Weapon Threat At Merrick School + Illegal Use Of Taxpayer Funds?

Happy Tuesday, Merrick! Here's what's going on today in Merrick.

A weapon threat meant police had to secure Levy Lakeside School before it could open on Monday morning. A candidate for Hempstead Town Supervisor is accusing current Supervisor Clavin for illegally using taxpayer funds. Bellmore-Merrick schools got a top grade in a recent ranking.

First, today's weather:

Rain starting in the afternoon. High: 78, low: 55.

Here are the top stories today in Merrick:

1. Long Island Press explains that the Democratic candidate challenging Republican Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin wants an investigation into alleged illegal use of taxpayer-funded mailers that double as campaign literature by Clavin. Jason Abelove says Clavin used $5 million on about 70 mailers adorned with Clavin’s name, title and photo. (Long Island Press)
2. Watch this story about an East Meadow veterinarian who will care for any pet in need, even if owners can't pay. Dr. Tomas Infernuso founded the Animal Surgical Center. (Subscription: Newsday)
3. Patch reports that an anonymous threat to the Levy Lakeside School in Merrick on Monday morning led to a delayed opening. Superintendent Dominick Palma said this was connected to another threat to the Lakeside Elementary School that was received on Sept. 17 when the school was alerted that a student would arrive with a weapon. (Patch)
4. Michael DeSantis tells us that Bellmore-Merrick School District got an A+ rating on a ranking from data analysis company Niche comparing K-12 schools on Long Island. The criteria include academics, teachers and diversity. (Patch)

Today's Merrick Daily is brought to you by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Merrick!

Today in Merrick:

• HDF Picture Day, North Merrick UFSD.
• SEPTA Meeting, 7 p.m., Bellmore-Merrick Central School District.
• SEPTA Event, 7:30 p.m., North Merrick UFSD.

Merrick Patch Notebook

• U.S. News & World Report has named Nassau County the safest community in America for the second year in a row. Crime rates here are the lowest in the 3,000 included counties. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you around! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Jackie

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Merrick Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at Merrick@Patch.com.