Jackson, NJ—A grant from Jackson’s Clean Communities program helped a local organization clear hundreds of trash bags of litter from the city’s roadways this weekend.
New Jersey Clean Communities is a statewide program that promotes volunteer cleanup of public lands.
This week, dozens of local groups hit the highways with trash bags and began cleaning the streets.
Each year, the township hosts these public cleanups and reimburses organizations and community groups $500 per mile of road cleaned. That funding comes from the NJ DEP’s New Jersey Clean Communities grant.
This year, approximately 30 groups, directed by Jackson DPW under Shawn Bolinksy hit the roads and cleaned up over 200 bags of trash. That doesn’t include the tires or wood pallets discarded along the roadside, which were also collected.
Jackson Council President Jennifer Kuhn worked alongside the Jackson Thunder Travel Little League to clean up Grawtown Road.
“This is a great way for the community to pitch in and help keep our roadways clean,” Councilwoman Kuhn said. I want to thank all of the organizations that came out to pitch in today.”
The Clean Communities Program was organized under Mayor Michael Reina’s administration. It was previously managed by Patricia Wood, who grew the program over the years before her passing in 2021.
- Brush fire erupts near Route 195 in Jackson Township
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A brush fire broke out moments ago, on Wednesday in the area of Route 195 in Jackson Township, prompting a coordinated response from local fire departments and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service as weather conditions raised the threat of rapid fire spread.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert around midday, confirming that fire crews were dispatched to the area as flames began consuming brush near the highway.
The blaze occurred amid dry conditions, heat, and elevated winds, increasing the risk of escalation. Winds are gusting at between 5-12 miles per hour in the area.
Key Points
- A brush fire ignited Wednesday near Route 195 in Jackson Township.
- Fire departments and NJ Forest Fire Service crews responded to contain the blaze.
- Winds and dry conditions raised concerns of rapid fire spread.
Emergency crews mobilized quickly following the alert, with multiple agencies arriving on scene to begin containment efforts. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is leading the operation alongside local fire companies from surrounding municipalities. As of Wednesday afternoon, no injuries or structural damage had been reported.
Officials have not yet provided details on the fire’s origin or total acreage involved. Motorists in the area were advised to exercise caution, with smoke visible from portions of Route 195.
No road closures were officially announced, but authorities indicated that conditions could change rapidly if the fire grew.
Fire risk heightened by spring weather
The incident comes amid heightened fire risk conditions across parts of New Jersey due to unseasonably warm temperatures and persistent wind gusts. The National Weather Service has warned that such conditions increase the likelihood of wildfires, particularly in forested and brush-heavy regions like Jackson Township.
Residents in the area were advised to stay alert for additional advisories as crews continue operations into the evening.
- Senior dog waits for rescue in Jackson after owner passes
JACKSON, NJ — A 12-year-old Border Collie mix named Tommy is waiting for help at the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility after his owner passed away, and volunteers are seeking a rescue group to give him a second chance. He is in need of placement due to age-related medical concerns and difficulty adjusting to the shelter environment.
Key Points
- Tommy is a 12-year-old Border Collie mix whose owner recently died
- He is currently housed at the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility in Jackson
- Volunteers are seeking a 501(c)(3) rescue or foster home due to his age and medical needs
Although he previously lived with other dogs, staff say he has been reactive to dogs at the facility. Because of this, they believe Tommy would thrive best in a calm, single-pet home where he can receive individual care and attention.
Rescue or foster home needed urgently
Animal advocates are urgently reaching out to 501(c)(3) rescue groups or individuals willing to foster Tommy through a rescue. Interested organizations or potential fosters are encouraged to email kathleenfrett1@gmail.com for more information.
Tommy continues to wait in the shelter as volunteers search for a compassionate solution.
