A day at the beach ... what's the cost? Public advocate looks at price of accessing shore BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       State Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen released the second annual beach report last week, citing wide disparities in the cost of accessing the state's beaches. According to Chen's office, beach fees range from a $5 daily fee in Long Branch up to a $17,000 membership in a private Sea B... More ... Advocates: State funds needed to save Takanassee Voters urged to approve Garden State Preservation Trust BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       Environmentalists, activists and local officials gathered on the Long Branch oceanfront last week to advocate for state funding that would preserve the historic Takanassee Beach Club property . More ... Abuse often borne out of hunger for control Experts say leaving relationships safely takes planning BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer       Domestic violence will affect one out of four women in their lifetimes.In 2005, the state domestic violence hotline received 1,192 crisis and 1,397 non-crisis calls in Monmouth County, 1,470 crisis and 1,843 non-crisis calls in Middlesex County, 844 crisis and 964 non-crisis calls in Ocea... More ... Group trains counselors for victims of domestic violence Women Aware Inc. seeking volunteers to help victims BY JESSICA ALFREY Correspondent       Domestic violence is generally a problem dealt with by local police departments. But thanks to Women Aware Inc., an average citizen can learn to become a crisis counselor and help victims decide how to best help themselves. More ... Women broke free from prisons at home       Editor's note: The following are the stories of three area victims of domestic violence. The names of the victims and others mentioned in their accounts have been changed to guard their identities. Their situations are recounted at times in graphic detail. More ... DOT: Span is worst drawbridge in state Pallone asks DOT to consider repair, lower replacement BY LIZ SHEEHAN Correspondent       It was evident before Kris Kolluri, commissioner of the N.J. Department of Transportation (DOT), began his presentation June 21 on the state's plan to replace the 75-year-old drawbridge that connects Sea Bright and Highlands with a fixed bridge 30 feet higher, that public interest in the ... More ... Broadway arts project approved by planners Plan faces court challenge by dissident property owners BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       LONG BRANCH - - The developer of the downtown Broadway arts sector is expected to break ground on the first phase of the mixed-use arts and entertainment project this fall. The city's Planning Board granted final site plan approval for the project to developer Broadway Arts Center ... More ... Notes       The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean hosted its annual scholarship presentations June 13 and awarded six scholarships totaling $6,500 to local high school graduates who will be beginning college studies in the fall. More ... Carnival fun      PHOTOSBYSCOTTPILLINGstaff Above: Aquarius Burke, 10, holds on tightly as he rides on a roller coaster at the West Long Branch Carnival June 26. At left: Aldo Pigna Jr., 2, has fun riding on the merry-go-round with his father. More ... Change of command at Fort Monmouth       FORT MONMOUTH - Col. Ricki L. Sullivan, commander of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Monmouth, relinquished his command in a change of command ceremony June 21. Col. Stephen M. Christian, whose most recent assignment was as a Congressional legislative liaison for the Secretary of the Army,... More ... Police arrest suspects in wire theft       Following a report to police that copper wire had been stolen from the Jersey Central Power & Light yard on Monmouth Road on June 25, detectives initiated an investigation. At approximately 11:40 p.m. June 26, West Long Branch Police arrested two suspects in the act of stealing additi... More ... Hook advocates ask court to stop work by developer Park service grants additional lease extension to Wassel BY LIZ SHEEHAN Correspondent       Save Sandy Hook (SSH), a grassroots group opposed to commercial development at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook, went to court Monday to stop a developer from renovating several buildings at the historic fort. According to James Coleman Jr. More ... City explores ways to save energy, funds Committee looking at energy-efficient options in operations, projects BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       LONG BRANCH - City officials are currently exploring environmentally friendly options to conserve energy and, ultimately, save money. Mayor Adam Schneider formed a Long Branch Energy Review Committee about two months ago to discuss energy-efficient measures in current city operati... More ...