Category: Independent News

  • N.J. teens honored for selfless efforts

    BY DAVE BENJAMINStaff Writer BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer Two New Jersey teenagers have been selected to receive the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. The two state honorees, Todd Stoner, 17, of Colts Neck, and Leah Wolsten, 13, of East Brunswick, were selected to represent New Jersey in the nationwide program which honors young people…

  • Essay contest offers $1,000 scholarship

    BY ELAINE VAN DEVELDEStaff Writer BY ELAINE VAN DEVELDE Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — A scholarship program sponsored by state and local government officials is aiming to bring promising young people into the fold of local politics. In a collaborative effort between area mayors and the New Jersey League of Municipalities, an essay contest will give…

  • Local immigrants find help at Keyport church

    BY VINCE ECHAVARIAStaff Writer BY VINCE ECHAVARIA Staff Writer JERRY WOLKOWITZ staff El Mesias United Methodist Church, Keyport, offers many programs to help immigrants who are living in the area. KEYPORT — El Mesias United Methodist Church has become a safe haven for some local immigrants hoping to build a new life in a new…

  • Commuter killed while crossing Route 36

    BY VINCE ECHAVARIAStaff Writer Commuter killed while crossing Route 36 BY VINCE ECHAVARIA Staff Writer HAZLET — A Holmdel man, trying to catch a bus for a commute into New York City, was killed by a car as he attempted to cross Route 36 early Feb. 11. Richard Johnson, 57, was struck by a 2002…

  • Local legends rock at Brookdale concert

    BY JOSH DAVIDSONStaff Writer BY JOSH DAVIDSON Staff Writer JAMES CALLAHAN “Southside” Johnny performed for over two hours at the concert. MIDDLETOWN — A benefit concert at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, that raised money and awareness of area charities, featured performances by some local legends. The "Straight From the Heart" concert was held at the…

  • Mid’town seeks funding to improve seafood co-op area

    BY ELAINE VAN DEVELDEStaff Writer BY ELAINE VAN DEVELDE Staff Writer The shore in Middletown near the seafood co-op. MIDDLETOWN — After years of fishing for a way to revitalize the community surrounding the Belford Seafood Cooperative, local officials are seeking state funding to support draft plans that would create a state-of-the-art commercial fishing center…

  • A Mexican immigrant’s dream for a better life

    Local day laborerbattles injury to achievethe American dream BY VINCE ECHAVARIAStaff Writer A Mexican immigrant’s dream for a better life Local day laborer battles injury to achieve the American dream BY VINCE ECHAVARIA Staff Writer JERRY WOLKOWITZ staff Day laborers wait on Maple Place, south of Broad Street, Keyport, to get picked up for possible…

  • Plaintiffs claim partial win in class action lawsuit

    Freehold Borough will repeal ordinance citing BY CLARE MARIE CELANOStaff Writer BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer Freehold Borough police officers will no longer issue summonses bearing the charge of officer’s discretion. The summons has been the object of controversy among three parties that filed a class action lawsuit against the borough on Dec. 30.…

  • Fitzgerald named chair of Republican Party

    BY JOSH DAVIDSONStaff Writer BY JOSH DAVIDSON Staff Writer ABERDEEN — The township’s GOP has a new leader. Edward Fitzgerald, 43, of Bank Street, was named chairman of the township’s Republican Party on Jan. 12, replacing Mary Kate Dillon. Fitzgerald’s conservative values led him to become involved with the Republican Party, he said. The government…