Court to hear Arts Center tax appeal Holmdel mayor says rebate should be given to residents BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer      The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has filed an appeal with the N.J. Superior Court to overturn a July ruling that lifted PNC Bank Arts Center’s tax-exempt status. More ...      CBA’s Martin Hamm competes in the butterfly portion of the 200-yard individual medley, one of seven races won by the Colts, at the Monmouth County Championships at the Ocean County YMCA on Saturday. For story, see sports. More ... Hall will focus on technology in 2006 Chosen to repeat as Middletown mayor, outlines agenda BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer      Outgoing Middletown Committeeman Raymond O’Grady attended the Jan. 1 reorganization meeting, much to the astonishment of Mayor Thomas Hall. More ... Panel weighs strategies for revitalizing Route 36 BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer      HAZLET — At the rate Monmouth County has been developed in recent years, it’s conceivable to think that there may be nothing left to build upon in the future. More ... Aberdeen reorganizes government for 2006 Gumbs the first black woman chosen to serve as twp.’s deputy mayor BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer      ABERDEEN — Committeewoman Wilhelmina Gumbs has become the first African American woman to hold the post of deputy mayor in Aberdeen history. More ... Rift widens between former running mates Wall urged to resign after accusing DiMaso of anti-Semitic remarks BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer      HOLMDEL — Newly appointed Mayor Serena DiMaso has called for Committeeman Terence Wall’s resignation after Wall accused his former running mate of making anti-Semitic remarks. More ... Hazlet woman accused of New Year’s Eve murder      A Hazlet woman who was charged with robbing and killing an Asbury Park man on New Year’s Eve pleaded innocent to the charges. More ... DiMaso unanimously chosen Holmdel mayor BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer      HOLMDEL — Dozens of residents came out to welcome the newest members of the Township Committee on Jan. 2 at the annual reorganization meeting. More ... Grandmother honored for post-hurricane aid Middletown resident volunteered for three weeks in Mississippi BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer      MIDDLETOWN — A local grandmother of five has been honored for her role in aiding Gulf Coast residents effected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. More ... Authors set out to explain mysterious faces of Mars BY JOYCE BLAY Staff Writer      The man in the moon may actually have lived on Mars, according to a book by author and artist George J. Haas. More ... Greater Media Inc. to observe 50th year      Greater Media Inc., Boston, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in broadcasting throughout 2006. Owned by the Bordes family, the company was originally founded in 1956 by Yale classmates Peter A. Bordes and Joseph Rosenmiller. More ... Valentin names first assistant prosecutor Warshaw promoted; Pasterchick to be chief of county detectives BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      FREEHOLD — As 2006 begins, two longtime law enforcement officials take on new leadership posts with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. More ... Man charged on knife threat      KEYPORT — Bar owner Joseph Merla apprehended two nine-inch knives from a patron who had earlier threatened one of his employees at the Bulkhead Bar and Grill, West Front Street, on Dec. 30, police said. More ... Songwriter takes on seriously funny tone Jacobsen to perform at Indigo Coffee House in Aberdeen on Jan. 27 BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer      ABERDEEN — During the scope of human existence, one way of thinking has held steadfast: No matter what you do, the world is going to get you in the end. More ... Middletown parents have county New Year’s baby BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer      MIDDLETOWN — The first birth of the New Year is tangled up in baby blue. More ... Barham selected to lead freeholder board in ’06      FREEHOLD — Freeholder William C. Barham has been chosen director of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders for 2006. Freeholder Robert D. Clifton is the deputy director. More ...