Category: Independent News

  • Prosecutor alleges ‘horrific’ sex crimes

    Handyman accused of using job to assault, film children in two counties BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer BY TOM CAIAZZAStaff Writer Clement Bilski Jr. The videotaped footage found in the home of a local handyman was enough to “test the sensibilities of some of the most hardened police officers,” according to one veteran law enforcement…

  • Echoes of the past at Red Bank Train Station

    Artist creates glass panels with vintage scenes for transit stop BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer BY LAYLI WHYTEStaff Writer The new artwork that was installed recently at the Red Bank Train Station was overseen by artist J. Kenneth Leap. The art consists of glass panels with transparent historic photographs depicting scenes in the borough. RED…

  • Suspect kept low profile in former neighborhood

    Elberon shocked to learn of allegations against Bilski BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer BY TOM CAIAZZAStaff Writer MIGUEL JUAREZ staff This is the former Long Branch residence of Clement Bilski Jr. It was a carriage house set back from the main house on Lincoln Avenue in the Elberon section. LONG BRANCH – The upscale Elberon…

  • Eclectic gallery offers choices for art lovers

    Paintings, sculpture, blown glass and more at Beacon Fine Arts BY LINDA DeNICOLA Staff Writer BY LINDA DeNICOLAStaff Writer SCOTTFRIEDMAN Sharon Hathaway shows Spencer Page and Maria Mager of Freehold original serigraphs by artist Jim Buckles at Beacon Fine Arts Gallery. Beacon Fine Arts Gallery in Red Bank is a wonderful place to get lost…

  • Twp. expected to adopt 12¢ tax-rate hike

    BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer HAZLET – At a special meeting Aug. 16, the Township Committee introduced amendments to its 2006 budget meant to adjust for the $450,000 in extraordinary state aid that the township recently received. The township was originally facing a 17-cent municipal tax-rate increase and had asked for…

  • A ‘Happening’ party

    Above: Gabriella Raad, 4, takes a photo of her grandmother and mother, Margaret Matthews and Lauren Raad, during a concert by The Happenings at Normandy Park in Middletown on Thursday. Below: The Covino family, Brenda, Fred and daughter Courtney, have a good time. Bottom: Bob Kulik of The Happenings belts out a song. PHOTOSBYMIGUEL JUAREZ…

  • KBA sparks controversy by canceling Fall Festival

    BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer BY KAREN E. BOWESStaff Writer “I didn’t know they were canceling the event. … Maybe there were other options.” – Robert Bergen Councilman KEYPORT – The Keyport Business Alliance (KBA) is “operating illegally,” according to one councilman. On Aug. 15, Councilman Robert Bergen criticized the local business group for…

  • Dung luck: $5K prize for Cow Pie Bingo win

    BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer MIDDLETOWN – We all know that cows produce milk on a regular basis. They also produce pie, and we don’t mean apple or cherry. For the fourth year in a row, Middletown Reformed Church will sponsor Cow Pie Bingo, a fundraiser where the winner can raise…