DAVE BENJAMIN Police officers inspect the damage done to a Jackson school district bus after it was struck by a landscaping trailer on the morning of March 9 on East Commodore Boulevard. The driver of the bus was hospitalized. For staff writer Dave Benjamin's story, see page 25. More ... Fatal accident shocks Jackson Memorial H.S. March 7 crash claims lives of brother and sister on way to school BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       A light coating of snow may have been a contributing factor that caused a 1996 Nissan Maxima to swerve off Freehold Road and strike a tree on the morning of March 7, killing two Jackson Memorial High School students. More ... Howell schools are expected to introduce $108M budget Tax impact unclear because of revaluation BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer       The K-8 Howell Board of Education was expected to introduce a $108,583,670 budget for the 2007-08 school year at a special meeting to be held this week. The budget is tentative and subject to change before it is formally adopted by the board after a public hearing to be held March 2... More ... Planners say yes to church BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - The Planning Board has approved an application from the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church to build a 500-seat church with a fellowship hall, offices and classroom space on a 15-acre parcel at the southwest intersection of Church and Kent roads. More ... School bus driver injured on East Commodore Blvd. BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Two days after a motor vehicle accident on Freehold Road left two Jackson Memorial High School siblings dead, a March 9 accident on East Commodore Boulevard sent a school bus driver, a school bus aide and four children to area hospitals. More ... Malone bill signed into law       Gov. Jon Corzine visited Marlboro High School, Marlboro, on March 14 for a public signing of a bill to study teen driving safety. The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. More ... Former officials honored       PLUMSTED - The Plumsted Police Department PBA and the New Egypt Fire Company presented plaques to former Township Committee members Bonnie Quesnel and Joe Przywara at the March 7 municipal meeting in recognition and appreciation of their 16 and 13 years, respectively, of public service to th... More ... Oyster Creek a danger to county, experts say BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer       Willie deCamp was on his way up Route 9 north from Waretown on Sept. 11, 2001, shortly after two commercial jets slammed into the World Trade Center in New York City. As he passed the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Lacey Township, he saw three police cars parked in front o... More ... Oyster Creek nixes debate with experts       An environmental expert who challenged AmerGen representatives to a debate on the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station got a speedy answer. No. Richard Webster, a staff attorney at the East Environmental Law Center and teacher at the Rutgers Environmental Law Clinic, issued the... More ... County reports Ocean Ride use increased during 2006       The Ocean Ride transportation system enjoyed a banner year in 2006, with ridership up on virtually all routes, according to a press release from Ocean County. "Ocean County is the second largest county in land size in the state," Freeholder Gerry P. Little said. More ... Cop considers run for sheriff BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - Sgt. David Flaherty of the township police department has a simple reason why he is considering a run for the office of Monmouth County sheriff. "My father and mother always instilled in me that I was part of the community. They told me it was my job to make it better and to... More ... Jackson hosts first ROTC competition BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - With "Top Gun" precision, 12 Junior ROTC drill teams from high schools in New Jersey, New York and Delaware recently participated in a competition in Jackson. Air Force Junior ROTC students from Jackson Memorial and Jackson Liberty high schools hosted the event at Jackson L... More ... Jackson board introduces $132.8M budget for '07-08 BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - The Board of Education has introduced a tentative budget of $132.8 million for the 2007-08 school year. A special meeting was held March 9 to introduce the spending plan, which has been sent to the Ocean County superintendent of schools for review. More ... Defensive driving class to be held in Lakewood       The Lakewood Community School, in cooperation with American Drivers Safety Council, will sponsor a Defensive Driving - Two Point Reduction Class, March 18 at the Best Western Hotel, 1600 Route 70, Lakewood, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee is $40. The course can save students 5 percent o... More ... Howell directed to open exit at adult community       HOWELL - Township Manager Thomas Czerniecki has announced that the state Superior Court, Freehold, issued a temporary restraining order requiring Howell to remove a concrete barrier that had been placed at the Red Bud Lane exit from the Pine View Estates adult community. More ... 'The Little Mermaid' at Strand and university       Performing Arts Ensemble will present "The Little Mermaid," a music and dance fantasy for the whole family, March 25 at the historic Strand Theatre, Fourth and Clifton avenues, Lakewood. The large, fully staged production will feature professional scenery, many costumes and specia... More ... Advocates to help parents understand child's IEP       JACKSON - Parents of students who receive special education services can sometimes find the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process to be confusing and stressful. More ... Plan for 20 homes OK'd       JACKSON - The Planning Board has placed its stamp of approval on the Rutherford Estates application. The application calls for 20 homes to be built along Toms River Road in the Pinelands Village Zone, two commercial lots in the Pinelands Commercial Zone and one lot which is expected to... More ... Tour of Lakewood May 1       The Lakewood Community School is accepting reservations for the Historic Tour of Lakewood, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The tour will visit recreational and municipal facilities, schools, churches, synagogues, the Strand Theatre, and more. Lunch at Georgian Court Univer-sity is inclu... More ...