Top-Read Middletown Stories Of 2019

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — From a Middletown police sergeant charged with drunk driving hit-and-run to a controversial video that sunk the Middletown Democratic ticket, here are 2019's top stories:

Middletown Woman Admits To Drunk, High Crash That Killed Friend (February 2019)

In a final update to a prolonged local tragedy, a 20-year-old woman from Middletown pleaded guilty to a fatal crash that occurred on the Parkway in 2018: Police say she was driving drunk and high, and caused the death of her 18-year old best friend. A third young woman in the car was also seriously injured. All three young women grew up in Middletown, and had graduated from local high schools. In fact, the teen who died, Nicole Smith, had just graduated from Middletown North last year. Heartbreak for all involved.

Keyport Woman's Food Poisoning Is Actually Surprise Baby: Report (April 2019)

Just a lovely story that made many smile: A woman who long tried to get pregnant without success thought she had come down with bad food poisoning last March. Instead, she ended up delivering a healthy baby boy, delivered in the bathroom of the Keyport home she shares with her husband.

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.

Middletown Withdraws From NJ's Affordable Housing Mandate (July 2013)

Middletown stunned the state when it took the extremely unusual step of withdrawing from its state-mandated affordable housing obligation. So far, Middletown is the only town in the state to refuse to comply with the affordable housing mandate. "We basically think the process is unfair. We've built more than our fair share of affordable housing so far. So we said, 'Let us out.' And a judge OK'd it," said town administrator Tony Mercantante at the time.

Middletown Approves Wegmans, Shoppes At Middletown (July 2019)

The Village 35 project — detested by some — got major greenlight approval this summer. Once it opens, the shopping complex will bring a Wegmans and a dine-in movie theater to Rt. 35 at Kings Highway, at the site of the original Food Circus/Evil Clown sign. Toll Brothers also wants to build 320 new homes behind it.

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.

Middletown Police Sgt. Charged With DWI, Leaving Accident Scene (August 2019)

The town was stunned when news broke that Carl Roth, 49, who lives in Middletown and is a police sergeant here, was charged with DWI and other felony charges in New York state. New York State Police say he was driving in drunk in July, hit a motorcyclist and broke his leg, and then drove away. He has been suspended from the Middletown police force.

Middletown Cops: Woman Left Child Behind After Stealing Stroller (August 2019)

Note to would-be criminals: Don't accidentally leave your own child behind when shoplifting. Two women were arrested this summer after police say they accidentally left their own child behind after stealing a high-end stroller from the Middletown Bambi Baby.

Middletown Democratic Ticket Collapses After Controversial Video (September 2019)

An attempt by Democrats to gain a foothold on the Middletown Twp. Committee failed this fall, when a video emerged of Democratic candidate Jeana Sager saying "To me, a lot of police are criminals." After the video surfaced, she was dropped by the Monmouth County Democratic Party, but she explains and defends her comments here.

Middletown Man Saves Neighbor, 74, From Burning Home (December 2019)

In this heroic, heart-warming tale, this North Middletown man was simply taking out the recycling one December morning when he saw his neighbor's home on fire. Within seconds, he ran inside the burning home and pulled the sleeping elderly resident out to safety. Robert Clancy is celebrated as a local hero.

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!