The Walmart on Route 37 West in Toms River has received approval for a major expansion that will significantly increase the size of the store and expand its grocery and online-order operations.

The Toms River Township Planning Board granted preliminary and final site plan approval for a roughly 48,190-square-foot addition to the existing Walmart at 950 Route 37 West. The current store spans approximately 131,700 square feet, meaning the project will increase the building’s footprint by more than one-third.

Plans call for additional grocery space as well as a dedicated staging area for Walmart’s online pickup and delivery operations. The project also includes improvements to the parking lot, designated online-order pickup areas, new signage and other upgrades to the property.

As part of the approval, Walmart received several zoning variances related to parking, building coverage, signage, setbacks and landscaping.

State filings previously described additional site work including new loading docks, stormwater management improvements, pavement work and utility upgrades.

No construction start date or anticipated completion date has been announced.

The Lakewood Fire Department this week officially took delivery of a new 2026 Seagrave 75-foot AerialScope Tower Ladder, marking a major addition to the department’s firefighting fleet.

The new apparatus was ordered in 2022 and represents a significant investment in the department’s emergency response capabilities and public safety.

Lakewood Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr and Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Yakov Steinberg were on hand to formally accept delivery of the new truck.

Before entering service, the apparatus will be sent to a detail and upfit facility, where graphics will be installed and the truck will be outfitted with the equipment needed for operations.

Once the work is completed, the new tower ladder will officially be placed into service with the Lakewood Fire Department, expanding the department’s capabilities in responding to fires and other emergencies throughout the Lakewood area.

New Jersey is set to receive hundreds of millions of dollars as part of a historic multistate settlement with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, while State Assemblyman Alex Sauickie is calling for a significant portion of the money to be directed toward underfunded school districts.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that Meta agreed to a settlement worth up to $17.1 billion resolving claims that the company used addictive platform features that harmed children and teenagers.

New Jersey, which helped lead the multistate litigation, is guaranteed to receive at least $525 million and could ultimately receive more than $752 million under the agreement.

State Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, who represents New Jersey’s 12th Legislative District, is now urging state officials to use roughly $200 million of the settlement money to immediately assist the state’s most underfunded school districts.

Sauickie is also proposing that additional settlement proceeds be used to establish a multi-year school funding commitment aimed at providing greater financial stability to districts that remain below the state’s funding adequacy levels.

He said many school districts have been forced to raise property taxes while cutting teachers, sports, arts programs and other services as they struggle with inadequate state funding and rising costs.

The Meta settlement will also require major changes to Facebook and Instagram for younger users, including daily usage limits, overnight restrictions, reduced notifications during school hours, stronger age-verification measures and expanded parental controls.

Meta will also be required to strengthen protections against bullying and harmful content and will be subject to independent audits to ensure compliance with the agreement.

The settlement resolves claims brought by dozens of states and U.S. territories accusing Meta of designing addictive features, exposing young users to mental health risks and misleading the public about the safety of its platforms.

Criminal charges have been filed following the horrific Erev Shabbos crash outside NPGS in Jackson that claimed the life of nine-month-old Yitzchok Rosenberg z”l and left his mother and five-year-old sister hospitalized.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Maria CobonGuzman, 20, of Trenton, has been charged with manslaughter, two counts of assault by auto, and operating a motor vehicle without ever having possessed or been issued a valid driver’s license while involved in a fatal crash.

In a stunning detail revealed by investigators, authorities say CobonGuzman had never possessed a valid driver’s license — in New Jersey or any other state.

A second woman, Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, of Toms River, was also arrested and charged with knowingly engaging in conduct creating a substantial risk of death to another. Prosecutors allege that Lazaro-Flores knew CobonGuzman had never been licensed to drive but nevertheless allowed her to operate the vehicle.

The tragedy unfolded at approximately 11:55 a.m. Friday in the parking lot of NPGS on West County Line Road.

According to investigators, CobonGuzman was behind the wheel of a Ford Fusion when she struck a Jewish mother and the baby carriage carrying her two children — her five-year-old daughter and nine-month-old son.

Central Jersey Hatzolah and numerous other emergency personnel rushed to the scene, and a Mass Casualty Incident was declared due to the severity of the incident. All three victims were rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Tragically, Yitzchok Rosenberg z”l could not be saved and was pronounced niftar at the hospital.

His mother and five-year-old sister remain hospitalized in stable condition, according to prosecutors. The public is asked to continue davening for Golda Chana bas Leah Shaindel and Rochel bas Golda Chana for a complete refuah sheleimah.

CobonGuzman and Lazaro-Flores were both taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they are being held pending detention hearings.

The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and High Tech Crime Squad, Jackson Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

A Jackson Township woman has been sentenced to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for shooting a 79-year-old man at a home in Jackson last year, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Marian Rojas, 34, was sentenced Friday following her guilty plea to aggravated assault in connection with the October 24, 2025 shooting.

Under the No Early Release Act, Rojas will be required to serve at least 85 percent of her seven-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole. She pleaded guilty to the charge on June 15, 2026.

Jackson Township Police responded at approximately 9:15 p.m. on October 24 to a residence on Jackson Pines Road for a report of a gunshot victim.

Officers found a 79-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his shoulder. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was treated for minor injuries and later released.

Investigators determined that Rojas had shot the victim and fled the scene, prosecutors said. Authorities broadcast a description of Rojas and her vehicle to surrounding police departments.

Approximately 45 minutes later, Manchester Township Police stopped a vehicle matching the description and found Rojas behind the wheel. She was taken into custody without incident and has remained held in the Ocean County Jail since her arrest.

Prosecutor Billhimer said the victim’s desire to show compassion and forgiveness toward Rojas was a significant factor in the resolution of the case.

Two California residents have been sentenced to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for their roles in an armed home burglary in Point Pleasant Borough, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Jaheim Wilson, 24, and Oleyah Brown, 22, both of Stockton, California, were sentenced Friday in connection with the August 7, 2025 burglary of a home on Barton Avenue.

Wilson was sentenced to seven years in state prison for burglary and must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole under the No Early Release Act. He also received a concurrent five-year sentence, including 42 months of parole ineligibility, for unlawful possession of a weapon.

Brown was also sentenced to seven years in state prison for burglary, subject to the No Early Release Act.

Authorities said Point Pleasant Borough Police responded to the Barton Avenue home at approximately 1:38 p.m. after receiving a report of a home invasion in which a gunshot had been fired.

Investigators determined that Wilson, armed with a handgun, and Brown kicked open the rear door of the residence while the homeowner was inside. The pair burglarized the home and stole personal property before Wilson fired a single gunshot into the air and both fled the area, prosecutors said.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Point Pleasant Borough Police identified Wilson and Brown as the suspects. Detectives located them later that day in Toms River, where they were taken into custody without incident.

Both have remained held in the Ocean County Jail since their arrests and pleaded guilty to the charges on June 15, 2026.

A Manchester Township nurse has admitted to assaulting and neglecting an elderly nursing home resident at a rehabilitation center in Ocean County, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced.

Lisa L. Erikson, 57, pleaded guilty in Ocean County Superior Court to second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and third-degree neglect of an elderly adult.

According to prosecutors, Erikson was working as a licensed practical nurse at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Whiting on March 19, 2025, when she assaulted an elderly resident who suffered from dementia, depression, and anxiety.

Authorities said Erikson retrieved her personal pepper spray, approached the resident and sprayed him at close range as he attempted to shield himself. She then allegedly sprayed him again before leaving him on the floor unattended for several minutes.

The resident eventually crawled to his feet and entered another resident’s room. Erikson and another individual then forcibly removed him, placed him back inside his own room, and closed the door without providing medical assistance, prosecutors said.

Police and EMS later responded to the facility, treated the resident, and transported him to a hospital.

As part of her guilty plea, Erikson admitted that she was not authorized to use the pepper spray and that she left the resident without care despite having a duty to assist him.

Under the plea agreement, Erikson will permanently forfeit her nursing license. Prosecutors will recommend that she serve 364 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2026.

Lakewood Township has completed two major infrastructure projects aimed at improving traffic flow, drainage and roadway safety across the township.

Along Pine Street, New Jersey Natural Gas and New Jersey American Water replaced aging underground gas and water lines with higher-capacity infrastructure. Following the utility work, Pine Street was repaved and restriped between Route 9 and New Hampshire Avenue, with new lane markings, turning lanes and crosswalks. An additional traffic lane was also added between Avenue of the States and Washington Avenue to help improve traffic flow.

Meanwhile, the extensive Arboretum Parkway project is now nearly complete, with only minor landscaping work remaining. Construction began in late 2025 and stretches from 14th Street through Teaberry Court. The project included a complete overhaul of the underground drainage system to increase capacity during heavy rainfall, followed by repaving, restriping and landscaping improvements throughout the area.

Township officials said a significant portion of the work was completed during the summer, when traffic volumes were lighter, helping reduce disruptions. Progress was also made on several other infrastructure projects around Lakewood.

“Nobody likes road construction, but these utility and infrastructure upgrades are precisely what Lakewood needs in the 21st century,” Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller said. Miller also called on JCP&L to make similar upgrades to its electrical infrastructure.

A Brick Township man has been indicted in connection with the drug overdose death of a 27-year-old woman earlier this year, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Roderick Seward, 31, of Brick Township, was indicted by an Ocean County Grand Jury on August 26 on charges of Strict Liability Drug Induced Death, Distribution of Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine.

The charges stem from the January 26 death of a woman at a Brick Township residence. Police responded to the home at approximately 9:10 a.m. following a report of an unresponsive female and found the victim deceased from an apparent drug overdose.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office determined that Seward had supplied cocaine to the victim.

Authorities said toxicology testing later confirmed cocaine in the woman’s system. The Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the cocaine was the cause of her death.

Seward was charged on June 17 and surrendered to Brick Township Police Headquarters that day. He was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has remained lodged.

The investigation was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Narcotics Strike Force, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.

An 11-year-old girl was tragically killed and an 11-year-old boy was injured in a crash involving an electric dirt bike and a pickup truck in Berkeley Township on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Berkeley Township Police responded at approximately 12:45 p.m. to the area of Moorage Avenue and Sherman Avenue following reports of a crash.

Investigators determined that the electric dirt bike, operated by the 11-year-old boy with the 11-year-old girl riding as a passenger, was traveling northbound on Sherman Avenue when it failed to stop at a posted stop sign and entered the intersection. The dirt bike then hit the driver’s side door of a Ford F-250 traveling westbound on Moorage Avenue.

The boy was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was treated for his injuries and later released. The girl was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where she was tragically pronounced deceased from injuries sustained in the crash.

The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene, had a valid driver’s license and showed no signs of impairment, authorities said.

The crash remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Berkeley Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

A horrifying tragedy unfolded Friday in Jackson, New Jersey, where an 8-month-old baby was R”L niftar after a mother and her two children were struck by a vehicle outside NPGS.

Central Jersey Hatzolah and other emergency personnel rushed to the scene after receiving reports of multiple pedestrians struck. Due to the severity of the incident and number of victims, a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) was declared.

The three victims — a mother and her two children — were rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Tragically, despite desperate efforts to save the infant, the 8-month-old baby was niftar.

The Niftar has been identified as Yitzchok (ben Pinchos) Rosenberg, 8 months old, from Jackson. The Levaya is expected to be held today before Shabbos. 

Initial information indicates that the incident occurred when a woman pulling out in a vehicle struck the family.

The mother and her other child remain hospitalized and are in need of tefillos.

The public is asked to please daven for Rochel bas Golda Chana and Golda Chana bas Leah Shaindel.

Additional details regarding the horrific incident and the conditions of the injured will be published as they become available.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

A mother and her two children were seriously injured Friday morning after they were struck by a vehicle outside NPGS in Jackson, prompting a major emergency response.

Central Jersey Hatzolah and other emergency personnel rushed to the scene after a woman who was pulling out in a vehicle struck the mother and her two children.

Due to the number and severity of the patients, a Mass Casualty Incident, or MCI, was declared, allowing emergency responders to coordinate additional resources for the multiple victims.

All three patients were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. One of the victims was reported to have been in traumatic arrest, while another was reported in serious condition.

The tzibur is asked to say Tehillim and daven for the mother, Golda Chana bas Leah Shaindel, and her two children, Yitzchok ben Golda Chana and Rochel bas Golda Chana.

Lakewood Alerts will continue following this developing story and provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

Emergency personnel responded Thursday evening to a motor vehicle accident involving an overturned vehicle at the intersection of Albert Avenue and Towers Street in Lakewood.

Authorities were working at the scene as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash continued.

Swastikas were discovered painted in the children’s play area at Governors Park in the Coventry neighborhood of Lakewood on Thursday.

The disturbing graffiti was found inside the park, prompting concern among area residents over the apparent antisemitic vandalism.

Additional details surrounding the incident, including when the graffiti was painted and whether a suspect has been identified, were not immediately available.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

A road rage incident in Lakewood escalated dramatically Thursday morning when one of the drivers allegedly pulled out a gun, culminating in a crash involving both vehicles and the arrest of both drivers.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Cross Street.

According to preliminary information, an altercation developed between two motorists before one of the drivers allegedly brandished a firearm. The confrontation continued and ultimately resulted in the two vehicles crashing on Cross Street.

Lakewood Police responded to the scene and took both drivers into custody.

Both individuals were arrested on weapons possession charges, while the second driver was additionally charged with aggravated assault.

Additional details regarding what sparked the confrontation and the precise circumstances leading up to the crash were not immediately available.

The Lakewood Board of Education is moving to eliminate courtesy busing for public-school students who do not qualify for state-mandated transportation, marking another major development in the transportation crisis that has gripped Lakewood just days before the start of the new school year.

The move comes amid intense scrutiny of Lakewood’s transportation system following the loss of millions of dollars in municipal funding and the resulting upheaval over busing for thousands of non-mandated yeshiva and other nonpublic-school students.

Under New Jersey law, transportation is generally mandated for elementary students who live more than two miles from school and high-school students who live more than 2.5 miles away. Students living closer are considered non-mandated, and transportation provided to them is commonly referred to as courtesy busing.

Until now, Lakewood public-school students who fell below those mileage thresholds could receive courtesy transportation without their families facing the type of per-child charges imposed on nonpublic-school families.

That disparity became a major issue over the past week after the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority initially announced that non-mandated nonpublic-school families would have to pay $945 per child for transportation during the 2026-27 school year, up from the previously announced $385.

Following days of intensive negotiations involving the LSTA, Igud Hamosdos, elected officials and askanim, the additional charge was subsequently reduced to $290 per student, allowing thousands of families to opt back into the transportation system.

But the broader financial crisis remains unresolved.

Lakewood Township officials have said they were forced to withdraw approximately $2.7 million in support for the transportation system after the state significantly reduced municipal aid and the State Local Finance Board rejected Lakewood’s request to raise an additional $12.9 million above New Jersey’s property-tax cap.

The decision to now cut courtesy busing for non-mandated public-school students would represent a significant change to the district’s transportation policy and would place public-school students living within the statutory mileage limits in a similar position to other students who are not legally entitled to taxpayer-funded transportation.

The latest development also comes as questions continue to swirl over how Lakewood’s enormous and unusually complex school transportation system will be funded going forward.

Lakewood transports tens of thousands of children each day across public and nonpublic schools, making its transportation operation unlike virtually any other municipality in New Jersey.

While the last-minute reduction in the nonpublic-school busing charge has provided immediate relief to thousands of Lakewood families, officials and askanim are continuing to seek a long-term solution that can prevent the community from facing another transportation funding crisis next year.

Lakewood Alerts regrets to inform you of the Petira of Mrs. Chanie Jacobs A”H, wife of Rav Chaim Jacobs shlita, a Rebbe in Yeshiva Kamenitz and a longtime resident of the Forest Avenue area in Lakewood.

The Levaya will take place today at 6:30 PM at the Lakewood Chapel, followed by Kevurah in Lakewood.

Yehi zichrah baruch.

Lakewood Alerts regrets to inform you of the sudden Petira of Rebbetzin Frieda Fried A”H, wife of Harav Psachya Fried Shlita, who was suddenly Niftar at her home in Lakewood this afternoon.

Hatzolah rushed to the home and worked to save her life, but she was sadly Niftar. She was in her seventies.

The Levaya will take place today, Wednesday, at 5:00 PM at the Lakewood Chapel, followed by Kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.

Baruch Dayan HaEmes…..

The Lakewood Fire Department is strongly condemning a racially derogatory social media comment made by an individual who previously served with the department, stressing that the former member has had no affiliation with the agency for several years.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Lakewood Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr called the comment “offensive, despicable, inappropriate,” and said the language expressed is completely inconsistent with the values and standards of the Lakewood Fire Department.

According to Chief Yahr, the individual responsible for the post has not been affiliated with or involved in the Lakewood Fire Department since relocating to Florida in 2020. While the individual may continue to reference a former department position on social media, Yahr emphasized that he currently holds no position with the department, has no authority to speak on its behalf, and that his personal statements should not be attributed to the department or its members.

“The Lakewood Fire Department serves every member of our community without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, background, or any other distinction,” Yahr said, adding that racist stereotypes and demeaning commentary have no place in the fire service.

Yahr, who said he was raised in Lakewood and has served the community for 33 years as a firefighter and six years as Fire Chief, said the comments do not represent the Lakewood community he knows or the values of the department.

While acknowledging that the department cannot control the personal speech of someone who has not been associated with it for years, Yahr said the department wanted to make clear that the comments are neither condoned nor endorsed by its leadership or current members.

“We remain committed to professionalism, respect, dignity, and equal service to every person in our community,” the chief said.

Antisemitic YouTuber Tyler Oliveira is back in Lakewood today, reportedly harassing local schools.

The best response is no response. Do not engage, argue, or even explain why you won’t speak with him. Simply keep quiet and walk away.

If he enters private property or refuses to leave, contact the Lakewood Police Department and let law enforcement handle it.

As Yomim Noraim approaches, Jewish organizations are entering one of the most crowded and consequential fundraising windows of the year. Shuls, yeshivos, kollelim, mosdos, and community campaigns are all trying to reach donors at the same time, with messages that must feel urgent, dignified, personal, and clear. In that environment, the question is no longer simply which platform can process donations. The real question is which platform can help an organization understand its campaign, sharpen its message, and move donors with both precision and heart.

The Chesed Fund has been developing a different kind of campaign model, one that combines advanced digital infrastructure with the human judgment that fundraising still depends on. Its new AI-driven custom cause models are designed to give campaigns a level of strategic clarity, segmentation, and messaging intelligence that goes beyond the standard tools available on most fundraising platforms. But the point is not to replace human guidance with automation. The point is to know when technology should lead, when data should inform the next move, and when an experienced campaign team needs to step in and shape the story, the timing, the tone, and the ask.

That balance may be the real story. Great technology can help a campaign move faster, track better, and respond smarter. But successful fundraising still depends on trust, instinct, nuance, and experience. The Chesed Fund brings together powerful tools with decades of combined staff experience, giving organizations more than a page and more than a dashboard. For Yomim Noraim campaigns, that means a team that understands both sides of the equation: the digital systems that make campaigns scalable, and the human strategy that makes them work.

CLICK HERE TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE NOW TO SEE WHY YOU SHOULD USE THE CHESED FUND FOR YOUR FUNDRAISER!

Lakewood Alerts regrets to inform you of the Petira of Reb Aron Gertz z”l, a longtime mechanech who served as a rebbi at Yeshiva Karlin Stolin of Boro Park for more than 30 years.

Reb Aron was born on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the 1940s to Reb Louis and Meira Gertz and was a musmach of HaRav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg zt”l. In 1970, he married Mrs. Badana Gertz, daughter of Rav Chaim and Rebbetzin Evelyn Yachnes. The family lived in Mattersdorf before moving to Flatbush in 1979.

During his decades at Yeshiva Karlin Stolin, Reb Aron taught korbanos and haschalas Gemara, instilling in generations of young talmidim a deep love of Torah and a desire to succeed. He was remembered for his exceptional warmth and love for Yidden of every background and was rarely seen without a sefer in his hand.

In recent years, Reb Aron resided in Lakewood.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Badana Gertz; his sister, Mrs. Chana Weisberger; and his children, Shalom, Reb Yankie, Reb Moshe, Reb Yisroel Meir, Shmuli, Dovid, Shaya and Mrs. Meira Stern.

The levaya will take place today, Wednesday, at 11:00 a.m. at Congregation Sons of Israel Lakewood Chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue.

Yehi zichro baruch.

Multiple Jewish teenagers in Lakewood threw sauce and water at passing cars, filmed themselves doing it, and then somehow decided the next logical step was to proudly upload the video to Instagram with hashtags including #sauce, #cars, #lakewoodnj, #viral and #fyp.

The behavior itself was disgusting, immature and dangerous. Throwing anything at moving vehicles is not a joke. A startled driver can swerve, panic or cause a crash.

But what makes this incident especially outrageous is what happened next.

They posted it themselves.

Nobody exposed them. Nobody secretly recorded them. Nobody leaked an embarrassing video.

They filmed the Chilul Hashem, watched it back, and then apparently thought it was entertaining enough to share with the world and try to make viral.

And, predictably, the comments exploded.

Hundreds of comments poured in, including plenty of vile antisemitic garbage aimed not just at these teenagers, but at Jews and Lakewood generally.

Let us be very clear: antisemitism is never justified. Four teenagers behaving disgracefully does not give anyone the right to attack an entire community.

But we also need to be honest with ourselves.

When you act like this while visibly Jewish and then personally upload the footage to social media, you are handing every antisemite exactly the kind of material they want.

Lakewood Police responded, and the teenagers were made to clean the vehicles they had dirtied. Amazingly, that too appears in the very video they posted.

Think about how backwards this is.

You throw substances at strangers’ cars.

Police show up.

You have to clean the cars.

And somehow the conclusion is still: let’s post this on Instagram.

Where is the shame?

Where is the basic awareness that this reflects on far more people than just the four individuals involved?

If a group of non-Jewish teenagers threw things at Jewish motorists and posted the footage online laughing about it, there would be immediate outrage — and rightly so. We cannot demand accountability when others target us and then suddenly minimize disgraceful behavior when it comes from within our own community.

Wrong is wrong.

This needs a serious macha from parents, rebbeim, yeshivos and community leaders.

Not because anyone wants to destroy four teenagers over one stupid episode, but because the message has to be unmistakable: this is not funny, this is not harmless, and this is certainly not something to post online for likes and views.

Lakewood is filled with endless chesed, volunteers helping strangers at all hours, families supporting one another, and countless quiet Kiddushei Hashem every day.

Unfortunately, social media works differently.

A thousand beautiful acts can happen without anyone noticing.

One embarrassing video can travel around the world.

That is why this matters.

The most disturbing part here may not even be the original stunt.

It is that after doing it, filming it and seeing the consequences, someone still thought:

Post it.

That should bother every one of us.

A Chilul Hashem is bad enough.

Creating one and then trying to make it go viral is another level entirely.

(Lakewood Alerts Headquarters)

Rep. Chris Smith is joining Ocean County and Manchester Township officials in opposing the development of AI data centers in the area, citing concerns over their potential impact on local resources, the environment and residents.

Smith met Thursday, August 20, with Manchester Township Mayor Joseph Hankins, Public Works Director Al Yodakis and Ocean County Commissioner Rob Arace to discuss their shared opposition to data center development in Manchester Township and across Ocean County.

“AI data centers pose critical environmental risks and impose undue stresses on local resources—including water and electricity—which place significant financial burdens on ratepayers and residents,” Smith said.

Smith also voiced strong support for a recently adopted Ocean County Board of Commissioners resolution encouraging municipalities to conduct comprehensive due diligence and establish appropriate land-use safeguards before approving data center projects. The resolution raises concerns about the environmental and resource impacts associated with the construction and operation of the facilities.

“The people who will have to endure the negative consequences of data center development in their communities deserve to have their voices heard,” Smith said. “The reasonable concerns of local residents must no longer be steamrolled by tech companies seeking profit over Americans’ quality of life—not on my watch.”

Officials also discussed roadway, environmental and public safety issues affecting Manchester Township, as well as potential ways the federal government could assist local efforts.

The 43-year-old Whiting man who was critically injured after being hit by a vehicle at County Route 530 and Swift Circle on August 9 has died from his injuries, Manchester Township Police announced.

Richard J. Fescharek passed away on August 14 after suffering multiple life-threatening injuries in the crash. Police said the investigation remains ongoing, with improper pedestrian crossing believed to be a contributing factor.

More than 130 Lakewood-area residents successfully filed for property tax relief during a special ANCHOR assistance event held Sunday at the Westwood office complex near the Lakewood-Toms River border.

The event brought New Jersey Department of the Treasury officials directly to the community, where they provided one-on-one assistance and helped residents complete applications for ANCHOR and related property tax relief programs, including Senior Freeze and Stay NJ.

Depending on eligibility, the programs can provide benefits of up to $700 for renters, up to $1,500 for homeowners age 64 and younger, and as much as $6,500 for eligible senior homeowners.

The filing event was hosted by C.A.R.E.S. and co-sponsored by Lakewood Township along with several business and nonprofit partners. Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles and Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein attended and thanked organizers and state officials for making the assistance easily accessible to local residents.

“Thank you to Lipa Klein and State Treasury Department officials for working together to make this event a great success,” Lichtenstein said. “Events such as these are uniquely effective in helping local residents understand and benefit from the government programs available to help them.”

C.A.R.E.S. Director Lipa Klein also thanked the Treasury Department, Lakewood Township and the event’s co-sponsors for helping local families access the financial relief programs.

Another C.A.R.E.S. property tax relief filing event is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, in the Oak Street area, with additional details expected to be announced. Residents seeking assistance in the meantime can contact C.A.R.E.S. at [email protected].

A massive fire tore through Mordy’s Shtiebel in Lakewood early Tuesday morning, heavily damaging the Shul before firefighters brought the blaze under control by approximately 7:00 a.m.

The fire broke out shortly after 6:00 a.m. at the Shtiebel, located at 15 Delaware Trail, off County Line Road near the Lakewood-Jackson border. Dozens of firefighters and emergency personnel rushed to the scene as heavy flames engulfed portions of the structure.

B’chasdei Hashem, the Sifrei Torah inside the Shul were saved. Central Jersey Chaverim volunteers were later seen removing the Sifrei Torah from the building in the aftermath of the fire, and they were found to be in good condition.

Mordy’s Shtiebel was established in 2020 in memory of Mordy Greenes a”h and has since grown into a beloved Makom Torah and Tefillah serving residents of the surrounding Lakewood and Jackson neighborhoods.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

A major change has been announced in Lakewood’s ongoing school transportation situation, with the additional fee for non-mandated busing now set at additional $290 per student, significantly lower than the previously announced $945 charge.

Following discussions involving the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA), local and state government officials, askanim, and representatives of Igud Hamosdos, schools are now being advised to tell parents to opt in for transportation.

The new guidance marks a reversal from Igud Hamosdos’ earlier recommendation that parents take no action while efforts were underway to address the sharply increased transportation costs.

In an email sent to local mosdos on Monday, Igud Hamosdos said the reduced fee was reached following extensive meetings and discussions aimed at ensuring that transportation for Lakewood’s children begins on schedule.

“We are pleased to share that, following meetings and discussions with the LSTA, our local and state government officials, and askanim, the additional non-mandated busing fee has been reduced to an additional $290 per student,” the email stated.

Igud Hamosdos told mosdos that its recommendation had therefore changed and asked them to notify parents as quickly as possible that they should now opt in.

The $290 payment is due at the time of enrollment.

According to the notice, the LSTA portal is scheduled to go live Monday at 2:00 PM, and the LSTA office will remain open until 10:00 PM Monday night to accommodate those who need to use the kiosks in person.

Igud Hamosdos also provided schools with suggested language to distribute directly to parents, explaining that the reduced rate was reached in an effort to ensure busing begins on time. The message added that work will continue with the various stakeholders involved to explore longer-term solutions for the community’s transportation needs.

The development follows days of uncertainty surrounding non-mandated busing after families were informed that they could face a substantially higher out-of-pocket cost for transportation during the upcoming school year.

While Monday’s reduction provides significant immediate relief for families and clears the way for parents to enroll their children, questions surrounding the long-term funding of non-mandated transportation in Lakewood remain.

Igud Hamosdos said it intends to continue working with the parties involved throughout the year and will provide updates as further developments occur.

HaRav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler Shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, arrived in Mexico on Monday, joining leading Gedolei Eretz Yisroel on a special mission on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah.

The delegation is visiting Mexico as part of Keren Olam HaTorah’s ongoing efforts to raise critical support for yeshivos, kollelim, and the broader Olam HaTorah in Eretz Yisroel.

HaRav Kotler’s arrival brings him together with the Gedolei Yisroel taking part in the mission as they meet with local community members and supporters to strengthen assistance for Torah institutions in Eretz Yisroel.

Firefighters responded to a fully involved vehicle fire at Carey Street and Madison Avenue in Lakewood on Sunday at approximately 5:30 p.m.

The Lakewood Fire Department arrived at the scene and worked to bring the blaze under control. The fire was subsequently extinguished.

Other emergency personnel also responded to the scene. No injuries were reported.

A historic moment took place Sunday afternoon at Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, as Rav Shneur Kotler, son of Rosh HaYeshiva HaRav Arye Malkiel Kotler Shlit”a, delivered his first shiur in the Yoshon Bais Medrash.

The shiur drew a large crowd of talmidim who gathered in the storied Bais Medrash for the milestone occasion.

Rav Shneur Kotler is a grandson of the late Lakewood Rosh HaYeshiva HaRav Shneur Kotler Zt”l, after whom he is named, adding special significance to the occasion.

Photos and videos from the shiur captured the packed Bais Medrash and the historic moment at BMG on Sunday afternoon.

A Toms River police officer is being credited with saving a man’s life after he suffered a cardiac emergency earlier this month.

On August 6, Patrolman Thomas Elwood responded to a first aid call for a man experiencing chest pain. While Elwood was speaking with the man and awaiting EMS, the patient suddenly lost consciousness and stopped breathing.

Elwood, who was the only first responder at the scene at the time, immediately lowered the man to the ground, prepared an automated external defibrillator and began CPR. He also directed family members at the scene to assist.

The AED delivered one shock, and Elwood continued CPR until the man regained consciousness and began breathing on his own.

Elwood remained with the patient, monitoring and comforting him until EMS and paramedics arrived. The man was transported from the scene by ambulance conscious and able to speak.

Toms River PBA Local 137 praised Elwood for his actions, commending him for his quick response and lifesaving efforts.

LSTA was created to solve a real transportation problem in Lakewood, and there is no question that it has accomplished a great deal. A state-cited study found that LSTA saved Lakewood millions of dollars compared to having the school district manage all transportation itself.

But ten years later, LSTA is no longer simply a Lakewood transportation solution. It has grown into a regional operation with relationships involving districts including Jackson, Toms River and Howell, while handling tens of millions of dollars and transportation for tens of thousands of children.

With that growth should come greater transparency and accountability.

The New Jersey Commissioner of Education has raised concerns about the separation between Lakewood and LSTA, as well as issues involving procurement, contract oversight and potentially duplicated costs. There have also been questions surrounding route efficiency, including unused bus seats, overlapping routes and missed opportunities to combine transportation where possible.

Then there is the financial picture. LSTA operates with a budget in the tens of millions of dollars. In 2025, the Lakewood Development Corporation approved a $1.6 million zero-interest loan to address a cash-flow issue. Now, in 2026, parents are facing hundreds of dollars in additional transportation costs following the loss of a reported $2.7 million Township subsidy.

None of this means that anyone has done anything wrong. But taxpayers and parents should be able to get clear answers to basic questions.

How much does each route cost? How much does each participating district pay? How much is spent on administration? How are contracts awarded? How much money is actually being saved, and where do those savings go?

Most importantly, who is ultimately accountable to the public?

The answer should not be to dismantle a transportation system that thousands of families rely on. Nor does everything necessarily need to be returned to the Board of Education.

Instead, it may be time to replace the current structure with a truly independent regional transportation consortium — one with independent audits, published contracts, transparent route costs, disclosed administrative expenses and a clear breakdown of what each participating district is paying.

If LSTA is saving taxpayers millions of dollars, the public should be able to see the numbers. If the routes are efficient, the data should demonstrate it. And if the current system remains the best option, transparency will only strengthen that case.

Lakewood families should not have to choose between reliable, affordable transportation and accountable government.

They deserve both.

— Chaim M., Lakewood

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.

Ocean County has opened an online public auction featuring more than 100 surplus vehicles and pieces of equipment, with bidding underway through Tuesday, August 25.

The auction is being conducted online through USGovBid.com, where bidders can view photos and descriptions of the available items. Bidding opened at 9 a.m. Saturday, August 22, and will close at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Residents interested in seeing the items in person can attend a public preview on Monday, August 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 152 Chestnut Street in Toms River.

Bidders must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Participants are required to create an account and submit the required bidder deposit before receiving a five-digit government bidding number. All vehicles and equipment are being sold in as-is condition.

Ocean County officials, employees and members of their immediate households are prohibited from participating in the auction. Individuals are also prohibited from bidding on their behalf.

Additional information, including photos and descriptions of the items being auctioned, is available at USGovBid.com.

A Lakewood Police investigation into the fraudulent use of a stolen credit card led to two unrelated arrests at a Wawa in Browns Mills on August 18.

Detective Robert Meyer Jr. and Patrolman Anthony Amoroso traveled to the Wawa on Juliustown Road while investigating the use of a credit card that had been stolen during a vehicle burglary in Lakewood.

Police located Raymond L. Lawson, 59, of West Creek, who was arrested and charged with fraudulent use of a credit card. He was released on a criminal complaint summons pending a future court appearance.

While officers were conducting that investigation, Detective Meyer recognized Alexander Lowery, 59, of Lakewood, who was wanted in connection with a separate series of shoplifting incidents in Lakewood and also had an active arrest warrant.

Lowery was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail.

Lakewood Police thanked the Pemberton Township Police Department for assisting with both arrests.

All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The battle over Lakewood’s non-mandated school busing costs escalated sharply Friday, with local mosdos being urged to advise parents not to opt into the busing program at the newly increased $945-per-student rate.

The development comes after the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA) failed to receive government funding to help cover non-mandated transportation, resulting in the annual charge jumping from $385 to $945 per student.

In a message sent to Lakewood mosdos on Friday, Igud Hamosdos said that following discussions with numerous schools in town, the consensus was that parents should not be forced to shoulder the dramatically higher cost.

“Please notify your parents that, at this time, you do not recommend that they opt in to the Non-Mandated Busing program at the newly requested rate,” the message states.

“The feeling is that the cost of this transportation should be covered through government funding and should not be placed on the parents.”

Igud Hamosdos also provided schools with suggested language to distribute directly to parents.

“Regarding the new LSTA fee for non-mandated students, the Mosed feels that this is a cost that should be covered through government funding and should not be placed on the parents,” the proposed notice states.

“Therefore, at this time, our recommendation is that parents NOT opt in to the Non-Mandated Busing program at the new rate. We will keep parents updated should there be any developments.”

The message was signed by Shimon Balsam of Igud Hamosdos.

The latest move dramatically raises the stakes in the ongoing Lakewood busing crisis, as families face an increase of $560 per child — nearly two-and-a-half times the previous charge.

For families with multiple children requiring non-mandated transportation, the new rate could result in thousands of dollars in additional annual expenses.

The coordinated recommendation from Lakewood mosdos appears aimed at pushing back against shifting the funding shortfall onto parents while efforts continue to secure government funding for the transportation program.

A frightening road rage incident in Lakewood involving a vehicle carrying Jewish teens and another vehicle carrying Hispanic teens escalated into a knife attack, a stolen vehicle and multiple arrests, sources tell Lakewood Alerts.

The incident began early Friday morning near FoodEx on Princeton Avenue, where the occupants of the second vehicle allegedly became involved in a confrontation with the Jewish teens. The suspects then reportedly called additional friends, and the Jewish teens were chased through Lakewood in an apparent road rage incident.

The confrontation came to a head near 10th Street and Clifton Avenue, where several individuals exited their vehicle and began screaming at the Jewish teens.

During the confrontation, one suspect allegedly pulled out a knife and began threatening one of the Jewish teens, swinging the weapon at him. In the chaos, the knife instead struck one of the suspect’s own friends, injuring him.

Meanwhile, another individual allegedly jumped into the vehicle belonging to the Jewish teens and drove off with it.

The stolen vehicle was subsequently recovered a short distance away.

Lakewood Police launched an intensive investigation, with numerous detectives working for hours to identify and apprehend those allegedly involved.

Multiple arrests were ultimately made.

Sources tell Lakewood Alerts that charges include aggravated assault and weapons possession in connection with the knife incident, while another suspect faces charges related to the theft of the vehicle.

Police said there was no reason to believe that this was an antisemitic incident.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Lakewood Township hosted its first-ever Global Entry interview event on Wednesday, August 19, bringing U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials directly to the Lakewood Municipal Building to interview local residents seeking enrollment in the popular trusted traveler program.

A steady stream of residents took advantage of the opportunity throughout the day. Global Entry provides approved travelers with expedited processing when entering the United States and also includes TSA PreCheck benefits for airport security screenings.

Lakewood Township worked extensively with CBP to secure a substantial number of local interview appointments for Lakewood applicants. Officials said the event was the first of its kind in Ocean County and among only a small number of similar events ever held in New Jersey. The state’s only permanent Global Entry enrollment center is located at Newark Liberty International Airport.

“We would like to thank the CBP for working with the Township and community leaders to arrange this event,” Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein said. “This enabled many local residents, including seniors and large families, to enroll in Global Entry without a time-consuming trip. We look forward to continuing to work with the CBP on behalf of our residents.”

Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration announced Wednesday that approximately 5,100 voter registrations have been removed from New Jersey’s voter rolls following an ongoing review of a Motor Vehicle Commission software error that resulted in individuals being registered incorrectly.

According to the administration, another approximately 1,450 registrations have been changed to “rejected” status pending additional review by county election officials. Those individuals will not be permitted to vote unless their eligibility is verified.

State officials said approximately 340 people who were newly registered as a result of the system error cast ballots. Separately, officials identified approximately 220 people affected by the error who voted but also had previous voter registrations or other records indicating they may have been validly registered. Those cases are being referred to county officials for further review.

The issue was first identified on July 21. The Statewide Voter Registration System was temporarily taken offline so election officials could preserve records and make necessary changes. Counties have now been directed to complete remaining reviews before voting begins.

Sherrill said her administration is working to “correct our voter rolls” while ensuring eligible New Jersey residents are not disenfranchised. The state’s investigation into how the MVC system error occurred remains ongoing.

Lakewood-area residents will have an opportunity this Sunday to learn more about New Jersey’s ANCHOR property tax relief program and receive in-person assistance filing for benefits.

The event will be held Sunday, August 23, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Westwood office complex, located at 1001 Route 70 near the Lakewood-Toms River border.

The ANCHOR program provides eligible New Jersey homeowners and renters with property tax relief benefits worth several hundred dollars annually.

Information about eligibility and other program details will be available in both English and Yiddish. Representatives from the New Jersey Department of the Treasury will also be on site to answer questions and assist residents with processing applications.

The event is being organized by the C.A.R.E.S. organization, which has arranged ANCHOR assistance events since 2024, and is being co-sponsored by Lakewood Township along with several local businesses and organizations. Organizers said the previous C.A.R.E.S. ANCHOR event in Lakewood drew more participants than any other such event in New Jersey aside from Newark.

“We greatly appreciate that Lakewood residents have the opportunity to learn about the ANCHOR program and apply at a convenient local venue,” Lakewood Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein said. “Thanks to the Treasury Department, C.A.R.E.S. and other event partners, many additional local households will enjoy relief during these financially stressed times.”

State Senator Robert Singer encouraged residents who need assistance with the application process to attend.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone that needs assistance in filling out the ANCHOR application,” Singer said. “I would recommend that my constituents take advantage of this opportunity.”

Assemblyman Avi Schnall said continued funding for the program provides important relief for families facing rising expenses.

“We are grateful that the State Legislature has once again provided the necessary funding for the ANCHOR program in this year’s budget,” Schnall said. “This program provides crucial relief to countless families within our District, and throughout the State, who struggle to keep up with the fast-rising cost of living.”

Lipa Klein, director of C.A.R.E.S., thanked the Treasury Department and local partners for making representatives available on a weekend to maximize participation.

“It is a privilege to assist so many local residents obtain property tax relief,” Klein said. “On behalf of the Lakewood community, I would like to thank the Treasury Department for providing live representation at the event — on a weekend — in order to allow for maximum public participation. Special thanks as well to Lakewood Township and the other co-sponsors for making this event possible.”

Lakewood families are facing a staggering increase in transportation costs for the upcoming school year, with the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA) informing schools and parents that the cost of non-mandated busing will jump from $385 to $945 per child.

But questions are now emerging over exactly what funding was eliminated — and who had previously benefited from it.

Contrary to an earlier understanding of the announcement, Lakewood Township has not historically subsidized the cost of non-mandated LSTA transportation for nonpublic-school families.

Rather, Township funding had been used to provide so-called courtesy busing for Lakewood public-school students who lived within the distance limits that would otherwise make them ineligible for state-mandated transportation.

Those public-school students were reportedly receiving that courtesy transportation at no direct cost to their families.

With that Township funding no longer available, the new LSTA fee structure is raising serious questions over whether the financial impact of maintaining the broader transportation system is now being shifted onto nonpublic-school families.

LSTA informed families Thursday that non-mandated transportation for the 2026-27 school year will cost $945 per child, up sharply from the previously announced $385.

Non-mandated students are generally elementary-school children who live two miles or less from their school, or high-school students who live 2.5 miles or less away.

According to LSTA, the actual cost of providing a seat can reach as high as $1,177, though the authority said efficiencies within Lakewood’s transportation network allowed it to reduce the parent charge to $945.

Families who already paid $385 will have that payment credited toward the new cost, leaving an additional balance of $560 per child.

For families with several children requiring transportation, that can mean thousands of dollars in unexpected additional expenses just days before the school year begins.

The development is also fueling major questions over how Lakewood’s transportation system is funded.

If public-school students previously received courtesy busing at no direct cost to their families because Township money covered that service, residents deserve a clear explanation of what happens now that the funding is gone.

More importantly, families deserve to know whether the loss of funding for public-school courtesy transportation is playing a role in the dramatic increase now being imposed on nonpublic-school families.

That distinction is critical.

Lakewood Township has not simply been subsidizing transportation for all non-mandated students across the community. The funding structure appears to have treated public-school courtesy transportation differently, with those families receiving transportation without having to pay the type of per-child charge now being imposed on nonpublic-school families.

That is likely to intensify frustration among Lakewood parents already struggling with tuition and rapidly increasing school-related expenses.

Families are increasingly being asked to pay separately for transportation, lunches and other services, while tuition and the overall cost of raising a family continue to rise.

Another $560 per child is not a minor increase.

A family with four affected children, for example, would suddenly face an additional $2,240 transportation bill.

The increase is also raising broader questions about accountability at LSTA and within Lakewood’s overall transportation structure.

For years, families have dealt with transportation complaints involving routes, delays, capacity and other service issues while the amount of money required to operate the system continues to grow.

At some point, residents are entitled to ask whether the existing system is sustainable.

If LSTA cannot provide reliable transportation at a cost that families and taxpayers can reasonably afford, Township officials and transportation leaders should be looking at every possible alternative — including restructuring the system, changing leadership or finding another way to provide the service.

Residents also deserve complete transparency regarding how the transportation system is funded, how much money comes from each government source, how public-school courtesy transportation is financed, what nonpublic-school transportation actually costs and how the loss of one funding source affects families in another part of the system.

Simply telling families that they must pay dramatically more is not enough.

As of Thursday afternoon, Lakewood Alerts had seen no public statement from Lakewood Township officials fully explaining the situation or addressing the sudden increase.

That silence leaves major unanswered questions.

When did Township officials know the courtesy-busing funding would no longer be available?

How much had the Township been spending on public-school courtesy transportation?

Were public-school families previously paying anything toward those buses?

How does the elimination of that funding affect LSTA’s overall transportation contracts?

And most importantly, why are nonpublic-school families now being asked to pay $945 per child?

Parents who want their children to remain on the bus must log into the LSTA family portal and opt in by Monday, August 24, at 11:00 p.m.

Families who already paid $385 will receive credit for that payment, while those who opt out will receive a refund.

LSTA said the short deadline is necessary to allow routes to be reorganized, transportation contracts to be finalized and vendors to prepare for the start of service on September 1.

But for thousands of Lakewood families, the bigger issue is no longer simply the size of the increase.

It is understanding who had been paying for what, why that funding disappeared, and whether the financial burden of one part of Lakewood’s transportation system is now being placed on families in another.

Lakewood Township has expanded public parking in the downtown area with the addition of nearly 30 new spaces at Lakewood’s Red Square.

The new spaces connects to the existing municipal parking lot immediately to the east, providing motorists with additional parking in the heart of downtown Lakewood.

The newly added spaces are now available for public use. Parking is permitted on weekdays, while parking is prohibited on Saturdays and Sundays.

The addition provides more parking capacity in the busy downtown area, where available spaces are often limited.

A tractor-trailer knocked down a pedestrian traffic signal while making a turn at the intersection of Prospect Street and Route 9 in Lakewood on Thursday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. as the tractor-trailer was turning onto Route 9. The truck struck the pedestrian signal, bringing it down at the intersection.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene, and the truck remained there following the incident.

No injuries were reported. The incident caused traffic backups in the area while crews worked at the scene.

The Lakewood Community Coalition held its quarterly August meeting Tuesday at the historic Strand Theater in Downtown Lakewood, bringing together community leaders, health-care professionals, law enforcement officials, faith leaders and other local partners for a discussion focused on community health and mental health resources.

The August 18 meeting was co-chaired by Lakewood Police Captain Steve Allaire and Cori Scotti of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Keynote speakers from Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus presented findings from the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment and discussed several mental health initiatives, including ongoing collaboration between mental health professionals, the Lakewood Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.

Abby Masiello, MPH, CHES, highlighted findings showing that many Lakewood residents struggle with household expenses, while the township’s continued population growth has increased the need for accessible medical and mental health services.

A major focus of the meeting was Hope Hub, a new mental health facility in Lakewood designed to provide additional local support for individuals and families seeking care.

JoAnn Jason, M.A., and Randi Hershkowitz, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, discussed the Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services and Hope Hub model of care, which aims to reduce the need for conventional hospitalization while connecting patients with mental health professionals, law enforcement, social-service providers, faith communities and other community partners.

The coalition also recognized members of the Lakewood Police Department’s Community Resource Unit, including Sgt. Michael Conrad, Patrolman Jason Yahr and Joseph Soriano, along with D/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich, Police Social Worker Caitlin Ciaccio-Soto and Patrick Sample of the Traffic Safety Division.

Conrad highlighted several recent CRU outreach initiatives, including Pizza in the Square, Cops and Bobbers, Showers in the Square, Chill with a Cop and participation in local back-to-school events. Coalition members thanked the unit for its continued work promoting community safety, engagement and cooperation.

I’m writing because I genuinely don’t know what I’m supposed to do, and I’m wondering how other Lakewood parents would handle this situation.

My child’s Yeshiva recently got a new administrator, and I was told that I cannot register my child for the upcoming school year unless I agree to a tuition amount that is simply beyond what I can afford.

I explained my financial situation and offered to pay the amount that I realistically can manage. I’m not asking to pay nothing. I want to pay tuition and contribute what I am able to. But the administrator rejected my offer and is insisting on an amount approaching $1,000 per month.

I was essentially told that if I can’t afford that amount, I should go out and raise the difference.

For a family paying multiple tuitions along with all the regular expenses of raising a family, that number is simply not realistic for us. I understand that Yeshivos have enormous expenses and that teachers and staff need to be paid. But where is a parent supposed to turn when the school’s required tuition is genuinely more than the family can afford?

As things stand right now, my child is not registered for school.

Is it reasonable for a Yeshiva to refuse registration when parents are willing to pay what they genuinely can afford? Are parents expected to fundraise privately just to keep their children enrolled?

I would sincerely appreciate hearing from Rabbanim, administrators, parents and members of the community who have dealt with situations like this. What is a family supposed to do?

— C.P., Lakewood

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.

Metropolitan Commercial Bank has installed new exterior signage at its Lakewood Banking Center at 311 Boulevard of the Americas, highlighting what the bank says is its longstanding presence and continued commitment to the Lakewood community.

MCB, which has served the Lakewood area for more than two decades, signed a long-term lease for the location with Chopp Holdings LLC in 2020 and later completed a comprehensive build-out of the space as its business in the area expanded.

“MCB has served the Lakewood community for more than two decades,” said Mark R. DeFazio, founder, president and CEO of Metropolitan Commercial Bank. “Our new signage reflects the relationships we have built here and our continued commitment to the businesses, organizations and individuals we serve.”

The Lakewood Banking Center provides commercial banking services to businesses, organizations and individuals throughout Lakewood and the surrounding area.

Mark Chopp, managing partner of Chopp Holdings, said the new signage gives the bank increased visibility while reflecting its established presence in the local business community.

Metropolitan Commercial Bank is a New York City-based commercial bank with banking centers in Manhattan, Boro Park, Great Neck, Lakewood and South Florida. Its parent company, Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp., is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MCB.

New Jersey Lt. Governor and Secretary of State Dr. Dale G. Caldwell met Wednesday with a group of community leaders for a meet-and-greet ahead of the upcoming High Holidays.

Those attending included Lakewood Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein; Chanie Jacobowitz, Vice President of Government Affairs and Compliance at Beth Medrash Govoha; Linden community activist Mendy Stern; Teaneck Deputy Mayor Elie Katz; and Rabbi Ari Herson, representing his father, Rabbi Mendy Herson, Dean of Chabad of Greater New Jersey.

The gathering was arranged by longtime community leader and law enforcement chaplain Rabbi Abe Friedman and provided an opportunity for Caldwell to meet with representatives of Jewish communities from across New Jersey ahead of the Yom Tov season.

Following the meeting, the group presented Caldwell with a special Mezuzah Award as a gesture of appreciation and recognition.

Brick Township has announced application procedures for its 2026-2027 Beach Vehicle Permits, with Brick residents getting the first opportunity to apply beginning Thursday, September 10.

Applications will be accepted exclusively from Brick Township residents on September 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with proof of residency required. Beginning Friday, September 11, applications will open to all applicants and may be submitted in person or by mail. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

A total of 200 permits will be issued at a cost of $35 each. The permits will be valid from October 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027.

Vehicle inspections will be scheduled in 30-minute time slots to reduce wait times, and applicants must bring all required documents and equipment to their inspection. Permits will either be mailed or made available for pickup during the week following the inspection.

For additional information, residents can contact the Brick Township Municipal Clerk’s Office at 732-262-1001.

The Department of Homeland Security says New Jersey has agreed to cooperate with a federal review of voter registration records aimed at identifying potential noncitizen registrations, although Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration has not publicly confirmed the development.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said New Jersey Secretary of State Dale Caldwell informed the department that the state would participate in efforts to verify voter records. DHS has previously said it identified approximately 35,000 New Jersey registrations as potential matches involving noncitizens, though officials have stressed that the figure represents records requiring further verification and does not establish that those individuals are illegally registered or voted.

The development follows weeks of disagreement between the Sherrill administration and the Trump administration over access to voter registration data. New Jersey officials had raised legal and privacy concerns over requests for unredacted voter information.

The state has separately acknowledged that approximately 6,600 noncitizens were mistakenly registered through the Motor Vehicle Commission because of a system error.

As of Wednesday morning, neither the Governor’s Office nor the New Jersey Department of State had publicly confirmed Mullin’s claim that the state will cooperate with the DHS review.

A Brick Township man has been charged after police say he deliberately damaged a license plate reader outside a local gas station.

Matthew Wardell, 31, was arrested on August 13 following an investigation by the Brick Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

Police said officers were called to the Exxon station at 181 Drum Point Road on July 8 after a Flock Safety camera had been intentionally knocked down.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to help develop leads in investigations involving stolen vehicles, burglaries, thefts, missing vehicles and crimes spanning multiple jurisdictions. Police noted that the cameras do not issue traffic tickets or independently determine whether a crime has occurred.

Authorities reminded the public that intentionally damaging law enforcement equipment can result in criminal charges.

Wardell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

A New York man was arrested in Ocean County after police say he served as a courier in an elaborate scam that stole $50,000 from a senior citizen and attempted to collect another $30,000.

Berkeley Township Police responded Friday, August 14, to a home in the Holiday City section after the victim reported being scammed. Police said the scheme began with a computer pop-up claiming to be from Microsoft and directing her to call a phone number. The victim was then connected with individuals posing as Microsoft and Wells Fargo representatives, who convinced her that her bank accounts had been compromised.

Believing the callers were legitimate, the woman mailed a $50,000 cashier’s check. The scammers continued contacting her daily and later demanded another $30,000, telling her that a courier would come to her home to collect the money for safekeeping.

After the victim contacted police, detectives established surveillance around the residence while she continued communicating with the callers. Officers spotted a gray Toyota RAV4 arriving near the home just as the victim was told that the courier had arrived.

Police arrested Gurdutt Singh, 24, of South Richmond, New York, and charged him with conspiracy to commit third-degree theft by deception and conspiracy to commit third-degree money laundering. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending further court proceedings.

A newly discovered fault line in New Jersey is believed to have caused the magnitude 4.8 earthquake that shook much of the Northeast in April 2024, according to a new study.

The earthquake, centered near Tewksbury, was initially believed to be connected to the Ramapo Fault. However, researchers now say evidence points to a previously unidentified fault known as the Mountainville Fault.

The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, found that the fault dips approximately 45 degrees underground, allowing seismic energy to spread across a wide area. The earthquake was felt from Virginia to Maine, including throughout New Jersey and New York.

Researchers described the Mountainville Fault as an “immature” fault and said the discovery does not necessarily mean another earthquake is imminent. Experts stressed that New Jersey remains a relatively low-risk earthquake region, but identifying previously unknown faults can help scientists better understand future seismic activity.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is expanding access to REAL ID appointments, adding three more MVC agencies where residents can obtain the federally compliant licenses and identification cards.

Officials announced Tuesday that locations in Hazlet, Turnersville and Wallington are now booking REAL ID appointments through the MVC website. The expansion follows the addition of REAL ID services at several other locations earlier this summer as the state works to reduce appointment wait times.

More than 350,000 REAL IDs have been issued since the recent expansion, bringing New Jersey’s total to approximately 2.7 million. Initial REAL ID licenses and identification cards must be obtained in person at an MVC agency.

A major $509 million reconstruction project is set to reshape a busy stretch of the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County, with plans calling for new ramps, redesigned interchanges, bridge work and the elimination of Exit 81.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is completing final designs for the project, which will cover the Parkway between mileposts 80 and 83 through Beachwood, South Toms River, Berkeley and Toms River. Construction is currently expected to begin in spring 2027, following a public hearing that is expected to be scheduled in the coming months.

Officials say the project is intended to address longstanding safety and traffic concerns along the corridor, where closely spaced interchanges, narrow shoulders, sharp curves and heavy merging traffic have contributed to crash rates above the statewide average.

Among the biggest changes will be the construction of separate collector-distributor lanes in both directions between Interchanges 81 and 82. The lanes will allow vehicles entering and exiting the Parkway to merge and change lanes away from the main high-speed traffic lanes.

As part of the redesign, the current Exit 81 designation will disappear. Exits 81, 82 and 82A will instead be renamed 82A, 82B and 82C.

Exit 80 will also undergo major changes, including two new ramps that will provide additional access between the Parkway and Route 9, Dover Road and Double Trouble Road. Improvements are also planned to reduce backups that currently extend from the Exit 80 ramp onto the Parkway during evening rush hour.

The project will require work on 11 bridges, including rehabilitation or full replacement. A new Lakehurst Road bridge will be built alongside the existing structure so traffic can continue moving while construction is underway.

Plans also include a new roundabout at Lakehurst Road, Highland Parkway and Water Street near the Toms River bus terminal. Approximately 15 acres of property will be needed for redesigned ramps and related construction, with officials saying most of that land is already publicly owned.

The overhaul is designed to modernize a section of the Parkway that largely dates back to the highway’s original construction in the 1950s while improving traffic flow and safety for the growing number of motorists traveling through central Ocean County.

More than 8,000 Optimum customers in the Lakewood area have been without service for a significant portion of the day Tuesday amid a widespread outage.

Customers received a message from Optimum last week advising that the company was upgrading service in the area and warning that customers could experience service disruptions during the work. It is unclear whether Tuesday’s widespread outage is related to those upgrades.

As of Tuesday afternoon, service had not yet been restored for many customers, and there was no estimated time for full restoration.

More than half a million New Jersey residents will face new federal requirements next year to maintain Medicaid coverage, prompting state officials to warn that complicated paperwork and administrative hurdles could cause some eligible residents to lose their health insurance.

Beginning Jan. 1, approximately 540,000 adults — about 30% of New Jersey’s 1.85 million Medicaid recipients — will be subject to new work and activity requirements under federal law. Some recipients will qualify for exemptions.

Adults ages 19 to 64 who receive Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act expansion will generally be required to complete at least 80 hours per month of approved activities, which can include employment, school or vocational training, or volunteer work. Parents, caregivers and people with certain disabilities or medical conditions may be exempt, while children and adults 65 and older are not subject to the requirement.

Affected NJ FamilyCare members will also be required to renew their eligibility every six months instead of annually.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services has urged the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to simplify the process, reduce documentation requirements and provide states with additional guidance and implementation time.

Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha said the state will comply with the law but is seeking greater flexibility to prevent unnecessary administrative barriers from causing eligible residents to lose coverage.

State officials have raised particular concerns over how medical exemptions will be determined. Federal guidance allows exemptions for people whose medical conditions leave them “significantly impaired,” but New Jersey officials argue that the standard is unclear and could force residents with serious medical conditions, disabilities, mental illness or substance use disorders to provide extensive documentation.

Self-attestation for medical exemptions will be permitted during the first year of the program, but documentation is currently expected to be required beginning in 2028.

New Jersey officials are also seeking additional time to update computer systems, train workers and communicate the changes to hundreds of thousands of residents before the new requirements take effect.

A Toms River man was sentenced Tuesday to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to terroristic threats stemming from a road rage confrontation in Atlantic City.

Frank Marin, 29, was sentenced on August 18 following his guilty plea in connection with the September 12 incident, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Authorities said the confrontation began on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard after another driver stopped to allow an ambulance to cross an intersection. Marin, driving a white Nissan Altima, reportedly ran a red light and nearly collided with the other vehicle.

The two drivers exchanged words before the victim attempted to leave. Prosecutors said Marin then cut off the victim’s vehicle from the passenger side and threatened to kill both the driver and his dog.

Marin then retrieved a Taser from his vehicle and approached the victim’s car, authorities said. The victim drove forward and collided with Marin’s Nissan, after which Marin returned to his vehicle and fled the scene.

Marin later pleaded guilty to terroristic threats and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Ocean County officials are seeking public input as the county works to update its Farmland Preservation Plan, an effort aimed at protecting agricultural land and supporting the future of local farming.

The county says feedback from residents will help guide decisions on how funding from the Open Space Trust Fund should be used to preserve farmland, strengthen local agriculture, and ensure that farmland remains part of Ocean County for future generations.

Residents are encouraged to complete an online survey and share their views on farmland preservation priorities.

The survey can be accessed here:

New Jersey is rolling out new Families First EBT cards featuring enhanced security measures aimed at protecting SNAP and Work First New Jersey benefits from fraud.

The new cards include an encrypted chip, tap-to-pay technology, a three-digit security code, and the ability for users to lock and unlock their cards. State officials recommend using the chip or tap feature whenever available rather than swiping the card.

Recipients must activate the new card and create a new PIN after it arrives. Existing SNAP and WFNJ benefits will automatically transfer to the new card, and the current card will be deactivated once the new one is activated.

The old card will expire 60 days after the new card is received. Those who do not activate the new card within 90 days will need to request another replacement card, and fees may apply.

Cards can be activated at NJFamiliesFirst.gov, through the official ConnectEBT mobile app, or by calling EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333.

The ConnectEBT app also allows recipients to check balances, review transaction history, change their PIN, and lock or unlock their EBT card.

Families First cardholders can also continue using the card to receive free or discounted admission at participating New Jersey arts and history organizations through the Families First Discovery Pass program.

A routine patrol investigation in Lakewood led to the arrest of a Brick man on drug charges early Saturday morning.

At approximately 1:58 a.m. on August 15, a Lakewood Police officer patrolling near Ridge Avenue and Lanes Mill Road spotted a disabled vehicle with a flat tire and stopped to assist.

Police said the officer made contact with the driver, identified as 42-year-old Ryan Laudisi of Brick, and discovered that he had an outstanding Ocean County warrant.

During the investigation, officers recovered quantities of suspected crack cocaine and cocaine from inside the vehicle, according to police.

Laudisi was arrested and charged with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail pending a future court appearance.

“This arrest demonstrates how proactive policing and attention to detail can turn an ordinary encounter into a meaningful enforcement action,” Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer said. “We remain committed to keeping illegal drugs off our streets and protecting our community.”

All charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The Lakewood Police Department held its annual lifesaving first aid training on Monday, teaching participants how to perform CPR and properly apply tourniquets as part of the “Stop the Bleed” program.

The training, held at Lakewood EMS headquarters on Pine Street, was provided to members of the Lakewood Community Coalition, a diverse group made up of law enforcement, volunteer agencies and community and religious institutions, as well as Lakewood Township employees and their family members.

LPD Officers Joseph Sandstrom and Kyle Seehausen conducted the hands-on course using real-life medical equipment and training manikins, demonstrating techniques that can be critical in the minutes before emergency responders arrive.

“One cannot overstate the value of being able to perform CPR and/or ‘Stop the Bleed’ in the precious moments before emergency services can arrive at a scene,” Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, a longtime volunteer EMT and the Township Committee’s Emergency Services Liaison, said. “Thanks to the LPD for once again stepping up and contributing of their unique expertise and resources to save lives in Lakewood and beyond.”

Hatzolah and other emergency personnel responded to an MVA at the intersection of Spruce Street and River Avenue on Monday afternoon at approximately 3:50 p.m.

Emergency crews arrived at the scene following the crash. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

New Jersey American Water (NJAW) crews are continuing door-to-door canvassing this week in two areas of Lakewood as part of the utility’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

According to NJAW contractor CDM Smith, crews are currently canvassing homes in Census Tract 7154.01, covering the West County Line area, and Census Tract 7158, covering the Oak Street and Chestnut Street area.

The program follows a 2021 New Jersey law requiring water providers to identify and replace lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031.

Residents can submit photos of their water service pipes to NJAW or schedule a free in-person inspection, which typically takes approximately 15 minutes. Authorized canvassers may also visit designated properties. They will wear high-visibility vests displaying New Jersey American Water and CDM Smith logos and carry official identification. Canvassers will never request sensitive personal or financial information.

All inspections, canvassing and replacement work are conducted solely by NJAW or its authorized contractors, not Lakewood Township, although the effort is being coordinated with township officials for public awareness and safety.

NJAW says residents can continue using their water as usual and that the water continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards, including those for lead.

Hundreds packed the Bais Medrash of Torah Links in Lakewood on Sunday night, ohr l’daled Elul, for a maamad marking one hundred years since the petirah of Rav Meir Simcha HaKohen of Dvinsk zt”l, the Ohr Somayach and Meshech Chochmah, with close to five hundred more joining by live hookup.

The event was organized by Machon Aleh Zayis, the Lakewood-based Torah publishing house, at the initiative of R’ Dovie Safier and Rabbi Moshe Dembitzer, and was sponsored primarily by R’ Dovie Safier and R’ Tzvi Tress.

Following Mincha and words of welcome from Rav Grumen on behalf of Torah Links, the program was led by Rav Shimon Szimonowitz, Rosh Machon of Machon Aleh Zayis, who noted the presence of Rav Dovid Greenwald – the man who discovered the bulk of Rav Meir Simcha’s manuscripts in the National Library in Yerushalayim in 1967 and first brought them to print – and who traveled from the Catskills to attend despite his advanced age.

Rav Lipa Geldwerth shlita delivered divrei zikaron, recalling among other things the famous passage in the Meshech Chochmah that Rav Baruch Ber and the Gerrer Rebbe would refer to as “the nevuah of Rav Meir Simcha,” in which the churban of European Jewry was foreseen decades in advance.

Rav Yaakov Drillman shlita, Rosh Yeshiva, delivered the yahrtzeit shiur on the sugya of “hav’arah l’lav yatzas,” recalling how his rebbi Rav Yitzchok Hutner zt”l taught him to appreciate the Ohr Somayach, and closed with an emotional plea that the seforim of Acharonim such as the Ohr Somayach, the Avnei Nezer and Rav Yehoshua of Kutna not be neglected in the yeshivos.

Rav Uren Reich shlita, Rosh Yeshiva, closed the evening with a derasha on the Meshech Chochmah that was both fiery and emotional.

In one striking piece he explained, based on the Meshech Chochmah, the Gemara’s statement that the korban of Rosh Chodesh is, kaviyachol, a kapparah for Hashem having diminished the moon: Klal Yisroel’s task in the world is to combat avodah zarah, and the diminishing of the moon left the sun to loom large in the sky, magnifying the allure of sun worship and making that task harder.

On Rosh Chodesh, therefore, Klal Yisroel is granted a measure of leniency – which is why Rosh Hashanah falls on Rosh Chodesh, so that Klal Yisroel enters judgment with that leniency in hand, though it would be unbecoming for us to invoke it, which is why Rosh Chodesh goes unmentioned in the Rosh Hashanah davening.

He ended with the Meshech Chochmah’s words in Parshas Ki Savo, that we must thank Hashem for those who came before us and taught us Torah upon which we build – and, he said, for the Meshech Chochmah itself.

The evening also saw the release of Machon Aleh Zayis’s new English translation of the Meshech Chochmah on Bereishis, the first comprehensive translation of the sefer, with an in-depth commentary by Rav Avrohom Wagner; the Machon accelerated its publication so that it would be available on the yahrtzeit.

Other Rav Meir Simcha–related publications were displayed as well, some for sale and some for free.

Participants described the event as unique in its singular focus on Torah and gedolim. For information on the new sefer: [email protected]

CLICK THE LINK TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9ixhx3f7vykr0qtmtaz8o/AUGUST-16-2026-CENTENNIAL-YAHRTZEIT-OF-REB-MEIR-SIMCHA.mp4?rlkey=occdzsie5olglclshmhhpvf1n&st=4ktdn71m&raw=1

Governor Mikie Sherrill on Monday highlighted free cybersecurity resources available to municipalities, schools and other public entities across New Jersey, urging local governments to take advantage of the state’s round-the-clock cyber defense program.

The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) provides participating public agencies with real-time threat intelligence, cybersecurity risk assessments, incident response assistance, training and enterprise-grade security tools at no cost.

“My job is to make sure New Jersey is prepared, protected, and educated on the threats we face,” Sherrill said. “New Jersey has cutting-edge cybersecurity tools and infrastructure, and every local government entity in this state has access to that advantage at no cost.”

The program currently serves more than 200 municipalities and provides 24/7 monitoring of networks and systems, proactive searches for cyber threats and alerts about emerging risks. NJCCIC also assists local agencies during cyberattacks in coordination with New Jersey State Police and federal partners.

The resources are available to New Jersey counties, municipalities, municipal utilities, K-12 public schools and community colleges.

State Chief Information Security Officer and NJCCIC Director Michael Geraghty said the program is intended to ensure local agencies do not have to confront major cyber threats on their own.

“We bridge the gap between local, state, and federal resources so that no county, town, or school has to face a cyber threat alone,” Geraghty said. “The more local government entities enrolled, the stronger New Jersey’s collective defense becomes.”

The program is funded through a combination of state and federal grants.

Local governments and other eligible public organizations can enroll for free here:
cyber.nj.gov/connect/njccic-membership

Information on cybersecurity grants and additional resources:
cyber.nj.gov/grants-and-resources

Cybersecurity incidents can be reported here:
cyber.nj.gov/report

Up to 200 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across New Jersey amid a widespread nationwide outbreak, according to federal health officials.

Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite and is typically spread through contaminated food or water, including raw produce such as berries, herbs and salad mixes.

Symptoms can include severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue. Symptoms generally begin about a week after infection and, without treatment, can persist for a month or longer.

More than 9,400 cases have been reported nationwide. Two deaths involving people with serious underlying health conditions have also been linked to Cyclospora infections in Michigan.

Health officials are urging residents to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly rinse fruits and vegetables before eating them. Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or severe symptoms, particularly signs of dehydration, should contact a health care provider.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and her family have officially moved into Drumthwacket, the state’s historic governor’s mansion in Princeton, making her the first governor in more than two decades to make the residence her full-time home.

Sherrill announced Friday that the family completed the move this past week. She and First Gentleman Jason Hedberg said they are excited to begin the new chapter and described Drumthwacket as “The People’s House,” saying they look forward to opening its doors to New Jersey residents and sharing its history.

The move brings Sherrill closer to the State House in Trenton, with the governor saying living in Princeton places her family “at the heart of our state” and closer to the work of her administration.

Sherrill and her family previously lived in Montclair for 16 years. She had announced in April that the family planned to relocate to Drumthwacket during the summer.

The mansion, which dates back to the 19th century, has served as New Jersey’s official gubernatorial residence but has gone largely unused as a full-time home by recent governors.

A Berkeley Township man has been charged in connection with a deadly boating crash in Barnegat Bay last month that claimed the lives of his two young grandchildren.

Stephen Schneider, 64, was arrested Friday and charged with two counts of reckless vessel homicide stemming from the July 19 crash, according to court documents.

Authorities say Schneider was operating a 30-foot Tidewater 280 shortly after 9:00 p.m. in waters off Berkeley Township when the boat crashed into a wooden channel marker.

The impact sent his two grandchildren, 9-year-old Mya Bella Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund Paul Golabek, both of Lacey Township, into the water.

Schneider and his 64-year-old wife pulled the children from the bay. Both were transported to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

According to charging documents, investigators determined that Schneider was under the influence of alcohol and impaired while operating the vessel at the time of the crash.

Additional details surrounding the investigation and charges have not yet been released by New Jersey State Police or the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Schneider is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

A Toms River man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault following a road rage incident in Lakewood on Friday afternoon that left another driver injured and briefly unconscious, police said.

Lakewood Police officers responded at approximately 3:30 p.m. on August 14 to the area of New Hampshire Avenue and Chestnut Street following reports of a motor vehicle crash and assault.

According to police, an investigation determined that a road rage confrontation between two drivers escalated into a two-vehicle crash. Following the collision, one of the drivers confronted the other and allegedly slammed the victim’s face into the side of a vehicle before striking him, causing him to lose consciousness.

The victim suffered a small laceration and was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police identified the suspect as Thomas Vance, 39, of Toms River. He was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault before being transported to the Ocean County Jail pending further court proceedings.

“Road rage incidents can escalate very quickly and have serious consequences,” Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer said. “We ask motorists to remain calm, avoid engaging with aggressive drivers, and contact law enforcement if they feel threatened or unsafe. No disagreement on the roadway is worth someone getting hurt or ending up in jail.”

The incident remains under investigation by the Lakewood Police Department.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A serious motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle occurred in Lakewood on Sunday at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Emergency personnel responded to the area of 1091 River Avenue, just off Cross Street, where the motorcycle was involved in a crash.

Injuries were reported, and emergency crews worked at the scene.

HaRav Simcha Bunim Cohen putting on Tefillin for Bar Mitzvah Bochur Dovy Miller, son of longtime Askan and Lakewood Township Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller.

An MVA involving an overturned vehicle occurred in Lakewood on Sunday at approximately 12:00 p.m. at the intersection of Route 70 and Vermont Avenue.

Hatzolah and other emergency personnel responded to the scene, where injuries were reported.

The Lakewood Police Department is encouraging residents to register their non-motorized bicycles through the department’s LakewoodPDConnect app.

The free registration allows residents to place their bicycle information on file with the department, which can help police identify and return bicycles that are lost, stolen or recovered.

Residents can download the LakewoodPDConnect app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and follow the instructions to register their bicycles.

Additional information is available through the Lakewood Police Department at LPDNJ.com.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is highlighting an increased partnership with the Ocean County Board of Social Services aimed at improving the delivery of critical assistance programs to residents across the county.

Commissioners Robert S. Arace and Jennifier Bacchione, who represent the Board of Commissioners on the Board of Social Services, have been working with Acting Executive Director Jennifer Hagendoorn, Board Counsel Brian Wilkie and other agency leaders to strengthen communication and coordination between county government and the social services agency.

County officials said the effort is focused on improving efficiency and ensuring residents who rely on food, medical and financial assistance receive services in a responsive and effective manner.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that County government works together in the best interests of the people we serve,” Arace said. “By building strong relationships with our partners at the Board of Social Services, we can better support programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Ocean County residents.”

Bacchione said stronger communication between the agencies will ultimately benefit residents who depend on the programs.

“When organizations communicate openly and work toward common goals, everyone benefits, especially the residents who depend on these essential services,” she said.

The Ocean County Board of Social Services administers a range of assistance programs for residents facing financial hardship. County officials said they remain committed to strengthening cooperation while maintaining the Board of Social Services’ statutory responsibilities.

New Jersey has begun mailing ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letters to eligible homeowners and renters as the state prepares to automatically file applications for many residents receiving property tax relief.

The New Jersey Division of Taxation began sending the letters on August 10. For most eligible homeowners under age 65 who are not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits, as well as eligible renters, the state will automatically file their 2025 ANCHOR application on September 15 using information from the previous year’s application.

Residents who receive a confirmation letter and whose information remains accurate generally do not need to file another application. Those who received last year’s payment by direct deposit will have the 2025 benefit deposited using the same banking information.

However, anyone who needs to change their banking information or wants to switch to a paper check must file their own application by September 15, 2026, before the state automatically files on their behalf. Residents who are no longer eligible for the property listed in the confirmation letter must also notify the Division of Taxation. Anyone who moved and qualifies based on a different New Jersey residence occupied on October 1, 2025, must file for the correct property.

Residents who do not receive an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter but believe they qualify can file an application themselves. The overall deadline to apply for the 2025 ANCHOR benefit is November 2, 2026.

For homeowners, the 2025 benefit is $1,500 for those with New Jersey gross income of $150,000 or less and $1,000 for those earning between $150,001 and $250,000. Renters with qualifying income receive $450, while renters who were 65 or older by the end of 2025 receive $700. ANCHOR payments are scheduled to begin going out on a rolling basis starting September 15, with most payments issued within 90 days of filing.

Senior homeowners and homeowners receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits are not automatically filed through the regular ANCHOR process and must submit the combined PAS-1 Property Tax Relief application by November 2.

Jackson Township has officially adopted its 2026 municipal budget, delivering a 0% increase in municipal taxes for residents, Mayor Jennifer Kuhn announced Thursday.

The budget’s approval concludes a lengthy process aimed at balancing the Township’s operating and service needs while limiting additional financial pressure on local taxpayers.

“I’m proud to announce that our 2026 municipal budget is officially complete, and most importantly, we have delivered a 0% municipal tax increase for our residents,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn also addressed what she described as inaccurate information and political rhetoric surrounding the budget process, urging residents with questions to contact Township officials directly.

“There has been a lot said about this budget, and unfortunately, not all of it has been accurate,” Kuhn said. “I encourage any resident who has a question or concern to reach out to me directly. You deserve the facts, and I will always do my best to make sure you have them.”

Township officials said the budget reflects the administration’s focus on fiscal responsibility while maintaining municipal services for Jackson residents.

New signage for Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) was installed Wednesday at the yeshiva’s new campus in Jackson, marking another visible step in the development of the recently acquired property.

The new campus is located at the former Christa McAuliffe Middle School on South Hope Chapel Road. BMG recently acquired the approximately 38-acre property for $40 million as part of the yeshiva’s continued expansion.

The expansive Jackson campus is expected to provide BMG with additional space as the Lakewood-based yeshiva continues to grow, with the newly installed signage now prominently identifying the property as part of Beth Medrash Govoha.

A Toms River man has pleaded guilty to narcotics and weapons charges following a months-long investigation that resulted in the seizure of cocaine, a stolen handgun and thousands of dollars in cash, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Ravonn Terry, 38, of Toms River, pleaded guilty on August 10 before Superior Court Judge Dina M. Vicari to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a handgun.

At sentencing, scheduled for October 16, prosecutors said they will seek a 10-year New Jersey State Prison sentence on the narcotics charge and a five-year sentence, including 42 months of parole ineligibility, on the weapons charge. The sentences would run concurrently.

Authorities said the case stemmed from a narcotics investigation conducted between October 2025 and February 2026. Detectives from the Stafford Township and Toms River Township police departments established surveillance at a residence on Promise Avenue in Toms River that investigators said Terry was using to store and distribute cocaine.

On February 23, detectives observed Terry leave the residence and enter the passenger seat of a vehicle. Toms River Police officers later stopped the vehicle as it traveled through the township, and Terry was taken into custody without incident.

The Toms River Police Special Enforcement Team subsequently executed a court-authorized search warrant at the Promise Avenue residence. Investigators seized approximately 32 grams of cocaine, a Smith & Wesson revolver that was determined to have been stolen, drug paraphernalia associated with narcotics distribution and approximately $2,400 in cash, according to prosecutors.

Terry was lodged in the Ocean County Jail, where he remained detained through his guilty pleas on August 10.

Prosecutor Billhimer credited Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara, along with the Stafford Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Police Special Enforcement Team and New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression South Unit for their work on the investigation.

Jackson Township officials are pressing the United States Postal Service for action over longstanding concerns at the Jackson Post Office on Bennetts Mills Road, including overcrowding, lengthy wait times, inadequate parking, staffing shortages and growing traffic and safety issues.

Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about vehicles backing onto Bennetts Mills Road, traffic extending beyond the post office property and difficulties safely entering and exiting the busy facility.

On August 7, a formal letter was sent to U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner requesting a meeting to address what local officials described as an ongoing postal service crisis in the rapidly growing township.

The effort is being backed across multiple levels of government, with Congressman Christopher Smith, State Senator Owen Henry and Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Robert Clifton joining Jackson Township officials in calling for improvements.

Among the solutions being urged are the establishment of a second full-service post office in Jackson, a significant expansion and modernization of the existing Bennetts Mills Road facility, and immediate operational changes to improve staffing, reduce wait times and address traffic and public safety concerns while a permanent solution is developed.

Officials stressed that the situation has grown beyond an issue of inconvenience and has become a public safety concern.

Jackson has experienced tremendous population growth in recent years, while its postal infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the increased demand. Officials said residents deserve safe and reasonable access to essential postal services and vowed to continue working with USPS toward a long-term solution.

The August 7 letter marks the latest step in that effort, bringing the concerns of Jackson residents directly to federal postal officials as municipal, state and federal representatives push for meaningful improvements at the facility.

A driver was arrested in Toms River after fleeing police at speeds reaching 90 mph, later refusing to exit his vehicle and identifying himself as a “sovereign citizen,” according to Toms River PBA Local 137.

The incident began on July 26, when Ocean County College security contacted the Toms River Police Department after observing a man driving through a campus parking lot whom they suspected was under the influence.

As officers arrived, the vehicle left the college property and entered College Drive. Patrolman Tyler Pinto conducted a traffic stop, and the driver initially pulled over before suddenly taking off, shutting off the vehicle’s lights in an apparent attempt to evade police.

The vehicle continued onto Hooper Avenue at a low rate of speed before entering the Garden State Parkway, where it accelerated to approximately 90 mph. Officers terminated the pursuit in the interest of public safety and in accordance with New Jersey Attorney General guidelines.

A short time later, Toms River officers located the vehicle on Route 166 and followed it without activating emergency lights. The driver eventually pulled into Castle Park, where officers conducted a felony stop.

Police said the driver refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle. Officers Tyler Pinto, Mlotkiewicz, Mastandrea, Litterer and Morsch then formed a tactical team and approached the vehicle using a ballistic shield.

According to the PBA, the driver identified himself as a “sovereign citizen” and continued refusing to comply. Officers ultimately forcibly removed him from the vehicle, and police said he resisted before being placed under arrest.

The driver was charged with eluding, resisting arrest and obstruction.

Toms River PBA Local 137 commended the officers involved for their handling of the incident.

Lakewood Alerts regrets to inform you of the Petira of Rebbetzin Esther Paler A”H, the wife of the legendary Rosh Yeshiva HaRav Binyomin Paler ZT”L, founder of Yeshiva Mekor Chaim. She was nearly 100 years old.

Rebbetzin Paler A”H was the daughter of the Mattersdorfer Rav, HaRav Shmuel Ehrenfeld ZT”L, and together with her husband built a distinguished Torah family whose influence has extended across generations.

In recent years Rabbitzen Paler relocated from Boro Park to Lakewood where she was living until she was Niftar early Wednesday morning.

Her husband, HaRav Binyomin Paler ZT”L, was one of the closest talmidim of the Brisker Rov, HaRav Yitzchok Zev “Reb Velvel” Soloveitchik ZT”L, and was regarded as one of the foremost transmitters of the authentic Brisker mesorah in the United States. He was also a chavrusa of HaRav Berel Soloveitchik ZT”L, father of HaRav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik Shlita, the current Rosh Yeshiva of Brisk in Yerushalayim.

In 1965, Rav Binyomin founded Yeshiva Mekor Chaim in Boro Park, which became renowned for its uncompromising commitment to Torah and the Brisker derech halimud. He was niftar in 2000 at the age of 92.

Following his petirah, leadership of the yeshiva passed to his three sons, HaRav Yitzchok ZT”L, and ybl”c HaRav Zechariah and HaRav Simcha Bunim. Rav Yitzchok was suddenly niftar in 2020.

After nearly five decades in Brooklyn, Yeshiva Mekor Chaim relocated to Lakewood in 2012, establishing its home on Locust Street and continuing the mesorah established by Rav Binyomin.

Throughout those decades, Rebbetzin Paler stood alongside her husband and family as the yeshiva grew and generations of talmidim were shaped by the Torah and mesorah of its Rosh Yeshiva.

Rebbetzin Paler leaves behind her sons, HaRav Simcha Bunim and HaRav Zechariah Paler, and two daughters, one married to HaRav Shmuel Abba Olshin and the other to HaRav Shmuel Simcha Horowitz, as well as generations of descendants continuing the distinguished Torah legacy of the Paler and Ehrenfeld families.

The Levaya will be held today at Yeshiva Mekor Chaim, 160 Locust Street in Lakewood at 10:30AM.

Yehi zichrah baruch.

Lakewood Police hosted its annual National Night Out on Tuesday evening at ShoreTown Ballpark, bringing together local residents, families, law enforcement and emergency service organizations for an evening of community engagement.

Lakewood Shomrim, Chaverim, Hatzolah and other emergency personnel joined the Lakewood Police Department at the event, giving residents an opportunity to meet and interact with those who serve the community.

The event, held in the ballpark parking lot, featured free rides, giveaways, food, live entertainment and a BMX stunt show, along with displays and activities for children and families.

National Night Out is held annually in communities across the country to strengthen relationships between law enforcement, emergency responders and the residents they serve.

Lakewood is preparing for two consecutive nights of simcha this Wednesday and Thursday, as grandchildren of three of Beth Medrash Govoha’s Roshei Yeshiva are set to get married.

The back-to-back weddings will celebrate the marriages of grandchildren of HaRav Yerucham Olshin, HaRav Dovid Schustal, and HaRav Yisroel Neuman, bringing two nights of simcha to the BMG and greater Lakewood community.

The simchos are expected to draw large crowds of talmidim, alumni, rabbanim, and members of the Lakewood community joining in the celebrations.

A 24-year-old Lakewood yungerman who learns in BMG is in critical condition and in need of tremendous yeshuos after drowning in a swimming pool on Sunday.

The family is asking the public to increase their tefillos and daven for Daniel Baruch Ben Hadassa Orit for a complete refuah sheleimah.

A special gathering for tefillah will take place tonight at Bais Medrash Ozer Yonah, located at 124 Gudz Road in Lakewood. Maariv will be held at 9:00 p.m., followed by Tehillim.

The name Baruch was added. Please daven for Daniel Baruch ben Hadassa Orit for a complete refuah sheleimah.

Two men, including a Jackson resident, were arrested after police recovered a loaded AR-15-style “ghost gun” during a traffic stop on I-195 in Wall Township, authorities said.

The incident unfolded shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, when Wall Township Police stopped a vehicle on I-195 for a traffic violation.

During the investigation, officers determined that front-seat passenger Jarrone Perry, 47, of Jackson, had an active warrant issued by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. Perry was taken into custody without incident.

As the investigation continued, a Brick Township Police K-9 unit responded to assist. K-9 Rebel conducted a free-air sniff around the vehicle and alerted officers to the possible presence of narcotics or other contraband.

Police subsequently searched the vehicle and recovered a loaded AR-15-style privately manufactured firearm, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.”

Perry and the driver, Christopher Ojeda Jr., 18, of Toms River, were both arrested and charged with possession of an unserialized firearm, possession of hollow-point ammunition, possession of an assault firearm, unlawful possession of a rifle, and unlawful possession of a loaded firearm.

Perry was additionally charged with being a certain person prohibited from possessing weapons.

Both men were processed and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

New Jersey American Water (NJAW) crews are continuing door-to-door canvassing this week, with work currently focused on the Oak Street and Chestnut Street area within Census Tract 7158 as part of the utility’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

Authorized representatives from NJAW contractor CDM Smith are visiting designated properties to identify homes that may have lead or galvanized steel water service lines. The program follows a 2021 New Jersey law requiring water providers to identify and replace lead and galvanized service lines by 2031.

Residents can submit photos of their service line to NJAW or schedule a free in-person inspection, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Canvassers will wear clearly marked high-visibility vests displaying New Jersey American Water and CDM Smith logos and carry official identification. They will never request sensitive personal or financial information.

All canvassing, inspections and replacement work are performed by New Jersey American Water or its authorized contractors, not Lakewood Township, although the effort is being coordinated with township officials for public awareness and safety.

NJAW says Lakewood residents can continue using their water as usual, with the water continuing to meet all state and federal quality standards, including standards for lead.

A 43-year-old Whiting man was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center with potentially life-threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle Sunday night in Manchester Township.

Manchester Township Police said officers responded at approximately 9:37 p.m. to the intersection of County Route 530 and Swift Circle in the Whiting section for reports of a crash involving a pedestrian.

Police said a 2013 Toyota Camry was traveling westbound on County Route 530 when the pedestrian entered the roadway in front of the vehicle and was hit within the intersection. The impact propelled the pedestrian approximately 50 feet to a grassy area near the northwest corner of the intersection.

The pedestrian, identified as 43-year-old Richard J. Fescharek of Whiting, suffered multiple potentially life-threatening injuries and was flown by Life Flight Medevac helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

The Toyota was driven by 63-year-old Rocco Lanzetti of Wrightstown, who was not injured.

Manchester EMS, Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Accurate Towing assisted at the scene. The roadway was partially closed for several hours while authorities investigated and cleared the scene.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing, with improper pedestrian crossing currently believed to be a contributing factor. The crash is being investigated by Patrolman Anthony DeBlasio of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

A former OceanFirst Bank teller is facing multiple charges after authorities say she stole more than $200,000 from customers over a roughly two-year period.

According to the Lacey Township Police Department, 54-year-old Tiffany Prutzman of Barnegat surrendered at police headquarters on July 24 following an investigation by the department’s Detective Bureau.

Investigators say Prutzman worked as a teller at the OceanFirst Bank branch in Forked River and took approximately $212,400 in customer funds between 2024 and 2026. The money had been entrusted to her to be deposited into customers’ accounts, police said.

Prutzman was charged with second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition, money laundering, misapplication of property of a financial institution and computer criminal activity. She was also charged with third-degree tampering with records.

Following processing, Prutzman was transported to the Ocean County Jail.

The charges are accusations, and Prutzman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

A federal court has approved a landmark $2.5 billion settlement between New Jersey, DuPont and 3M over widespread contamination from so-called “forever chemicals,” state officials announced Friday.

The agreements resolve lawsuits brought by New Jersey over PFAS contamination, including litigation against E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co. that was first filed in 2019 and a separate case involving 3M. The settlements were initially reached in August 2025 and have now received judicial approval.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of long-lasting chemicals that have been widely used in consumer and industrial products, including cookware, cosmetics and carpeting. Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to serious health concerns.

New Jersey officials identified four locations where contamination was particularly significant: the Pompton Lakes Works site in Pompton Lakes and Wanaque; the Parlin site in Sayreville; the Repauno site in Greenwich Township; and Chambers Works in Pennsville and Carneys Point Township.

“For years, corporate polluters have profited from ‘forever chemicals’ while causing untold damage to our communities,” New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said, calling the settlement an important step toward addressing the environmental damage.

Under the agreement, up to $365 million will be dedicated to addressing PFAS-related damage and restoring natural resources near the four contaminated sites.

The settlement underwent a 60-day public comment period conducted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection before the state sought court approval in late 2025. Officials said objections raised by 18 counties and a coalition of publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities were subsequently resolved.

DuPont and 3M are expected to make payments under the settlement annually over the next 25 years.

New Jersey regulators are conducting inspections of Freedom Fuel gas stations across the state to ensure the Trump-endorsed fuel chain is complying with state laws and regulations.

The New Jersey Office of Weights and Measures confirmed that it is aware of Freedom Fuel locations operating in the state and said the stations are being inspected as part of the agency’s routine oversight of gasoline retailers.

Freedom Fuel describes itself as a privately owned, patriotic company that responded to President Donald Trump’s push to lower gasoline prices. The company gained widespread attention after Trump promoted Freedom Fuel in a July 1 Truth Social post highlighting discounted gasoline prices at 25 locations in the Philadelphia area ahead of the July 4 holiday.

Freedom Fuel currently lists five locations in New Jersey, including stations in Marlton, Little Egg Harbor Township, West Berlin and two in Egg Harbor Township.

State officials emphasized that the inspections are routine and do not necessarily indicate any wrongdoing by the company. The Office of Weights and Measures regularly inspects gas stations throughout New Jersey and can take enforcement action when violations are discovered.

During inspections, officials test pumps for accuracy, examine calibration seals and required certifications, review dispenser and pricing signage, and test whether gasoline meets the octane rating advertised to customers.

The state said Freedom Fuel will be held to the same standards as other gasoline retailers operating in New Jersey.

A 20-year-old New York City woman was killed and an infant was injured after both were ejected from a vehicle during a crash Friday afternoon on the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County.

According to New Jersey State Police, the crash occurred shortly before 3 p.m. on August 7 near milepost 75.8 on the northbound Garden State Parkway in Lacey Township.

Police said 26-year-old Johan Mendez, of New York City, was driving a Toyota sedan northbound when the vehicle left the roadway, hit a guardrail, returned to the travel lanes and collided with a Hyundai sedan.

The impact caused 20-year-old Iisiz Lopez, who was seated in the rear of the Toyota, and an infant to be ejected from the vehicle.

Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene. The infant suffered minor injuries, according to police.

Mendez and two other passengers in the Toyota also suffered minor injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment. The driver of the Hyundai sustained minor injuries as well.

The crash forced the closure of the Parkway’s northbound lanes in the area for nearly three hours, with the roadway reopening shortly before 6 p.m.

New Jersey State Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

Two longtime members of the Jackson Township Police Department were honored on Friday, July 31, as fellow officers, family members and friends gathered at Jackson Town Hall for a walkout ceremony marking the retirements of Police Captain Sean Greenberger and Police Officer Louis Notare.

Captain Greenberger, a lifelong Jackson-area resident and 1999 graduate of Jackson Memorial High School, joined the department in August 2001 and graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in January 2002. He spent much of his early career on patrol, serving as a Field Training Officer before taking on additional roles with the department’s physical training program and Bicycle Patrol Unit.

Greenberger rose through the department’s ranks, becoming a sergeant in 2019, lieutenant in 2022 and captain in March 2025. During his leadership career, he served as Professional Standards Unit Commander and later led both the Special Services and Investigative Services divisions. His career included multiple awards and commendations, including lifesaving, meritorious duty, good conduct and physical fitness honors.

Officer Louis Notare, also a Jackson Memorial High School graduate, began his law enforcement career in Seaside Park before joining the Jackson Township Police Department as a full-time officer in August 2002. He spent nearly his entire career in the Patrol Division before being reassigned to the Special Services Unit in May 2025.

Among the cases Notare was most proud of was a 2004 cyber harassment investigation that developed into a major child sexual abuse case. His initial investigation, working alongside Jackson detectives and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit, ultimately resulted in the arrest and conviction of a township resident who was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.

Notare also overcame a significant health challenge during his career, returning to full patrol duty just four and a half months after undergoing open-heart surgery in December 2017.

The Jackson Township Police Department congratulated Greenberger and Notare on the completion of their law enforcement careers and wished both longtime officers well in retirement.

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has filed a new rate proposal that could raise residential electric bills by an average of approximately 8.8% beginning in January 2028, affecting customers across Ocean, Monmouth and several other New Jersey counties.

The proposal, filed with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, seeks a $253 million increase in base distribution rates while also allowing the utility to recover $476 million in previously deferred storm restoration costs.

According to JCP&L, a typical residential customer using 767 kilowatt-hours per month and currently paying approximately $162.30 would see an increase of about $14.23 per month if the proposal is approved.

While new base distribution rates would technically take effect in May 2027, JCP&L is proposing offsets that would prevent residential customers from seeing the increase until January 2028.

The utility says the additional revenue is needed to strengthen reliability, modernize aging infrastructure and cover mounting storm restoration expenses.

“Customers shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and reliability,” FirstEnergy President of New Jersey Doug Mokoid said. “Our balanced approach puts both front-and-center simultaneously by minimizing the impact on bills today and giving customers time to plan.”

JCP&L says the proposal supports another $2.1 billion in distribution investments as part of a larger five-year, $6.9 billion capital plan. Planned work includes modernizing circuits, expanding remote grid controls, upgrading transmission infrastructure and increasing tree trimming and hazardous tree removal.

Trees remain a major cause of outages throughout JCP&L’s service territory. The utility says dead and diseased ash trees have accounted for 60% of tree-related outages since 2020, with more than 74,000 hazardous ash trees removed since 2017.

JCP&L also says approximately $1.5 billion invested in infrastructure over the past three years has contributed to improved reliability, including a 15% improvement in 2025 compared with 2024 and an additional 38% improvement so far this year.

The proposed increase is not yet final. It must be reviewed and approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities before taking effect.

JCP&L serves approximately 1.2 million customers across 13 New Jersey counties, including Ocean and Monmouth counties.

CHEMED marked National Health Center Week with a special celebration attended by government officials, patients, staff, community partners, and supporters, recognizing the vital role community health centers play in delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare.

The event highlighted CHEMED’s commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care while emphasizing the important role community health centers play in improving health outcomes and strengthening the communities they serve.

The celebration featured remarks and recognition from state and local officials, including New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer, along with representatives from the New Jersey Department of Health. Nashon Hornsby, Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Health Promotion, presented a proclamation on behalf of Governor Mikie Sherrill recognizing National Health Center Week. Other Department of Health officials in attendance included Deputy Commissioners Raquel Mazon Jeffers and Susan Loughery, as well as Kim Laloma of the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health.

Ocean County officials also participated in the event, including Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi, Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifer Bacchione, Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, and County Administrator Michael Fiure.

CHEMED expressed its appreciation to the elected officials, community leaders, healthcare partners, vendors, patients, and staff who participated in the celebration, noting that their continued support helps advance the organization’s mission of ensuring quality healthcare remains accessible to all members of the community.

National Health Center Week is observed annually to recognize the contributions of community health centers across the country and the millions of patients they serve each year.

Hagaon HaRav Malkiel Kotler, Rosh Yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG), visited Hagaon HaRav Moshe Shternbuch at his home in Yerushalayim.

New Hampshire Avenue remains closed in both directions between Swarthmore Avenue and Route 88 following a garbage truck accident that resulted in a fuel leak Thursday morning.

Emergency crews remain on the scene working to contain the fuel spill, secure the area, and clear the roadway. The closure has caused significant traffic delays, and motorists are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes until the roadway reopens.

Drivers traveling between Lakewood and Jackson should be aware that the new traffic signal at the intersection of Cross Street and White Street is now active.

The signal has officially been placed into operation as part of ongoing traffic improvements in the area.

Motorists are urged to use caution, obey the new traffic pattern, and remain alert as drivers become accustomed to the new light.

The Jackson Township Police Department announced Wednesday that detectives are actively investigating two separate incidents being treated as bias crimes, including repeated vandalism at the Chai Lifeline facility and the recent burglary and vandalism at the Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) property on South Hope Chapel Road.

According to Police Chief Mary Nelson, the first investigation involves three separate acts of criminal mischief at the Chai Lifeline facility on County Line Road, where windows were intentionally damaged by unknown individuals. Because the incidents repeatedly targeted a Jewish faith-based organization, investigators are treating the case as a bias crime.

The second investigation centers on the burglary, theft, criminal mischief, and vandalism at the former school building on South Hope Chapel Road, now owned by Beth Medrash Govoha. Police say seven individuals unlawfully entered the building, caused extensive damage, and wrote antisemitic and anti-African American messages on classroom blackboards and other areas. Authorities said the evidence supports prosecuting the incident as a bias crime in addition to the underlying criminal offenses.

Chief Nelson said the department “condemns these hateful acts in the strongest possible terms,” emphasizing that crimes motivated by hatred, prejudice, or intolerance have no place in Jackson Township. She added that such incidents not only affect the direct victims but also create fear throughout the broader community.

Police confirmed that suspects have been identified in connection with the South Hope Chapel Road incident. However, because the investigation remains active, no additional information about those individuals is being released at this time. Authorities said those responsible will face prosecution on all applicable charges, including bias crime charges where supported by the evidence.

In response to the incidents, the Jackson Township Police Department has increased patrols around sensitive locations and areas of concern throughout the township. The department said it remains committed to ensuring that every resident can live, worship, learn, and practice their beliefs without fear of intimidation or violence.

Anyone with information related to either investigation is urged to contact the Jackson Township Police Department. Officials are also asking residents to report any suspicious activity immediately as investigators continue their work.

Police noted that all individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jackson Township Mayor Jennifer Kuhn strongly condemned the recent vandalism at the former Christa McAuliffe Middle School, which authorities are investigating as a bias incident.

“I am deeply disturbed by the recent act of vandalism in Jackson Township,” Kuhn said. “There is no place in our community for antisemitism, hate, or intimidation directed at any individual or group.”

Kuhn praised the Jackson Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for their swift response and urged anyone with information to cooperate with investigators so those responsible can be identified and held accountable.

“Incidents like this serve as a reminder that our words and actions matter,” the mayor said. “We must reject hatred, prejudice, and rhetoric that seeks to divide or dehumanize others.”

Addressing the township’s Jewish community, Kuhn added, “To our Jewish neighbors, and to every resident who has been affected by this incident, please know that you have my full support. Jackson Township stands united against hate.”

Assemblyman Avi Schnall today condemned the reported break-in and vandalism at the former Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Jackson, where swastikas, Nazi imagery and racist messages were discovered after individuals allegedly forced their way into the building.

The property was recently purchased by Beth Medrash Govoha, the largest yeshiva in the United States.

“A swastika painted inside a Jewish-owned building is not teenage mischief or ordinary vandalism. It is an unmistakable message of intimidation,” said Schnall. “Those responsible must be identified, prosecuted and held fully accountable.”

Assemblyman Schnall said the incident should also force a broader reckoning over the increasingly hostile political climate surrounding Orthodox Jewish residents in Jackson and neighboring communities.

“Hate does not begin with broken windows and spray paint,” Schnall said. “It begins when a community is repeatedly portrayed as a problem to be contained, a threat to be feared or an easy target for political resentment. It grows when inflammatory claims go unchallenged, when contempt is tolerated at public meetings and when elected officials discover that attacking Orthodox Jews is an effective way to win attention or applause.”

Although Jackson is outside the 30th Legislative District, Schnall said the incident carries consequences far beyond municipal boundaries.

“The individuals who entered that building are responsible for their actions. But elected officials are responsible for the climate they help create,” he said. “Politicians cannot spend months feeding suspicion of a religious community—or quietly benefiting from it—and then wash their hands of the consequences when that hostility turns dangerous.”

“A condemnation issued after a swastika appears is hollow if the same leaders remain silent while an entire community is demeaned day after day,” Schnall continued. “Leadership requires confronting hatred before it becomes vandalism and before vandalism.”

“This incident must be a turning point,” Schnall said. “Every elected official should ask whether their words are lowering the temperature or raising it. The public should expect more from those entrusted with authority. Words carry weight, silence sends a message, and neither is without consequence.”