Toms River, NJ|News|
Toms River Mayor Weighs Legal Action Vs. Nonprofits Over Homeless
Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick said he is exploring action against nonprofits he says have dumped people in the area, creating problems.
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
Brick|News|
Crash Disrupting Traffic On Mantoloking Road In Brick
Brick Township police are urging drivers to avoid the area because of the crash and associated delays.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Bald Eagle Nursed Back To Health, Released In Toms River: Video
Toms River Avian Care's owners have been rehabilitating birds for more than 45 years.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Toms River Couple ID'd As Pair Killed In Head-On Crash In Jackson
A woman and child who were taken to a hospital after the Route 571 crash are recovering, Jackson police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Toms River Regional Schools Applying For New Tax Levy Incentive Aid
The district is hoping the state Department of Education will provide additional aid to close a $22.3 million gap.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Princeton Avenue Closures In Brick Almost Finished
A joint project between the Brick Township MUA and the Ocean County Utilities Authority has led to an extensive closure of Princeton Avenue.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Manchester, NJ|News|
SUV Runs Stop Sign, Flips As Manchester Crash Injures 2 People
A 28-year-old man and a teen driver were injured; the teen and a 5-month-old baby, who was not hurt, were taken to hospitals, police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Brick Schools Selling Ad Space On District's Buses To Help Budget
The ads that have recently appeared on the sides of some of Brick Township's school buses are an effort to help fill budget gaps.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Howell, NJ|News|
Howell Man Who Sexually Assaulted Girl For A Year Is Sentenced
The 12-year-old girl told her mother in 2022 about the assaults, which happened in Howell and Marlboro; he hid a camera in their home, too.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Point Boro, Point Beach Students' Senior Assassin Games Prompt Notices
The student-run games can prompt water gun shootouts in public neighborhoods; police urge students to be safe and wise about how they play.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Ocean County 'Dumping' Homeless In Toms River, Mayor Reiterates
Mayor Daniel Rodrick insists Ocean County officials are exaggerating the homelessness issue and are making downtown unsafe in the process.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Easter Egg Hunt Welcomes Toms River Children, Families
There will be 20,000 Easter eggs to be collected split among three groups, officials said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Howell, NJ|News|
Ban On Smoking, Vaping In Howell's Public Spaces Set For Enforcement
The public smoking ban, which matches New Jersey law, was updated in 2023 in Howell. This year the ban will be enforced, officials said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Brick Schools Applying For New Tax Levy Incentive Aid
The program would provide an increase in state funding if a district approves a one-time increase over the 2 percent tax levy cap.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Bon Jovi, Wife Push Back On Toms River Mayor's 'Soup Kitchen' Claim
The couple who head JBJ Soul Foundation responded to comments Mayor Daniel Rodrick made regarding homeless in downtown Toms River.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Live-In Nanny Shook, Tossed 7-Week-Old Twins In Ocean Co., Police Say
The live-in nanny's actions were captured on the family's home surveillance video, authorities said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
GOP Battles For Toms River Council Control In Primaries
All 4 council ward GOP primaries are contested, with 3 candidates in Ward 4. The Democratic Ward 4 primary is contested as well.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Brick Township Garage Sales, April 5-6
The following homes are anticipated to be holding garage sales this weekend, for all you bargain hunters.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Lakewood, NJ|News|
$4M In Electronics Stolen From Lakewood Business
Burglars broke into the business through the roof and disabled the security, police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Manchester, NJ|News|
Reckless Drivers Target Of Manchester Traffic Enforcement Plan
Pine Lake Park will have focused traffic enforcement to bring reckless driving under control, Manchester police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
