• Salamanders, frogs make annual Beekman Road crossing

    By JEREMY GROSSMAN Staff Writer In early spring, Beekman Road is closed to protect amphibians, like this tiny frog, that cross the road to breed in the vernal pools in the forest. JEREMY GROSSMAN/STAFF Rick and Danielle Patufka have lived near Beekman Road for nearly 30 years, but only recently did they discover the road’s…

  • Proposed legislation is worthy of support

    New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, but not strict enough to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and stalkers. Last year, there were 14 domestic abuse-related murdersuicides in New Jersey. On average, 47 women are murdered by gun monthly in America at the hands of…

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    MATT DENTON Easter cupcakes are ready to be served following the Millstone Township Easter Egg Hunt at Wagner Farm on March 28.

  • Sammy’s Hope aims to find homes for black cats, dogs

    By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer Erica SAYREVILLE — A pet adoption center will offer an incentive to adopt black cats and dogs, typically the most difficult animals to place with “forever families.” During the month of April, Sayreville-based Sammy’s Hope is reducing the adoption fee for black and black-white cats to $50 and will send…

  • Federal review of Sandy claims could be costly

    By ADAM C. UZIALKO Staff Writer Homeowners whose superstorm Sandy flood insurance payouts are slated for federal review could find that they must return some of the recovery funds awarded through other programs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last month announced plans to set up a review process for residents who believe they were…

  • Old Bridge adopts $52.6M budget, keeps tax rate flat

    By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer OLD BRIDGE — Township residents will enjoy a stable tax rate on the municipal portion of their property tax bill this year. With the tax rate holding at 95 cents per $100 of assessed valuation — and without a reliance on one-shot revenues — the Township Council voted unanimously to…

  • Rupp’s store changes hands, but not heart, after 62 years

    By ADAM C. UZIALKO Staff Writer Top, from left: Gary Kessler, a supplier of Rupp’s Sayreville Ace Hardware, presents Andy and Ray Rupp with a golden hammer to commemorate the end of their tenure as owners of the local hardware store. Andy and Ray are the second generation to operate the business, which was founded…

  • County jail seeks to improve justice system

    By ADAM C. UZIALKO Staff Writer The search for more effective alternatives to the solitary confinement of prisoners has spurred a partnership between a nonprofit and five correctional facilities, including the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center. The North Brunswick-based correctional facility was chosen from among 14 applicants to partner with the Vera Institute of Justice,…

  • Candy sweetens spring holidays

    By TAYLOR M. LIER Staff Writer David Gunther pours chocolate out of one of the many molds used at Old Monmouth Candies in Freehold on March 24. The shop owners say the chocolate bunnies represent the start of spring. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR New Jersey candy factories have discovered new ways to satisfy a customer’s…

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