Lacey, NJ|News|
Wildfire Power Outage Keeps Businesses Closed In Southern Ocean
The Jones Road wildfire destroyed one business and caused damage at others. A power outage has dozens of others unable to open Wednesday.
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
Lacey, NJ|News|
Oyster Creek Owner Clarifies Plant Status Amid Wildfire In Lacey
Rumors spread online claimed that buildings at the property, which was decommissioned in 2018, had been damaged by the fire.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Toms River Teen Following In Family's Musical Footsteps
Dom Innarella has been singing since he was a toddler. He had a brush with TikTok fame in 2023 and now has been signed to a recording deal.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Wildfire Prompts Public Health Alert In Ocean County
Smoke from the fire, which had reached 3,200 acres Tuesday evening, is causing air quality issues and other safety issues, authorities said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Howell, NJ|News|
Active Shooter Training Event Scheduled At Howell School
Howell police issued a notice about the training session, which will include a large law enforcement presence.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Brick Police Hosting Bike Rodeo For Township Children
The police department is hosting its first Bike Rodeo, and it's open to Brick children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Police Drones Set To Fly In Point Pleasant Beach
The police department will have officers training to fly drones for use in law enforcement activities.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Man Grabbed 8-Year-Old Girl's Hand At Brick Store: Police
Sean Slowinski, who is charged with child endangerment, did not know the child whose hand he grabbed at Walmart, authorities said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Lakewood, NJ|News|
Off-Duty Police Officer 'Critical' After Lakewood Crash: Prosecutor
The Lakewood police officer was headed home after his shift; authorities say the pickup that his car ran a red light and was going 106 mph.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
New Jersey Reacts To The Death Of Pope Francis
Pope Francis's "tireless call to care for the poor and the marginalized will continue to inspire," the Archbishop of Newark said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Motorcyclist From Brick Killed In Route 37 Crash: Police
Will Swiderski, 24, was a lacrosse and hockey player who served in the U.S. Marines after graduating from Brick Township High School.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Manchester, NJ|News|
Motorcyclist Killed In Route 37 Crash In Manchester: Police
Will Swiderski, 24, was a Brick Township High School graduate and athlete who served in the U.S. Marines after high school.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Toms River Man Killed As ATV Hits Trees In Jackson, Police Say
Brandon Orozco-Avila, 28, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash off South Hope Chapel Road, Jackson police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Philadelphia, PA|News|
4 Injured As Vehicle Crashes Into Easter Carnival In Philly: Report
The cause of the crash was not immediately clear, the report said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Queens, NY|News|
Cyclist Hit, Killed By FDNY Fire Truck In Queens: Reports
The fire truck was responding to a call at the time of the crash, the reports said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
West Deptford, NJ|News|
Wayward Cow Captured In South Jersey After Police Wrangle Up Help
The balky bovine apparently went looking for greener pastures but found herself at a swimming pool store instead. Helpers captured her.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Queens, NY|News|
Fire Significantly Damages Queens Church Hours Before Easter Services
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, officials said. The Easter Mass has been moved to another church in the parish.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Join In Easter Parade, Fun On Seaside Heights Boardwalk
The annual Easter Promenade is just part of the fun. Get photos with the Easter Bunny, let the kids enjoy an animal show and more.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Join Easter Parade On Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk
Jenkinson's is hosting its annual Easter Parade, with prizes for participants.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across Florida, FL|News|
What We Know About 2 Men Killed In Florida State Shooting
Suspect Phoenix Ikner used a handgun that belonged to his mother, a sheriff's deputy; families of the 2 slain men released their names.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
