JEFF GRANIT staff Brick Memorial coach Dan O'Cone celebrates with his wrestlers after beating Jackson 30-29 in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV final on Friday in Jackson. It was the first title for Brick Memorial since 1999. More ... Primary Learning Center, Laurelton to close State cap, less state aid, falling enrollment to blame, officials say BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer       If he had his druthers, Brick Township Superintendent of Schools Melindo A. Persi would have picked "Option A" to deal with a $3,515,650 budget shortfall for the 2008-09 school year. That plan called for closing the Osbornville, Herbertsville and Laurelton schools and using $37,681 more from the ... More ... Former MUA official never saw résumés for top spot Petoia says procedure not followed in hiring of freeholder BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer       A former Municipal Utilities Authority commissioner has questioned the selection process that led to the hiring of Republican Freeholder James F. Lacey as the authority's new executive director. Lacey, who started his new $135,000 job as MUA executive director Feb. 15, has never released his qua... More ... BOE member: keep PLC open       BRICK TOWNSHIP - Board of Education member Daniel Woska remembers when the district's Primary Learning Center (PLC) was just a blueprint. And he also remembers when visitors from other school districts came to look at the PLC, which was considered a state-of-the-art facility after it opened 11 y... More ... Wanted: Bidders for two liquor licenses BY DANIELLE MEDINA Correspondent       BRICK TOWNSHIP - A souring economy may be the reason no one bid on the two available consumption liquor licenses, Township Administrator Scott M. Pezarras said. "People might not want to tie up that amount of money for a year," he said. More ... Township honors two cops for their good works BY DANIELLE MEDINA Correspondent       BRICK TOWNSHIP - Two township police officers were recently recognized by the Police Benevolent Association Local 230 for their work in the line of duty and their service to the community. Patrolman Kristopher DeMarco was named Brick Township Police Officer of the Year and Detective TimothyMcCar... More ... Vets: Back from the war but no place to call home Vetwork helps homeless veterans access services BY JENNA O'DONNELL Staff Writer       Twenty years ago, Paul Kozak took a leave from his job to start a program to help fellow Vietnam veterans in Ocean County. Kozak took a one-year leave of absence and never went back. Years later, that program has expanded and become Vetwork, a nonprofit organization that helps American veterans w... More ...      CHRIS KELLY staff Howell's Melissa Silano, 14, Logan Jones, 14, and Zach Jones, 17, both Brick, rehearse their roles for the upcoming Kidz-4-Kidz production of "Seussical Jr." at Brick Township High School. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 22 and 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 23. More ... Adopt a Pet       Jersey Shore Animal Shelter 185 Brick Boulevard (732) 920-1600 www.jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org More ... Four hurt, one seriously, in Route 70 collision       BRICK TOWNSHIP - Four persons were injured recently in a two-car crash on Route 70 at the intersection with Cedar Bridge Avenue, police said. Gregory J. Villamil, 31, Lakewood, and Russell Harriott, 34, Brick, were both traveling eastbound on Route 70 approaching Cedar Bridge Avenue when the acc... More ... Police looking for witnesses to accident BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer       BRICK TOWNSHIP - A 64-year-old Point Pleasant man died last week in a three-car accident on Route 70, police said. Antonio Delessandro was killed in the accident, which occurred shortly before 2 p.m. Feb. 11 at the intersection with River Road and Riviera Drive, police said. More ...