Singer's music centers on quest for freedom Black history recognized in concert at Sayreville library BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - Patrons of the borough's public library were treated to a musical narrative based on the stories of American slaves Saturday, courtesy of a Mercer County singer and songwriter. More ... Sayreville, Avenel men guilty in burglary ring Break-ins typically occurred at apartments during daytime       Three area men pleaded guilty last week in connection with a series of apartment burglaries that took place in Edison and Woodbridge over the past two years. More ... On the cat walk      PHOTOSBYSCOTT FRIEDMAN Clockwise from top: Old Bridge High School sophomore Robert Vafiadou enjoys a moment in the spotlight while fellow sophomore Taylor Palehonki waits her turn on the runway during the school's fashion show Sunday, which featured students, staff and administrators as models. Seni... More ... Boro code office embroiled in controversy Many point fingers as state looks at permit for high school work BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - Construction at Sayreville War Memorial High School is being investigated by the state in response to concerns that the work had not received borough approval before getting under way last year. The issue is just one part of a growing controversy surrounding the boroug... More ... $176K contract award criticized as political Democrats defend decision on no-bid contract with CME BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       OLD BRIDGE - - Despite one member's effort to secure a lower price for the project, the Township Council awarded a $176,000 contract to CME Associates for a storm sewer bypass in the area of Pine Street. More ... Bill sparks debate over health vs. parents' rights Some fear mandating cancer vaccine for girls may promote promiscuity BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       A new bill before the state Assembly would require all girls entering the seventh grade to be immunized against the virus responsible for most cervical cancers and genital warts. Proponents argue that the vaccine can save countless lives, but opponents say it removes parents' rights to be... More ... County adds Saturdays, O.B. stop for shuttle       Middlesex County officials will expand a new shuttle service that runs between East Brunswick and Old Bridge to include Saturday service and a new stop in Old Bridge. The changes to the Brunswick Square Mall-South River-Old Bridge Shuttle take effect this Saturday. More ... Mayor wants 3-strikes policy for nightclubs BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - Borough officials are debating a proposal designed to curtail violence at local clubs in light of a recent wave of violent incidents that required police action. Though there have been several reports at various locations, the governing body in particular began to explor... More ... Singer and songwriter "Briz" Conard MIGUEL JUAREZ staff      Singer and songwriter "Briz" Conard performs songs from his program "Freedom Stairway" at the Sayreville Public Library Saturday. See story, page 18. More ... Old Bridge to expand crowded animal shelter Municipal kennel has not been updated since the late 1970s BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Cats and dogs in Old Bridge will soon have reason to purr and wag their tails in appreciation. The Old Bridge Animal Shelter will undergo a 700-square-foot expansion that will ease overcrowding, allow for improved services and better care for the animals living there. More ... Violence continues to rage at boro clubs Five arrested as cops respond to three clubs on reports of fighting BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       Police made five arrests after responding to several violent incidents at Sayreville bars and clubs between Thursday and Sunday. The reports of violence, at Bourbon Street, Primetime Sports Bar & Billiards Cafe and the Colosseum nightclub, come at a time when borough officials have ... More ...