CHRIS KELLY staff Katy Stryker, Little Silver, hangs a sock after writing a message about peace on it during a "Demonstration to Promote Peace" held at Monmouth University in West Long Branch Oct. 9. More photos, page 16. More ... State gives Takanassee developer more time DEP gives beach club developer extension to submit revised plans BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       The proposed developer of the historic Takanassee Beach Club in Long Branch has asked the state for a second extension to finalize plans for a luxury housing project at the Ocean Avenue site. The N.J. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has not granted the full 30- day extension to Takan... More ... 17 indicted in bogus check-cashing scheme       AMonmouth County Grand Jury returned a 51-count indictment Oct. 1 charging 17 individuals in connection with a bogus check-cashing scheme committed against a variety of financial institutions throughout the state. More ... Archives and History Day Oct. 13       Through the years, a dedicated group of men and women have meticulously preserved many of the historical records of Monmouth County dating back to 1665. This month, on Archives and History Day Oct. 13, the county's past will be celebrated once again at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters in ... More ... Local arrests result from drug investigation BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       LONG BRANCH - - Two Long Branch men, one who is known to be a gang member, were among 10 Monmouth County suspects arrested on drug distribution and weapons charges as a result of a joint investigation by several agencies. Ramon Rodriguez, 34, and Alejandro Burgos, 27, both of Long Branch, were ... More ... Presbyterian church marks 275th anniversary       SHREWSBURY - - The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury is celebrating its 275th anniversary with a series of Sunday celebrations to which the public is invited. "Religious Freedom," a pageant depicting the early history of the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury, will be presented Sunday. More ... Upgraded Brookdale learning center reopens More computer rooms, new HVAC, part of $1.7M renovation BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       LONG BRANCH - - The Brookdale Community College Higher Education Center (HEC) in Long Branch opened its doors this week with a new and improved look for the new school year. The facility, located at Broadway and Third Avenue, underwent a $1.7 million renovation this summer to better meet the nee... More ... Boro adopts emergency response system Swannack named coordinator for West Long Branch BY AMANDA BELING Staff Writer       WEST LONG BRANCH - The Borough Council has approved a resolution adopting the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to bring its responses to emergencies in line with federal, state and county protocols. More ... Columbus Day parade       PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Clockwise from top: Long Branch held its annual Columbus Day parade along Broadway Oct. 7 with an array of marching bands and floats. Participating groups and organizations included the Monmouth Regional High School Marching Band; colorfully costumed members of the Pete... More ... Give peace a chance      PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Top, Lydia Poe, Brick Township, a graduate student at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, participates in a "Demonstration to Promote Peace" Oct. 9. Grad students Nicole Vero and Jen Scicutella, both Howell, wait for the start of the demonstration, which included spe... More ... New bldg., solar panels garner planning awards       Four Monmouth County projects ranging from new construction to adaptive reuse, were recognized at the 54th Monmouth County Planning Board Awards Dinner. Four projects received Merit Awards as examples of exemplary planning. Monmouth University, West Long Branch, received a Merit Award for its So... More ... Planners continue Wawa hearings Residents oppose 24/7 business near residential zone BY AMANDA BELING Staff Writer       EATONTOWN - Residents continued to voice their opposition Monday to a proposal to redevelop the Eatontown Roller Rink site as a 24/7 convenience store. The Oct. 8 Planning Board meeting marked the fifth hearing on the application to redevelop the site on Route 35 as a Wawa convenience store/gas ... More ...