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.
Patrick Dispoto was found unresponsive; his girlfriend said he was trying to get kids to safety as the thunderstorm began, the report said.
From Meals on Wheels to groups that help victims of domestic violence, the organizations provide critical assistance to Brick residents.
The Point Pleasant Beach Recreation Committee is hosting the concert series, which kicks off with a kids' concert.
Toms River Regional is facing a $25.4 million shortfall for 2024-25. The state-approved tax increase would only cut that in half.
Smoke and ash from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst sparked wildfire concerns. Officials said they were working to prevent range fires.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Howell.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Manchester.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Point Pleasant and Point Pleasant Beach.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Toms River.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Brick Township.
Here's a look at the Jersey Shore beach forecast for June 21-23, with a hot weekend in store now that summer has officially begun.
The following homes are anticipated to be holding garage sales this weekend, for all you bargain hunters.
Many local graduates excelled in academics, fine arts or volunteer service. Here's one local graduate who deserves a shoutout in Toms River.
The following homes are anticipated to be holding garage sales this weekend, for all you bargain hunters.
Icarus Brewing is holding "Last Call Lakewood" as the owners get set to move to the new site in Brick. They've announced the grand opening.
The two employees of the Alzheimer's care facility have been indicted in the case, authorities said.
Save Barnegat Bay is organizing community cleanups in Point Pleasant to help get trash and debris out of Barnegat Bay. You can help.
Here's a look at the Jersey Shore beach forecast for June 14-16, as schools around New Jersey let out for the summer.
Travis Bogin was fishing alone off the Jersey Shore when he caught a 5.5-foot great white. "It was a lot of shock and excitement," he said.
Many local graduates excelled in academics, fine arts or volunteer service. Here's one local graduate who deserves a shoutout in Brick.
