SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — Six dual-port electric vehicle charging stations have been installed in Seaside Heights as part of a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) stemming from a settlement with the…
TOMS RIVER, NJ — Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Lowe’s to support critical home repair projects for five homes in northern Ocean County,…
POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — A Toms River man was arrested Sunday morning after allegedly dropping a gun inside a church and falsely claiming to be a law enforcement officer,…
Lacey Township Woman Admits to Drug Charges Involving Minors
**Lacey Township, NJ** – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 18, Margaret Whalen, 60, of Lacey Township, pled guilty to several charges, including possession of psilocin mushrooms with intent to distribute, employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme, and endangering the welfare of a child. Whalen entered her plea before the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C. The state is seeking prison terms ranging from four to five years for each charge at Whalen’s sentencing on January 10, 2025, with all sentences to run concurrently.
In March, Lacey Township Police were informed by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency about Whalen’s alleged activities involving the manufacture and distribution of psilocin mushrooms from her residence on Elwood Street. Following a court-authorized search on March 13, law enforcement seized several jars containing the suspected substance. Laboratory tests conducted by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation lab confirmed the presence of psilocin mushrooms on May 23.
Further investigations by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Lacey Township
Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Endangerment
**Toms River, NJ** – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Douglas Bollinger, a 57-year-old resident of Neptune City, pled guilty to Endangering the Welfare of a Child on Monday. The plea was entered before Judge Dina M. Vicari and is linked to incidents that occurred in 2019.
Bollinger is scheduled for sentencing on January 10, 2025, where he will face Parole Supervision for Life. Additionally, he will be subject to Megan’s Law and Nicole’s Law, which will permanently prohibit him from contacting his victim. He will also permanently forfeit future public employment and teaching certifications in New Jersey.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit revealed that between February and August 2019, while serving as a teacher at the Ocean County Performing Arts Academy, Bollinger engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a student. Incidents occurred in Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park.
Bollinger was apprehended without incident on August 15 by the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force. He was held at Ocean County Jail but released under New Jersey Bail Reform. Prosecut
JACKSON, N.J. — The Jackson School District has begun exploring potential redistricting and restructuring plans aimed at addressing class size inequities, improving access to academic and extracurricular opportunities, and resolving…
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The VA New Jersey Healthcare System announced the official opening of its new Toms River Clinic at 1051 Hooper Avenue, set to welcome its first patients…
LAKEWOOD, N.J. — Fire crews continued efforts Monday to contain the Country Club Wildfire burning in Pine Park and near the Lakewood Country Club in Ocean County, with officials reporting…
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Superintendent George J. Chidiac of the Stafford Township School District has taken a temporary leave of absence following his recent arrest on DUI and related charges,…
LAKEWOOD, N.J. – A wildfire burning near Pine Park and the Lakewood Country Club in Ocean County has scorched 30 acres as firefighters work to gain control, the New Jersey…
TRENTON, N.J. — A Barnegat woman has claimed a $1 million Powerball prize after purchasing a winning quick-pick ticket at a local convenience store, marking a milestone in her years…
The aroma of freshly baked doughnuts now fills the air along Route 70 in Lakewood, New Jersey, as Krispy Kreme makes a triumphant return to Ocean County after nearly two…
JACKSON, NJ — Is a future Aaron Judge or Derek Jeter living right here in Jackson? Only time will tell. Out of more than 46,000 participants across the country, 10-year-old…
TOMS RIVER – When it comes to indulging in delectable donuts around Toms River, New Jersey, the competition is as sweet as the treats themselves. While Uncle Dood’s Donuts in…
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Toms River planning board has denied a proposal to build a five-story apartment complex with ground-floor retail in the downtown district, citing zoning violations, traffic…
TRENTON, N.J. — Stacey Fiore of Barnegat, Ocean County, has claimed a $1 million Powerball prize from Saturday’s drawing after purchasing her winning ticket at the Quick Stop on Bay…
JACKSON, NJ – Whether you’re an amateur painter or a seasoned professional, your new Jackson Sherwin-Williams store has more options in decorating products than ever before to help home decorators…
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Toms River Township Council recognized retired Ocean County Commissioner Joseph Vicari on Tuesday night, honoring his extensive public service career and community contributions. The ceremony…
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ — The main entrance to Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center off Route 88 will be closed for repaving on Thursday, November 14, from 6 a.m. to…
In a recent announcement, Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick introduced a plan to reorganize the town’s bureaucratic structure, targeting what he describes as “confusing and inconsistent” designations for departments and…
BRICK, N.J. — Brick Township’s 5th Annual Thanksgiving Farmers Market is set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 23, offering residents and visitors a chance to pick up fresh, local…
BRICK, N.J. — Brick Township is inviting residents to weigh in on which open spaces should be preserved and what recreational amenities should be prioritized as officials update the town’s…
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Manchester man has pleaded guilty to attempted murder in connection with a January 2023 stabbing that left a female victim seriously injured, the Ocean County…
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Route 72 has reopened in both directions following an overnight closure due to a fire near the Exxon station caused by a downed electrical pole. The…
BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Brick Township Police Department has announced a joint training exercise scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, in partnership with the New Jersey State Police and Brick…