Category: Independent News

  • Wanted: A home of its own for avant-garde company

    Forced out by redevelopment, The Black Box seeks a new venue BY KAREN DeMASTERS Correspondent BY KAREN DeMASTERSCorrespondent The Black Box of Asbury Park, an avant-garde arts and theater company, is sharing space with other arts organizations while looking for a new venue. Pictured are scenes from past productions. The Black Box is once again…

  • Winter picnic

    SCOTT PILLING staff Patricia Narine (l) stands at the front of the line during the Indoor Winter Picnic held for senior citizens on Jan. 12, Croydon Hall, Middletown.

  • Smokers say ban in bars is a drag

    Smoke-Free Air Act scheduled to take effect in the spring BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer BY TOM CAIAZZAStaff Writer SCOTT PILLING staff Smokers will take their last puff in public places on April 15 when the Smoke-Free Air Act takes effect in New Jersey. Patricia Woodrow is “leaving the state.” The Matawan resident is planning…

  • Teen convicted for school blaze

    Fire disrupted classes, caused $2M in damages BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer BY TOM CAIAZZAStaff Writer A juvenile accused of setting fire to the Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School on Labor Day 2004 was convicted of aggravated arson on Jan. 5. According to a press release from Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin, two minors climbed onto…

  • Audience plays a role in midnight tradition

    BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer BY TOM CAIAZZAStaff Writer Riff Raff and Magenta welcome the wayward travelers, Brad and Janet, during a midnight showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Strathmore theater on Route 34 in Aberdeen. ABERDEEN — Teens have issues. The past three decades have seen the destruction of the nuclear…

  • Renters will no longer vote in KBA elections

    BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer BY KAREN E. BOWESStaff Writer KEYPORT — Despite public outcry, the Borough Council approved changes to the Keyport Business Alliance (KBA) bylaws that disallows business space renters from voting in future KBA elections. With the council split by a 3-3 vote, Mayor John Merla cast the tie-breaking vote in…

  • Man accused of sexual assault

    MATAWAN — A borough man was arrested last week and charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Guy H. Fisher, 47, was charged by Matawan police on Thursday with endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated criminal sexual contact, according to Detective Sgt. Ben Smith of the Matawan Police Department. Smith said the alleged…

  • State awards $125K grant for arts center

    MIDDLETOWN — State Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth/Middlesex) announced last week that the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Center, which is currently under construction, has been awarded a state grant in the amount of $125,000. The funding will be used for an accessible lift for people using wheelchairs, special seating to accommodate those in wheelchairs, an…

  • Police charge man in Route 36 burglaries

    BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer MIDDLETOWN — Local police have charged a man with burglarizing a number of businesses and attempting to burglarize others. Gerard DeMary, 40, who was staying at the Leonardo Motel on Route 36 and also used a Twilight Avenue address in Keansburg, was charged with eight burglaries…