BREAKING NEWS: Falling enrollment could lead to closing of school Howell enrollment stands at about 7,100; options being examined BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer      HOWELL — As one way of dealing with a declining enrollment in the community’s K-8 public schools, Howell Board of Education members are considering the possible option of closing a school. More ... BREAKING NEWS: DUI charge leveled against teen driver in fatal accident Three young women died on Sept. 10 in afternoon crash BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer      JACKSON — The teenager who was driving a car in which her three passengers died in a Sept. 10 motor vehicle accident has been charged with driving while under the influence. More ...      CHRIS KELLY staff Jack Kirk performs with the Ardena Elementary School band during the band's winter concert at the Howell school on Jan. 15. More ... DUI charge leveled against driver in fatal crash Three young women died on Sept. 10 in afternoon crash BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       The teenager who was driving a car in which her three passengers died in a Sept. 10 motor vehicle accident in Jackson has been charged with driving while under the influence. Authorities declined to specify what substance or substances they believe the driver was under the influence of. More ... Company makes it official: Rate hike of 23% sought Ocean County Board of Freeholders adds its voice to objectors BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       As expected, the New Jersey American Water Company filed an application with the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) on Jan. 14 to increase its water rates by 23.35 percent. Even though the water company has applied for the rate increase, the BPU commissioners will have the ultimate say as to w... More ... Aid squad installs officers       PLUMSTED - On Jan. 12 the New Egypt First Aid Squad held its annual installation of officers ceremony for 2008. Mayor Ron Dancer and the Township Committee congratulated the new officers and thanked all of the volunteer members serving the community. The volunteer New Egypt FirstAid Squad has be... More ... Kafton, Reina, Rivere will seek Jackson council seats       JACKSON - A former municipal official is seeking a return to Jackson government. Michael Kafton, who served on Jackson's former Township Committee before losing a bid to serve on its first Township Council when the form of government changed in 2006, has announced that he is seeking a council se... More ... Jackson will undertake review of master plan Municipal document guides development of community BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - It's out with the old and in with the new as planners begin to tackle a review of Jackson's master plan, which is the document that guides the development of the municipality. "This is a doozey of a responsibility for the Planning Board," Planning Board Chairman Kenneth Bressi said at ... More ... NAACP keeps King's legacy front and center BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       LAKEWOOD- Aug. 28, 1963 was the day that changed Michael Rush's life forever. Rush was 17 years old and a dish washer in Newark who was traveling by bus to North Carolina to take a college entrance exam. More ... Soldiers will benefit from local schools' generosity BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON- Students at JacksonMemorial High School and members of the Jackson Rotary Club have come together to assist military personnel who are serving overseas. Speaking at the Jan. 15 meeting of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Gialanella said, "As superintendent, you he... More ... Gudaitis will not seek second term on council       JACKSON - Township Council Vice President Jason Gudaitis has announced that he will not seek re-election in the May municipal election. Gudaitis was elected to Jackson's new government in May 2006 and will conclude two years of service in June. More ... South St. Players present 'Theatro Pazzo Spaghetti' BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent       While the main course will be spaghetti and meatballs, generous portions of mystery, craziness and entertainment will be on the menu, too, as the South Street Players present a dinner theater entitled "Theatro Pazzo Spaghetti" (Crazy Spaghetti Theater). More ... Planners place stamp of approval on rezoning       JACKSON - The Planning Board has given a favorable recommendation to a Township Council ordinance that would rezone an area of SolarAvenue and permit an affordable housing development to be built. Solar Avenue meets with Cpl. Luigi Marciante Jr. Memorial Drive (formerly Christopher Columbus Boul... More ... Task force would study all aspects of school recess BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       After learning from a group of concerned parents that some New Jersey schools are not scheduling a regular recess period for pupils, state Assemblyman JosephMalone (R-Ocean,Monmouth, Burlington, Mercer) said he would do what he could to address those concerns in the state Legislature. More ... Jersey Syndicate hopes to follow initial success First year gives band, audiences good feelings as group gets rolling BY AMY ROSEN Staff Writer       Mike Sasso has always believed that you should never burn bridges because the people you deal with may be able to help you in the future. That has proved to be a good strategy for Sasso and his band mates in The Jersey Syndicate, who had the rare opportunity to open for Twisted Sister in his band'... More ... Stalking bill expected to be reintroduced BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       Although it received last minute unanimous passage in the lame duck state Assembly with an 80-0 vote, billA-4354, which sought to increase the penalties and alter the definition of stalking, died due to lack of time and a lack of action in the state Senate. More ...