JEFF GRANIT staff Jorrel Persaud, a U.S. Army soldier who recently returned home from Iraq, talks to the media at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge division, where he met the nurses who sent him care packages while he served overseas. More ... Soldier thanks his long-distance friends Nurses helped keep up the spirits of unit fighting in Iraq BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       A group of nurses helped make Jorrel Persaud laugh while he served in the war in Iraq. Among other things, the operating room nurses at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge sent funny movies to the soldier they took under their wing as part of an "adopt a soldier" program about ... More ... Dozen builders express interest in Nat'l Lead SERA starts over by seeking redevelopers' credentials first BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       The redevelopment of the National Lead property suffered a major setback when Sayreville's chosen builder withdrew its commitment last year. But the Sayreville Economic Redevelopment Agency has begun to look at other developers, and 12 such entities have responded to the agency's Re... More ... Prodigal Foundation plans annual scholarship dinner       Prodigal Foundation Inc. will hold its seventh annual scholarship dinner for high school seniors affected by cancer at Colonia Country Club on April 26. Prodigal Foundation reaches out to enhance the quality of life of children who have been adversely affected by cancer. More ... Police dept. promotes four officers to sergeant BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       OLD BRIDGE - Four township police officers were promoted to the rank of sergeant at the Township Council meeting Monday. The room was filled to capacity with friends and family of the officers, who received a standing ovation after being sworn in. More ... Fund-raisers       April 13 + Adult Tricky Tray, sponsored by Our Lady of Victories Church, doors open at 5 p.m., event begins at 7:30 p.m., in the church's Monsignor Dalton Hall, Main Street, Sayreville. Open to individuals age 18 and above. Tickets, available in advance only for $8 each at the parish of... More ... Voters will have say on avg. $122 tax hike BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - Voters will decide on a school budget that calls for a tax hike of $122 on the average borough home assessed at $143,000. More ... The rising      Workers erect a new bronze crucifix at the Saint Stanislaus Kostka cemetery on Pulaski Avenue, Sayreville, on Good Friday last week. The statue's predecessor was shattered last year amid a series of damage to and thefts of religious symbols in the area. Four local teenagers were charged in the event... More ...