Fair Haven resident Ben Hamilton, right, noting that “there are more dignitaries here than audience,” said he knows business owners who have been “suffering in silence” over the duration of the closure and will be glad to have it back in service. (Photos by Stacie Fanelli. Click to enlarge)

• Frane Pesa, age 20, from Sunset Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 8, 2012 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Holmdel Municipal Courts. He was held on $1,750.00 bail.

• Nicole Welch, age 27, from Bergen Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 8, 2012 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan and Patrolman Keith Hirschbein of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $1,000.00 bail.

• Joseph Canavan, age 21, from Jefferson Street in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on May 8, 2012 by Patrolman Andrew Micalizzi on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Interlaken Municipal Court. He was held on $500.00 bail.

• Eugene McEnroe, age 48, from Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel, NJ, arrested on May 8, 2012 by Corporal Keith MacDonald on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

• John Osman, age 49, from Willow Street in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 8, 2012 by Corporal Thomas Meckier for Simple Assault. He was released after posting $5,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Robert Hesse, age 33, from Creek Road in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on May 8, 2012 by Patrolman Lawrence Seymour on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Courts. He was held on $2,000.00 bail.

• Gregory Angelides, age 42, from Beach Boulevard in Highlands, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Keller on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Woodbridge and Brick Municipal Courts. He was released after posting $750.00 bail.

• Monica Markowski, age 50, from Windsor Terrace in Spring Lake Heights, NJ, arrested on May 10, 2012 by Corporal Joseph Glynn for Driving While Intoxicated. She was released pending a court date.

• Laura Frank, age 19, from Cherry Tree Farm Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 9, 2012 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan and Keith Hirschbein of the Quality of Life Unit for Criminal Mischief and Possession of Alcohol by Minors. She was released pending a court date.

• Joseph Matich, age 23, from Highland Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on May 9, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Criminal Mischief and Providing Alcohol to Minors. He was released pending a court date.

• Abrham Uraga, age 52, from Day Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 9, 2012 by Patrolman Robert McNair on aContempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was held on $200.00 bail.

• Kendell Chesseboro, age 22, from North Munn Avenue in East Orange, NJ, arrested on May 9, 2012 by Patrolman Christian Clark on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

• Karen Fortunato, age 52, from Daniel Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 12, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing the Administration of Law and Resisting Arrest. She was released pending a court date.

• Donna Valesio, age 52, from Knollwood Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 12, 2012 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski for Driving While Intoxicated. She was released pending a court date.

• Robert Terry, age 31, from Monmouth Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 12, 2012 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia for Simple Assault. He was held on $2,500.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Jeffrey Trezza, age 21, from Park Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on May 12, 2012 by Sergeant First Class William Colangelo for Purchasing Alcohol for use by Minors. He was released pending a court date.

• Anthony Marini, age 21, from Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 12, 2012 by Sergeant First Class William Colangelo for Purchasing Alcohol for use by Minors. He was released pending a court date.

• Christine Nazzaro, age 20, from Campbell Court in Aberdeen, NJ, arrested on May 12, 2012 by Corporal Douglas Wiatrak for Possession of Alcohol by an Underage Person. She was released pending a court date.

• Alexa Fortunato, age 20, from Daniel Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 12, 2012 by Corporal Douglas Wiatrak for Possession of Alcohol by an Underage Person. She was released pending a court date.

• Janine Foster, age 38, from Valley Avenue in Highlands, NJ, arrested on May 12, 2012 by Corporal Thomas Meckier on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Keyport, Holmdel, Keansburg Municipal Court and on a Failure to Appear warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was held on $26,450.00 bail.

• Violetta Borovaya, age 21, from Congress Lane in South River, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2012 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone for Shoplifting from the Whole Foods store. She was released pending a court date.

• Chelsea Dravis, age 20, from Sieben Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2012 by Patrolman John Soltysik for Possession of Alcohol by an Underage Person. She was released pending a court date.

• Sarah Newell, age 18, from Nautilus Drive in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2012 by Patrolman John Soltysik for Possession of Alcohol by an Underage Person. She was released pending a court date.

• Katelyn Strand, age 21, from Selman Lane in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2012 by Patrolman John Soltysik for Purchasing Alcohol for use by an Underage Person. She was released pending a court date.

• Shawn Gutleber, age 21, from Buttonwood Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Bumbico on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Rumson Municipal Court. He was released after posting $750.00 bail.

• Robert Dickerson, age 18, from Nautilus Drive in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on May 11, 2012 by Patrolman Brady Carr for Possession of Alcohol by an Underage Person and Exhibiting a False Drivers License. He was released pending a court date.

• Marcus Hawthorne, age 36, from City Island Avenue in Bronx, NY, arrested on May 11, 2012 by Corporal Keith MacDonald for Fraud, Uttering a Forgery and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Jersey City Municipal Court. He was released pending a court date.

• Edward Freeman, age 19, from Prospect Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 13, 2012 by Patrolman Frank Mazza for Possession of Alcohol by Minors. He was released pending a court date.

• Fergal Clusky-Gallagher, age 18, from Rambling Brook Drive in Holmdel, NJ, arrested on May 13, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. He was released pending a court date.

• David Thompson, age 26, from Fleetwood Drive in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on May 13, 2012 by Corporal Thomas Meckier for Obstructing the Administration of Law. He was released pending a court date.

• On May 13, 2012 Patrolman Richard Belmonte arrested a 16 year old Male juvenile from Holmdel, NJ, for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. He was released pending a court date.

• Timothy Kegley, age 19, from Duxbury Court in Holmdel, NJ, arrested on May 13, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. He was released pending a court date.

• Kathryn Yuhas, age 49, from Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 12, 2012 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Newark Municipal Court. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court date.

By JOHN T. WARD

Can a Jersey Girl whose work as a 22-year-old prostitute helped derail a political career in spectacular fashion return home and remake herself as a small-town retailer?

Four years after her high-priced hotel romps with Eliot Spitzer dynamited his tenure as governor of New York and made her infamous, Ashley Dupré says she turned a page Monday with the opening of Femme by Ashley, a lingerie and swimwear boutique on the choicest block in downtown Red Bank.

The shop, Dupré told redbankgreen in an exclusive interview, “is almost like the beginning of the rest of my life.

“I made a bunch of mistakes when I was younger, and I feel like, for the first time in my life, I’m growing into an adult, and I’m really excited about that,” she said.

The Broad Street boutique features lingerie, swimsuits and Victoria  Beckham sunglasses. (Click to enlarge)

Petite and wearing eyeglasses that made her appear somewhat more studious than she did in Girls Gone Wild videos made a decade ago, 27-year-old Dupré said she agreed to redbankgreen‘s request for a sit-down only at the urging of her boyfriend, TJ Earle, who thought it was important in establishing community roots. She said it would likely be her only interview on the topic.

Off-limits were questions about the events that made her a household name. Dupré also refused to allow redbankgreen to videotape the interview or even take her photo, saying she’d been “burned” in the past by the unauthorized release of images. Instead, she supplied a commissioned portrait.

“I’m just done with it,” Dupré said of her scandal-based persona. “I’m very private. People don’t believe that, but I’m a very private person. I don’t want that life. I’m not looking to be in the press. I’m just looking to get on with my life.”

Her focus, she said, is on becoming a business owner and “me doing what I enjoy for the first time, and not caring what anyone else has to say about it.”

Dupré’s image rehab effort might be traced to her hire two years ago as a sex -and-relationship advice columnist for the New York Post, which had previously reveled in labeling her a “ho” and “trollop” at every opportunity. In bringing her on board, the newspaper wrote:

She didn’t ask for fame, but, “Now that I have it, it’s up to me to take advantage,” she said.

Under the tag “Ask Ashley,” Dupré fielded questions that at first overtly traded on her notoriety. “How do I know if my daughter may be getting into trouble?” asked “Meredith, 40, Queens,” in the debut.

But the column later morphed into questions about keeping relationships fresh and exciting, Dupré said. “I think I have moved away from how I’m viewed to ‘how do I save my relationship?’ and ‘how do I make this work?’” she said.

The Broad Street store represents a continuation of that evolution, she said – and the likely end of the column, which she said has “run it’s course.”

Other than a confessional interview with Diane Sawyer on 20/20, a raunchy one with Howard Stern and a nude spread in Playboy, what else has Dupré been up to since the Spitzer scandal broke in March, 2008?

“I’ve been in a relationship,” she said. “I’ve just started my life over.” She and Earle, a paving industry exec, have lived in the Navesink section of Middletown for the past two months. She said she considers him her best friend, and his young daughters her family.

Growing up in Wall Township, Dupré said she was a frequent visitor to Red Bank. Moving back to the Shore after seven years in Manhattan and again visiting the town, “I just fell in love with the community as a whole,” she said. “It is like a little mini SoHo, and the people here are great.”

In creating Femme by Ashley, Dupré hired Amy Manor of West Front Street to design the space. Borough-based Frame to Please supplied oversized mirror frames and Solari Creative, also of Red Bank, did the website.

“We really kept it in the community. It’s like our own little networking circle here,” Dupré said. “It’s very important to me to have that.”

The resulting shop features white walls, ceilings and flooring. Long, silver velvet drapes form a pair of dressing rooms, each equipped with a plush purple chair so shoppers and their significant others can have some intimate time during a bikini or teddy try-on.

Dupré said the boutique’s merchandise, including labels Agua Bandita, Pily Q and Jenna Leigh, reflects her own evolving fashion sense.

“I’m  a girl, and I think every girl likes to shop and explore their tastes,” she said. “Getting into this business, I kind of explored all of these designers and fell in love with them.”

The shop offers swimsuits in the $180 to $200 range as well as some “special” underthings, Dupré said.

“I really wanted this to be a place where anybody could come in and get something and be able to afford it, but also to have the luxurious items, too,” she said.

Dupré said she plans to be in the store daily, and is braced for curiosity seekers.

“Well, I’m sure I’m going to see everybody,” she says with a laugh. “I’m sure a lot of interesting people are going to walk through those doors.”

Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna met recently with Dupré and Earle at their request, and said he came away impressed by their vision for the store and their enthusiasm about the town. Only one person, the wife of a retailer, had complained to him about Dupré’s arrival, he said. “I reminded her that none of us are exemplary in every aspect of our lives.” he said.

“We are a very diverse town,” Menna said. “We welcome everyone.”

Dupré, though, doesn’t expect everyone to be welcoming. She says she’s learned to shrug off whispers, which she finds prevalent “whether you’ve been involved in a scandal or not. People always talk about other people. And it’s sad that you don’t have anything more important to talk about in your life, but that’s just the way of life. Not everybody can like you, and it’s OK. I’m OK with that.

“What am I going to do, live in the past, regretting every mistake I’ve ever made?” she said. “That’s the sign of a weak person. You need to get over it and move on.”

Recognize it? Take another peak.

Last week’s Where showed a growling-lion statue. Keen observers of the wild and unforgiving terrain of the Navesink section of Middletown were able to correctly identify it as one of two big, well-coifed cats flanking a driveway on Cooper Road.

Thanks to George Smuga, Mart Haviland, Alexander B. Wright, Ryan Hancock, Jackie, Jenn Woods and Paul Finn for taking a moment to drop us a lion.

If you know where this week’s photo was taken, whisper it to us here, please.

• Edward Holtz, age 32, from Second Street in Keyport, NJ, arrested on May 6, 2012 by Corporal Bernie Chenoweth on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Newark Municipal Courts. He was held on $532.00 bail.

• Luis Guallpa, age 29, from Vail Road in Parsippany, NJ, arrested on May 7, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Keller for Driving Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

• Mercedes Bellino, age 51, from Willow Road in Tinton Falls, NJ, arrested on May 7, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Keller for Simple Assault. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court date.

• Louis Melillo, age 48, from Harmony Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 7, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

• Larry Boerner, age 35, from First Street in Keyport, NJ, arrested on May 6, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Possession of Ecstasy, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing the Administration of Law and Resisting Arrest. He was held on $15,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Christopher Mitchell, age 22, from Darwin Road in Old Bridge, NJ, arrested on May 5, 2012 by Patrolman John Mele for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

• Shannon Christie, age 22, from Maple Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on May 5, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Holmdel Municipal Court. She was held on $164.00 bail.

• Timothy McGrath, age 25, from Middletown Lincroft Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 5, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug. He was released pending a court date.

• Amanda Wenninger, age 23, from Main Street in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 5, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Neptune Municipal court. She was released after posting $216.00 bail.

• Joseph Sasso, age 30, from Twighlight Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 4, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Sayreville and Aberdeen Municipal Courts. He was released after posting $379.00 bail.

• John Jacobs, age 19, from Middletown Lincroft Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 4, 2012 by Patrolman Lisa Vreeland for Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. He was released after posting $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson

• Thomas Thompson, age 56, from Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright, NJ, arrested on May 4, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Sea Bright Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

• Maria Ramirez, age 37, from Bridge Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on May 4, 2012 by Corporal Joseph Glynn for Shoplifting from the Acme Store. She was released pending a court date.

• On May 4, 2012 Patrolman Raymond Sofield arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for being under the Legal Age to Purchase/Consume Alcohol. He was released pending a court date.

• Sean Hagan, age 26, from Arrowwood Court in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on May 5, 2012 by Patrolman Brady Carr for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

• Russell Dunn, age 24, from Highland Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on May 5, 2012 by Patrolman Brian Dilworth for Theft of Services. He was released pending a court date.

• Sean Leavy, age 19, from Brookside Drive in Belford, NJ, arrested on May 5, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Aggravated Assault. He was held on $150,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge James McGann of the Monmouth County Superior Court.

• Erica Hamdan, age 30, from Campbell Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 7, 2012 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on a Non-Support warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. She was held on $9,204.55.bail.

• Domenic Salvatore, age 37, from Lancaster Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on May 7, 2012 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan and Patrolman Keith Hirschbein of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

• Varashon McQueen, age 42, from Man Street in Belford, NJ, arrested on May 7, 2012 by Corporal Bernie Chenoweth on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.

• John Martocci, age 57, from Haven Drive in Old Bridge, NJ, arrested on May 7, 2012 by Detective Daniel Sullivan for Theft by Deception, Bad Checks, and on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Ocean and Old Bridge Municipal Courts and a New Jersey State Parole warrant. He was held on $55,502.00 bail.

• Kiersten Reinhart, age 22, from North Main Street in Carbondale, PA, arrested on May 7, 2012 by Patrolman Andrew Micalizzi on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $1,500.00 bail.

• Anthony Dolly, age 34, from Hudson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 8, 2012 by Patrolman John Soltysik for Driving While Intoxicated, Possession of Cocaine and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was held on $160.00 bail.

• On Wednesday, May 2, 2012 the Middletown Police Detective Bureau and Quality of Life Unit arrested Michael Cignarella, age 20, from Woodridge Avenue in Middletown, NJ, after police executed a search warrant on his home. Cignarella was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Stun Gun) and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose as a result of the warrant.

Police also seized $445.00 in cash for possible forfeiture. Cignarella was held on $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge James Berube.

The Middletown Police Department reports the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:

• Christopher White, age 26, from Ambrose Court in Holmdel, NJ, arrested on April 30, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofied on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Wall Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,443.00 bail.

• Francis Liana, age 31, from Roxbury Road in Belford, NJ, arrested on April 30, 2012 by Detective Laurence Schachtel for Theft. He was released pending a court date.

• Roberto Ramirez, age 42, from Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 30, 2012 by Patrolman Robert McNair on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Clark Municipal Court. He was held on $120.00.

• Lynn Moretti, age 40, from Jersey Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 30, 2012 by Patrolman Robert Shannon on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. She was released after posting $120.00 bail.

• Jeremy Lilly, age 20, from Hazlet Trailer Park in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on April 30, 2012 by Detective Kevin Gardiner for Receiving Stolen Property. He was released pending a court date.

• George Geiger, age 53, from West Shore Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 30, 2012 by Patrolman Robert McNair on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,500.00 bail.

• Karen Born, age 53, from Beaver Place in Aberdeen, NJ, arrested on May 1, 2012 by Patrolman Michael Pintilie on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $500.00 bail.

• Kaitlyn Dickie, age 22, from Mercury Street in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 1, 2012 by Patrolman Michael Reuter for Violation of a Court Order and Harassment. She was released pending a court date.

• Samantha Gilch, age 20, from Glen Oak Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 1, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Red Bank Municipal Court. She was released after posting $165.00 bail.

• James Laurie, age 22, from Euclid Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on May 1, 2012 by Corporal Patricia Colangelo on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

• Wayne Battista, age 36, from Brotherton Avenue in Locust, NJ, arrested on May 1, 2012 by Detective Adam Finck on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail

• Daniel Woods, age 23, from Ramsey Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on May 2, 2012 by Patrolman Donald Coates for Obstructing the Administration of Law. He was released pending a court date.

• Jonathan Reyes, age 25, from Church Street in Nutley, NJ, arrested on May 2, 2012 by Cororal Thomas Meckier on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was held on $230.00 bail.

• Alexandra Neubacher, age 20, from Redwood Terrace in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on May 2, 2012 by Patrolman Michael Reuter for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. She was released pending a court date.

• Nicole Passenant, age 18, from Kildare Drive in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on May 2, 2012 by Patrolman Michael Reuter for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. She was released pending a court date.

• Matthew Deangelo, age 36, from Kolas Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 2, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Bumbico on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,678.00 bail.

• Acosha Storm, age 32, from Kimberly Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 2, 2012 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone for Simple Assault. She was released pending court date.

• On May 2, 2012 Corporal Keith MacDonald arrested a 17 year old female juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. She was released pending a court date.

• Samuel Mitchell, age 44, from Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 2, 2012 by Detective Kelly Godley for Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ, on $450,000.00 bail set by Judge Thomas Scully of the Monmouth County Superior Court.

• Christopher Hanford, age 29, from Treacy Avenue in Newark, NJ, arrested on May 3, 2012 by Corporal George Freibott on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $2,500.00 bail.

• Dylan Defilippo-Campbell, age 19, from Bayside Parkway in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 2, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

• Keith Monaghan, age 18, from Commonwealth Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on April 24, 2012 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski for Defiant Trespass. He was released pending a court date.

• Dylan Ralph, age 19, from Nutswamp Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 24, 2012 by Patrolman Michael Reuter for Defiant Trespass. He was released pending a court date.

• Laura Frank, age 19, from Cherry Tree Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 24, 2012 by Patrolman Christopher Dee for Theft. She was released after posting $5,000.00 bail with a 10% option.

• Kenneth Scaggs, age 22, from Birchwood Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 24, 2012 by Patrolman Brian Mcgrogan and Patrolman Keith Hirschbein of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $250.00 bail.

• Eduardo Garcia, age 31, from Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn, NY, arrested on April 24, 2012 by Patrolman Andrew Micalizzi on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.

• James Bryer, age 21, from Limerick Place in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on April 24, 2012 by Detective Kelly Godley for Aggravated Sexual Assault. He was being held on $100,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard English of the Monmouth County Superior Court.

• Martin Cannon, age 51, from Greentree Terrace in Lincroft, NJ, arrested on April 24, 2012 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

• Robert Stavola, age 19, from Patterson Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on April 25, 2012 by Corporal James Keenan for Harassment and Terroristic Threats. He was released after posting $500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge James Barube.

• Melissa Martin, age 22, from Palmer Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 25, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Holmdel Municipal Court. She was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

• Daniel Strano, age 24, from Donald Road in East Brunswick, NJ, arrested on April 26, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Keller for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

• Salvatore Canonico, age 25, from Rosalie Avenue in Lincroft, NJ, arrested on April 28, 2012 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.

• Timothy McGrath, age 25, from Middletown Lincroft Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 28, 2012 by Sergeant Paul Bailey for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

• Michael Miller, age 23, from 9^th Street in Belford, NJ, arrested on April 27, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield for Purchasing Alcohol for an Underage Person. He was released pending a court date.

• Tariek Gross, age 18, from Middlebrook Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 29, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Theft of Services. He was released pending a court date.

• On April 29, 2012 Patrolman Lawrence Seymour arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Theft. He was released pending a court date.

• Jamie Haithcock, age 24, from Rose Lane in Union Beach, NJ, arrested on April 27, 2012 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $250.00 bail.

• Scott Keiderling, age 20, from Scott Road in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on April 26, 2012 by Patrolman John Mele on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown, Keansburg and Lebanon Municipal Courts. He was released after posting $546.00 bail.

• Amanda Kost, age 26, from North Street in Highlands, NJ, arrested on April 26, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Paramus Municipal Court. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court date.

• Vincent Lopriore, age 44, from Monroe Street in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on April 26, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

• Joseph Hughes, age 19, from Maplewood Drive in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 26, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Bumbico for Obstructing the Administration of Law. He was released pending a court date.

• Margaret Evernham, age 47, from Center Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 26, 2012 by Sergeant First Class William Straniero on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $250.00 bail.

• Kyle Clayton, age 20, from Thousand Oaks Drive in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on April 26, 2012 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

• Jason Venson, age 32, from Knollwood Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 26, 2012 by Corporal Gerald Weimer on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Marlboro and Keansburg Municipal Courts. He was held on $295.00 bail.

• On April 27, 2012 Patrolman Michael Reuter and Patrolman Christopher Dee arrested a 14 year old Male juvenile from Lincroft, NJ, and three 14 year old male juveniles from Middletown, NJ, for Criminal Mischief. All juveniles were released pending a court date.

• Emily Malz, age 24, from Thousand Oaks Drive in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on April 28, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Driving While Intoxicated. She was released pending a court date.

• Ryan Colilla, age 28, from Fulton Street in Staten Island, NY, arrested on April 28, 2012 by Corporal Douglas Wiatrak on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown, Aberdeen, Howell, Hazlet and Keyport Municipal Courts. He was held on $4,490.00 bail.

• George Morgan, age 50, from Ideal Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 28, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood on Contempt of Court warrants issued by Union Beach, Jersey City and Newark Municipal Courts. He was held on $1,525.00 bail.

• Eric Salkow, age 22, from Salem Avenue in Elizabeth, NJ, arrested on April 28, 2012 by Patrolman Thomas Russo on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

• Igor Rakita, age 24, from Brynwood Gardens in Old Bridge, NJ, arrested on April 29, 2012 by Patrolman James Beinre for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of K2. He was released pending a court date.

• Xavier Reyes, age 30, from Highland Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on April 29, 2012 by Patrolman John Soltysik on a Non-Support warrant issued by the Middlesex County Municipal Court. He was held on $9,556.44 bail.

• On April 22, 2012 Patrolman Adam Colfer responded to a report of a collision at the intersection of Edward Avenue and Main Street in the Belford section of Middletown where a vehicle had struck a fire hydrant and then left the scene. Officer Colfer recovered pieces of the vehicle at the scene that assisted him in identifying the vehicle. Officer Colfer conducted a follow up investigation and located the vehicle at a residence on Church Street.

Officer Colfer continued his investigation which resulted in the arrest of Richard Weber, age 41, from Church Street for Possession of Cocaine, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine with 500 Feet of a Public Park and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Officer Colfer also arrested John Young, age 25, from Brainard Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, for Obstructing the Administration of Law.

Young was released pending a court date and Weber was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ, on $50,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson. Officer Colfer also recovered $2,463.00 in currency from Weber which was seized for possible forfeiture.

• Ryan Liepa, age 23, from Polly Way in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 22, 2012 by Police Officer Lisa Vreeland for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

• Steven Nalbach, age 51, from Hamilton Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on April 22, 2012 by Corporal Gerald Weimer for Disorderly Conduct and Interference with Transportation. He was released pending a court date.

• Violetta Borovaya, age 21, from Congress Lane in South River, NJ, arrested on April 21, 2012 by Corporal Patricia Colangelo for Driving While Intoxicated. She was released pending a court date.

• George Gallagher, age 31, from Holly Street in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 21, 2012 by Patrolman Ian May on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Lyndhurst Municipal Court. He was released after posting $200.00 bail.

• Justin Pepchinski, age 33, from Bonafede Place in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 21, 2012 by Patrolman Michael Pintilie for Providing False Information to a Police Officer and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Aberdeen Municipal Court. He was held on $637.00 bail.

• Davis Shelbrick, age 20, from Neptune Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 20, 2012 by Patrolman Donald Coates on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Tinton Falls Municipal Court. He was released after posting $114.00 bail.

• Donna Wile, age 58, from Haven Street in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on April 20, 2012 by Patrolman Charles Higgins for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

• Daniel Wahler, age 53, from Locust Terrace in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 20, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

• Justin Reynolds, age 26, from Chaucer Drive in Hackettstown, NJ, arrested on April 20, 2012 by Detective Adam Finck for Theft. He was released on $10,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Stephen Allison, age 21, from Orange Avenue in Browns Mills, NJ, arrested on April 21, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Pemberton Municipal Court. He was released on $525.00 bail.

• Emily Reid, age 18, from Sycamore Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 21, 2012 by Patrolman John Mele for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was released pending a court date.

• Nicole Fedi-Lane, age 27, from Ironwood Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 21, 2012 by Patrolman John Mele for Driving While Intoxicated. She was released pending a court date.

• Demond Hill, age 34, from Belza Road in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 22, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Driving While Intoxicated and Refusal to Submit to Breath Tests. He was released pending a court date.

• Joseph McCabe, age 26, from Blanchard Avenue in Binghaton, NY, arrested on April 23, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Possession of MDMA, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ, on $10,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Andrew Mullins, age 25, from Bray Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 23, 2012 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan and Patrolman Keith Hirschbein of the Quality of Life Unit for Possession of MDMA, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ, on $10,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Michael Totaro, age 21, from Salisbury Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 23, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Possession of MDMA, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ, on $10,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Arron Card, age 34, from Garfield Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on April 23, 2012 by Patrolman Albert Scott on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Newark Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.

• Anthony Longo, age 19, Warren Street in Rumson, NJ, arrested on April 24, 2012 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Little Silver Municipal Court. He was released after posting $200.00 bail.

• David Matheny, age 50, from Seaside Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 17, 2012 by Corporal James Keenan on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Union Beach Municipal Court. He was held on $500.00 bail.

• Dylan Difilippo-Campbell, age 19, from Bayside Parkway in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 17, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

• David Darragh, age 36, from Park Avenue in Matawan, NJ, arrested on April 17, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Shoplifting from the Rite Aid Pharmacy and Receiving Stolen Property. He was released pending a court date.

• Nancy Foley-Wadington, age 25, from Park Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 17, 2012 by Detective Daniel Sullivan for Burglary, Theft, Conspiracy, Criminal Mischief and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Red Bank Municipal Court. She was held on $22,500.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Katrina Andia, age 30, from Park Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 17, 2012 by Detective Daniel Sullivan for Burglary, Theft, Conspiracy and Criminal Mischief. She was held on $20,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Allen Stenquist, age 38, from Front Street in Union Beach, NJ, arrested on April 17, 2012 by Corporal Gerald Weimer on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,500.00 bail.

• Robert Leahy, age 23, from Main Street in Englishtown, NJ, arrested on April 18, 2012 by Patrolman John Mele on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Old Bridge Municipal Court. He was held on $289.00 bail.

• Chaula Bhatt, age 39, from Poplar Lane in Old Bridge, NJ, arrested on April 18, 2012 by Detective Daniel Sullivan for Terroristic Threats and Harassment. She was held on $10,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Thompson.

• Michael Fitzgerald, age 27, from new Monmouth Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 18, 2012 by Patrolman Andrew Micalizzi on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Tinton Falls Municipal Court. He was held on $1,120.00 bail.

• Chris Needham, age 36, from Parkview Drive in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on April 18, 2012 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

• Nicolas Walker, age 18, from Palmer Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 19, 2012 by Patrolman Jason Caruso for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.

• Leoncio Lalvay, age 44, from Newark, NJ, arrested on April 19, 2012 by Corporal William Kennelly on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court. He was held on $100.00 bail.

• Ryan Jones, age 19, from Herbert Street in Union Beach, NJ, arrested on April 19, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Possession of over 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana within a 1000 Feet of a School Zone, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms. He was released after posting $25,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Christopher Greiss, age 18, from Park Avenue in Union Beach, NJ, arrested on April 19, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Possession of over 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana within 1000 Feet of a School Zone, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms. He was held on $25,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• John Carroll, age 37, from Kings Highway East in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 19, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Simple Assault. He was released after posting $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

• Elif Rasmussen, age 41, from Belshaw Avenue in Shrewsbury, NJ, arrested on April 19, 2012 by Detective Adam Finck for Theft. She was released pending a court date.

By JOHN T. WARD

For six months, Salt Creek Grille owner Steve Bidgood has watched with guarded optimism the progress of work to replace the 100-foot-long bascule on the Oceanic Bridge over the Navesink River.

Denied since October the benefit of traffic the 72-year-old bridge was built to carry between Middletown and his side, Rumson, Bidgood’s foremost concern has been that the job wrap up, as advertised, by the start of the busy summer season – Memorial Day weekend.

“I’d love to see them do it,” Bidgood told redbankgreen this week, eyeing the elegant bridge framed by the restaurant’s windows. “If they do, I might even buy them dinner.”

It’s looking as though Bidgood will need to reserve a large table.

Monmouth County Engineer Joe Ettore, whose office is managing the project, tells redbankgreen that the Oceanic’s target reopening date remains Thursday, May 31.

An earlier reopening is possible, he said. But don’t count on it.

“We are doing everything we can, working with the contractor, to come in with the best possible date for reopening,” Ettore said Wednesday. “But there is critical work that remains, and that critical work has to by necessity take place at this late point in the project.”

Eighty-five-to-95 percent of the structural work is done, he said, but critical testing of the electrical and mechanical systems remains.

Ettore said the project “had a very tight window in which to complete a substantial amount of work” on the moving parts of the 2,752-foot-long span – by far the county’s longest. The timetable was designed to minimize the adverse economic impact on businesses that are reliant on bridge traffic, he said.

Aided by a snowless and unseasonably mild winter, it appears not a day of the summer season will be lost, Ettore said.

“The fact that we’re on-schedule is a real good sign, and we’re very happy with the contractor’s performance,” he said. The contractor on the $3.6 million job is Iron Bridge Group of North Brunswick.

Funding for the project came from the state, which prohibits early-completion incentives, Ettore said.

The repaired bascule is expected to have a useful life of 20 years, he said, but the long concrete approaches to the bascule are already overdue for replacement, a project that’s not expected to get into construction for at least three more years.

Local and county officials are hoping to persuade the federal government to fund another low-level drawbridge, rather than a high-arc, fixed span that area residents say would adversely affect property values and the aesthetics of the river.

The opening of a new bridge “is at least six years away, and it’s not inconceivable that it could be 10,” Ettore said.

Documents explaining the repair job can be found at the engineering department website.