High School Bowling Tournament      SCOTT FRIEDMAN Nick Barracato, 15, of Old Bridge, watches his ball roll down the lane at the Woodbridge Bowling Center as part of Prodigal Foundation Inc.'s second annual High School Bowling Tournament onMarch 15 to benefit children impacted by cancer. Nicole Caggiano and Brian Small, both seniors a... More ... District pitches tentative $183 million budget School taxes could rise by 15 cents per $100 on township properties BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       Woodbridge Schools Superintendent Vincent Smith said his administration and the Board of Education would look into suggestions made last week to incorporate middle school sports such as a basketball program into the proposed budget. More ... Board approves subdivision BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       Fords residents concerned about population impacts WOODBRIDGE - The Planning Board unanimously approved a minor subdivision on Bennet Street in Fords, which brought concerns from neighbors. "Adding three more homes in our community would add to the population and add more traffic in the ar... More ... "Little Shop of Horrors"      Top: Audrey, played by sophomore Allie Tumminia, tries to get away from a very grabby Audrey II plant during the final showing of the Woodbridge High School production of "Little Shop of Horrors" on March 16. Above: Senior Chris Bober (center) performs his role of Seymour. Left: Audrey and Seymour a... More ... Suspect apprehended in robbery Accused of fraudulent credit card use at many locations BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE- Police arrested and charged Elmostafa Bourrich, 45, of New York, for attempting to rob the Lord & Taylor department store, possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, at the Woodbridge Center mall last week. More ... Murder trial for Avenel resident set for next week BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       NEW BRUNSWICK - The trial of an Avenel man accused of fatally shooting two Russian men in 2003 is expected to start on March 28 with jury selection. Michael E. Ross Jr, 23, formerly of Chestnut Avenue, was indicted by a Middlesex County grand jury on Oct. More ... Loyal following makes band the people's choice BY AMY ROSEN Staff Writer       Jim Garcia seems like a typical family man living in Freehold Township. But onAug. 15, 1985, something happened that changed his life. Ever since that day, whenever he goes to work he becomes - a Nerd! And his family couldn't be prouder. More ... Celebrating Purim      CHRIS KELLY staff Joey Geardino, 7, of Woodbridge, makes his own sand art at Neve Shalom's Purim Carnival on March 16 in Metuchen. More ...