Category: Independent News

  • Half-pipe trial date set

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer By josh davidson Staff Writer MATAWAN — A series of complaints by the borough’s zoning officer against a Matawan resident filed almost a year ago may finally be resolved. In April 2002, Jeremiah Hourihan, of 239 Jackson St., filed a series of complaints against Robert Anfuso, 258 Main St., for building…

  • Boro school budget calls for 15.9-cent tax hike

    By maura dowginStaff Writer Boro school budget calls for 15.9-cent tax hike By maura dowgin Staff Writer KEYPORT — The 2003-04 school budget reflects a tax increase of 15.9 cents. The Board of Education unanimously voted on March 26 to approve the $14.3 million budget that includes a $7.2 million tax levy. Board member Timothy…

  • High School North work continues on schedule

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer By josh davidson Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — With the first phase of High School North’s referendum renovation and construction work complete, some students are enjoying a brighter learning environment. "We’re very proud of what we have," Principal Barry Goldstein said. "It’s a great feeling," said N. Britt Raynor, a board member…

  • Post commander, wife visit Normandy cemetery

    Frank Romeo, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4303, Hazlet, recently traveled to the American Cemetery, Normandy, France, to honor fallen comrades, after reading a recent newspaper headline, "They died for France, but France has forgotten." Romeo was accompanied by his wife, Scherene, and the two stood by the crosses that identify the…

  • Budget hearing brings support for increase

    Hazlet sup By elaine van develdeStaff Writer Hazlet sup’t. says price to pay is minimal considering unfair aid By elaine van develde Staff Writer While the Hazlet Board of Education’s proposed budget was put to the public with a 17.8-cent per $100 of assessed property valuation hike, it did not provoke much resistance. At the…

  • Local carjacking may have been drug-related

    By elaine van develdeStaff Writer By elaine van develde Staff Writer Middletown police have released this sketch of a carjacking suspect. MIDDLETOWN — A carjacking suspect remains at large after allegedly taking a car and robbing his victim of $900. The car was recovered and the victim escaped unharmed, and police are looking for the…

  • Left-turn lane is coming to dangerous intersection

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer Left-turn lane is coming to dangerous intersection By josh davidson Staff Writer MATAWAN — Drivers making a left turn from Route 79 onto Route 516 will be slowed by changes to the roadway. Arrowed striping will be painted on the north and southbound sides of Route 79 indicating a new left-turn…

  • Swaim continues 20-year reign as head of MTEA

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer By josh davidson Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — With the goal of fighting against what she says is the unfair treatment of teachers, Diane Swaim will continue her 20-year tenure as Middletown Township Education Association president. Swaim was re-elected as union president by members of the MTEA on March 12 to begin…

  • Travel takes on new meaning for commuters

    Train, ferry passengers not deterred by high terrorist threat By elaine van develdeStaff Writer By elaine van develde Staff Writer As the tristate area remains on high alert for terrorism, riders of rail and waterways say they are feeling secure, but spooked. While thousands of ferry riders continued to take to the water to get…