Lead Stories education Commissioner: State Will Pay For Pre-school By Daniel Nee       State Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy defended a controversial measure that requires Berkeley - as well as many other communities statewide - to provide universal, full-day preschool to 3- and 4-year-olds during a visit to the township last week. More... First Major Steps Taken In Redeveloping Run Down Dover Mall By Judy Smestad-Nunn       The township council approved a redevelopment plan for Toms River's oldest shopping center, Dover Mall, located in the northwest quadrant of Routes 166 and 37. The mall currently consists of 20.7 acres. Two additional lots, the former site of the Old Time Tavern, and approximately six acres behind the Presidential Apartments, are included in the redevelopment plan. More... Manchester's Class of 2009 Ready For New Challenges       MANCHESTER - The Manchester Township High School Class of 2009 was heralded as a diverse class of talented and caring students at graduation ceremonies on June 22. The graduates were welcomed with cheers and applause as they entered the football field and took their seats, boys in blue gowns, girls in gold. More... $52 Million county Jail Expansion is under way By Judy Smestad-Nunn       The ongoing $52 million jail expansion project in Toms River is in full swing right now, evidenced by the heavy equipment and workers on Court House Lane and Sheriff Street. Construction started on the 157,000-square-foot addition in November of 2008, with completion slated for some time in late 2010. More... Taking The Next Step       HOWELL - Ominous rainy skies couldn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds of graduates and their families who flooded the grounds of Middle School North on Wednesday night to cheer on the eighth grade class ready to embark on their first year at Howell High School. More... Another Milestone       JACKSON - Taking a sneak peak into their very near future, the eighth grade class of Christa McAuliffe Middle School gather on the football field of Jackson Liberty High School as they take the next step in their academic careers during the school's annual promotion ceremony. More...