The BERKELEY Times Vol. 31 - No. 16
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
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Community News Pages 8-10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 11
Classifieds Pages 18
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School Board Highlights Students, Staff
Photo courtesy Central Regional Schools Two Eagle Scouts were honored at a recent meeting for their community projects. By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – A number of students and local residents were commended at a recent meeting of the Central Regional Board of Education. The Berkeley Township EMS and the Bayville EMS were thanked for their assistance during the high school graduation. “Despite the dangerously high temperatures and public concerns surrounding the Class of 2025 Graduation at Central Regional High School, the event went off without a hitch. The collaborative efforts from our surrounding communities and EMS Services provided a peace of mind for our Central families to enjoy graduation,” Superintendent Dr. Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder said. Two Eagle Scouts were honored during the meeting. A Boy Scout reaches Eagle after spearheading a project to benefit their community. Liam Kohute organized a soccer clinic, collecting more than 550 pieces of sports equipment,
New Safety Law Will Cost Seniors
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - Ocean County’s senior communities are facing a financial storm that one local advocate says could force retirees from their homes. At a recent Ocean County Commissioners meeting, Judy Noonan, a senior representative, who also works for the Manchester mayor, delivered an emotional plea on behalf of residents. She said many have been blindsided by surging maintenance fees coinciding with New Jersey’s new Structural Integrity and Reserve Funding Law, also known as Senate Bill 3992. “I have people crying to me at my back door,” Noonan said. “They’re asking how they’re going to pay these fees and where they’re supposed to go. These are people who worked their whole (Safety Law - See Page 5)
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valued at more than $8,700, for children and communities in need. “This accomplishment reflects his years of dedication, leadership, and service, alongside his outstanding academic and athletic achievements as a high honors student, multi-sport athlete, and member of the National Junior Honor Society at Central Regional Middle School. Liam will continue his journey of excellence in the Humanities Academy at Central Regional High School,” CarneyRay-Yoder said. Gavin Douglas Ellington built ten screech owl boxes for county parks. “This project required him to use many of the skills he had learned as a Scout. He used his communication skills to present his plan to the county officials and donors who help him with the cost. His leadership skills helped him organize (Students - See Page 4)
Emma Lishman is sworn in as student board member. Business Administrator Kevin O’Shea is holding the Bible as Board Attorney Mark Toscano swears her in.
October 11, 2025
Residents Face The Cost Of Flooding
Photo courtesy Deborah Stackpole Shore areas become unsafe with floodwaters. By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Shore residents are seeing their roads flood with increasing frequency, but the cost to fix this problem is extremely high. At a recent Township Council meeting two residents came out to plead to the governing body for help. The area in question is Balsam Drive, which later becomes Island Drive. This is a finger of land that points into the Barnegat Bay from East Bayview Avenue. Michael Hettesheimer, Island Drive, said he’s been before the council a number of (Flooding - See Page 4)
Stafford Teen Remembered After Crash By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD - The living room was thick with grief as Gabriel Saldana’s family gathered several days after his sudden death. His best friend Nate and Nate’s mom sat with them, just as shaken. Even the family’s German shepherd seemed unsettled, pacing as though searching for the boy who was always there. “He’d be infuriated with us being so
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upset,” someone murmured, somewhat hoping Gabriel would walk through the door and insist they stop their sadness. Gabriel was “Gabe” to all who loved his infectious smile, his quick wit, and his caring nature. Speaking of him in the past tense seemed more Photo courtesy Saldana family Gabriel Saldana in the truck than a little surreal. The 17-year-old Southern Regional he proudly earned through hard work. (Stafford Teen - See Page 16)
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