Toms River, NJ|News|
VA Clinic Naming For World War II Hero In Ocean County Finally Sealed
A Congressional resolution to name the clinic for Leonard G. "Bud" Lomell has been signed by President Donald Trump.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
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
Toms River, NJ|News|
Woman Shot Dead In Ocean County Is NBA Star's Sister, Reports Say
Toraya Reid 28, was shot and killed by her boyfriend outside a Jackson apartment complex, authorities say.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
New Details Revealed In Drunk Driving Crash That Killed Road Worker In Toms River
Douglas P. Smith was arrested at a woman's apartment after she and a second woman denied seeing him, according to court documents.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Coast Guard Property, Town Budget Talk And More Set For Point Pleasant Beach Meeting
A town hall meeting is set for Saturday with a lengthy topic list, and Point Pleasant Beach residents and nonresidents are urged to attend.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Brick Township Garage Sales, Sept. 6-7
The following homes are anticipated to be holding garage sales this weekend, for all you bargain hunters.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Grab Pizza, Beer Downtown To Support Special Needs Sports Program In Toms River
Trade cooking for dinner out to help the Unified Sports program in the Toms River Regional Schools, which serves special needs students.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
12 NJ Students Help Team Win International Space Design Competition
The students from Toms River, Neptune, Holmdel, and Old Bridge were among a 64-member team that won for its plan for humans to orbit Venus.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
NJ School Funding: How Much Aid Did Your District Receive For 2025-26
The 2025-26 New Jersey state budget included more than $12 billion for schools. See how much your district received.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
16 Restaurants, Stores Cited For Food Safety Violations In Ocean County
Violations ranged from hand-washing failures to improper food storage, county Health Department reports said; there were 171 inspections.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Driver Who Killed NJ Road Worker Had Drug Mix, Alcohol In His Blood, Prosecutor Says
The man had nearly twice the alcohol limit plus cocaine, fentanyl and meth in his blood in the fatal Toms River crash, authorities said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Multiple Cats Removed From Brick Home
Police said the cats were removed as part of an ongoing investigation.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot-Winning Ticket Sold In Toms River
The ticket was worth nearly $350,000, New Jersey Lottery officials said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Teen Killed In Parkway Crash In Toms River
The 18-year-old from Toms River died after his car hit a tree, state police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Swimmer Dies After Being Pulled From Ocean At Jersey Shore, Police Say
The North Jersey resident was found in the water off Lavallette, police said. Lifeguards are not on duty at most beaches at the shore.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Ex-Teacher From Brick Admits Sexually Assaulting Wall Students
The woman had sexual relationships with students in 2017 and 2024. She resigned her Wall High School teaching job during the investigation.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
NJ Man Who Filmed Foster Children Posed As Young Girl, Sent Nude Photo, Affidavit Says
The Point Pleasant man had Ring cameras in the children's bedrooms and accessed them through an app on his phone, authorities say.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
New Restrictions On Some Treatments Coming For NJ Medicare Patients
The Trump administration is planning to roll out new prior authorizations in New Jersey under a test program. See what it may mean for you.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
New York City, NY|News|
Rudy Giuliani To Receive Presidential Medal Of Freedom, Trump Says
Trump made the announcement about the highest civilian honor in the United States two days after Giuliani was injured in a crash.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Newtown, PA|News|
Child On Hersheypark Monorail Tracks Rescued By Bucks County Man: Reports
The man, a Richboro veterinarian, said his instincts as a father led him to take risky moves to rescue the boy, the reports said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Los Angeles, CA|News|
Domestic Violence Victim's Hand Signals Lead To Man's Arrest In LA County, Police Say
A bystander at a 7-Eleven saw the woman signaling for help and called police, authorities said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
