In August, 2001, local officials celebrated an agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the New York & Atlantic Railway (NYA) that ensured the Hempstead branch be permanently closed off to future freight traffic and only be used for passenger commuters. Moreover, the agreement was intended to streamline the movement of rail freight on Long Island by taking more trucks off the road. FULL STORY

During a work session Oct. 29, officials from the village's business district, chamber of commerce and governing body discussed the feasibility of a BID (Business Improvement District) here in Garden City. Although BIDs can essentially help restore unattractive storefronts, fill vacancies within the district, increase sanitation collections, improve signage and enhance sidewalk sweepings, some questioned the need for such a program in a village that already does so much to cater to its business community. FULL STORY

This past week the girls' varsity volleyball team played their last three games of the season. First the team faced Floral Park. Captains Patrice Collins, Kristen Kraff and Jamie Lardner aided Garden City in its 25-19, 25-17, 28-26 victory. Collins had 12 kills, 8 digs and 3 aces while Kraff and Lardner totaled 12 assists each. FULL STORY

Peter Basel, former basketball standout and assistant men's varsity basketball coach at Garden City High School, has been appointed head men's varsity basketball coach and physical education teacher at Half Hollow Hills East High School in Dix Hills. The Half Hollow Hills East Thunderbirds compete in Suffolk County's Class A Leagues. FULL STORY