Category: Independent News

  • President pulls out of race to promote accord Middletown leader calls on union leaders to step down also

    Staff Writer By alison granito President pulls out of race to promote accord Middletown leader calls on union leaders to step down also Middletown Board of Education President Patricia Walsh announced her decision to step down from the board when her term ends in April and to withdraw from the race for her third term.…

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    FARRAH MAFFAI Melissa Nicolato dances to “Philadelphia Freedom” during a schoolwide Celebrate America variety show at Harmony School in Middletown Friday.

  • Holmdel mayor thought teens were vandals Charged with restraining and pointing a rifle at 17-year-old girl

    Staff Writer By darlene diebold Holmdel mayor thought teens were vandals Charged with restraining and pointing a rifle at 17-year-old girl Art Davey The Holmdel Township Committee was scheduled to hold a closed-session meeting early Tuesday morning to discuss Mayor Art Davey’s recent arrest on assault and weapons charges. Township Attorney Duane Davison met with…

  • Mat-Ab seeking approval

    for tentative $38.5M plan State expected to cover 30-40% of cost; Sept. 24 referendum date set By Alison Granito Staff Writer ABERDEEN — After years of planning by the school district and speculation in the community, it is finally official. Voters in Aberdeen and Matawan will be asked to decide on a school construction referendum…

  • Andy’s closes after 40 years on Main Street Despite retirement, barber Andy Grzelak has no plans to slow down

    Staff Writer By alison granito Andy’s closes after 40 years on Main Street Despite retirement, barber Andy Grzelak has no plans to slow down ALISON GRANITO On his last day at his Matawan barbershop, Andy Grzelak gives longtime customer Frank Carlomango, Morganville, a farewell trim. MATAWAN — A Main Street institution closed its doors for…

  • Hook offers close view of plan, history, hopes

    Staff Writer By elaine van develde COURTESY GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, SANDY HOOK MUSEUM COLLECTION Officers and their dates enjoy an evening at the Officers Club in 1945. Built of red brick in 1878 and expanded four times over the years, the building, although in dire need of repair (r), still retains its integrity, according…

  • Matawan fire companies to accept tattered flags

    Midway Hose Co. and Hook and Ladder Co. plan flag display, street adoption By Alison Granito Staff Writer MATAWAN — With the surge of patriotism after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, more people hung the stars and stripes on their homes and businesses. With more flags in circulation, more flags will have to be disposed…

  • Contract renewed over objection of fire chief

    Contract renewed over objection of fire chief Pontrelli says township no longer needs Old Village Co.’s coverage By darlene diebold Staff Writer HOLMDEL — Against the wishes of Fire Chief Ron Pontrelli, the Township Committee at the Feb. 25 meeting unanimously approved renewing a $20,360 contract with Old Village Fire Company, Middletown, to provide first-response…

  • ‘Officer Jay’ a hit with Matawan school kids Detective Jason Gallo may become full-time juvenile officer

    Staff Writer By alison granito ‘Officer Jay’ a hit with Matawan school kids Detective Jason Gallo may become full-time juvenile officer FARRAH MAFFAI Matawan school resource officer Jason Gallo is a hit with students at Ravine Drive Elementary School and Matawan Avenue Middle School. MATAWAN — When Detective Jason Gallo walks into a classroom at…