Wiggles World to open at Six Flags Great Adventure       JACKSON — Six Flags Great Adventure, Route 537, announces a newly themed area, “Wiggles World,” the park’s fourth area devoted to children offering new pint-sized adventures designed just for them. Just next door at Six Flags Wild Safari, guests will take a one-of-a-kind journey in the all-ne... More ... State wraps up work on 3 construction projects       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Kris Kolluri has announced the completion of the final of three safety and operational improvement projects along Route 9 in Freehold Township. More ... Legislature reconsiders clean elections process BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       Fair and clean elections in New Jersey? Perhaps it’s not so far-fetched after all. In the Garden State, where wheeling campaign donations and pay-to-play for municipal jobs are still part of the day-to-day political landscape, an updated version of FACE (Fair and Clean Election Projec... More ... 2006 in photos      CHRIS KELLY staff Millstone Township’s Samantha Giglia and McKenzie Brennan enjoy the beautiful spring day playing in the trees near Allentown High School, while their older siblings play a game of lacrosse in early April. More ... ‘Reel’ excited      JEFF GRANIT staff Perrineville Lake in Millstone glistens in the morning sunlight Wednesday (top) as Ron Murafsky, of Old Bridge, starts fishing. Murafsky (bottom left) reels in a pickerel, while Joe Surman, of South Amboy (l) gets ready to cast a line. Murafsky (bottom right) holds up his fresh ca... More ... Board awards Narozanick ‘Freeholder Emeritus’ title       FREEHOLD — In honor of Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick’s 48 years of service to the citizens of Monmouth County, the county Board of Freeholders on Dec. 21 awarded him “Freeholder Emeritus” status upon his retirement at the end of this month. More ... Captivated by the plight of the people in Guatemala Allentown man helps bring food, medical care to the less fortunate BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer       ALLENTOWN — His compassion for children has helped bring new hope to an impoverished Guatemalan region. For his efforts in feeding the hungry, tending to the sick and giving people hope, Jeffrey McLaughlin was selected as one of this year’s People Who Make A Difference. More ... Allentown library looking for more financial support Fundraisers becoming harder to organize due to lack of volunteers BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer       UPPER FREEHOLD – The Board of the Allentown Public Library Association Inc. is looking for new members to replenish its ranks. At the Dec. 21 Township Committee meeting, the board’s treasurer, Roxanne Robinson, gave a presentation on the current status and future plans for the libra... More ... Upper Freehold’s diamond in the rough Where there’s an empty lot, there’s a field waiting for him to put a game on BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer       UPPER FREEHOLD — Recreation is not just for kids. In the past four years, the Upper Freehold Regional Men’s Softball League has grown from 78 players and six teams to 115 players and seven teams. The league expects to add two more teams next season. More ... CHRIS KELLY staff Millstone’s Pat Butch, one of the most important figures in Millstone’s open space program, appreciates the green acres at her Bright Meadows Farm. Read the Story... Preserving the natural character of Millstone Open space program flourishes under Pat Butch’s watch BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer       People who have moved to Millstone often cite its rural atmosphere as one of the reasons they chose to live there. Pat Butch, who moved to the township for that very reason, has been working hard to keep it rural. More ... Freeholders approve open space grants       FREEHOLD — The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has approved grants totaling nearly $2 million from the 2006 Monmouth County Open Space Trust Fund to acquire, create or improve park facilities in 14 municipalities. More ... Calendar features animals that got a second chance       Raz the red-tailed hawk broke his clavicle and can never be released back into the wild. Although he’ll never soar free again, he will be able to live out the rest of his days away from harm at the Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River. More ... Assunpink boat ramp ready to use       UPPER FREEHOLD — It’s smoother sailing for anglers on the Assunpink. A revamped boat ramp and parking lot have reopened to the public in the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area at the end of Imlaystown-Hightstown Road. The area had been closed for reconstruction since Labor Day. More ...