How Lakewood became a worldwide destination for Orthodox Jews | Di Ionno

It is Friday in Lakewood. A few thousand young men in black suits and wide-brimmed black hats are rushing toward Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG), the world’s largest yeshiva outside of Israel. Parking in the vicinity of the school is as impossible as finding a spot in Hoboken or Jersey City. Students circle in their Toyotas, Nissans… Read the rest of this entry »

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AG Lynch closes Clinton email investigation; Sonnek-Schmelz blasts special rules for powerful insiders

Brent Sonnek-Schmelz

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced this afternoon that she is closing the Hillary Clinton email investigation based upon the recommendation of FBI Director James Comey. “Late this afternoon, I met with FBI Director James Comey and career prosecutors and agents who conducted the investigation of Secretary Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email system during her time as Secretary of State,” Lynch said in a statement released on the Justice Department website.  “I received and accepted their unanimous recommendation that the thorough, year-long investigation be closed and that no charges be brought against any individuals within the scope of the investigation.”

Brent Sonnek-Schmelz, the business man running for Congress against 28 year incumbent Frank Pallone in the Monmouth/Middlesex 6th District, said that Clinton’s free pass is more than enough reason to clear out partisan political puppets, like Pallone, from both political parties.

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Sonnek-Schmelz: Pallone’s behavior is disgraceful

Congressman Frank Pallone sitting on the House floor. Photo via twitter

Brent Sonnek-Schmelz, the Republican candidate challenging Congressman Frank Pallone in New Jersey’s 6th District, called the 28 year incumbent’s behavior on the floor of the House of Representatives “disgraceful.”

“Frank’s right,” the challenger continued, “he does not have much to be proud about after 28 years.”

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MAST gets another Fort Hancock building, Students will have a gym

By Muriel Smith

MIDDLETOWN – “We’re a long way away from putting a shovel in the ground, but if we’re able to agree on a project plan that meets our needs, and is acceptable to all community stakeholders, it will be a huge step in the future of our program. We really can’t thank Ms. Burry and the Freeholders enough for recognizing our need for a gymnasium, and offering their support.”

That’s what Earl Moore, principal at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Fort Hancok said this week when he learned the Monmouth County Vocational Board of Education and the National Park Service signed a Memorandum of Intent, paving the way  for conversion of Buildings 56 and 23 at Fort Hancock into a new facility.

The announcement, which was signed by all parties involved on Thursday, was made at the Fort Hancock 21^st Century Advisory Committee meeting at Thompson Park Friday.

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Holiday Giving List: Hurting and Helping

By Greg Kelly

My father once told that when you make a charitable donation to a worthy cause, “it should hurt a little.” Meaning the gift or contribution should bring about a significant sacrifice on your part.

Although charities certainly welcome big donations, it’s the smaller donations, when added together, that allow them to function. Kindness and generosity is the spirit of our holiday season. And with most charities needing financial support to keep their cause going, now is the season to make an impact.

The many Monmouth County-based charitable/volunteer organizations listed below work hard every day to help those less fortunate or for causes that improve the human condition. Please help them to help others this holiday season.

(And remember, a nice gift to your local police, fire, first aid and/or public works departments is both a supportive and wise contribution.)

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The Arnone Report: Infrastructure Updates

Freeholder Tom Arnone

By Monmouth County Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone

What an incredible fall season we have experienced thus far. The weather has been extremely kind, allowing us to enjoy the amazing landscapes Monmouth County has to offer. I hope that you attended some of the fall events and festivals held in our beautiful county parks and at our beaches, and also those coordinated in your hometowns. The leaves have changed and that means after leaf collection is completed, the county will begin to prep for the upcoming winter season. We are already collecting salt and materials to safeguard our over 1000 miles of roadways when the inclement weather presents itself. The county will be ready as always.

In the meantime, you may have noticed our red trucks mobilized throughout the county as the Public Works and Engineering staff have been busy the past few months, working hard to enhance the infrastructure and efficiency of our roadways, bridge and culvert structures, traffic signals and natural resources.

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Drought watch issued for 12 counties, 6 million people as N.J. water worries worsen

A drought watch has been issued in parts of 12 New Jersey counties, encompassing more than two-thirds of the population, after months of dry, warm weather that have driven the state’s water supply to worryingly low levels. Rainfall totals in parts of northern and central New Jersey have been just over 50 percent of average over… Read the rest of this entry »

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Greg’s List: Things to do in Monmouth County this weekend, August 14-16, 2015

By Greg Kelly

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Friday, August 14

• Keyport Fireman’s Fair – MORE INFO
• How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (Spring Lake) – MORE INFO
• Teen Yoga Class (Middletown) – MORE INFO
• Bluegrass Mini Golf at Monmouth Park (Oceanport) – MORE INFO
• Atlantic Cinemas Movie Night (Atlantic Highlands) – MORE INFO
• Hometown Premiere at Grange Playhouse (Howell) – MORE INFO
• Little Mermaid at CBA’s Henderson Theater (Lincroft) – MORE INFO
• Live Harness Racing at Freehold Raceway – MORE INFO
• Live Horse Racing at Monmouth Park (Oceanport) – MORE INFO

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Mobile County Connection Will Debut In Howell, Weds August 12

Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Surrogate Rosemarie Peters and Sheriff Shaun Golden are teaming up and taking their show on the road in a mobile office, aka The Mobile County Connection, starting tomorrow, August 12 at Howell Township Library.

“We are proud to be unveiling such an important outreach program,” said Hanlon. “It is the first of its kind in Monmouth County and features mobile government services in an effort to connect people with government in their communities.”

The Mobile County Connection office will be housed in a large mobile command center and be rolled out for the first time at the Howell Township Library, 318 Old Tavern Rd., August 12, from 11am to 2pm. During the event, residents will be able to apply for and renew their passports as well as have passport photos taken. Residents will also have access to free notary services and voter/election information.

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The Arnone Report: Progress on Shark River Dredging and Two River Bike Path

By Monmouth County Freeholder Tom Arnone

Freeholder Tom Arone

Summer is in full swing and I hope everyone is out there enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve been having. An annual tradition here in Monmouth County is the County Fair. The 41^st Monmouth County Fair was a huge success with thousands of residents attending over the five days it was held at the East Freehold Fairgrounds on Kozloski Road.

Monmouth County is the gateway to the Jersey Shore, and you will find more than 50 miles of beaches, revolutionary history sites, nationally recognized parks and golf courses, outdoor dining experiences for all tastes and plenty of places to spend the night.  The Monmouth Park System offers over 30 park areas to explore, please go out and enjoy all our beautiful county has to offer.

While we are on the topic of outdoor activities you can enjoy throughout our County, I would like to take a moment to address several concerns within different regions, including the Shark River dredging and the two-river area bike path.

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