State's OK comes with many conditions, costs Critics note potential problems due to further findings on school site BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Though the Monroe Board of Education is moving closer to bringing a high school to Thompson Park, conditions imposed by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are making the project more costly. More ... Voters asked to OK $7.2M in school fix-ups State would fund one-third of work at boro's two schools BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       In preparations for a referendum that would fund building repairs and upgrades at two Milltown schools, administrators are inviting the public to see the needs for themselves. The $7.2 million bond referendum going before voters Dec. 11 has been in the works since 2005, and the need for repairs h... More ...      Ashley Choi, 13, of Kendall Park, does a fan dance Sunday with the King Lai Cultural Dance Troupe from the Mid-Jersey Chinese School during the East Brunswick Cultural Festival. The festivities were held next to the pond in the municipal parking lot. More ... Suspect in fatal crash makes 'Most Wanted' Rizwan Chaudhary fled after accident that killed boy, 9, in '01 BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Police are hoping that the TV show "America's Most Wanted" will help them track down the suspect in a car accident that killed a 9-yearold township boy on Christmas Eve 2001. More ... Teen to be accompanied by dog in case of seizure Family awaits word on whether K-9 will be allowed in school BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - A dog can be a great pet or even a "man's best friend," but for a borough teenager, it can also turn out to be an emergency responder. Kaitlin Miller, a 16-year-old junior at Spotswood High School, is getting a new dog, but not for fetching bones or playing games. More ... A space for teens      SCOTT FRIEDMAN Mio Ortiz and Jasmine Beauboeuf, both 14, chat at a table in the East Brunswick Public Library's Teen Space area Sunday. The same day, township and library officials held a grand-opening celebration of the new space, which features 10 computers, diner-style booths, small tables and se... More ... GOP says Dems' budget decision will cost town BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MILLTOWN - Though a zero tax increase is often seen as cause for celebration, some Milltown Republicans are saying it came at too high a cost. The Borough Council adopted the 2007 municipal budget at its Sept. 10 meeting. More ... Democrats get a Rush from new campaign chair Holt assists candidates for state Assembly and Senate in District 14 BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       Democrats running for the state Legislature in District 14 will be receiving the guidance and support of U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, who was named honorary campaign chairman on Sept. 12. As such, Holt will be coordinating and assisting the efforts of Assembly candidates Linda Greenstein and Wayne DeAnge... More ... Residents bemoan unsightly conditions Buildings, overgrown vegetation, DeVoe Lake part of discussion BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - Residents and borough officials agreed Monday to see if anything can be done to combat problems with unsightly properties in town. Residents who spoke during the Borough Council meeting said they are concerned about problems with homes and buildings sitting boarded up, overgrown gras... More ... School teaches discipline, faith during holy month BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SOUTH RIVER - Students at Darul Arqam School are observing Ramadan with fasting and prayer this month. Ismael Khalil, principal of the Thomas Street school, said the students are taught the significance of these practices, which take on a special meaning during the holy month. More ... Area Muslims begin observance of Ramadan Month of fasting, personal sacrifice lasts through Oct. 12 BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       Ramadan, the monthlong devotion that includes fasting and acts of good will, began last week for Muslims throughout the world. Holmdel resident Mohammad Mosaad is a founding member and vice president of the Monmouth County Islamic Society, Middletown. Mosaad explained that for Muslims, Ramadan is... More ... Senior Center invites all to learn about offerings BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Whether its information and services on medical needs or a need for meals to be delivered home, the township's Senior Center has it covered. Over the years, the center has become not only a focal point for all senior issues in town, but also a place that an ever-growing number o... More ... Korean War-era transport to get some needed TLC BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - Students and the community are being called to attention to fix up an important display at the borough's Veterans Memorial Walkway. More ... Neighborhood crime? Not on their watch Police, volunteers work together in effort to keep boro safe BY MARY ANNE ROSS Correspondent       SPOTSWOOD - Evil-doers, beware. A Neighborhood Watch program is being launched in the borough, starting next month. The program is a joint effort on the part of the Spotswood PTA, the borough drug and alcohol alliance and the Spotswood Police Department, which is spearheading the program. The fi... More ...