There’s nothing like second chances. Just weeks after being disqualified in the 100-meter final at the Nassau championships, Valencia Hannon, a junior at Elmont Memorial High School, won the women’s 100-meter race at the state championships, which were held in Rochester on June 11. Hannon ran the 100 in 11.88 seconds — a personal career record, as well as this year’s fastest state 100 time. Hannon also won in the 100 at last year’s state meet. more

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced on June 10 that his office completed audits of several school districts statewide, including the Elmont Union Free School District. The audit was initiated by the state nearly one year ago. Auditors found that Elmont’s Board of Education inappropriately delegated the discretionary functions of approving purchase orders, journal entries and wire transfers to its business consultant, Tom Galante. Thus, Galante was responsible for approving all district purchases, including the purchase of his own services. more

The New York State Senate recently passed legislation that would, if passed by the Assembly and signed by the governor, require people to indicate on their driver’s license applications whether they wish to become organ donors. more

To the Editor: Following a number of significant Long Island Rail Road service disruptions and cancellations caused by Amtrak maintenance recently, I am calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to explore taking over maintenance of the rails in and out of Penn Station and the East River tunnels. more

The year 2012 seems very far away. We still have to get through the next eight months and survive a shaky economy, high unemployment and the early stirrings of the next presidential campaign. But one thing is for sure: 2012 will be a year of accountability for lots of people. more

As part of a statewide program, Recruit NY, the Elmont Volunteer Fire Department, at 95 Lehrer Ave. in Elmont, opened its doors to area residents on Sunday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event focused on educating local residents about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician. Volunteer firefighter recruitment has become difficult for many Nassau County fire departments over the past several years, and the Elmont Fire Department is no exception. The department’s 170 members respond to approximately 2,000 emergency calls per year, and the department covers both Elmont and North Valley Stream. more

The New York State Senate has passed legislation to create felony charges for wrong-way and other reckless drivers, according to Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., a Republican from Merrick who sponsored … more

The New York State Senate has passed legislation to enact felony charges for wrong-way and other reckless drivers, according to Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., a Republican from Merrick who sponsored the bill. The legislation is in response to a significant number of arrests and car crashes involving individuals who drove the wrong way while under the influence of alcohol. more

This is about the good, the bad and the ugly. It isn’t fiction, as we get enough fiction from politicians these days. It deals with the New York State Legislature, the ethical crises it currently faces and the need to deal with them. more

Shaped like a footprint, Mullener Pond abuts the Meadowbrook Parkway amid a stand of oaks and maples just south of Jerusalem Avenue in North Merrick. It is a quiet place, hemmed in by a six-foot … more