Policy aims to address neighborhood traffic Howell officials trying to respond to concerns BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       Traffic is a problem in some Howell neighborhoods and municipal officials are preparing to do something about it. A Neighborhood Traffic Management Policy has been presented to members of the Township Council for their consideration. More ... Cast will feed Audrey II       Jackson Liberty High School freshman Dylan Kaplan will give voice to the man-eating plant Audrey II when the musical "Little Shop of Horrors" is presented at the school. For staff writer Dave Benjamin's story, see page 18. More ... Great Adventure to host Race for the Cure in Oct. "We are thrilled with our new location and anticipate our constituents will continue their support of the Race for the Cure... ." - Nancy Healey BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - There is a new partnership in south central New Jersey. "Today we launch our new name, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and our new logo," said Nancy Healey, executive director of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central and South New Jersey Affiliate, Lawrence-ville. More ... State court knocks down affordable housing rules Attorney believes regional approach is what judges want BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer       An Appellate Court threw New Jersey's latest round of affordable housing rules out the window on Jan. 25. The ruling means that many local officials who were planning how their towns would provide affordable housing now through 2014 may have to rethink the way they were going to do that. More ... Husband kills wife in car, turns gun on himself       HOWELL - A township woman who filed for divorce in January was shot and killed by her husband as she sat in her car in the parking lot of a local shopping center on the afternoon of Feb. 11. A short time later, the man shot and killed himself in the driveway of a township residence as ... More ... Jackson police charge two drivers with DWI BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - In a pair of incidents that occurred within hours of each other, two Jackson residents were arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. According to a press release issued by Jackson police Sgt. Steven Laskiewicz, at about 10:38 Feb. 4, Police Officer Theodore Kuco... More ... Transportation officials searching for an answer 3 construction options are being considered for Halls Mill Road BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - A federal project is expected to address the need for road improvements on the portion of Halls Mill Road between Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524) and Three Brooks Road. Transportation officials are presently considering which of three possible construction proje... More ... Law to require builders to install second meter BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - When the Township Council meets on Feb. 20 its members will consider the adoption of an ordinance aimed at helping people get a handle on water use. An ordinance that was introduced on Jan. 16 requires the installation of two meters that will be used to seperately measure in... More ... Audrey II getting ready to stir up 'Little Shop' BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer      JACKSON — With a cry of "Feed me, feed me," a man-eating plant will take to the stage at Jackson Liberty High School for the new school’s first major production. Joining the hungry plant, Audrey II, will be the cast of "Little Shop of Horrors," directed by Nicole Mathias with the assistance of Roge... More ... Affordable housing remains an issue for 2 municipalities       An Appellate Court ruling on Jan. 25 that invalidated the state Council on Affordable Housing's (COAH) third-round methodology has left local officials up in the air as they must now wait for the council to recalculate the number of affordable housing units that will have to be provided throu... More ... Public comment finished on Hovbilt application Planning Board members will have say on 965-unit condo project on Feb. 26 BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - With 52 members of the public testifying a total of 118 times during 11 meetings, the public portion of the Hovbilt application has drawn to a close. When the Planning Board meets on Feb. More ... Library slates activities       HOWELL - The Friends of Howell Library have planned a weeklong celebration of special programs and activities to highlight the library during February. The February Friends Festival kicks off the week with the following schedule: + Feb. 18, 3 p.m. - the Howell High School a cappella s... More ... Law adds fine for minibike use       HOWELL - The Township Council will update Howell's minibike ordinance to provide penalties for anyone who violates the law. The council introduced the ordinance on Jan. 16 and will consider it for final passage and adoption at its meeting on Feb. 20. More ... BlueClaws will host annual FanFest on Feb. 17       LAKEWOOD - With Opening Day less than two months away, the Lakewood BlueClaws will unofficially open the season on Feb. 17 with their seventh annual FanFest, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at FirstEnergy Park, New Hampshire and Cedar Bridge avenues. More ... Trio given probation in financial scheme       On Feb. 2, Murad Kassin, 32, of Long Branch, Fred Harari, 44, of West Long Branch, and Michael Adjmi, 47, of Eatontown, were sentenced to a five-year period of probation in connection with the criminal misuse of their corporation, American Dream Home Furnishings Inc., to defraud CitiFinan-cia... More ... Senior programs renewed by Ocean freeholder board       Ocean County's seniors can continue to count on support from the Ocean County Board of Freehold-ers for such important programs as health screenings and education to caregiver support services. Three dozen contracts for senior programs were recently approved by the freeholders, accordin... More ... Lakewood man charged with home invasion       JACKSON - A 26-year-old Lakewood man was arrested by Lakewood police on outstanding complaints signed by Jackson police Detective Scott Conover. According to information provided by Jackson police, on Jan. 17, Darrius Nash, of Lakewood, was arrested and charged in connection with... More ... Comcast coat drive will help keep people warm       Comcast Cable of New Jersey announced it will donate thousands of new coats to help New Jersey's homeless and others in need stay warmer this winter. For the month of February, Comcast will donate a new coat for every Triple Play bundle order placed throughout the Garden State. More ... Second phase of jail expansion to receive OK       The Ocean County Board of Freeholders has introduced an ordinance appropriating $5 million to continue the preliminary work to expand the Ocean County jail on Hooper Avenue in Toms River. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 21. More ... Owner of animal supply stores honored at dinner       A love for horses and a desire to start a business from scratch resulted in a thriving four-store animal supply business for Rick Wills, the owner of Rick's Saddle Shop, and now have earned him the title of 2006 Horseperson of the Year. More ... Jackson pupils reach out to help S.D. reservation BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - It is very cold in the winter on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. There is a great need for warm clothing as the cold Arctic winds blow across the Badlands and straight to the doorways of the Oglala Lakota homes. More ... Siblings excited about roles in college play       Three siblings who have been cast in Brookdale Community College's first African-American production said they feel privileged to be a part of history. Brookdale's Performing Arts Center (PAC) will pay tribute to February as Black History Month with the powerful drama of a young black m... More ... BCC annual Guitar Show on Feb. 18       MIDDLETOWN - Continuing a decade-long tradition, Brookdale Public Radio 90.5 The Night's 10th annual guitar show will be held Feb. 18 at the Donald D. Warner Student Life Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A special gift package will be presented to the first 100 people entering the show. More ...