ERIC SUCAR staff Howell High School's Eric Gillies competes in the boys 500-yard freestyle event during the Shore Conference Swimming Championships that were held at the Ocean County YMCA in Toms River on Feb. 8. More ... Administrators fine-tune school budget Howell representatives scheduled to meet with new executive county supt. BY TOYNETT HALL and MARK ROSMAN Staff Writers       The realities of new state regulations are leaving administrators in the Howell K-8 School District facing some difficult choices as they develop a budget for the 2008- 09 school year. More ... Webkinz sales benefit schools       JACKSON - A promise made has been a promise kept. It has been just about a year sinceMichelle Katz andMike Kafton, the owners of the White Butterfly gift shop, made a commitment to sell stuffed animals known as Webkinz to the public and to return a portion of the sale to a school which the purcha... More ... Actor captivates students with Douglass portrayal Students impressed with firsthand account of famous American BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       In the center of a bare stage with no microphone or supporting actors stood Terence Archie of Brooklyn, N.Y., portraying Civil War-era abolitionist, publisher and politician Frederick Douglass. Archie held the attention of about 600 Howell High School students with his oneman performance on Feb. ... More ... Singers sought for Fame Game       New Jersey Fame Game, a statewide singing competition to benefit Prevent Child Abuse- NJ (PCA- NJ), is open to all students between the ages of 6 and 22 who live in or attend school in New Jersey. The contest gives participants the opportunity to have fun and showcase their singing talentswhile gi... More ... For the Record       Beth Graziano, who formerly worked as an occupational therapist in the Jackson School District, was quoted by name without her permission by the author of a Your Turn guest column that appeared in the Feb. 7 Tri-Town News. More ... Plumsted officials may create special improvement district       PLUMSTED - The Township Committee has introduced an ordinance to create a Special Improvement District that would provide opportunities for every business in Plumsted to participate in a voluntary program designed to preserve and enhance economic growth and employment with property tax abatements... More ... Construction inspection division to be disbanded       With the demand for construction inspection services provided by Ocean County continuing to decrease over the years, Ocean County will now move to disband the division. "Ocean County will stop performing construction inspection services by midyear and will disband the division," said Freeholder D... More ... Sounds of victory provided by Jaguars for N.Y. Giants BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - The Jackson Memorial High School marching band added to its list of achievements last week when its members participated in the NewYork Giants Super Bowl victory parade in New York City. The Feb. 5 parade followed the Giants' 17-14 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XL... More ... Tax preparation assistance will be available for seniors       PLUMSTED - Senior citizens in Plumsted who need assistance in completing and filing their federal and state income tax returns in advance of the April 15 deadline will benefit from the continuation of a new program that was offered last year for the first time and well received, according to Mayo... More ... April 12 event to collect hair for Locks of Love BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON- A9-year-old boy who lost his grandmother to cancer wants to remember her in a special way. Dylan Miller, a pupil at the Elms Elementary School, was inconsolable when his grandmother died of lung cancer last summer. He wanted to remember her in some way and, at the same time, educate the ... More ... Seniors enjoy special party       JACKSON - A fabulous '50s Valentine's Day party was held at the Jackson Senior Center on Feb. 11. Seniors listened and danced to the music of Bill Turner and the Smoke House Band. "I want to thank the wonderful people in charge for providing a Valentine's Day party at the senior center. It was o... More ... Pupils share Valentine's wishes with U.S. troops BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - Second-graders at the Ramtown Elementary School want America's servicemen and servicewomen to know they are not forgotten on Valentine's Day. The pupils recently sent hand-made greeting cards to U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. More ... Safari takes pupils on adventures in writing BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - There is barely any sunlight peaking through the lush green ceiling created by trees. Inside this area are tigers, giraffes, parrots and, most important of all, books. Children enter the serene environment excited about what they will discover in this manmade paradise. They walk very g... More ... Council awards EMS pact QualityMedical Transport selected for daytime coverage BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON- Township Council members have awarded an emergency medical services transport contract to Quality Medical Transport Inc., a Beachwood ambulance service. The contract was voted upon at the council's meeting on Feb. 11. More ... Storm water management at issue in housing plan BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - A plan to construct 19 homes offWhitesville Road has had a second hearing before the Planning Board. Pinerock Estates is a 22-lot major subdivision that was initially heard in September. Additional testimony is expected to be heard at the board's Feb. 25 meeting. More ... Dying officer's battle for benefits captured on film 'Freeheld' documentary nominated for an Academy Award BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer       Chances are, Lt. Laurel Hester never planned to make headlines. Long before she became nationally known as a dying gay woman who wanted to leave her pension benefits to her partner, Laurel Hester was a cop. A good cop. And that is also her legacy. More ... Musical memories      Judie Jensen, the owner of Expressions and Reflections, Howell, presented the fifth annual student recital on Jan. 27 at Jackson Memorial High School, Jackson. The recital featured performances by the students of Expressions and Reflections who range in age from 3 to 82, in piano, guitar and voice. ... More ... Train show fundraiser arrives Feb. 17       The Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold will sponsor an event to benefit the Open Door food pantry, Freehold. The special event is sure to please adults and children who love trains. According to Carmen Rivello, of Freehold Township, the Knob Hill golf course clubhouse, Route 33,Manalapan, will hos... More ... In the Service       Army Staff Sgt.Mark E.Mierta was a member of the U.S. Army support staff who helped coordinate and plan the recent All-American Bowl high school all-star football game played at theAlamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 5. The nationally televised bowl game was sponsored by the U.S. More ... Project gains necessary permit       JACKSON - Municipal officials have received the paperwork that will allow work to continue on the construction of basketball courts at John F. Johnson Jr. Memorial Park. "We have a landfill disruption permit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)," TownshipAdministrator... More ... Local Girl Scouts honored       In addition to its mission of helping young girls grow into women of courage, confidence and character, the Girl Scouts encourage girls to embrace their faiths and work with organizations associated with their religions to provide appropriate recognition programs. More ... Planning board applicant takes case to state court BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON- The Planning Board will not hear additional testimony on a General Development Plan (GDP) proposed by RG-2 Associates at this time because the matter is now the subject of litigation. Speaking at the Feb. More ...