Nassau County is proposing a $25 filing fee for homeowners who wish to challenge their assessments and the Town of Hempstead is opposing such a fee. According to Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin, residents who challenge their assessments should not be charged to challenge possible egregious over-assessments of their properties. FULL STORY

"In a world searching for role models we were fortunate to have someone growing up in Hicksville who went on to make a difference in this world," said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto during a dedication ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 2. FULL STORY

The eighth grade boy's travel team coached by Andy Lubell and Jack Carey started two years later than most of the St. Bernard travel teams. Most travel teams start in fourth grade. This travel team had its first season in sixth grade. Having two years less experience than most travel teams, these boys had to work hard to catch up to the caliber of play in travel. Two years of missing the CYO playoffs by one and two games, led to a rededication this year. Instead of the team word that starts their game being "dominate," it has become "team." A team is what they have become. As of Feb. 9 the team has an 8-1 CYO record and a 9-1 Super League record. Except for two personnel changes over the last two years, the team has basically stayed the same. FULL STORY

The Island Trees Girls' Varsity Basketball team defeated Seaford on Jan. 31 by the score of 45-12. The Lady Dawgs pressure defense helped the girls get off to a 17-3 first quarter lead. Alyssa Fleming led the defense with seven steals. Lisa LoFaso and Erin Carroll made great contributions with their tenacious defense and rebounding. Gina Brewer and Jen D'Albenzio led the offense with nine points each. Nine different girls scored, contributing to the Lady Dawg balanced attack. The girl's next game was against the undefeated Rossevelt Rough Riders. The Lady Dawgs jumped out on Roosevelt and led by three at the half. With the game tied going into the fourth quarter, the Lady Dawgs just were not able to hold off Roosevelt and lost in a close, hard-fought game. Kate Schamberger led all scorers with 18 points. Freshman Katie Tolan has recorded 12 blocked shots in her last two games. Lisa Provenzano and Kate Beale continue to contribute, making key shots and playing tough defense. FULL STORY