What's Making News In the Town Next Door?

In Aberdeen

Aberdeen Township has experienced a series of daytime burglaries in recent weeks, with at least five homes entered using a back window or sliding glass door. Three homes in the Strathmore area, two on Brookview Lane and most recently, one on Oakshade Avenue were entered while the homeowners were out. Residents reported items such as jewelry, safes, lap tops and iPads missing.

In Matawan

A last September accuses them of using excessive force, false arrest, illegal search and seizure, failure to intervene during the incident, malicious abuse of process and supervisory liability. The suit is the most recent development in an ongoing legal battle involving the demotion of Alston, Matawan's first African American police chief, to the rank of lieutenant in July 2011.

In Keyport

The Keyport Borough Council is reviving the idea of putting kiosks along the waterfront, The Independent reports. Borough Administrator Lorene Wright told The Independent that a potential contract would allow a kiosk to be purchased by a vendor or would allow the borough to purchase one and lease it to a vendor.

In Hazlet

Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced that a Hazlet dentist has been indicted for allegedly submitting false claims to the Medicaid program. Ping Cai, 49, of Holmdel, a licensed dentist whose practice is located at 40 Village Court in Hazlet, was charged with second-degree health care claims fraud and two counts of third-degree Medicaid fraud. The alleged activity took place between 2007 and 2010.

In Colts Neck

For 100 years, in Colts Neck has been an institution in Monmouth County. This week, the Monmouth County Freeholders and local officials came together to celebrate the milestone. Last year, Delicious Orchards sold 1.2 million doughnuts and more than 200,000 pies, all made from scratch, staying as true to the original recipe as possible. To keep pace with demand, they bought an apple-peeling machine that peels a bushel of apples per minute, according to owner Bill McDonald.

In Marlboro

A Councilwoman is challenging the idea that merely doubling the membership fees to the town's aquatic center will be enough to run it, and the council should seriously consider selling, leasing or closing the property. Mayor Jon Hornik said the township would be taking a hard look at all township programs. "We can't afford to use taxpayer money to continue to support programs and facilities that cannot support themselves," Hornik said.

In Freehold

were called to Thursday after a written threat was found. Students were evacuated to a safe location, , where they waited for two hours until the premise was determined safe. Police are looking into this threat to see if it has any connection to the recent bomb threats at and .

In Middletown

State Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos, Jr. a Republican representing District 13, made it official that he is running for U.S. Senator. Kyrillos hinted as much at the Homdel Township Committee Reorganization on Jan. 3, where he swore in elected officials. Also in Middletown, has been approved for the interection of Route 35 and Harmony Lane. 

In case you missed it...

In Holmdel

More than 120 residents turned out to a marathon public meeting Thursday where two pieces of local legislation were introduced, paving the way for a potential sale of four acres of land in a densely populated area of town on the Hazlet border, and up to 12 acres of preserved Cross Farm, near the Colts Neck side. The Township Committee is preparing for the possibility of selling these assets in case a planned April voter referendum to raise taxes fails. The town is facing a $2.6 million deficit in the 2012 municipal budget.