ERIC SUCAR staff Lucy McGraith, of the Westwood Players Ensemble, runs through a few lines during a dress rehearsal in the Long Branch High School auditorium on Dec. 7. The Ensemble's production included "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "The Gift of the Magi." More ... Developer asks boro to use eminent domain Mayor: Weston Village to be built without condemnation BY DANIEL HOWLEY Staff Writer       The developer of a proposed 120-unit townhouse development at a Route 35 site has asked the Eatontown Borough Council to use eminent domain to acquire additional land for the project. Developer Weston Associates presented the mayor and council with a letter at the Dec. 5 council meeting requestin... More ... Paintings, photos of Joe Palaia Park on display Ocean Township residents contribute to exhibit at library BY DANIEL HOWLEY Staff Writer       The talent of township artists of all ages is being showcased at an exhibit at the Ocean Township Public Library this month that highlights Joe Palaia Park. The exhibit features 28 pictures, photographs, watercolors and oil paintings contributed by community members and marks the first of its kin... More ... Community encouraged to support Lunch Break effort       Lunch Break, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that provides hot meals and other critical assistance such as clothing and services to low-income families, has begun its annual Adopt-a-Family program. Designed to benefit the less fortunate in the community during the holidays, the program has successfu... More ... Court ruling permits church on Broadway City's redevelopment plan does not violate minister's rights BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       LONG BRANCH - The Rev. Kevin Brown will be opening the doors to the Lighthouse Mission on downtown Broadway this week after being denied approval to operate a church in the area by the city for more than a decade. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Nov. 27 giving Brown the ... More ... Council expected to vote on rezoning Jan.7 The Planning Board asks for town's master plan to be updated BY DANIEL HOWLEY Staff Writer       OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Council members introduced a measure last week to bring the town's master plan up to date by rezoning a West Park Avenue site. Council is expected to hold a public hearing and final vote on ordinance No. 2083 at the Jan. 7 municipal meeting. More ... LNG group would block N.J. review of facility Clean Ocean Action wants state's status upheld BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       SEA BRIGHT - A group of investors is appealing the U.S. Maritime Administration's (MARAD) decision to grant New Jersey review power on a proposal to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility 19 miles off the coast. More ... Avon man suspect in attempted burglary case       OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Police arrested and charged an Avon man last week after he attempted to break into a township apartment complex on Apollo Street. Tyler Jason Marshal, 19, of Avon was arrested Dec. More ... M.B man faces cocaine, weapon charges       OCEAN TOWNSHIP - A Monmouth Beach man is facing multiple drug charges after township police arrested him in a parked car outside a closed business on Route 35. Police arrested and charged Andrew Robert Ruch, 19, with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possess... More ... Menorah lighting      PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Top: The Long Branch Fire Department helps the city prepare for the menorah lighting at Pier Village Dec.9. Bottom: Long Branch's Harvey Katz is helped by Rabbi Laibel Schapiro. More ...      JEFF GRANIT staff Fans show support during the Long Branch vs. Moorestown football game Dec. 2 for the NJSIAA's CJG III state championship held at Rutgers University in Piscataway. More ... For the Record       A photograph incorrectly identified as Eatontown resident Debra Smith was printed in the Dec. 6 edition of the Atlanticville in the Word on the Street section. More ... Fort Monmouth given extension on reuse plan BY LINDA DeNICOLA Correspondent       Afederally mandated deadline for completion of a Fort Monmouth reuse plan has been extended just in the nick of time. More ... Clerk's office can provide help with passports       FREEHOLD - With just weeks to go before the busy holiday travel season and upgraded international travel identification restrictions set to take effect, Monmouth County Clerk M. Claire French is reminding residents that the Monmouth County Passport Office is available to help residents get their ... More ... BBB: Play smart when buying tickets online Con artists take to the field for football season       With the college football and National Football League (NFL) seasons under way, Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning sports fans to be on the lookout for fraudulent sellers when shopping for hard-to-get tickets online. More ...