Brick|News|
11 Jersey Shore Beaches Under Swimming Advisories Due To Bacteria Levels
The advisories warn that fecal bacteria levels pose a health risk for swimming.
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
Manchester, NJ|News|
2 18-Year-Olds Injured, 1 Airlifted After Dirt Bike Crash In Manchester
The two 18-year-olds suffered serious injuries in the crash, Manchester police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
As Dog Bites Skyrocket In Ocean County, Health Officials Urge People To Be More Careful
The number of dog bites reported in 2025 already exceeds the number reported in 2024. Officials are urging people to be safer around pets.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Howell, NJ|News|
Township Manager, Council Vacancies Set For Howell Special Council Meeting
The Township Council is set to discuss both topics, which have created some turmoil in the township's government.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
WWII Hero From Toms River May Finally Be Honored On VA Clinic
A House bill would honor Leonard G. "Bud" Lomell, the hero of the D-Day invasion at Normandy, who lived much of his life in Ocean County.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Woman Faces Weapons Charges After Stolen Handgun, Rifle Found In Toms River Home: Police
Toms River police had been called to the home about a disorderly persons incident and learned about the weapons, authorities said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Ocean County Set To Pay 6-Figure Sexual Harassment Suit Settlement
It is the second 6-figure settlement of a lawsuit naming former commissioner Joseph H. Vicari that involved sexual harassment.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Man Sentenced In Late-Night Attack, Robbery Of Brick Man
The man is one of 3 people who attacked a Brick Township resident in his driveway in 2023; the other 2 suspects have not been identified.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Woman Hits 2 Men With Vehicle In Toms River Parking Lot, Takes Off, Prosecutor Says
One of the men was critically injured; the woman was arrested, authorities said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Jacksonville, FL|News|
Man Killed In Officer-Involved Shooting In Jacksonville: Reports
The man threatened his own life after crashing into a vehicle with a woman and her children, then threatened a bicyclist, authorities said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Chelsea, NY|News|
Man Killed With Own Knife After Slashing Victim In NYC Subway: Reports
The man slashed a 24-year-old victim after an argument with the victim and the victim's friend, the reports said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Galloway, NJ|News|
Teen E-Bike Rider Killed In Atlantic County Crash
The teen was flown to a trauma center before dying of his injuries, police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
New London, CT|News|
Fire Forces Dozens From Apartment Building In New London, Reports Say
At least four people were injured in the fire at the Crocker House, a report said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Fire Truck Stranded, Dozens Of Water Rescues In Flooded MoCo Roads
East-West Highway had water waist-deep in some spots; a Chevy Chase fire crew responding to a call got stuck but rescued a trapped driver.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Flash Flood Warning Issued In Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Prince George's Counties
Some roads are closed as rainfall of 1-2 inches in 30 minutes has caused flooding, according to authorities.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Seeing ICE Or Border Patrol Shirts? They May Not Be Real ICE Agents
As immigration enforcement ramps up, people who support the Trump administration's actions are showing it publicly.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
DARE Poster, Essay Winners Highlight Lessons In Leadership In Brick
Messages of courage and responsibility, lessons in leadership bolster the program's original message of "just say no: to drugs, police say.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Jersey Shore Beach Report: Some Sunshine But Storms Possible
The beach weather has been a bit uneven this summer but you can still catch some rays as long as you're flexible. Check the forecast.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Manchester, NJ|News|
ICE Detainees Set To Be Held At Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
NJ Congressional Democrats call it "a blatant misuse of one of New Jersey’s most critical military assets" and "unacceptable and shameful."
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Manchester, NJ|News|
Woman Hospitalized, Charged With DUI After Crash In Manchester
The woman's pickup truck took out a utility pole and brought down wires, Manchester police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
