After years of urging the New York State Legislature to approve an Empire Zone in Nassau County, the legislature, with the support of County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, local businesses, government leaders and community advocates recently secured an Empire Zone. This step will establish "tax-free" business sites to help spark new private sector investment, job creation and economic expansion for under served and, in many cases, minority communities. The legislation was signed into law by Governor George Pataki. FULL STORY

The Clinton Martin Park Recreational Center in New Hyde Park was packed and abuzz with jubilation as hundreds of people filed in to witness the swearing-in ceremonies of the Town of North Hempstead supervisor, Jon Kaiman, Town Clerk Michelle Schimel and Councilmembers Angelo Ferrara and Robert Trioiano and Lee Seeman last Monday afternoon. FULL STORY

The following is a list of athletic events for Friday, Jan. 20 and Saturday, Jan. 21 at Carle Place Middle School/High School: FULL STORY

Stephen Schultz of Westbury helped lead the New York Junior Bobcats ice hockey team to a two-game sweep of the Washington Junior Nationals at the Rinx in Hauppauge on Jan. 7 and Jan. 8. Schultz, a forward and student at St. Mary's High School, scored two goals in the Jan. 8 game. The team will return to The Rinx for a two-game showdown against the rival Boston Bulldogs on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 8:10 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 5 at 10:10 a.m. For more information on the New York Junior Bobcats, who are currently in first place in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League, visit www.atlantichockey.org/ajhl.php. FULL STORY