UPDATE! Thursday Briefs From WOBM News

News from Ocean & Monmouth counties and around New Jersey.

TOMS RIVER – The corruption trial of former Toms River School Superintendent Mike Ritacco is set to begin on April 9th. Reports say the defense had asked for a one-week adjournment to the case to review more evidence against him. The trial is expected to last anywhere from 1 to 2 months.

NEWARK - A New Jersey Transit conductor and his alleged accomplice face multiple charges in what prosecutors say was a scheme to collect cash directly from riders without collecting tickets. The conductor, 49-year-old Robert Broschart of Howell and 45-year-old Phillip Swanger of Bradley Beach were arrested last night. The Monmouth County Proseuctor’s Office says it was happening for over a year.

JACKSON – Jackson township officials must now consider their stance on the state’s medical marijuana law. Reports say, non-profit Breakwater Alternative Treatment Center has submitted a letter of interest to set up a marijauna cultivation center on 12 to 15 acres.

TOMS RIVER - If you’re hankering for Japanese or Tex-Mex cuisine at the Ocean County Mall you’re out of luck. The Benihana and new El Chico cafe have closed its doors as well as Friendly’s. Applebee’s is the only eatery listed on the mall’s directory that includes a wait staff. There are also seven order-at-the-counter eateries as well.

EATONTOWN – Route 71 thorugh more than a dozen eastern Monmouth towns is about to undergo major resurfacing. New Jersey transportation officials say the $9million ollar project is the highway’s first overhaul in more than a decade. Work from Sea Girt through Eatontown is scheduled between 8PM and 6AM..with no summer lane closures.

ATLANTIC CITY - Anyone, anywhere, anytime can be affected by problem gambling. So goes the theme of problem gambling awareness month in new jersey, proclaimed for march by Governor Chris Christie. More than 1200 currently occupy the Casino Control Commission’s self-exclusion list. The New Jersey’s Council On Compulsive Gambling’s hotline is 1-800-GAMBLER.