The SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 12 - No. 10
In This Week’s Edition
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MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
The Inspiring Story Behind Barnegat’s ‘Casting with a Cop’ Event
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 10-18
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 19
Classifieds Pages 22
Photo courtesy George Mattei Patrol Officer Richard Carr helps a young angler become familiar with a rod and reel. By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT – The community’s first-ever “Casting with a Cop” event, held at the Barnegat Docks, was more than just a local fishing trip for children - it was an initiative rooted in a powerful backstory. Brandy Hillegass, a 47-yearold single mother of two, came up with the idea for the event. A
former dispatcher for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Hillegass believes it’s crucial for children to learn to respect police officers and know they can turn to them when they need help. Hillegass also just happens to enjoy fishing - and that love is shared by her 16-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter. “We have a very good relation-
ship with the Barnegat Police Department because my son has Down syndrome and autism,” shared Hillegass. “I wanted him to become familiar with the local police and vice versa, so we visit the department throughout the year.” A two-year member of the American Angler fishing club, (Casting - See Page 4)
September 7, 2024
Voters Asked To Upgrade Aging, Overcrowded Schools
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan The Oxycocus Elementary Schools are in need of the most significant improvements that would be funded by the bonding referendum. By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD - Voters will soon decide on a crucial $75.7 million bond referendum to tackle overcrowding and upgrade aging infrastructure and technology within the district’s schools. Set for September 17, the referendum would allow for several improvements – a move seen as vital for ensuring quality education in the face of growing enrollment. The referendum’s passage would result in an estimated $22 monthly tax increase for homeowners with properties valued at the district’s average assessment of $294,141. Professionals retained by the district emphasized that the investment is a necessary step for fiscal responsibility, especially with the potential to secure $15.9 million in state (Schools - See Page 5)
Teens Launch Operation Warmth To Aid Homeless By Stephanie Faughnan HOWELL – Two local high school seniors readily admit they’ve grown up in comfortable suburban homes, never having to worry about access to heat and hot water. But as Cory Reavis and Tristen Bennett returned to school this fall, they’re not just focused on their studies and college applications. Instead, they’re resurrecting a project they started as members of the How-
ell Police Athletic League during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their initiative, Operation Warmth: Helping the Homeless Prepare for Winter, aims to raise funds and provide essentials to ensure the unhoused in Monmouth and Ocean counties can survive the winter months. Cory, 17, and Tristen, 18, have remained best friends since they first met in the second grade. Although they both still live in Howell, Corey and Tristen attend
different high schools as part of the Freehold Regional High School District’s magnet programs. Cory is a student in Freehold Boro School’s Computer Science program, with hopes of attending Georgia Tech, while Tristen is enrolled in the Business Administration program at Marlboro High School, aspiring to study at New York University. Both young men have grown up in (Teens - See Page 6)
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Cory Reavis and Tristen Bennett’s Operation Warmth aims to help those living out in the cold.
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