CHRIS KELLY staff The Yankees' Jason Schet comes off the bag to keep the ball in the infield as Connor Boyle of the Mets steals second base during a Howell Central Little League game on March 31 in Howell. The players in the Minor League are 9 and 10 years old. More ... Howell residents face higher school taxes $108.6 million budget will be voted on April 17 BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       Howell resident Darrell Zimmerman expressed his frustration about an impending tax increase to the Howell Board of Education during a public hearing on the school district's budget for the 2007-08 school year. During a meeting held March 28 at Howell Middle School North, Squankum-Ye... More ... Bonds will help to pay for recreation upgrades BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - A bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements, including the acquisition of capital equipment and recreation fields, has been adopted by the Township Council in a 5-0 vote. The ordinance authorizes the issuance of $7.1 million in bonds and notes to finance a p... More ... Amy Rosen       Around Town Dr. Spock never mentioned juggling When kids come into our lives, wouldn't it be nice if they brought along an instruction manual? Although there are plenty of books on the subject, each parent has their own style. I suppose we all develop our individua... More ...      MIGUEL JUAREZ staff Russell Woolnough, of Jackson, took advantage of some balmy weather on a recent morning to fish the waters of Lake Carasaljo, Lakewood. More ... Residents rally for sick child       JACKSON - Area residents are being asked to show their support for a 3-year-old Jackson girl, Colleen Nagy, who suffers from acute myeloid leukemia. The fundraiser will take place on April 7 from 1-3 p.m. at the White Butterfly, 200 N. County Line Road. More ... Communication is top job for police dept. dispatchers Telecommunicators fill key role for officers and members of the public BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Whether you call 911 or your local police department's telephone number in an emergency, a trained telecommunicator will be there, ready to respond. "While the job of a telecommunicator is often misunderstood and underappreciated, if you ever have an emergency, a teleco... More ... Datebook       + Easter plant and flower sale, sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 258, will be held April 6, 7 and 8 at the following locations in Howell: Arby's, Route 9 south; Sovereign Bank, corner of Route 9 north and Salem Hill Drive; PNC Bank, Route 9 south and Strickland Road, and Prince of Peace Church, A... More ... Grant will help Plumsted preserve historic farmhouse       PLUMSTED - The executive director of the New Jersey Historic Trust Fund, Barbara Irvine, has informed the Township Committee that its grant application has been approved for the preservation of the Singleton farmhouse, more commonly known as the New Egypt Historical Museum on Evergreen Road. More ... Local charities to benefit from Rotary golf outing BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Two local charitable organizations will be the beneficiaries of the first golf tournament to be sponsored by the Jackson Rotary Club. The event will take place on May 18 at the Hanover Golf Club, Larrison Road, Wrightstown. Sign-in will begin at 7 a.m., followed by a shotgu... More ... Mark Rosman       In the News When your inner voice speaks, pay attention My boss, Greater Media News-papers Executive Editor Greg Bean, has given me plenty of good advice over the years. The best thing he has told me is to follow my intuition when pursuing a story. More ... Counties applaud state support for MOM line       Citing the critical need for transit investments to be made in Ocean and Monmouth counties, officials in both counties praised the recent action of NJ Transit in providing additional funding to study a proposed passenger rail line. "The action by the NJ Transit Board of Directors to pro... More ... Young horse enthusiasts sought for Y ranch camp Youths learn about, ride and work with equines BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer       UPPER FREEHOLD - Youths will get a horse of their own to take care of if they spend part of their summer with the YMCA. YMCA Camp Ralph S. Mason has announced that enrollment for this summer's 2007 Diamond M Ranch Camp is now under way. The YMCA is looking for first-time campers,... More ... Workshop will explore autism spectrum disorder       "What Parents and Pubic School Teachers Should Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder" will be discussed at the April 18 meeting of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). The workshop will be held in the media center at Howell High School, Squan-kum-Yellowbrook Road, Howell, at 7 p.m. More ... Marlboro author finds spot in 'Chicken Soup' BY TALI ISRAELI Staff Writer       Mamie Weiss' special bond with her mother, Alice Amato, the woman she used to beg not to go to work, can now be read in the latest edition of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series. Weiss, of Marlboro, used her mother's inspiration to write the heartwarming story of her mother's ... More ... Jackson police seek suspect       JACKSON - A white man believed to be in his mid to late 30s is being sought by the Jackson Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office for questioning in relation to an incident of lewdness. The incident which occurred at about 5 p.m. March 14 in the vicinity of Louisian... More ...