ERIC SUCAR staff Philadelphia Phillies first baseman and reigning National League MVPRyan Howard takes some time to sign autographs during a rehab assignment with the Lakewood BlueClaws on May 24. More ... Howell budget checks in at $45 million Municipal tax rate drops, but that may not mean lower property taxes BY TOYNETT HALL and MARK ROSMAN Staff Writers       The Howell Township Council was ex-pected to introduce a $45 million municipal budget for 2007 at a special meeting on May 29. According to information provided by municipal officials, a total of $18.4 million is expected to be raised in property taxes to support the budget. The rem... More ... Oyster Creek meeting geared to industry insiders       Pa tricia A. M iller Ocean View White finding. Resource loading. Cross-cutting. Action matrix. Degraded cornerstone. Welcome to the mind-numbing world of nuclear plant corporate-speak. More ... Infant's memory lives on as foundation aids others BY TALI ISRAELI Correspondent       Emma Patmore may have only lived for 10 months, but her legacy continues. The foundation, begun as her namesake, is raising funds for children like Emma - those who have died without explanation or diagnosis. The Emma Patmore Foundation was organized by Gregory and Tara Patmore, of P... More ... In the Arts       "Paper, Metal and Stone," an art exhibit by Mira Welnowska, of Jackson, will be on display June 3-26 at the Ocean County Artists Guild on Ocean and Chestnut avenues in Island Heights. An artist's reception party will take place June 3, 1-4 p.m. Details: (732) 270-3111. More ... Youths work to distribute carbon monoxide detectors BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - When a tragedy occurs the youngsters at the Carl W. Goetz Middle School step up to the plate and in so doing are now set to distribute about 500 carbon monoxide detectors. "It's been almost one year since Jackson teenager Billy Miller succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning,... More ... Police receive new contract BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - The Township Council has approved a new three-year contract with the membership of Jackson Police Benevolence Association No. 168. "The membership was happy with it," said Police Officer Joe Oleksy, the PBA president. "We came to an amicable agreement on both sides there. T... More ... 'Sesame Street' actress to visit libraries       Ocean County Library will present two story-time programs for children and families featuring Dr. Loretta Long, who played the role of Susan on "Sesame Street." The programs will be held June 5 at 10 a.m. at the Lakewood library, 301 Lexington Ave., and at 5 p.m. at the Toms River branch, 101... More ... Ex-mayor dies at 87       LAKEWOOD - Samuel J. Roberts, who served as Lakewood's mayor in 1956-57, died May 23 in Putnam, Conn., at the age of 87, according to an obituary provided by his granddaughter, Lisa Bierly Reulbach. Roberts, a native of Holly Springs, Ark., moved to New Jersey through his service in th... More ... Fire investigations spark author's creative side Shelly Reuben speaks to Brandeis women at local luncheon BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       Shelly Reuben is living her dream and in doing so has given the members of the Brandeis University National Women's Club a chance to hear her story. More ... In the Service       Air National Guard Airman Jennifer L. Robledo has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. More ... Plumsted preserves two farms       PLUMSTED - The township added two more farms to its preservation program on May 22 with 14-acre and 24-acre farms on West Millstream Road being forever saved from residential development. According to Mayor Ron Dancer, Plumsted now has an all-time high of 32 farms preserved, with anoth... More ... Attorney, board debate impact of development Talk centers on number of children who will live in new homes BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Representatives of RG-2 Associates are seeking approval from the Planning Board for a General Development Plan (GDP) which can protect an applicant from zoning changes which may occur over a long period of time. More ... Rumson singer hits inspirational note Soloist and chorale singer overcomes challenge of disability BY LARRY RAPPOPORT Correspondent       Perhaps it's appropriate that singer Jack Burdy's first solo recital in almost 20 years took place in a house of worship. His performance was nothing short of inspirational. Burdy sang complicated songs written by the likes of Stephen Sondheim and Stephen Schwartz recently at Rumson... More ...