Hurricane Sandy

President Obama: Feds Stand By Hurricane-Ravaged Communities

President Obama and Gov. Christie toured areas impacted by Sandy on Wednesday.

The federal government stands by New Jersey as it suffers in the wake of Tropical Storm Sandy, President Obama said Wednesday afternoon while visiting Brigantine alongside Governor Christie. Obama confirmed FEMA aid has already been approved for Atlantic County, and that restoration efforts will continue as long as needed. "We will not forget," Obama said. "We will follow up to make sure you get the help you need. There are 2,000 personnel from FEMA on the ground, Obama said. "They are talking to communities so people know how they can get the help they need," Obama said. "The important thing to know is that people can immediately start registering for emergency assistance. Now that you're safe, it's very important you know there's help …

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Nancy VanTwistern

2:28 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

HEY PAUL, spoke too soon, didn't you.........the MAJORITY has spoken NOW LIVE WITH IT!!!   more ›

With a Personal Touch, Prosecutor Leaves Mark

With term to expire this month, Robert Bianchi's style, accomplishments praised by colleagues.

As Hurricane Irene ripped through Morris County last August, Administrator John Bonanni said there was one sight he'll always remember. In the middle of the intense management of the storm response, with dozens of officials on the scene at the county’s emergency management center in the middle of the night, Prosecutor Robert Bianchi announced he needed a cup of coffee and said he’d find an open doughnut shop to make a coffee run for everyone. Later that morning, Bonanni said Bianchi and prosecutor’s office Capt. Jeff Paul found a propane grill and fixed Taylor ham and eggs for the emergency staff. “Here was the chief law enforcement official in the county fixing coffee for everyone,” Bonanni said. That was a measure of the down-to-earth …

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Montville 'Treasure' Ralph Avallone an Active Volunteer

Republican Club member and St. Pius parishioner said he loves being involved in community.

Ralph Avallone, a 39-year resident of Montville Township, has seen Montville change in many ways, but, in his opinion, the people who live there and their passion for the community have mostly remained the same. Avallone, 87, has had the opportunity to meet many Montville residents as he has become an active volunteer in many local organizations over the past several years. He volunteers his time cooking for the Knights of Columbus twice a month, he attends all Republican Club meetings, often providing refreshments, and is a former trustee of the St. Pius X Church board. He also reads during church services on a weekly basis. Over the past several years, Avallone has also taken his volunteerism and generosity overseas. After visiting a …

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Montville Singer to Open for Michelle Williams Concert

Zach Matari to sing at benefit concert for Lance Cpl. Adrian Simone Friday.

From Facebook to Twitter to YouTube, Zach Matari likes the response his music has been receiving. Coming off of an "American Idol" adventure and having released his debut single, “What You Are To Me”, in January, the 18-year-old Pop, Rock and R&B singer/songwriter from Montville Township is grateful and excited about his musical future.   On Friday, Matari will join forces with Michelle Williams of the R&B group Destiny’s Child. The artists will volunteer their talent and time at Montville Township High School (MTHS) in a benefit concert for Lance Cpl. Adrian Simone. Simone, a 2010 MTHS graduate, lost both legs in Afghanistan last August after encountering an Improvised Explosion Device (IED). Following an extended recovery at Walter Reed …

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Towaco Assembly Candidate Platforming for Term Limits

Pio Costa hopes to encourage business development, growth in New Jersey.

Tony Pio Costa says he is not a politician. But that isn’t stopping the Fairfield businessman from running for New Jersey State Assembly in District 26. The Towaco resident is challenging Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce in the June 5 primary. Assemblywoman DeCroce filled her husband, Assemblyman Alex DeCroce’s, unfinished term earlier this year following his unexpected death in January. At the time of his death, DeCroce had served in the New Jersey Legislature for almost 23 years. “Just passing the seat down to his wife was inappropriate,” Pio Costa said when asked why he chose to enter the race at this time. As a strong supporter of term limits, Pio Costa said he believes “everyone should serve if they can,” and that the framers of the …

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