Underage busts continue at venue Local legislator wants arts center to run more family-friendly events BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       In light of the recent ban on alcohol in all PNC Bank Arts center parking lots, state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth/ Middlesex) has called on a Senate committee to review operations at the 17,500-seat venue in an effort to make events there more familyfriendly. More ... Truck co. co-owner admits paying off public officials       NEWARK - - A co-owner of International Trucks of Central Jersey, located in Hillside and Howell, pleaded guilty Aug. 22 to bribing several local public officials. More ... Car wash to benefit brain-damaged toddler BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       KEYPORT - An upcoming car wash is geared to offset the medical bills of a Keansburg boy suffering from brain damage after nearly drowning in June. On Sept. 15 and 16, the staff of Brite Futures Day Care, Keyport, will devote their weekend to scrubbing bumpers and waxing fenders. At $5 a car, the... More ... Over half of candidates qualify for public funds Benchmark ensures clean elections proposal will be considered in '09 BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       The number of fair and clean electioncertified candidates crept past the 50 percent mark Aug.17, officially making the program "successful" as defined in the language of the legislation that created it. More ... Seafood Fest to offset fireman's medical costs BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       MATAWAN - Just like the Marines, firefighters in Matawan are committed to the promise that "no one gets left behind." On Sept. 8, Washington Engine Company No. 1 is hosting an all-you-can-eat Seafood Fest, a fundraiser to benefit Richard Ingram, a volunteer fireman with the company for over 40 ... More ... Web site for caregivers, chronically ill renamed       FREEHOLD - The Monmouth County Division of Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Interment announced the renaming of a free Internet-based program called Lasting Lifestyles, which provides guidance and support for local caregivers and the chronically ill. More ... Impact of natural hazards to be assessed by county       The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has begun developing a comprehensive all-natural hazards-mitigation plan for the county and its 53 municipalities. More ... The summer winds      SCOTT FRIEDMAN Richard Krause, along with the rest of the horn section, played big band music with the Jazz Lobsters, during Thursday night's concert at the Mini Park, West Front Street, Keyport. More ... Two charged for robbing gas station with toy gun       ABERDEEN - Police arrested two men Aug. 20 for using a toy gun to rob a gas station. Michael B. Conway, 20, of Marlboro, and Josue Edmond, 25, of Toms River, were arrested for allegedly robbing the Enrite gas station on the corner of Route 34 and Lloyd Road. More ... Mayor unearths two churches' hidden pasts Scharfenberger's findings run from historic to spooky BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - Christians go to church. Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger goes under them. He finds things one might not expect, a perfectly good dead cat, for instance, a 17thcentury witch's caldron, bullets and whiskey bottles - lots and lots of whiskey bottles. More ... Committee unanimously approves pay-to-play ban Measure to become effective following the fall campaigns BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - The township has become the latest local municipality to adopt an anti pay-to-play ordinance, and officials say in some respects it's among the strongest in the state. More ... Middletown ships a ton of supplies to soldiers in Iraq       MIDDLETOWN - One ton of supplies is on the way to Middletown's adopted soldiers in Iraq, thanks to an outpouring of support from the community. Middletown families, civic organizations, Boy and Girl Scout troops, schools and local businesses generously donated everything from snacks to personal ... More ... Judge denies attempt to halt turf project BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - A state Superior Court judge denied a request by the firm IC Improvements to stop construction on the turf field project at High School North. IC Improvements, based in Parsippany, was one of the losers in earlier rounds of competitive bidding for the right to install the new artifi... More ... From the Vault      Before flexing his muscle in Holmdel's politics, Committeeman Terence Wall tried his luck in the sports entertainment arena. In this photo, Wall promoted his qualification to compete in the TV show "American Gladiators." According to Wall, he was a finalist to appear on the show, but never made it t... More ...