After extensive public discussion and input, during a lengthy and open budget process, the Board of Education has adopted the Proposed School Budget (also known as the General Fund Operating Budget) in the amount of $142,952,500 for the 2004-05 school year. The budget is a plan for expenditures that financially support educational programs and provide services essential for achieving excellence in this school district. The budget reflects an increase of 9.13 percent over 2003-04. It is anticipated that the average school-tax rate, computed by using the assessed valuation as of April 1, 2004, will be approximately $133 per $100 of assessed valuation, an increase of 12.61 percent. FULL STORY

Great Neck is seeking volunteers for the Nassau County/Great Neck Villages emergency response team (CERT). CERT is a team of individuals who receive special training that enhances their ability to recognize, prepare for, respond to and recover from a major emergency or disaster. According to Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, this is a "community-based initiative aimed at making Nassau a safer place to live." FULL STORY

Adam Dinkci, owner of Empire Electronics located at 11 Cutter Mill Road in the Village of Great Neck Plaza is a familiar face to many community residents. In 1993, Adam opened the first cellular store in Great Neck, and 11 years later he is proud to say that he services approximately 10,000 active customers and has sold nearly 20,000 cellular phones. Empire Electronics is not a franchise business. FULL STORY

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy tennis team fell, Tuesday afternoon, April 27, to Yeshiva University, as the Maccabees edged the Mariners in a close, 4-3 decision. The Mariners fall to 5-5 overall, and 2-3 in Skyline play, while Yeshiva improves to 8-2 overall, and 4-1 in the conference. FULL STORY