Category: Independent News

  • Marlboro resident, 37, running for Congress

    Libertarian candidateKen Chazotte stateskey points in platform BY ANNIKA MENGISENCorrespondent Libertarian candidate Ken Chazotte states key points in platform BY ANNIKA MENGISEN Correspondent Ken Chazotte of Marlboro, a Libertarian candidate for Congress, discusses his platform with supporters at a recent event. MARLBORO — The township is home to a resident who wants to serve his…

  • Pollinger to step down as police chief this year

    BY VINCE ECHAVARIAStaff Writer BY VINCE ECHAVARIA Staff Writer John Pollinger MIDDLETOWN — Police Chief John Pollinger said he will step down from the position at the end of the year due to frustrations over a lack of changes needed for the department to handle increased demands. Pollinger, 52, who has served the top position…

  • Township to purchase 5.17 acres of open space

    BY VINCE ECHAVARIAStaff Writer BY VINCE ECHAVARIA Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — The Township Committee has finally come to an agreement to purchase over 5 acres of wooded property in the Leonardo section. The committee reached an agreement to acquire 5.17 acres of land owned by the Dempsey family, for a cost of $1.32 million, under…

  • Township to sell off 14-acre lot in Holmdel

    BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer HAZLET — In an effort to help reduce the municipal tax rate, the township is selling a 14-acre lot of land. The area, located in Holmdel off Middle Road near Leocadia Court, is currently being appraised after Holmdel Township assessed the patch of land at $417,000.…

  • School district working to improve math scores

    BY MICHELLE ROSENBERGStaff Writer BY MICHELLE ROSENBERG Staff Writer MATAWAN — Student math scores on state standardized tests were lower this year while language arts scores went up. The New Jersey Assessment Test results were presented at the July 19 Board of Education meeting by Caroline Pond, district director of testing and special programs. The…

  • Middletown schools short four assistant principals

    BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — With less than six weeks left before school starts, the Board of Education still has to fill 10 staff vacancies, including four assistant principal positions. Although these spots, which are anticipated to be filled by the first day of school, Sept. 7, have yet…

  • Police arrest piano teacher on sex charge

    Observationof sexual conduct among charges BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer Observation of sexual conduct among charges BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer Police arrested and charged a 67-year-old Middletown piano teacher and convicted sex offender after he allegedly videotaped his students secretly while they were using his bathroom. And the number of victims could reach 100, Middletown…

  • Council introduces bond for a waterfront park

    BY VINCE ECHAVARIAStaff Writer BY VINCE ECHAVARIA Staff Writer KEYPORT — The Borough Council is taking initial steps toward plans for a waterfront park. At the July 20 meeting, the council voted 6-0 to introduce a $1 million bond ordinance for the construction of a waterfront park and the reconstruction of American Legion Drive. Councilman…

  • Photo

    CHRIS KELLY staff Participants at the Middletown Ramblers Square Dance Club’s Family Barn Dance create an eight-person star at the Croydon Hall Senior Center July 23.