At a recent meeting of the Republic Airport Commission, airport board member Steve Lewis announced that BBL Construction Services and JMA Properties, who partnered to form Columbia Hospitality, are a prospective tenant for a five-acre parcel located on airport property. The contractors plan to construct a 120-room business class hotel, Stay Bridge Suites of the Holiday Inn line. FULL STORY

The Farmingdale School District is now moving toward the national middle school model for Sept. 2002, bringing sixth graders into an academically enriched environment to encourage their flexibility for learning and developing skills - both in teams and more independently. In addition, enrollment growth at this level can be best accommodated in the middle school facilities. FULL STORY

The Daler wrestling team (13-6) ended up sixth in the county in both the dual meet and tournament rankings by Nassau County coaches. This hasn't happened for at least eight years. Given that the team is still young, it could mean even better things lie ahead for this scrappy and competitive group of wrestlers. Recognition should go to all of the wrestlers and the excellent leadership and direction by coaches Garcia, Portee, Smith and Warren. The Daler pool of talent has grown significantly this year and seems to be on the right track to continue on that path into next year. FULL STORY

There is still time to register children for the upcoming Farmingdale Baseball League season. Registrations will be taken at the FBLI equipment "shack" at 34D Hempstead Tpke., behind GEM Electronics. There is a late registration free of $10 per child. The "shack" is generally open from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Please call 249-7375 to confirm that it will be open or for more information. FULL STORY