SCOTT FRIEDMAN Rutgers University graduate student Jean Parry talks to children about the characteristics of bones inside the Rutgers science lab, a 40-foot, mobile facility that was brought to the East Brunswick Public Library March 5 for a program called "Skeleton Detectives." Students learned how... More ... Community mourns loss of decorated paratrooper U.S. Army corporal from Middlesex Co. killed in Afghanistan BY MICHAEL ACKER & VINCENT TODARO Staff Writers       Spurred by seeing his brother narrowly avoid becoming a victim of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Steven R. Koch joined the Army out of a desire to fight terrorism and support his country. That he did for two years, being recognized for his courage and conduct with many awards in recognitio... More ... Construction under way at former Meyer's mall Toys 'R'Us, Babies 'R'Us to be anchor stores at Summerhill Square BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       For those who'd like to see signs of life at the former Meyer's shopping center site in East Brunswick, construction on a new building has finally begun. Developer Robert Pagano has broken ground on Summerhill Square, a 150,000-square-foot shopping center that will consist of three buildings, at ... More ... Aid loss could force big cuts or tax hike Spotswood stands to lose $373,000 BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD- Borough officials will take another look at their proposed municipal budget for 2008 after learning that the state is cutting municipal aid. Mayor Barry Zagnit and the Borough Council had a budget ready for introduction until finding out recently that Gov. Jon Corzine plans to cut the ... More ...      SCOTT FRIEDMAN Strong winds snapped this mature tree on Riva Avenue in East Brunswick on Saturday night. The weekend's gusts caused similar damage throughout the region. Reports included structural damage to some homes, and downed utility wires and branches in the roadways. More ... Local boy makes, sells pins to help fight against cancer       EAST BRUNSWICK- Likemany others whose families have been touched by cancer, Jonathon Howarth has decided to fight back. What separates him from many other hardworking advocates for cancer research is that he is 10 years old. Jonathon raised $700 as of last week by selling sculpted pins with holi... More ... Klemp, Pinkin will seek new terms with Neary BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK- The two incumbent Township Council members whose seats are up this year will both seek their party's nomination this June. Donald Klemp and Nancy Pinkin said they plan to seek the nominations, along with incumbent Mayor William Neary. More ... Church elects 1st female sr. warden in 251 years Bonamici looks to bolster outreach efforts, keep church growing BY MARY ANNE ROSS Correspondent       SPOTSWOOD - Parishioners at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Main Street, made history recently when they elected Laura Bonamici as senior warden. It is the first time a woman has held the position since the church was founded 251 years ago. More ... Monroe taxes to increase with 2008 municipal tab BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MONROE- Under the 2008municipal budget, residents can expect to pay close to $100 more in property taxes on an average home than they did last year. For the homeowner with property assessed at the township average of $174,226, the yearly tax bill will be $1,068, a $98 increase from last year. More ... Lab on wheels      PHOTOS BY SCOTT FRIEDMAN Above: Lab partners Joanna Haines (l) and Kasey Lam, both 11, examine a bone inside the Rutgers Science Explorer, a mobile laboratory that was brought to the East Brunswick Public Library March 5. Bottom: East Brunswick Public Library's youth services librarian, Carol Philli... More ... Officials do battle over budget philosophy in E.B. BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - It's not just small towns being hit by the latest wave of state aid cuts. Township residents could see another 3 cents added to the proposed 11-cent increase in the municipal tax rate this year. More ... Holder of most records breaks his latest in O.B. Queens man pushes Ford more than 17 miles at local drag strip BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Pushing a car is one of the last things most people would want to end up doing on a chilly Saturday. But then, Ashrita Furman is not most people. The 53-year-old New Yorker pushed a Ford Festiva more than 17 miles in a little over six hours last week, breaking the Guinness World Record. The previ... More ...