Karen Wall, Patch Staff
- Brick, NJ
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. I cover Brick, Toms River, Manchester, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, and Lakewood and do my best to keep readers informed on what's happening in their towns. I have been with Patch full-time since July 2014 but have more than 35 years in journalism, including 20 years at the Asbury Park Press. I love sports and fishing (and yes, I bait my own hook); I was the editor of Hook, Line & Sinker for four years. I have lived at the Jersey Shore since August 1979, with the exception of my college years and an 18-month stint in Northern California. I'm a Brick Township High School graduate and have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
Posting Activity
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
2 Injured As Corvette Hits Pole On Route 88 In Point Pleasant
The passenger was taken to the hospital in serious condition and the driver was taken as a precaution, police said.
Lakewood, NJ|News|
Nearly 150 Bricks Of Heroin, Plus Cocaine, Cash Seized In Lakewood
A handgun and ammunition were seized also and 6 people were arrested in the investigation in Ocean County, authorities said.
Toms River, NJ|News|
3 Injured In Route 37 Crash In Toms River
The crash at Mule Road partially closed Route 37 during the morning commute.
Brick|News|
Help Pick Up Brick Beach During Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps
Help get the beaches ready for summer by taking part of the annual spring trash removal headed up by Clean Ocean Action.
Toms River, NJ|News|
Authors Wanted For Toms River Education Foundation Book Show
The book show is set to raise funds for the education foundation, which supports extra needs of the district.
Manchester, NJ|News|
Crash Closes Route 571 In Manchester
Drivers are urged to avoid the area, police said.
Toms River, NJ|News|
Crash Partially Closes Fischer Blvd. In Toms River
The crash involves an overturned vehicle, police said.
Toms River, NJ|News|
Man Charged In Kidnap Attempt, Groping In Ocean County Ordered Held
Quamel J. Benton, 35, is accused of attacking his girlfriend, trying to grab a teenage girl in Lakewood and groping a woman in Toms River.
Howell, NJ|News|
Farmingdale Man Charged In Kidnap Attempt, Groping Ordered Held
Quamel J. Benton, 35, is accused of attacking his girlfriend, trying to grab a teenage girl in Lakewood and groping a woman in Toms River.
Toms River, NJ|News|
368 Jobs, 'Ridiculous' Class Sizes: Toms River Schools' $26.5M Problem
As 2024-25 school budget deadline nears, the Toms River Regional district is facing dire consequences of aid cuts, with no clear solution.
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Point Pleasant Officer Promoted To Sergeant
Sgt. Gene Capoano is a Point Pleasant Borough native who has spent most of his career with the borough police department.
Manchester, NJ|News|
Eclipse Becomes Interactive Science Lesson For Manchester Students
While the skies didn't fully cooperate for the partial eclipse, Manchester students learned about the science behind the astronomical event.
Toms River, NJ|News|
Mediterranean Restaurant Opens New Site In Toms River
Samara Mediterranean Grill opened its first location in Seaside Heights in 2023.
Toms River, NJ|News|
Toms River-Seaside Heights School Merger Referendum: Voting Info
Voters on Tuesday, April 16, will decide whether Seaside Heights will become part of the Toms River Regional School District.
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Teacher From Point Pleasant Accused Of Sex Assault Of Mercer Student
The woman teaches in Mercer County and is charged with sexual assault; prosecutors say she had sex with the student at a Monmouth Co. park.
Brick|News|
Brick Man Joins Republican Race For New Jersey Governor
Robert Canfield, who has run for other offices, is running to become the next governor of New Jersey.
Lakewood, NJ|News|
Naked Man Causes $100K In Damage At Lakewood Bar: Police
An employee found the man inside Maggie's Bar at Lakewood Country Club damaging equipment, furniture and inventory, police said.
Brick|News|
Don't Get Scammed: Brick Police Again Warn Of Thieves' Schemes
Brick Township police said scammers are active in town and remind residents to not fall for the ways they get people to give up their money.
Brick|News|
Driver Was Speeding 100 MPH In Ocean Co. Crash That Hurt 4: Prosecutor
The driver, a Middlesex County man, also tested positive for THC at levels that indicated recent use, the prosecutor's office said.
