ERIC SUCAR staff Eleven-year-old Jackson Lawrence, of Matawan, gets behind the wheel of a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino truck during Aberdeen's Doo-Wop Night, held Thursday as part of the town's 150th's birthday celebration. More ... Merla will face sentencing Oct. 23 Eight corruption probe targets to learn fates over 3-day span BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       Two and a half years after being arrested in an undercover FBI sting, former Keyport Mayor John Merla has been issued a sentencing date of Oct. 23. On Thursday, the United States District Court announced the sentencing dates of eight men busted on corruption charges through Operatio... More ... Monmouth County Fair returns for its 33rd year       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Fairgoers are busy getting ready for the Monmouth County Fair's opening night, tonight at 5 p.m. at the East Freehold Park showgrounds, Kozloski Road, between Route 33 and Route 537. The county fair remains a tradition, with this year marking its 33rd year of provid... More ... Musicians to play acoustic show for autism July 27       HOLMDEL - Art for Autism will present an acoustic concert of three of the bands featured on the Art for Autism CD, a compilation of Jersey bands that donated their time and music to help raise awareness and funds for adults with autism. More ... Council members spar over expired grant offer BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       MATAWAN - Democrats and Republicans are blaming each other over a lost opportunity to collect an $85,000 grant for a long-abandoned project. More ... Paper street renamed for longtime councilman BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       MATAWAN - The borough renamed a paper street after the late former Councilman Joseph Penniplede on July 10. Known affectionately as "Joe P," the former councilman, fireman, policeman and fire commissioner is being honored with the street. Penniplede, who died in December 2004 at the ... More ... A.G. has come a long way in a short time East Brunswick native shares her goals for law enforcement effort BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Growing up in East Brunswick, Middlesex County, in a family steeped in public service, Anne Milgram knew early on that she would follow a similar path. "I definitely grew up in a family that strongly valued public service," said Milgram, who took office last month as New Jersey's at... More ... Tickets available to annual Michael's Feat charity BBQ       MATAWAN - The Michael Gerard Puharic Memorial Fund, Inc (Michael's Feat) will honor Jennifer and Jay Adamo, parents who overcame hardships when their triplets were born prematurely in September 2006 at Monmouth Medical Center. The Michael's Feat Heather-Rose Tribute to Courage recogniz... More ... A gallery 'Off the Hook'       Four local artists have joined forces for a collaborative exhibit that uses its seashore gallery space as a jumping-off point. "Just Off the Hook!" features works by Vicky Culver, photo collagist, Howell, and photographers Robert Grunke, Peter Lopez and Jennie A. More ... Middletown introduces pay-to-play ordinance Public hearing expected to take place Aug. 20 BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - After watching many other local towns introduce and adopt ordinances that clamp down on campaign contributions from those who wish to do business with municipalities, Middletown is finally moving forward with its own pay-to-play law. More ... From the Vault      Four doctors at Holmdel's Bayshore Hospital who reattached the leg of patient Arthur Slover, of Union Beach, discuss the procedures used to save the patient's life and leg. From left to right are general surgeons Sergio Villa and Franklin Hernando, orthopedic surgeon Marshall Allegra and anesthesia ... More ... Patience runs Short over no votes and abstentions Lone Democrat says he won't be rushed into uninformed decisions BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - While Patrick Short may be considered by some as the loyal opposition, the township's mayor considers him to be more of a royal pain. More ... Shark attacks recalled as a story of heroism SharkFest a day of perspective, education and entertainment BY LAUREN PIRO Correspondent       MATAWAN - Terhune Park was brimming with music, food, crafts and a whole lot of history as the community celebrated its second annual SharkFest on Saturday. The event began as a way to commemorate the famous shark attack that took place in Matawan Creek on July 12, 1916. More ... Backyard water gardens open for tour Saturday BY LAUREN PIRO Correspondent       MATAWAN - Area residents need not go far this weekend to experience the beauty of nature. It may be as close as their neighbor's backyard, as New Jersey presents its addition to the North American Water Society's Parade of Ponds tour. More ... Young musicians get their ACTS together at benefit BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       HAZLET - It may not have been "American Idol" tryouts, but the level of talent in town Sunday may have been enough to make someone think Simon Cowell was present. The second annual Absolute Community Talent Show (ACTS) was held Sunday at St. John's Methodist Church and was made up o... More ...