On Dec. 15, New York State Senator Michael A. L. Balboni (R-C, Mineola) announced the allocation of $1.5 million in state startup funds to create the New York State Strategic Center for Port and Maritime Security, including first of their kind programs designed to increase port and shipping security, at SUNY Maritime in the Bronx. FULL STORY

On Thursday, Jan. 8, during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Westbury Village Board of Trustees, Mayor Ernest Strada appointed Charles R. Russell, Jr. as trustee to fill a vacancy on the board. Russell will serve the seat formerly held by Alphonse Campbell, who passed away in December. A special village election will be held on March 16 at which time Russell will run to fill the remainder of Mr. Campbell's term, set to expire April 4, 2005. FULL STORY

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Westbury Boys' Varsity Basketball Team not only had a chance to avenge a crucial football loss earlier this fall to the Seahawks of H. Frank Carey High School, but most importantly had an opportunity to launch their conference schedule to 2-0 start. FULL STORY

Teams often set their sights on the games that really count. After a competent performance throughout its non-league schedule, Carle Place was more than ready for its conference B-C opener on the road against local rival Wheatley. FULL STORY