The SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 12 - No. 15
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Ducks, Dogs, And Decoys: Rain Fails To Dampen Show
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 9-13
Page 16
Inside The Law Page 19
Classifieds Pages 21
Photos by Stephanie Faughnan (Above) Rich Moretz of Maryland explains the commissioned piece he was carving at the show. (Right) The craftmanship and art of the decoys was worth admiration. By Stephanie Faughnan TUCKERTON – There’s a saying that rain is “good weather for ducks,” and that seemed true for the 42nd annual Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy & Gunning Show. Thousands of attendees flocked to Tuckerton on a wet and gloomy weekend, but their faces brightened when they
walked around the booths. The two-day event brought in visitors from across (Decoys - See Page 5)
County Geeks Out At FanNation
By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER – For nearly a decade, FanNation has been bringing a “Geekstravaganza” to the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library. The free event provides a multi-media convention for fans of science
fiction, comic books, fantasy, horror, anime and much more and this year was no exception. Families could be seen making a nautical themed I spy bottle. In the Discovery Room you could also enjoy a Tinker Fairy stor y t i me t hat fea-
tured stories, games and a meet and greet with a Tinker Fairy. FanNation also feat u red the ret u r n of some old favorites such as the crimson haired mermaid who also provided some stories, ga mes a nd g reeted (Geeks - See Page 6)
STAFFORD MAYORAL CANDIDATES SOUND OFF
By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD – Three candidates are vying to become Stafford’s next mayor: Barbara Crystal, Jessica DiMaria, and Bob Henken. The mayoral candidates completed answers to a series of questions to help voters make their decision by November 5. Their responses were limited to a specified word count and any editing approved prior to publication. In-person early voting runs from October 26 through November 3, 2024, and mail-in ballots, already available, must be returned by Election Day. Barbara Crystal leads the Democratic ticket, joined by Lisa Bennett, Ellyn Hill, Moira Krier, Dennis Carleen, Erik Tramontana, and Wendy McClure, all seeking council seats. Jessica DiMaria, an independent Republican running under the banner Ind-Voice for All, does not have running mates for the open council positions. Bob Henken heads the Republican team, a mix of incumbents and newcomers. His running mates for council include Amy Otte, Lisa Mower, Owen LaRocca, Christopher DarConte, Sergio Fossa, and Steven Esposito. Answers from the mayoral candidates in alphabetical order:
BREAKING NEWS @
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News
October 12, 2024
Photo by Bob Vosseller Rosemarie McCroy, 12, poses at the Toms River Library during FanNation portraying the character Millie from the Helluva Boss show.
Barbara Crystal – Democrat “As mayor, my three top priorities for Stafford will be to make our township more affordable, better serve our residents, and preserve Stafford’s assets and natural resources. “I’m alarmed that Stafford Township’s debt increased 35% from $56 million in 2019 to $75 million in 2023. As mayor and as part of the Stafford United & Strong team, I will systematically evaluate all bond ordinances and resolutions based on their need, priority, plan, and cost, determining whether they can be reduced, deferred, eliminated, or funded. “Eliminating unnecessary spending and borrowing will undoubtedly lower taxes, making Stafford Township more affordable. The economic welfare of our residents will be a primary factor in all fiscal decisions. “As mayor, I will ensure Stafford operates (Candidates - See Page 4)
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