32 updates in the last 24 hours.
https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/breaking-jackson-police-chief-mary-nelson-to-retire-november-1-captain-george-vidalis-to-serve-as-acting-chief/
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*(Check out the new audio feature we added)* https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/breaking-jackson-police-chief-mary-nelson-to-retire-november-1-captain-george-vidalis-to-serve-as-acting-chief/
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*BREAKING: Jackson Police Chief Mary Nelson To Retire November 1; Captain George Vidalis To Serve As Acting Chief* Jackson Township Police Chief Mary Nelson is retiring effective November 1, TLS has learned. Captain George Vidalis will serve as temporarily acting chief until a permanent chief is chosen. Nelson became Jackson’s first female police chief when she was appointed interim chief on February 1 and sworn in provisionally on February 10, 2026, following the departure of Chief Matthew Kunz after a $2 million lawsuit settlement. Vidalis, a Jackson native, has been on the job since 2003. He was promoted to captain in June 2024 and commands the department’s Investigations Division. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/breaking-jackson-police-chief-mary-nelson-to-retire-november-1-captain-george-vidalis-to-serve-as-acting-chief/
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*Letter: How Are Families Supposed To Afford Seminary?* Dear Editor and Parents with Daughters That Went to Sem (or going) : I want to be clear from the start: I’m not here to fight the battle of seminary. I’m not stirring the pot, and I’m not blaming anyone. The reality is that all our girls go to seminary, and if a girl doesn’t go, people ask why. As a shadchan, I hear that question from mothers all the time. My oldest daughter is starting her seminary applications now. I have several girls after that. At roughly $35,000 per year, that adds up to close to $200,000, and that’s before we even get to weddings/support. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/letter-how-are-families-supposed-to-afford-seminary/
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Order Right Here ⤵️ www.Burgerbarnj.com or via WhatsApp https://wa.me/message/NXYME3DPOGT3K1 Orders usually out the door in about 15 minutes!
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*Jackson Man Sentenced to Six and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Stolen Firearms* A Jackson man was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for the transportation of a stolen firearm, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Luiz Vargas, also known as “El Biggie,” 26, of Jackson, pleaded guilty on May 26, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner to a one-count Information charging him with transportation of a stolen firearm. Judge Castner imposed the 78-month sentence on October 7, 2026, in Trenton federal court. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, beginning in January 2025, law enforcement investigated Vargas for trafficking firearms into New Jersey from, among other places, Texas and Maryland. Using a confidential source acting at the direction and supervision of law enforcement, officers conducted four controlled purchases of firearms, which yielded a total of eight firearms: two semiautomatic rifles and six handguns. Two of the handguns were reported stolen out of Texas and Colorado, respectively, and the two semiautomatic rifles had no serial numbers or other identifiable markings on them. On at least one occasion, Vargas provided cocaine to the confidential source after being unable to follow through with a promised sale of firearms. Vargas has never held a federal license to deal or manufacture firearms. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/jackson-man-sentenced-to-six-and-a-half-years-in-federal-prison-for-trafficking-stolen-firearms/
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*$200 SIGN UP BONUS!* *iRide is Hiring drivers that can work mornings:* Earn up to $55 per hour/$2,800 weekly. Must have a personal vehicle. call/text 732-366-1436 lv msg, or hit the link. https://wa.link/1i45v7 ~~~~~
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*PHOTOS: Lakewood Fire Department Hosts Public Viewing of New Apparatus* The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and the Lakewood Fire Department on Tuesday afternoon hosted a public viewing of the department’s new apparatus at Fire Headquarters, 733 Cedarbridge Avenue. On display were the department’s new Tower Ladder, a 2026 Seagrave 75-foot AerialScope which will serve as Tower 5, a new RAC Unit, and a new Collapse Rescue Trailer, as first reported on TLS. Among those on hand to view the new apparatus were Senator Robert Singer, Assemblyman Avi Schnall, members of the Board of Fire Commissioners, and Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/photos-lakewood-fire-department-hosts-public-viewing-of-new-apparatus/
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*📹 Happening now until 5:30: The Lakewood Fire Department is inviting the public to view its new apparatus - including the new Tower Ladder, RAC Unit, and Collapse Rescue Trailer - at Fire Headquarters, 733 Cedarbridge Avenue.*
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*Submitted* *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/submitted-36/
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*📹 This afternoon at JFK Airport. A planned live fire training exercise is producing visible fire and smoke, conducted in a controlled fashion away from public areas. Airport officials say there is no cause for alarm and no impact to flight operations.*
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*Reader-Submitted PSA: I Nearly Got Scammed* I recently received a frightening call from someone claiming to be with the sheriff’s department, speaking on a “recorded line.” He said I faced contempt-of-court and failure-to-appear charges for missing a court hearing. He provided a badge number and citation numbers, and claimed a summons had been signed for at an address where I hadn’t lived in six years. He demanded two payments of $7,500—$15,000 total—to prevent immediate detention. He warned that approaching police officers or government offices would result in detention for up to 14 days. Supposedly, once payment cleared, I could come in and have my signature checked to clear my name. He insisted the line of communication remain open at all times until payment cleared, claiming that hanging up, putting him on hold, or otherwise breaking contact would be grounds for my arrest. He said I couldn’t disconnect to call a lawyer, but allowed me to contact financial institutions to arrange payment. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/reader-submitted-psa-i-nearly-got-scammed/
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*Traffic Alert: Accident on New Hampshire Avenue near Salem Street in Lakewood. No serious injuries reported. Expect delays in the area.*
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*Community Mourns Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Flanagan, Killed In New Jersey Turnpike Crash* The Holly Oaks community in Manchester is mourning the loss of Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company Chief Brian Flanagan, who was killed early Tuesday morning after being struck by an SUV while working in a construction zone on the New Jersey Turnpike. Flanagan, 47, was struck at approximately 3:52 a.m. on the south outer roadway of the Turnpike near milepost 87.7 in Edison Township, when a GMC SUV entered the marked construction zone where he was working, State Police said. The driver fled the scene but was later identified as Anthony Bernardi, 40, of Edison. Bernardi was arrested and charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree vehicular homicide, and second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. He is being held at the Middlesex County Jail pending a detention hearing. The crash remains under investigation, as first reported by TLS. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/community-mourns-ridgeway-volunteer-fire-chief-brian-flanagan-killed-in-new-jersey-turnpike-crash/
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*Burger Bar Launches Elegant Event Space In Jackson, Seating Up To 120 Guests* Looking for the perfect venue for your next event? Burger Bar has launched a new event space at 2080 W County Line Road in Jackson, offering an elegant setting for gatherings of all kinds. The space seats up to 120 guests, with a 40-guest minimum, making it a great fit for everything from intimate affairs to full-size celebrations. The venue hosts corporate events, bar and bas mitzvahs, sheva berachos, business meetings, holiday parties, fundraisers and community events, with flexible packages designed to deliver exceptional value. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/burger-bar-launches-elegant-event-space-in-jackson-seating-up-to-120-guests/
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*Jackson Township Announces $1.645 Million Capital Road Improvement Program* Jackson Township officials announced that work on the Township’s 2025 Capital Road Improvement Program is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, with construction expected to continue through the Spring of 2027. The program represents approximately $1.645 million in publicly bid and contracted roadway, traffic safety, and pedestrian-safety improvements. Work will include the milling and repaving of various roadways throughout the Township, along with upgrading existing curb ramps to be ADA-compliant. Targeted traffic-calming measures will also be implemented along identified problem corridors to improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians, including new striping and signage upgrades, as well as the installation of radar speed feedback signs and speed tables (modern speed humps) at select locations. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/jackson-township-announces-1-645-million-capital-road-improvement-program/
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*UPDATE:* https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/breaking-manchester-township-fire-chief-killed-in-crash/
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*BREAKING: Manchester Township Fire Chief Killed In Crash* A Manchester Township Fire Chief was killed in a crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Tuesday morning, TLS has learned. Brian Flanagan, 47, served as chief of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company for the past several years. Additional information regarding the circumstances of the crash is expected to be released soon. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/breaking-manchester-township-fire-chief-killed-in-crash/
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*New Poll Finds Vast Majority Of New Jersey Residents Support Voter ID, Proof Of Citizenship* The vast majority of New Jersey residents support requiring photo identification to vote in person and proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, while majorities remain confident that ballots will be counted accurately in November, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released today. The poll, conducted September 24-27, found that 82% support requiring a valid driver’s license, state identification card or U.S. passport to vote in person, including 63% who strongly support the requirement. Seventy-one percent support requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register, including 51% who strongly support it. The findings come amid scrutiny of New Jersey’s voter registration procedures following the state’s disclosure that approximately 6,600 noncitizens had been registered through the Motor Vehicle Commission. The survey was conducted before Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Oct. 7 announcement that roughly 1,100 additional registration records required correction or review. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/new-poll-finds-vast-majority-of-new-jersey-residents-support-voter-id-proof-of-citizenship/
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*Submitted* *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/submitted-35/
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https://wa.me/17326967873?text=Hi%21%20I%20saw%20the%20exclusive%20TLS%20warehouse%20blowout%20sale.%20I%27m%20interested%20in%20the%20%241%2C200%20discount%20on%20a%20whole-house%20city%20water%20filtration%20system.
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*JUST IN: Six Flags Closes The Nitro Roller Coaster At Great Adventure In Jackson After Fatal Georgia Ride Incident* Six Flags has temporarily closed several roller coasters across its amusement parks, including the Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, following a fatal incident at a Georgia park that left one person dead and several others injured. The Nitro is one of nine roller coasters at six parks across the country would be temporarily taken out of service as a precaution after the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia, near Atlanta. The closures affect rides considered similar to the coaster involved in the Georgia incident. Nitro, a popular roller coaster at Great Adventure, is among the affected attractions. The ride, which reaches speeds of up to 80 mph, features a 230-foot lift hill and a series of steep drops and turns. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/just-in-six-flags-closes-the-nitro-roller-coaster-at-great-adventure-in-jackson-after-fatal-georgia-ride-incident/
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*TODAY: Last Day To Register To Vote For The November 3 Election* Today is the last day New Jersey residents can register to vote in the upcoming November 3 general election. The deadline to register is 11:59 PM tonight. Residents who are not registered by then will not be able to vote in this election. Take a few moments today to make sure that you, and every member of your family 18 and older, are registered to vote. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/today-last-day-to-register-to-vote-for-the-november-3-election/
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Rachel is only 15 years old, yet she weighs just 62 pounds and fights for her life every single day. She cannot eat at all and depends completely on a feeding tube to survive. Her condition is dangerously critical, and doctors say she urgently needs intensive treatment. Her family is doing everything they can — but they simply cannot afford the medical costs. Please help save Rachel’s life today. DONATE HERE: https://api.jewishadgroup.com/IEDX1e
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https://wa.me/message/EDTFMO24XOUCF1
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*VIDEO: Let’s Talk Kashrus, LTK Q&A: Mind Your Own Business* L.T.K. Q&A: Mind Your Own Business Buying Jewish & Pas Palter In the fourth installment of the Let’s Talk Kashrus Q&A series featuring Rav Shmuel Fuerst, Dayan of Agudas Yisroel of Illinois, R’ Yitzchok Hisiger presents a new set of practical shailos about supporting Jewish-owned businesses. How far should a person go to patronize a Yid when a non-Jewish store offers lower prices or greater convenience? Rav Fuerst discusses the balance between supporting fellow Yidden and the realities of price, convenience, and pas palter, including when it is permissible to purchase non-Jewish baked goods. The discussion concludes with a fascinating shailah about working as a salesman for a company that sells non-kosher products. *READ MORE* ⤵️ https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/video-lets-talk-kashrus-ltk-qa-mind-your-own-business/
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TLS - The Lakewood Scoop
Oct 13, 12:18 PM
