CHRIS KELLY staff Dean Bennett portrays Benjamin Franklin during a Woodbridge Historical Association event at the Woodbridge Public Library on March 26. More ... Trash bags consistent in Melanie McGuire case Bags found with victim are similar to those containing his clothing BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       Thomas Lesniak of the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Science, who specializes in tool marks and trace evidence, testified that the large black plastic bags that contained William T. McGuire's body matched the six large black plastic bags that contained his clothes. More ... Autism Awareness flag raised over town hall Woodbridge is first in state to fly flag; April is Autism Awareness Month BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE - The 4-foot-6-inch flag, which reads "Autism Awareness," was raised last week and flew underneath the American flag at town hall in recognition of autism awareness for the month of April. The township is the first in the state of New Jersey to fly the Autism Awareness f... More ... Rabid raccoon found in Iselin, second in last year BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE - A raccoon caught on March 21 in the vicinity of Hillcrest Avenue in Iselin tested positive for rabies by the state Department of Health last week. A resident notified officials of the raccoon and the animal was recovered by the Woodbridge Township Animal Control. The car... More ... Nine cars damaged or stolen over two-day period       WOODBRIDGE - - Numerous vehicles were either stolen or broken into in the parking lot of the Sheraton Hotel on Route 1 south in Iselin over a two-day period, according to police. The nine incidents occurred between 8:30 a.m. on March 18 and 8 a.m. on March 20, police said. More ... List of online gambling busts reaches over 50 Former assemblyman among those charged as part of $500M operation BY KARL VILACOBA Staff Writer       FREEHOLD - On the eve of NCAA basketball's Final Four, a former New Jersey Assembly member joined dozens of state residents charged for their involvement with an Internet-based gambling ring that thrived on pro and college sports wagers. More ... Operation Thunderbird arrests (as of Friday)       The following Monmouth County residents were arrested on March 28: Richard Neale Sr., 52, of West Long Branch; Chester Zdunek, 77, of Colts Neck; Joseph Mariconda, 59, of Freehold; Kenneth Murphy, 81, of Oceanport; Mike Demetropoulis, 84, of Matawan; Robert A. More ...