Melanie McGuire found guilty of murder Judge called crime 'horrible and brutal,' revoked bail BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       After 13 hours and 57 minutes of deliberation, the nine-woman, three-man jury in New Brunswick found Melanie McGuire, the 34-year-old former fertility clinic nurse, guilty in the first degree for killing her husband, William McGuire, and later dismembering his body in 2004. More ...       A BMX biker attempts to jump higher than the tire on the far right during the Skate/BMX day held at the Woodbridge Township Skatepark on Rahway Avenue on April 21. The event, in which more than 100 kids participated, was hosted by the township and Central Jersey Skate Shop. More photos, pag... More ... Attorneys get last chance to sway McGuire jury In closing, defense says investigators narrowed on McGuire too quickly BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       NEW BRUNSWICK - With family and friends of both William and Melanie McGuire sitting in the courtroom, the prosecution and defense made their closing arguments last week, each lasting over three hours. More ... Council candidates will not file lawsuit against clerk Candidates removed from ballot claimed 'improper action' BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE - Two Republican candidates who said last week they would seek redress in state Superior Court over township Municipal Clerk John Mitch's decision to remove their names from the ballot have decided not to file a lawsuit. "We believe the actions of [Township Clerk] John M... More ... Fundraiser for shelter plodded on during storm Despite nor'easter, animal shelter fundraiser collects $3,000 BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE - Even though it was raining cats and dogs due to a nor'easter that flooded most of the tristate area Sunday, April 15, it didn't stop the approximately 300 to 400 people who came out to the spaghetti dinner at the Woodbridge Elks Lodge No. 2116 on Rahway Avenue to raise money... More ... Pear Tree Festival      Top: Michele Centino (l), Roz Evans, Melissa and Donna Petrosino peruse hat and purse designs by La Plune during the fourth annual Pear Tree Festival held along Main Street in Woodbridge on April 21. The Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, which featured live entertainment, sidewalk sal... More ... Tricked out      Clockwise from above: A BMX biker performs a trick during the Skate/BMX Day held at the Woodbridge Township Skatepark on April 21. The event, in which more than 100 kids participated, was hosted by the township and Central Jersey Skate Shop. A BMX biker performs a trick. Fifteen-year-old Dominic Azz... More ... In dining, mind your manners and butter knife Etiquette course teaches professionals to dine with class BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       EDISON - The tables were set with care. Carefully folded cloth napkins were settled serenely on the immaculate cream tablecloth with freshly polished silverware flanking oversized soup bowls. The only thing that wasn't perfect were the guests. More ... Clinton praises team's response to Imus remarks Senator draws praise, protest during speech at Rutgers University BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       NEW BRUNSWICK - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton last week used the Rutgers women's basketball team as an example of how far the country has come in overcoming discrimination as well as how far the nation still needs to go. During a Friday speech in New Brunswick, Clinton praised the te... More ... Trinity owners prepare for the first supper Renovations well under way at site of former church BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       KEYPORT - Like St. Patrick of Ireland, Charles Merla has brought a new kind of trinity to Keyport. Along with co-owner Marc Castaneda, Merla, older brother of former Mayor John Merla, has succeeded in transforming a historic church on Broad Street into an elegant and entirely uniqu... More ...