CHRIS KELLY staff Tara Vitale, 11, of Howell, shows a strong stride as she participates in the Sgt. Pat's 5K Run on the Long Branch oceanfront on March 22. The annual event, which also includes a 2-mile fitness walk, honors and remembers slain Long Branch Police Officer Sgt. Patrick King, who was ki... More ... Mayor, councilwoman will not run again DiBella, Schomaker will end service in December; 4-year seats up for grabs BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       There will be a new mayor and at least one new Howell Township Council member in office in January. Republican Mayor Joseph DiBella has announced that he will not seek re-election for a second four-year term as mayor. At the same time, Republican Councilwoman Cynthia Schomaker announced that she... More ... Pickleball players are getting their kicks on court Game originated in Washington state, exercise aspect touted BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       It is the latest rage taking the country by storm - a cross between tennis, badminton and paddle tennis - and it has finally arrived in Jackson. It's called Pickleball and it has drawn close to 100 residents of the Four Seasons Metedeconk Lakes adult community to meetings, discussion groups, vi... More ... Jackson police officers promoted to sergeant Department personnel honored for service to community BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Two police officers have been promoted to the rank of sergeant, while several other officers have been awarded the Command Citation Letter, the Excellent Police Duty Ribbon and the Meritorious Duty Award. More ... Church gives out cash for food       JACKSON- The members of one local church have been giving away cash to help people buy food. "We wanted to do something special for Easter for the community," said Christopher D. Soleberry, pastor of the Hope of Glory Worship Center. More ... Seniors enjoy luncheon and lesson about tai chi BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - What could be better than learning how to stay healthy while enjoying a delicious luncheon? That is exactly what transpired at the Jackson Senior Center on March 5 when seniors were treated to a demonstration lesson of Tai Chi: Your Health Defense and a healthy meal. More ... CERT graduates are ready to respond to emergencies BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has 15 newly graduated volunteer members. "CERT training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people they serve," said Al Robbins, Jackson's CERT trainer. More ... Customers have chance to comment on rate hike Water company seeks 23 percent increase; hearings next week BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       Area residents who want to comment in person on a proposed increase in the rates they pay for water from the New Jersey American Water Co. will have to travel a bit to do that. The company has scheduled five public hearings at which ratepayers may offer their perspective on a proposed 23.35 perce... More ... 51 acres gain final approval for permanent preservation       PLUMSTED - Two more wooded properties in Plumsted, consisting of a combined 51 acres, have received final approval to be enrolled into the Natural Lands Preservation Program to permanently protect these mature forest lands from being developed forever. More ... 30-hour famine delivers real lesson about hunger BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - It is hard for many people who have plenty of food to understand exactly what it feels like to truly be hungry. In order to help people understand what it feels like to be without food, a 30- hour famine was held by the youths and counselors of the DeBows United Methodist Church to ra... More ... Slow economy increases need for social services       The slowing economy is forcing more residents to turn to the Ocean County Board of Social Services for assistance, county Freeholder Gerry P. Little said. "We're seeing a marked increase in caseloads when compared to recent years," Little said this week. "We recognize these are difficult times an... More ... Foundation plans fashion show       JACKSON - The Jackson Educational Foundation is sponsoring a preprom fashion show and luncheon on March 29 at La Bové Grande (Circle Landmark), Route 70, Lakehurst. "This is a really fun event, a chance to sit back with friends, have a nice lunch and enjoy a good show,'' said Theresa Licitr... More ... Outstanding students honored by FRHSD BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       Six students in the Freehold Regional High School District havemanifested the true meaning of academic excellence and civic responsibility through their work. School administrators in Monmouth County were asked to nominate one student fromeach high school to participate in the 28th annual Dr. More ... Dems tap Mallet, Mason to seek freeholder seats BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       After more than 20 years of Republican control of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders,Monmouth County Democrats think their time has come to run the show. Glenn Mason of Hazlet and Amy Mallet of Fair Haven have been selected as the Democratic Party nominees to run for two open seats on the f... More ... State department cuts more shift than slash BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       Gov. Jon Corzine's proposal to cut three departments in the state government, if approved by the Legislature, will be less of an elimination and more of a merger, according to some state officials. During the governor's budget address on Feb. More ... 6 will seek three council seats       JACKSON - There were no surprises on the deadline day for candidates to announce their intention to run for a seat on the Jackson Township Council. More ... Walnford hosts mill demos       UPPER FREEHOLD - It's all about food this spring at Historic Walnford in Crosswicks Creek Park. Visitors are invited to see how corn goes from ear to mouth during free gristmill demonstrations that take place from 1-4 p.m. on weekends starting April 5 and continuing through November. More ... Auxiliaries present donation       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - After another year of fundraising, the CentraState AssociatedAuxiliaries held its annual dinner on Feb. 7 at the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus auditorium. More than 120 auxilians, including thrift shop volunteers, gathered to present the fruits of their labors to the ... More ... Horsemen not impressed with $90M supplement Casino funding expected to do little for future of N.J. horse industry BY JANE MEGGITT & JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writers       Casinos will bolster New Jersey racetrack purse levels for the next three years, but the future of horse racing in the Garden State remains uncertain without a stable source of funding. Gov. Jon S. More ... St. Patrick's celebration      More than 150 guests enjoyed a St. Patrick's Day luncheon and got into the spirit of the day at the Jackson Senior Citizens Center on March 18. Marie Held donned a festive hat and green glasses to go with her green attire, while Ruth Oberwanowicz wore a green wig and a big smile. For a story about t... More ... Seniors celebrate St. Patrick's Day       JACKSON - Seniors who come to the Jackson Senior Citizens Center have learned that it is never too late to celebrate - and that is exactly what they did on March 18, one day after St. Patrick's Day. Senior center administrator Sheri Silversmith said, "This is the first St. Patrick's Day celebra... More ... Kean choir and chorale to perform in Freehold       FREEHOLD - The Kean University Concert Choir and Chorale will present a concert titled "Festival of World Choral Music" at St. Peter's Church on April 4 at 7:30 p.m. St. Peter's is at the corner of Main and Throckmorton streets in downtown Freehold. The public is invited to attend this evening of... More ... Spa returns from fire as updated day resort       Stagflation? Recession? Bah! Sometimes you have to forget the troubles of a work-a-day world, milk the budget every now and then for a little extra and splurge for some special me-time. Avanti Day Resort, in the Design Center on Route 9 south, Manalapan, now offers people a chance to do just that... More ...