News Nearby: Another Commack Student Approached by Stranger

Zero Cuts in Miller Place Superintendent's Proposed Budget

After a handful of tumultuous budget seasons that included teacher and staff layoffs and cuts to curriculum, sports and activities, Miller Place Superintendent Marianne Higuera's proposed 2013-'14 budget includes no cuts.
The budget, which Higuera presented to the Board of Education and those in attendance at Miller Place High School Wednesday night, would not exceed the expected tax levy cap of 4.31 percent. The proposed budget of $67,757,777 not only had zero cuts, but also included multiple instructional program and co-curricular initiatives along with another major proposal of full-day kindergarten.

Mt. Sinai Mosque Debate Continues; Written Comment Extension Given

The first public discussion in almost two months regarding the proposed Mount Sinai mosque was thorough and at times heated during Monday's Town of Brookhaven Planning Board meeting.
Mohammed Sameen's proposal to convert an existing 74' x 142.4' barn to a place of worship at 515 Mt. Sinai-Coram Road has led to much discussion over concerns residents have.
Many worry about traffic that the mosque would bring, while other issues about the controversial topic were brought up as well.


Gyrodyne to Match Marine Conservation Repair Fund Donations

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization announced Wednesday that Gyrodyne Co. of America will match donations made to help it repair the damages caused by Hurricane Sandy at the Ernst Marine Conservation Center. Gyrodyne COO Peter Pitsiokos is a former student of Dr. Erwin J. Ernst, for whom the WMHO's waterside classroom is named. On Wednesday, he said the company will match donations up to $5,000 made through the WMHO's campaign on Indiegogo. The deadline is March 31.

Another Commack Student Approached by Stranger

A second Commack Middle School student was recently approached by an unknown man while on her way to school last week, district officials announced.