• Relief efforts underway for Ocean Grove fire victims

    By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer TINTON FALLS — The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross is spearheading relief efforts for nearly 30 residents displaced by a fire that destroyed a three-story building at 50 Main Ave. in Ocean Grove on Feb. 6. The fire, which broke out at 3:47 p.m., destroyed all…

  • Venison Night fundraiser slated

    The St. Joseph Council 3402 of the Knights of Columbus will host its annual Venison Night 6-9 p.m. Feb. 21 at 54 Route 35, Keyport. Proceeds will be used to purchase an ultrasound machine. Various dishes of venison will be served, along with pork, beef, chicken, and other hot and cold side dishes. The cost…

  • Keyport allocates funds to promote downtown

    By ADAM C. UZIALKO Staff Writer KEYPORT — The Keyport Bayfront Business Cooperative (KBBC) budget for the borough’s Business Improvement District (BID) will provide funding for marketing campaigns and community events designed to attract potential patrons to the borough. The $198,000 budget, which was authorized by the Borough Council on Feb. 3, is composed mostly…

  • Middletown housing grants benefit struggling homeowners

    By ADAM C. UZIALKO Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — The township has completed a final draft of a five-year plan requesting federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support its low- to moderate-income home rehabilitation program. The funds, which would be provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, would support repair projects…

  • Residents comment on sign-stealing issue

    This letter concerns The Independent’s Jan. 22 article, “Holmdel Firefighters Face Charges in Alleged Theft of Campaign Signs.” Holmdel’s 2014 mayor and Township Committee dissolved Holmdel’s volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in southern Holmdel. For years, we had two 24/7 fire departments depending fully on volunteers. The current Township Committee claimed that Fire Company No.…

  • Photo

    STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR One of the many colorful orchids that were on display at the 18th annual Deep Cut Orchid Society show at Dearborn Market, Holmdel. The show ran Feb. 5-8.

  • School district to assess facilities

    By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Township School District Board of Education looks to hire an architectural firm to assess the condition of its 17 district facilities. Board members heard a proposal by Steven Siegel, a senior associate and project manager with Spiezle Architectural Group of Trenton for a district-wide facilities…

  • Day of wine & chocolate

    PHOTOS BY MATT DENTON Clockwise from top: Greater Media Newspapers hosted a Chocolate & Wine Festival at Branches in West Long Branch on Feb. 7. More than 1,500 attendees came from across the state. Denise Bioland, left, and Paula Benanti admire Erin Williscroft’s work. Melissa Diller reaches for a sweet treat. Patrons waited in line…

  • Mater Dei supporters aim to save school

    By GREG KENNELTY Staff Writer The Mater Dei Prep school community is rallying to raise funds to keep the school open beyond the end of this school year. GREG KENNELTY/STAFF Parents, students, faculty and alumni of Mater Dei Prep in Middletown have launched Save the Seraphs, a campaign aimed at keeping the financially struggling school…

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