Feds charge Abate with misuse of WMUA post Former exec. director faces jail time, fines in U.S. allegations      Frank G. Abate, the former executive director of the Western Monmouth Utilities Authority (WMUA), has been charged in a federal indictment with taking thousands of dollars worth of free or discounted home improvements and services from contractors and developers in exchange for exercising his author More ...      It was rush hour in Freehold Borough on Nov. 24 as runners headed up Court Street during the Freehold Area Running Club's 21st annual Born to Run 5-mile race through town. Tim Mulligan won the race in 25:20. More than 550 runners and racewalkers completed the event, which is always held on the day a More ... Feds charge Abate with misuse of WMUA post Local officials react to news of Abate's indictment BY KATHY BARATTA & TALI ISRAELI Staff Writers      Municipal officials in Manalapan and Marl-boro reacted to the federal indictment last week of Frank G. Abate, the former executive director of the Western Monmouth Utilities Authority (WMUA). More ... Optimists named 'Distinguished Club'      The Howell Optimist Club was recognized as a Distinguished Club for the 2005-06 Optimist year by Optimist International for its exceptional work throughout the community, commitment to children and continued support to Optimist International and the New Jersey Lower New York Optimist District. More ... Essay lands youngster spot at King memorial BY TALI ISRAELI Staff Writer      MARLBORO - Lara Berger was one of 50 youngsters chosen to visit Washington, D.C., after winning a national essay contest about civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More ... Scout restores fitness trail at rec center BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer      MANALAPAN - An Eagle Scout project has led to the restoration of the fitness trail at the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522. More ... Suspect sought in bank robbery      MARLBORO - A mid-morning robbery at the Commerce Bank, Route 520, is under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. More ... Chiropractor honored for Olympic activities      OLD BRIDGE - Dr. Ira A. Shapiro, of Manalapan, director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center, Englishtown Road, has been honored by the Assoc-iation of New Jersey Chiro-practors (ANJC) with a Special Service Award. More ... First aid squad president waits for more volunteers MONOC paramedics responding during day in borough, township BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer      FREEHOLD - Citing a lack of manpower at certain times, trustees of the volunteer Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad made a decision in October to enlist the services of professional MONOC paramedics to respond to people who need assistance during weekdays. More ... Howell man faces charges      On Nov. 15, a Monmouth County grand jury sitting in Freehold returned an indictment charging Paul DeSantis, 50, of Howell, with one count of fourth-degree endangering the welfare of a child for possessing child pornography and two counts of second degree endangering the welfare of a child for distri More ... Iraq veteran sworn in as Freehold's newest officer BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer      FREEHOLD - When Thomas Fricano was growing up, he could not decide whether a military career or a career in law enforcement would be the best choice for his future. Now, Fricano, 22, has managed to pursue both of those dreams. More ... Youngsters take talking car's safety tips to heart BY LARRY HLAVENKA JR. Staff Writer      HOWELL - Not since the days of television's "Knight Rider" had those people at the Ardena School who are old enough to remember the show experienced the intrigue of a talking car. More ... Adult education program to be offered      FREEHOLD - The Freehold Jewish Center will present an adult education program featuring Sarah Elshazly, who will speak on a unique aspect of the Israel-Arab situation, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3 at the Freehold Jewish Center, 59 Broad St. More ... Couple honored for work with Marfan foundation      Barbara and Steve Hawthorne, of Freehold, were honored by the National Marfan Foundation (NMF) with a Silver Service award for their contributions to the Marfan community. The Silver Service awards are part of the NMF's 25th anniversary celebration. These recognitions for 18 NMF members were based o More ... Met tenor will give benefit concert at Freehold church      FREEHOLD - Eduardo Villa, a world-renowned tenor who performs at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City, will hold a benefit concert at the First Baptist Church, 81 W. Main St., at 2 p.m. Dec. 10. More ... History is in the air at Lakehurst base Area residents tour site of famous Hindenburg crash BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer      LAKEHURST - Hangar No. 1 at Naval Air Engineering Station Lake-hurst has been around for a pretty long time, more than 85 years. More ... Student's work wins honor      Monmouth University, West Long Branch, senior Preethi Pirlamarla, a biology major from Freehold, was awarded first place for best research poster presentation at the 39th annual conference of the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists (MACUB) held Oct. 28 at Kingsborough Commu More ... Holy Toledo, Batman ... it's 'American Comic's Creators' Exhibit in Long Branch celebrates comics as an American art form      An exhibit celebrating the artistic contributions of the creators of comic books and comic strips has opened at the Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts in Long Branch. More ... Council nixes reduction in builder's bond BY TALI ISRAELI Staff Writer      MARLBORO - The Township Council has passed a resolution denying the reduction of a performance bond for a residential development. More ... Temple to host 'Evening of Fine Art'      Modern and classic art - much of it with a Jewish twist - will be on display at Temple B'nai Shalom's holiday art auction on Dec. 2-3. The temple is at Fern and Old Stage roads in East Brunswick. More ... Monmouth donates $25,000 to state's WWII memorial      FREEHOLD - Recognizing the sacrifices made by World War II veterans, particularly those who lost their lives to preserve freedom, the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has donated $25,000 toward the fundraising effort to build a memorial in New Jersey. More ...