Category: Independent News

  • Agency responds to criticism about COAH

    Department of Community Affairs addresses new affordable housing regulations BY DANIEL HOWLEY and JAMIE ROMM Staff Writers The state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) wants to set the record straight on what it says are “ludicrous” claims criticizing the new affordable housing regulations in New Jersey. The DCA issued a statement last week saying that…

  • New pastor drawn by close-knit congregation

    First Presbyterian Church welcomes the Rev. Loril Hawk BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer MATAWAN — The First Presbyterian Church welcomed a new pastor in September, and she has set high goals for her new ministry. “I am on my way to becoming an East Coaster,” said the newly installed the Rev. Loril Hawk. Hawk,…

  • Aberdeen man pleads guilty in cat killings

    BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer ABERDEEN — Anthony Appolonia, 50, of Aberdeen, has pleaded guilty to 19 counts of third-degree animal cruelty in connection with the torture and killing of 19 cats, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. Appolonia entered his guilty plea before state Superior Court Judge Edward M. Neafsey in Freehold on…

  • Residents get look at twp. budget process

    Forum provides insight into municipal balancing act BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer HOLMDEL — Some township residents now have a better understanding of the municipal budget, after attending a presentation by the township’s administrator, sponsored by a local advocacy group. Citizens for Informed Land Use (CILU), a group dedicated to encouraging intelligent land-use policies,…

  • District expands use of Parent Resource Center

    All district schools will have access to support programs BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer ABERDEEN — Parents can access additional support for their students through the Parent Resource Center instituted by the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. “Teachers and staff maintain this program as a service to parents in the district,” said Darlene Gallagher, spokesperson…

  • Developer, twp. open dialogue on Lucent site

    Zucker: Somerset is not a high-density developer BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer HOLMDEL — Somerset Development, contract purchaser of the former Bell Labs property, held a town hall-style meeting Sept. 24 to share ideas with and receive feedback from the community regarding the redevelopment of the site on Crawford’s Corner Road. FRANK GALIPO Representatives…

  • Turf hits the curb at H.S. North

    BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — With work on the turf field at High School North set to begin, residents and board members have been wondering about one thing: What would be done with the turf already on the field? Board of Education member Joan Minnuies has said that rumors have been circulating throughout…

  • Keyport hosts a jamboree

    KEYPORT — An old-fashioned street fair featuring live music and entertainment, a contest for the best homemade cakes, pies and jams, and the best chili around, returns to downtown Keyport on Oct. 11 and 12. The Keyport Country Jamboree and Chili Fest will take place on West Front Street, which will be closed to traffic…

  • A cutting edge

    CHRIS KELLY staff Norman Nelson (center) watches as Michael (l-r) and Bryce Casabianca, of Union Beach, and Stephen Harnett, Hazlet, and Philip Willa, Tinton Falls, learn to saw through a log the old-fashioned way during the Harvest Home Festival at Longstreet Farm in Holmdel on Sept. 28.