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.
The event, part of the Mayor's Wellness Campaign, will include Mayor Doug Vitale sharing his experience of having a congenital heart defect.
A petitioner wants Brick, Toms River, Manchester, Jackson and Lakewood to become "one united city." Brick isn't interested, the mayor said.
The annual Valentine's Day Rose Sale is a great way to show your significant other how much they light your fire.
Manchester police say Raymond Palmieri has been found safe.
While Aqua Blu remains under fire on some areas of social media, local residents have spoken in support of the restaurant's menu offerings.
Want to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs and don't want to be at home? Here are places to watch the big game.
Want to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs and don't want to be at home? Here are places to watch the big game.
Want to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs and don't want to be at home? Here are places to watch the big game.
Want to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs and don't want to be at home? Here are places to watch the big game.
Want to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs and don't want to be at home? Here are places to watch the big game.
Deane E. LaBranche loved making music, his sister said, but a lifelong battle with manic depression interfered with sharing his passion.
New Jersey American Water has started a sanitary sewer main installation project in Howell, authorities said.
Children must turn 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2025, to be eligible to enroll in Point Pleasant for the 2025-26 school year.
Public comment is being sought as Toms River applies for Green Acres funding for the inclusive playground at Clifton Avenue Park.
A staff member was fired over the menu addition, which the owner said was "ignorant" and "a mistake," a report said.
The Manchester Township Council will be considering applicants for the council vacancy.
Brick Township police urge residents to stay off frozen bodies of water because the ice can be unevenly thick, making it dangerous.
The fire companies have been training for ice rescues, but say the ice on both bodies is not safe for people to be on it.
Brick Little League is adding softball to its offerings, giving girls the opportunity to play in a Little League Softball World Series.
The Point Pleasant Beach Police Department is welcoming applications for SLEO Class I officers for the summer of 2025.
