Measure would fight underage drinking parties Violators may face license loss, stiffer fines in Middletown BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       An ordinance intended to curb underage drinking parties at private homes in Middletown was introduced at last week's Township Committee meeting. Presently, according to Township Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger, there is no provision on the books stating that police can enter a private ... More ...       CBA's Nicholas Grippo swims to an early lead in the 100-meter breaststroke event during the Colts' NJSIAA semifinal meet against St. Joseph's in North Brunswick on Feb. 21. For story, see Sports. More ... Keyport approves 'rehabilitation' votes Designation meant to encourage real estate investment in boro BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       The Borough Council passed two resolutions Feb. 20 that moved forward the designation of Keyport as an "area in need of rehabilitation." One resolution authorized the designation while the other called for the adoption of procedures in conjunction with the rehabilitation. Both resol... More ... Middletown commits to environmental initiative Mayor expects new shuttle bus service to begin in mid-March BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - The Township Committee voted last week to move ahead with its Green Initiative, which aims to solidify the township's commitment to contain energy costs, emissions and their environmental impacts. Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger said he started to think about this process... More ... Holt bill would demand paper record of votes Once defeated, proposal getting a second look with new Democratic majority BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       A new bill put forth by U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (12th District) would mandate that all electronic voting machines produce a voter-verified paper trail, but some critics have voiced concern over security and funding. The bill itself, called HR811, was originally proposed and defeated by ... More ... Committeeman gives TV buy a bad reception BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - For eight years, Mike Slover has taken pride in not only being the director of Crossroads at Croydon Hall, but staying within the $7,000 budget that the township allots to the substance abuse treatment center each year. "Everything we purchase is accounted for around he... More ... N.J. still sorting out legal details of civil unions Whether institution is recognized elsewhere varies from state to state BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       Same-sex couples all over New Jersey applied for civil union licenses when a new law that allows them to took effect last week. While the moment was seen by rights groups as a step forward, it was also seen as a sharp reminder that gay and lesbian couples still cannot technically g... More ... GOP chair: Party has endorsed no Lucent plan BY KARL VILACOBA Staff Writer       HOLMDEL - The official arm of the township's Republican Party distanced itself from its social arm on Friday regarding the group's proposal for redeveloping the Lucent tract. More ... Boro redesigns Web site, changes thrust of content BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       KEYPORT - Borough Administrator and Director of Engineering Peter Valesi has announced the launch of Keyport's newly redesigned Web site, www.keyportonline.com. The new Web site was officially unveiled on Feb. 15. More ... New clerk lists records organization as priority BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       KEYPORT - Valerie Tornick Heilweil was officially sworn in as the new borough clerk Feb. 20. Heilwell replaces Allyson Cinquegrana, who took over the position a little less than a year ago for longtime clerk Judy Poling. "I am very happy to be here," Heilweil said in an intervi... More ... On Campus       Christina Cecero, Middletown, has been named to the dean's list for the fall semester at Elmira (N.Y.) College, where she is a student in the class of 2008. A speech and language disabilities major, she is the daughter of Phyllis and Anthony Cecero. More ... From the Vault       A teacher at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology is lowered in a "breeches buoy" from the simulated crow's nest of a sinking ship during a display of turn of the century rescue techniques held at Sandy Hook. The date of the photo could not be determined. More ...