Still Merla after all these years After more than two decades, Keyport mayor set to exit public life BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       People either love him or love to hate him. But either way, Keyport Mayor John Merla has made an impression around here, one that’s sure to last far beyond the latest pesky indictment. For both Merla lovers and haters alike, the end of his era is near. More ... 2006 in photos      JEFF GRANIT staff Michael Howell is congratulated by Raritan High School Principal Colleen Rafter upon receiving his diploma June 19. More ... Handeling the job       The MIddletown HIgh School South Chamber Choir sings “The Messiah” by G.F. Handel during the Winter Concert last Thursday. More ... From the Vault       Ray Egloff, of Wall, a worker with Cifelli Construction Co., carries steel across the girders of a professional building being constructed on Route 34 in Matawan in the summer of 1987. The two-story building went on to house the N.J. Division of Motor Vehicles’ Matawan office since 1988. More ... Young artists showcased in ‘Holiday Joy’       Colleagues at the Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury approached Evelyn Leavens to put together a show for the holiday season anticipating a sugarplum. They weren’t disappointed. “We asked her to treat us all to a holiday delight and she did, indeed,” said artist Judy Stach. “It’s the h... More ... Hazlet officer wants to face Oxley for sheriff BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       HAZLET — By his own admission, Glen Mason is a competitor and he doesn’t like to lose. “Did you ever go into a game or a competition of some sort and expect to lose? Probably not, and I’m the same way,” Mason said. “When I go after something, I expect and want to win. More ... Hazlet officer wants to face Oxley for sheriff BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       HAZLET — By his own admission, Glen Mason is a competitor and he doesn’t like to lose. “Did you ever go into a game or a competition of some sort and expect to lose? Probably not, and I’m the same way,” Mason said. “When I go after something, I expect and want to win. More ... Board awards Narozanick ‘Freeholder Emeritus’ title       FREEHOLD — In honor of Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick’s 48 years of service to the citizens of Monmouth County, the county Board of Freeholders on Dec. 21 awarded him “Freeholder Emeritus” status upon his retirement at the end of this month. More ... Traffic laws we don’t know or simply ignore       Passing on the right or hanging tassels from a rearview mirror can get you tickets in the Garden State BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer You see the flashing red lights in the rearview mirror and you don’t know why. You weren’t speeding, and you know that you came to a full st... More ... Misconceptions abound about police, traffic laws BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       Most people have their own perception and misconceptions about police officers, but some misconceptions can be answered simply by asking a member of a police department. For instance, do cops operate on a quota basis to raise revenue for the town? More ... No RAINE on this parade      Clockwise from far left: RAINE (Reaching All In Need Every Day) volunteer Laura Broderick helps wrap gifts that will be distributed to needy children for the holidays. A look inside Hazlet’s Beers Street School, which was used as a workshop by RAINE. All of the toys and food were distributed to chil... More ... Status Green to compete in MEANY Fest finals BY CHRISSY GERITY Staff Writer       He quit his job. Sold his car, his motorcycle and left behind his friends and family to embark on a cross-country excursion. But what he found in California and in Hilo, Hawaii, was not enough to keep him there. Instead, he returned to New Jersey to form a rock band. Not your traditional Ho... More ...