Impact of 9/11 images focus of author's talk BY MARY ANNE ROSS Correspondent       MONROE - David Friend, author of Watching the World Change: The Stories Behind the Images of 9/11," held his audience at the township library spellbound as he presented photos of the day that he says "history came to our shores. More ... Flooding problems lead to beaver traps in park Resident: Euthanizing wildlife inappropriate for conservation area BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       HELMETTA - In an effort to thwart recurrent flooding in areas of town, state and county officials are allowing lethal trapping in the Jamesburg Park Conservation Area, so as not to "leave it to beaver." "It's a fairly common problem statewide," said Steven Toth, consulting wildlife biologist for... More ... Fitness center proposed at former bowling alley BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - A New York Sports Club fitness center is proposed to move into the space formerly home to Mid State Lanes. The Zoning Board of Adjustment is reviewing a major site plan application that seeks several variances for the creation of a health and fitness center and additional retai... More ... Council votes down electric rate increase BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       S outh River officials on Monday voted down an ordinance that called for a 50 percent electrical rate increase for borough residents. The ordinance, which was up for introduction, split the Borough Council along party lines, with Republicans in favor and Democrats against. More ... State gives go-ahead for high school in park BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       A fter nearly five years of controversy and various roadblocks, Monroe's proposal to build a high school in Thompson Park took a huge step toward becoming a reality this week. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Monday granted a conditional release of the deed for most of t... More ... Work begins on new commuter parking deck BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Construction is under way on the long-anticipated new commuter parking deck at the Transportation and Commerce Center (TCC). The new TCC is located on the Golden Triangle redevelopment property, but its construction is being funded by the township. More ... Hula Hoop contest      JEFF GRANIT staff Dani Martinez, 8, of East Brunswick, takes part in the hula hoop contest during the "Farewell to Summer" event sponsored by Congregation Etz Chaim at Eagle River Day Camp in Monroe Sunday. More ... For the Record       South River did not secure grant funding to assist with the purchase of land adjacent to the Human Resources building on Reid Street. A Sept. 7 article detailing the Borough Council's decision against pursuing the purchase incorrectly stated that much of the $600,000 proposal would have been funde... More ... New defendant added in suit against junkyard BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - An auto wrecker being sued by the borough over the contamination of public land says a previous property owner is to blame. The borough is suing Big A Auto Wreckers, owned by Perry and Fernando Giancola, accusing it of causing contamination through the use of a car crusher on land ow... More ... Scout fixes up old fishing dock at DeVoe BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - With overgrown bushes and boards that desperately needed replacing, the old fishing dock at DeVoe Lake has long been in need of revitalization. Eagle Scout-to-be Travis Catania made it his mission to do just that. More ... 'Farewell to Summer'      PHOTOS BY JEFF GRANIT staff Ryan Ostrager, 11, of Monroe, looks for tadpoles along the shoreline during the "Farewell to Summer" event sponsored by Congregation Etz Chaim at Eagle River Day Camp in Monroe on Sunday. More ... Library's new Teen Space funded by grant, donations       EAST BRUNSWICK - The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the new Teen Space at the township's public library Sunday. At 2 p.m., library, municipal, county, and state officials, including state Sen. Barbara Buono and Mayor William Neary, will be on hand to mark the event, which inclu... More ... Turnpike widening the topic of upcoming hearings       The New Jersey Turnpike Authority will be conducting a series of public hearings on the proposed widening of the turnpike from Exits 6 through 9, including an additional truck lane at Exit 8A. More ...