JEFF GRANIT staff Trish Chambers, wearing a type of bonnet women would wear in 1860, gives a presentation in period dress on the Underground Railroad. The event, including a brief history and with a focus on the quilts that played a key role in preparing and guiding slaves to freedom, was held at th... More ... Animal shelter expansion to get under way in O.B. Officials say facility will have pets happier, other towns jealous BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Though some would say the process has taken a dog's age, the Old Bridge animal shelter expansion project will prove worth the wait, according to officials. "It simply came down to, we wanted to move with speed and not haste, and we wanted to do it right the first time," Mayor Jim Phillips said. More ... Mayor calls DPWhead underworked, overpaid Council Dems defend official, but give him additional title BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       Sayreville officials engaged in a politically charged debate regarding a longtime department head's role and salary level at borough hall Monday night. The dispute, centering on Public Works Director Bernie Bailey, came about after Democratic Council President Dennis Grobelny made a motion to app... More ... 'Of Mice and Men'      ERIC SUCAR staff Cast members with the Sayreville Main Street Theatre Company run through a scene from "Of Mice and Men" during rehearsal Tuesday at the Theatre at Garden Friends, Bordentown Avenue in Parlin. The shows will run Feb. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. For more i... More ... Mayor says rec. director 'thinks he's autonomous' Says Ust should report to administrator like other dept. heads BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - Mayor Kennedy O'Brien cited concerns this week with anomalies in the borough's corporate structure and chain of command, specifically with regard to the director of recreation, Gerald Ust. More ... O.B. man gets aiding charge       EAST BRUNSWICK - Police have identified and arrested an Old Bridge man in connection with the theft of a woman's purse from the A&P parking lot on Route 18. The purse was stolen on Jan. 28 at 10:11 p.m., when a 33-year-old Monroe resident was placing groceries in her vehicle. A silver conversion... More ... Ranking system to help determine road projects Council members, public can help decide what roads are done BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       OLD BRIDGE - While it has been said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, good planning is what will help township officials to pave roads that need it most. Business Administrator Mike Jacobs presented the benefits of a five-year street paving and curbing plan at the Township Cou... More ... Court upholds board's denial of Wawa plan       OLD BRIDGE - A state appellate court has agreed with the township's denial of Wawa's plan to build a convenience store and gas station on Route 516. Wawa applied to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in October 2004 for site plan approval to construct a 5,748-square-foot convenience store and gas st... More ... Dressing up      JEFF GRANIT staff Trish Chambers, a resident of Barnegat, showcases the slip under the dress women would wear at the time of the Underground Railroad during her presentation at the Old Bridge Public Library. The event was the first of two recognizing Black History Month at the library. The second, "... More ... Corzine will visit E.B. to discuss toll hike plan Boisterous crowd pans proposal at Marlboro stop BY REBECCA MORTON and VINCENT TODARO Staff Writers       EASTBRUNSWICK- Gov. JonCorzine is scheduled to hold a "town hall"meeting in the township Sunday, and will discuss his controversial proposal to raise tolls. Corzine ismaking stops in all 21 counties in New Jersey to explain his "Financial Restructuring and Debt Reduction" plan. The meetings are f... More ... Man's death being investigated       OLD BRIDGE - The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and the township police department are conducting a joint investigation into the death of Mark Allan Fiore of the Laurence Harbor section. Fiore, who was 43, died on Jan. 30 at 104 Shoreland Circle in the Laurence Harbor section of Old Bridg... More ... Player of the Year      JESSICA SMITH Old Bridge High School senior Amber Zimmerlink, recently named the Middlesex County Player of the Year in field hockey, is recognized by township Councilwoman Lucille Panos at the Jan. 28 council meeting. Zimmerlink, who has signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at Iona College, N... More ... Adopt a Pet       Old Bridge Animal Shelter 1 Old Bridge Plaza off Route 516, near municipal complex (732) 721-5600, ext. 6300 www.oldbridgeanimalshelter.petfinder.org Hours:Mon.& Fri. 10 a.m. to noon & 1 - 3 p.m.; Tues.,Wed. 10 a.m. to noon, 1 - 3 p.m.& 5 - 7 p.m. More ... Adopt a Pet Kittens & cats available       Sayreville Pet Adoption Center 1400 Main Street Sayreville, NJ 08872 (732) 727-3895 www.sayreville.petfinder.org Hours:Mon., Tues.,Wed., Fri., Sat. noon- 5 p.m.; Thurs. non - 6 p.m.; Sun. noon - 3 p.m. More ...