BARNEGAT – Citing “improper touching,” an alleged assault and “an out of control, profanity-laden tirade and the threat of violence against another Committeeman,” Barnegat’s all-Republican Township committee censured one their own on Tuesday, casting a vote of no confidence against Mayor Frank Caputo, according to a written statement provided by a committee member. John Novak Frank…
Two New Jersey softball teams are getting some attention entering the 2018 season. Both Donovan Catholic and Kingsway are ranked in MaxPreps.com’s Preseason Top 50, occupying the No. 45 and No. 46 spots, respectively. Donovan Catholic’s inclusion comes as no real surprise following a 27-2 season in which it reached the Non-Public A final and finished…
Angered by word of the disciplining of two Lacey High School students for a gun-related social media post, 200 parents, community members and other supporters of the Second Amendment on Monday let the Board of Education know they don’t want the district trampling on their rights or meddling in their home lives. “You guys are reaching…
LACEY TWP-Hirsh Singh, an engineer from Linwood has secured the nomination of the Ocean County Republican Committee claimed last week on his Facebook page, “I am the ONLY candidate capable of stopping the Democrat Machine and Nancy Pelosi!”
But one of his rivals, Mark McGovern today made a big splash in Lacey Township by meeting personally with the voters of community, aiding in their rally against a school district who recently suspended two students over their right to use firearms at a shooting range outside of school hours.
McGovern, a second amendment activist and member of “Bikers for Trump” was the first speaker on Monday night to criticize the Lacey School Board over the suspension of those two students.
The district announced it was going to change a rule in its student handbook, but stopped short of apologizing for their actions which McGovern said was a violation of the students’ first and second amendment rights. A photo of two students at a legal gun range, with legal firearms, shooting legally under every line of New Jersey State law is what prompted the district’s punishment against the students.
“There was no security threat there whatsoever,” he said to the board. “I think you owe them a very big apology.”
The board was silent.
Meanwhile, down in Linwood, Singh parroted Trumpism to his Facebook followers.
“Jersey First! Help me make Jersey Great Again,” he said. “I pledge to fight for South Jersey, President Trump, and You!”
The two candidates are battling each other in a hotly contested primary for the seat of retiring Congressman Frank LoBiondo who has held the seat since the last century, 1995 to be exact.
Candidates in District 2 include Samuel Fiocchi, Brian Fitzherbert, Seth Grossman, Mark McGovern, Hirsh Singh, James Toto, and Robert Turkavage.
Today’s SNN frontrunner designation goes to McGovern, bumping Singh down a notch after securing the coveted establishment line endorsement earlier this year.
At approximately 9:48am, there was a report of a vehicle fire on I-195 westbound West of Exit 16 – CR 537/Great Adventure in Millstone Twp. Firefighters from Millstone Township responded. All lanes of traffic on the westbound side was shut down while firefighters extinguished the fire. By 10:20 am all lanes were reopened.
Photo by Millstone Fire Department.
by Holmdel PD
HOLMDEL-This afternoon at 1:14 pm, a tractor-trailer that was traveling on Laurel Avenue struck the New Jersey Transit railroad bridge, slicing the roof of the trailer off. There were no other vehicles involved, the driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Laurel Avenue is currently closed in both directions between Route 35 and Boxwood Terrace.
by Brick PD BRICK-On 03/14/18 at 5:15am Officers responded to Herbertsville Rd two hundred and fifty feet north of Maple Ave for a reported pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle. On scene Officers determined that the vehicle that struck the pedestrian had fled the scene. The victim/pedestrian, Tyrone Stafford, 39 years old was transported to…
JACKSON-The Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI, and New Jersey State Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a skeletal remains found in the Wildlife Management Area.
On 03/19/2018 at approximately 2:02 pm, the Jackson Township Police Department was dispatched to South Stump Tavern Road within the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management area for a report of skeletal remains found. The call reporting the find came from a District Fire Warden with the State Forest Fire Service who was assisting in a controlled burn of the area. The area was immediately secured by Jackson Police, who then contacted the above named partnering agencies to assist in the investigation.
At this time, there is nothing to indicate that the finding presents any danger to area residents. Positive identification has not been made at this time. The Ocean County Medical Examiner will conduct an Autopsy to determine the identity, as well as the cause and manner of death. More information will be release as it becomes available.
TOMS RIVER-The first day of spring could bring snow at the rate of 1-3 inches per hour according to the National Weather Service. Rain and freezing rain is expected overnight, turning to snow after 9am on Wednesday. The National Weather Service is predicting 5 to 14 inches of snow through Thursday morning.
Extended forecast:
Today
Rain and sleet before 5pm, then rain and sleet, possibly mixed with freezing rain. High near 37. East wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Little or no sleet accumulation expected.
Tonight
Rain, possibly mixed with freezing rain. Low around 31. Northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected.
Wednesday
Rain, snow, and sleet, becoming all snow after 9am. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. High near 34. Northeast wind 15 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.
Wednesday Night
Snow, mainly before 9pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 30. North wind 13 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind around 13 mph.
In a weather statement today, the NWS said, ” A pair of low-pressure systems today will consolidate into one major Nor`easter later tonight and Wednesday. This is expected to bring significant impacts to our region, starting with areas of mixed precipitation today and tonight, then significant snowfall during Wednesday.”
A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 pm this evening through 2 am Thursday.
TOMS RIVER-Did you ever wonder about the history of your home? Who owned it before you? What was it used for before? Well, now is your chance to find out with a seminar run by Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella.
Colabella invites the public to join him and his staff downtown next month to see how to do it.
Join us on Saturday, April 14th for our special workshop “Searching the Deed Room.” If you have an interest in tracing your property ownership records or want to learn more about our new “Property Alert Service” please register for this educational seminar. For details on how to register and additional information please click on the link:
http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/PressReleaseDetailPage.aspx…
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Celebrate Spring with Free Cones at Rita’s and Dairy Queen!
It’s the first day of spring today and that means free cones at your locally participating Dairy Queen and Rita’s Ice shops. Each spring, both businesses offer free cones to celebrate the first day of spring, even those days where a winter storm is threatening to dump inches of snow across the Jersey Shore.
https://twitter.com/DairyQueen/status/976035699035123712
JACKSON-The property owned by JR Custom Landscaping in Jackson has been listed for sale by Lakewood based realtor Esther Klein of Re/Max Real Estate. The asking price for the 6.5 acre parcel which includes a 4,000 square foot office building and 30×40 pole barn with plenty of parking is $2.5 million.
The property has been the site of a contested battle between neighbors and the township over land use over the past several years. Residents of nearby Evergreen Court battled owner Jim Picon for years over Picon’s use of the land over quality of life issues including storage of mulch piles and noise complaints.
Although the property is being sold as a commercial property, it is currently in the R-3 zone on the Jackson Township Master Plan zone map. According to the township’s code book, the R-3 zone map allows for uses such as health care facilities, public utilities, day care centers and houses of worship. The current owner has a land use variance to allow for the sale of landscaping services.
A Facebook group created to oppose the business operations of JR Custom Landscaping has nearly 1,000 members may finally have their way and be rid of their neighborhood nemesis in the near future.
Photos by Re/Max Realtors, Esther Klein.
LACEY-The Lacey Township School District on Monday said the language in their student handbook that landed two students with suspension for posting photos of themselves legally possessing and using firearms at a shooting range has been changed.
In an unprecedented move, the district penalized two students for going to the gun range with their family.
The two students posted a picture of their time at the shooting range with family to social media. Those pictures quickly spread around the district. The two students were eventually suspended.
The student handbook stated any student could face suspension if, “reported to be in possession of a weapon of any type for any reason or purpose on or off school grounds.”
Mark McGovern who is currently running for the Republican nomination to Congress, who is an NRA member said changing the handbook is not enough.
“I’m glad you addressed the 24/7 supervisory illegal weapons and stuff that was going on with the handbook,” McGovern told the board. “But, the email you sent out states plainly that no rights were violated and I’m here to tell you that you’re lying to us and you’re lying to everyone out here.”
McGovern said the school district has been hiding behind student privacy laws to avoid addressing the issue of possibly illegally suspending the students and violating both their first and second amendment rights.
“We’re going to play the whole privacy thing…however I’ve been sitting with the family and children who were penalized for nothing more than exercising their first amendment rights, which was taking pictures of themselves at range, which I do often, with a gun.”
“There was no security threat there whatsoever,” he said to the board. “I think you owe them a very big apology.”
The auditorium erupted in applause for the congressional hopeful.
LIBERALAND, USA-Today, top national Democrat Nancy Pelosi called Republicans “cowardly” in an email marketing message to donors. Pelosi was seeking to build the DCCC’s marketing email list by having followers sign a petition against Trump’s actions as President.
“Sign my petition,” Pelosi begged. “I need 5O,OOO immediate signatures CONDEMNING Trump and his Republicans’ dangerous attacks on the Russia investigation. >> I demand to know what this President is hiding.”
In a communication that looks more like one written by a Saudi prince who had just inherited the crown from his dying brother, but has no way to convert his millions into cash in his war-torn country, she went and said America’s Republicans are all “Cowards”.
“This disturbing series of events threatens the very fabric of our democracy and the safety of every election we hold,” she said. “Republicans are clearly too cowardly to hold this President accountable — so it’s up to us.”
ASE INTENSITY beats Pt Pleasant Panthers 9-3 to win All-Shore ‘s Spring Classic on travel softball’s opening weekend
ASE Intensity is a local independent travel team out of Manalapan NJ playing 12u competitive travel softball this spring. Despite the chilly 30 degrees weather, Intensity went 3-0 for the day to clinch the season’s first Tournament.
In the final game of the event, Ally Proske gave up just two hits to notch her second win of the day. Intensity surged ahead early to hold a 4-1 lead with key hits from Ellie Mager and Dominique Lopez. Throughout the day, Intensity girls demonstrated great pitching and speedy base-running. Emily Brunatti had 7 stolen bases along with 2 singles and 2 rbi’s on the day. Intensity outscored their opponents 24-9 and will play next weekend at ASA/USA ‘s 3rd annual Bunny Hop.
JACKSON-John Maneri, a candidate for mayor in Jackson Township questioned the legal residency status of longtime GOP operative Geneva “Bubbles” Clayton at the March 13th Jackson Township Council Meeting.
“There’s been a lot of talk on Facebook about Jackson MUA [commissioner] Geneva Clayton,” Maneri told the township council. “I have copies from the Ocean County Clerk’s Office, one is a deed, that she has a permanent residence in Florida and the other is seller information on a property she used to own on Burke Road and there’s all kinds of accusations on Facebook…maybe you can clear this up?”
Maneri said he wanted to bring the matter before the Jackson Council as the council is the body that appointed Clayton to her position at the Municipal Utilities Authority where she receives a salary and benefits.
Maneri said he hoped that the council could resolve the issue and perhaps clear Clayton’s name, but also said if something is going on, it can be addressed.
“I would suggest you go directly to the MUA on Manhattan Street,” said Council President Ken Bressi. “Address it with them, other than that, I’m not going to comment on it.”
“The MUA is an independent governmental entity,” said Township Attorney Jean Cipriani. “We don’t have oversight over their employees. You should certainly take your concerns to the MUA.”
Although the council appoints members to the MUA Commission, they wanted no part of Maneri’s line of questioning.
Utility commissioners came under fire during former Governor Chris Christie’s tenure. He often criticized these boards at “pits” of “patronage” and “nepotism”. Eventually, Christie passed a law barring these commissioners from receiving medical benefits for jobs where they only meet once or twice per month to attend formal board meetings.
Clayton, who was already serving on the Jackson MUA Commission is grandfathered under Christie’s law, but if she were to be replaced by the township council, her successor would not be eligible for medical benefits.
Meeting minutes from the Jackson MUA show that Clayton has been physically in attendance at all meetings since the sale of her Jackson home in December of 2017.
SNN obtained the records claimed by Maneri and verified their authenticity with the Ocean County Clerk’s records on file. Clayton has filed several documents in conjunction with the sale of her Jackson home, listing her official residence as Avon Park, Florida.
If Clayton has declared her official residence as Avon Park, Florida, her appointed position as a commissioner on the Jackson MUA Board of Commissioners could be called into question.
We reached out to Jackson MUA Executive Director David Harpell for clarification of Clayton’s eligibility on the board and for a statement on the accusations being launched against Clayton on social media.
Harpell said, “Thank you for the information and we will look into it this matter. Our records do indicate that Mrs. Clayton has a Jackson, NJ address.”
“As for the meetings, Mrs. Clayton rarely misses a meeting and if the meeting minutes reflect her attendance,” he added.
JACKSON-The Jackson Township Council has filled a vacant seat on the Jackson zoning board for the fifth time in just over one year. Joseph Sullivan, a GOP operative was quickly approved by the council to serve as an alternate on the Jackson Township Zoning Board.
Over the past year, the board has been plagued with resignations, starting with the resignation of longtime member John Burrows. After his resignation, Burrows made headlines calling for the deaths of New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer of Lakewood and Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore.
After Burrows’ resignation, the board was once again besieged with another scandal after builder Peter Kitay resigned amid accusations that his position as a land developer in Jackson was in conflict with his position as a member of the zoning board.
Last September, Anthony Morano, another member of the board was removed after he was caught with [censored]ography with Jackson Police. After a tense standoff where he was armed with a handgun, police successfully subdued Morano without incident.
In the interim, the board has appointed two other members who resigned almost immediately upon acceptance to the board.
The zoning board has also come under fire legally after being sued by an Orthodox Jewish developer wishing to build an all-girls high school on Cross Street.
At the council meeting, when asked to nominate a new member to the zoning board, Councilman Barry Calogero nominated Sullivan. Calogero’s motion was reaffirmed by Councilman Scott Martin.
The council then unanimously voted on Sullivan, without any discussion.
Sullivan was the first zoning board member appointed by the council since volunteer applications, called “Citizen Leadership” forms were amended by the township to ask prospects about their use of social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
On Sullivan’s citizen leadership form, he listed his personal references as Jackson GOP Club President Todd Porter, Richard Egan and Robert Skinner. Sullivan identified that he maintains social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pintrest.
To the question, “Please list all properties owned in the Township of Jackson”, Sullivan answered, “none”. He affirmed he had not declared bankruptcy in the last three years, has never been arrested or convicted of a crime nor does he claim to have any outstanding warrants, according to the township document.
The Jackson Zoning board hears applications from builders and land developers seeking to develop property in Jackson where such developments would not be permitted under township ordinance. Builders appear before the zoning board to request variances that allow their development to circumvent township zoning and/or building laws, with township approval. If a builder wished to build in Jackson and their project meets the township’s building and zoning laws, they appear before the planning board for approval.
JACKSON-The Jackson Township Council is once again amending township ordinances to accommodate more affordable housing construction within its borders, but one resident spoke up against the town’s current path.
Doctor Sheldon Hoffstein, the current Vide Chairman of the Jackson Township Zoning board, once a trusted advisor to township GOP officials questioned the numbers behind the township’s affordable housing strategy.
“In order to achieve the state-mandated 1,250 affordable housing units, the township would have to allow for the building of 5,500 to 6,200 units if you get the 20%,” Hoffstein said. “These units you are approving are a mix of single-family homes up to five bedrooms down to one bedroom.”
Hoffstein said if you calculate an average of three occupants per unit, the township will be adding over 16,000 more residents to the census.
“That’s a 30 percent increase in the population of our town,” Hoffstein told the board. “Was there a fiscal impact study done to determine the impact to the township? How many more police, how many DPW employees will we need?”
Township appointed affordable housing manager John Maczuga said he didn’t feel Hoffstein’s assessment of 5,500 units was accurate but said he didn’t actually know. He said there were slight adjustments for affordable housing credits.
“You’re not up there yet, but we’re getting there,” Hoffstein told Maczuga. “Right now you have 3,600 units.”
Maczuga confirmed that number based on the three already council-approved affordable housing communities in various stages of development across Jackson.
“There two more large number developments coming down the pike,” Hoffstein said. “You’re creating a big financial impact on the town…then you have schools, what is the financial impact on the schools? You talking about 5,500 more children going to school.”
Hoffstein said, according to current data, it costs $15,680 per child per year to educate a student in the Jackson School District. Hoffstein said of that figure, $9,134 is raised by local taxes.
“You’re talking about $33 million dollars that are going to be needed,” he said. “Does anybody on the council think that property taxes from all those new buildings are going to cover the cost of these kids?”
The township council did not respond. Township Attorney Kevin Starkey said the current ordinance does not change the numbers.
“I’m fully aware, I know what it says,” Hoffstein added. “I’m not saying I’m for or against it, I’m just bringing the numbers to your attention.”
“Maybe I’m not explaining it right, to get to 220 affordable housing units, you’re building 1,100 new units,” Hoffstein said.
“Absolutely,” Starkey replied.
Township Attorney Jean Cipriani tried to intervene, “I think the point they’re..”
Hoffstein interrupted, “I’m a point on anything, all I want you to realize is the cost to the town for all these new people coming in and why wasn’t there a fiscal study done to see how this will affect the taxes of the town?”
Township Council Scott Martin said there was no legal basis for the town to deny a high-density affordable housing development before the planning board, but Hoffestein was referring to the applications approved outside of the planning board, via council resolution over the past year and a half.
“I just want to know if you did a fiscal study to see what impact this will have to the town, I’m not saying I’m against affordable housing, I’m not saying that,” Hoffstein added. “I just want to know…how many more policemen, dpw and so on?”
“The answer is no,” Maczuga and Cipriani responded.
“Are you going to just put it out there and let the next generation worrying about paying for it after it’s all built?” Hoffstein asked.
Councilman Bressi said the results of the current round of high-density affordable housing units was based on a settlement agreement between the township and the state.
Bressi said the agreement and the current round of housing could be up to 5,500 new homes in Jackson, not taking into consideration the new projects Hoffstein mentioned that have not yet been submitted to the township for construction.
“Why didn’t you do a financial report?” Hoffstein asked again. “I just want an answer. If you felt we didn’t need it then we didn’t need it.”
Attorney Jean Cipriani said there was no impact study conducted and said the courts did not take the cost to taxpayers into consideration during the mediation process.
“So be it,” Hoffstein concluded. “Thank you.”
Resident Jim Bezanson told the township, “You don’t have to lay down to the developer and allow 70% lot coverage in this development.”
Bezanson questioned all of the zoning changes made by the council to allow for the new affordable housing projects. Cipriani said lot sizes were decreased for single-family homes.
Upon council vote, councilmen Robert Nixon and Barry Calogero voted no to the latest weakening of the township’s zoning ordinances.
“It’s a bad law, we can all wail against the law, lobby to have the law changed, but good luck with that,” said Councilman Scott Martin. “While we can all be upset about it, we can all be appalled by it…you elected us to make those choices…I have to go with the bad choice and say yes.”
Councilwoman Updegrave voted yes.
Councilman Nixon said, “I vote no on this, I’ve voted no in the past on ordinances like this…I was elected to vote my conscious, not to vote because the court told me to vote a certain way and not to benefit the New Jersey Builders Association.”
“Those people get to wander off after those decisions are made, they get to cash their checks, build their houses and we have to live with the consequences,” he added. “This is not something I think benefits the community. We do not have an affordable housing problem in this town.”
Councilman Ken Bressi succumbed to the threats made by the builders and cast the deciding vote to pass the latest ordinance to amend the zoning laws to accommodate affordable housing projects.
JACKSON-Long before it was Art and Kathy’s Kitchen, the building where Jackson residents came to have breakfast and lunch for generations was initially part of a stagecoach stop between Trenton and Toms River.
The deli that operated here for the previous 50 years was run by Arthur and Kathleen Johnson. The couple took over the business, which was a general store, in the 1960’s and when it closed for good in 2016, it was one of the oldest operating businesses in town.
In the 1800’s the Cassville Tavern next door served as an inn for stagecoach travelers from areas such as Trenton and Princeton heading towards Toms River and Lakewood. It was the halfway point along the route.
Back then it was the general store, with the saloon and inn next door. For a while, the intersection of what is West Veterans Highway and Route 571 was the downtown center of Jackson Township. When Jackson was incorporated in 1844, the first township meeting was held the second Tuesday in April of that year at what is today, the Cassville Tavern, next door to Art and Kathy’s Kitchen.
Cassville thrived during the 1800’s and through the mid-twentieth century. Cranberries, charcoal, and poultry were the main industries around Jackson through the late 1950’s. Jackson’s main industries began dying out in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
After World War II, Cassville remained a busy hub due to the influx of anti-Communist Russians who fled the newly formed Soviet Union. Many of these asylum seekers settled in Cassville and through the 1990’s there was a vibrant Russian community in Jackson.
Art and Kathy’s Kitchen remained the go-to spot for the locals until its closing. For over 50 years, Art and Kathy’s Kitchen served as the social hub of Cassville, but in 2014, Kathleen Johnson passed away. Art retired in 2016.
In 2017, Arthur Johnson passed away, reunited with his beloved Kathleen.
Now, the building is being sold. It’s one of the oldest surviving buildings in Jackson Township. It is being listed by Weichert Realtors of Jackson Township and the asking price is $495,000.
View the listing here.
Photos by Jennifer Niedrach, Weichert Realtors, Jackson, MLS.
Like this story? Are you a real estate agent selling a unique property or want to get more results for your listing? Call us at the Shore News Network and ask about our many media tools and services available to help get more out of your listings. 732-575-4891 or email [email protected].
SEASIDE HEIGHTS-Donald Fenimore, 29 of and Emilia Vargas, 25 both Toms River said they were ambushed by three men, one wielding a large stick, in the early morning hours of March 5th.
The incident took place on Franklin Avenue in Seaside Heights.
Fenimore was hospitalized with multiple fractures to his face and nearly lost one of his eyes. Vargas sustained minimal injuries and refused medical attention, anyone with information should contact Seaside Heights Police as they are investigating the incident.
This article is YOUR NEWS and has been reader submitted. Some subject matter in this article has been independently verified by SNN, but SNN makes no warranties or claims of accuracy to details that may be contained in this article. Want to submit a news story to Shore News Network? Click here to REPORT YOUR NEWS.
by Ralph Stocco, TRPD
TOMS RIVER-In the late evening of March 13th the Toms River Police Department was made aware of an Instagram social media posting alluding to a violent act. A cooperative investigation was immediately initiated by the police department and the Toms River Schools Superintendent’s Office. A 15-year-old student was identified and subsequently located. The student responsible for this post was taken into custody by law enforcement and is being detained. He will not be returning to school until the conclusion of a comprehensive evaluation by the appropriate professionals. The investigation determined that the threats were not credible.
While undoubtedly an unfortunate occurrence, this incident highlights the swift and collaborative action we are willing to take to ensure the safety of our students, which is an ongoing effort of the highest priority. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
by Al DellaFave, OCPO
TOMS RIVER-Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced that on March 13, 2018, Sevon Hill, 24, of Toms River and Shakar Barksdale, a.k.a. “Anthony” Barksdale, 24, of Seaside Heights were each charged with one count of Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, Certain Persons not to Possess a Firearm, three counts of second degree Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin & Cocaine), third degree Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance and 2 counts of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
These charges result from the investigation into the death of Steven Stallworth, which was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, the Toms River Police Department, the Ocean County Sherriff’s Department Criminalistics Investigation Unit, New Jersey State Police, the Manchester Police Department, the Lacey Police Department, the Seaside Heights Police Department, and the Brick Police Department.
On March 5, 2018, at approximately 2119 hours, the Toms River Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting the discovery of an unresponsive male just outside the doorstep of an apartment located at 26 James Street, the Hampton Gardens apartment complex, located in Toms River. Patrol officers from the Toms River Police Department responded to the scene to find, a black male, later identified as Steven Stallworth, unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound. Stallworth was pronounced dead at 10:34 pm, by Dr. Torres of Newark Beth Israel Hospital via telemetry. On March 6, 2018, after a post mortem examination of the decedent’s body at Community Medical Center, the cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
During the course of the investigation two suspects were developed, Sevon Hill and Shakar Barksdale, a.k.a. “Anthony” Barksdale. Both suspects were residing at a local hotel prior to the murder. During a search of the suspects’ hotel room on the night of the murder, a large quantity of cocaine and heroin were discovered. Through further investigation, it was determined that Sevon Hill and Anthony Barksdale entered into a conspiracy and did commit the murder of Steven Stallworth. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the suspects had relocated to a separate local hotel, upon searching that hotel, the suspects were again found to be in possession of quantities of cocaine and heroin, and were charged accordingly.
Both suspects are currently being held without bail in the Ocean County Jail. Supervising Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Michael R. Weatherstone is prosecuting the case.
Any person with information relevant to this investigation should contact Detective John Carroll of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit (732) 929-2027 ext. 3964 or Detective Lou Santora of the Toms River Police Department (732) 349-0150 ext. 1276.
Toms River Intermediate North students participated in the Academic Olympics at Donovan Catholic. The Intermediate North team won the first place trophy for Division 3, and came home with a total of 10 medals.
TOMS RIVER-Toms River Police spokesman Ralph Stocco confirmed this morning that the department has investigated a photo published by a student at Toms River Intermediate to Instgram.
The image shows the student holding a gun with the caption, “f&@# around and get smoked nigga” and “Toms River Ouhh where we pull the trigger”.
Stocco said his office will be issuing a joint statement with the Toms River School District shortly after the news of the photo sparked concerns by parents and students on social media.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018– Students across the country have been making their voices heard on the issue of gun violence following the tragedy in Parkland, Florida last month. Toms River Regional Schools principals began meeting proactively with students the week after the Florida shootings to hear their concerns and to make sure the pathway forward was positive and constructive.
Schools are increasingly tasked with more than just educating children. Student, staff, and community safety, health, and well-being while on school premises are of primary concern. The district meets regularly with local law enforcement, and recent meetings with district security personnel, chiefs of police from the four towns the regional district serves, and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronado reviewed safety and security practices and ensured collaboration between the schools, town, and county resources.
With the date and time of the March demonstrations announced nationally, administrators and faculty have been meeting with students to discuss ways to participate without potentially putting them in harm’s way.
The schools in Toms River are REQUIRING the students to walk out!! My kids have no choice in the matter. So don't believe everything that you see in the news. Not all of these kids are protesting, some are just doing what they are told to by the school. 🙁
— Cheryl DiCarlo (@CherylADiCarlo) March 13, 2018
“We support the initiative of students to speak and express their concerns on the issue of gun violence and other areas important to them,” said Superintendent David Healy, “and we have been working over the past several weeks to allow them to do so within a safe environment.”
Bulletins from the NJ Commissioner of Education and NJ School Boards Association cautioned districts to be mindful of the increased security risks posed by such gatherings. The NJDOE recommended, among other steps, making sure:
- any gathering is away from areas in view of, or easily accessible to, the general public
- assembly sites and pedestrian routes are not exposed to vehicular traffic
- access to the gathering site is well controlled
https://twitter.com/SCOOPNJ1978/status/973060897009819654
Conversations between high school staff and students have included making sure any event would not be disruptive or violate district policies. Schools will follow established protocols regarding student attendance and behavior, and students will neither be required to nor denied the opportunity to peacefully participate in any activity established for that period.
Many teachers see this as an opportunity for learning and to promote student voice, an essential part of the school curriculum. School counselors have been especially mindful of student concerns and are “first responders” when it comes to mental health.
https://twitter.com/Gus_802/status/965113931864866816
Parents have also contributed productively to the conversation, and have asked how they can support their children. The district has a parent page on its website where it continually adds resources for such situations, accessible at www.trschools.com/parents.
For additional information, contact the Superintendent’s Office at 732-505-5500.
https://twitter.com/TRSNHS/status/973776615229542401