The Lakewood Police Department on Friday marked the 78th anniversary of the death of Officer Hartley Richter, who was killed in the line of duty on April 10, 1947.

Richter died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident while pursuing a suspect — one of the most dangerous situations a patrol officer can face. He was among the countless officers across the country who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

“Gone, but never forgotten,” the department said in a statement. “His bravery, dedication, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.”

Lakewood residents who noticed drones flying over sensitive locations throughout Pesach were seeing authorized police surveillance, law enforcement has confirmed.

The Lakewood Police Department confirmed to Lakewood Alerts that the drones were operated by its own officers as part of a coordinated security operation covering the duration of the Yom Tov.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, the New Jersey State Police, and Shomrim also participated in the effort, providing both aerial and ground-level security across the township.

No further details about the specific locations monitored were released.

Drivers in Jackson Township can expect to see more police on the roads over the next several months as part of a new effort to cut down on accidents.

The Jackson Township Police Department announced it will carry out increased traffic enforcement from April through September. The effort is funded through a grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, known locally as the Crash Abatement and Tactics (C.A.T.) program.

The move comes after a year that saw a high number of crashes in the township. In 2025 alone, there were 1,629 motor vehicle accidents in Jackson. Of those, 29 involved serious injuries, and 11 were fatal.

Police say growing traffic in the area is a big factor, and that both enforcement and driver awareness are key to improving safety. Officers will be stationed in areas where crashes happen most often, keeping an eye out for common issues like speeding, running red lights, distracted driving, not wearing seatbelts, failing to yield, and driving under the influence.

Drivers who are pulled over may receive a ticket, or in some cases, a warning along with an explanation of why the behavior is dangerous.

The department says the goal is simple: prevent serious crashes and save lives by encouraging safer driving habits.

Residents with questions about traffic safety can reach out to the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation Wednesday lifting the state’s longstanding ban on new nuclear power plant construction, a move she said is essential to bringing down skyrocketing electricity bills and securing a cleaner energy future for the state.

The bill, S3870/A4528, allows the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection commissioner to bypass the Coastal Area Facility Review Act and approve permits for nuclear operators who can demonstrate safe nuclear waste storage. Sherrill signed the legislation following a tour of the Salem Nuclear Power Plant in Lower Alloways Creek Township, which together with the nearby Hope Creek facility produces more than 40 percent of New Jersey’s electricity and supplies roughly 80 percent of the state’s pollution-free power.

“For costs to come down, we need more energy supply,” Sherrill said. “This will help New Jersey secure a stronger, cleaner, more affordable and reliable energy future — while keeping the state at the forefront of innovation, job creation and economic growth.”

Sherrill declared a state of energy emergency on her first day in office, citing multiple drivers of the state’s surging electricity costs, including rising transmission and distribution infrastructure expenses, natural gas price volatility, and steep increases in wholesale electricity capacity prices in the regional PJM market. PJM Interconnection coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity across all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.

Long-delayed improvements to the Jackson Justice Complex are scheduled to begin next week, with officials moving forward on a project aimed at addressing safety concerns outside the building.

Mayor Jennifer Kuhn announced that the township has authorized its contractor, Lancha Construction, to replace the existing paver walkway in front of the Justice Building with a concrete sidewalk. The upgrade is intended to eliminate tripping hazards caused by uneven settling of the current surface.

The project had initially been planned for shortly after Thanksgiving 2025 but was postponed to avoid complications from winter weather, including exposure to salt and de-icing materials.

According to township officials, Lancha Construction is expected to mobilize equipment and materials on Friday, April 10, with construction scheduled to begin Monday, April 13. The work is anticipated to take four to five consecutive days, weather permitting.

Despite the construction, both buildings within the Justice Complex will remain open to the public during regular hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In-person Municipal Court sessions, held on Thursdays, will also continue as scheduled.

To maintain access, the contractor plans to complete the project in phases, pouring concrete in sections to ensure a continuous pedestrian path. Temporary planking may be installed near main entrances for brief periods while sections of the sidewalk are poured and allowed to cure.

Township officials said the construction area has been clearly identified and emphasized that maintaining safe and consistent public access throughout the project remains a priority.

Jackson officials are moving forward with a new effort aimed at improving cleanliness and property maintenance across the community.

A meeting was recently held with Mayor Jennifer Kuhn, Council President Burnstein, Council Vice President Palmeri, Business Administrator Terefenko, Department of Public Works Superintendent Bolinsky, and other department leaders to discuss the proposed “Litter Free Jackson” initiative.

The plan, which has been distributed to all members of the Township Council for review and feedback, is intended to establish a more proactive, township-wide approach to addressing litter and maintaining community standards. Officials said the initiative will focus on both residential and commercial areas, with an emphasis on consistency and long-term upkeep.

According to township representatives, the effort will require coordination across multiple municipal departments, as well as participation from residents, business owners, and local volunteers.

As part of the initiative, residents are being encouraged to report litter-related concerns by emailing [email protected].

Officials described the initiative as the beginning of a broader effort to reinforce community standards and ensure that Jackson Township remains clean and well maintained. Additional details are expected to be released as the program develops.

Mayor Jennifer Kuhn and the Jackson Township Council have received confirmation that a newly configured traffic signal at the intersection of South New Prospect Road and Brewers Bridge Road will be activated on April 15.

According to township officials, the update was confirmed by Mark Jehnke, who indicated the change is part of ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and safety at one of the area’s busier intersections.

Local officials said the upgraded signal system is expected to create smoother traffic patterns and reduce congestion, particularly during peak travel times.

Additional updates regarding other planned signal improvements throughout the township are expected to be released as more information becomes available.

We regret to inform you of the sudden petirah of Rebbetzin Reva Halpern a”h, the wife of Rav Binyomin Zev Halpern shlit”a of K’hal Bais Halevi of Lakewood, and sister of BMG rosh yeshiva Rav Dovid Schustal shlit”a and Harav Shlomo Feivel Schustal shlit”a.

The rebbetzin, who was 76, collapsed and was rushed by Hatzolah to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in critical condition, where she was niftara.

The levaya is scheduled to take place at 8:15 pm at Khal Bais Halevi, 705 Valley Drive, with kevurah taking place at the Lakewood bais olam.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

A Toms River man is accused of breaking into an unoccupied home under construction, carving antisemitic messages into its walls and doors, and then setting it ablaze.

Dalin J. Brown, 24, was charged with aggravated arson, burglary, bias intimidation, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass in connection with the incident at a home on 12th Avenue, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Police were called to the property at 9:55 a.m. Monday following a burglary report. When officers arrived, they found a fire in the living room that had already been extinguished — and antisemitic messages carved directly into the interior door and walls of the home. Investigators determined the fire had been deliberately set along the south wall of the living room using combustible materials found on site.

The house was unoccupied at the time of the incident.

Detectives identified Brown as the individual responsible for the break-in, the fire, and the carved hate messages. He was taken into custody without incident at Manchester Township Police Headquarters and is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

New Jersey officials are stepping up enforcement against distracted driving this month, deploying additional patrols and funding dozens of law enforcement agencies as part of a statewide push to curb cellphone use behind the wheel.

The effort, branded “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” runs through April in conjunction with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Authorities say drivers can expect increased police presence and targeted enforcement focused on handheld cellphone use, including texting, calling and scrolling while driving.

State data underscores the scope of the problem. In 2024, distracted driving was linked to 42 percent of crashes in New Jersey, resulting in 175 deaths and roughly 1,500 serious injuries.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the initiative is aimed at both enforcement and behavior change, warning that multitasking behind the wheel significantly raises the risk of serious accidents.

Transportation safety officials emphasize that cellphone use is among the most dangerous forms of distraction because it diverts a driver’s attention in multiple ways — visually, manually and cognitively. But other behaviors, including eating, adjusting controls or interacting with passengers, can also contribute to crashes.

To support the effort, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety is distributing $706,860 in grants to 126 municipal and county law enforcement agencies. An additional $211,820 is being allocated to the New Jersey State Police to bolster enforcement along major highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and interstate corridors.

Under New Jersey law, drivers are prohibited from using handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Penalties escalate with repeat offenses, starting at fines between $200 and $400 for a first violation and rising to as much as $800 for subsequent offenses, along with insurance points and mandatory court appearances.

Enforcement campaigns in prior years have led to thousands of citations. In April 2025 alone, authorities issued 6,872 tickets for cellphone-related violations and 4,337 for careless driving.

Officials say the increased enforcement will continue throughout the month, with a dual focus on issuing citations and reinforcing the message that distracted driving remains one of the state’s leading — and preventable — causes of serious crashes.

A familiar and reassuring presence for hundreds of Lakewood families, longtime crossing guard Mauro DiBartolomeo has died at the age of 91, the Lakewood Police Department announced.

DiBartolomeo, who joined the department in October 2014, spent more than a decade stationed at 2nd Street near Yeshiva K’tana, where he became a fixture of daily school routines and a trusted figure for students, parents and staff alike.

Officials said his role extended well beyond directing traffic. Known for his warm demeanor and consistent presence, DiBartolomeo built close relationships within the school community, greeting children each day and helping ensure their safe arrival and departure.

“He showed up every day with a smile and a positive attitude,” Sgt. Frank Work said in a statement. “Mauro was a dedicated crossing guard who truly cared about the children and families he served. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”

Colleagues described DiBartolomeo as someone who embraced the social side of the job, finding joy in being outdoors and engaging with those around him. His steady presence at a busy intersection offered not only safety, but a sense of familiarity and comfort for families navigating the school day.

The department said DiBartolomeo died surrounded by family, and extended condolences to his loved ones.

The New Jersey Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear a closely watched challenge to the state’s school funding formula, dealing a major setback to efforts by the Lakewood School District to force a recalibration of how aid is distributed.

The court’s refusal to grant certification in Alcantara v. Hespe leaves intact a lower appellate ruling that upheld the constitutionality of the state’s funding framework, despite acknowledging the district’s unusually strained finances.

At issue is the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, which allocates aid largely based on public school enrollment. Plaintiffs — a group of Lakewood parents — argued that the formula fails to account for the township’s atypical educational structure, where roughly 6,000 students attend public schools but tens of thousands attend private institutions, primarily Orthodox Jewish schools.

Because state law requires the district to provide transportation and certain special education services to those nonpublic students, Lakewood officials have long argued the formula leaves public school students underfunded and unable to receive the constitutionally mandated “thorough and efficient” education.

The Appellate Division, whose ruling now stands, acknowledged those pressures but found the plaintiffs had not demonstrated that the formula itself directly causes a constitutional violation — a key legal threshold that ultimately doomed the case.

The decision underscores a recurring tension in New Jersey education policy: courts have historically played a central role in reshaping school funding, but only when plaintiffs can meet a high evidentiary bar linking policy design to constitutional harm.

Here, the state successfully argued that supplemental mechanisms — including stabilization aid and emergency loans — mitigate funding gaps. Critics counter that those measures function more as fiscal stopgaps than structural solutions, leaving Lakewood locked in a cycle of deficit financing.

With the judicial route effectively closed, attention is now shifting to the Legislature, where proposals to carve out transportation and special education costs from the core funding formula have circulated for years without gaining decisive traction.

The outcome places renewed pressure on lawmakers to pursue a statutory fix for a district that has become a case study in the limits of New Jersey’s one-size-fits-all funding model.

In the meantime, Lakewood is expected to continue relying on state-backed loans and annual budget restructuring to remain solvent.

For Lakewood, however, the ruling cements a reality officials have long warned about: absent legislative intervention, the district’s financial model — and the debate surrounding it — is unlikely to change anytime soon.

A New York man has been charged with aggravated arson after authorities say he threw Molotov cocktails at a vehicle and residence in South Toms River earlier this month, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Monday.

Tashaun Normand, 42, of the Bronx, faces two counts of aggravated arson and two counts of possession of a destructive device in connection with the March 23 incident on Belmont Drive.

Officers from the South Toms River Police Department and Manitou Park Fire Company responded to the scene at approximately 3:15 p.m. that day and found a fire burning inside a 2010 GMC Terrain as well as a separate fire on a grassy area next to the residence. Responding officers also discovered a broken glass bottle and a second intact bottle containing an unknown liquid with a torn rag stuffed inside — consistent with a Molotov cocktail.

Investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad determined that the fire originated at the Terrain’s front windshield and was intentionally set using an open flame. The investigation ultimately identified Normand as the individual who constructed the Molotov cocktails and hurled them at the vehicle and toward the residence.

Normand was taken into custody without incident on March 30 by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in Monroe County, Tennessee, and is currently held in the Monroe County Jail pending extradition to New Jersey.

Prosecutor Billhimer credited joint efforts by the Arson Squad, South Toms River Police Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for the arrest.

By Rabbi Chaim Francis and Rabbi Yitzchak Elefant

1] If no employees—whether Jewish or non-Jewish—will be entering the office at any point during Pesach, it may be possible to sell the entire office, including any chametz contained within it, thereby avoiding the obligation to conduct a bedikah.

2] If employees will be entering the office at some point during Chol HaMoed (a rabbinic authority should be consulted regarding when it is permitted to work or have work done during this time), simply selling the office to a non-Jew would not be a viable option, as employees would then be unable to use the office. Therefore, the halachic considerations will depend on the following:

• Where the company maintains a proper shtar mechirah (sale of the entire business) covering Shabbos and all eight days of Pesach, including Erev Pesach[1], there is no obligation to conduct a bedikah, remove the chametz, or sell the chametz separately, as the sale of the business itself is sufficient. If Jewish employees will be entering the office during Pesach, any chametz must be stored away and kept inaccessible to them. If a non-Jewish employee brings in their own chametz, it is not an issue, provided they are careful to dispose of it properly.
• Where the company does not have a shtar mechirah for Shabbos, it must ensure that it does not provide any chametz, or alternatively, it must sell the chametz and ensure that it is not accessible for any employees—Jewish or non-Jewish—to use. Regarding non-Jewish employees bringing in their own chametz, they should be instructed to discard it in the normal manner if other Jewish employees will be present[2]. However, if there is a concern that a non-observant Jewish person will bring chametz onto the premises, this presents an additional issue, as according to many poskim, it is forbidden to allow any chametz owned by a Jew into one’s home or property on Pesach[3]. Accordingly, one must consider either prohibiting food from being brought onto the premises or executing a sale of the business through a valid shtar mechirah.

3] When neither the office nor the business is being sold, the halachos of bedikah are as follows:

• Main Office Area: The office should be thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned. In most cases, the standard cleaning by the regular cleaning crew will be sufficient.
• Personal Desk Space: On the last day in the office before Bedikas Chometz, each employee must ensure that their individual workspace is free of chametz. This includes their chair, desk drawers, desktop surface, keyboard, phone, and garbage can.

The owner remains responsible for ensuring that this procedure is fully implemented. Sending an email to the Jewish employees, stating that the company is relying on them to perform this task, is sufficient[4].

• Conference Room: One person should be designated to take responsibility for inspecting the conference room, ensuring that the table and chairs are clean and free of chametz.
• Kitchen: The kitchen should be thoroughly cleaned. All chametz food and beverages must be discarded, and any kitnios items should be put away. Any appliances used for chametz, as well as any food one does not wish to discard, should be placed in a single designated area. Only this designated area containing all the chametz should be sold to a non-Jew and must not be accessible to anyone. Alternatively, the entire kitchen space may be sold. However, if the entire kitchen is sold, no one—including non-Jewish employees—may enter that space during Chol HaMoed.

As mentioned above, if non-Jewish employees bring in their own food, care must be taken to ensure that any leftovers are properly discarded and do not remain in any area owned by the company.

Company-Owned Offices in Other Locations

• Company-owned offices located in other areas are subject to the same halachos outlined above. If the office will be closed from Erev Pesach, a standard Mechiras Chametz may be performed. If the office will remain open, simply selling the office to a non-Jew with a standard mechiras chometz is not a viable option, as employees would then be unable to use the office. However, if the business has executed a shtar mechira to sell the entire business (including Chol HaMoed) starting from Erev Pesach, this arrangement also eliminates the need for a bedikah.
• If neither the office nor the business is being sold, one must ensure that any chametz in the office is removed and confirmed by a Jew to be discarded prior to the zeman. There is no issue with non-Jewish employees working in these offices bringing their own food that is not kosher for Pesach[5]. However, they should be informed to discard any leftovers from any area owned by the company if Jewish employees will also be present.

Non-Jewish Employees Purchasing Chametz

A Jewish-owned company may provide a non-Jewish employee with funds to purchase food items, including chametz, as long as the employee is not specifically instructed to buy chametz, even if the employer expects chametz to be purchased[6].

Furthermore, if the Jewish employer is not obligated to provide food to the employee and is offering it as a benefit, they may allow the non-Jewish employee to order food from a vendor and have the vendor bill the company directly, provided again that the employee is not instructed to buy chametz.

• Since payment is neither made in advance nor at the time of purchase, the chametz is not considered to have been purchased by the Jewish employer.
• Additionally, because the company never takes physical possession of the chametz, this arrangement is permitted.

It is questionable whether the company’s credit card may be used for such purchases. Therefore, it is advisable to provide the employee with cash or a visa gift card so they can purchase food as they choose.

Bedikah

If the office or business is not being sold, the owners are responsible for ensuring that a bedikah is conducted there. Ideally, this should be performed as a continuation of one’s bedikah in his own home.

If that is not feasible, it should be conducted on another night as close to that time as possible, with the understanding that no chametz may be brought into the office after the bedikah has been completed.

If it is not possible to conduct the bedikah on an earlier evening, it may be performed during the daytime on Erev Pesach.

[1] If the sale only takes effect on the night of Pesach, there will be an obligation to conduct a bedikah and to remove all chametz by the time of sof biur chametz.

[2] As although the business is still owned by the Jewish person, we do not assume that he has any intention to acquire the chometz, as heard from R’ Shmuel Felder Shlit’a. However, there remains the halachic concern of removing chametz to prevent anyone from eating it (See Mishna Berurah 440,18).

[3] See Mishnah Berurah 443:14, who cites the opinion of the Vilna Gaon.

[4] As heard from R’ Yaakov Forchheimer Shlit’a.

[5] As heard from R’ Shmuel Felder Shlit”a

[6] Shulchan Aruch O.C. 450:6

Jackson Township officials are moving forward with a new water infrastructure project along Bennetts Mills Road, with construction expected to begin in early April.

In a notice to residents, Mayor Jennifer Kuhn said the project will install a “raw” water main to transport untreated well water from Bennetts Mills Road to the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority (JTMUA) treatment plant on London Drive. The work is part of a multi-phase effort to improve the township’s water system.

Phase 1 of the project will run from the area near 254 Bennetts Mills Road to Georgian Boulevard. Officials said the work is being scheduled ahead of a planned Ocean County resurfacing of Bennetts Mills Road later this year, a move intended to avoid tearing up newly paved roadways.

Construction is slated to begin around April 6 and is expected to take approximately 40 days to complete. Work will primarily take place during weekday business hours, with alternating traffic maintained throughout the project. However, township officials noted that limited nighttime work may occur near the intersection of Butterfly Road and Frank Applegate Road to accommodate more extensive road closures and avoid potential conflicts with existing utilities.

A second phase of the project will eventually extend the water main along Georgian Boulevard and connect it to the treatment plant on London Drive, though officials said a timeline for that portion has not yet been determined.

Residents with questions about the project are encouraged to contact the township engineer’s office or the JTMUA for additional information.

A man already accused of posing as a lawyer in Ocean County is now facing additional charges after investigators uncovered a broader pattern of deception involving multiple victims and tens of thousands of dollars in payments.

Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer announced that David T. Schlendorf, 54, of Holladay, Utah, has been charged with four counts of theft by deception and five counts of unauthorized practice of law, stemming from an investigation that has steadily widened over the past year.

Authorities allege Schlendorf misrepresented himself as a licensed attorney despite having been disbarred in New Jersey in December 2022. According to investigators, at least six individuals hired him to handle legal matters between early 2023 and late 2025, paying a combined total of roughly $70,000.

The case initially began with a complaint out of Toms River, where a resident reportedly paid Schlendorf about $10,000 in March 2025 for legal representation. Detectives later determined that Schlendorf was not authorized to practice law, prompting a deeper probe by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and the Toms River Police Department.

Schlendorf was first taken into custody in October 2025 and lodged in the Ocean County Jail before being released under New Jersey’s bail reform framework, which generally eliminates cash bail for nonviolent offenses.

The latest charges were issued via summons and relate to additional victims identified during the continuing investigation.

Prosecutors say the scheme spanned more than two years, with five additional victims allegedly paying approximately $60,000 for services Schlendorf was not legally permitted to provide. Authorities have not detailed the specific legal matters involved but indicated the investigation remains active.

Officials are now urging anyone who may have had contact with Schlendorf under similar circumstances to come forward, suggesting the total number of victims could grow further.

The Lakewood Police Department reports multiple arrests in recent days tied to drug activity and an assault, as part of ongoing proactive enforcement efforts in the township.

In one case, officers from the department’s Street Crimes Unit conducted patrols and observed activity believed to be consistent with drug use. Police stopped a man identified as Jacob Dossantos, 34, of Lakewood, and recovered suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Dossantos was taken into custody without incident, charged with drug-related offenses, and later released on a summons pending a future court appearance.

Separately, officers responded to a verbal altercation on Clifton Avenue. Police said one of the individuals, Kevin Vazquez, 29, of Jamesburg, allegedly removed his belt and struck another man in the neck. Officers intervened and prevented further escalation. The victim reported neck pain at the scene. Vazquez was arrested, charged with assault and a weapons-related offense, and transported to the Ocean County Jail.

In addition, police announced two drug-related arrests over a two-day period. On March 19, officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on Martin Luther King Drive, where they recovered suspected crack cocaine, heroin, MDMA, marijuana, and materials consistent with drug distribution. Kyle Martin, 47, of Lakewood, was arrested and charged with multiple drug offenses.

On March 21, another motor vehicle stop led to the arrest of Benjamin Grinley, 33, of Neptune, who police said had an active warrant out of Delaware. During that same investigation, Martin was taken into custody again after additional suspected controlled dangerous substances were found. A K-9 unit from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene. Both men were charged and lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

The New Jersey Appellate Division has upheld Lakewood Township’s ordinance permitting banquet halls as accessory uses to schools in non-residential zones, upholding a lower court decision and dismissing a lawsuit challenging the measure.

In a ruling released Monday, the court rejected a 17-count lawsuit filed by a local property owner, which alleged procedural violations, conflicts of interest, and inconsistencies with the township’s master plan.

The appellate panel agreed with the trial court that the ordinance was not arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, and found it aligned with Lakewood’s planning policies. Judges also dismissed claims that a township official had a disqualifying conflict of interest and ruled that limits on public comment did not violate the state’s Open Public Meetings Act.

The ordinance, adopted in 2022, formalized a longstanding practice of allowing banquet halls to operate alongside schools in non-residential areas, provided parking requirements are met.

With the ruling, the ordinance remains in effect and simcha halls in schools in non-residential areas can continue operations.

Final paving work began Monday on several roads in Howell following the completion of water main replacements by New Jersey American Water.

The work will take place daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the project. Officials said road closures and detours will be in effect while crews complete milling and paving operations, and drivers are advised to plan alternate routes.

The work began with milling on Markwood Drive, Old Bridge Drive, and South Westfield Road. On Tuesday, crews are expected to mill North Westfield Road while paving is completed on Markwood Drive and Old Bridge Drive. Paving is scheduled for both South and North Westfield roads on Wednesday.

Work will continue Thursday with milling on Salem Hill Road between Chestnut Hill Road and Newport Drive, followed by paving of that stretch on Friday.

Officials noted that the schedule remains subject to change depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen factors.

Additional paving tied to the broader Candlewood project will continue over the summer, when New Jersey American Water completes final restoration work on the remaining roads.

It is with deep regret that we share the tragic petirah of hayalda Leah Rivka Quinn a”h, the daughter of R’ Mordechai and Naomi Chava yb”l.

Leah Rivka a”h had been recently hospitalized in serious condition. Many davened on her behalf, particularly as the situation turned critical on Sunday. Sadly, she was niftara early Monday morning.

Levaya details will be published when they become available.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

A woman’s purse that went missing Friday turned up in an unlikely place — a dumpster — after being accidentally thrown away.

What could have been a permanent loss was avoided thanks to a tracking device inside the bag and a team of volunteers from Chaveirim of Central Jersey who were willing to get their hands dirty.

Armed with the tracker’s signal, the volunteers located the dumpster, searched through the trash, and recovered the purse, returning it to its relieved owner.

Below is a comprehensive, practical guide with key zmanim, resources, and local logistics to help ensure a smooth and halachically sound preparation.

Eruv Tavshilin: This year, with a three-day Yom Tov, it is essential to make an Eruv Tavshilin on Erev Pesach.

Sof Zman Achilas Chometz: 10:30 AM Gra: 10:54 AM

Sof Zman Biur Chometz: 11:44 AM, Gra: 11:57 AM

Recommended Pesach Guides

For detailed halachic guidance and product information:

• CRC Pesach Guide
• Star-K Pesach Guide
• Hisachdus Harabonim Lakewood Guide
• JSOR Pesach Guide
• OU Pesach Product Search

Hagolas Keilim and Sreifas Challah:

Multiple locations are available throughout Lakewood and Jackson:

• 56 Carey St – Open until 6:30 PM and again 9:30–11:00 PM
• 229 5th St – Hagalah and Sreifas Challah
• Oak and Vine (51 Turin)
• Berditchev Kloiz (Williams St and Birch St) – Free hagalah daily 3:00 PM–7:00 PM
• NPGS Jackson (Sunday) – Open to the public free: 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:30–9:30 PM

Tevilas Keilim

• Lakewood Keilim Mikvah (11th and Madison, entrance on 11th St) – Open until 4:00 PM
• 1 Yesodei Ct – Open 24 hours
• Rav Hertzberg’s Shul (E. 9th St and East End)
• Many houseware stores (ask regarding outside items)
• Culinary Depot (New Hampshire Ave and Route 70)
• Local lakes where appropriate

Chometz Drop-Off Locations

• Clifton Ave parking lot (between 9th and 10th St)
• DPW Resident Drop-Off Center – 1 America Ave
• Patrick Park (Vine St)
• D’Zio Park (Locust St and New Hampshire Ave)
• 974 Hearthstone
• Frozen items: 311 8th St
• Jackson: 8 Jefferson Ct

Trash Collection and DPW Schedule

Double pickup in Lakewood this week. Monday and Wednesday routes will be collected both days Tuesday and Thursday routes will be collected both days.

Main DPW Site (1 America Ave)

• Open Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Special overnight hours: Tuesday through Wednesday until 3:00 PM

Additional Drop-Off Sites (Open Tuesday overnight through Wednesday afternoon):

• 9th St and Clifton Ave
• 9th St and Forest Ave
• Frank Bartolf Sports Complex (Brook Rd)
• Sunset Park (Sunset Rd)
• West Gate (Hillside Blvd)
• Patrick Park (Vine Ave)
• D’Zio Park (Locust St)
• Jackson drop-off: 40 Don Connor Blvd

Sreifas Chometz Locations

Lakewood (Wednesday, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM):

• BlueClaws Stadium parking lot
• Patrick Park soccer parking lot (Vine St)
• D’Zio Park / Harmony Park
• Khal Zichron Yaakov (175 Sunset Rd)
• Pine Park front parking lot
• BMG (Private Way and 7th St)
• BMG (Clifton Ave and 10th St)
• Frank Bartolf Park (Brook Rd)
• Ohr Avrohom Chaim School (1839 New Central Ave)

Jackson

• Bais Yaakov Elementary School (Citadel Dr)
• Johnson Memorial Park
• Royal Grove Shul (East Veterans Highway)
• ShopRite of Jackson (North County Line Rd)

Toms River

• 1780 Church Rd
• Riverwood Park (off Whitesville Rd)

Howell

• 8:30-12 at Soldier Memorial Park, 587 Lakewood Farmingdale Rd.

Mechiras Chometz

In-person options:

• BMG Beren: 9:00–10:30 AM, 2:00–3:00 PM, 6:30–11:00 PM
• Rav Blech’s Shul (13th and Madison), before or after Mincha/Maariv

Important Community Resources

• Pesach Food Assistance: 732-569-0544
• Pesach Medication Kashrus Hotline (Madison Pharmacy): 732-370-4200 ext. 9
• Lakewood Bais Horaah Halacha Hotline: 732-797-9900

Shaimos Disposal

Trucks located near:

• Satmar (5th St and Forest Ave)
• Westgate Shopping Plaza
• Kol Shimshon
• Additional locations posted throughout town

Most of us are excited that Pesach is just a week away. Our shopping is done, and our cooking is underway. But too many families dread Yom Tov.  They can’t afford to buy clothing for their kids or food for their families.

I speak to these mothers every day. Their voices break. Their hands tremble. They call at 11pm from the laundromat. They wander the aisles of the supermarket unable to pay at the register but unsure what to do with Yom Tov approaching. 

Bobbie’s Place helps save these families. We provide them with new clothing for their children and teens. And we now help hundreds of families with supermarket assistance before Pesach. 

Our budget for this season exceeds $900,000. We are way behind, but these families can’t wait. We will serve hundreds of families in the next week. We hope that you can help us.

Every donation is now being matched. Please do all that you can to help us help these families.

DONATE HERE

With best wishes for a Chag Kosher V’sameach,

Michal Schick

Here are some pictures of the rebuilt, restocked and reopened Bobbie’s Place, with Rav Elya Brudny and Rav Yisroel Reisman puttingd up the mezuzas and giving divrei bracha.

Residents in Lakewood and surrounding areas of Ocean County may notice the smell of smoke or a light haze in the air today, Sunday. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is currently conducting active prescribed burns throughout the region, with specific operations centered at Shenandoah Park in Lakewood. Local authorities are aware of the situation and remind the public that there is no cause for alarm, requesting that residents refrain from calling 911 to report smoke from these controlled areas.

“Controlled burns” are an essential tool used by forestry experts to protect both the community and the environment. The primary objective is wildfire prevention; by intentionally burning away accumulated dead leaves, fallen branches, and thick undergrowth now, the Forest Fire Service removes the “hazardous fuel” that would otherwise feed intense, uncontrollable wildfires during the dry summer months.

Beyond safety, the burns are vital for the health of New Jersey’s ecosystems. Many native species in the Pine Barrens actually depend on fire to recycle nutrients into the soil and clear out invasive plants. These operations also create safer conditions for firefighters by thinning out dense vegetation, ensuring that if a natural wildfire does occur later in the year, it remains smaller and easier to manage. Furthermore, the heat from these controlled fires helps reduce local populations of ticks and other pests.

New Jersey electricity prices surged faster than any other state in 2025, according to a new congressional report, intensifying pressure on state leaders and deepening affordability concerns for residents already grappling with rising costs.

The analysis, released by the Joint Economic Committee, found that electricity rates in New Jersey jumped 16.9 percent last year — the largest increase in the country. The spike far outpaced the national average of 6.4 percent, with only Washington, D.C. recording a higher rise at 23.5 percent.

For the average household, the increase translated into an annual electricity bill of roughly $1,800 — about $260 more than in 2024.

Energy analysts point to a convergence of structural and market pressures driving the surge, with particular scrutiny on PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator serving New Jersey and much of the Mid-Atlantic.

High clearing prices in PJM’s capacity auctions — reflecting tightening supply margins — have flowed directly to consumers, amplifying retail electricity costs. At the same time, demand has climbed sharply, fueled by the rapid expansion of data centers and broader electrification trends, including electric vehicles and electric heating systems.

Compounding the issue, New Jersey’s aging grid infrastructure requires significant capital investment to maintain reliability. Those upgrade costs are often embedded in utility rates, further pushing bills higher.

The price spike has become a flashpoint in Trenton. Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who took office in January, signed an executive order on her first day aimed at freezing rates and launching an investigation into grid management practices.

Democrats have pointed in part to broader federal energy dynamics, while Republicans have criticized the state’s energy transition policies, arguing that moving too aggressively away from traditional power generation has constrained supply and driven up costs.

Recent data shows that roughly 28 percent of New Jersey residents were unable to pay at least one energy bill in full over the past year. Many households report monthly increases of $25 to $30 for comparable usage.

With little indication of immediate price relief, some residents are turning to mitigation strategies, including state-backed energy efficiency programs and residential solar installations, in an effort to stabilize long-term costs.

For now, however, New Jersey remains at the top of an unwelcome ranking — facing the fastest-rising in electricity prices in the nation as policymakers race to respond.

Ocean County officials have proposed a $655.6 million spending plan for 2026, a nearly $47 million increase over last year’s budget, driven by rising operational costs, debt service, and a dramatic expansion of the county’s public affairs office.

The newly approved budget totals $655,659,528, up from $626,982,088 in 2025. Despite the higher spending, officials said the county’s property tax rate will remain flat at $0.282 per $100 of equalized property value.

Even so, the amount raised through property taxes will climb sharply. The county’s 2026 tax levy stands at $544,639,035, up from $497,909,182 in 2025 — an increase of $46.7 million, or roughly 4.5%. Officials attributed the higher levy to surging property values across the county, which allow the government to collect more revenue without formally raising the tax rate. Residents whose property assessments have risen could see higher tax bills regardless.

Ocean County’s total assessed valuation has grown to more than $193 billion in 2026, up from an estimated $176.5 billion the prior year.

To help offset the spending increase without a rate hike, the county will draw $39.5 million from its surplus — $1 million more than in 2025 — and is anticipating just over $111 million in non-property-tax revenues.

Among the largest single expenditures is employee health insurance, for which the county has allocated $81.4 million. The budget also includes increased funding for debt service, capital improvements, county colleges, vocational schools, and social services.

The county’s public affairs department is also expected to eat up significantly more of the budget. The office is budgeted at $1.5 million in 2026, up from $550,000 the prior year.

A public hearing is scheduled for April 15 at the Ocean County Administration Building in Toms River, where residents can raise questions or objections before the budget receives final adoption. County officials said the plan was developed over several months through departmental consultations, with a stated focus on sustaining services while managing costs.

A Jackson resident has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a minor – Daniel Shmuel ben Shifra – seriously injured in Lakewood on Friday.

The accident occurred at around 8:30 pm on Hope Chapel Road near Clearstream Road. The driver of the vehicle immediately fled the scene.

Hatzolah responded and treated the victim before transporting him to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he is listed in critical but stable condition.

A joint investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit–Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood police, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that a Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound on Hope Chapel Road struck the boy before leaving the area without stopping.

Further investigation identified Jose Perez-Parada as the driver of the vehicle involved. He was taken into custody at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains pending a detention hearing.

Please daven for a refuah sheleima for Daniel Shmuel ben Shifra.

A juvenile suspect has been charged with attempted murder after a 17-year-old was shot in the face inside the Ocean County Mall in Toms River on Wednesday evening, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Friday.

The shooting occurred at approximately 8:10 p.m. on March 25 in the mall’s common area on Hooper Avenue. According to investigators, the victim was sitting in the common area when he was confronted by an individual who attempted to start an altercation. As the individual began to walk away, he turned and fired multiple gunshots in the victim’s direction, striking him once in the face before fleeing the scene.

The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he is listed in stable condition.

The suspect, whose identity has not been released due to New Jersey law governing juvenile defendants, faces charges of attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. The suspect has been taken into custody and is being held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

“This was a senseless act of violence that has no place in our civilized society,” Prosecutor Billhimer said. “This behavior will not be tolerated here in Ocean County.”

Jackson Township Fire District No. 4 has announced the addition of two new firefighters, James Harper and Nicholas Havens, following the completion of an intensive onboarding program.

According to the department, both recruits
recently finished an 80-hour orientation and training course designed to familiarize them with district operations, equipment, and performance expectations. The program included hands-on instruction in key firefighting skills such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) use, hose deployment, search techniques, forcible entry, apparatus operations, and safety procedures.

Fire officials said Harper and Havens demonstrated a strong work ethic and professionalism throughout the training process, along with a clear willingness to learn.

The two will continue their preparation next week as they head to their respective fire academies, where they will undergo further instruction before beginning active service.

District officials said the new additions will help bolster the department’s ability to serve residents across Jackson Township.

The Lakewood Fire Department announced it will discontinue issuing traditional press releases as it transitions to a social media-based communication strategy, officials said.

The change comes as the Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, alongside Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, formally launched the department’s official accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Moving forward, those platforms will serve as the primary source for department news, emergency updates, fire safety information, and community outreach.

Officials said the shift is aimed at delivering information more quickly and directly to residents, businesses, and community stakeholders. All announcements, advisories, and department updates will now be posted exclusively through the department’s social media channels.

Community members are encouraged to follow the accounts to stay informed about emergency alerts, fire prevention guidance, departmental activity, and local events.

The department’s official accounts are listed as:

Instagram: @lakewoodfirenj

Facebook: Lakewood Fire NJ

Despite the change in distribution, officials emphasized that the department remains committed to keeping the public informed through timely and accessible communication.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation Wednesday requiring law enforcement officers — including federal immigration agents — to present identification before detaining someone, becoming the latest Democratic governor to push back against the practice of masked federal agents conducting immigration raids.

The law limits the use of face coverings by officers during enforcement operations and is part of a broader legislative package Sherrill says will “protect people’s privacy and their rights” and “strengthen trust between law enforcement and our communities.”

“I can’t believe we have to say this, but in the United States of America, we’re not going to tolerate masked roving militias pretending to be well-trained law enforcement agents,” Sherrill said at the signing.

The measure comes amid widespread reports of federal agents concealing their identities during immigration operations across the country. Democrats in Congress and state legislatures have spent months pushing similar legislation, arguing that masking undermines accountability and transparency.

Wednesday’s signing is the latest move in Sherrill’s escalating standoff with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. Earlier this year, the governor launched a portal allowing residents to upload photos and videos of ICE agents conducting operations in the state. “If you see an ICE agent in the street, get your phone out, we want to know,” she said at the time.

Sherrill has also issued an executive order barring federal immigration agents from making arrests in nonpublic areas of state property — including correctional facilities and courthouses — and prohibiting the use of state facilities as staging or processing areas for immigration enforcement. The Trump administration has filed suit against New Jersey over that order.

“We saw people in the street with masks and no insignia — not accountable at all, hiding from the population,” she said. “We saw again and again an undermining of what law enforcement should do to keep people safe.”

Jackson officials have launched a new online system requiring property managers to register annually, a move aimed at streamlining oversight and improving compliance across the municipality.

Mayor Jennifer Kuhn announced that the township’s Property Manager Registration portal is now live, allowing applicants to complete the process digitally rather than through traditional paperwor

Under the new system, all property managers operating in Jackson Township must register each year and provide documentation confirming they hold the appropriate licenses. Township officials said the platform is designed to make the process quicker and more efficient, while also ensuring that all managers meet regulatory requirement.

The rollout underscores a stricter enforcement posture. Officials warned that failure to register could result in penalties and potential court action, signaling that the township intends to actively monitor compliance.

Property managers can complete their registration on the township’s online portal.

A 17-year-old boy was hospitalized Wednesday night after being shot in the face inside the Ocean County Mall in Toms River, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m., when officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at the mall on Hooper Avenue.
Responding officers found the teenage victim in a common area of the mall with a single gunshot wound to his face. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.

Investigators say the victim had been sitting in the mall when he was approached by an individual who attempted to initiate a confrontation. As the suspect began to walk away, he turned back and fired multiple shots in the victim’s direction. One of the bullets struck the teen in the face.

The suspect fled the scene in what authorities described as a gray sedan.

The investigation is being led by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, working alongside the Toms River police and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Authorities said the shooting appears to have been targeted, and there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact investigators as the probe remains active.

A bochur was struck by a vehicle at around 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of 11th Street and Madison Avenue.

Hatzolah quickly arrived at the scene and provided medical treatment to the bochur, who had sustained a broken leg. He was transported to the hospital by Hatzolah in stable condition for further treatment of his injuries.

A new wildfire detection tower has officially been unveiled in Jackson Township, marking a significant upgrade to fire prevention infrastructure in Ocean and Monmouth counties as the state enters peak wildfire season.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, led by Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak, dedicated the new Veterans Fire Tower this week at a site off East Veterans Highway. The 133-foot structure is the first new fire tower built in the state in 78 years and is designed to strengthen early wildfire detection capabilities across a region particularly vulnerable to forest fires.

Officials said the tower will help protect more than 516,000 residents and nearly 200,000 homes across Ocean and Monmouth counties. It replaces the former Lakewood Fire Tower, located roughly five miles east, and is now part of a statewide network of 21 towers used for spotting fires in their earliest stages.

The tower, constructed by Fitzpatrick & Associates Inc. at a cost of approximately $2 million, was funded through Corporate Business Tax revenue under the Preserve New Jersey Act.

During the dedication, Forest Fire Service crews also demonstrated prescribed burn operations, a key wildfire mitigation strategy that reduces dry vegetation and other fuels that can accelerate fire spread—particularly in densely populated regions like central Ocean County.

Peak wildfire season in New Jersey runs from mid-March through mid-May. The tower is also dedicated to New Jersey veterans in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.

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The Jackson Jewish Community Council (JJCC) has announced multiple chometz burning locations across Jackson, providing residents with organized and supervised sites to dispose of chometz safely.

The burnings will take place on Wednesday, April 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at four designated locations throughout the township .

The sites include Bais Yaakov Elementary School on Citadel Drive, Johnson Memorial Park on Kierych Memorial Drive, Royal Grove Shul on East Veterans Highway, and a newly added location at ShopRite of Jackson on North County Line Road.

Cans and bottles should not be brought to be burned.

The JJCC also expressed appreciation to Jackson Township officials and departments for their cooperation in facilitating the initiative, including Mayor Jennifer Kuhn, the Department of Public Works, the Police Department, and the Fire Department .

For those with bulky waste unrelated to chometz, township officials noted that materials can be dropped off at the Jackson Township Transfer Station at 40 Don Connor Boulevard between Friday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Regular household trash should continue to be handled through residents’ contracted pickup providers.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill visited a Paterson mosque for a Ramadan celebration led by an imam who spent nearly two decades fighting federal deportation efforts over alleged connections to Hamas.

Sherrill posted photos of her visit to the Islamic Center of Passaic County on social media, showing her wearing a hijab, taking selfies, and speaking with the mosque’s longtime leader, Imam Mohammad Qatanani.

“Thank you to the Islamic Center of Passaic County for welcoming me to join their celebration as the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close,” the Democratic governor wrote. “I wish our Muslim neighbors a safe, joyous, and peaceful Eid al-Fitr.”

Qatanani, a Palestinian-born cleric, has been at the center of one of New Jersey’s longest-running immigration battles. Federal authorities first moved to deport him in the mid-2000s, arguing he had made misrepresentations on his green card application and raising national security concerns based on Israeli intelligence records that allegedly linked him to Hamas. Qatanani has denied the allegations, saying he was detained by Israeli authorities but never convicted.

An immigration judge ruled in Qatanani’s favor in 2008, finding the government’s evidence unreliable and giving little weight to the Israeli court documents used to support the case. The judge also found that the government had not proven Qatanani engaged in terrorist activity. Court records raised additional concerns about the reliability of statements attributed to the imam, including whether some may have been obtained under coercive conditions.

Subsequent rulings over the years continued to go in Qatanani’s favor. A federal appeals court blocked his deportation in 2025, ruling that immigration officials had acted improperly in attempting to reverse his legal status. The court found that the Board of Immigration Appeals “exceeded its authority” by using an agency regulation in a manner inconsistent with procedures established by Congress.

The ruling, however, turned on procedural grounds — specifically that federal authorities had missed deadlines to challenge a key decision granting Qatanani permanent residency — rather than resolving the underlying allegations about his background.

A man accused of driving drunk the wrong way on the New Jersey Turnpike and killing four bochurim in a head-on collision has been hit with a 15-count indictment, with prosecutors adding weapons charges after authorities discovered an AR-style rifle fitted with a suppressor and hollow-point bullets in his truck.

Christopher Neff, 41, of Westminster, Colorado, was indicted on charges including aggravated manslaughter and death by auto for the October 19 crash that killed Yaakov Kilberg z”l, 19, of Lakewood, and his three 18-year-old passengers — Aharon Nosson Lebovits z”l, and Shlomo Abba Cohen z”l, both of Lakewood, and Chaim Simcha Grossman z”l of Fallsburg, New York. He is scheduled to be arraigned in early April.

According to prosecutors, Neff spent roughly two hours drinking at the Turnpike Inn near the Delaware Memorial Bridge in Carney’s Point before driving to a nearby gas station and then entering the Turnpike heading north in the southbound lanes. Within minutes, his white Dodge Ram pickup slammed head-on into the black Mazda CX-5 carrying the four boys.

The force of the collision sent the SUV careening into an oncoming tractor-trailer, compounding the devastation. All four teens were niftar at the scene. The tractor-trailer’s driver, a 29-year-old man from Nova Scotia, was uninjured.

Neff’s blood alcohol content registered at 0.22% — nearly three times the legal limit.

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-30) to make it easier for New Jersey residents to retrieve their towed vehicles or personal property has advanced, marking a step forward in reducing unnecessary burdens on drivers.

The bill, A-3986, requires towing companies to accept electronically transmitted authorization—such as an email or digital form—from a vehicle’s owner or operator allowing a third party to pick up the vehicle or its contents on their behalf.

Under current practice, many towing companies require the owner to appear in person, even in situations where it is impractical or unnecessary—such as when a vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company or is being transferred directly to a repair facility.

“This is about removing a needless obstacle for people who are already dealing with the stress of a breakdown or accident,” said Assemblyman Schnall. “If your insurance company or repair shop is ready to handle your vehicle, you shouldn’t have to take time off work or travel just to stand at a counter and give permission you could easily provide electronically.”

The bill clearly defines a “third party” as an insurance company, a collision repair shop, or any individual designated by the vehicle owner. It also directs the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to establish guidelines ensuring that all electronic authorizations are handled securely and legally.

Importantly, the measure strengthens consumer protections by tying compliance to the state’s Predatory Towing Prevention Act. Violations could result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for repeat violations, along with additional legal consequences.

By modernizing the process, the legislation aims to save residents time, reduce frustration, and streamline coordination between drivers, insurers, and repair facilities.

“This is a common-sense fix that reflects how people live and do business today,” Schnall added. “Government should make things simpler, not harder.”

Aaron Hirsch, a longtime community activist known for his frequent participation in local government proceedings, has entered the race for Lakewood Township Committee as a Republican.

Hirsch had been a familiar presence at Township Committee meetings before those meetings went virtual. His advocacy has largely focused on government transparency, fiscal oversight, and adherence to established procedures.

Much of Hirsch’s engagement has centered on township budgeting and taxation, where he has repeatedly called for greater clarity in how public funds are allocated. He has also been an outspoken voice on land use matters, particularly aspects of Lakewood’s Master Plan, expressing concerns about the impact of high-density development on traffic, infrastructure capacity, and school space.

In addition to financial and planning issues, Hirsch has emphasized the importance of proper governmental process, frequently urging officials to follow strict protocols in appointments and committee formations as a means of ensuring accountability.

Beyond administrative topics, Hirsch has also addressed broader community concerns. He has spoken on security issues affecting Lakewood’s Orthodox Jewish population, particularly in response to heightened threat environments, and has raised questions about environmental stewardship, including the maintenance and long-term planning of open spaces and wetlands.

Chaveirim of Central Jersey announced Monday evening the addition of ten new members to its volunteer emergency services organization, expanding its capacity to serve communities across a coverage area spanning 350 square miles.

The new members will immediately begin Chaveirim’s intensive training program, which equips volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the organization’s response standards.

The ten new members are: Ari Birnack, Yissochor Saalkind, Yitzy Engel, Akiva Brodsky, Yosef Dov Hess, Efraim Shnall, Tzvi Gutwirth, Yehudah Josephs, Dovid Baskin, and Berel Fruchter.

Chaveirim of Central Jersey serves Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson, Howell, Brick, Manchester, and surrounding areas, operating a 24-hour emergency hotline at 732.370.2229. The organization said the expanded membership will allow for faster response times and broader coverage across its service area.

“With the addition of these dedicated members, we are strengthening our team and enhancing our ability to respond more efficiently,” Chaveirim said in a statement. “Help is always available when it matters most.”

Adirei Hatorah announced on Monday afternoon that its fifth maamad kavod hatorah will be taking place on Sunday, May 31st, about a week after Shavuos.

Organizers have not announced the venue for the maamad, but the previous four were all held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

There have reportedly also been discussions about slightly tweaking the schedule of the maamad to ensure that people can get home earlier in the evening.

Additional details are expected to be forthcoming in the coming weeks.

Adirei Hatorah announced on Monday afternoon that its fifth maamad kavod hatorah will be taking place on Sunday, May 31st, about a week after Shavuos.

Organizers have not announced the venue for the maamad, but the previous four were all held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

There have reportedly also been discussions about slightly tweaking the schedule of the maamad to ensure that people can get home earlier in the evening.

Additional details are expected to be forthcoming in the coming weeks.

Lakewood Township announced that there will be nine public Chametz food burning sites (including a new site added for this year).

The sites will be open on Wednesday, April 1st, from 7:00 am until 12:30 pm. The logistics and safety of these sites are coordinated by multiple agencies, including the Lakewood Police Department; Lakewood Department of Public Works (DPW); Lakewood Fire Department; and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Chametz Burning Site Locations:

• ShoreTown Ballpark – 2 Stadium Way
• 9th Street and Clifton Avenue
• 7th Street and Private Way
• Frank Bartolf Sports Complex (336 Brook Road)
• Khal Zichron Yaakov (175 Sunset Road)
• John F. Patrick Sports Complex – Soccer Parking Lot (1111 Vine Avenue)
• Larry D’Zio Park – Locust Street and New Hampshire Avenue
• Pine Park – West County Line Road (Front Parking Lot)
• West Gate – Hillside Boulevard and Brisk Lane (New Site)

Fire Safety Precautions:

In the interest of public safety, residents making use of these sites are urged to closely follow safety precautions. There have been several instances of injuries in previous years where precautions were not properly followed.

• Please follow all directives from the personnel supervising the sites.
• Children should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times, to prevent accidents or burns.
• All individuals should remain behind the barricades and maintain a proper distance from the fire.
• Once your items have been thrown in, move further away from the fire – so that the area near the fire does not get overcrowded.
• Only food items may be thrown into the fire.
• Aerosol cans; plastic bags or bottles; glass; vacuum cleaner bags; and/or other non-food items; can pose a serious danger to anyone in the surrounding vicinity when placed in a fire. There will be trash cans onsite to enable the safe disposal of these items.
• The Fire Department would like to remind everyone that unauthorized burns are illegal. However, if you must burn the Chametz on your own, only use a small outdoor fire pit or grill made of non-flammable materials like metal or stone (for example: a fire pit, chimenea, or charcoal grill).

The Lakewood Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced an expanded sanitation schedule for the coming week, including a second round of curbside trash collection for all residential zones and the opening of multiple temporary drop-off locations.

Under the revised schedule, each zone will receive two trash collection days:

Zone 1, which is typically serviced on Mondays, will have pickups on Monday, March 30, and Wednesday, April 1.
Zone 2, normally collected on Tuesdays, will be serviced on Sunday, March 29, and Tuesday, March 31.
Zone 3 will receive collection on Monday, March 30, and Wednesday, April 1.
Zone 4 will be serviced on Tuesday, March 31, and Thursday, April 2.

In addition to curbside collection, the township is expanding access to trash drop-off sites.

The main DPW facility, located at 1 America Avenue, is currently operating on extended hours from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Tuesday, March 31, the site will remain open overnight through Wednesday, April 1, until 3:00 p.m.

Seven additional temporary drop-off sites will also be available across Lakewood. These locations will open Tuesday, March 31, at 7:00 a.m. and remain accessible overnight through Wednesday, April 1, until 12:30 p.m.

The sites are located at:
• 9th Street and Clifton Avenue
• 9th Street and Forest Avenue
• Frank Bartolf Sports Complex, 336 Brook Road
• Sunset Park, 105 Sunset Road
• Hillside Boulevard at Kosher West Plaza
• John F. Patrick Sports Complex, baseball parking lot at 1111 Vine Avenue
• Larry D’Zio Park, at Locust Street and New Hampshire Avenue

DPW officials said that both regular household trash and most forms of bulk waste — including wood, metal, and electronics — will be accepted at these locations. However, construction debris, paint, and other hazardous materials will not be permitted.

The Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA) is reporting a major step forward in its preparations for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year, with officials announcing that more than 12,700 students are already being processed for transportation renewal.

Following a strong early response from parents who submitted their forms ahead of schedule, LSTA confirmed that 12,717 students will be submitted for renewal this week. As a result, a large majority of those renewals are expected to be finalized before Pesach, representing the earliest such timeline in the past ten years.

Once the renewal phase is complete, LSTA will begin reviewing routes in coordination with individual schools to ensure a smoother and more efficient start to the school year. This phase will focus on refining routes, accounting for enrollment shifts, and optimizing coverage across the system.

Routing for additional schools is expected to continue after Pesach, with LSTA indicating that coverage will expand beyond what was offered in previous years.

As part of the first round of renewals, areas such as Monmouth Manor, Howell, and Jackson 21 have already been incorporated into routes serving multiple schools. However, officials noted that new routes may still be created depending on final needs, and any such routes will be subject to a formal bidding process once renewals are completed.

The LSTA noted the scale of the operation, which involves coordinating transportation for more than 160 schools and nearly 60,000 students. The full process is expected to take several months as routes are finalized and contracts are secured.

New Jersey residents are losing an estimated $3.1 billion annually to online scams, according to a sweeping new report that puts America’s true fraud losses at nearly $119 billion a year — roughly seven times what official figures suggest.

The findings come from the Consumer Federation of America’s new “scam economy” report, which argues that the FBI’s official 2024 loss figure of $16.6 billion captures only a fraction of the damage. Because only about 14 percent of scams are ever reported — victims often stay silent out of embarrassment or confusion — the real toll is vastly larger, the report says.

Nationally, that works out to roughly $349 in losses per American per year. In New Jersey, which ranks sixth in scam impact among all states, the per capita figure is $327. Officially, the state logged $434.8 million in reported losses in 2024, but the Consumer Federation estimates the true number is more than seven times that.

New Jersey is one of ten states that together account for half of all reported fraud nationwide. The others — California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Washington — share common traits that make them attractive targets: major financial centers, large technology sectors, high concentrations of older residents, and significant accumulated wealth.

The report singles out Meta’s platforms as the most common doorways for scammers. According to Better Business Bureau data cited in the report, Facebook is linked to 57 percent of social media scams, Instagram to 22 percent, and WhatsApp to 8 percent. More broadly, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance found that 81 percent of scam attempts in the United States take place on platforms that allow direct messaging, and a recurring theme in the report is that even when scams are flagged, platforms do little to act on them.

Investment scams led all categories by a wide margin, accounting for an estimated $46.9 billion in losses. Business email compromise scams came in second at $19.8 billion, followed by tech support scams at $10.5 billion. Confidence scams cost Americans an estimated $4.8 billion, while government impersonation scams accounted for $2.9 billion.

Employment scams, real estate fraud, and credit card schemes rounded out the list.
The report also notes that 83 percent of all online cybercrime losses stem from scams specifically, with the remainder attributed to offenses like ransomware and malware.

Robert Sorino, a dedicated public servant whose decades of commitment left a lasting mark on Lakewood’s fire service, has passed away.

Sorino, an exempt member of the Lakewood Fire Department, first joined Reliance Hose Company #4 in 1974, beginning a lifetime of service that would span generations. Over the years, he played a vital role within the company, including serving as its president, where he was widely respected for his leadership and steady presence.

In addition to his work with Reliance Hose, Sorino also served as a member of the fire police, contributing to scene safety and emergency response efforts throughout the community. His involvement extended beyond active duty, as he remained a committed participant in both the Lakewood Fire Department Relief Association and the department’s Exempt Association for many years.

Colleagues remember Sorino as a devoted firefighter who embodied a deep sense of duty and pride in serving Lakewood. His decades of volunteerism and leadership helped shape the department and support those who served alongside him.

One night this week, we heard desperate shouts from a car that came to an abrupt stop near our home in Lakewood, “Call 911 now. Get out of my car…” It was obvious that some sort of scuffle had erupted in the vehicle and help was needed.

We dialed 911, and were met with eerie silence. No ringing, no operator, no recording. Meanwhile, the frightening screams and activity continued from the car. After about 60 seconds, the silence on the line was broken, “Where’s the emergency…” And the questions began. Name? Phone number? Description of vehicle? Of the occupants?” I asked, “While we’re talking, is help being dispatched? Every moment is vital.” “Just a minute…” Sometime into the call, I was finally told, “Stay on the line while I connect you with Lakewood Police.”

And the conversation began anew…

This time, though, as the Lakewood dispatcher took the info, she was actually dispatching the call. Before the call even ended, I saw an officer approaching. But it was a few moments too late. The feuding few in the car had taken off, and the responding officers couldn’t locate the vehicle.

Did someone get beaten later that night? Or otherwise suffer with a violent aggressor? We may never know.

Precious minutes were wasted getting through to the proper party – the Lakewood Police – when every second counted. I’m still unsure why the emergency call system is set up this way.

The police officer later told me, “I was just down the road, and I sped over as soon as I got the call. It’s too bad. You can call us directly on our non-emergency number (732-363-0200) and press 0. It’s actually a lot faster, as you’ll be connected straight to our dispatcher.”

For now, I took his advice and saved that number in my phone. You may consider doing likewise.

Signed,

A Lakewood resident

The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Lakewood Alerts. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review.

Construction on a highly anticipated new roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure has reached a visible milestone, with crews installing the first sections of track at the site.

The coaster, which is scheduled to open in 2027, is being built in the area formerly occupied by the park’s iconic Kingda Ka ride.

The new coaster project comes as the park prepares for its 2026 operating season and continues broader upgrades. Among them is the transformation of The Boardwalk area, which is expected to debut in late spring.

Testifying before the New Jersey State Assembly Budget Committee, Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office, urged legislators to raise the state’s Nonpublic School Security Aid in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

In his testimony, Schorr noted that the security aid program has been instrumental in helping schools install cameras, secure entrances, and upgrade access control systems.

However, he emphasized that funding has remained flat for four consecutive budget cycles, even as security needs have evolved, and urged legislators to raise the aid from $205 to $260 per pupil

“Security is no longer simply a precaution — it is a daily necessity,” Schorr told lawmakers. “Our schools are facing a heightened threat environment, and the cost of protecting students has increased significantly.”

Agudath Israel’s proposal would increase funding to help schools hire trained security personnel while continuing to maintain critical infrastructure improvements.

Schorr pointed to recent incidents, including a mass shooting at a religious school last year and the foiled attack in Michigan just last week, as evidence of the real and immediate risks facing faith-based institutions, and the importance of trained security personnel.

“The focus has shifted from infrastructure alone to the urgent need for trained, on-site security personnel,” Schorr said. “For many schools, maintaining a consistent and professional security presence is becoming increasingly difficult without additional state support.”

He also cited the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness’ 2026 Threat Assessment, which warns that extremist actors continue to target religious communities, houses of worship, and schools.

“These are not hypothetical concerns,” Schorr said. “They are documented threats that require a serious and proactive response.”

Schorr also expressed appreciation for the Legislature’s longstanding partnership with the nonpublic school community and urged lawmakers to adopt the proposed increase as part of the final budget.

“We are grateful for the support the Legislature has shown over the years,” Schorr concluded. “We respectfully ask that you take this next step to ensure the safety and well-being of nearly 160,000 nonpublic school students across our state.”

Assemblyman Avi Schnall announced a major breakthrough for families across New Jersey who keep kosher: the state’s WIC program has approved, for the first time, a cholov yisroel infant formula for purchase through WIC benefits.

The approved formula, Baby’s Only Infant Formula, met all nutritional and regulatory requirements set by the program, including appropriate iron levels—an issue that had previously prevented other cholov yisroel formulas from qualifying.

“For years, families who rely on WIC while maintaining a commitment to cholov yisroel faced an impossible choice,” said Assemblyman Schnall. “They were forced to either compromise on their standards or shoulder an extra financial burden. This approval is a true game-changer that will take strain off so many parents.”

Assemblyman Schnall credits the achievement to a coordinated effort involving advocates and staff who worked persistently to ensure that families’ needs were addressed.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to Rabbi Shlomo Schorr, whose tireless advocacy was instrumental in pushing this forward,” Schnall said. “I am also deeply grateful to my Chief of Staff, David Dolan, and our Director of Constituent Affairs, Mrs. Horowitz, who worked diligently behind the scenes to help make this a reality.”

“This is a major victory for families who have long struggled to uphold their kosher standards while managing the financial demands of raising an infant,” Agudah NJ Director Shlomo Schorr said. “With this change, parents across New Jersey can provide for their children without added financial strain or compromising on cholov yisroel.”

With the approval, eligible families across New Jersey are now able to purchase Baby’s Only Infant Formula through their WIC benefits.

“This is what good government looks like,” Assemblyman Schnall added. “Listening to the needs of our communities and working collaboratively to deliver practical, meaningful solutions.”

Police in Jackson responded to reports of an armed individual early Wednesday evening, prompting an initial response near a local middle school before authorities determined the situation was unrelated to any school.

According to a statement from Jackson Police Chief Mary Nelson, officers were first directed toward the Jackson middle school based on early information. However, further investigation quickly clarified that no schools were involved and there was no threat to students or staff.

Police ultimately located the incident at a nearby residence, where officers moved in and brought the situation under control. No injuries were reported.

Chief Nelson credited the swift and tactical response of officers with resolving the situation safely and preventing any escalation.

Authorities did not immediately release additional details about the individual involved or the circumstances leading up to the incident.

A pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle on River Avenue near Cushman Street on Wednesday, prompting an emergency response.

Hatzolah paramedics arrived at the scene and transported the victim to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not yet released the individual’s identity, and a name for Tehillim was not immediately available.

Further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash have not yet been disclosed.

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New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport visited Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) on Tuesday, convening a roundtable discussion with a broad cross-section of Jewish community leaders, elected officials, and law enforcement representatives.

The meeting, held at the Lakewood yeshiva, focused on community concerns, public safety, and strengthening cooperation between state authorities and local stakeholders.

“Listening to community voices is essential to ensuring that New Jersey is a place where everyone feels safe to live, work, and worship,” Davenport said during the visit.

Among those in attendance were Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer; Assemblyman Avi Schnall; Agudah NJ Director Shlomo Schorr; Jackson askan and Hatzolah Captain Uri Davidi; Toms River askan Booky Kalusczyner; Jackson Council President Mordy Burnstein; Ocean County Commissioners Frank Sadeghi and Shmuel Ellenbogen; Senator Bob Singer; Lakewood Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein; BMG CEO Yosef Heinemann; Mrs. Chani Jacobowitz of BMG; Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles; and Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy, along with other community figures.

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Avi Schnall to improve oversight and transparency in services for individuals with developmental disabilities has passed the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee.

The bill, A1205, would require the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities to create and distribute a satisfaction survey to individuals and families who receive services through support coordination agencies. Based on those responses, each agency would receive a rating from one to five stars, which would be updated regularly and made publicly available online.

Support coordination agencies help individuals with developmental disabilities access critical services, including medical care, education, and social support.

“This bill is about giving families a clear voice and real information,” said Assemblyman Schnall. “Families deserve transparency when it comes to the quality of care their loved ones are receiving, and this will help ensure accountability across the system.”

If enacted, the legislation would take effect within 90 days, allowing time for implementation of the new rating system.

With Pesach cleaning in full gear, I would like to raise awareness about the extreme danger of certain heavy-duty oven cleaners, such as St. Moritz. Many people mistakenly store and handle these products the same way they would milder household cleaners like Easy-Off, but the two are not comparable.

These industrial-strength cleaners can cause severe chemical burns instantly upon contact. I learned this the hard way when my son suffered serious burns on his knee. After numerous trips to the Burn Center at St. Barnabas in Livingston, he is Baruch Hashem okay, but he will carry a scar for a lifetime. The specialists at the burn unit told us they treat many similar cases every year leading up to Pesach and are shocked by how commonly these hazardous chemicals are used in family homes, and they asked that we publicize this.

Parents, if you must use these products, please treat them with the utmost caution. Store them far out of reach of children, ensure they are securely sealed, and only use them when children are not in the room.

Let’s all take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe, healthy, and happy Chag Kasher V’Somayach.

A Concerned Parent

The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Lakewood Alerts. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review.

Legislation introduced by Assemblyman Alex Sauickie would use state funds to help school districts absorb rising health insurance costs after years of steep property tax increases driven by the state’s flawed school funding formula.

The bill (A4750) would appropriate up to $50 million to be distributed to qualifying school districts that have been forced to raise property taxes by more than 9.9% combined over the past two years. This threshold reflects the extraordinary fiscal pressure many communities are facing as they struggle to maintain essential education services.

Across New Jersey, municipalities and school districts have experienced record property tax hikes, with some communities seeing increases in back-to-back years and others facing spikes as high as 33% in a single year.

“Families across New Jersey are being squeezed from every direction,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said. “Over the past several years, the state’s school funding formula has forced many districts to raise property taxes just to keep their schools operating. Now those same districts are being hit with health insurance cost increases of up to 35%, and local taxpayers simply cannot absorb another round of these massive hikes.”

Sauickie said the bill recognizes that the burden placed on school districts and property taxpayers is no longer sustainable and that the state must step in to provide relief.

“For years, Trenton’s policies have shifted responsibility away from the state and onto local communities,” Sauickie said. “When districts are forced to raise taxes dramatically just to keep the lights on, and then face enormous increases in health insurance costs, the state cannot simply look the other way. It is time for the state to step in and provide support.”

Sauickie noted that the cost of the bill is modest when compared to recent state aid increases elsewhere.

“The total cost of this legislation is less than the $60 million in additional state aid provided to the Newark City School District this year, following three previous years in which Newark received roughly $100 million more annually,” Sauickie said. “Those increases were funded by the same New Jersey parents whose own local school districts are now once again struggling to close budget gaps caused by state policy decisions.”

The cost of employee health benefits is one of the fastest-growing expenses in district budgets.

Sauickie emphasized that the relief is aimed not only at school districts, but also at the families who ultimately pay the bill.

“Parents and homeowners have already been pushed to the limit,” Sauickie said. “Property taxpayers should not be expected to absorb another wave of massive increases simply because of systemic policy failures in Trenton. This legislation is about providing real relief to districts and the families who support them.”

Sauickie added that while the bill provides immediate support, it also highlights the urgent need for broader reform of New Jersey’s school funding and health benefits systems to prevent similar crises in the future.

“New Jersey’s taxpayers deserve a system that is fair, predictable, and sustainable,” Sauickie said. “Until we fix the underlying problems, we must at least ensure that communities already pushed to the brink receive the support they need.”

A house in the Ocean Beach section of Toms River was damaged by a fire early Tuesday morning, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.

Authorities say the fire was reported around 7:30 a.m. on East Pelican Way. When crews arrived, they found flames burning on the outside of the home near the electrical meter. The fire was contained before it could spread further into the structure.
No one was inside the home at the time. A nearby resident noticed smoke and called 911, leading to a quick response from emergency services. No injuries were reported.

Investigators believe the fire was accidental and may have started in the home’s electrical service area. The cause remains under review by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, with Inspector Benjamin Carlin leading the investigation.
Officials from the township’s building department later inspected the property and determined that the home is currently not safe to live in.

Multiple fire departments from surrounding communities responded to assist, along with Toms River police.

A wanted man led Lakewood police on a chaotic foot chase Tuesday before being tracked down and arrested in a residential neighborhood.

The incident began at the QuickChek on Cedarbridge Avenue, where the suspect managed to break free from officers and flee on foot, sparking an immediate pursuit.

Police chased the suspect into the nearby Cedarwood Hills/Hampshire Heights development, where he attempted to evade capture by hiding inside a backyard shed belonging to a local resident.

His attempt to lie low was short-lived.
Officers, assisted by Shomrim volunteers, quickly tracked the suspect to the shed and took him into custody without further incident.

Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or additional details regarding the charges he faces.

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A fire that broke out on the roof of a commercial building in Lakewood Tuesday night triggered evacuations and a significant emergency response.

The blaze erupted at approximately 9:45 p.m. at 945 River Avenue, commonly known as Evergreen Plaza, directly above J2 Pizza South. Authorities said the fire was confined to the roof area and did not spread into the strip mall’s storefronts.

Lakewood firefighters responded quickly, deploying a ladder truck to access the roof and bring the flames under control before they could extend further into the structure.

As a precaution, the plaza was evacuated while crews worked to contain the fire.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Lakewood Fire Department, Lakewood Police Department, Chaveirim, and Shomrim, all of whom assisted in managing the incident and ensuring public safety.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known and remains under investigation.

No injuries were immediately reported.

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Lakewood Fire Commissioner and former Board of Education member Rabbi Moshe Raitzik is entering the race for a seat on the Lakewood Township Committee as a Republican, Lakewood Alerts has learned.

Raitzik, a longtime public servant in the township, currently serves as a fire commissioner and previously held a position on the Lakewood Board of Education. His entry into the race adds a familiar name to the local political landscape, where candidates often bring prior experience in municipal or community roles.

The Lakewood Township Committee, which serves as the governing body of the municipality, is currently comprised of Mayor Ray Coles, Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller, Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, Committeeman Albert Akerman, and Committeewoman Deborah Fuentes.

The Republican primary is set to be held in June.

Jersey Shore Hatzalah has announced the launch of its first Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) response vehicle, marking a major expansion in the level of emergency medical care available to the community.

For more than two decades, Jersey Shore Hatzalah has responded to medical emergencies with trained EMTs providing Basic Life Support (BLS) care. These responders stabilize patients, control bleeding, monitor vital signs, administer select medications, and transport patients safely to hospitals.

The newly introduced MICU program brings Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities into Hatzalah’s operations for the first time. ALS providers, commonly known as paramedics, receive extensive education and clinical training that allows them to perform advanced cardiac monitoring, interpret EKGs, administer a broader range of medications, manage complex airway procedures such as intubation, and deliver electrical therapies used in cardiac care.

In New Jersey, paramedics operate within hospital-based systems and respond in MICUs—specialized units equipped to deliver hospital-level emergency care at the scene. In the region, that system is operated by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s Mobile Health Division.

The initiative follows nearly two years of planning and coordination between Jersey Shore Hatzalah and RWJ Mobile Health. The process included regulatory approvals, integration into the existing emergency response framework, and extensive training efforts. Members of the organization underwent additional education, including paramedic certification, while others were onboarded into the RWJ system to support ALS operations.

Jersey Shore Hatzalah said it has already begun building a second MICU vehicle and is continuing to invest in training additional members as paramedics as the program expands.

Security conditions at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst were abruptly elevated Tuesday to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie, prompting huge changes to the base’s defensive posture at one of the nation’s most critical military installations amid what officials describe as credible, localized threat intelligence.

The move from FPCON Bravo to Charlie is not routine. It indicates that either an incident has occurred or intelligence has been received suggesting that a form of terrorist activity targeting military personnel or facilities is likely. While base officials have not disclosed the nature of the threat, the shift has triggered immediate and visible changes across all three components of the sprawling installation — McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix, and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst.

FPCON Charlie represents a serious but temporary security posture, typically maintained only as long as a specific threat remains credible. Should the situation escalate further, the installation could move to FPCON Delta, the highest level of force protection, reserved for imminent or ongoing attacks.

Security conditions at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst were abruptly elevated Tuesday to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie, prompting huge changes to the base’s defensive posture at one of the nation’s most critical military installations.

The move from FPCON Bravo to Charlie is not routine. It indicates that either an incident has occurred or intelligence has been received suggesting that a form of terrorist activity targeting military personnel or facilities is likely.

The move was reportedly prompted by “multiple suspicious packages” that have been found on the base. Additional information was not immediately available.

FPCON Charlie represents a serious but temporary security posture, typically maintained only as long as a specific threat remains credible. Should the situation escalate further, the installation could move to FPCON Delta, the highest level of force protection, reserved for imminent or ongoing attacks.

Security conditions at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst were abruptly elevated Tuesday to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie, prompting huge changes to the base’s defensive posture at one of the nation’s most critical military installations.

The move from FPCON Bravo to Charlie is not routine. It indicates that either an incident has occurred or intelligence has been received suggesting that a form of terrorist activity targeting military personnel or facilities is likely.

The base later clarified that the move was prompted by “multiple suspicious packages” that has been found on the base. Subsequent investigation confirmed that they posed no threat.

We regret to inform you of the petirah of R’ Meir Wolofsky z”l, the father-in-law of baal tzedaka R’ Chuny Herzka yb”l.

R’ Meir, a longtime resident of Flatbush, relocated to Toms River several years ago to be near his children and grandchildren.

R’ Meir was widely known and admired as an ehrliche Yid who lived his life with a steadfast commitment to Torah and Yiddishkeit.

The levaya is scheduled to take place at 3 pm at the Lakewood Chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue. A subsequent levaya will be held at 6 pm at the Boston Bais Medrash in Flatbush, 2822 Ave. J. Kevurah will take place in Eretz Yisroel.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Avi Schnall that would require childcare centers to notify parents when a child is absent without explanation has been approved by the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee, moving the bill one step closer to becoming law.

The bill would require childcare centers, as a condition of receiving or renewing their license from the Department of Children and Families (DCF), to have a clear procedure for contacting parents or guardians if a child does not show up and the absence has not been reported. The goal is to make sure families are quickly alerted when a child who is expected at daycare never arrives.

Under the legislation, the state would not issue or renew a license for any childcare center that does not put these notification procedures in place. If a center fails to follow the requirement, DCF could deny, revoke, or refuse to renew its license.

Assemblyman Schnall said the measure is meant to address tragic situations in which children have been forgotten in vehicles or otherwise unaccounted for when parents believed they had been dropped off at daycare.

“Sadly, we’ve seen too many heartbreaking tragedies and far too many close calls when a child never made it into daycare and no one realized it right away,” said Schnall. “This bill creates a simple safeguard. If a child doesn’t show up, parents will be notified quickly so they can make sure their child is safe. Even one tragedy prevented would make this effort worthwhile.”

The bill will now move forward in the legislative process for consideration by the full Assembly.

A special asifah will be held in Lakewood on Tuesday night to commemorate the 40th yahrtzeit of Harav Yaakov Kamenetsky zt”l.

The gathering, dedicated to divrei zikaron in honor of the revered Rosh Yeshiva, will take place at Yeshiva K’tana of Lakewood, located at 120 Second Street. The program is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., with Maariv to follow.

Attendees will hear reflections and divrei hisorerus from prominent rabbanim, including Rav Ze’ev Kamenetsky, Rav Yitzchak Knobel, Rav Daniel Neustadt, and Rav Avrohom Greenfield, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Ohr Yisroel and a talmid of Rav Yaakov zt”l.

An Ezras Nashim will be available to accommodate women.

Jackson officials announced that the first day of in-person inspections by the township’s newly established Rental Safety Bureau resulted in multiple rental violations and the discovery of suspected criminal activity.

Mayor Jennifer Kuhn said inspections conducted on March 16 marked the first day bureau staff carried out in-person checks of rental properties across the township.

According to township officials, 50% of the properties inspected were found to have rental violations.

During one inspection, officials also identified suspected criminal activity at a property. The matter was reported to law enforcement, which is now conducting an investigation.

The Rental Safety Bureau was recently created as part of a new township program requiring annual inspections of all rental properties.

Officials said the inspections are aimed at identifying violations, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and addressing issues related to illegal rental activity.

An MVA involving an overturned vehicle shut down a stretch of Main Street in Lakewood on Monday afternoon.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m., when one vehicle rolled over and landed on its roof. Initial reports indicated that multiple occupants were trapped inside, but emergency crews were able to quickly extricate them.

The roadway—just outside NPGS near the intersection of Clifton Avenue—remained closed for an extended period as first responders worked to clear the scene.

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The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Ocean County and 15 other New Jersey counties until 7 PM Monday evening, as strong thunderstorms begin to arrive in the region.

Unlike a Tornado Warning, a Tornado Watch does not mean that a tornado is expected. Instead, it means that the conditions exist which could result in a tornado forming.

In addition to the tornado threat, the storm system is expected to bring heavy rain, high winds, and possibly hail.

Residents are advised to secure any loose items outdoors, and remain indoors for the duration of the storm, if possible.

A juvenile has been charged in connection with an attempted robbery last Friday evening in the Pine Lake Park section of Manchester.

The incident occurred on Friday night, March 13, at approximately 7:15 p.m., near the intersection of Hannibal Street and Seventh Avenue.

Police say the victim, a local Jewish resident who was on his way to shul for Friday night davening, was approached by a suspect armed with a knife who demanded money. The victim was able to quickly flee the scene and ran into a nearby home to seek safety.

Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded and began searching the area. The Manchester Police Investigations Bureau assisted with the investigation, and additional resources were brought in from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, including its drone unit and K-9 teams, as authorities worked to locate the suspect.

The investigation continued into the following day, when police determined that a juvenile was responsible for the attempted mugging. On Saturday, the suspect was taken into custody and charged with robbery and weapons possession offenses.

Authorities said the juvenile is currently being held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

Under New Jersey law, additional identifying details about juveniles charged as delinquent cannot be released.

Caleb Snyder — the YouTuber and social media commentator who traveled to Lakewood last week to show viewers a side of the town that another YouTuber, Tyler Oliveira, chose not to highlight — has released his video documenting his interactions with locals, both Jewish and non-Jewish, throughout the area.

Unsurprisingly, Snyder’s experience paints a markedly different picture from the narrative presented by Oliveira. While Oliveira’s video selectively edited out encounters and context that would have offered a fuller view of the community, Snyder’s footage captures a more accurate portrayal of Lakewood — a place far removed from the caricature of a racist or “anti-goy” enclave that Oliveira attempted to present.

Watch Caleb’s video and subscribe to his channel to show him support.

Jackson officials announced that the Township’s newly established Bureau of Rental Housing & Inspection is now fully staffed and will begin conducting rental property inspections starting Monday.

According to township officials, staff members spent the past six weeks organizing the new bureau, working through rental registration details and building the program from the ground up in preparation for the launch.

The bureau was created to ensure that all rental properties in Jackson Township comply with local ordinances and safety standards, while also confirming that rental units are properly registered with the township. Officials say the inspections are designed to verify that homes being rented meet required health, safety, and property maintenance standards and that landlords are operating within municipal regulations.

Jackson Mayor Jennifer Kuhn said the initiative is aimed at restoring oversight and accountability to the township’s rental housing system.

“When I took office, we inherited a system that lacked the structure and oversight needed to properly regulate rental housing,” Kuhn said in a statement. “Establishing the Bureau of Rental Housing & Inspection is an important step toward ensuring that rental properties in Jackson Township are safe, properly maintained, and legally registered. Our residents deserve transparency, fairness, and enforcement of the rules that protect neighborhoods and families.”

Under the new program, every rental home in Jackson will now be subject to an annual inspection. Township officials said the bureau will work alongside the township’s Code Enforcement Department to ensure municipal ordinances are followed and that rental properties remain in compliance.

The bureau’s responsibilities include inspecting rental properties for safety and code compliance, ensuring that rental units are properly registered with the township, promoting safe housing conditions for tenants, and helping preserve the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.

Township officials are encouraging landlords and property owners to make sure their rental properties are properly registered and prepared for inspection as the program moves forward. Officials also noted that the creation of the bureau represents a broader effort to improve oversight of rental housing in Jackson Township while maintaining consistent and fair enforcement.

For more information about rental registration and inspections, property owners can contact Chief Inspector Jose Rivera at [email protected] or Inspector Hope Drew at [email protected].

As many residents begin their annual pre-Passover and spring cleaning, the Lakewood Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced extended hours for the township’s main bulk trash drop-off site.

The site, located at 1 America Avenue near the intersection of Cedar Bridge and New Hampshire Avenues, will operate on an expanded schedule beginning Monday, March 16 through Monday, March 30. During that period, residents will be able to drop off bulk trash Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

The township also announced a special extended window at the end of the month. Beginning Tuesday, March 31, the drop-off location will remain open overnight and continue operating until Wednesday, April 1 at 3:00 p.m.

The facility accepts most forms of bulk trash, including wood, metal, electronics, and similar materials. However, construction materials, paint, and other hazardous items are not permitted at the site.

Township officials said additional details regarding seasonal sanitation services will be released in the coming weeks. Those announcements are expected to include information about additional temporary trash drop-off locations, expanded trash pickup runs, and designated biur chometz sites.

As many residents begin their annual pre-Passover and spring cleaning, the Lakewood Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced extended hours for the township’s main bulk trash drop-off site.

The site, located at 1 America Avenue near the intersection of Cedar Bridge and New Hampshire Avenues, will operate on an expanded schedule beginning Monday, March 16 through Monday, March 30. During that period, residents will be able to drop off bulk trash Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

The township also announced a special extended window at the end of the month. Beginning Tuesday, March 31, the drop-off location will remain open overnight and continue operating until Wednesday, April 1 at 3:00 p.m.

The facility accepts most forms of bulk trash, including wood, metal, electronics, and similar materials. However, construction materials, paint, and other hazardous items are not permitted at the site.

Township officials said additional details regarding seasonal sanitation services will be released in the coming weeks. Those announcements are expected to include information about additional temporary trash drop-off locations, expanded trash pickup runs, and designated biur chometz sites.

Assemblyman Avi Schnall announced that most school districts across the 30th Legislative District are slated to receive increases in K-12 state aid under Governor Mikie Sherrill’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 state budget.

Under the state’s school funding formula, the largest increase a district can receive this year is capped at 6 percent, while any reduction is limited to a maximum of 3 percent. According to the preliminary aid figures, most districts in the 30th District will receive the full 6 percent increase, including Lakewood Township, Howell Township, Wall Township, Avon-by-the-Sea, and Belmar. Lake Como is also set to receive a 4.5 percent increase in aid.

Two districts — Freehold Regional High School District and Farmingdale School District — are projected to see reductions of 3 percent under the proposal, the maximum decrease allowed under the formula.

Overall, school districts in the 30th District would receive approximately $104.5 million in K-12 formula aid, an increase of roughly $2.57 million compared to the current fiscal year.

“I’m pleased to see that most school districts across the 30th Legislative District are receiving increased state aid under the proposed budget,” said Assemblyman Schnall. “For those that are seeing their state aid cut, I will continue fighting to increase their aid so that every child in our district has the opportunity to succeed.”

The Howell Township Police Department is warning residents about a sophisticated employment scam that recently targeted a local student, prompting officials to urge increased vigilance among students and parents throughout the township’s school districts.

According to police, the scam begins with an email that appears to offer part-time, work-from-home employment. In the recent incident, the email claimed to represent the charitable organization “Feed the Children,” using a convincing email address designed to appear legitimate.

After establishing contact, the scammers instructed the student to deposit a check into their personal bank account using a mobile banking app. Once the check was deposited, the victim was directed to transfer a portion of the funds to a specific email address, typically through a digital payment platform such as Zelle.

Police say the scheme relies on the delay between when a check is initially accepted by a bank and when it is verified as legitimate. When the bank ultimately determines that the check is fraudulent, the deposited funds are removed from the victim’s account. By that point, the money sent to the scammer has already been transferred, leaving the victim stuck with the loss.

Authorities say scammers frequently target students and young people with offers of flexible, work-from-home jobs, particularly those that promise easy income with minimal effort.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam, or any similar scheme, is encouraged to contact the Howell Township Police Department. Police are reminding residents to avoid sending money to unfamiliar or unverified sources and to report suspicious activity immediately.

Members of the Lakewood Police Department took part Saturday in the 2026 Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights, joining hundreds of participants who braved the frigid Atlantic Ocean to raise money and awareness for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The department’s contingent included officers from several specialized units, among them the water rescue team and the K-9 unit, who joined other law enforcement officers and community members in the annual fundraising tradition.

The Polar Bear Plunge is a longstanding winter event organized to support Special Olympics programs, with participants collecting pledges before taking a quick plunge into the cold ocean waters. The funds raised help provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state.

An 18-year-old was shot in Lakewood on Saturday in what authorities believe may be connected to a deadly shooting that occurred in the township last week.

The shooting took place on East 4th Street. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving calls about gunfire in the area.

The victim, identified as an 18-year-old male, was struck during the incident. Details about his condition have not yet been publicly released.

Police have not announced any information about a suspect, and it remains unclear whether the shooter has been identified.

Investigators are examining whether Saturday’s shooting may be retaliation for a fatal shooting that occurred last week Sunday evening elsewhere in Lakewood.

In that earlier incident, police responded shortly after 8:15 p.m. to the area of Pearl Street, where a juvenile male had been shot in the back.

The victim was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood but later succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities subsequently arrested a juvenile suspect, who has not been publicly identified because of his age. The suspect is currently being held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

He faces charges of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon, according to police.

Law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed whether Saturday’s shooting is directly connected to last week’s killing, but sources indicate investigators are exploring the possibility of retaliatory violence.

Police have not released additional details about the latest incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting on East 4th Street to contact local law enforcement.

A 75-year-old New Jersey man died Friday morning after his vehicle struck a tree at an intersection in Manchester Township, authorities said.

Police identified the driver as Michael Martin of Whiting, who sustained fatal injuries following the single-vehicle crash shortly before dawn.

Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded at approximately 5:37 a.m. to the intersection of Pinewald Keswick Road and Crestwood Parkway after receiving reports of a vehicle that had collided with a tree.

When officers arrived, they found a gray 2019 GMC Terrain that had left the roadway, traveled across a grassy shoulder, and struck a tree head-on.

According to a preliminary investigation, Martin had been traveling westbound on Crestwood Parkway and stopped at the stop sign before attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Pinewald Keswick Road. While making the turn, the vehicle lost control, entered the northbound lane of Pinewald Keswick Road, and continued off the roadway before colliding with the tree.

The impact caused moderate damage to the vehicle’s front passenger-side bumper and deployed the driver-side front airbag, police said.

Martin suffered internal injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center, where he later died, authorities said.

Investigators believe that an obstructed view through the windshield may have been a primary contributing factor in the crash, though the investigation remains ongoing.

A Lakewood resident has been charged following a reported bias harassment incident earlier this week.

Police say the investigation began on Tuesday, when officers responded to a residence on Clydebank Drive after receiving a report of harassment involving neighbors.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers spoke with the complainant, who reported that a neighbor had been directing derogatory and offensive remarks toward her as she walked past the residence.

Officers then made contact with the neighbor, identified as Sandra Eaton, 71, of Lakewood. According to police, Eaton allegedly continued making derogatory remarks while officers were present.

Following a review of the incident, authorities approved criminal charges. Eaton was charged with Bias Intimidation (2C:16-1A(1)), with the underlying offense of Harassment (2C:33-4A). She was served with a summons and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer addressed the incident in a statement, emphasizing the department’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe community.

“Lakewood is a diverse community where everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” Meyer said. “Behavior that targets someone based on who they are has no place in our neighborhoods, and we will take appropriate action whenever incidents like this are reported.”

After weeks of record low temperatures and heavy snowfall that slowed outdoor construction, infrastructure work across Lakewood Township is once again moving forward as crews return to job sites amid milder weather.

Township officials say municipal crews and subcontractors have resumed work at several locations throughout Lakewood, with additional projects expected to begin in the coming weeks. Many of the projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of spring 2026.

The winter conditions temporarily halted or delayed a number of outdoor infrastructure efforts, but officials say the recent stretch of warmer temperatures has allowed work to resume at full pace.

While the spring season typically sees the most intense period of infrastructure work due to favorable weather conditions, township leaders say efforts are being made to minimize disruptions for residents and motorists.

According to the township, construction activity on busy weekdays is generally limited to the hours of 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. to reduce traffic congestion during peak commuting periods. In addition, non-urgent projects will be paused in the days leading up to the Passover holiday, when traffic throughout the township is expected to increase significantly.

Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein praised the township’s engineering staff for managing the projects while working to reduce inconvenience to the public.

“Thank you to Engineering Manager Tony Poklasny, Senior Engineer Justin Meyer, and the rest of the team for always being on top of the game and prioritizing the needs of individual residents and motorists even during major, complex projects,” Lichtenstein said. “We look forward to continuing to work together to improve Lakewood’s infrastructure, safety, and quality of life throughout town.”

Among the infrastructure projects currently underway or scheduled to be completed this season are drainage improvements along Arboretum Parkway; sidewalk and paving work at First Street and Monmouth Avenue; and paving along Second Street between Private Way and Park Avenue.

Additional projects include drainage and paving work along Ninth Street between Lexington Avenue and Monmouth Avenue; repaving on Pine Street between Route 9 and New Hampshire Avenue; and new sidewalks along Ridge Avenue.

Crews are also working on drainage and sidewalk improvements along Lanes Mill Road, while another major project will repave sections of Avenue of the States and add new turning lanes to improve traffic flow.

Township officials say the projects are part of an ongoing effort to upgrade Lakewood’s infrastructure while addressing long-standing drainage, safety, and traffic concerns in growing parts of the municipality.

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Lakewood Alerts on Tuesday shared footage of a YouTuber who was seen walking around Lakewood interviewing residents. Based on limited information at the time — and in light of recent incidents in which outside YouTubers entered Lakewood looking to provoke controversy or publish misleading content about the Orthodox Jewish community — the post suggested that the individual may have been engaged in similar activity.

It was later clarified that the YouTuber was actually Caleb Snyder, a social media commentator who had come to Lakewood with a very different objective: interviewing residents and highlighting the positive reality of the community.

After removing the earlier social media posts, Lakewood Alerts made contact with Snyder and met with him in person on Thursday to discuss his visit and his impressions of the township.

Snyder said he spent two days visiting local organizations and speaking with residents throughout town.

“The organizations, the charities I’ve been to — Hatzolah, multiple organizations — are absolutely incredible,” he said. “This town is amazing for both Jews and non-Jews.”
He added that while Lakewood’s traffic stood out to him as a challenge, his overall impression was strongly positive.

“My biggest takeaway from the last two days here in Lakewood is the assimilation of Jews and non-Jews,” Snyder said. “I’ve interviewed dozens of Jews and dozens of Gentiles, and the way they get along and the way they talk to each other has been incredible.”

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WhatsApp-Video-2026-03-12-at-6.54.32-PM.mp4

Snyder said his goal in filming was to highlight those interactions and present a more accurate picture of the community. The video is expected to be released sometime next week.

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Lakewood Alerts on Tuesday shared footage of a YouTuber who was seen walking around Lakewood interviewing residents. Based on limited information at the time — and in light of recent incidents in which outside YouTubers entered Lakewood looking to provoke controversy or publish misleading content about the Orthodox Jewish community — the post suggested that the individual may have been engaged in similar activity.

It was later clarified that the YouTuber was actually Caleb Snyder, a social media commentator who had come to Lakewood with a very different objective: interviewing residents and highlighting the positive reality of the community.

After removing the earlier social media posts, Lakewood Alerts made contact with Snyder and met with him in person on Thursday to discuss his visit and his impressions of the township.

Snyder said he spent two days visiting local organizations and speaking with residents throughout town.

“The organizations, the charities I’ve been to — Hatzolah, multiple organizations — are absolutely incredible,” he said. “This town is amazing for both Jews and non-Jews.”
He added that while Lakewood’s traffic stood out to him as a challenge, his overall impression was strongly positive.

“My biggest takeaway from the last two days here in Lakewood is the assimilation of Jews and non-Jews,” Snyder said. “I’ve interviewed dozens of Jews and dozens of Gentiles, and the way they get along and the way they talk to each other has been incredible.”

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WhatsApp-Video-2026-03-12-at-6.54.32-PM.mp4

Snyder said his goal in filming was to highlight those interactions and present a more accurate picture of the community. The video is expected to be released sometime next week.

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A new era of food delivery is about to begin in New Jersey. Food-delivery platform Grubhub announced that it will launch the state’s first commercial drone food-delivery program, partnering with Dexa and Wonder to bring automated aerial delivery to customers in Green Brook.

Beginning March 18, customers ordering from Wonder’s Green Brook location through the Grubhub app will have the option to receive their meals by drone if they live within a 2.5-mile delivery radius. The pilot program will run for three months and will allow diners to choose drone delivery at no additional cost beyond standard service and delivery fees.

The initiative marks the first time drone technology will be used for commercial food delivery in New Jersey, signaling a major step forward in automated logistics for restaurants and delivery platforms.

Under the program, diners can order from any of the 15 restaurant concepts housed inside Wonder’s Green Brook facility. Because Wonder operates a multi-restaurant kitchen model, meals from different brands are prepared in a single location before being dispatched for delivery — a system designed to pair efficiently with drone transportation.

Grubhub officials say the program is intended to test how advanced aerial delivery can integrate with the company’s existing marketplace.

“Our partnership with Dexa represents a major step forward in Grubhub’s commitment to delivery innovation,” said Abhishek “PJ” Poykayil, senior vice president of customer delivery operations at Wonder and Grubhub. “By connecting Grubhub’s marketplace expertise, Wonder’s innovative mealtime platform, and Dexa’s expansive drone technology, we’re proud to introduce a faster and more efficient way for New Jersey diners to experience food delivery without compromising safety or reliability.”

The deliveries will be carried out using Dexa’s DE-2020 drone, a fully automated aircraft designed to transport small packages directly to customers’ homes. Dexa is one of only four companies in the United States that both manufactures and operates delivery drones certified under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 135 air carrier regulations, which govern commercial aviation operations.

Before each flight, trained crew members verify that orders are securely packaged and meet operational and food-safety standards. During delivery, the drone lowers the order to the ground using a controlled tether system rather than landing directly at the customer’s home.

The aircraft relies on autonomous navigation and secure communications systems to follow pre-approved flight paths designed to prioritize safety while minimizing noise and disruption in surrounding neighborhoods.

Customers will still interact with the familiar Grubhub app during the process. The platform will manage order placement, real-time GPS tracking, delivery notifications, and customer communication, allowing diners to monitor the drone’s progress from restaurant to doorstep.

“Consumers want delivery that’s faster and more reliable — and this collaboration shows what’s possible when industry innovators come together,” said Beth Flippo, chief executive officer of Dexa. “This service is a glimpse into the future of how autonomous technology will help restaurants and retailers serve customers at a completely new level.”

Before the service officially launches, Grubhub and Dexa will host a community demonstration event in Green Brook on March 16, where residents can watch the drones in action during scheduled demonstrations at noon and 4 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for March 17.

Company officials say the three-month test program will provide data on how drone delivery performs in a suburban environment.

If successful, Grubhub plans to evaluate expanding the service to additional restaurant partners in the region.

A dispute over affordable housing obligations has erupted in Toms River after four council members voted to reject a settlement negotiated by the mayor’s administration.

In a statement released following the vote, Mayor Dan Rodrick said he was “outraged” by what he described as a “reckless and irresponsible decision” by Council members Bianchini, Nivison, Ciccozzi, and Bradley to block the agreement.

According to the mayor, the settlement was the result of months of negotiations aimed at dramatically reducing the township’s affordable housing obligations under state requirements.

When the state first calculated the town’s obligation, officials were facing a mandate to accommodate approximately 1,700 new affordable housing units, Rodrick said. Through negotiations and what he described as a “creative compliance strategy,” the administration worked to reduce that obligation to just 183 units of new construction.

A central component of the plan involved extending affordability controls on existing units for an additional 30 years. The mayor said that approach would preserve existing affordable housing while significantly limiting the amount of new development required.

Rodrick warned that the council’s decision could expose the township to legal challenges from developers.

If the original 1,700-unit obligation had to be satisfied through traditional 80/20 developments — projects in which 20 percent of units are designated as affordable — the result could be more than 8,000 total apartments, he said.

By rejecting the negotiated settlement, the council majority has now created what the mayor described as a “very real risk” of builder’s remedy lawsuits. Such lawsuits, commonly used by developers in New Jersey affordable housing disputes, can allow courts to override local zoning restrictions and permit large residential developments.

The mayor also suggested that the council’s actions could raise questions among residents.

“When decisions like this appear to benefit developers while putting the community in danger, residents are naturally going to ask whose interests are really being served,” the mayor said.

He also said his administration had attempted repeatedly to engage the council majority in discussions about the settlement before the vote.

According to the mayor, he made several attempts to bring council members into the process since they took office, including contacting them directly and visiting their homes to discuss the issue. He said he has already provided phone records documenting those attempts and is willing to release screenshots of text messages as well.

Despite those efforts, the mayor said, the council members declined to participate in negotiations and ultimately rejected the agreement.

“My administration negotiated a responsible solution that reduced the town’s obligation from 1,700 units to just 183 and protected our community from massive overdevelopment,” Rodrick said. “I will continue to fight to preserve that outcome and ensure residents understand exactly what is now at stake.”

Two juveniles were injured Wednesday evening after the minibike they were riding collided with a minivan at an intersection in the Pine Lake Park section of Manchester, police said.

According to the Manchester Township Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 6:36 p.m. on March 11 at the intersection of Commonwealth Boulevard and Pemberton Street.

Responding officers arrived to find a red gas-powered minibike lying in the westbound lane of Commonwealth Boulevard with minor damage. A gray 2012 Toyota Sienna with minor front-end damage was also located in the same lane.

An initial investigation determined that the minibike, carrying two juvenile females riding tandem and not wearing helmets, had been traveling northbound on Pemberton Street.

When the minibike entered the intersection at Commonwealth Boulevard, it failed to stop at a posted stop sign and was struck by the westbound Toyota Sienna, resulting in a right-angle collision.

Both juveniles were ejected from the minibike onto Commonwealth Boulevard during the crash. Police said multiple witnesses at the scene confirmed the sequence of events.

The minibike was operated by a 14-year-old Manchester Township girl who reported an ankle injury but declined medical treatment at the scene. Her passenger, a 13-year-old girl also from Manchester Township, was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Toyota Sienna was driven by a 36-year-old mother. She reported no injuries. Two juvenile passengers inside the vehicle were also uninjured, police said.

Commonwealth Boulevard was closed for approximately 30 minutes while officers conducted their investigation and cleared the roadway.

Assisting at the scene were Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services, paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hatzolah, and Priced Rite Towing.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

At this time, failure to obey the posted stop sign by the minibike operator appears to be the primary contributing factor.

The crash is being investigated by Patrolman Anthony DeBlasio of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

Lakewood officials are holding talks with Ocean County that could pave the way for the installation of several new traffic signals along Cross Street, one of the busiest arterial roads in the township.

Under upcoming resolutions, Lakewood would authorize traffic signal agreements with Ocean County for multiple intersections along the roadway. Because Cross Street is a county roadway, the projects require coordination and formal agreements between the township and the county before signals can be installed.

The proposed signals would be placed at four busy intersections: Cross Street and Massachusetts Avenue, Cross Street and James Street/Franklin Boulevard, Cross Street and White Road/White Street, and Cross Street and Prospect Street.

If approved, the agreements would allow Ocean County to move forward with the installation of the signals in an effort to improve traffic flow and safety along the corridor. Cross Street has experienced steadily increasing traffic in recent years with the addition of numerous schools in the area.

Traffic signals could help regulate vehicle movement and reduce congestion during peak travel hours, particularly at crossings that connect residential neighborhoods with major through routes.

Separately, township officials are also planning a new four-way stop at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Second Street. The change is intended to slow traffic and improve safety at the intersection, which has drawn concerns from residents.

If implemented, the four-way stop would require vehicles approaching the intersection from all directions to come to a complete stop before proceeding. Currently, only vehicles on Second Street are required to stop.

Lakewood officials are holding talks with Ocean County that could pave the way for the installation of several new traffic signals along Cross Street, one of the busiest arterial roads in the township.

Under upcoming resolutions, Lakewood would authorize traffic signal agreements with Ocean County for multiple intersections along the roadway. Because Cross Street is a county roadway, the projects require coordination and formal agreements between the township and the county before signals can be installed.

The proposed signals would be placed at four busy intersections: Cross Street and Massachusetts Avenue, Cross Street and James Street/Franklin Boulevard, Cross Street and White Road/White Street, and Cross Street and Prospect Street.

If approved, the agreements would allow Ocean County to move forward with the installation of the signals in an effort to improve traffic flow and safety along the corridor. Cross Street has experienced steadily increasing traffic in recent years with the addition of numerous schools in the area.

Traffic signals could help regulate vehicle movement and reduce congestion during peak travel hours, particularly at crossings that connect residential neighborhoods with major through routes.

Separately, township officials are also planning a new four-way stop at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Second Street. The change is intended to slow traffic and improve safety at the intersection, which has drawn concerns from residents.

If implemented, the four-way stop would require vehicles approaching the intersection from all directions to come to a complete stop before proceeding. Currently, only vehicles on Second Street are required to stop.

A residential fire believed to have started in a clothes dryer prompted an emergency response Wednesday evening, forcing the evacuation of a home on Northstream Drive in Toms River and leaving the structure temporarily uninhabitable.

Fire companies from across Toms River were dispatched to the residence at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday after an initial report of a dryer fire. As additional details emerged during the call, dispatchers quickly upgraded the response to a full structure fire assignment.

First arriving crews confirmed that a working fire was burning inside the home. Firefighters immediately launched suppression operations, moving quickly to contain the flames before they could spread further through the residence.

Officials said crews were able to bring the fire under control within a short time, preventing significant extension into other parts of the home.

All occupants of the residence safely evacuated before emergency personnel arrived, authorities said.

One emergency responder was evaluated and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but was later released. No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters also worked to remove several pets from the residence during the incident. While multiple animals were safely brought out, two cats remained unaccounted for as of Wednesday night.

Following the fire, the Toms River Building Department inspected the property and determined that the home is currently unsafe for occupancy.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. Inspector Ryan LaVigne is leading the investigation with assistance from the Toms River Police Department. Preliminary findings indicate the blaze was accidental.

We regret to inform you of the petirah of R’ Michoel Eliezer Loewy z”l, a resident of the Fairways community. He was 80 years old.

The levaya is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 2 PM at the Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue in Lakewood.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

The Manchester Township Police Department has announced the hiring of Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II Rachel Morris, who was sworn in during Monday’s Manchester Township Council meeting.

Morris took her oath of office before Mayor Joseph Hankins during the meeting, formally joining the department.

A native of Lakewood who was raised in Manchester, Morris graduated from Manchester High School in 2021. During her time there, she was actively involved in athletics, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in both track and soccer. She also served as captain of the soccer team and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player twice.

After high school, Morris attended Lock Haven University, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice. While at the university, she was named to the Dean’s List and also played on the women’s soccer team during her freshman year.

Following her graduation in 2024, Morris began her law enforcement career with the Seaside Heights Police Department as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class I. In 2025, she attended the Ocean County Police Academy while continuing her service with the department as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II.

“It is always rewarding when we can welcome a Manchester resident, who grew up in our community, to serve in our police department and contribute to their hometown,” said Manchester Township Police Chief Antonio Ellis. “I would like to thank Mayor Hankins, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department’s mission to provide our residents with the highest possible level of service. We all wish SLEO II Morris a safe and successful law enforcement career here in Manchester Township.”

Morris will now begin the Manchester Township Police Department’s Field Training and Evaluation Program, where she will receive instruction and mentorship from experienced officers as she prepares for her new role with the department.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday unveiled a $60.7 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 that seeks to balance new investments in education, health care and affordability programs with nearly $2 billion in spending cuts aimed at addressing long-term structural deficits.

The proposal — Sherrill’s first since taking office earlier this year — frames the budget as an effort to confront rising costs for residents while reshaping state government operations and preparing for potential federal funding disruptions.

“This budget uses every tool available to take on rising costs, invest in families, and make government more accountable,” Sherrill wrote in her budget message to lawmakers.

The plan would allocate $60.7 billion in total appropriations, supported by about $59.1 billion in anticipated revenue, and includes a projected ending surplus of roughly $5.36 billion.

At the center of the governor’s plan is a broad effort to ease the cost of living in one of the nation’s most expensive states.

Nearly $4.2 billion would be dedicated to direct property-tax relief programs, including the ANCHOR program, Stay NJ and Senior Freeze. The programs together are expected to reach more than 2 million residents, according to the administration.

Sherrill is also proposing revisions to the Stay NJ program, lowering the income eligibility threshold to $250,000 and capping the maximum benefit at $4,000 — changes the administration says will ensure the program remains financially sustainable.

Overall, 47 percent of the budget — about $28.7 billion — would support direct or indirect property-tax relief, including school aid and municipal assistance.

The proposal also addresses rising energy costs by expanding programs designed to offset electricity price increases and accelerate new power generation projects.

Education funding represents one of the largest components of the proposal. The budget allocates $22.5 billion for pre-K through 12 education, including $12.4 billion in formula aid, the highest level of school funding in state history.

Preschool funding would rise to $1.4 billion, a roughly 9 percent increase, while $15 million would be invested in high-impact tutoring programs designed to help students recover from pandemic learning losses.

Higher education would also see continued support, with more than $3.3 billion directed toward colleges, universities and student aid programs, including the Tuition Aid Grant program and initiatives that provide tuition-free community college for low-income students.

Health care spending remains a major driver of the state budget. The proposal includes $7.2 billion in state funding for Medicaid, which provides coverage for more than 1.8 million New Jersey residents, including about 850,000 children.

The administration also projects $7.6 billion in health benefit costs for state employees and retirees, a 10 percent increase over the previous year, highlighting the growing pressure of health care costs on the state’s finances.

Additional spending includes: $582 million for child care assistance, expected to support about 77,500 children; $25 million to expand rapid rehousing programs to combat rising homelessness; and $52 million for reproductive health and family planning services statewide.

The proposal also expands Family Connects NJ, a statewide nurse home-visiting program for new parents, with an additional $12.8 million to allow the program to operate in all 21 counties.

A central component of the budget is a $7.3 billion pension contribution, representing the full actuarially recommended payment — a move the administration says is intended to address long-standing pension liabilities.

The administration argues that the payment marks a major step toward fiscal stability after decades of underfunding.

Still, the proposal includes difficult choices, including nearly $2 billion in spending reductions and efforts to increase revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes and shifting more health care costs onto large employers whose workers rely on Medicaid.

The proposal also reflects growing tension between state leaders and Washington over federal policy changes.

The administration says the budget includes more than $100 million to help counties handle new administrative costs tied to federal changes to the SNAP food assistance program.

Officials also warn that federal changes to health care funding could reduce hospital support by $3.3 billion in the coming years, placing additional pressure on the state budget.

Beyond social spending, the budget includes several initiatives aimed at modernizing government and boosting economic growth.

Among them: Creation of a Chief Operating Officer position to streamline state operations; Funding for a Permitting Dashboard to track development approvals and reduce delays; and expanded support for small businesses through the Business Action Center.

The budget also reduces business registration fees and expands procurement assistance for minority- and women-owned businesses.

Sherrill’s proposal now heads to the Democratic-controlled state legislature, where lawmakers will debate spending priorities ahead of the July 1 start of the fiscal year.

The governor framed the budget as the first step in a longer effort to restructure the state’s finances while confronting the affordability crisis facing many residents.

“This is the most fiscally responsible budget proposal this state has seen in years,” Sherrill wrote, “but it’s just the start.”

A serious MVA on Tuesday morning outside Evergreen on Route 9 resulted in multiple injuries, including one patient transported to the hospital by Hatzolah with medics onboard.

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A second suspect has been arrested in connection with a violent carjacking that left a taxi driver in Howell with severe facial injuries and hospitalized for more than two weeks.

Baldemar Sandoval-Herrera, 20, of Asbury Park, was taken into custody Friday in Georgia after weeks on the run following the January attack.

Sandoval-Herrera faces a slate of charges including carjacking, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Police say the attack unfolded shortly after 11 p.m. on Jan. 16 when a 46-year-old taxi driver from Asbury Park picked up two men in Neptune Township. The passengers asked to be driven to a parking lot on Preventorium Road, across from Oak Glen Park in Howell.
But once the car arrived at the isolated lot, investigators say the ride took a sudden and violent turn.

One of the men allegedly slashed the driver across the face with a knife, leaving him bleeding profusely. The victim managed to escape the vehicle and ran toward nearby Old Tavern Road, where he was eventually found by a police officer on patrol.

The driver was rushed to a hospital, where he remained for more than two weeks due to the severity of his injuries. Authorities have not released an updated condition for the victim.

After the attack, the suspects allegedly stole the taxi and fled the scene. Police later recovered the abandoned vehicle on Maxim Road in Howell.

Investigators quickly identified two suspects tied to the crime.

The first arrest came on Feb. 3, when police charged Melvin J. Cruz-Salmoran, 19, also of Asbury Park. Cruz-Salmoran faces the same charges as Sandoval-Herrera and remains held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution awaiting further court proceedings.

Authorities continued searching for Sandoval-Herrera in the weeks that followed, working alongside the FBI task force.

Police said Sandoval-Herrera was ultimately located and arrested in Georgia on Friday, though officials have not disclosed the specific location or circumstances surrounding the arrest.

He is currently being held in a county jail in Georgia while authorities prepare for his extradition back to New Jersey.

A gathering will be held in Lakewood on Tuesday evening marking the end of shiva for R’ Shimon Frank z”l, a 26-year-old Lakewood yungerman who was tragically niftar following an illness.

The gathering will take place in B”M Mishkoltz (Coventry Shul) at 9 PM, with Maariv scheduled for 10:15 PM.

Maspidim will include Rav Yeruchem Olshin, Rav Moshe Tikotzky, Rav Menachem Mintz, and a family member.

The Ezras Nashim will be open for women who would like to attend.

The Toms River Jewish Community Council is voicing opposition to proposed zoning changes that could pave the way for large multi-family housing developments in two areas of the township.

In a statement released Monday, the council warned that the proposed zoning amendments — affecting properties along Massachusetts Avenue and Route 70, as well as Riverwood Drive and Route 9 — could allow more than 1,500 housing units to be constructed if approved.

“These projects would create significant congestion and would markedly harm the character of these areas,” the statement said. “It would undermine the very qualities that attracted so many families to move here from other heavily congested communities.”

The council emphasized that the Jewish community in Toms River does not support high-density residential development anywhere in the township.

The statement also pushed back against a recurring narrative that places responsibility for overdevelopment on the local Jewish population.

“Historically, it has been too convenient for politicians on both sides of the aisle to blame our community for overdevelopment that we neither asked for nor support,” the council wrote, adding that residents want to make clear that they oppose multi-family housing projects throughout the township.

“We call on township leadership to engage broadly with residents and community members before considering approval of these proposals,” the council said. “If that engagement occurs, township officials will hear clearly from residents about how they feel regarding high-density development projects like this.”

The issue is expected to be discussed at a Toms River Planning Board hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at 6 p.m.