Support your local library      The availability of $45 million in state library construction funding has book lovers and library directors taking note. More ... Residents’ safety shouldn’t be compromised      The Independent Fire Company of Belford has been vigilantly safeguarding the lives of Belford residents for more than 77 years. Our members represent the finest the fire service has to offer. Our business is saving lives and protecting property, and we are very good at it. More ... Guest Column Gabrielle Girard It’s time for Middletown teachers, board to get practical      Over the past few years I have followed the travails, contract disputes, strikes, public whining, and complaining by Middletown teachers. But upon reading in the Independent of the most recent "possible strike," I was too disgusted to remain silent. More ...