ERIC SUCAR staff Sheryl Kurtanick (r) holds the reins as Kylie (l) and Maggie Looney make friends with Alvin before taking an old-fashioned carriage ride through historic downtown Red Bank Dec. 15. More ... Firehouses kept off historic inventory Officials ask for delay pending talks on future of houses BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       The 19 sites the Red Bank Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) proposed to add to the borough's historic inventory were approved Dec. 5 by the Borough Council, with the exception of four firehouses, which were left off the 2006 list. More ... Specifics of new school funding formula unfurled Red Bank in line for 18% hike; all districts would get at least 2% BY CHRIS GAETANO and MELISSA KARSH Staff Writers       Red Bank public schools could receive an 18 percent increase in state funding for the second year in a row, bringing the 2008-2009 proposed state funding to the district to $2.424 million. More ... Families giving others the gift of a holiday Salvation Army Christmas program reaches 300 families BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       RED BANK - For the second year at its new facility on Newman Spring Road, the Salvation Army continued its tradition of distributing Christmas gifts to families in need. This year, volunteers saw 300 needy families receive gifts and other essentials Dec. 14 to make the holidays joyous for famili... More ... $250K grant will fund Somers tract purchase Open space plans call for series of linking trails BY JENNA O'DONNELL Staff Writer       TINTON FALLS - It's official. At the Dec. 11 Borough Council meeting, Chief Financial Officer Steven Pfeffer announced that the county has approved a grant of $250,000 for the acquisition of open space in the borough. The $250,000 grant was the maximum amount granted by the Board of Chosen Freeh... More ... Reward offered for leads to suspect in shootings BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       RED BANK - In an effort to entice those who may know more information about the whereabouts of the 19-year-old male who allegedly shot two men recently in the borough, a longstanding Red Bank social club has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and capture. More ... Best Liquors hearing date reset to March Boro agrees to attorney's request for postponement BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       RED BANK - The hearing date on the revocation of a west side liquor store's license has been pushed back to March 5, the date it was originally scheduled for before the hearing was expedited. After prodding by local officials, the Best Liquors hearing date was expedited in October to Dec. More ...      ERIC SUCAR staff An old-fashioned horse and carriage takes holiday shoppers on a ride through downtown Red Bank on Dec. 15. More ... Better than a lump of coal       Anyone looking for that last-minute gift or stocking stuffer for a friend or loved one who frequents downtown Red Bank should consider a Smart Card from the Red Bank Parking Utility. More ... Adopt a Pet       Adoption fees: Adult dogs - $100; puppies up to 4 months - $140; adult cats - $60, or two for $90; kittens up to 4 months - $120; purebred adult dogs and cats - $150; purebred puppies and kittens - $180 (All fees include: spay/neuter, ear cleaning, nail clippers, More ... Homeless youth charged as adult BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       RED BANK - A homeless male suspect in a string of minor burglaries in the borough misrepresented that he was a 16-year-old juvenile when police apprehended him Oct. 29, according to the Red Bank Police Department. More ... Police say burglaries target Hispanic homes Burglary victim says owner-occupied homes are most vulnerable BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       RED BANK - The homes of Hispanic residents on the borough's west side have been the recent targets of a string of daytime burglaries, the fifth of which occurred Dec. 10, according to the Red Bank Police Department. Red Bank police responded to a Catherine Street residence for a report of a burg... More ... Exxon Mobil to seek LNG facility off Jersey coast COA opposes offshore gas terminal BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       SEA BRIGHT - After Exxon Mobil Corp. announced plans to seek regulatory approval for a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal off the coast of New Jersey Dec. 11, state officials and local activists are speaking out against the plan. More ... Panel remands builder's suit against Oceanport Appellate judges rule lower court decision was premature BY JENNA O'DONNELL Staff Writer       OCEANPORT - A six-level housing complex may become a reality on River Street after an appellate panel sent a builder's remedy lawsuit filed against the borough back to the lower court. More ... A Christmas wish      CHRIS KELLY staff Evan Schade, 3, Tinton Falls, discusses his Christmas list with Santa Claus during a visit to historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel Park on Dec. 15. More ... SICA calls for photos for book, exhibit       The Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts in Long Branch is announcing a two-part call to artists for photographic submissions for two projects. The first is a planned publication titled "Roadside Sculptures and Topiary Delights [as created by the Utility Companies]. More ...