Category: Independent News

  • Matawan plans style changes for downtown

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer Matawan plans style changes for downtown By josh davidson Staff Writer MATAWAN — The Borough Council hopes to preserve and revitalize the historic feel of its downtown with its streetscape program. "The purpose is to get all of Main Street into a streetscape character," Borough Engineer Robert Bucco said. The program…

  • Train station improvements planned

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer By josh davidson Staff Writer The lure of increased downtown business from commuters has caused the borough of Matawan and the township of Aberdeen to join together to improve the areas surrounding the Aberdeen-Matawan train station. "It’s a very exciting time for Matawan," Borough Administrator Joseph P. Leo said. "We’ve been…

  • 2 charged with peddling drugs

    2 charged with peddling drugs HOLMDEL — Two people from Newark were arrested at the Holmdel Motor Inn on Route 35 last week by police and charged with drug offenses. Christina Maria Kyiazis, 21, and Deon Kirby, 29, both of Van Ness Terrace, Newark, were arrested July 22 and charged with possession of cocaine, possession…

  • New fire truck squeezes – almost – into its home

    By elaine van develdeStaff Writer By elaine van develde Staff Writer HOLMDEL — Bigger is still better even though the fit is flawed. That’s what fire officials are saying about their new truck that’s just a little too big for its home. They’re not worried; they say better to accommodate size than to forsake safety.…

  • Coast Guard called out for two water rescues

    MIDDLETOWN — Smooth sailing is easier for some than for others. In the past week, the U.S. Coast Guard has rescued two boats that ran aground in and around Sandy Hook. A call was made at 1:09 p.m. June 22 to the Coast Guard station at Sandy Hook, said Petty Officer Jason Olsen. "The Tradition,…

  • Old cell phones raise money for women’s group

    Keeping hotline openis top priorityafter funding cut By darlene dieboldStaff Writer Keeping hotline open is top priority after funding cut By darlene diebold Staff Writer KEYPORT — It all began with 10 cellular telephones. 180, Turning Lives Around is collecting old, unused cellular telephones, and is receiving $5 for each phone from Verizon Wireless. The…

  • Ethics charges filed against councilman

    Keyport borough attorney implicated in ethics codeviolations By darlene dieboldStaff Writer Keyport borough attorney implicated in ethics code violations By darlene diebold Staff Writer Keyport Borough Councilman Brian T. Stalter’s political career may be on the line. Mayor Kevin Graham is calling for the resignation of Borough Attorney Wesley Kain and Stalter, after filing ethics…

  • School board is expected to accept mediator’s proposal

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer School board is expected to accept mediator’s proposal By josh davidson Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — A settlement of the Middletown Township Education Association’s contract with the school district may be one step closer to reality. The Middletown Township Board of Education negotiations committee has accepted salary guide recommendations made by a…

  • Arrested for thefts, pair also face drug charges

    By elaine van develdeStaff Writer By elaine van develde Staff Writer HOLMDEL — What looked like a shoplifting spree turned into a drug bust. It all started when police responded to a call reporting a suspicious male in the Blockbuster video store in the Holmdel Town Center on Route 35 July 17 at 1:12 p.m.…