First things first: My email is karen.wall@patch.com and I welcome your questions, concerns and news tips. I do my best to answer all reader emails. My family moved to the Jersey Shore in August 1979 and I have lived here for most of the years since. I'm a Brick Township High School graduate and have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University. I spent 20 years at the Asbury Park Press, including four years as the editor of Hook, Line & Sinker. I was the editor of The Fisherman magazine before going to part-time work for a few years to meet family needs. While some speak French or Spanish, I am fluent in town councils and school boards, fisheries issues (and yes, I bait my own hook) and love sports, especially local sports.
The National Weather Service said its analysis showed straight-line winds, not a tornado, caused Sunday evening's damage to the motel.
"The world lost one of its most beautiful souls," Niagara U coach said of Patrick Romano, a 2016 Toms River East graduate, who died Saturday
The broken pipe on the fourth floor led to water on the third floor, with minor problems, officials said.
We've updated the list with new locations, plus there are tips on how to find appointments or get help in booking one.
The fire at Knockout Pizza, on Chambersbridge Road, was reported shortly before 4 a.m., Lakewood police said.
Airport authorities said the item was removed from Terminal 5 shortly after 1 p.m.; traffic was detoured and the terminal evacuated.
The district, its teacher union and the Ocean County Health Department worked together to begin inoculating the district's staff.
Ocean County remains in the orange zone; the rate of cases has ticked up in recent weeks, according to data from the county and state.
Brick Township police say the state's marijuana legalization laws are still unclear on what police can do, even when pot is in plain view.
The Ocean County Health Department has handed off testing to Immediate Care, to free up staff for expanded COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
A year after what was to be a one-time food distribution because of the pandemic, the Toms River community is making sure people are fed.
The proposed $106.6 million budget includes increases in salaries for police, EMTs and uses $9.9 million in surplus.
A collaboration of Fulfill, the Ocean County YMCA and Chef Lou's Army will provide meals for pick-up; you just have to sign up.
The proposed program aims to help students prepare for the rigor of AP courses, the district said.
The league, for adults, is accepting registrations and competition is scheduled to begin April 28.
Washington Street Elementary School moved to fully remote instruction as of Wednesday, the superintendent said.
Students in preschool through fifth grade will be eligible to move to five days a week of in-person instruction soon, officials said.
The district hopes to move to five days of in-person classes but no timeline has been set for that change.
This contemporary home has lots of windows to take in the amazing views of the water. Take a look at the photos.
Police are asking motorists to avoid the area while repairs are made.
