SCOTT PILLING staff Rob Barnhardt (l) and Jason Thomas (r) perform a bike stunt show during the Funkmaster Flexx Car Show at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison on June 23. More ... DCA report critical of Edison Police Dept. Advocates reduction in force, increase civilian positions to save money BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       The state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) released a comprehensive assessment of the Edison Township Police Department on Thursday that was critical of, among other things, the number of officers filling posts that could be filled by civilians. More ... Abuse often borne out of hunger for control Experts say leaving relationships safely takes planning BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer       Domestic violence will affect one out of four women in their lifetimes.In 2005, the state domestic violence hotline received 1,192 crisis and 1,397 non-crisis calls in Monmouth County, 1,470 crisis and 1,843 non-crisis calls in Middlesex County, 844 crisis and 964 non-crisis calls in Ocea... More ... Group trains counselors for victims of domestic violence Women Aware Inc. seeking volunteers to help victims BY JESSICA ALFREY Correspondent       Domestic violence is generally a problem dealt with by local police departments. But thanks to Women Aware Inc., an average citizen can learn to become a crisis counselor and help victims decide how to best help themselves. More ... Women broke free from prisons at home       Editor's note: The following are the stories of three area victims of domestic violence. The names of the victims and others mentioned in their accounts have been changed to guard their identities. Their situations are recounted at times in graphic detail. More ... Planning Board mulls over Motiva expansion decision Board will give final approval or denial of application on July 11 BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE - The Planning Board has heard the proposal by Motiva Enterprises LLC, a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-week operation, to expand its existing rail-car rack system on its Sewaren site. The board heard the proposal at its June 27 meeting and will render its decision on July 11. More ... Edison man charged in death       FRANKLIN - An Edison man has been charged in the death of a Franklin man after an altercation on June 22, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. John H. Lee, 39, was charged with first-degree murder after the June 24 death of Jeffrey Johnson, 45. More ... Ward question revisited; council takes first step Narrowly defeated ballot question for ward gov't may be on Nov. ballot BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       EDISON - After four years of required hiatus, the debate over whether Edison Township should adopt a ward system of government has resurfaced. More ... Splish-splashin'      SCOTT PILLING staff Ryan Breen, 4, splashes away during his swimming lesson with instructor Karen Baralecki at the Metuchen Municipal Pool on June 27. More ... Hold on!      Above: Rob McAllister, pit crew chief for Drift Brigade, holds on for dear life as Charles "Chachi" Diaz does spinouts during a demonstration at the Funkmaster Flexx Car Show at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison, on June 23. Right: Justin Pilling of Drift Brigade shows what his... More ... Tower Corp. breaks $379K barrier, gets federal funds U.S. Mint to match funds for renovations of Edison tower BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       EDISON - Forty-eight hours before the federally imposed deadline, Nancy Zerbe said she was confident the Edison Memorial Tower would be getting federal funds. But as the number zero hour approached, the Edison Memorial Tower Corp. (EMTC) surpassed the $379,000 by at least $31,000. More ...