Pop's will never be on the market for builders Vegetable, flower farm in Monroe preserved for $1.8M BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Barbara Byrne Schauer knows her parents would be proud. The Monroe farm they owned going back to the 1920s will remain as such, and can never be developed. Its inclusion into the state Farmland Preservation Program was celebrated Monday morning during a press conference attended by family members... More ... $1M check presentation sparks heated dispute Middlesex County awards grant for turf field at high school BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       A$1 million grant has Republicans crying foul just before an election that will decide which political party has majority control in South River. More ... E.B., Suburban agree to 17-month contract BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - After months of discussion, the Township Council voted unanimously Monday to award an interim contract to Suburban Transit for exclusive bus service at the township's park-and-ride facilities. More ... Town plans to address resident's drainage issue BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - When Ladislav Hanzes looks at the drainage improvements being made near the municipal building, he only feels a sense of frustration. Hanzes, of Louise Drive, said a lack of what he feels would be appropriate action on the part of the township to resolve drainage conditions at a... More ... Healthy Halloween      PHOTOS BY SCOTT FRIEDMAN Left: Alexandra Gonzalez, 6, of East Brunswick makes her way across the obstacle course at the Healthy Halloween program sponsored by the East Brunswick Public Library on Sunday. Right: Riley Chase, 4, of East Brunswick looks at a "skeleton" on display. More ... Helmetta At stake: Four-year mayoral term and two three-year council terms       Nancy Martin*(i) (Seeking mayoral term) Martin, 49, has a husband, George, four children, Brandon, 29, Michael, 28, Jason, 25, and Amanda, 17, and two grandchildren. She is employed as a tax collector for the borough of Hightstown. More ... Jamesburg At stake: One four-year term as mayor, two three-year terms on the Borough Council, and one one-year unexpired council term       Where they stand: What are your thoughts about the work of the current governing body and its decisions on borough matters? Thomas C. Bodall* (D) The current governing body in Jamesburg has done and continues to do a spectacular job in managing the borough. More ... Milltown At stake: One four-year mayoral term and two three-year Borough Council terms       Where they stand: What is Milltown's strongest quality and biggest weakness? Gloria M. Bradford* (R) Although Milltown is surrounded by major highways, it maintains the small-town atmosphere. It is a multi-generation town with children often buying parents' or grandparents' houses. More ... Halloween hoot      PHOTOS BY SCOTT FRIEDMAN Left: Michael Allen, 12, of Spotswood, dressed as a prisoner, "breaks out" of school during the Immaculate Conception School's annual "Trunk or Treat" event Saturday in Spotswood. More than 300 children and their parents attend each year to trick-or-treat in the parking lot,... More ... Mayoral hopefuls discuss views on Monroe issues Pucci, Nothstein disagree on record of incumbents BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MONROE - While the Democratic mayor who has been in charge for two decades is hoping to continue on his leadership path, a Republican newcomer is looking to make changes. More ... Monroe At stake: Four-year mayoral term and two four-year, at-large Township Council terms       Where they stand: What is the greatest challenge facing Monroe and how should it be addressed? Leslie Koppel-Egierd* (D) The greatest challenge facing Monroe Township, as with most municipal governments, will be maintaining premier municipal services while controlling property taxes. More ... Top touring act      Rick Recht, a popular top touring act in Jewish music, signs a guitar won by Mirah Becker (third from left) during Recht's Oct. 21 performance at the East Brunswick Jewish Center, Ryders Lane. Also pictured are Emma Becker and their mom, Rachel. More ... Lease extension raises redevelopment questions Sam's Club will stay at least one more year at Golden Triangle BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Sam's Club has extended its lease with Toll Brothers and will continue to operate on the Golden Triangle redevelopment site for at least two more years. The price club, which would have to move to make way for the redevelopment project proposed by Toll Brothers, has a new lease ... More ... South River At stake: Four-year mayoral term and two three-year Borough Council terms       Where they stand: How can the borough of South River be improved? Raymond T. Eppinger (R) As so many residents have said: Bring back the South River that we all knew and loved. More ... Rt. 18 traffic conditions frustrate E.B. commuters BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Traffic congestion on Route 18 continues to be a hot topic at Township Council meetings, and with residents complaining and officials looking for answers. The topic reared its head Monday night after Lenore Gordon, a commuter, said current traffic conditions make it even harder ... More ...