Chief Justice: Court must protect rights of citizens Zazzali says court likely to hear eminent domain case in future BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       LINCROFT - Brookdale Community College played host on Feb. 8 to Chief Justice James R. Zazzali of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Zazzali was appointed by Gov. Jon Corzine and began his term as chief justice on Oct. 26. Dr. Peter C. Burnham, president of Brookdale, introduced Zazzali to a... More ... City man faces identity theft charges Prosecutor's Office uncovers $155,000 credit card scam       Larry Kushner, 55, of Long Branch, was arrested by detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Feb. 9 on complaints charging him with second-degree identity theft, third-degree fraudulent use of a credit card and fourth-degree false statements made in procuring a credit card... More ... Valentine to a soldier: 'Thank you for protecting us' Post offices, VFW, schools participate in Project V-Day BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       OCEANPORT - - More than 2,000 Valentine greetings sent by students and members of the Oceanport and Eatontown communities were set to reach soldiers stationed in Iraq on Valentine's Day. More ... Open seats fuel intense race in 11th District Property tax reform, ethics cited as key issues BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       Two open State Assembly seats in the 11th Legislative District, which comprises 25 towns along the Jersey Shore, have ignited an intense competition among a wide array of candidates. The vacancies were created by the recent announcements from Sen. Joseph Palaia and Assemblyman Steve... More ... Wilbur Ray Service Award honorees named       Everyday men and women tirelessly work or volunteer within the community, determined to make a difference in some meaningful way. The Brookdale Community College Wilbur Ray Scholarship Committee honors some of these remarkable individuals each year for their dedicated service in the cat... More ... Notes Around Town       On Saturday, Feb. 24, Temple Beth El, at 301 Monmouth Road, will host a Cafe Night from 8-11 p.m. The event will include an array of cappuccino, espresso, flavored coffee, lattes, hot chocolate and dairy desserts as well as live music by the Red Bank Jazz Ensemble who will perform a variety o... More ... Complaints about RVs may lead to broader rules Council may permit side yard parking of RVs, boats BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer       EATONTOWN - The result of some complaints from residents concerning recreational vehicles parked on residential property may result in broader, rather than stricter, zoning laws for RV and boat owners. More ... Elberon First Aid needs volunteers       The Long Branch Elberon First Aid Squad is seeking new members. Membership is open to area residents ages 17 and older. Free training will be provided to obtain EMT certification for volunteers, which consists of 120 hours of classes. More ... Boro seeks approval of new polling places County Board of Elections will review change of election venues BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer       EATONTOWN - A new plan that moves polling places out of all but one borough school awaits the approval of the Monmouth County Board of Elections (MCBE). Mayor Gerald Tarantolo said Tuesday that the borough, along with officials from the board of elections have until Feb. 19 to fina... More ... Councilman succumbs after battle with cancer BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer       EATONTOWN - Borough Council-man Joseph Questore, 46, passed away last Sunday after a long battle with cancer. "He was a great person," said Mayor Gerald Tarantolo Monday, "a great individual, a great father, a great husband, and an outstanding councilman. More ... Junior League to host annual Spring Market       On Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3, the Junior League of Monmouth County (JLMC) will host the second annual Spring Market, a two-day shopping extravaganza at the Sheraton Hotel in Eatontown. The event will feature 50 premier vendors selling boutique wares. Shopping hours are Frid... More ... Zoner does about-face; MAC approved Reopened on technicality, application gets needed five votes BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       WEST LONG BRANCH - After reconsidering its initial rejection, the West Long Branch Zoning Board approved Monmouth University's application to construct a multipurpose sports arena on its campus. It was standing room only at the Feb. More ... AAA provides guidelines to parents of teen drivers       In the aftermath of traffic crashes that have claimed the lives of teenagers, their passengers and other motorists, the AAA Clubs of New Jersey remind parents of new drivers that teenagers have the highest collision rate of any age group and teenagers who have driven a year or less have the w... More ... In the Service       Air Force Airman Tahime C. Green has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. A 2004 graduate of Long Branch High School, he is the son of Debra Williams of Long Branch. William D. Robison, Shrewsbury, was commissioned as a 2nd lieuten... More ... Joe Yglesias CHRIS KELLY staff      18, keeps the beat while students dance during an activity highlighting the African American contribution to music, one of the events marking African American History Month at Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls. More ... Brief seeks dismissal of condemnations Attorneys argue city gave control to developers BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       Attorneys representing a group of Long Branch homeowners have asked the state appellate court to overturn a lower court ruling that permits the condemnation of their clients' oceanfront properties by the city of Long Branch. In a brief filed Feb. More ... Monmouth freeholders propose $472M budget       The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders will be taking its 2007 budget "on the road" this month with a program that will feature a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed spending plan followed by opportunities for the public to provide input. More ... Plans presented for new boro police headquarters Building and code enforcement depts. to remain at Poplar Ave. BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       WEST LONG BRANCH - The preliminary design plans for a new West Long Branch police headquarters building on Broadway were unveiled last week. The plans call for a 10,000-square-foot building to be constructed at the site of Borough Hall at 965 Broadway, architect Andrew Trocchia... More ... Trio given probation in financial scheme       On Feb. 2, Murad Kassin, 32, of Long Branch, Fred Harari, 44, of West Long Branch, and Michael Adjmi, 47, of Eatontown, were sentenced to a five-year period of probation in connection with the criminal misuse of their corporation, American Dream Home Furnishings Inc., to defraud CitiFinancial... More ...