A pair of brothers, one a state record-holding former football player at Keyport High School, are facing various drug charges following a two-month investigation by the Narcotics and Gang Investigation Section of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office into their alleged sale of cocaine and heroin from the Bayshore region down to Long Branch, Asbury Park and Neptune, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. 

Brothers Anthony Cattouse Jr., 32, and Kenneth “The Moose” Cattouse, 27, are charged with numerous drug-related charges after undercover investigators purchased cocaine and heroin from the pair as part of the two-month probe leading to the seizure of over $4,700 in cash, 37 bricks of heroin, cocaine, Oxycodone and two late-model vehicles (a 2009 Chrysler 300 and 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS), all suspected proceeds from the sale of drugs by the two men, according to a press release issued by the Prosecutor's Office.

During at least one of the undercover drug transactions, Anthony Cattouse brought along his 6-year-old daughter, and Kenneth Cattouse had his 7-month-old daughter at his residence where investigators found drugs and suspected cash proceeds from drug sales.

Both men are being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. 

Kenneth Cattouse, a former record-breaking football player who earned himself All American honors his senior year, was arrested on Friday, March 8, after investigators from the Bayshore Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant of his apartment in the Longbrook Apartments complex, 2 Sutton Drive, Matawan, where they found just under a half ounce of cocaine and more than $3,200 in U.S. currency inside the apartment he shared with his live-in girlfriend Stephanie Arroyo, 27, and their 7-month-old daughter. 

Kenneth Cattouse, who continues to hold the state’s all-time high school football rushing record, is charged with one count of second degree distribution of cocaine, one count of second degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, four counts of third degree distribution of cocaine, five counts of third degree possession of cocaine, five counts of third degree Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Arroyo is charged with third degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and was released on a summons pending a future court date. 

Kenneth Cattouse, who studied Criminal Justice while playing football at Division 1 Troy University, and Arroyo also are each charged with endangering the welfare of a child after their 7-month-old daughter was found in the apartment at the time of the alleged drug sales. 

Anthony Cattouse, Jr. is charged with one count of second degree Distribution of Heroin, one count of second degree possession with intent to distribute heroin, six counts third degree distribution of heroin, eight counts of third degree possession of controlled dangerous substances (Heroin and Oxycodone), six counts of third degree possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of third degree possession with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of Keyport High School, one count of third degree distribution within 1,000 feet of Keyport High School, and endangering the welfare of a child. 

The investigation also led to the arrest of Vincent Laing, 29, after detectives recovered 19 bricks of heroin at his residence at 63 Schindler Court in Neptune. He was charged with third degree Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute and released after posting $100,000 bail. 

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law. 

Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue (CODAR) is an Aberdeen-based, non-profit canine rescue group that takes in dogs from high-kill shelters and puppy mills along the east coast and works to find them any necessary medical attention, foster care and a forever home.

This week CODAR has sent Patch nine dogs looking for a permanent, loving home. If you are interested in adopting any of the animals in the slideshow, fill out the application online atwww.castle-of-dreams.com.

Duke

Duke is an about three-month-old Rottie mix who loves people and other dogs. He is very sweet, calm and playful. Duke was rescued from a garage in a truck parts yard in Newark.

Raina

Raina is a two-year-old Pit Bull mix who is energetic, playful and loving. She needs a home without children or other dogs and an active owner with a little patience to work on her training.

Ranger

Ranger was rescued from his life as a stray in Camden. He needs about an hour to warm up to a person but once he does, he is your best friend. He enjoys sleeping in his crate however does not like the door to be locked. He seems housebroken and does not chew anything. He likes other dogs but can be aggressive. Ranger is neutered, up to date on his shots and microchipped. We think he is about two years old. 

Sasha

Sasha is a Shih Tzu rescued from the Camden area. She looks like she was used for breeding. She received a very short hair cut because she was so matted and neglected. That doesn't stop her however from having a great personality as she is super friendly and love everyone. She is likely under four years old. Sasha loves toys and to curl up with other dogs and people. She does well in or out of a crate.

Bo, Tosh and Miley

Bo, Tosh and Miley are from a litter of five puppies rescued from North Carolina. We believe they are Shepherd mixes. They are playful and happy little ones who love people and other animals and are training to be housebroken.

Oscar

Oscar is a purebred Doxie who was rescued from a gas shelter in Tennessee. He is very sweet and a little bit shy but he is ready to find a family to call his own. Oscar is neutered and up to date on vaccinations. 

Leena

Leena is an adorable Yorkie who is about six pounds. She wants to be the one and only lapdog in an adult household. She loves her doggy clothes, playing fetch, sitting on your lap and going for car rides and walks. Leena is wee pad trained and was obviously very loved and spoiled in her previous home. She will make the perfect lap companion and would do best in a home that doesn't have small children and other dogs. 

Did you know Patch as a special commuter page? We've captured it above, but you can also find it in our blue tabs at the top of the page.

Click here for more gas prices in Marlboro.

Click here for more gas prices in Colts Neck.

In Marlboro

Speech and pathology expert Rachel Beer will explore using the iPad and other forms of technology in the continuing living with autism lecture series at Robertsville Elementary School in Morganville on Monday at 7:30 p.m.

The Board of Education is meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Administration Offices. The board will hold a public hearing on the 2013-14 budget. 

The Collier School in Marlboro is hosting an open house on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Collier provides a nurturing environment where students in grades 6 through 12 from throughout New Jersey who struggle with challenging emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs can make a fresh start through quality education and therapeutic support.

The Planning Board is meeting on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall.

In Colts Neck

The Board of Education is meeting Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Administration Building.

The Zoning Board is meeting on Thursday at 8 p.m. in Town Hall.

Plan Your Weekend

The Morganville Volunteer Fire Company is holding an Italian Night Fundraiser on Saturday. Doors open at 5 p.m. for salad, pasta & meatballs, sausage & peppers, linguine with alfredo sauce and ziti. The cost is $15 for adults and children over 8 (child under 8 are free). Tickets are available at the door or in advance for groups.

There is an Egg Huntfor kids at the Morganville Volunteer Fire Company on Sunday, March 24. Children of all ages are welcome to the free event.

The Morganville Methodist Church is holding a Palm Sunday Celebration at 9:30 a.m. with an informal worship service, and a children's drama group will present "A Jelly Bean Easter."

After snow covered the ground on Saturday night the start to this week looks to bring more frozen precipitation to our area but not enough to stick to the roads or the grass. 

The National Weather Service is predicting a mix of rain and snow before 4 p.m. today before shifting to a frozen concoction of snow and sleet until around 5 p.m. The mixture is then expected to shift back to rain and snow heading into the evening hours and all rain at night. 

Today's high temperature will only be around 38 degrees according to the weather service and the low of 37 will not feel much cooler. The forecast for Tuesday calls for more showers early in the morning before the sun pushes through the clouds for a high near 48 degrees. 

Tuesday night will be considerably colder with a low expected near 29 degrees. Rain could return on Wednesday on an otherwise warm day with sun and a high near 47. When the sun sets Wednesday night the temperature will dip again with a low of 27. 

The forecast for the end of the week looks brighter with sun and a high of 41 on Thursday with a low of 27 at night. Friday will be much of the same with a high of 43 during the day and a low of 29 at night heading into the weekend. 

Dorothy F. (Keller) Smilari, 88, of Lakewood, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at Ocean Medical Center, Brick. Mrs. Smilari was born and raised in West New York. She lived in Ridgewood, West Nyack, N.Y., and Colts Neck, before moving to Four Seasons in Lakewood, 10 years ago.

After graduating Cum Laude from William Paterson College, she taught for several years in schools in Paramus, Waldwick and West Nyack. She was an accomplished seamstress, oil painter, and photographer, and in her earlier years had worked as a photographer's model. She was a member of Amore Chapter No. 176, Order of the Eastern Star, in Bogota, for many years.

Mrs. Smilari was predeceased by her daughter, Lauren Entmacher, in 2005, as well as by her brother, Warren Keller, and her sister, Barbara Bedrosian. She is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Ferdinand Smilari, her daughter and son-in-law, Debbra and Lance Nazzaro, 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and a nephew, David Bedrosian (Sgt., Brick P.D.), as well as other relatives and friends. 

Memorial visitation will take place at O'Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick, on Saturday, March 23 from 2-3 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Smilari's memory to Deborah Hospital Foundation, 212 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015, would be appreciated.

For further information or to send condolences, please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.

Marlboro residents will see a 2.8 cent increase in school taxes this year, if the Board of Education passes the 2013-14 budget on March 18.

The $88 million budget increases taxes by less than one percent, supported by a $62.6 million tax levy, according to budget projections. Tax rates have the potential to raise to 2.8 cents per $100,000.

As with any school district, salary and benefits make up the largest part of the budget.

This budget calls for $35,838,592 to be spend on instruction, and $15,864,331 reserved for benefits such as health insurance.

The budget is made up of three parts, according to a district budget presentation. The general fund is supported by the local tax levy as well as state aid and revenues from tuition, rentals and more.

Special revenue comes from federal and state grants from programs such as No Child Left Behind. Debt service, from bonds approved by the public in previous elections, rounds out the third portion of the school budget.

Expenses (detailed in the attached .pdf file):

• Instruction $35,838,592
• Benefits $15,864,331
• Pupil Support $7,233,477
• Transportation $4,520,924
• Operating & Maintenance $11,425,606
• Administration $6,575,889
• Staff Development $164,397
• Capital Outlay $575,390
  
• Total expenses: $82,198,606
  

Instruction makes up 43.8 percent of the budget, while the smallest expenditure of staff development makes up .2 percent of budget expenses.

Revenues:

• Local Tax Levy $62,607,136
• State Aid $11,503,607
• Budgeted Fund Balance $4,553,332
• Capital and Maintenance Reserves Transfer $2,500,751
• Tuition $649,000
• Miscellaneous $173,780
• Student Dues and Fees $110,000
• E-Rate Funding $90,000
• Interest Earnings $11,000
• Total revenue: $82,198,606

Revenue in Marlboro Township includes tuition from the kindergarten complement program, which was developed in 2011.

A public hearing on the budget will be held at 7 p.m. on March 18 at the district administration offices.

During a March 11 meeting, a tentative budget was introduced and passed by the Board of Education. Board member Bonnie Sue Rosenwald voted no to the budget, and said in the meeting she would also vote no on March 18.

Another car theft has been added to a list of charges against Chris Cavallo, 32 of Manalapan.

Cavallo is charged with allegedly breaking into a 2003 Toyota Camry in Marlboro Township and taking gift cards, credit cards and a GPS unit, according to an arrest record.

Cavallo was previously charged in Marlboro for allegedly stealing a woman's pocketbook and $500-$600 worth of gift cards, snowboarding equipment, personal documents, cash, checks jewelry and electronic equipment from six different vehicles within the township.

Cavallo has also been charged in Freehold Township and Manalapan:

• Manalapan Man Accused of Using Stolen Credit Cards at Freehold Businesses
• Police: Manalapan Man Robs Homes, Cars, Uses Stolen Credit Cards
• Manalapan Man Faces More Burglary, Theft, Fraud Charges

Cavallo is currently being held in the Monmouth County Jail with eight charges from Freehold Township, 12 charges from Manalapan and six charges from Marlboro Township.

Cavallo's bail totals $277,000 for all 26 charges.

We're looking for all the great ways Marlboro and Colts Neck natives are working to preserve and protect the Earth. 

From composting to creative recycling, we want to hear what you do to minimize your carbon footprint, reduce waste, and just live a greener lifestyle. Tell us in the comments below or upload a picture! 

Looking for ways to go green? Check out all of our Patch green tips:

• Organic Food in Marlboro and Colts Neck
• 20 Ways to Go Green in Marlboro and Colts Neck
• Save Energy, Money By Insulating Your Home in Marlboro and Colts Neck
• Where to Recycle All Your Stuff in Marlboro and Colts Neck
• Easy Ways to Save Money by Going Green

Bernice “Bunny” Hammer of Freehold died over the weekend after a brief illness. 

Hammer was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was raised in Jamesburg, New Jersey. She was a graduate of Monroe Township High School and Drake College of Business. She received a BS in Science and a MA in Teaching from Monmouth College and a Masters in Library Service from Rutgers, the State University.

Hammer taught in both the Freehold Borough School System and the Freehold Regional High School District at both Marlboro and Manalapan High Schools, prior to her retirement in 1994. She was also the librarian at the Rugby School in Wall, New Jersey after her retirement from teaching. She was a lifelong member of the NJEA.

Hammer served on the Freehold Borough Board of Education and, then, for nine years, on the Freehold Regional High School Board of Education as a representative of Freehold Borough.

Her service to the community included many years as a commissioner of the Freehold Borough Public Library and member and Chair of Freehold Beautiful, Inc. Bunny’s community service provided a role model for her three daughters and their families.

She is survived by her daughter Lynn Hammer Reich and her son-in-law Ron Reich of Freehold Borough; her daughter Rea Hammer Epstein and her son-in-law Howard Epstein of New York City; and her daughter Della Hammer Cherchia and her son-in-law Jeffrey Cherchia of Marlboro, New Jersey. She is also survived by eight grandchildren to whom she waslovingly known as Bubby: Adam Reich and his wife Tara Reich; Jill Epstein; Amanda Reich; Marc Epstein, Jason Cherchia; Melissa Epstein; Meryl Cherchia and her great grandson Ethan James Reich. She was pre-deceased by her parents Molly and David Smith of Englishtown, New Jersey; her brother, Seymour Smith, and her beloved husband, Jerry Hammer to whom she was married for 58 years.

She and her husband enjoyed traveling to the seven continents and throughout the United States. She was an avid reader, knitter and gardener. She leaves behind many good friends acquired through work and travel.

A memorial service in her honor will be held at Temple Rodeph Torah, 15 Mohawk Drive, Marlboro, New Jersey on Sunday, March 24 at 1 p.m. The family will receive visitors at her home following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in her memory be made to the Freehold Borough Educational Foundation, 6 Hance Blvd. Freehold, New Jersey; Temple Rodeph Torah; and the Make A Wish Foundation in Monroe, New Jersey.

Looking for a local job? We browsed AOL's Career Builder site, and found these new listings in the Marlboro area. Make sure to click the job title in order to apply online.

Costco Event Manager, Marlboro

Responsible for directing and coordinating the activities of 30-50 part-time employees to successfully demonstrate vendor products in a manner that positively reflects the Costco image. Medical benefits and a 401k are offered.

WaWa Fuel Manager, Old Bridge

Responsible for managing all aspects of fuel product within the store, must be customer service oriented with strong interpersonal skills. 

Sunrise Senior Living Health Care Coordinator, Marlboro

Marlboro's Sunrise Assisted Living is looking for a health care coordinator, responsible for providing leadership and enhancing the well-being of our treasured residents within the community. Minimum of 1 year nursing management experience.

Work at the Beach

Although much damage was done when Hurricane Sandy hit Sandy Hook, several beaches will re-open to the public on May 1. The National Parks Service, Dept. of the Interior announced seasonal or temporary job openings this week for park rangers, lifeguards and fee collectors. 

The jobs pay between $13.50 and $20 an hour. 

• Surf-Lifeguard. Full time, seasonal. Closing date is July 15. 
• Park Ranger (Interpretation), Full-time temporary. Closing date March 28. 
• Park Ranger (Protection), Full-time temporary, Closing date is March 19.
• Visitor Use Assistant (Fee Collection), Full-time temporary. Closing date is March 21. 

On Saturday, 35 Gateway National Recreation Area "Volunteers-in-Parks" worked to clear and sweep sand at Area E Plaza using shovels and wheelbarrows and. So far, Area B, D, and now E have been cleared of tons of sand. 

Clean Ocean Action is asking for more volunteers to help out at a Marine Sweep on March 23.  They are also hiring:

• Development Manager
• Ocean Policy Research Intern
• Coastal Environment Intern
• C.O.A.S.T. Intern

The Marlboro Board of Education passed a budget which will result in a 2.8 cent increase for Marlboro residents.

The $88 million budget increases taxes by less than one percent, supported by a $62.6 million tax levy, according to budget projections. Tax rates have the potential to raise to 2.8 cents per $100,000.

View the breakdown of the Marlboro school budget on Patch.

The budget is made up of three parts, according to a district budget presentation. The general fund is supported by the local tax levy as well as state aid and revenues from tuition, rentals and more.

Board member Bonnie Sue Rosenwald was the only dissenting vote on the board.

Bradley Courtney, 31 of Long Branch was arrested last week and charged with theft of a tool box from a Marlboro home.

Courtney allegedly stole a tool box containing a wrench set, copper piping and a volt meter, over $200 worth of materials.

The Long Branch man was also charged for allegedly having tools, including a pipe cutter and gloves, which facilitate the act of theft according to county arrest records.

Courtney is currently being held in the Monmouth County Jail, with a bail of $10,000 to be paid in full.

First responders come to you during your darkest hour.

When a six-alarm fire breaks out in the early morning hours, Colts Neck firefighters converge on your street. A Marlboro officer knows enough to look near water for a missing autistic child after sitting through autism training in the township. 

First responders serve their communities in ways great and small, in ways that may touch everyone in Marlboro and Colts Neck or perhaps mean everything in the world to one person. We want to hear about the impact a specific police officer, firefighter or EMS volunteer had on your life.

In the comments section below, nominate someone for the Marlboro-Colts Neck First Responder of the Month.

Tell us how that person has gone above and beyond for you or another Marlboro or Colts Neck resident. Marlboro-Colts Neck Local Editor Kaitlyn Anness will go through your comments and profile one police officer, firefighter or EMS volunteer next month.

This is your chance to give a shout out to a public servant who made a difference.

The Colts Neck Board of Education is holding its 2013-14 budget public hearing on Thursday at 7 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Conover Road Primary School.

A user-friendly budget is available on the district website. The public will have an opportunity to ask board members and the district administrator any questions at the public hearing.

Colts Neck schools are receiving $978,968 for the 2013-14 school year, according to recent state aid numbers released from Trenton on March 1.

The aid is a zero percent increase from the 2012-13 aid. Superintendent Dr. Fred Oberkehr said that's exactly what the district planned for.

The interviews of all prospective candidates is shown in the YouTube video attached to this article.

The Marlboro Board of Education voted on Monday to appoint former Board of Education candidate Debbie Mattos to fill the seat left vacant by Joe Waldman, who lost the election last year by 13 votes. Mattos has run twice previously.

Waldman said in a letter to the board on Feb. 5 that his currently employment is partially based in San Diego, and he would no be "able to devote the time necessary to continue to serve..."

In a March 18 meeting, Board member Bonnie Sue Rosenwald said she believes Mattos did not follow requirements advertised by the board for application.

"Only one person had trouble following that procedure," Rosenwald said. "This board sees fit to seat that one person tonight, and that's the board's prerogative."

Rosenwald originally expressed concerns on March 12 that despite public notice of the vacant seat and notice of requirements for applicants, Mattos did not submit a personal résumé.

Rosenwald posed a question about following directions and details to Mattos, who said she believes specific instructions are important in a group setting.

"When we put the advertisement up on our webpage, it specifically asked for a letter and résumé," Rosenwald said during Mattos' interview. "You only gave us a letter, not a résumé."

Mattos said she was told by Business Administrator Cindy Barr-Rague a résumé was not a requirement. Barr-Rague said she referred Mattos back to the website listing.

Board Vice-President Victoria Dean said the board did not vote on requiring a letter and résumé, so it was not a board requirement.

A public notice (attached to this article) was sent to recruit board applicants, who were interviewed at a March 12 meeting. The notice asks for both a letter of intent and a résumé.

Rosenwald voted 'present, no action taken' to Mattos' reappointment.

Mattos has two sons in elementary school, and lost an election in 2012 by 13 votes.

"If it weren't for those 13 votes last year, I would have been hoping to be seeing with you today," Mattos said on March 12 during her interview. "You already understand my passion for this district, you know my commitment to it as well."

"I really feel that communication and having an open mind is key [to being a good board member]."

Mattos is the PTA President at Marlboro Memorial Middle School, and a member of the citizen-action group of Citizens Against Northpointe.

Mattos said she plans on running in the 2013 election in November to secure her seat, which is currently filled as a board appointment.

The average Marlboro Township homeowner will see a 4.6% increase from last year's taxes, according to the 2013 budget.

Business Administrator Jon Capp said township spending is within the 2 percent tax levy, but state law allows municipalities to raise money for state mandated programs and emergency appropriations outside of the tax cap.

Hurricane Sandy cost the township more than $2.6 million. That, combined with rising health insurance and pension costs mandated by the state, equals extra funds paid through taxation, as allowed by New Jersey.

Marlboro Township introduced its $32.92 million 2013 budget on March 14, which makes up 17 percent of the local tax bill for Marlboro residents.

$24,496,806 of the budget is slated to be raised by taxation.

The average municipal tax bill (does not include school and county taxes) at a the average assessed home value of $467,897:

• Police - $711.28
• Public Works - $367.67
• Administration and Insurance - $212.97
• Capital Projects and Debt - $135.26
• Uncollected Taxes - $114.14
• Code Enforcement - $64.56
• Health and Human Services - $72.94
• Other - $19.36
• Total average tax bill - $1,698.18
• $75 Increase for average taxpayer compared to 2012

Non-tax revenue has decreased since 2007, which includes investment income and state aid that is no longer available to municipalities.

Find out what Mayor Jon Hornik thinks about Marlboro's state aid funding.

The budget is an increase of around $300,000 compared to 2012, according to a township budget presentation. Marlboro administrators said they have cut spending by $2.46 million since 2007.

The municipal budget funds police, public works, recreation and administrative fees. The largest municipal departments are police and public works.

Take a look at how the Recreation Department in Marlboro is moving toward fee-supported programs.

Personnel costs comprise 64 percent of the budget. Capp said insurance costs rise every year, but the township has cut costs by lowering employee headcount and limiting paid sick days after retirement.

Marlboro Township has reported $2.63 million in cleanup costs due to Hurricane Sandy to FEMA, and expects 75 percent reimbursement. In January, it was announced Marlboro would receive a first round of $1.6 million. The township has not received those funds to date.

According to Capp, debt service in the township is at its lowest since 2003 and the township has continued to maintain its Aa2 bond rating awarded in 2010.

A Quick Check fuel station and convenience store is joining the newly opened CVS at a lot on the intersection of Lloyd Road and Route 79.

Quick Chek application representatives presenting to the Marlboro Zoning Board, looking for a conditional use variance on the lot to produce Quick Chek and a multi-tenant commercial building in the rear of the property.

According to The News Transcript, Zoning Board members expressed traffic concerns in the area. The Department of Transportation recently ok'd widening the road as well as altering the intersection traffic signal to reflect a higher commercial traffic volume.

The Marlboro Zoning Board approved the application on March 20.

Tell us: Does a Quick Chek store and gas station fit the area?