M'town Committee voted to assist Impact Oasis

The 5-member Middletown Committee voted to partner with the Monmouth Conservation Foundation and NY/NJ Baykeepers to obtain a property to be used by the group Impact Oasis, to serve those with autism. The total cost of the program to township residents is about $3 million.

The township expects to receive about $700,000 from various sources, including the state's Green Acres Program.

Florio helping town wanting to break off

I have never heard of someplace called Upper Township (reportedly it is somewhere down the Shore), but apparently residents there have agreed that they want to see about doing their own thing. Something like that really hasn't come up since the Civil War or...the last time Vermont issued a press release. Anyway, this Shore area is being helped out in its quest for freedom by former New Jersey Gov. Jim Florio.

Parking fees to rise by 50 percent beginning July 1

In Middletown, parking fees are set to rise by 50 percent as of July 1. This is a key issue for a largely commuter population that relies upon the Train Station as a vital transportation hub.

Sandy Hook: A vital part of the Bayshore

Sandy Hook is a national park that is a vital part of the Bayshore, Northern Monmouth County. It is a great summer destination for the family, but watch out for some bridge construction activity going on near Highlands this year for possible delays.

Christie, Lonegan square off for first debate

GOP gubernatorial candidates Steve Lonegan and Chris Christie are squaring off for their first debate. Lonegan is the former mayor of Bogota and Christie is the former United States attorney. The two are running a hotly contested primary that will come to a head on June 2, with the Republican Primary contest. The winner of the match-up will go on to face incumbent Democratic Governor Jon Corzine during fall's General Election.

Coast Guard saves the day for stranded boaters

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued four people over the weekend after a 31-foot boat was stranded. The action unfolded near the Keyport Marina. Congratulations on another great save to the guys and gals of the Coast Guard.

Twsp. Committee looks to offset losses

The Middletown Committee recently introduced a $62.8-million spending plan for next year at its April 2nd session. However, the township fell about $2.4 million short of its anticipated revenue for this year, and that means looking at ways of closing the gap. Consequently, the governing body is looking at things like cutting more than $5 million in departmental budget expenditure.

Rottweiler shot by Middletown police officer

A 30-year-old Middletown woman is sorting things out after her Rottweiler was shot by township police in the vicinity of Kanes Lane. The shooting took place 5 p.m. Friday.

The shooting took place after another township woman was bitten by the late dog. The officer was not harmed during the incident and the woman who was bitten was treated and released at an area hospital.