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.
Toms River East's on-field acts told Manchester coach Tommy Farrell Jr. and his wife they were not alone while grieving their baby's death.
The man was a teacher in Atlantic County; the child is younger than 13 years old, authorities said.
The Movies Under The Stars includes a bounce house and a foam party for the whole family after the movie.
The following homes are anticipated to be holding garage sales this weekend, for all you bargain hunters.
The Point Pleasant man had cameras in the bedrooms where foster children stayed and shared the nude photos online, authorities said.
The 15-year-old had last been seen walking away from his home but has now been found, police say.
Take a look at the forecast for the last beach weekend of 2025 at the Jersey Shore.
The JBJ Soul Foundation Pop-Up cafe at the Ocean County Library could shut down in January, and urges the public to buy more meals to help.
A lease agreement approved by the Brick Township Board of Education will bring steady revenue for more than a decade, officials said.
The rocket created an unusual pattern in the night sky as scientists study the atmosphere. Did you see it?
Newly approved vaccines for COVID-19 target the newest variant and are in place ahead of the coming respiratory illness season.
Toms River will not pursue a proposed takeover of the 11-acre property of Christ Episcopal Church, Mayor Daniel Rodrick said.
The policy slated for approval in September would prohibit students from having their phones out and on in school, with limited exceptions.
The hearing on Kathy Eagan's request for the removal of George Lobman from the November ballot for school board has been rescheduled.
Levels of Enterococci bacteria exceed the amount that is considered safe for swimming, state officials said.
See what teachers earn in the 10 top-paying districts, and where the salaries are lowest. Search the chart to see what your district pays.
The teen was last seen on foot in Manchester, police said.
The crash on Sunday night tied up traffic in the area, police said.
Ocean County officials said the company had stamped beef and poultry as freshly packaged when it was near or past expiration dates.
Residents angered by Mayor Daniel Rodrick's actions are seeking his ouster. Rodrick says they are merely serving special interests.
