The shutdown is over, and the only permanent damage will be to the reputation of Gov. Chris Christie, the king of the beach. Christie started all this, and he came away with nothing. The final deal gives him none of the $300 million he tried to extort from Horizon, the state’s largest health insurer. Zero. His…
New Jersey News
Christie sand sculpture the perfect coda for Fourth of July weekend
SEASIDE HEIGHTS — While some beachgoers used choice words Tuesday to express anger that Gov. Chris Christie had enjoyed time on a beach that he closed during a state shutdown, a group in Seaside Heights found a more creative way to show their displeasure with the least popular governor in New Jersey history. The group raised…
Waves of anger on reopened Island Beach over Christie's 'arrogance'
ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK — Colorful umbrellas occupied the sand as far as the eye could see as beachgoers soaked up the sun Tuesday on Island Beach State Park, celebrating what’s left of the Fourth of July weekend following a three day shutdown. But that doesn’t mean tourists and locals forgot who was on that beach…
5 charged with attacking lifeguards on Jersey Shore beach, report says
OCEAN CITY — Five men from Pennsylvania were arrested on the Fourth of July on charges they assaulted lifeguards on a popular Ocean City beach, according to a report. Two of the men attempted to flee by running through Gillian’s Wonderland Pier on the boardwalk, according to a report by the PressofAtlanticCity.com. Breland Roach, 26, and…
Christie has no regrets about that oh-so-controversial weekend at the beach house
TRENTON — After spending most of Monday being mocked on news shows in the United States and across the globe, Gov. Chris Christie said he had no regrets about his family’s weekend outing at the governor’s beach house at a state park that was closed to everyone else during the state shutdown. “We have a right…
NJ First Family Parties on Beach Closed to the Public During Government Shutdown
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP — People hoping to visit Island Beach State Park this holiday weekend were not allowed in because of the state government shutdown Gov. Chris Christie ordered amid the state budget standoff in Trenton. But there was one family there: Gov. Chris Christie’s. They are using the summer beach house provided by the state for…
Cape May County Zoo's beloved Siberian tiger Rocky dies
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Heat wave takes aim at N.J. for July 4th weekend
New Jersey could be on the brink of its third heat wave of the year — with temperatures soaring to the 90-degree mark and high humidity making it feel like it’s close to 100 degrees — just in time for Fourth of July weekend. “Summer is back,” said Joe Martucci, a meteorologist at the WeatherWorks forecasting…
WATCH: Cop frees unbearably cute cub from backyard net
A post shared by Ringwood PBA, Local #247 (@ringwoodpba247) on Jun 27, 2017 at 1:56pm PDT RINGWOOD – A police detective on Tuesday saved a large bear cub entangled in a sports net. Ringwood Detective Joe Longo used a folding knife to cut open the net, which appeared to be from a baseball batting cage. After…
6 indicted on charges in deadly Atlantic City Expressway shootout
MAYS LANDING — A half-dozen men have been indicted on multiple charges in the past week for their alleged involvement in a gunfight that broke out while the suspects were traveling on the Atlantic City Expressway last year, leaving one person dead, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement Tuesday. On Aug. 29, at…
Judge refuses to close Jersey Shore beach where 3 drowned, report says
NORTH WILDWOOD — A judge is refusing to close a stretch of beach that over the years has left three people dead from sand giving way beneath their feet, reports say. Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez issued a ruling on Monday declining to close the Hereford Inlet beach — something that had been requested by the…
Big shot jeweler helped cover up killing of man found buried in N.J., suit says
The father of a Connecticut man found stabbed to death in Oceanport in November has sued a prominent jeweler alleging he helped cover up the crime, according to NYPost.com. Pat Comunale filed a lawsuit against James Rackover, accusing the 57-year-old of “intentional infliction of emotional distress,” and that Comunale’s family suffered “mental and physical anguish” over…
Freeholder: Democrats' School Funding Bill Hurts Sandy Stricken Communities
From the Desk of Freeholder Joseph Vicari
TOMS RIVER- Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari is calling upon state leaders to produce a funding formula for school aid that is fair to every school district and every taxpayer.
In a letter to Gov. Christie, Vicari stated that under a new school funding proposal by State Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, Ocean County schools would see a decrease in state funding totaling almost $6.8 million.
“That is too great of a loss for districts still trying to recover from the losses of Superstorm Sandy,” Vicari said. “We have to do better. I know we can do better.”
“As a longtime educator and school administrator I can say without hesitation that this formula is not fair when you are cutting aid from school districts that have worked so hard to come back from a devastating storm and at the same time made every effort to minimize the burden on taxpayers,” Vicari wrote to the Governor.
Vicari noted the County was joining with 10th District Legislators in opposing the new formula and demanding a school aid formula be produced that is fair to all taxpayers.
“Ocean County is tired of watching its tax dollars leave the County in order to fund failing programs elsewhere in the state of New Jersey,” he said.
Vicari said that under the Sweeney/Prieto school funding proposal, the Toms River Regional School District would see its state aid slashed by $3.3 million and Brick Township would lose nearly $2.2 million.
“These cuts would be catastrophic affecting essential programs and staff,” Vicari said.
Other local school districts, including Lakehurst, Seaside Heights, Lavallette, Little Egg Harbor Township, Pinelands Regional and Island Heights would lose funding as well. All totaled, the loss would be almost $6.8 million.
“It is hard to believe that Mr. Sweeney and Mr. Prieto have already forgotten about the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012 and that Ocean County is still reeling financially from its blow,” Vicari wrote. “Toms River Township and Brick Township like all of the affected towns in Ocean County are beginning to see progress nearly five years after the storm, but the recovery is slow.
“This funding formula creates an even greater financial burden on Ocean County taxpayers while being touted as a “fair” formula,” he said.
Edison cop charged with assaulting officer at Jersey Shore
EDISON — An Edison cop was arrested Sunday in Belmar on charges he assaulted an officer and resisted arrest, according to court records. Dmitry Smolkin, who joined the force in December 2015, is scheduled to appear before Municipal Judge Dennis Lavender Wednesday morning in Belmar on the charges, municipal court officials said Wednesday morning. Edison Police…
Report: Former Red Sox, Met, John Valentin Driver of SUV that Crashed into Red Bank Building
John Valentin, 50, of Holmdel, New Jersey was behind the wheel of an SUV that crashed into a building in Red Bank, New Jersey on Thursday morning. Valentin is a former stand out baseball player for the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets. Red Bank Green reported that John Valentin and Divina Valentin were in…
Jersey Shore town's World War I statute damaged by vandals
BELMAR — An 83-year-old World War I statue has been vandalized, according to Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty. Someone tried to break the soldier’s rifle, which damaged the scabbard and loosened the statue from its pedestal. It’s not known when the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” was damaged. The Belmar Historical Society plans to raise money to…
Governor Christie Appoints His Wife to Parole Board Job; Guadagno Nominee Withdraws Afterwards
TRENTON –Warren County Republican leader Doug Steinhardt has withdrawn his name from consideration as New Jersey state GOP chair after Gov. Chris Christie appointed his wife to the state parole board, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno announced Tuesday evening. “When I read today for the first time that his wife was nominated by the governor to be…
Jersey Shore town spikes proposal to extend boardwalk music hours
SEA ISLE CITY — A popular Cape May County beach town has voted against extending hours for music performances on its boardwalk, according to a report. A proposal to let music continue on the weekends until 10 p.m., instead of 9 p.m. failed to gain support, Councilwoman Mary Tighe told the Press of Atlantic City. Bridge…
Possible Idiot Fistpumping Outside Car Window Video Goes Viral
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — Motorists on the Atlantic City Expressway must have done a double-take on Wednesday when they saw a young man hanging from a speeding luxury car by one arm. A video recorded by another driver and shared with 6abc.com shows the shirtless daredevil dangling by one arm from the roof on the driver’s…
Man, 64, reportedly indicted on charges he sexually assaulted 11-year-old girl
MORRISTOWN — A 64-year-old town man was indicted on Thursday on charges of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in March, the Daily Record reported. Antonio Velasquez faces charges of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault and child endangerment, according to the report. Velasquez has denied the charges, the report said. Last year, Velasquez was…
Ex-firefighter gets 3 years for criminal sexual contact with girl, 15
NEWTON — A 28-year-old former volunteer firefighter was sentenced to three years in prison for child endangerment and criminal sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl, authorities said. Kile Burke, of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., was previously indicted on charges of sexual assault, criminal sexual contact and child endangerment. As part of a plea deal, the most serious…
School Mourns Girl Who Drowned at Jersey Shore Beach
BELMAR — The 12-year-old girl who drowned in Belmar Thursday night and her 11-year-old cousin who remains on life support after being pulled from the ocean would have attended their last day of elementary school Friday. Instead, Belmar Elementary School is gripped with grief by the tragedy, school Superintendent David R. Hallman said Friday morning. “They’re…
Good or Bad? Former Dominatrix Seeking Work at a County Jail
A former dominatrix wanted to change her life and start a career as a sheriff’s officer in Hudson County. She was days away from graduating the police academy when officials found out about her prior life. She was quickly suspended. The sheriff’s office said her conduct was unbecoming a public employee. They said that “the proliferation…
Wall HS Yearbooks to be Republished After Trump Censorship
WALL — Wall Township High School will reprint corrected yearbooks for every student after a photo was intentionally manipulated to cover up a junior’s Donald Trump T-shirt, according to the district. Superintendent Cheryl Dyer announced the decision in a letter to parents on Thursday, a week after the district was first alerted to the altered photo.…
Ocean County Contractor Facing Charges for $1.5m Sandy Scheme
Federal authorities on Thursday arrested a contractor accused of bilking victims of Hurricane Sandy out of more than $1.5 million by skipping out on repair jobs after taking their money. Jamie Lynn Lawson, 42, was arrested early Thursday morning at an extended stay hotel in Florence, SC, by U.S. Marshals in that area, said Michael Schroeder,…
REPORT: New Jersey is Arresting More People for Weed Than Ever Before
TRENTON — If you lined up every person who had been arrested on marijuana charges in the Garden State since 2000, according to a new report from the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, they would stretch the entire length of the New Jersey Turnpike — and into Maryland. The advocacy group found marijuana…
Ocean County Kicks off Barnegat Bay Blitz
A warm welcome under chilly gray skies was provided to participants in the 8th Barnegat Bay Blitz held on June 7 at the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices off Bandon Road in Toms River. Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari and Freeholder Virginia E. Haines joined with state Department of Environmental Commissioner Bob Martin, Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher, and a host of students from the Silver Bay Elementary School, Toms River, the Ocean County Vo-Tech MATES Academy and numerous volunteers to kick off the event that focuses on cleaning litter from Barnegat Bay and surrounding area in an effort to protect and preserve the waterway. Freeholders Vicari and Haines also recognized Commissioner Martin for being an environmental steward of the bay and for raising awareness to the importance of protecting and preserving the watershed. To date, more than 27,000 participants have removed nearly 4,200 cubic yards of trash and recyclables from the watershed.
Where to Drop off Hazardous Waste, Paint Cans, Pool Chemicals and Gasoline in Ocean County
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County will hold five more free household hazardous waste collection dates this year.
“We are currently completing our first three collections of 2017 with the next scheduled for June 3 at the Manchester Township Public Works Garage, at 1360 Route 70,” said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management. “We have now put into place the summer/fall schedule which will run from July through October.
“So far we have collected 121,576 pounds of household hazardous waste during our first two collections this year,” Little said. “This program provides benefits to not just our citizens but it also protects the environment.”
The additional dates, times and locations for the 2017 disposal program are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 15, Little Egg Harbor Township Recycling Center, 1363 County Road 539; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 5, Jackson Township Municipal Building, 95 West Veterans Highway; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 27, Lakewood Public Works Yard, 1 America Ave.; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 23, Long Beach Township Public Works Garage, 7910 Long Beach Boulevard, Beach Haven Crest, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 7, Point Pleasant Municipal Building, 2233 Bridge Avenue.
While the program is free registration is required.
To register for the Little Egg Harbor and Long Beach townships collection sites call 609-978-0913; for the Lakewood call 732-506-5047 and for the Jackson Township and Point Pleasant collection site call 732-367-0802.
Last year, the County collected 290,602 pounds of household hazardous waste, up about 20,000 pounds, at a cost of $123,688. The program is funded in part by the State Recycling Enhancement Act Tax Fund.
“This free program, which got started in 1989, provides an avenue to get rid of items like paints, paint thinner, and cleaners, properly and safely, keeping the material from entering our waterways and our preserved lands,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “The Department of Solid Waste Management has done a great job in implementing this program for almost three decades.”
The program runs at least once a month from April to October and is held at different collection sites throughout the County. Residents can register for any of the sites.
“We work to make certain this program is accessible to our residents,” Little said. “It is held in towns, both large and small, and citizens in any Ocean County town can attend any site. Our residents can attend any location.”
Municipal recycling centers and the county’s recycling centers also allow for drop off of a host of materials including used paint, motor oil and car batteries.
“Our residents should check with us or their local recycling center to determine what is accepted year-round eliminating the need to store potentially hazardous items in their home,” Little said.
Residents can drop off a maximum of 200 pounds of dry material and 20 gallons of liquid at the County’s household hazardous waste collection sites. No containers over five gallons will be accepted.
Materials accepted at the household hazardous waste collection sites are: paints, thinners, boat paints, solvents, pool chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, aerosol cans, auto products, toilet and drain cleaners, silver polishes, oven cleaners, photographic chemicals, rug and upholstery cleaners, polishes and bleaches, waste oil and used gasoline.
The five summer/fall dates also will be serviced by Radiac Environmental Services at a cost of about 44 cents a pound.
Program information also can be found on the county website at www.co.ocean.nj.us or by calling 1-800-55-RECYCLE.
“We encourage our residents to use this free program to make certain chemicals, cleaners, solvents and other items we use around the house are disposed of properly,” Little said.
Freeholder Tries to Get Grip on Loose Mylar Balloons
by Ocean County, NJ
MYLAR BALLOONS, those metallic covered novelty decorations that come in a host of shapes and sizes, may be fine for parties or graduation celebrations, but they can be deadly to wildlife that thrive in Ocean County’s bays and other waterways.
“We are getting more and more reports of deflated or shredded Mylar balloons found floating in the bay and in the ocean,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “Some wildlife can mistake the balloons for food and try to consume them.”
While all balloons can pose a threat to fish, birds, reptiles and mammals, Vicari said the popularity of the Mylar balloons is adding to the problem.
“People like them because of the bright colors and various designs. You can find a Mylar balloon to celebrate just about any occasion,” he said.
Vicari asked that anyone using Mylar balloons keep them carefully tethered and do not let the helium-filled balloons escape. Afterwards, they should be disposed of properly in the trash.
Loose balloons that rise high enough and are caught in the wind can travel for hundreds of miles.
“Part of the problem we are seeing is the prevailing winds are bringing these balloons in from other states,” Vicari said. “Let’s set an example in Ocean County not release balloons.”
According to reports from across the nation, Mylar balloons also pose another threat.
“If these metallic-covered balloons strike power cables, they can cause widespread electrical outages,” he said.
California utility companies reported that Mylar balloons were responsible for more than 1,900 outages in that state in 2015.
“For everyone’s safety, please keep all balloons tethered,” he said.
Vicari said he discussed the Mylar balloon problem with representatives from the state Department of Environmental Protection and local environmentalists at Wednesday’s Barnegat Bay Blitz at the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices in Toms River.
“We spoke of the importance of educating people about unseen dangers of these balloons,” he said.
Vicari said plastics, including plastic bags and ringed six-pack can holders are also a growing problem in the bay.
“We ask everyone to please properly dispose of their plastics so they don’t threaten our wildlife,” he said.
Many supermarkets accept old plastic bags for recycling, Vicari added.
“The bags are used to make composite plastic decking for boardwalks and backyard decks,” he said. “Park benches are also made from the material.”
Manahawkin butcher wins $1M in World Series of Poker event
A butcher from New Jersey outlasted 18,053 other players to win $1 million at a World Series of Poker event on Wednesday. Thomas Pomponio topped the field at the “Colossus” No-limit Hold’em tournament in Las Vegas, ReviewJournal.com said. N.J. man makes final table at WSOP Pomponio, who lives in the Manahawkin section of Stafford, started the…
Dangerous clinging jellyfish found in N.J. river
The jellyfish with a dangerous sting that caused a scare on the Jersey Shore last summer, prompting the cancellation of several events, have reappeared in a Monmouth County river, researchers say. Clinging jellyfish – whose sting can cause “excruciating pain”, muscle weakness and serious medical problems, including kidney failure – were observed and recorded in New…
The details of NJ Transit's dreaded summer schedule are finally here
NJ Transit released the final details of its schedule for most of the summer, which will send Morris & Essex Lines riders to Hoboken, but spares 75 percent of rail commuters from major disruption. It’s the news commuters have been both waiting for and dreading, as they find out what their traveling options are for when…
Barnegat Bay Blitz Helps to Beautify Berkeley Township
Submitted by Mayor Carmen Amato, Berkeley Township
The annual Barnegat Bay Blitz was held this week, with two clean-up sites in Berkeley Township.
A very special “Thank you” to you Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Martin who joined Mayor Carmen Amato and Councilwoman Sophia Attanasio Papa Gingrich at our Holiday City location to help pick up debris and help beautify the area.
Over in the Good Luck Point section of town, corporate volunteers from Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC volunteered their time today to help clean up the lots that were still littered with debris, mainly left over from Superstorm Sandy.
According to Rachel Host, a Program Specialist with the NJDEP, the Barnegat Bay Blitz, “is a DEP initiative to get people out into the community. There is still garbage in the wetlands that needs to be picked up.”
Berkeley Township Sanitation Director, Mark Vannella stated, “These ongoing clean-up projects are important. In some areas of Good Luck Point, the weeds were overgrown, there are swampy areas, and you just couldn’t see the garbage that floated down the streets due to flooding from Sandy. The Township already pulled out a lot of garbage since Sandy, but the residents really helped out over the last three years and hopefully we’re seeing the last of the garbage.”
The volunteers from Bridgestone even managed to pull out an old Jet ski that sat idle.
The initial clean-up from residents was inspired by Caroline Essington, a friend of one of the Good Luck Point residents. The area and homes were badly damaged from the hurricane and it became an eyesore. The residents were motivated to start pitching in and help one another move wood, garbage and debris from neighbors’ homes.
For the Blitz, Berkeley Township donated garbage bags, gloves, grippers, a garbage truck and lots of man-power to help the Barnegat Bay Blitz volunteers.
College student arraigned for allegedly killing man, dumping body
FREEHOLD – A 20-year-old Monmouth County woman was arraigned on multiple charges, included murder and robbery, in a Monmouth County courtroom on Monday morning for her alleged role in a February killing and attempted cover-up. Wearing a maroon, jail-issued uniform and with her hands shackled in front of her, Tinton Falls resident Raquel Garajau, 20, pleaded…
Car Smashes Through Two Homes on Barrier Island
Chadwick Beach-Two homes sustained damage after a car plowed through the middle of them this morning, according to the Ocean Beach Volunteer Fire Company. Station 27 responded and no injuries were reported. Building inspectors and utility crews were dispatched to assess the damage and safety risks to the homes.
https://www.facebook.com/oceanbeachfire/photos/pcb.876008402549286/876007949215998/?type=3&theater
Christie's Number Two, Guadagno Dumps Last Minute Robocall on Joe Rullo
TOMS RIVER-A robocall being made this evening across New Jersey, claiming to be “John” from Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno’s office went out to voters tonight asking them to vote for Chris Christie’s number two and against Ocean County resident Joe Rullo.
“I’d also like to inform you that Joe Rullo has absolutely no chance of victory whatsoever, so if you had any inkling of an idea of voting for him…you’re wasting your time,” the caller said.
“They must be worried we’re going to win,” Rullo said. Rullo said voters in New Jersey who want to drain the swamp still have a few hours to vote and urged them to pull the drain on eight more years of the Chris Christie administration.
The Guadagno team has not yet issued a statement regarding this robocall.
https://www.facebook.com/ShoreNewsNJ/videos/1076333472466370/
Could Lakewood Vaad Endorsement Sink Guadagno, Column C Republicans?
LAKEWOOD-Four years ago, the Lakewood Vaad, an influential group that essentially controls the Orthodox Jewish bloc vote here endorsed Governor Chris Christie and hardly anyone noticed.
This year, the Vaad’s robocall to urge Orthodox voters to vote “Column C” was recorded and leaked to the public by am Orthodox watchdog who calls himself the First Amendment Activist.
The bloc vote, along with his overwhelming support base in the county is what helped to propel Christie into another four years in office that November. Christie regularly cited his Ocean County support as the push he needed to get over the finish line in both of his elections.
It’s no secret that securing the Ocean County vote is critical to any Republican that wants to win higher office in New Jersey.
Just four years ago, the Vaad was an organization contained to Lakewood. Most outside of Lakewood didn’t know, or even care what the Vaad was, or who they endorsed, because their choices did not affect their own towns.
Fast forward to 2017, Ocean County is a county divided by fear. Fear that the Lakewood Vaad and the Orthodox Jewish community is on a mission to “take over” neighboring towns of Jackson, Toms River, Brick and Howell. Now, the Vaad’s influence not only affects Lakewood, but all five surrounding towns. Residents are now paying attention, but are voters? And will they come out today in the rain to make their voices heard?
If it was 2013, the Vaad’s endorsement of the establishment column C Republicans, such as Guadagno would have been the icing on the cake to secure their wins.
This year the Vaad’s blessing could be the kiss of death as for the first time in many years, Ocean County’s “Column C” Republicans are facing serious primary challenges.
It was Ocean County gubernatorial candidate Joseph Rullo who viewed Guadagno’s endorsement by the Vaad as, “selling her soul”. Rullo said his message was not a religious one, but one that emphasized his platform of not engaging in any negotiations or deal making with any collective voting units, whether it’s the religious power brokers at the Vaad, influential union leaders or party bosses. Rullo said at the end of the day, if he wins, he doesn’t want to owe anything to any of them, or have it appear that he’s in anyone’s pocket except for the people of New Jersey. Rullo said he wasn’t interested in reaching out to the Vaad in the primary election, or any powerbrokers for that matter.
Our original news story was read over 100,000 times and shared thousands of times in just a few days, with hundreds of readers expressing their displeasure and their intent to not support Guadagno, but how far down-ballot with that fervor run and will those who are commenting on social media actually show up to vote today?
If they do, damage could be significant in several Ocean County races including the District 12 primary in Jackson where Senator Samuel Thompson’s Row C team could face Vaad endorsement backlash in the polls. Thompson last year drew his own criticism after voting in favor of the $14 million annual subsidy to fund a private school bussing consortium in Lakewood. That pilot program was rolled out this year, but could it soon be a template to be used in neighboring towns of Toms River, Jackson, Brick and Howell? That has some voters worried about Thompson’s future plans.
In Toms River, the Row C establishment line is facing a powerful challenge from Lavallette police officer Justin Lamb in the township’s waterfront first ward.
If offline candidates can muster a good showing on Tuesday in the polls, it could turn Republican politics in Ocean County upside down. In the past, challengers couldn’t compete with the party money, but this year is a case study that solid platforms and a strong conservative approach could weaken the establishment’s grip on county politics and allow the residents of Ocean County a seat at the table, not longer the dogs that beg for scraps from the floor. Wins could embolden other Republicans seeking to normalize politics and to remove the rampant nepotism, cronyism and patronage to seek office in future years.
In a few years, analysts might look back as June 6, 2017 as the spark of the Republican Revolution in Ocean County, or the party leaders could look back and laugh it off as the year the people thought they could rise up against their power, but failed, because Facebook fervor doesn’t win elections.
The destiny of Ocean County’s Republican landscape is now in the hands of the voters.
Great White Shark Surfaces Near Seaside Park
SEASIDE PARK-A 3,456 pound great white shark was spotted off the coast of Seaside Park on Sunday as it traveled south along the Ocean County barrier peninsula this weekend.
Mary Lee, as she was named by Ocearch, a global shark tracking organization has been tracked since she was tagged with a monitoring device off Cape Cod in September of 2012.
The great white shark was spotted Sunday morning two miles off the coast of Seaside Heights and made an inland approach towards Seaside Park.
She was last spotted at 10:32 am on Sunday, but hasn’t surfaced since, so she could be anywhere in the area.
This marks her third visit to the Jersey Shore in two years. She passed by the shoreline in May of 2015 and October of 2016.
Update: As of 6:52 AM, Monday, Mary Lee traveled south and was spotted approximately 5 miles off the coast of Long Beach Island.
New Jersey Tries to Squeeze Mafia Out of Recycling Business
TRENTON — A bill aimed at fixing blind spots in regulating the recycling industry is moving through the New Jersey Legislature following a state report that found it remains vulnerable to influence from organized crime. The State Commission of Investigation found in a report published earlier this year that many of the laws and regulations passed…
Walmart Asks Employees to Deliver Packages on Way Home from Work
Walmart is offering its employees homework in its ongoing battle with online retailers like Amazon. The nation’s largest retailer announced it will begin asking employees to deliver packages on their way home after work. The company is testing the employee deliveries at two stores in New Jersey and one in Arkansas. “The best part is this…
Weather Looking Good for This Weekend
New Jersey residents on Friday should be able to end their week with some pretty nice weather that should carry into Saturday. Friday should be mostly sunny with highs near 77. After 2 p.m., however, there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters say highs will reach 79 in Vineland, Trenton and Newark. There…
Weekend Beach Outlook: 5 Shore Beaches Given Swim Advisories
A swimming advisory was issued for five ocean beaches in Monmouth County on Wednesday afternoon due to high levels of bacteria. The five beaches include: Broadway and Spray Avenue, in Neptune Township; Public Beach in Sea Bright Borough; and Brown Avenue and York Avenue in Spring Lake Borough. The statewide agency will check the beaches every…
Toms River RadioShack Store Not Closing
The one-time dominant electronics retailer RadioShack is in the final stages of closing more than 1,000 stores, leaving just 70 opened across the country. Just three brick-and-mortar stores will remain open in New Jersey, including in Kearny, Toms River and West Orange. The company will keep those 70 stores in operation across the U.S. as it…
First mounds of sand pumped ashore to start massive beach replenishment project
ORTLEY BEACH — The first mounds of sand for one of New Jersey’s largest beach replenishment projects started being pumped onto Ortley Beach this week as Shore towns on the northern Ocean County peninsula, which for decades had fought hard against engineered beaches, relented after Hurricane Sandy. After having at least two projected start dates fall…
Rullo: Guadagno "Sold Her Soul"; Secures Powerful Lakewood Orthodox Bloc Vote
LAKEWOOD-The influential political power brokers of Lakewood Township, the Lakewood Vaad, have announced Kim Guadagno as their candidate of choice for governor of New Jersey in Tuesday’s Republican primary election.
In a report yesterday on the political news website, Ocean County Politics, editor Gavin Rozzi broke the news through a video published by Lakewood’s “First Amendment Activist” of a robocall sent out by Rabbi Yisroel Schenkolewksi, one of the Vaad’s religious and political leaders.
In the call, Schenkolewksi urged Lakewood’s Orthodox voters that a vote for Guadagno, Lakewood’s large bloc vote remains powerful.
“Let us stop those who are trying to divide us and weaken us,” Schenkolewksi said.
Guadagno’s opponent in the election, Ocean County resident Joseph Rullo wondered what offers or promises Guadagno made to Lakewood in return for the endorsement.
“It’s so corrupt how one guy can cut a deal to get 13,000 votes for promises after elected in Lakewood,” Rullo said. “Kim sold her soul….Lakewood is a sanctuary city with no rules.”
The news also doesn’t sit well with voters in the Republican stronghold of Ocean County where an ongoing confrontation exists between Lakewood’s growing Orthodox Jewish population and the surrounding gentile townships of Jackson, Brick, Toms River and Howell where Rullo is showing strong against Guadagno and the other Republican establishment candidates.
In a new SaveJersey poll, a shore area conservative blog site, Rullo is leading the pack with 41% of voters. Rival conservative Steve Rogers polled with 22% with Guadagno and her establishment arch-nemesis Jack Ciattarelli trailing with just 14% and 16% respectively.
In the latest Shore News Network poll, consisting mostly of Ocean County residents, Rullo received 51% of the votes and Guadagno 27.8%. Ciattarelli (8%), Singh (7%) and Rogers (5%) all trailed.
Rullo hopes his conservative platform and open support of Donald Trump resonates with the New Jersey voters on Tuesday. He backed the president in last November’s election and has been a staunch supporter of Trump since his announcement in 2015.
Rullo said he feels most of New Jersey’s Trump supporters will be behind him, while Guadagno, Ciattarelli and Singh compete over the balance of the establishment type voters in the state.
One Injured as Man Jumps Out of Window to Escape Lavallette Condo Fire
by Al Della Fave, OCPO
LAVALETTE-On Thursday, May 25th 2017, at 1:21 am, The Lavallette Police Department and Fire Department were dispatched to a structure fire at 1806 Grand Central Avenue. Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed the second floor of a two story, multi-unit dwelling condominium structure was fully involved in fire. Both Seaside Heights and Seaside Park Fire Departments assisted with fire suppression.
RELATED NEWS >> Lavallette Police Officer Under Fire by Toms River GOP Smear Campaign
Despite the intensity of the flames responding units found upon arrival, the fire event produced one minor injury. A 45-year-old male was transported to Community Medical Center for non-life threating injuries sustained when jumping from the second story to escape the extreme fire and smoke conditions.
The subsequent investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes/Arson Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Lavallette Police Department determined that the area of origin was on the exterior of the south side of the structure, along a balcony style walkway on the second floor. The point of origin is on top of outdoor carpeting that lined the floor of the walkway in between unit #7 and unit #8. The cause of the fire is deemed accidental and improperly discarded smoking material cannot be eliminated as the cause of the fire.
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Anarchy in Toms River? Republicans Claim Anarchy in Wake of Firehouse Defeat
Anarchists are on the loose in Toms River according to statements made by Toms River GOP leaders after voters turned down a $14 million firehouse in a special election on Saturday.
According to a story in PoliticsOc today, Toms River Republican school board member Christopher Raimann, still recovering from a black eye after losing a critical political appointment vote earlier this year condemned the taxpayers of Toms River for voting down a new, lavish $14 million firehouse project.
The Toms River Republicans privately blamed conservative challenger Justin Lamb for their defeat, but their memo, like so many before were leaked to the local news media.
According to the report, Raimann, who sits on the supposed non-partisan Toms River Regional School District Board of Education, fired off a memo to the Toms River Republican Club warning them not to take Lamb’s campaign lightly, blaming Lamb for lying to voters about the costs of the firehouse.
After looking over Lamb’s social media and campaign statements, Lamb was an advocate for the defeat of the referendum, but did not appear to publish any statements that were not consistent with the facts released by the township and fire district pertaining to the project. Lamb offered sharp criticism over the costs, size of the building and clarification of the use of the word “average” when used by township officials in the expected tax increase.
“This memo is one of many I have received and agree with since the Fire House vote,” DiBiase was quoted as writing by Politics OC. “We will continue to expose them as the anarchists they are!”
“While we could only speculate over the TR GOP’s silence over this backdoor tax increase prior to the Saturday’s vote, this latest revelation from this surrogate shows they have been in full support of a huge tax increase all along,” Lamb said in a statement.
Lamb said his opponent, incumbent Maria Maruca had a chance to speak out against the referendum, but chose not to when the matter was discussed before the council.
Lamb is a police officer and volunteer firefighter himself and said the cost of the new facility was excessive at $14 million and would have impacted ward 1 residents more than others in town due to higher property values along the bay front and oceanfront.
Prior to the claim of anarchy in Toms River, Republicans have sharply criticized Lamb, leading to what could be a situation of strange bedfellows throughout the general election should Lamb defeat Maruca in the June 6th primary elections where he would run with those he criticized and those who have criticized him.
He would run as part of the Republican ticket in November.
Lamb fired off a final salvo in the back and forth exchange in heated contest which has had its share of mudslinging prior to the firehouse election.
“Are we taxpayers anarchists?” Lamb asked. “I believe we are called Conservative Republicans, an informed electorate is the establishment’s biggest fear…the TR GOP and WARD 1 has no leadership and my opponent sits silent as usual.”
Shore Couple Tied Up During Home Invasion
HOLMDEL — Two alleged robbers tied up a Holmdel couple Saturday night as they rummaged through their personal belongings for items to steal, authorities said. Two township residents, a 45-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, came home around 10:54 p.m. to two individuals in their townhouse on Banyan Boulevard, said Donna Weaver, a spokeswoman for the…
N.J. family reportedly booted from JetBlue flight after birthday cake dispute
A Jersey City family was removed from a JetBlue Flight from Kennedy Airport to Las Vegas earlier this month after a dispute over a birthday cake that was brought on board, according to reports. Cameron Burke set up a surprise 40th birthday trip for his wife Minta and two children on May 3. The family of…
Route 37 Mathis Bridge to Reopen This Weekend According to NJDOT
by NJDOT
TRENTON-New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced this week that all three lanes of traffic on the Mathis Bridge/Route 37 eastbound are scheduled to be reopened this weekend for the start of the summer vacation season in Ocean County.
The Mathis Bridge has been closed since October for the second of three winter construction seasons with one lane of eastbound traffic shifted onto the Tunney Bridge.
Starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 11, until 9 a.m. Saturday, May 13, NJDOT’s contractor Schiavone Construction Company, is scheduled to begin the process of reopening the Mathis Bridge, which includes removing construction barrier, restriping, and reconfiguring traffic signals approaching the bridges.
The normal traffic pattern with three eastbound travel lanes on the Mathis Bridge and three westbound travel lanes on the Tunney Bridge is expected to be completed by early Saturday morning.
The eastbound Mathis Bridge and westbound Tunney Bridges are a pair of bridges carrying Route37 over Barnegat Bay between Toms River and Seaside Heights. The Mathis Bridge, a mile-long double leaf bascule moveable span bridge completed in 1950, is the older of the two and in need of repairs.
Construction on the $74 million federally-funded project to replace the existing bridge deck on the Mathis Bridge, which is 67 years old, make safety improvements to the barrier and railings, and repair and replace mechanical and electrical components that operate the moveable lift span, began in the fall of 2015. It is being done over three winter construction seasons to avoid working during the busy summer season. When the Mathis Bridge is closed for construction during the winter, two lanes of traffic westbound and one lane eastbound are maintained on the Tunney Bridge, separated by a moveable barrier.
During the second construction season, NJDOT completed a new bridge deck for the entire span and finished a newly rebuilt bascule (movable span). In addition, new four-bar railings replacing the previous parapets have been completed, new warning gates and lights, a new bridge operator’s control desk and approximately 80 percent of the new electrical components that operate the movable bridge and cameras have been installed. During the final construction season beginning this fall, new bridge approaches and the cast-in-place anchor spans are expected to be completed. The project is expected to be completed by the summer 2018. The construction cycle requiring a full closure of the Mathis Bridge will be limited to November 1 to April 30 each year. During each of these construction cycles, summer traffic from approximately May 15 to September 15 will not be affected and all three current lanes on each bridge will be open to traffic.
Community Outreach
NJDOT created a project-specific website that contains a wealth of information about the project, which can be found on the Department’s web site by going to www.NJCommuter.com and selecting Route 37 Mathis Bridge under the Construction Updates bullet. The Department is carefully coordinating the project with local officials to minimize the effect to residents and businesses.
The Department has a Project Community Outreach Team that can be reached through the project hotline telephone number, 732-230-7356, email, DOT-Route37Mathis.outreach@dot.nj.gov, or project website. Anyone who has questions, concerns, or suggestions is encouraged to contact the Project Community Outreach Team as work progresses. To stay informed as the project progresses, send your email to the Community Outreach Team to sign up for project alert emails.
NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to provide advance notification to motorists of traffic pattern changes associated with the work. Follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info and visit www.511nj.org for travel advisories.