Category: Independent News

  • Board member’s residence questioned

    By maura dowginStaff Writer Board member’s residence questioned By maura dowgin Staff Writer HOLMDEL — Longtime Planning Board member Paul Kraus’ residency came under fire last week as the board questioned his eligibility to serve as a member. The board voted 6-3 in favor of sending a letter to the Township Committee recommending it investigate…

  • Police Department mourns loss of beloved employee

    By maura dowginStaff Writer Police Department mourns loss of beloved employee By maura dowgin Staff Writer KEYPORT — A beloved borough employee passed away recently. Lucille Royster, 57, worked for the borough for 13 years, said borough Fire Chief and Patrolman Ken Marr. Lucille was known as "Lou," "Shu Shu," "Aunt Shu," and "Nana." Royster,…

  • Recreation structure causes resident battle

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer By josh davidson Staff Writer MATAWAN — A structure used for skateboarding and biking has caused a borough resident to file a formal complaint against his neighbor. Jeremiah Hourihan, of 239 Jackson St., has filed a complaint against Robert Anfuso, a resident of 258 Main St., for building a structure called…

  • Relevance of architect’s testimony questioned

    Relevance of architect’s testimony questioned MIDDLETOWN — Viability without a variance and the relevance of architectural testimony without a site plan became the cornerstones of debate at the most recent Zoning Board hearing on the proposed 137.5-acre town center Nov. 12. The developer of the proposed $150 million town center — which calls for 1.7…

  • Judge releases Keyport teen to home detention

    By maura dowginStaff Writer Judge releases Keyport teen to home detention By maura dowgin Staff Writer KEYPORT — Eric Burke was scheduled to go home Monday. Burke, 18, was being held on charges in connection with the death of a 20-year-old Keansburg man in Union Beach last month. Burke was granted home detention Nov. 14…

  • Race raises $5K for teen

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer By josh davidson Staff Writer MATAWAN — Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the Matawan 5K race went on and raised over $5,000 for Adam Panella, 16, a Matawan Regional High School student with leukemia. "This is our third year doing it, and it seems to get better every year," said Joan O’…

  • Grading changes may be in district’s future

    Ad hoc panel to present recommendations by MarchBy maura dowginStaff Writer Grading changes may be in district’s future by March By maura dowgin Staff Writer HOLMDEL — The school district is reconsidering its grading system for its students. The Board of Education has appointed an ad hoc committee to assess the grading system. The committee…

  • Open space question OK’d on municipal, county ballots

    By elaine van develdeStaff Writer Open space question OK’d on municipal, county ballots By elaine van develde Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — Residents will now put their two cents in toward saving open space in the township. A municipal 1-cent per $100 of assessed property valuation tax was overwhelmingly approved at the polls Nov. 5. Of…

  • Independent Aumiller played ‘spoiler’ in race

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer By josh davidson Staff Writer HOLMDEL — Independent Party candidate Gary D. Aumiller and his running mate finished the Township Committee election race with the fewest votes of the six candidates. Aumiller received 566 votes and his running mate incumbent Art Davey received 451 votes. Aumiller and Davey ran on the…