High-flying Jaguar      JEFF GRANIT staff Jackson Memorial High School's Samantha Brady sets her sights high while competing in the pole vault event at Saturday's NJSIAA Track and Field Meet of Champions in Toms River. Brady finished third in the event, clearing the bar at 11-0. More ... Jackson officials OK Hovbilt plan for 965 homes Cassville section will see construction of new units BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       With a vote of 6-3, the Jackson Planning Board has approved a 965-unit age-restricted condominium development known as Jackson Valley. The final meeting and vote on the application submitted by Hovbilt was held Monday. More ... Screening process gets support       The Western Monmouth Republican Conference - made up of GOP representatives from the western part of the county - said last week it is endorsing the concept of the Republican candidate screening committee. Conference Chairman John Costigan, of Howell, said, "Those who wish to represen... More ... Landscaper charged with failure to pay U.S. taxes       The owner of a Monmouth County landscaping and contracting business was arrested on Feb. 15 after being indicted for tax evasion, U.S. Attor-ney Christopher J. Christie announced. Christopher M. Aldarelli Sr. More ... Mexican artist Rivera featured at exhibition BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - An art exhibit featuring Mexican artist Diego Rivera was recently on display at the Carl W. Goetz Middle School. "Rivera was one of Mexico's most important painters and a major artist of the 20th century," said World Language teacher Catherine Salas, who teaches eighth-grad... More ... Police, pastor reach out to men in need of help BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Although an organized one-day effort on Jan. 25 failed to locate any homeless residents in Jackson, persistence paid off last week for those who care about people in need. Christopher Soleberry, pastor of the Hope of Glory Worship Center, reported that two homeless individu... More ... In emergency, town tries to reach out to residents BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - The old-fashioned grape-vine is what kept some residents informed and ready during the Valentine's Day ice storm that left many people without heat, power and water. Residents like Pauline Smith, who has lived in Howell since 1963, formed friendship circles and relied on one anoth... More ... Howell approves aerial spraying for mosquitoes BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - Residents may be reaching for their bug spray a little less often this year. Municipal officials have authorized the Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission to apply pesticides by aircraft over portions of Howell that have a high mosquito population. More ... Jackson officials search for head of rec & senior services dept. BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Township officials are searching for a director of recreation and senior services. According to Jackson's revised administrative code, the department of recreation and the department of senior services have been merged and will have one director. More ... Photo contest captures favorite places in N.J.       The next photo you take anywhere in New Jersey impressive enough to don a picture frame might also make its way into the New Jersey Countryside Mag-azine and on their Internet Web site. The New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism has partnered with New Jersey Countryside for a sta... More ... Lakewood abandons municipal muster zone BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       LAKEWOOD - Despite an effort on the part of municipal officials to provide a safe space for day laborers to congregate to seek work, the muster zone is now a thing of the past. More ... St. Aloysius pupils show heart BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Sixth-graders at St. Aloysius School, Bennetts Mills Road, are all heart. Students, families and teachers created three super-sized Valentine's Day baskets that have been raffled off. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the local St. Vincent de Paul conference... More ...