Voting to increase legislative oversight over personal service contracts issued by the county executive, County Legislator and Minority Leader Peter J. Schmitt (R-Massapequa) voted in support of a local law that would amend the county charter requiring legislative approval on all personal service contracts that exceed $25,000. Previously, this oversight was permitted via a memorandum of understanding between the presiding officer and the county executive. To permanently effectuate this change the proposed charter amendment must be approved by the public by way of a ballot referendum this Election Day, Nov. 7. FULL STORY

In the tale of two school districts, each placed budgets up for voter approval, and each had two different results. FULL STORY

The American Black Belt Academy competition team recently returned from a weekend karate tournament in Connecticut, bringing home 13 first place trophies. The event, called the Connecticut Open 2000, was sponsored by the Worldwide Kenpo Karate Association and featured many schools from throughout New England. FULL STORY

Dooley plays for the Long Island Allstars, a group of 13-year-olds, who've played together for the last two years. In that short period of time, the Allstars have participated in seven major tournaments, winning five and placing second in two others. FULL STORY