MIGUEL JUAREZ staff Members of the Old Bridge High School cheerleading squad proudly hold the trophy from their first-place finish at the "Reach the Beach National Championships" in Ocean City, Md. For story, see page 4. More ... Town, residents unite to fight rent increase Maher Manor seniors face hikes totaling 8% since August BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Residents of a state-subsidized senior housing development in Old Bridge are working with local and state officials to curb a 5 percent rent increase. The increase would be the second one within a year's time, after a 3 percent hike over the summer for the residents of Maher Manor, ... More ... Municipal tax increase expected in Sayreville Residents could see hikes of $186, $122 in boro, school taxes BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       Sayreville officials are reviewing a municipal budget that would bring residents an average tax increase of $186. The 2007 budget, introduced last week by the Borough Council, stands at $47.8 million, up $3.3 million from last year. Though it calls for raising the municipal tax rate... More ... Officials hope to erase town's graffiti problem Program would remove markings within 24 hours BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - - Grant money may help the borough purchase equipment to remove graffiti, which has become a growing concern among residents. The state Department of Environmental Protection last month gave towns in the 19th Legislative District a total of almost $190,000 through the ... More ... Graffiti incidents, assault on cop reported last week       SAYREVILLE - Several acts of graffiti were reported in various areas of town last week, including one in which police found the suspect in the act of marking public property. Police were dispatched to Andrewjeski Bridge on the southbound side of routes 9 and 35 at 11:27 p.m. March 15 f... More ... Fundraisers       March 22 + An Evening at Friday's, sponsored by the Emma L. Arleth School PTO, Old Bridge, 5-8:30 p.m., at T.G.I. Friday's, Route 9, Old Bridge. Diners should tell their server they are there to support the Arleth School PTO. Call Beth at (732) 727-2103. More ... Write-in candidate upset over exclusion from forum Former board prez. says he will present matter to ACLU BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       OLD BRIDGE - A write-in candidate for the Board of Education is claiming his First Amendment rights have been violated. Frank Weber said his exclusion from the PTA Presidents' Council's Candidates Night was unfair, and he plans to fight it. More ... Indian culture meets West in artist's work Bhavsar exhibition will run through July at Rutgers museum       NEW BRUNSWICK - The Zimmerli Art Museum has opened an exhibition of more than 50 paintings from one of the most prominent and respected artists of Indian heritage in the U.S. "Natvar Bhavsar: The Dimensions of Color," which highlights 35 years in the career of the abstract painter, w... More ... Veteran officer retires with positive memories Two lieutenants promoted to captain amid retirements BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - - Police Capt. Richard Zdan will retire from the borough next month after serving the community for more than 40 years. "I would like to thank the mayor and council, the current and the former chiefs of police for giving me this opportunity to serve with the department... More ...