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.
The fire at the former Piner Elementary School in Lakewood happened during Friday evening classes held by a Polish school, the reports said.
If you've started your fall cleanup, mark your calendar with the dates Brick Township will pick up your bagged leaves.
The Manasquan Inlet Tug Of War between Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan raises money for the two towns' recreation programs.
Superintendent Michael Citta addressed community rumors about the district's special education plans and said a presentation is scheduled.
The vigil in Toms River is part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Witnesses pulled the teen from the burning wreckage and tried to resuscitate him; 2 others were injured in the crash, authorities said.
The playground opened at Windward Beach Park in 2014.
The man, a former assistant prosecutor in two counties, was disbarred in 2022 for misappropriating client funds, records show.
Toms River Regional Board of Education committee meetings and a special meeting to vote on a new contract for Michael Citta are canceled.
A Manchester man and a Jackson man are accused of distributing about 300 grams of cocaine over a three-month period, authorities say.
A new contract is set to be approved by the Toms River Regional Board of Education at a special meeting.
Darnell Williams, who worked at schools in Stafford and in Atlantic County, is now accused of sexually touching five underage girls.
Food, family fun and fireworks are in store at the Point Pleasant festival.
Donald Guardian alleged he was ousted from the job in 2020 because he was pointing out questionable actions and because he is gay.
The man, who is serving a sentence for violating parole in a previous child pornography case, will be in prison longer, authorities said.
Rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was convicted of prostitution charges after a nearly two-month trial earlier this year.
The scheduled work is anticipated to make the crossing smoother and safer, state officials said.
A Howell Township man arrested on a child pornography charge had made multiple audios bragging about being a pedophile, the report said.
The company has information available for those who need to obtain immunization and prescription records.
The motorcyclist was thrown from his motorcycle as a result of the crash, Manchester police said.
