Category: Independent News

By CHRISTINE BARCIA Staff Writer Mise en place is a French culinary term that means “putting in place.” For chefs, having ingredients prepared and arranged before the cooking process begins allows for greater organization and efficiency in executing a recipe. Applying that concept in everyday life can bring that same organization to almost any task.… Continue reading New year offers opportunity to organize

By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer In the start of a new tradition, the Matawan police department recognized several of its officers for their outstanding service and dedication with actions taken while in the line of duty, and while off duty, too. “What we have tonight is a small segment of our new awards and… Continue reading Matawan officers recognized for their feats on and off duty

By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer Throughout the last several years, the function of a public library has slowly begun to alter — going from a place to check-out books, to a hub of activity with something for patrons of every age and skill level to do. “The gist of the modern library is changing… Continue reading Matawan Aberdeen Library turns the page to turn to the future

By CHRISTINE BARCIA Staff Writer Gracie West, a seventh-grader at the Barkalow Middle School, Freehold Township, has been battling cancer for two years and recent scans showed no evidence of the disease. In December 2014, Gracie traveled to Rome and received a blessing from Pope Francis. CHRISTINE BARCIA/STAFF Gracie West literally jumped for joy with… Continue reading Youngster shows strength in battle against cancer

MILESTONES Annmarie Schaller and Luis Manuel Dahl Annmarie Schaller of Keyport, daughter of the late Martin Schaller and the late Rita Marie Schaller of Laurence Harbor, and Luis Manuel Dahl, son of the late George Dahl and Lucy Dahl of Old Bridge and son of the late Enrique Gonzalez and Carmen Cruz of Utuado, Puerto… Continue reading Schaller-Dahl

NEPTUNE — Children in the Kids Café program receive a hot meal each day during their after-school programs. However, when schools are closed, many families struggle. The grocery chain, Wegmans, wanted to help those families. So Wegmans teamed up with The Food- Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to distribute a frozen turkey and bag… Continue reading Local families receive holiday meals

Investigators have arrested a Middletown man and charged him with making a pair of bomb threats at the Freehold AMC movie theaters at Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, Monmouth County Acting Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced. The prosecutor said Jesse Carroll, 22, of Middletown, who is an employee of the Freehold AMC theaters, was arrested… Continue reading Middletown man charged with making threats at mall theater

PHOTOS BY KATHY McBAIN/STAFF Greater Media Newspapers held a holiday food drive in the Manalapan office from Dec. 9-21. Donations were brought to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in Neptune.

HOLMDEL—A Tuesday morning fire broke out in a home in Holmdel just weeks before the homeowners were set to move in. The Holmdel Police Department responded to an unoccupied home on Hop Brook Lane just after 2 a.m. on Dec. 22. The home was newly constructed and was approximately two weeks away from being occupied… Continue reading Holmdel home damaged in fire

TOP PICK iPlay America rings in the New Year with a blast during the Fifth annual New Year’s Eve Bash from 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31. iPlay America’s New Year’s Eve Party pass includes unlimited rides and attractions, a $10 game card, party favors, spectacular prizes and giveaways throughout the evening, a confetti cannon,… Continue reading Race, ride and party into 2016