Monmouth GuideElection season is front and center in Monmouth County this week, with contested races on ballots in Highlands, Sea Bright, Fair Haven and Tinton Falls ahead of the Nov. 3 vote. Alongside the campaign coverage, local outlets reported on a bay rescue in Keyport, a school buildings debate in Middletown and layoffs announced by Comcast.
Below you will find the headlines from NJ.com, Two River Times and Patch, followed by notices posted by township offices and a short look at what is happening around the county this weekend. Everything here is drawn from what was reported or announced between Oct. 25 and Oct. 31, 2026.
Top local stories
Here is what local outlets covered this week, from municipal and school board races on the Nov. 3 ballot to a water rescue and a company layoff announcement.
Firefighters use Good Samaritan's boat to rescue man in bay
NJ.com reports that a Keyport firefighter pulled a man from the bay on Thursday afternoon, using a boat provided by a Good Samaritan.
Read the full story at NJ.com; also covered by Howell Patch, Red Bank-Shrewsbury Patch and Rumson-Fair Haven Patch.
Four Seek Two Seats on Highlands Council
Read the full story at Two River Times.
Joan Minnuies Says Middletown Needs Referendum To Repair Aging School Buildings
Middletown Patch reports Joan Minnuies says a referendum is needed to repair aging school buildings, including Leonardo Elementary, one of two schools proposed for closure.
Read the full story at Middletown Patch.
Contested and Complex Election for Sea Bright Council
Two River Times reports Sea Bright voters face five candidates for two full-term council seats plus two candidates for a two-year unexpired term in November.
Read the full story at Two River Times.
Comcast laying off nearly 1,000 employees. Here’s who’s affected in N.J.
NJ.com reports Comcast is laying off close to 1,000 employees, including 634 positions at its Philadelphia headquarters, with some New Jersey workers affected.
Read the full story at NJ.com.
Fair Haven Sees Contested Council, Mayoral Elections
Two River Times reports Fair Haven has contested races Nov. 3 for the mayor's office and two council seats, with early voting running through Nov. 1.
Read the full story at Two River Times.
Highlands and Atlantic Highlands Candidates Running for Seats on Regional School Board
Two River Times reports the Henry Hudson Regional school board election is contested, with three Atlantic Highlands candidates for one seat and four from Highlands.
Read the full story at Two River Times.
Tinton Falls Board of Ed.
Read the full story at Two River Times.
From town halls
Township offices posted several reminders this week, including tax deadlines, leaf collection plans and a shredding event. Check your own town's site for the full details.
Quarterly Property Tax Payment Due 11/1
Read the full story at Middletown Township.
Paper Shredding Event
Read the full story at Holmdel Township.
Trick-or-Treating Curfew is 8 PM on Friday, 10/30 and Saturday, 10/31
Read the full story at Middletown Township.
2026 Fall Leaf Collection
Read the full story at Howell Township.
Coming up this weekend
Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, and the usual weekend markets are still running. Here are a few things happening around the county.
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Halloween Parade
Saturday · All day · Atlantic Highlandsfamilyvia Atlantic Highlands -
Halloween Weekend - Kane Brewing Co.
Saturday · All day · 1750 Bloomsbury Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712Join Kane Brewing Co. for an entire Halloween Weekend, starting Friday, October 30th through Sunday, November 1st, in their tasting room! They’ll be tapping a special…
familyvia Monmouth County Tourism -
Asbury Park Sunset Farmers Market
Saturday · 8:00 AM · Fireman’s Park, Asbruy Park · Asbury ParkCommunity farmer’s market featuring seasonable fresh fruit and vegetables, cut flowers. Bread, cheese and Italian pastries and stuffed breads,
marketvia Asbury Park Chamber -
Gear Jammer Magazine NJ Summer Showdown - Freehold
Saturday · 8:00 AM · East Freehold Showgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township, NJ 07728Gear Jammer Magazine & Elizabeth Truck Center are proud to present The 2nd Annual Gear Jammer Magazine NJ Summer Showdown! There will be Vendors, Food Trucks, Light…
familyvia Monmouth County Tourism -
Saturday · 8:30 AM · Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732
The Highlands Business Partnership’s traditional 32nd Annual Farmers’ Market begins every Saturday morning from June 20 through November 21st, 2026. Fresh-picked juicy,…
marketvia Monmouth County Tourism
That wraps up the last week of October. Dates, times and details can change, so confirm with the organizer or your township before heading out, and check your polling place information ahead of the Nov. 3 election.