Top-Read Holmdel/Hazlet News Stories For 2019

HOLMDEL, NJ — Without a doubt, the biggest stories of the year in Holmdel were a) a prolonged corruption probe at town hall, b) a second investigation into turf field spending and c) the end (for now) of Holmdel Mayor Eric Hinds' decade-long political career.

Here's what kept you reading:

Claims Of Nepotism At Holmdel Town Hall: 2 Employees Suspended (May 2019)

The craziness at Holmdel town hall kicked off in May, when the town's administrator and human resources director were investigated for alleged nepotism. The HR director was brought back to work, but Holmdel administrator Donna Vieiro eventually left the job — albeit as an employee in good standing — as unfounded allegations against her continued to mount. Hinds was always a Vieiro supporter, and he consistently called the probe a politically motivated witch-hunt.

Holmdel Investigates Who Authorized $58K Turf Field Study (August 2019)

However, the tables then began to turn against Hinds, as the Twp. Committee also began investigating who authorized spending $2.1 million on building turf fields at the Holmdel swim club. Committeeman Rocco Pascucci alleges Hinds directed Vieiro to approve the turf field expense. Hinds denied it, but a majority of the Twp. Committee apparently didn't believe him. Which led to ...

Holmdel Mayor Eric Hinds Censured Over $2.1M Turf Field Expense (October 2019)

In a 3-1 vote, the Holmdel Township Committee voted to censure Hinds, over alleged misdirection of taxpayer funds for an unapproved turf field at the swim club.

Weber And Santhana Oust Hinds In Holmdel Twp. Committee Race (November 2019)

Despite the fact that both the local and Monmouth County Republican party still supported him, that censure vote appeared to heavily hurt Hinds at the polls. He lost his attempt for re-election in November in a stunning upset victory by two Holmdel Independents, Cathy Weber and Prakesh Santhana. However ...

Liu Files Lawsuit Contesting Holmdel Election Results (December 2019)

While Weber decidedly won with the most votes on election day, Santhana is separated by a mere two votes from Hinds' running mate Chiung-Yin Cheng Liu. Liu filed a lawsuit contesting the results of the election, arguing that some votes for her were improperly discarded or counted incorrectly. Weber and Santhana will be sworn in Jan. 2 at Holmdel's annual reorganization day meeting, but if Liu is successful in her lawsuit, Santhana may have to step down in the new year. Stay tuned.

AS IF that wasn't enough news, here are other biggest stories from Holmdel and the surrounding towns this year:

Holmdel Student Who Feuded With High School Invited To Meet Trump (March 2019)

Boris Kizenko, 16, is the Holmdel High School junior who said earlier this year he was excluded from the National Honor Society due to his support for President Trump. School administrators disagreed; they said he was barred from entry into the prestigious group due to a "character" issue. The controversy was picked up by Fox News, and Boris accepted an invite to the Trump White House this spring. His parting shot to Holmdel High? "I just hope Holmdel will count this as an excused absence," said Kizenko. "Kids get to go to Six Flags and miss a day at school so ..."

Arrest Made In 2017 Holmdel Home Invasion Of 'Real Housewife' (May 2019)

A Bayonne man is charged with the beating of Dina Manzo and her fiancee, who were attacked and robbed in their Holmdel condo in 2017.

Sandy Hook Cancels All Its Summer Concerts Due To Piping Plover (June 2019)

2019 appeared to be the year fun took a nosedive at Sandy Hook: Many were dismayed when the park canceled its summer concert series due to the threatened bird. On top of that, the federal park service also announced in April that all booze would be banned in the park.

Monmouth County Sheriff Defies Murphy's Order On ICE Cooperation (July 2019)

Republican Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden continues to defy Gov. Murphy on the issue of illegal immigration enforcement. Don't expect this stand-off to quiet down in 2020.

'Horror Show:' 200+ Ticks Found On Dog In Monmouth County Park (July 2019)

The park is Perrineville Lake Park in Millstone Township. Warning: The photos will gross you out.

Cashier At Hazlet Costco Goes On Anti-Semitic Tirade, Suit Says (August 2019)

A cashier at the Hazlet Costco on Rt. 35 went on a vicious anti-Semitic tirade, according to a lawsuit filed by a local man who lives in Leonardo, who says it was directed at him and his son.

Holmdel Reeling: Republicans Lose One-Party Rule After 10 Years (November 2019)

The Monmouth County Republican Party took a loss in Holmdel and in the 11th district on Nov. 5. Could this hurt Sheriff Shaun Golden, who is said to be eyeing a Republican run for governor?

Three Major Development Projects Proposed For Holmdel (December 2019)

Get ready: Holmdel says it's required to turn three wooded lots into rentals, affordable housing and a 40,000-square-foot shopping center.

Seals Are Back Along The Jersey Shore (December 2019)

And finally, who doesn't love to end the year by reading about cute, blubbery seals frolicking in our chilly Jersey waters?

Patch wishes our readers a safe and happy start to 2020, and keep reading Patch!