Ocean County News - Shore News Network

Toms River kicks off Fire Prevention Week with demonstrations at Ocean County Mall

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 9, 20240

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Fire Prevention Week began with a series of demonstrations at the Ocean County Mall, where attendees learned about fire safety through interactive exhibits hosted by the Toms River Fire Department, police, and emergency medical services. The event featured apparatus from all six Toms River fire companies and included a live fire demonstration conducted by the West Windsor Township Fire Department. The demonstration illustrated the importance of keeping bedroom doors closed during a fire and showed how residential sprinkler systems can help contain flames. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke Detectors: Make Them Work for You,”

Toms River mourns loss of special police officer after illness and complications

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 9, 20240

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Toms River community is grieving the death of Special Law Enforcement Officer Ingrid Rivera-Zuniga, who passed away following a prolonged illness, township officials announced. Rivera-Zuniga, known for her dedication and compassion in serving the community, died after a series of medical complications stemming from recent tonsil surgery. Rivera-Zuniga was hospitalized with meningitis and suffered two strokes during her recovery. Despite being surrounded by family and friends, she was unable to overcome the severe health challenges. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends in this difficult time,” the Toms River Township Government said

Jackson Council Votes Unanimously to put Brakes on Plan for 1,000 New High Density Housing Units

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 9, 20240

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ—The Jackson Township Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to close a loophole that would have allowed an additional 1,000 homes at the Adventure Crossing project in Jackson Township. Council President Jen Kuhn said she and the council acted after a concerned resident brought it to her attention. The resident saw a news article posted on a real estate trade magazine’s website stating that the developer was advertising 1,200 homes in an advertisement to solicit new investors. Kuhn said she remembered that only a few hundred homes had been approved for the site, so she and fellow councilman Mordy

Toms River announces Halloween house decorating contest

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 7, 20240

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick and the Toms River Recreation Department have announced the start of the town’s annual Halloween House Decorating Contest. Residents are invited to participate by registering their decorated homes now through Oct. 21. Following registration, participants’ houses will be featured on social media, where fellow Toms River residents can vote between Oct. 24 and Oct. 30. Winners will be awarded select prizes. The town emphasizes that entries must be family-friendly, with any decorations deemed inappropriate or vulgar resulting in immediate disqualification. For more information or to enter, visit the registration link or

Jackson Mills Fire Company to host fire prevention open house

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 7, 20240

JACKSON, N.J. — The Jackson Mills Volunteer Fire Company #1 will host a Fire Prevention Open House on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the firehouse located at 465 North County Line Road. The event, aimed at promoting fire safety awareness, will feature a range of family-friendly activities, including a bounce house, hayrides, and displays of fire and EMS vehicles. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter will also be on-site for attendees to view. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on fire prevention training, including a “Put Out the Fire” demonstration. Food and refreshments,

Body of 23-year-old man found outside Lakewood home

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 7, 20240

LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A 23-year-old man was found dead outside his family’s home on Cedar Street early Tuesday morning, police said. Officers responded to the residence shortly after 7 a.m. following reports of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, they discovered the man lying in the front yard. Authorities have not released his name. Despite immediate assessment, life-saving measures were deemed unnecessary, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to officials. Police provided no further information. The investigation has since been closed, with no further details provided.

Sweet Dog Mason Longs for a Forever Home After Multiple Shelter Returns

Local News ReportOctober 5, 20240

Forked River, NJ — Mason, a nearly six-year-old dog currently residing at the Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter, is in urgent need of a permanent home after being returned to the shelter once again. Mason was recently adopted and his new family was dedicated to giving him a loving home. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the owner of their rented home sold the property, and the new landlord refused to allow pets. This marks another return to the shelter for Mason, who has faced similar challenges in the past. Mason first arrived at the shelter in 2020 and has experienced

Jackson Council Ordinance to Fix High Density Housing Loophole at Adventure Crossing

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 3, 20240

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Adventure Crossing, once envisioned as a major entertainment district featuring sports fields, hotels, a convention center, restaurants, and other high-end attractions, has yet to meet those expectations. Instead, vacant warehouses dominate the site, and aside from a sports field complex and an indoor golf center, most of the planned amenities remain unfulfilled. There have been rumors that a group of investors are considering a new plan involving a high-density affordable housing project at the site instead of the initial commercial and entertainment plan presented to the township years ago. Although no formal application has been submitted

Toms River introduces compostable bags for fall leaf collection

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 3, 20240

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Toms River Township government has announced its Fall 2024 Leaf Collection Schedule, introducing a pilot program aimed at reducing single-use plastics during curbside leaf collection. As part of the initiative, residents can now use compostable brown paper bags for collecting leaves. According to township officials, this change will allow all materials placed curbside to be recycled, improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The new program is designed to eliminate non-compostable items in the collection process, which township officials say will help keep Toms River cleaner and greener. Residents with questions about the new system can

Jackson Roadway Crashes Down Slightly in 2024

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 2, 20240

JACKSON, N.J. — In 2023, roughly 1,600 roadway crashes and accidents were reported in Jackson Township, a town with over 100 square miles of roads, most of which are winding county two-lane highways. So far this year, there have been about 1,200 reported crashes overall. That is down from 133 per month last year to about 130 per month this year. According to information provided by the Jackson Police Department, however, the department reported a slight increase in serious traffic crashes this year, while overall crash numbers were down compared to previous years. The department attributes these figures to fluctuating

Toms River Mayor Says $9 Million Housing Fund Could be Used to Help Local Homeless Population

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 30, 20240

TOMS RIVER, NJ—Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick says the township has a $9 million affordable housing fund that can be used to help shelter and care for the town’s homeless residents, but state law doesn’t allow him to use it for that reason. A trust fund funded through developers over the years is flush with cash, but if the township doesn’t use it soon, the state will take that money. Now, Rodrick is lobbying state officials to allow him to use that money to continue relocating homeless people from the town’s two homeless camps into housing. “These people should not

Jackson Township Has a Special U.S. Census Designated Place and It’s Not What You Think

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 30, 20240

JACKSON, NJ – The federal government has carved out a piece of Jackson Township to give it some special attention when it comes to the U.S. Census. You might think it would be a special historical section like Cassville or maybe the more populated Brookwood developments, but it’s neither. It’s Vista Center, a relatively unknown part of Jackson that you might have seen a sign or two for in your travels, but this place has no historical value or significance other than at one time, it was home to an oil well and a honky-tonk, but that’s for another story.

Fifty-Year-Old Video of Life in Brick Township Surfaces Online

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 29, 20240

If you’re a fan of retro vibes, historic landmarks, or just love taking a stroll down memory lane, then you’ve got to check out the jaw-dropping time capsule of a video recently posted on YouTube. This gem, shot in 1973, follows the journey of a middle-class family who traded the fast-paced streets of New York City for the quieter, more suburban life in Brick Township, New Jersey. And let me tell you, it’s like stepping into a slice of Americana you never knew you needed. The video kicks off with a panoramic view of Brick Township’s Laurelton Circle, a bustling

Jackson Township Man Sentenced to Five Years for Distributing Lewd Images of Children

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 27, 20240

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Jackson Township man has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison for distributing lewd images of children, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Andrew Anastasio, 60, was sentenced on Friday by Judge Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., following a guilty plea entered earlier this year. Anastasio will serve a minimum of three years without the possibility of parole. In addition to his prison sentence, he will be subject to Megan’s Law and placed under Parole Supervision for Life. Anastasio had pled guilty to the distribution charge on April 11. The case was initiated

Looking for Trump Signs in Jackson Township? Here’s How to Get One for Free

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 26, 20240

JACKSON, NJ – On Wednesday night, nearly two hundred residents came out to meet the local Jackson Township Republicans at their monthly meeting at the VFW hall on Magnolia Drive. During the annual meeting, candidates and club members discussed the 2024 election cycle in which the club is running Nino Borrelli, Mordy Burnstein, and Giuseppe Palmeri for council. All three candidates are supporters of President Donald Trump. Get your free Trump-Vance lawn sign in Jackson here. To thank their guests, the team also handed out nearly 150 Trump-Vance campaign lawn signs for free. “We are here to support President Donald

Toms River mayor announces new police chief, promotions, and hires

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 26, 20240

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Mayor Dan Rodrick has announced the appointment of Lieutenant Peter Sundack as the new Chief of Police for Toms River, alongside several key promotions and new hires within the department. The decision comes after the town’s administrative committee completed its interview process. This comes in light of the township, under Rodrick and his administration and council expanding the police department’s EMS unit earlier this year. Under that plan, Rodrick and his council approved the previously approved expansion of 8 new Civilian Safety Officers to expand medical emergency coverage in the township. Today, Rodrick announced the township

Trump Vance Lawn Signs Available in Jackson Tonight

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 25, 20240

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Jackson Township Republican Club has announced it will be handing out free Trump-Vance 2024 lawn signs to the public at its meeting tonight at the Jackson VFW post at 54 Magnolia Drive. The monthly meeting starts at 7:30 pm. “Join the Jackson GOP at a campaign kickoff event tonight at 7:30 at the Jackson V.F W. to celebrate our strong Republican ticket here in Jackson . We must unite and support strong Republicans up and down the ballot,” the club posted on its Facebook page today. According to GOP Club President Mordy Burnstein, the event

New Jersey lawmakers introduce new law in response to Belmar beach badge surfer arrests

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 25, 20240

The Belmar Beach surfer arrests in August 2024 became a flashpoint in New Jersey’s ongoing debate about beach access. Liam Mahoney, a 28-year-old surfer from California, was tackled and arrested after refusing to show his beach badge to Belmar police. While the badge was reportedly in his sister’s bag, Mahoney declined to cooperate with officers, leading to charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice. This arrest sparked outrage after the bodycam footage went viral, with many in the surf community condemning the aggressive enforcement of beach tag rules. In response to the public outcry and ongoing tensions,

Kiwanis Club donates to Brick Police K9 unit for new training equipment

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 24, 20240

BRICK, N.J.—Maureen Conlon, alongside the Kiwanis Club of Brick, has raised funds to support the Brick Police K9 Unit. The unit was in need of a new training bite suit valued at $1,700. In August, Conlon visited the police headquarters to present the unit with a check for the purchase. The Brick Police Department expressed gratitude for the Kiwanis Club’s generosity. The new training bite suit will enhance the training programs for the K9 unit, ensuring better preparedness for various operations. The fundraising effort led by Conlon and the Kiwanis Club demonstrates community support for local law enforcement. The Brick

Elderly Man Reported Missing in Manchester Township

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 23, 20240

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. – The Manchester Township Police Department seeks assistance in finding 82-year-old Clifford B. Reid, last seen Sunday around 5 p.m., in the area of Township Line Road in Whiting. Reid was reportedly wearing blue jeans, moccasin-style shoes, and a red or green sweatshirt at the time of his disappearance. Authorities believe Reid left the area driving a silver 2007 Toyota Corolla with New Jersey license plate E68CZE. Investigative efforts have so far been unable to determine Reid’s location. The case does not meet the criteria for issuing a Silver Alert according to New Jersey State Police guidelines.

Jackson Officials Shocked, Angry After Shooting Suspect, Accomplices Set Free Under Bail Reform

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 21, 20240

Jackson, NJ – Jackson Township officials are shocked and angry after three men accused in an attempted murder incident on Larsen Road earlier this summer have all been released from jail under New Jersey’s Bail Reform Act. The three men, Noah Phelp,s 24, Grann Franzon, 32, and Michael Vulpis, 26, assaulted a 27-year-old victim and shot him in the face. The victim survived, but this week, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Bilhimer announced that a New Jersey judge had released two of the men involved after their pre-trial hearing. A third is no longer listed in the jail roster. Jackson officials

Brick Township Fall Fest returns to Windward Beach on October 19

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 20, 20240

BRICK, N.J. — Brick Township’s annual Fall Fest is set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Windward Beach Park, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to an announcement by Mayor Lisa Crate and the Township Council. The event will feature a range of activities, including a corn hole tournament, games for all ages, and hatchet throwing. An assortment of food trucks will offer seasonal treats throughout the day. To conclude the event, a fireworks display over the water is scheduled for 7 p.m. Admission to Fall Fest is free, and all are welcome to attend. The

Brick Township to hold community cleanup at Breton Woods on September 28

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 20, 20240

BRICK, N.J. — Mayor Lisa Crate, the Township Council, and the Brick Township Environmental Commission are inviting residents to join them for a community cleanup event at Breton Woods on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot of Osbornville Elementary School on Drum Point Road. Several local organizations, including the Trust for Public Lands, Kiwanis Club of Brick, Ocean University Medical Center Sustainability Staff, Brick Open Space Savers (BOSS) Committee, Save Breton Woods, and NJ Natural Gas, are expected to participate. For additional information, residents can contact Vin Palmieri at 732-262-1000,

Brick Township officials celebrate grand re-opening of Cold Stone Creamery

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 20, 20240

BRICK, N.J. — Mayor Lisa Crate and Councilwoman Heather deJong recently marked the grand re-opening of Cold Stone Creamery with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the store’s location in the Town Hall Shoppes on Cedar Bridge Avenue. The event celebrated the return of the popular ice cream shop, located at 960 Cedar Bridge Avenue, and was described as a sweet moment for the community. The re-opening is expected to bring more foot traffic and excitement to the local shopping area.

They Beat and Shot a Man in the Face in Jackson, Set Free by New Jersey Judge Under Bail Reform

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 20, 20240

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Three dangerous men who are facing charges for an extremely violent crime are back on the streets thanks to an Ocean County judge and New Jersey Bail Reform. Michael Vulpis, 26, of Freehold Borough, was indicted by an Ocean County Grand Jury on charges including attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on Wednesday. The indictment stems from a June 27, 2024, shooting in Jackson Township in which a 27-year-old male was shot in the face. Vulpis, along with Noah Phelps, 24, of Monroe Township, and Glenn Franzson, 32,