ERIC SUCAR staff Spotswood shortstop Cody Pace is lifted by an enthusiastic fan following the Chargers' Group II championship victory Saturday over Indian Hills in Toms River. For story, see sports. More ... Council goes against school sale proposal Residents: McGinnis School property needed for overflow parking BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       The financial gain of selling the former McGinnis School does not outweigh the worsened traffic conditions and dangers to drivers and schoolchildren. That was the argument presented by East Brunswick Township Council members who voted against a resolution that would have declared th... More ... Board hopes to move ahead after court win Land swap for new high school awaits state DEP's approval BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       A newly formed action committee is aiming to help surmount the last hurdle that stands in the way of a land diversion needed to build a new Monroe Township High School. More ... Work on water pipes likely cause of Kossman St. fire       EAST BRUNSWICK - A fire gutted a home on Kossman Street in the township's historic district last week. The fire began around noon June 6 in the kitchen area, where a resident had been doing some work on water pipes, according to John Talbot, fire marshal for East Brunswick Fire Distric... More ... Eagle Scout      Craig Evan Miller, 18, of East Brunswick, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout after completing a community service project, one of many requirements needed to attain the rank. Miller, of Boy Scout Troop 220, enhanced the "Garden of Reading" at Warnsdorfer Elementary School, East Brunswick, by do... More ... This bust's for you: Tailgaters targeted 49 arrested for underage drinking in arts center crackdown BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       After nearly two weeks of hearing about a proposed crackdown, dozens were charged with underage drinking at a PNC Bank Arts Center event in Holmdel last week, and authorities hope the arrests will serve as a notice that things are about to change at the venue. More ... Gallery to show artist's 'perception of nature'       SPOTSWOOD - Academy of Music on Main Street will open a new show at its art gallery Saturday featuring the works of artist Chris Lerro. The exhibition, "Chromosphere," will feature 15 original landscapes done in oil pastel in rich, vibrating color, according to a press release. More ... Reeling it in      SCOTT PILLING staff Alex Cohen wasn't afraid to get his feet wet Saturday during Helmetta's annual Spring Fishing Derby, held at Helmetta Lake, off Maple Street. The event drew more than 100 people. More ... Club books flights for Saturday in E.B. Radio-control club to hold 'open house' at Heavenly Farms BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - - Don't tell a member of the Tri-County Radio Control Club to go fly a kite. The club members would instead prefer to fly radio-controlled airplanes, and anyone interested is free to join them on Saturday at Heavenly Farms, Dunhams Corner and Cranbury roads. More ... Town hopes to preserve land slated for 12 homes Spotswood asks Middlesex County to purchase 5 acres BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - - The borough is asking Middlesex County to purchase 5 acres that are otherwise expected to be developed with homes. The Borough Council approved a resolution last week asking the county to include the property on the town's open space priority list and to consider its ... More ... New lifeguard, 17, credited with saving man's life BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MONROE - One could say Zachary Wismer dove right into his summer job as a lifeguard. After only four days on the job, the 17-year-old was called upon to use his training for what apparently made the difference between life and death for one resident of the Clearbrook adult community. More ... Local man, 21, dies in shootout with cops       A South River man was killed last week after he reportedly engaged in gunfire with several police officers at a New Brunswick apartment building. More ... Sports car enthusiasts get revved up for charity       EAST BRUNSWICK - Dimitri and Keith Jean-Pierre have a drive to help those in need. Literally. For the second straight year, the two brothers organized a car show that serves both as a poker run and a charity event, raising more than $2,000 for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,... More ... Family Day       Above, David Smith juggles a Chinese yo-yo for kids during the recent Family Day carnival at Children's Choice Learning Center in East Brunswick. Right, Zoe Maldonado has some fun on the trampoline inside the carnival's "Fun Bus." More ... Waterline cleaning on tap for next year First phase of work to cost $1.8M, cover length of Main St. BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MILLTOWN - Local officials are moving toward their goal of alleviating residents' brown-water blues. The Borough Council adopted an ordinance that will set into motion the first phase of a long-term process of cleaning and relining older sections of the town's water mains. More ... Judge rules natural gas co. can take down trees Residents, township fought to protect large trees near pipeline BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Despite a legal battle waged by a group of residents and the township, a natural gas company has won the right to cut down trees along Timber Road. In a June 1 ruling, state Superior Court Judge Amy Chambers dismissed the residents' case in a summary judgment befor... More ...