Category: Independent News

  • Four candidates seek first terms on council

    Keyport GOP hopes to break Democrats’ full control of body BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer BY KAREN E. BOWESStaff Writer Gay Lee Benedict (R) KEYPORT – On Tuesday, Republicans will attempt to regain a presence on the all-Democrat Borough Council. With four candidates vying for two spots, top campaign issues include the upcoming bulkhead…

  • Advisory board to aid with financial plans

    Bateman: Holmdel residents’ expertise a great resource BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer BY TOM CAIAZZAStaff Writer HOLMDEL – The Township Committee has approved the formation of a Financial Advisory Board, a resident commission to create long-term financial planning. The board would consist mostly of financial professionals in the community who would volunteer their time to…

  • Leadership taught as way to fight bullying

    BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer Peace Dynamics Consultants George Anthony and Lindy Crescitelli show Fairview Elementary School fifth-graders how bullies act in front of weaker kids during the “Stand Up and Lead” anti-bullying workshop last Wednesday. MIDDLETOWN – For so many young people, being bullied and taunted has almost become commonplace…

  • Brookdale to present exhibit, talks, ’40s dance

    The Center for Visual Arts gallery at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft section of Middletown, is hosting “Unleashing Endorphins,” works by artist Kathy Bruce of New York City, through Dec. 22. An opening reception will be held Nov. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m., and exhibit hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bruce works…

  • Middletown invited to Halloween Hullabaloo

    MIDDLETOWN – The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department will hold the annual Halloween Hullabaloo on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. at Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road. The event will include scarecrow building, pumpkin painting and children’s costume contests, a flashlight candy hunt and a walk through the Haunted Halls. Families will have the opportunity to…

  • Taxes, parks among the major issues in Hazlet

    Lavan and Belasco face Kolibas and Tinker with majority at stake BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer Kevin Lavan HAZLET – After enjoying several years in the majority on the Township Committee, Republicans are facing the possibility of losing their edge come Nov. 7. With the Republicans holding a 3-2 advantage, the…

  • Republicans deny claim of missing tax dollars

    Democratic campaign material alleges officials mismanaged $139K BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer HAZLET – A piece of campaign literature circulated by local Democrats alleging the mismanagement of township funds has apparently backfired. In a two-page document, the Democrats state that nearly $140,000 in township funds were “missing,” a main reasons as…

  • Parents complain of wild child in Hazlet

    Police chief says stories shared at Twp. Committee meeting were exaggerated BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer HAZLET – Reports of a 12-year-old student at Raritan Valley School going on a crime spree, bullying fellow students and vandalizing local property have been greatly exaggerated, according to the township’s police chief. The issue…

  • Keyport enters new lawsuit over leaky roof

    BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer BY KAREN E. BOWESStaff Writer KEYPORT – Apparently still leaking, the problematic roof on borough hall is the cause behind a new lawsuit aimed at recouping repair costs. On Oct. 17, the borough hired special litigation attorney Gordon Litwin to lead a suit against three parties the town believes…