runs along the northbound side of the Wantagh Parkway in 2007 is suing New York state for $5 million, his lawyer said. more

The state Department of Transportation was scheduled to begin work Tuesday to permanently close a four-mile stretch of the northbound Wantagh Parkway to enhance the safety of cyclists and pedestrians on the nearby bike path that runs from Cedar Creek Park in Seaford to Jones Beach. more

The East Meadow Soccer Club hosted the 31st annual East Meadow Soccer Tournament, sponsored by Covanta Energy, Aug. 29 and 30. Teams came from across the South Shore for this massive undertaking. more

A Merrick woman was arrested for assault last week after police said she allegedly threw a glass during an altercation at an East Meadow bar. more

As the summer comes to a close, and neighbors spend a few extra hours savoring the warm weather and barbecues, the temptation to have a few drinks with friends can be powerful — but as Nassau County police and a few volunteers helped demonstrate last week, even a little alcohol can make a big difference on the roads. more

Her challenger to be determined in Democratic primary. more