Author: Claire Reed, Managing Editor
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Keyport native earns honor from Navy
By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer KEYPORT — A Monmouth County and borough native has been selected as Junior Civilian of the Year for his work as a legal assistant with the United States Navy. “It is very touching,” said William Bonnell, serving Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic Branch Office Earle. “I am one tiny…
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Spotswood council approves $10.39 million budget
By MICHAEL NUNES Staff Writer SPOTSWOOD — The Borough Council has approved its 2016 budget that will increase municipal taxes by about $60 for the owner of a home that is assessed at the borough average. Council members voted unanimously on April 18 to adopt a $10.39 million budget, which will be supported in part…
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Candidates jockey to fill state seats
By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer TRENTON — The swearing-in of state Sen. Peter Barnes III (D-Middlesex) to the state Superior Court on Monday will essentially create a domino effect in the Assembly’s 18th Legislative District. Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-Middlesex) has been the only one to declare an interest in Barnes’ senate seat, according to his office. The…
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Middletown holds roundtable for local business owners
By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN – Local township and Monmouth County officials served as the hosts to a Grow Monmouth roundtable with owners and managers of local businesses to discuss ways to help them become more successful, grow, create more jobs and spur economic development. At least a dozen individuals gathered at the…
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Statements recall carnival worker’s recollections the night boy went missing in 1991
By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer NEW BRUNSWICK — The defense for Michelle Lodzinski, who is be tried for the murder of her son, Timmy, in 1991, presented additional witnesses who said they observed a boy resembling Timmy at the carnival. The defense concluded its second week of witness testimony on April 21 in Middlesex County…
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Father, sister ‘satisfied’ with mother’s version of son’s disappearance
By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer NEW BRUNSWICK — For 25 years, the topic of what happened to Timothy “Timmy” Wiltsey was not “taboo” or off limits amongst the Lodzinski family, according to family members. Although the state objected, Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Dennis Nieves ruled that Michelle Lodzinski’s two sons, Daniel and Benjamin Lodzinski,…
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Creativity, innovation are part of Monroe library’s Makerfest
By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer MONROE — The annual Makerfest held at the Monroe Township Public Library last month proved the event is for all ages. Steve Hrubes, Studio M coordinator, and Lynnette Fucci, youth services librarian, attended the Township Council meeting on April 4 to share the success of the annual event. The library…
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Hazlet to welcome new above-ground pool business
By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer HAZLET — At Home Recreation, LLC is holding a grand opening of its fourth store at 370 Route 36 in Hazlet. The company, owned and operated by the Ventrice family, who owned Branch Brook Co. from 1938 to 2005, returns to the township after more than 30 years. During…
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Brush fires in Sayreville remind residents to be careful during dry spell
By Jacqueline Durett Correspondent SAYREVILLE — A three-alarm brush fire that ran along the Conrail train tracks last week was actually four separate fires, according to Borough Fire Chief George Gawron. “They were all related,” he said, “but just different locations.” How many acres the fires consumed is still being determined by the fire-prevention department,…
