Community News

Team Mascot Proposes at High School Basketball Game

Toms River High School North alumni Brielle Douress was shocked at last Thursday’s Mariners basketball game when her fiancé showed up as the Mariner Mascot “Salty” and proposed to her at halftime.

1 to 3 inches of snow expected to fall overnight in Ocean County

The National Weather Service is forecasting between 1 to 3 inches of snow in Ocean County with southern areas receiving the higher end of the forecast.

Southern Ocean County can see up to 3 inches while northern Ocean County can expect 1-2 inches of snow late Sunday night and early Monday morning.

 

JFK Boulevard Paving Part of $1 Million Grant Received by Berkeley Township

BERKELEY –  Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr., is pleased to announce that Berkeley Township will receive nearly 1 Million Dollars in grants from the State of  New Jersey.

“I am pleased that we will be receiving $712,380 in Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Funding, administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority along with a $275,000 grant from the State of New Jersey, Department of Transportation in Local Aid Infrastructure Funding.” Mayor Amato said.

“The 712,380 grant awarded through the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) will be used specifically at the Beachwood Mall site.” Mayor Amato said.

The funding will be utilized to investigate areas of concern identified in past preliminary studies. The proposed Remedial Investigation (RI) scope of work will be done into two (2) phases; the front portion, which consists of the former mall site with the second phase of the proposed RI activities being on the back portion, which consists of the Former South Brunswick Asphalt Plant.

“This will funding will enable the Township to get a full and complete picture of what is on the site, which will assist the redeveloper in remediation.” Mayor Amato said.

T & M Associates, the Township Planners, will be doing the work associated with the HDSRF grant.

“The $275,000 grant awarded from the State of New Jersey, Department of Transportation in Local Aid Infrastructure Fund, funded the work for the resurfacing of JFK Blvd and Atlantic Ave.” Mayor Amato said.

“I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and her staff for their assistance in making sure Berkeley Township received this critical funding for this project. With 271 miles of municipal roadways, JFK Blvd, was by far in the worse condition and needed to be resurfaced badly. This funding enabled this to occur and we are grateful.” Mayor Amato said.

Toms River Township Takes Heat for Latest Round of Beach Sand Replenishment in Ortley Beach

Toms River Township will use money from a $5 million capital bond from 2016 to replace the berms that were washed away during last week’s nor’easter that hit the Jersey Shore.

The township contracted with Cardinal Construction which has been has been working since Thursday in Ortley Beach dumping truckloads of sand back on the beach.  Once the work is complete in Ortley, crews will begin the replenishment in Normandy Beach.

A statement from the town said the project is expected to take about a week, depending on weather conditions. Cardinal will be delivering approximately 1,500 to 2,000 loads of sand, 30,000 cubic yards overall.

Township officials however took some heat on social media over the cost of the project and the thought of once again, trucking in sand to protect the community which may ultimately wash out to sea again.

“Such a waste of money,” wrote Hector Rodriguez.  “The only way to reduce beach erosion is a sea wall.”

“Keep wasting tax dollars instead of building a wall,” wrote Paul Maccarone.

“The sea wall in Brick has proved unsuccessful from mother nature’s wrath,” responded an unidentified Toms River official.  “It has been damaged numerous times with sand washing away and portions of the wall exposed.”

“A complete waste of time and money,” responded Ed Lefebvre.

“Love seeing my yearly increases in tax dollars get washed away,” wrote Kyle Behnken.  “What a waste.”

“The Army Corps dune and beach replenishment project is expected to start this spring – hopefully within 90 days,” the township said. “Mayor Kelaher and the governing body are pushing hard for the project to start in Ortley Beach first.”

New Jersey Bail Reform Is Not What New Jersey Voted for in 2014

In November of 2014, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly supported an election ballot referendum that allowed the state to amend the constitution to allow for a more comprehensive pretrial system for criminal justice cases.

What those New Jersey voters received in January was nothing more than a bait and switch, because the current state of bail reform in the Garden State does not remotely resemble the 2014 referendum question.

The ballot question heading read, “Constitutional amendment to allow a court to order pretrial detention of a person in a criminal case.”

The question posed to voters read as follows:

Do you approve amending the Constitution to allow a court to order pretrial detention of a person in a criminal case? This would change the current constitutional right to bail. The change to the Constitution would mean that a court could order that a person remain in jail prior to trial, even without a chance for the person to post bail, in some situations. The amendment also removes language in the Constitution about bail eligibility for death penalty cases. The death penalty no longer exists in New Jersey.

Just in case voters were not sure about what this meant, it came with an interpretive statement which read:

The Constitution currently requires a court to grant bail to a jailed person in a criminal case before trial. If the person posts bail, the person is released from jail pending trial. The amendment would give a court the option of ordering a person to remain in jail in some situations. The court could order such detention based upon concerns that the person, if released: will not return to court; is a threat to the safety of another person or the community; or will obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process. The amendment authorizes the Legislature to pass laws concerning pretrial release and pretrial detention. The amendment would take effect on January 1, 2017 to allow any new laws to be enacted and their requirements to be established. The amendment would also remove language in the Constitution about bail eligibility for death penalty cases. The death penalty no longer exists in New Jersey. Lt. Governor Kimberly M. Guadagno, Secretary of State.

Instead, New Jersey got a system that puts violent criminal offenders, sex offenders and drug dealers back on the streets hours after their arrest…without bail.

The failure of the new bail reform system was highlighted this week in Ocean County when Judge Wendel E. Daniels released a man who was caught not once, but twice sexually assaulting children.  At least once as a minor and last week as an adult.  According to the local police chief in the perp’s town, Richard Buzby, the man poses a serious threat to children.  Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato agreed.

Judge Daniels let the man return home with a gps monitoring device, even though he had lured his victims from the comfort of his home on the internet and at school bus stops, according to sources close to the matter who wished to remain anonymous.

Despite Coronato’s office appealing the matter all the way up to the New Jersey Supreme Court, Daniels released him back into the community.

Why? Because he only scored 1.2 on a new computer generated inmate grading system.  According to that score, the man poses no flight risk to the court system.

Law enforcement officials in Ocean County and the man’s hometown of Little Egg Harbor were left frightened and handcuffed…unable to even alert the neighborhood residents of the man’s release or charges because of further red tape in the Megan’s Law processing procedures.  Unable to to do anything but hope he doesn’t wander out of his house and assault a third child, Buzby made an unconventional plea to residents on Facebook to watch their children.

As if things couldn’t appear worse than they already are with the Ocean County case, they are.

This week, neighbors and friends of a man who viciously assaulted his girlfriend, smashing her head through a television set,  said he was released hours later, again with no bail, through the new and improved revolving door of the New Jersey criminal justice system, courtesy of the state’s legislators, court system and signed by Governor Chris Christie.

Also this week, a drug dealer in Ocean County was caught with an extremely large amount of heroin, also released back into the community with no bail.

As if things couldn’t appear worse than that, they are.

Police now are worried that criminals may already be working the system that now gives them a clear cut advantage over law enforcement.  Gone is the leverage initial investigating officers had over suspected drug dealers.    We’ve all seen it in the movies, cops playing good cop, working together to get a perp to divulge more details of the crime and of his greater operation or organization…with deals of lighter charges…talking to the judge on their behalf… if they cooperated and negotiated… perhaps give up more names in a criminal enterprises.

Gone.  Why would somebody who knows they will rate low on the new computerized criminal scorecard worry what Joe Cop is threatening in the interrogation briefing when he knows he’s a 1, maybe a 2 on the computer and will be home in time for Monday Night Football that evening?

As if things couldn’t get worse than that, they are.

Criminals aren’t as dumb as many think they are.  In fact, many are crafty and smart.  Police know that.  That’s why their job at is always a tough one.  Some police officers we spoke to now fear that the word is out on this new computerized rating system and suspect criminals will start using low-scoring mules to do their dirty work.

Why should a drug manufacturer risk his own freedom delivering a package from one distribution point to another distribution point?  If he’s high on the computer ratings system, he could be looking at an expensive bail posting to get out jail, which they always seem to have laying around.   Now, he can delegate those tasks to underlings or perhaps even recruit new help off the streets with lower computer scores.  It happens already with drug cartels smuggling drugs into America, exploiting women and children.

No police officers we spoke to this week would go on record and talk about how bail reform has handcuffed their ability to protect their communities.   Several expressed concerns over political backlash, since, “This one comes from the top.”

They all however agreed on two things. First, New Jersey’s bail reform system has broken down, just three weeks into the year in which it started and nobody is benefiting from it except the criminals and the court system.  Second, the system that was implemented on January 1st, bears little resemblance to the 2014 ballot referendum New Jersey voters approved.

In the Little Egg Harbor case, bail reform was just one problem.  The other problem was Megan’s Law.  The defendant is currently disputing the Megan’s Law tier he was assigned, a process that could take as long as six to eight months.  During that time, he is not registered as a sex offender, so by law, cannot be treated as one.

Another problem is that the state’s new ratings system does not factor a criminal’s juvenile record into the final score.  The courts can be advised of the record by the prosecutor’s office, but the computer rating system is blind to it.

The other problem is that the algorithm is geared towards flight risk and penalizes petty criminals more severely than first time violent offenders.

Drug addicts are harshly penalized by the computer grading system.   A drug addict who might have been picked up once or twice on CDS possession charges, maybe one or two shoplifting charges to support his habit and might have missed a few court cases because he was hungover in the morning or just too high to remember his court date will rate as a high flight risk.  He might a get a score of 4 or 5 out of 6, while an enraged boyfriend who never committed a crime smashes his girlfriend’s head through a television rates a 1 or 2, because the computer algorithm doesn’t see him as a flight risk.

If New Jersey doesn’t fix the mess it’s in, just one month into bail reform, jails will be clear of violent offenders and full of small time drug addicts, contrary to what the original intent of the referendum was.

New Jersey’s bail reform is a system that was developed by politically appointed administrators and politicians, managed on the front lines by the politically appointed judges who don’t have to answer to anyone.   New Jersey’s law enforcement community did not take part in or have a say in the constructing of the new laws and regulations they now have to deal with on a daily basis.

This afternoon, we were contacted by Peter McAleer, a communications officer for the New Jersey Administrative Office of Courts.   McAleer took offense to our earlier story on Thursday criticizing bail reform.   We advised McAleer that we would be open to talk to the state about this topic and provide the state with a platform for their agenda, but only from the top, through Governor Christie himself.

What can you do about New Jersey bail reform putting violent offenders, sex offenders and criminal back on our streets?  Call your local state assemblyman or senator and let them know how you feel.

You can get a full list here.

Sierra Club: Joint Base Chemicals Linked to ADHD in Children

The following is a press release submitted by Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club

TRENTON-In August, the US Department of Defense (DOD) hired a company to begin testing the groundwater at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. They tested 21 sites on the base to determine the extent of perfluorinated compound contamination from perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The contamination may have come from firefighting foam for military use. Now that contamination has been found off-base, in a surrounding community.

“Now we know that the PFO and PFOA contamination is more pervasive and being found in communities off-base. This is a very serious and systemic problem that needs to be dealt with. These PFOs come from substances such as firefighting foam and can seep into groundwater, both on the base and off it. They made the mess and now they have to clean it up and protect the communities around the Base,” said Jeff Tittel, New Jersey Sierra Club Director. “Putting the SRL Pipeline through this area will only make things worse.”

PFOA is a carcinogen that has been linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. A report published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows a relationship between slightly elevated levels of PFOA in the blood and a higher rate of ADHD diagnosis. The incidence of ADHD in children is rising and so is the amount of PFOA in the water supply. PFOA is found in many wells in New Jersey, especially in South Jersey near the DuPont site, but also in other parts of the state such as Sayerville. The current standard for PFOA in drinking water is 150 times what is recommended.

“The DOD needs to clean up this mess and the NJDEP needs to recognize the problem of PFOAs and set standards to prevent these things from happenings. These chemicals are harmful, especially to children. We have seen PFOAs show up too often in our waterways yet the DEP has not set any standards to fix this problem. New Jersey needs to move to adopt stricter regulations for PFOA in our drinking water,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

Child Sex Offender Back on the Streets Shortly After Arrest Thanks to Bail Reform Law

LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP-Chief Richard Buzby issued the following statement regarding a suspected child sex offender who has been released back into the community thanks to New Jersey’s new bail reform law.

On Friday,  announced the arrest of Christopher Wilson, 20, of Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ, for 2nd degree Attempted Sexual Assault and 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.    Police said Wilson offered a child a video game console in exchange for sex.  Wilson was arrested, but according to Ocean County law enforcement officials, despite agencies pleading their case to keep him incarcerated, Judge Wendel E. Daniels ordered his release.

“We attempted to appeal the decision and asked for a stay until the appeal process,” said Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Al DellaFave. “It was denied and he was released by the judge, our hands are tied.”

Read Wilson’s Friday Arrest Report Here.

Chief Buzby wrote:

For some time a sex offender who has targeted children in the past, has lived in this community in close proximity to many family residences, school bus stops and other points of interest to children.

Despite the best efforts of the county prosecutor’s office and this agency to the contrary, the current state of Megan’s Law is such that this particular community cannot be notified until the sex offender rating process is completed and a tier is established that will allow such a notification. A determination that would have allowed such notification was reached by the prosecutor’s office but that matter is under appeal and, once again, the notification must be delayed.


There is, at present, an allegation that this subject has re-offended with a local child. An arrest has been made and all appropriate charges have been filed but the new bail reform protocol has determined that he does not present a threat and he was released by a superior court judge this afternoon.

Because of our perceived threat to other children and our continued inability to notify parents this matter has been taken under immediate appeal by the prosecutor. Once again, despite the prosecutor’s best efforts, trial court and appellate court stays have been denied and this person will apparently remain in our community until the matter progresses further.


As your chief and a fellow parent, I could not sleep tonight if I did not say something to families about being particularly careful regarding their children’s whereabouts and welfare at this time. I beg you to do so, particularly now. Rest assured, we are working with the county prosecutor’s office non-stop to rectify this matter as fast as we humanly can.

News 12's Amazing Photo of the Surf Club Unearthed by the Nor'easter

News 12’s Karla Bardinas took this shot on Tuesday at the site of the former Joey Harrison’s Surf Club in Ortley Beach.  The passing nor’easter exposed the few feet of sand on top of the rubble of the club, destroyed during Superstorm Sandy and covered by with sand.

Cover photo: Joey Harrison’s Surf Club as it appeared in November of 2012, after being destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.

Local Officials Silent on Joint Base Water Testing

JACKSON-As Joint Base MDL officials go door to door in Jackson Township trying collecting water samples from residents to see if their private wells have been contaminated by fire retarding chemicals used on the base for over 30 years, officials in Jackson Township are silent on the matter.

The Township council did not provide any further details on the water testing and the issue was not brought up by any residents.

Related stories:

Clean drinking water to be made available for residents with contaminated…

Military to go Door to Door to Ask Residents for Well Water Samples

Did Joint Base Fire Operations Contaminate Jackson Drinking Water? Base Officials…

Township Billboard Enterprise Back on the Table in Jackson

JACKSON-In 2009, Jackson Township’s elected officials expressed a desire to build billboards along Interstate 195 to generate revenue for the municipality, but that initiative never really left the ground.

At the January 24th council meeting, Council President Ken Bressi attempted to resurrect the 8 year old plan and asked township attorney Jean Cipriani to again look into the legal ramifications of a township run monopoly on advertising billboards.

Councilman Ken Bressi was lukewarm to the idea.

“I went through a list of stuff that we have concerns for and that if we’re even going to look at this, we have to get all that data,” Council President Ken Bressi said.  “I’d like to see how my peers feel about it…and make some decisions on it.”

“Where do you want them permitted? Only on public land, on certain roads, on certain sections of roads, absolutely we can do it,” Cipriani told the council.  “But in terms of the size, if you’re going to keep that size, you have to think about where it makes sense to have them and the proximity you would allow them to be in.”

Under the original plan, only the township would be allowed to install and build billboards and only on township property.  Bressi wanted to know how to keep private landowners between township owned lots from building their own billboards.

“What if the township as lot A and H, what if somebody has one in the middle, can we stop them from doing it?” Bressi asked.  “That’s why I went through all these questions with counsel and what kind of revenue they can bring in.”

The township seeks to enact spot zoning that would allow billboards only on lots owned by the township, which would require a change to those lots in the existing master plan.

The township owns 3 or 4 lots along the I-195 corridor according to Township Clerk Eden.

“I know the original concept was on township properties, I’d like to follow through with that,” Councilman Nixon said.  “We might want to ensure that what we’re doing and the advice to what is spot zoning and what isn’t.”

The then Democrat majority council didn’t support the billboard plan in 2009.

Former councilman Howard Tillis said at the time, he drove from Belmar to Jackson along I-195 through Jackson’s exit 21 and he didn’t see any billboards.

“I see it as roadside graffiti,” Tillis told the council in 2009.

The council felt the township should be the only ones in the billboard market because, “Nobody wants to drive down 195 and see wall-to-wall billboards.”

“This issue is certainly a positive to the township from a revenue perspective and as an economic development driver as we look to the expansion off the 195 corridor and what could ultimately occur in the six flags area as they continue their success, hopefully in the future…I think there’s some value in us proceeding in the near future on it.”

Billboards have come up several times over the years as a way for Jackson Township to generate additional revenue.

Residents over the years have also had mixed opinions on the billboard experiment. According to OutdoorBillboard.com, the going rates for monthly advertising per billboard on I-195 can bring in anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per month, not including cost to purchase and install the billboards or maintenance or other costs the township would need to invest in, including marketing material, graphic design, engineering, customer management services and other expenses involved in operating a billboard business.

The township has yet to release any financial plan or analysis on such an enterprise.

The topic is expected to be addressed again at the next meeting on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14th.

Photo: Google Maps billboard in nearby Millstone Twp.

Berkeley Relay for Life Kick Off Meeting Feb. 23

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Berkeley/Lacey will hold a free kickoff for the annual event on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. at Mill Pond Elementary School, 210 Western Blvd., Lanoka Harbor. The snow date is March 2.
Everyone is invited to the kickoff to learn about how to help the American Cancer Society save more lives from cancer. The program will highlight how the community has benefited from funds raised and will honor cancer survivors and caregivers. Guests will have the opportunity to register a team for the Relay For Life, which will be held May 20-21 at Veterans Park in Bayville. The Relay For Life movement unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. Relay For Life events are community gatherings where teams and individuals camp out at a school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.
The Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community, with four million participants in 5,200 events worldwide. “This is our community’s opportunity to help save lives from cancer by taking our message to more people and raising more dollars to fund the fight,” said Nancy Costello, Volunteer Event Co-Lead. “Together, our efforts can make a big difference.”

Visit ​www.RelayForLife.org/BerkeleyNJ​ to learn more about the event or contact Nancy Costello or Maryellen Holmes at 732-206-3535 or ​rflberkeleylacey@gmail.com​.

After Mistreatment by Media, White House Responds to Criticism of First Family's Children

WASHINGTON, DC-While the Trump family has provided America with a stunning and personal insight into the daily life of the first family like no first family before them, some in the media have used the opportunity to criticize them, some even mock them and their children.

Today, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer reminded the global news media that historically, children and grandchildren of Presidents have been allowed to grow up free of the intense and often scrutinous media spotlight that is always on the first family

“It is a longstanding tradition that the children of Presidents are afforded the opportunity to grow up outside of the political spotlight. The White House fully expects this tradition to continue. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.”

In less than his first week in office, President Donald Trump and his family have given America a behind the scenes tour of not only the first family, but the White House, Washington, DC and the American political process unrivaled by an of his predecessors.

It has been an insight appreciated by most Americans.

Some intimate White House moments were shared with the public, normally never shared outside the walls of the White House.  How cool is it to go have pancakes at Grandpa’s house…The White House?

The Trump family has also let America in on the more mundane aspects of life in the White House, such as having to watch grandpa do stuff that is pretty darn exciting, but, really, grandpa? Enough with the pen and the cameras already.  This great moment of young Tristan Trump is a photo that will be remembered for a very long time.   Little did he know at the time, he upstaged the President of the United States in this photo.

And how cool is it to see inside the infamous White House bowling alley?

https://www.facebook.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/videos/1454824811208942/

But for all the good, there has been too much bad.  Some Trump opponents have shown no mercy when it comes to the children of the first family.  They say one person can spoil a good thing for the rest of us, but we are confident the Trump family will be stronger than the hate that boils over from America’s left and at least one news organization absolutely supports the Trump family’s position on the media and the first family’s children.

The media should respect the first family’s children as they have done for all presidents prior to Trump.

 

Toms River Dune Update: Replenishment to begin Thursday

ORTLEY BEACH-After losing nearly 75% of the community’s dune and sand berm protection in this week’s passing nor’easter, the township announced replenishment efforts will begin on Thursday.

“Our Engineering Department says Cardinal Construction will be importing sand starting this Thursday to shore up the dunes in Ortley Beach and Normandy Beach,” the department said in a release.

 

Toms River's POW/MIA Chair of Honor Dedicated

by Toms River Township

TOMS RIVER-A “POW/MIA Chair of Honor” was dedicated today in a ceremony at Toms River Town Hall.

Mayor Thomas Kelaher, Bob Smyth from Congressman Tom MacArthur’s office, members of the Toms River Veterans Commission, American Legion Post 129 and Rolling Thunder NJ Chapter 2 were among those in attendance.

POW/MIA Chair of Honor Program is intended to support POW/MIAChairofHonor.org’s main mission by bringing daily reminders of the POW/MIA issue to towns across the nation. A POW/MIA chair in any location is to remain perpetually empty to help people remember that even though our soldiers are not here, there is still a space for them.

Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher stated, “This empty seat will serve as a constant reminder of all the sacrifices made for our country by soldiers who were held prisoner of war or were listed as Missing in Action and whose remains have not been recovered.”

Since World War I, more than 91,000 service members are unaccounted for. The chair and related items were donated by the Rolling Thunder NJ Chapter 2 and are now on display in the main lobby of Town Hall.

MATES wins Ocean County Mock Trial Competition

Once again, Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s MATES program wins the annual Ocean County Mock Trial Championship.  The school also won in 2013 and finished 2nd in 2015.

The finals were held on Wednesday, January 18th at the Ocean County Courthouse.

https://twitter.com/MayorDucey/status/823194352751144960

BTHS Ballers 4th Annual Free Throws for a Cure

Students at Brick Township High School raised money to help a student in need with a heart ailment.  Sophomore Jacob Basilotto, 16, was born with a congenital heart defect, HLHS.  He is currently on a waiting list for a heart transplant.

Mayor John Ducey thanked the school basketball program for their efforts.

If you would like to contribute, please email mgawronski@brickschools.org.

https://twitter.com/MayorDucey/status/822543739805634560

South Seaside Park Dune System No Match for Nor'easter

BERKELEY TWP-They saved South Seaside Park from the brunt of the Atlantic Ocean’s surge during Superstorm Sandy and the recent nor’easter that passed through the state Sunday and Monday were no match for them either.

The dune system in South Seaside Park did their job this week. They protected the coastal residents in this small oceanfront community between Seaside Park and Island Beach State Park.

While some areas, including Ortley beach suffered as much as 75% loss of their dune berm system during the storm, the South Seaside Park system fared well.

“Thanks to our public works, parks department and beach staff, I’m pleased our dune system once again provided protection for our residents in South Seaside Park,” said Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato.

Berkeley Mayor Credits Township Workers for Speedy Cleanup After Nor'easter

BERKELEY-Berkeley Township, according to many published reports this week had nearly 3 inches of rain during the recent passing Nor’easter. It was the highest total rainfall amount of any town in New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service.

High winds brought down trees across the municipality over the two day storm, but today, Mayor Carmen Amato announced that by noon Monday, all of the roads had been cleared by township workers.

“As of noon, Monday we had some minor flooding in the back bay areas,” Amato said. “Three trees were knocked down and our parks and recreation department had quickly cleared them.”

Amato also thanked the township’s police officers, first responders and OEM services for their efforts during the storm.

Lacey Police and Fire Department Honored for Saving Woman’s Life

by Chief Michael DiBella, LaceyPD

LACEY-On Tuesday evening, January 17, 2017, the Lacey Township Board of Education honored Police Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, along with Forked River Firefighter Edward Barker, Jr., for saving an elderly woman from her burning home November 25, 2016. During the Lacey School Board meeting, High School Principal Greg Brandis spoke about the incident and honored all three alumni for their actions, providing each with a certificate.  Several officers from the Lacey Township Police Department, along with members of the Forked River Fire Department, Mayor Peter Curatolo and Committeeman Gary Quinn were present. Officer Sarno graduated in 2003, Officer Meyler in 2007, and Edward Barker, Jr in 2010.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 25, 2016, at 12:09 a.m. Officers Christopher Meyler, Anthony Sarno, and Julie Barcalow responded to the 1800 block of Serpentine Drive in Forked River, in regard to a fire alarm. The fire alarm notification was followed by a second call, from a neighbor reporting heavy smoke coming from the residence. Upon Officer Meyler’s arrival, he observed a large concentration of flames coming from the rear of the ranch-style home. Officer Meyler located two adult female occupants (visitors from Massachusetts), who advised that they were able to exit from the fire, however, the 81-year-old female homeowner was still inside. Officer Meyler soon discovered the woman was trapped inside the attached garage. Officer Meyler broke an exterior garage window and entered inside in an attempt to reach the homeowner.  Officers Julie Barcalow, Anthony Sarno, and Scott Keefe arrived on scene to assist.  Officer Sarno entered the garage, along with two Forked River Volunteer Firemen, Rob Anderson and Edward Barker, Jr.   The four of them were able to successfully transfer the woman homeowner outside through the garage window.  The homeowner, and the two female visitors from Massachusetts, ages 64 and 35, were transported to Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation.  Officers Meyler and Sarno were also taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

In addition to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, both Officers Julie Barcalow and Scott Keefe were recognized on December 9, 2016, by Chief Michael C. DiBella for their actions involving the November 25, 2016 fire. In addition, I would like to acknowledge that Forked River Firefighter Rob Anderson was as instrumental as all in saving the woman’s life. Furthermore, I need to acknowledge Forked River Fire Chief Raymond Brandmahl for his actions November 25, 2016.

I would like to thank the Lacey Township Board of Education for taking the time to honor the involved police officers and firefighters. Additionally, I would like to once again honor all of the involved police officers and firefighters who helped save this woman’s life back on November 25, 2016. In addition to our officers, our Emergency Services Personnel are truly an asset to Lacey Township and I thank them.

The below photos depict the certificates provided by the Lacey Township High School to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler.

Lacey Township Receives "Town of Excellence Award" from DART Prevention Coalition

LACEY-RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention (IFP)’s DART Prevention Coalition recently honored local individuals for their significant contributions in substance abuse prevention throughout Ocean County.  Awards/Honorees include:

  • “Terrence P. Farley Recognition of Excellence Award” for exemplifying passion for substance abuse prevention and leadership in Ocean County. Recipient: Lieutenant Jeffrey Ryan, Barnegat Police Department.
  • “Recognition of Service Award” to Retired Chief Robert Lawson, Lakewood Police Department.
  • “Training in Intervention Procedures (TIPs) Policy Awards” designed to prevent underage drinking and drunk driving. Recipients:  Tuscan Bistro Bar, Toms River; and Tio Juan’s Margaritas, Toms River.
  • “Town of Excellence Award” for implementation of comprehensive prevention strategies in partnership with government, school, law enforcement and faith-based groups. Recipient: Lacey Township.

Township officials lauded the efforts of the Lacey Township Municipal Alliance, the department of recreation, the Lacey Township Police Department and the Lacey Township School District.

The IFP named Lacey Township a “Town of Excellence” in its efforts to curtail underage drinking and the use of illegal marijuana, drugs and tobacco, during the DART Prevention Coalition’s Year-End Celebration. Lacey Township was the only Municipality in New Jersey to receive this award in 2016.

The Lacey Township Police Department’s efforts have included but are not limited to the 5x Sticker-Shock program that was presented in all three of our local liquor stores on September 1st, 2016, including Spirits Unlimited, Lacey Liquors, and Jr’s Liquors.

The 5x campaign is premised on the research that kids are 5x more likely to develop an alcohol problem if they start drinking before the age of 15.

“Sticker Shock”, a component of the 5x campaign, is designed to reach adults who might purchase alcohol legally and provide it to minors.

During the Sticker Shock program, bright red stickers warning about the penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors were placed by school students on alcohol products, including beer and wine coolers, which might appeal to underage drinkers.

Additional efforts include Lieutenant Paul Sullivan, Jr., presenting the “Parents who Host Lose the Most” alcohol prevention campaign program during both the Lacey Township High School Freshman Orientation and the Lacey Township Middle School Back to School Night in 2016. The “Parents who Host Lose the Most” program is a public awareness program educating communities and parents about health and safety risks of serving alcohol at teenage parties. The program concentrates on celebratory times for youth, including, but not limited to, homecoming, prom and graduation and other times when underage drinking is prevalent. The program encourages parents and the community to send a unified message that teen alcohol consumption is unhealthy, unsafe and not acceptable.

Furthermore, Lacey Township Police was one of the first police department’s to supply a medicine drop-box  in the lobby of police headquarters. The drop-box is used for the proper disposal of unwanted medications, however, does not include liquids or syringes. To date the Lacey Township Police Department has received and disposed of thousands of pounds of unwanted medications and will continue to do so into the future. The program is anonymous and no record will be made of individual identities related to the discarded medications. Residents simply need to respond to the Lacey Township Police Department, enter the main lobby, and drop the medications in the designated drop-box and leave. At no time do you need to check in with the Police Dispatch Center or speak with any officers. The Medicine drop-box is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

In 2017, Lacey Township will continue to focus on the above initiatives. In addition, the Lacey Township Police Department is in the initial stages of providing the “LEADS” program, also known as “Law Enforcement Against Drugs” to the school children of Lacey Township.

“I will continue to bring drug and alcohol prevention and education programs to our community,” said Lacey Township Police Chief Michael DiBella.  “In addition, I would like to personally thank the DART Coalition, the Lacey Township Committee, the Lacey Township Board of Education, the Municipal Alliance, the members of the Lacey Township Police Department, and all other assisting agencies, for their support and dedication leading to this award.”

Toms River Officials: 75% of beach dunes lost in Nor'easter

A news release has been published by the Township of Toms River. It reads:

The Township Department of Public Works and Engineering have been monitoring conditions at our beaches following last night’s nor’easter. Unfortunately, we estimate about 75 percent of our dunes were lost in this storm. Several walkovers were also damaged. Our Parks, Buildings and Grounds department has closed access points to the beaches in these locations. Fortunately, there were no breaches of ocean breaking through to the streets.

The Township has an emergency contract in place with Cardinal Construction to import sand as soon as possible. We hope to be moving sand in the next day or so, working first in Ortley Beach then moving to Normandy Beach. Mayor Kelaher has been in contact with the state Department of Environmental Protection to request some assistance from the state for this nor’easter.


Until the federal dune replenishment project begins this spring, the Township remains committed to protecting private property and businesses from storms and flooding.

photos provided by Toms River Township.

Teen Struck by Car While Crossing Street for School Bus

Submitted by Jackson Police Dept.

JACKSON-On Tuesday January 24, 2017 at approximately 6:52 am, patrol officers and emergency personnel responded to Brewers Bridge Road in the area of Buckingham Drive on the report of a juvenile who had been struck by a vehicle.

 

Upon arriving at the scene, officers determined that a teenaged male suffered minor injuries after being struck by a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix while crossing Brewers Bridge Road to board a township school bus. The driver of the involved vehicle was identified as a 57 year old female resident of Lakehurst. She stopped her vehicle immediately and was fully cooperative with the investigating officers.

 

The teenaged male was transported by ground to a local hospital as a precaution.

 

The preliminary investigation indicates that the juvenile had entered the roadway prior to the bus coming to a stop and activating its red flashing lights. The incident is still currently under investigation by Police Officers Trevor Crowley and Brad Reider of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

 

Ocean County Democrats Offer Sessions on Activism in Toms River, Barnegat

The Ocean County Democrats will be hosting two events in February, activist training and a Trump “How and Why” session.

On February 8th, from 6-8 pm, Democrats will be discussing, “Making a difference-how, why and when in the Trump era.”  The event will be held at the Ocean County Library in Downtown Toms River.

On February 23rd, from 6-8pm, they will be providing Democratic Activist Training at the Barnegat branch of the Ocean County Library.

“Making a difference in your town and country- running for office- how, why and when to run,” read the event notice. “If you’ve ever thought about running for office, or would like to get involved in a campaign- this training is for you. This is the first session in a series, and will go over how to get on the ballot and what it takes to get started.”

 

 

Clean drinking water to be made available for residents with contaminated wells

JACKSON-Joint Base MDL officials said today that they have not yet received test results back from wells tested in Jackson Township, but if those tests come back with PFOS and PFOA levels that exceed EPA limits, clean water will be provided to those residents.

“Where our activities contaminated drinking water above the Environmental Protection Agency health advisory, we immediately provide safe drinking water and implement long-term steps to ensure safe drinking water, including transitioning to a more environmentally responsible AFFF alternative,”  said Air Force spokesperson Chris Powell.

He added that the Air Force will continue sampling wells in Jackson Township that are near the contamination zone on the the base.   Earlier it was estimated that 40 to 50 homes could be impacted.  Base officials went to those homes to ask residents to allow them to test their well water.

“The Air Force is committed to protecting human health and ensuring safe drinking water for our Airmen and impacted communities,” Powell said. “We are systematically sampling groundwater and soil where Aqueous Film Forming Foam was released, prioritizing release sites with a higher probability of groundwater contamination.”

Local elected officials have yet to issue a response on the possible well water contamination.

“To date, we have not yet received validated results from the ground water testing that has been conducted,” he concluded.

Residents with well water who are concerned about their water quality can visit Jackson Township’s website, www.jacksontwpnj.net and request a water testing kit.

 

Video: Large waves pound Seaside Heights on Both Sides

Videos posted today to Facebook show the power and force of waves hitting Seaside Heights on the ocean and bay fronts.

https://www.facebook.com/jlcoccaro/videos/10202603243358013/

 

https://www.facebook.com/jlcoccaro/videos/10202603286679096/

Nor'Easter Photos: Ortley Beach

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Photos from Ortley Beach during the January 23rd Nor’easter by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.  Click photo to view gallery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”93746,93747,93748,93749″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

After Officer Nearly Struck, Department Reiterates Commitment to Enforce "Move Over" law

JACKSON-The Jackson Police Department says it will be taking violations of New Jersey’s “Move Over” law very seriously.    Ocean County has recently installed warning signs along County Line Road in the township and the department says motorists should heed those warnings.

“The Law states that motorists approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or other highway safety vehicles such as maintenance trucks, that are displaying red, blue, or amber flashing lights, must move over one lane if safe to do so,” the department said in a statement. “If not safe to move over, drivers should slow down to below the posted speed limit.”

The purpose of the law is to reduce the number of roadway fatalities and injuries to emergency workers, tow operators, and maintenance personnel operating statewide along our roadways. Several other states have similar versions of this law.

In 2016 alone, approximately 9 police officers nationwide were killed when third party vehicles struck them or their patrol vehicle from behind. That 9 includes NJSP Trooper Sean Cullen who was killed while investigating a separate motor vehicle crash in South Jersey in March of 2016.

The department takes the law seriously.  It was former Jackson Memorial High School Student and State Trooper Marc Castellano’s unfortunate death on Route 195 that brought light to the issue which led to the law’s creation.

“Jackson officers have been, and will continue to take enforcement action with respect to this critical law,” the department said. “The Jackson Police Department would like to extend our appreciation to Donna Setaro, the mother of late State Trooper Marc Castellano, for her guidance in this process, and for her unrelenting commitment to this cause. Trooper Castellano, a graduate of Jackson Memorial High School, died after an incident along Interstate 195 in neighboring Howell Township on June 6th, 2010. Trooper Castellano had been assisting with the search for a suspect in an unrelated matter when a motorist accidentally left their lane of travel, and struck and killed him along the side of the highway.”

Jackson police said an inattentive driver last week crashed into one of the department’s patrol vehicles, nearly striking an officer.

On January 16, 2017 at 11:15 pm, Police Officer Greenberger was involved in a road closure on Cedar Swamp Road at Diamond Road due to a previous motor vehicle crash. The officer had his patrol unit, with emergency lights activated, stationed at the intersection near an illuminated street light to block the lane which was also blocked with road flares.

The driver of a 2010 Ford Fusion approached the intersection, drove around the flares in the road and then disregarded the officer who was wearing a reflective vest and utilizing a flashlight to attempt to get the driver’s attention before jumping out of the way, and then crashed into the marked patrol unit. Fortunately there were no injuries in this incident and the driver was issued the appropriate summons.

Jackson Student to Perform at Carnegie Hall

JACKSON-Katrina Zangrillo, a student at Jackson Memorial High School has been selected for the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. She will perform as a Soprano one in February with the Concert Choir Honors Ensemble. Participation in one of the five Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.

Earlier this year, Katrina Zangrillo auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in her application and audition recording. Katrina will join other performers from all 49 United States, Guam, two Canadian provinces, and a number of foreign countries for a special performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.

According to Morgan Smith, Program Director, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 750 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget”.

Katrina has studied music for six years and is a member of Concert Choir, A Capella, and Tri-M, at JMHS and is also part of the Saint Aloysius choir. She has participated in the spring musicals at JMHS for the past three years. She has decided to pursue musical theater as a career.  She also is active in the study of piano, acting and dance classes. She loves taking workshops at Sweet Music Academy and Count Basie Theater. In response to her selection as a Finalist, Katrina said, “Never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned myself to be considered for a momentous and impacting honor such as this. Words cannot express how jubilated I feel. To all my fellow contenders, I cannot wait to be united with you to not only create beautiful music, but hopefully form great friendships”.

Finalists will come together in New York City for five days in February 2017. They will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other Finalists, and get a taste of New York City. Two performances, an Honors Choral Performance and an Honors Instrumental Performance, will take place Sunday, February 5, and are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased beginning 60 days prior to the performance through the Carnegie Hall box office.

The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual high school performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in the celebrated venue, Carnegie Hall. The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented by WorldStrides, the nation’s leading educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com.

Fire Chief Kicks in Door; Alerts Occupant

Deputy Fire Chief Letts of the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department was driving on Long Beach Boulevard when a call came in over his radio about a fire reported at a nearby commercial building.   According to a news release on the department’s Facebook page, Letts, knew the building and knew that there was occupied rental space within the building.

It was shortly after 2am Sunday morning and Letts drove to the building, kicked the door in and notified the person inside the building that it was on fire.

“Deputy Chief Letts noticed smoke in the area and turned around to investigate. Smoke was found to be coming from a commercial property with a residential living unit on the 2nd floor,” the department said. “After calling the fire in to Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Radio Room, knowing this living unit was occupied, Chief Letts kicked the door in and made entry to alert the occupant. At this time a 2nd alarm was requested.”

The fire was located in the attic. With the assistance of Long Beach Township Police officers, the occupant was helped out of the building.

Surf City Volunteer Fire Company arrived on scene and battled the fire with assistance from the Beach Haven, Ship Bottom and High Point Fire Companies.   A FAST team from the Stafford Fire Department also was on scene.

The cause is under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Route 88 Work Between Railroad and Ocean County Park to Begin

From the Lakewood Police Department:

On or about January 23, 2017 the New Jersey American Water Company will be installing a new water main on Route #88 to replace the current one to provide better service to the community. The project will start at the railroad tracks just east of Monmouth / Railroad Avenues and continue east towards the Ocean County Park. The project is expected to be completed in May of 2017 and will be installed during the evening hours of 8:00 pm to 6:00am to lessen the impact and inconvenience to the community. During the project only the immediate area of construction will close Rt. 88, but a detour has been set up for all wide loads, tractor trailers, transit buses and non local traffic to avoid the area via a bypass of South Clifton Avenue to Cedarbridge Avenue to New Hampshire Avenue back onto Route #88. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Traffic Safety Officer Alex Guzman @ at 732.363.0200 ext. 5321

N.J. Women's March organizers: 'Turn this into a movement'

TRENTON — After a Saturday that drew thousands of people across the state to rally for women’s rights in the face of a political administration they deem hostile, leaders of these marches said they hoped the resistance was just beginning. “This isn’t going to be an isolated moment in time,” said Elizabeth Meyer, the founder and…

Berkeley "Meet the Mayor" Scheduled for Monday, January 23rd

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr., is pleased to announce that he will continue his evening office hours. Mayor Amato’s evening office hours are in addition to his “Meet the Mayor” and “Town Hall” programs, which will also continue in 2017.

“My next two scheduled public evening office hours will be held Monday, January 23rd and Monday, February 13th at Berkeley Town Hall from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Elected officials have an obligation to be as accessible as possible to our constituents. During my time in office, I have held countless “Meet the Mayor” and “Town Hall” meetings, regularly meet with constituents outside of regular business hours, and have created additional avenues for residents to contact local government.” Mayor Amato said.

“Our Hot Line gives residents one-stop access to Township government, enabling the township to more effectively and efficiently respond to resident’s suggestions, concerns or complaints. The Hot Line number is 732-244-7400 Extension 203, and is available 24 hours a day.” Mayor Amato said.

Residents can also email the Mayor directly at: mayor@twp.berkeley.nj.us .

“In addition to the “Hot Line” and my email, residents are encouraged to visit www.berkeleytownship.org and click next to the Mayor’s message to provide suggestions or feedback online, with most residents receiving follow-up the next business day.” Mayor Amato said.

Our Township of Berkeley Facebook Page is new, and is constantly updated with information, and news on the Township.

If you haven’t signed up for our Nixle system, please visit our web site to register to receive important emails and text messages.

“I look forward to continuing my dialog and outreach to residents in 2017.” Mayor Amato said.

Campbell's Makes Soup from 100 Year Old Recipe Using New Jersey Beefsteak Tomatoes

 

https://www.facebook.com/campbells/videos/10154357490829506/

Campbell’s soup is taking customers back 100 years and deep into their archives. In the back of the vault we discovered they discovered their founder’s original New Jersey based beefsteak tomato soup recipe and decided to not only make the original recipe once again, but package and share a limited batch with consumers.

“We made a limited supply of 10,000 jars using seasonal New Jersey beefsteak tomatoes from southern New Jersey farms,” the company said.  “The original Beefsteak Tomato Soup features a perfect balance of texture and sweet and tart flavors — making it just as good as it was 100 years ago.”

 

New Jersey Tries to Collect 25 Year Old $106 Debt from Ex-Resident

The long arm of New Jersey’s tax collectors can extend across time and state boundaries.

A former Howell Township resident this week received a notice from the New Jersey Department of Labor seeking to collect a $106 unemployment benefits overpayment. In 1991, the man, who wishes to remain anonymous was a 19 year old working in New Jersey, collecting unemployment after being laid off from his job.

Today, he lives in sunny Florida and thought he had left all of New Jersey’s dysfunctions behind.  He left New Jersey in 1994 and doesn’t even remember which job he was laid off from, as so much time has passed.

He didn’t know at the time, but the state paid him a few dollars too much in unemployment that year.

Twenty-five years later, now 44, he received a notice from the state demanding that he returned the $106 paid to him during his teen years to the state. If he did not pay, the state threatened to turn the matter over to the Internal Revenue Service under the Treasury Offset Program, the debt collection arm of the federal government.

Although debtors of private entities in New Jersey are protected by a six year statute of limitations, there is no statute of limitations in the state when it comes to overpayment of unemployment benefits.

This form of debt collection is very common in New Jersey.  A simple Google search turned up dozens of others who received the same letter.

It turns out New Jersey can be relentless in collecting these debts, chasing debtors across state lines in a vigorous attempt to return the money back to the state.

What most people don’t realize is that you don’t necessarily have to pay that debt and the state sometimes settles for less.  Residents also can file an appeal with the Department of Labor if they can prove the overpayment was entitled to them.

In this case, the debt was settled for just $31.08, the cost a few nails to help pay for the $300 million state house renovation project, perhaps.

 

Lacey first responders recognized for saving woman from burning home

by Chief Michael DiBella, Lacey PD

LACEY-On Tuesday evening, January 17, 2017, the Lacey Township Board of Education honored Police Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, along with Forked River Firefighter Edward Barker, Jr., for saving an elderly woman from her burning home November 25, 2016. During the Lacey School Board meeting, High School Principal Greg Brandis spoke about the incident and honored all three alumni for their actions, providing each with a certificate. Several officers from the Lacey Township Police Department, along with members of the Forked River Fire Department, Mayor Peter Curatolo and Committeeman Gary Quinn were present. Officer Sarno graduated in 2003, Officer Meyler in 2007, and Edward Barker, Jr in 2010.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 25, 2016, at 12:09 a.m. Officers Christopher Meyler, Anthony Sarno, and Julie Barcalow responded to the 1800 block of Serpentine Drive in Forked River, in regard to a fire alarm. The fire alarm notification was followed by a second call, from a neighbor reporting heavy smoke coming from the residence. Upon Officer Meyler’s arrival, he observed a large concentration of flames coming from the rear of the ranch-style home. Officer Meyler located two adult female occupants (visitors from Massachusetts), who advised that they were able to exit from the fire, however, the 81-year-old female homeowner was still inside. Officer Meyler soon discovered the woman was trapped inside the attached garage. Officer Meyler broke an exterior garage window and entered inside in an attempt to reach the homeowner. Officers Julie Barcalow, Anthony Sarno, and Scott Keefe arrived on scene to assist. Officer Sarno entered the garage, along with two Forked River Volunteer Firemen, Rob Anderson and Edward Barker, Jr. The four of them were able to successfully transfer the woman homeowner outside through the garage window. The homeowner, and the two female visitors from Massachusetts, ages 64 and 35, were transported to Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation. Officers Meyler and Sarno were also taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

In addition to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, both Officers Julie Barcalow and Scott Keefe were recognized on December 9, 2016, by Chief Michael C. DiBella for their actions involving the November 25, 2016 fire. In addition, I would like to acknowledge that Forked River Firefighter Rob Anderson was as instrumental as all in saving the woman’s life. Furthermore, I need to acknowledge Forked River Fire Chief Raymond Brandmahl for his actions November 25, 2016.

I would like to thank the Lacey Township Board of Education for taking the time to honor the involved police officers and firefighters. Additionally, I would like to once again honor all of the involved police officers and firefighters who helped save this woman’s life back on November 25, 2017. In addition to our officers, our Emergency Services Personnel are truly an asset to Lacey Township and I thank them.

Food gone digital…University students inching us closer to replicators?

Could food be about to go digital? A team of engineers at Columbia University think so. They’re working with chefs to create a 3D home food printing machine. Digital cooking could be coming to your kitchen. And it could have major implications for nutrition and health care in a future of highly customized food production. “In…

George W. Bush Paints Portraits of American Warriors Wounded in Combat During His Presidency

The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, announced today that it will publish a new book by George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States. Titled PORTRAITS OF COURAGE: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, the book features 66 full-color portraits and a four-panel mural personally painted by President Bush of service members and veterans who have served our nation with honor, and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office.

“Over the past several months, I’ve painted the portraits of 98 wounded warriors I’ve gotten to know – remarkable men and women who were injured carrying out my orders,” the former President said.

The book will be released by Crown in print and digital formats in the United States and Canada on February 28, 2017. The book will be simultaneously issued in unabridged audio formats by Penguin Random House Audio, with the text of the stories read by President Bush. President Bush was represented in negotiations by Robert Barnett of Williams & Connolly, with Crown acquiring world, electronic, and serial rights to the work.

Since leaving Washington, President Bush has made it a priority to support and honor America’s veterans as they re-enter civilian life, and PORTRAITS OF COURAGE is an integral part of that mission. It is President Bush’s hope that these stories of courage and resilience will honor our men and women in uniform, highlight their family and caregivers who bear the burden of their sacrifice, and help Americans understand how we can support our transitioning veterans and empower them to succeed.

President Bush will donate his net author proceeds from the book to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit organization whose Military Service Initiative works to ensure that post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life with a focus on gaining meaningful employment and overcoming the invisible wounds of war.

Gates Removed at Fort Monmouth; Route 537 through former base opens to traffic

The front gates which have been closed at Fort Monmouth since September of 2011 are opening again today.  Route 537 through the base will be open for public traffic at noon. The plan is part of an overall project to repurpose now defunct U.S. Army base.

Route 537 which connected Fort Monmouth from the Eatontown gate to Camden is the state’s third longest county road.

 

WATCH: Emotional win by pin for special needs wrestler from Brick Memorial

MIDDLETOWN – A Brick Memorial wrestler made his varsity debut on Saturday and won his match. While that might not sound remarkable, it was a moment that won’t soon be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Moments after No. 17 Middletown North “officially” put a 32-29 victory over Brick Memorial in the books, David Richards, a…

Foster Rescue Saves Pregnant Dog From Kill Shelter; Broadcasts Birth Live on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/itsaruffliferescue/videos/633732776813051/

When It’s a Ruff Life Rescue, a dog fostering network in New Jersey which has many canine foster homes in Ocean County found out about Little Miss Sunshine waiting on death row at a North Carolina kill shelter, the group sprung into action.

Little did they know just last week, that the dog they rescued was pregnant.  They also didn’t know until she was taken in for x-rays that she had been used as target practice in North Carolina. Doctors found several bb’s lodged under her skin.

After asking for donations, the community responded and food, toys, training pads and other items started pouring in.  There were also supplies for the babies.

Within a few days, a foster home was found for Little Miss Sunshine.   Then, she gave birth to her puppies which was broadcast live on Facebook.  Over 50,000 people watched the birth live.

Now named Abigail, she birthed 8 puppies, one did not make it.  She gave birth to 6 boys and 2 girls.

If you would like to get involved and help, visit It’s A Ruff Life’s Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

How One Shore Town is Warning Drug Dealers to Stay Out

As you travel north along Route 9 from Lakewood into Howell Township, you might have noticed a new billboard.  In a joint venture between the Howell Municipal Alliance and the Howell Township Police Department, two Howell police officers greet motorists and would-be drug traffickers and users.

“Thinking of bringing drugs into Howell Township? Think again,” the billboard reads.

The billboard lies between the Riccardi Brothers paint store and Federicci’s, just about 1,000 feet north of the Lakewood-Howell border.