Candidates agree: City needs open government Five vying for council cite affordable housing, recreation as priorities BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      The five candidates for Long Branch City Council faced off in a political debate Monday night, but appeared to agree on the major issues facing the city. More ...      MIGUEL JUAREZ staff Ryan Langston and Melissa Dilger, homecoming king and queen, preside over Monmouth University's Homecoming Parade and festivities at the West Long Branch campus Oct. 28. More ... In the Arts      Beginning this weekend, audiences can revisit the summer of 1776 when the nation was ready to declare independence ... if only the founding fathers could agree to do it! The musical "1776" being presented by Phoenix Productions follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jeff More ... Full, partial terms up for grabs in freeholder race Republicans Little and Lucas face Democrats McMorrow and Gibadlo BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer      Since 1984, Republicans have maintained total dominance over the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. More ... Different paths to education recognized EMACC scholarships support studies of nontraditional students BY GLORIA STRAVELLI Staff Writer      RED BANK - Illness sidetracked Kristin Brush's academic career right out of high school. Fortunately, she recovered enough to resume studies, but the one-year hiatus made it more difficult for her to get the kind of financial help most graduating seniors qualify for. More ... Broad Street resident: guardrail needed at curve DOT: No plans to improve road, but will hear out Eatontown officials BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      EATONTOWN -- If you've traveled along Broad Street lately, you might have noticed the holly tree lying in the front yard of the Connors home. More ... Talks on 'God's Will' Nov. 15, 29      The religious studies program at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, will sponsor two panel discussions on "God's Will, According to the Jewish, Christian and Muslim Traditions." More ... Council OKs crosswalk, increase in UEZ funds BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH -- The City Council approved plans last week for a pedestrian crosswalk in front of the New Anastasia School on Seventh Avenue. More ... County recognizes sound planning in local projects Broadway Arts, Wilson Hall, Bingham Hall receive merit awards BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH -- A plan to revitalize the once vibrant arts district in downtown Long Branch has won kudos from the county. More ... Housing Alliance will manage affordable housing Nonprofit will administer housing program for boro BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      EATONTOWN - The borough's affordable housing programs will soon be managed by an area nonprofit organization specializing in assisting those needing shelter at a price within their means. More ... Notes      Tracey Newenhouse, West Long Branch, trains close to home for the New York City Marathon. She is running in the Nov. 5 race to raise funds to help with medical bills for Malcolm King, 6, an Asbury Park resident who is undergoing treatment for leukemia. Both are members of First Baptist Church in Asb More ... Engineer defends traffic study methods Resident: Counts don't reflect actual game attendance BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      WEST LONG BRANCH - By popular demand, Monmouth University's traffic expert returned last week to answer more questions about the impact the school's proposed indoor arena could have on nearby neighborhoods. More ... Hearing for activist could be moved Municipal prosecutor warns of possible conflict of interest BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      EATONTOWN - Area environmental and peace activist Tom Mahedy will probably be traveling to a different town to face disorderly conduct charges filed against him in late September. More ... Four new stores coming to Monmouth Mall Dick's Sporting Goods among stand-alone stores to be built BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      EATONTOWN -- Monmouth Mall is growing its selection of retailers with four new, stand-alone stores to be built in its parking area. More ... Burglaries linked to runaway BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH -- A city juvenile runaway was arrested last week after allegedly burglarizing five homes. More ... Long Branch files motion to bar Institute for Justice from appeal Motion says law firm doesn't meet criteria to argue for residents BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH -- The city has filed a motion to block the Institute for Justice (IJ) from representing a group of residents who are fighting the city's condemnation of their homes. More ... Brookdale to honor Holocaust survivors      The Center for Holocaust Studies at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft section of Middletown, will honor Claire and Adam Boren, Rumson, at the 15th annual testimonial dinner and journal tribute Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at Excelsior Caterers, Manalapan. The Borens are both survivors of the Holocaust and More ... Mayor wants CECOM building for town hal l Tarantolo writes U.S. Army about fort building BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      EATONTOWN - Because constructing a newer, bigger town hall could prove costly, Mayor Gerald J. Tarantolo is forging ahead with his proposal to acquire two Fort Monmouth buildings for a municipal center. More ...      PHOTOS BY MIGUEL JUAREZ staff (Above) "Thor," better known as Rick Meeker, a Monmouth University junior, shows how Vikings cheer on the home team during the university's Homecoming on Saturday. (Below) University students watch as this year's Homecoming King and Queen are crowned during the football... More ...