Many first learned about the intense, gruesome nature of World War II by watching the harrowing opening combat scene in the recent movie, Saving Private Ryan, but for lifetime Port resident Anthony Defeo, the D-Day battle was real. As part of the 348th Combat Engineers, he landed on Omaha Beach, charged with the responsibility of building docks and roads and transporting supplies to the troops, while under intense fire. It is thanks to Anthony Defeo and men as heroic as he, that this battle was won, and to recognize and honor him for his part, he has been named Grand marshal of Port's 1999 Memorial Day Parade. FULL STORY

The possibility of converting Sousa Elementary School into the new middle school in the long-range facilities plan was discussed by the board of education at its May 11 meeting. The rest of the current "conceptual" plan being contemplated by the board includes using Manorhaven, Guggenheim, Daly, Weber and Salem as elementary schools and developing athletic fields on the 17 acres gifted to the district from the Guggenheim estate. FULL STORY

The accompanying photo of Pedro Lorson aboard an early The Lunatic Express was squeezed out of last week's column reporting awardees for the 1998-99 Frostbite Interclub season. FULL STORY

The Vikings played Freeport at home on Wednesday, May 13. There was a large turn-out, with many parents, fellow students and many middle school students who had just finished lacrosse practice. Port, who is currently ranked number 2 in the state, came into this game very confident. Despite Port's superior ranking, this game was a close one. At several points during the game Freeport was ahead, leading some to wonder if Port might have been somewhat over-confident. FULL STORY