COVID, Struggling Businesses: Lacey's Top Stories Of 2020

LACEY, NJ — As 2020 comes to a close, Lacey and much of the world are looking forward to the new year.

Throughout 2020, the community saw death, illness, job loss and school closures. But sometimes the community came together, as customers supported struggling local businesses, longtime police officers celebrated retirement and two people dressed up as dinosaurs to give everyone a laugh.

Here are some of Lacey Patch's top stories of 2020:

'We Just Broke Down:' Lacey Salon Hangs On Amid Coronavirus

Lisa Colalillo-Gee remembers the date of March 19. It's the day Governor Phil Murphy ordered the closure of salons, barber shops and other personal-care businesses because of the coronavirus. Colalillo-Gee owns Salon Bellissimo in Forked River. The decision essentially left their 10 employees without jobs.

Lacey Police Hold Retirement Walkout Ceremony For 2 Officers

The Lacey Township Police Department held a walkout retirement ceremony in September for Lt. Vincent Meehan and Sgt. Robert Surtees. Both served Lacey for 25 years each.

State Orders Lacey's Lakeside Diner To Shut Down, Owner Refuses

State officials ordered the Lakeside Diner to shut down in July. The restaurant received its fourth citation for allowing indoor dining during the coronavirus pandemic.

Charges Upgraded For Fatal Fight In Lacey

A Manalapan man was charged with aggravated manslaughter after a fight between motorcycle club members turned deadly.

Pair Dresses As Dinosaurs To Get Groceries In Lacey

Two people dressed as dinosaurs shopped at ShopRite in Lacey. One photo from inside the store shows the prehistoric beasts carrying baskets of groceries and going about their dinosaur business.

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