Police Investigations, Harmony Principal Contract, House Fire are Middletown Patch's Top Stories in May

1. UPDATE: Man in Custody After Police Converge on West Keansburg Home

A specialized law enforcement tactics team blanketed a Hazlet neighborhood after reports of shots fired in the area. A man was taken into custody. No injuries were reported

2. Middletown BOE Votes to Not Rehire Harmony School Principal

The Board of Education voted 5-4 at a special meeting May 13 not to rehire Harmony School Principal Erik Paulson for the 2013-2014 school year, which would have allowed him tenure. But that was not how it ended. An outcry from the community and a reconsideration by the BOE resulted in his rehire. 

3. House Fire In East Keansburg Saturday

Middletown Fire Dept. fights a stubborn blaze at the Marotta family home on Carter Avenue, off Thompson Avenue. The house was a total loss. Amazing photos from the scene by the Fire Dept's photographer told the story. 

4. Harmony School Principal Rehired After School Board Reverses Prior Decision

To a standing ovation, whoops and cheers form supporters around midnight, the Board of Education unanimously announces they have reversed a prior decision and will offer Harmony Principal Erik Paulson a new contract. The announcement got 372 Facebook "likes."

5. 

Police activity April 22-30

6. Police Nab Two Alleged Heroin Dealers; One Gave Chase Through Neighborhood

Police arrest pair in home near Middletown High School North. 

7. 

Bizarre, violent episode in which a man is accused of throwing an officer through a sliding glass door. 

8. 

Police arrests May 1-10.

9. 

Local jobs up for grabs in the township. 

10. Family Burned Out of Home Thanks Community

Days after the tragedy, Jaime Marotta tells the story of how the family is coping, and Patch readers offer assistance.