Kitty-killer convicted

For those following the cat-murderer case in Aberdeen, Anthony Appolonia pleaded guilty to all 19 counts of animal abuse during a hearing in Freehold on Sept. 29.

Appolonia had obtained cats and kittens from area residents by answering ads in the newspapers, officials said, between October and December of 2007.

Appolonia admitted he would then beat and viciously hit the felines, breaking their bones with his bare hands. Then, he would then drown the cats and kittens in his bathtub, he said.

Monday's hearing was emotional for the people who were conned, some officials in attendance and Appolonia — who began to cry while admitting what he did to the animals.

There will be full coverage of the happenings on page 4 in Thursday's Courier as well as at Courier Online.

Press conference by Democrats

The Middletown Democratic candidates for Township Committee, Patricia Walsh and Jim Grenafege, have unearthed a serious concern for every township resident.

"This township administration has concealed the fact that there are serious environmental concerns where it regards underground oil tanks," Grenafege said.

"This environmental issue not only involves the Town Hall but also the Middletown Cultural Arts Center," Walsh said. "This environmental issue could cost the taxpayers of Middletown literally millions of dollars. And, taxpayers are looking at this problem only because the Republican Administration in this town has ignored this problem and built their projects on poor planning."

According to Grenafege, the press conference, which takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 outside the Police Entrance of Town Hall, will include outstanding issues where it regards billing irregularities with Township Attorney Bernard Reilly. "But, the recent revelations about the environmental situation and contamination at Town Hall and the Arts Center are so serious they have to be exposed for the public's perusal immediately."

"Top-heavy" crane

One of the cranes working at the Route 36 Highlands bridge became a bit "top heavy" on Friday afternoon, according to officials, and gave some people a fright.

The web update was posted at Courier Online and will run in Thursday's Courier.

Happy News

Former Atlantic Highlands Mayor Robert Schoeffling and his wife, Ruth, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Laura Ann, to Gordon V. Fortner, son of Nhu Thi Fortner and the late Milton W. Fortner.

A graduate of Henry Hudson Regional School, Ms. Schoeffling is employed by the Monmouth County Parks System as a personnel clerk in Lincroft. Mr. Fortner is a graduate of Skyline High School and is a licensed aircraft maintenance technician in Dallas, Texas.

"Ruth and I are excited about our upcoming son-in-law. We wish our daughter and her fiance much happiness," Robert Schoeffling said.

The wedding is planned for July 2009.

This week in The Courier

To read more pick up a copy of The Courier at your local store.

Community center in Aberdeen?

There had been some talk in Aberdeen about a new community center for several years. Husky Sports Inc., the organization that wishes to supervise the facility, has been pushing for more attention on the matter. Art Perri of Husky Sports recently explained to The Courier, why this facility is so important to the community. Mayor David Sobel also explained some the logistics that are currently holding such a project back.

The story is on The Courier Online now, so check it out.

September 11: Never Forget

Today, we remember those we lost.

We honor those who are serving to protect our country.

We are thankful for our blessings.

Write to The Courier

To our readers:

The Courier does not use the old e-mail: editorial@thenjcourier.com. Please write to us at our new e-mail: letters.courier@gmail.com.

Rockets focus on team building

The Rockets varsity soccer team is returning from a 5-8-3 season with a similar starting lineup from last year. However, Coach Ron Poll and captain Patrick Langan said the team is moving in a new direction on and off the field. Read more at The Courier Online.

In Middletwn, fresh perspective meets old attitude

New to the township government, Committeeman Sean Byrnes is in favor of more community involvement in the budget process. However, Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill disagreed. Read more about what went on at The Courier Web site.

This week's edition

Read what's happening in the area in this week's Courier.

Back to School

The Courier has featured a Back-to-School section during the past few weeks that have really highlighted happenings at Bayshore schools.

The first week Courier Staff Writer Melissa Gaffney penned a piece about Keyport's encouragement of healthier eating at school.

Next, Courier Senior Staff Writer interviewed a motivated group of students participating in SkillsUSA at Henry Hudson Regional School.

Last week, Gaffney compiled information on school supplies and Keansburg High Schools ranked improvements.

The final week of the section was today's edition, which featured a piece on the professional development academy at the Hazlet school district.

Check Courier Online for the most recent articles during the next few days.

Cefalo submitted Borgata bill for reimbursement

The coordinator of the Keyport Neighborhood Preservation Program is Carla Cefalo. Courier Staff Writer Melissa Gaffney has a story about a bill from the Borgata Hotel that she submitted to the town for reimbursement. Click on the headline to go to The Courier Online and read about it.

Inside Clamdigger gets new blood as of tomorrow

Well, this is my last planned post on the Inside Clamdigger. The fine folks in the Editorial Department of The Courier will be doing this from now on. It's been swell, and be sure to check out their work on the site.

Blogs and newspapers have a relationship that is still finding its way on many fronts. It's an exciting time for journalists and organizations as they try to piece these things together. In the meantime, it's been a good run for me, so here is some parting thoughts, courtesy of the one-and-only Bob Hope.

All the best, keep coming back. The new staff at The Inside Clamdigger will be back tomorrow.