Manchester, NJ|News|
Manchester High School Alum Joins US Space Force
Ryan Sogness, Manchester Class of 2020, was in the Air Force Junior ROTC in high school. He is now a U.S. Space Force commissioned officer.
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|
Weapon, Cocaine Guilty Plea Leads To Federal Prison For Toms River Man
The man initially paid another person to claim responsibility for cocaine and a firearm found in his home, authorities said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Man Who Strangled Woman In Point Pleasant Indicted: Prosecutor
Juan M. Santiago-Rojas is charged with attempted murder, accused of strangling the woman to unconsciousness in 2022 and fleeing.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Manchester, NJ|News|
Truck Driver From Manchester Killed In Ohio Crash
The semi-truck went off the road and down an embankment in the early morning crash, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
'Goal: Zero' Putting Route 70 Drivers Under Scrutiny In Ocean County
Reckless drivers are the targets of a traffic enforcement campaign that aims to stop fatal crashes by encouraging safe driving.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Boy Threatened To Shoot People Trying To Stop Brick Robbery: OCPO
People who witnessed the robbery at Angela Hibbard Park tried to stop the boy, until he threatened to shoot them, the prosecutor said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Fire Chief Accused Of Sex Assaults Was Put On Leave: Official
Toms River Fire District 2 commissioners reported the allegations against Robert Sinnott Jr. to law enforcement, the board's attorney says.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Friends Helping Brick Family After Fire Claims Home, Dog's Life
The family who lost their home are "the kind of people who show up without needing to be asked" when others are in need, a friend said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Manchester, NJ|News|
Hear From Manchester's Mayor In Live Interview
The Manchester Township Police Department's Facebook live interview series, which started in August, is featuring Mayor Joseph Hankins.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Long-Awaited Coaster Opening At Six Flags Great Adventure
The Flash: Vertical Velocity is opening to the public as Six Flags Great Adventure begins the 2025 season. See what else is new at the park.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Hydrant Flushing Schedule Announced In Point Pleasant Beach
The hydrant flushing is a regular part of maintenance for the Point Pleasant Beach water system.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Ex-Cop, Fire Chief Sexually Abused Toms River Firefighters, Suit Says
The Silverton Fire Company volunteers allege they were handcuffed, groped, forced to touch him, and reports of the assaults were ignored.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Swimming Banned At Beachwood Beach For 2025, Maybe Longer: Report
The beach on the Toms River was closed to swimming in July 2024. It may never reopen for swimming, according to a report.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Howell, NJ|News|
Student Brought Gun To Middle School But It Was Fake, Howell PD Says
The student created the firearm using a 3D printer, Howell police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Dog Dies, Family Loses Home In Brick Township Fire
The family of five was not home at the time of the fire, according to a family friend. Their pet dog was not able to be saved.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Bathroom Fire Quickly Extinguished In Silverton Home
The fire was caused by smoking materials that were not properly discarded, officials said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Princeton Avenue Work Closure Extended In Brick
Drivers who were hoping to resume their preferred routes will have to wait a bit longer.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Road Closures Planned During Funeral For Toms River Couple
There will be road closures for the funeral procession for Evan Fiore and Kiley Armstrong, Toms River police confirmed.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Community Envelops Families Of Couple Killed In Route 37 Crash
The funeral for Kiley Armstrong and Evan Fiore is Friday afternoon in Toms River, and a large turnout is expected.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Brick|News|
Kim Hosting Town Hall In Brick On Saturday
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim is holding the event to hear from New Jersey residents about their concerns regarding federal issues.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
