Author: Claire Reed, Managing Editor

  • Sports shorts

    Sports shorts

    Former Freehold Township High School and Monmouth University star Brad Brach is having his best season in the major leagues with the Baltimore Orioles. The right-handed pitcher, who is being used in late-inning relief, is 5-1 with a 1.04 ERA for the Orioles, who through 77 games were in first place in the American League…

  • Andrews looking to add Olympian to track accomplishments

    Andrews looking to add Olympian to track accomplishments

    By Tim Morris Robby Andrews has represented the United States at track and field world championships. He won a gold medal at the IAFF World Relays, anchoring the U.S. team to victory in the 4×800-meter relay. He made the indoor and outdoor World Championship Teams, finishing fourth in the 1,500 meters at this winter’s indoor…

  • New-look Lancers to test themselves in Maryland hoops tourney

    New-look Lancers to test themselves in Maryland hoops tourney

    By Matthew Rocco The St. John Vianney High School girls basketball team has said goodbye to a senior class that led the Lady Lancers to the state title. This summer, the team is back on the court with a new-look starting five and a plan to preserve its championship form. Fresh off a dream season,…

  • Matawan to rely on experience, depth for better soccer season

    Matawan to rely on experience, depth for better soccer season

    By Wayne Witkowski When Matawan Regional High School’s boys soccer team was eliminated last November in its NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group II opener to Bernards High School, 2-1, on the last shot of the first round of penalty kicks, it was a microcosm of the season. Matawan ended up 6-8-5, with five losses coming by…

  • Matawan-Aberdeen surges ahead with strategic planning process

    Matawan-Aberdeen surges ahead with strategic planning process

    By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer ABERDEEN – A strategic plan that will result in greater parent and community involvement and the development of a financial plan that will be aimed at supporting school operations and ensuring student success was presented to the Matawan-Aberdeen School District. Kathy Winecoff, field service representative for the New Jersey…

  • Middletown 12U team looks to avoid elimination in district tourney

    Middletown 12U team looks to avoid elimination in district tourney

    By Wayne Witkowski Middletown’s 12-and-under Little League All-Stars, which split their first two games, looked to stay alive in District 19 when they played Twin Rivers West of Little Silver July 5 in the losers bracket of the double-elimination tournament. “They’re very dedicated and fundamentally sound and do what’s asked of them,” Middletown manager Tony…

  • Matawan adopts $11.45 million budget

    Matawan adopts $11.45 million budget

    By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer MATAWAN — The Borough Council has unanimously adopted an $11.45 million budget that officials said reflects a zero percent increase on the municipal tax rate. At the governing body’s June 28 meeting, Mayor Joseph Altomonte said for 2016, the total municipal budget is $11,447,876.28. “This [budget] maintains the same…

  • Matawan boy, 12, wins Pokémon State Championship

    Matawan boy, 12, wins Pokémon State Championship

    By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer MATAWAN — Each year the Pokémon Organized Play tournament brings together thousands of players to compete at various local, state, national and world championship events throughout the United States. Recently, 12-year-old resident Luke Smith took home the title of Pokémon State Champion after competing in a full day of…

  • Howell couple face large fines in dog hoarding case

    Howell couple face large fines in dog hoarding case

    By Peter Elacqua Staff Writer HOWELL – A Howell couple who had almost 300 dogs living in their home on Bennett Road and were charged with animal cruelty in connection with that situation made their first appearance in municipal court, but the charges against them have not been resolved. The case against Charlene and Joseph…