TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 21 - No. 37
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Major Turnover Reshapes County Leadership
In This Week’s Edition
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Government Page 7
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan The Ocean County Board of Commissioners following the county’s 2026 reorganization meeting. From left: Robert Arace, Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione, Director Frank Sadeghi, Sam Ellenbogen, and Ray Gormley.
Community News Pages 8-12
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 13
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - Ocean County government entered 2026 amid one of its most significant leadership transitions in decades, with a Board of Commissioners that looks markedly different from just a few years ago. At the county’s January 7 reorganization meeting, commissioners set the direction for the year ahead while acknowledging recent changes in leadership. While the meeting included ceremonial swearings-in, several officials had already taken the oath, including Sheriff Michael Mastronardy,
County Clerk Jack Kelly, and Deputy Clerk Ashley Lamb. John Catalano will continue serving as one of two deputy clerks under Kelly. Commissioners Sam Ellenbogen and Ray Gormley were sworn into office on January 2. In just two years, the five-member Board of Commissioners has turned over completely with previous members deciding not to seek reelection. This year, Virginia Haines and Jack Kelly exited their roles after years of service. Commissioners Gary Quinn and Barbara Jo Crea were replaced
January 17, 2026
Town Ethics Board Formed By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – After years of elected officials accusing each other of doing unethical things, a volunteer Ethics Board was created. The board’s members will be as follows: Peter Van Dyke (5 year term), former Ocean County Commissioner Virginia “Ginny” Haines (5 year term), Paul Wnek (4 year term), former Councilman Terrance Turnbach (3 year term), Jack Reuther (3 year term), and Robert Tomollen (3 year term). They are tasked to come up with a township code of ethics applicable to all local government officers and employees, including those serving any independent authority of the town, within 90 days. There already is a State law governing ethics, called the Local Government Ethics Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-22.5). A note in the resolution establishing the board states that the town’s ethics code can be identical to it or more restrictive. If it’s not identical to the state law, they have to submit it to the State Department of Community Affairs for approval. There are also rules about the ethics board publicizing the rules and hearing feedback. If it’s identical, then the code goes into effect 10 days after the public hearing. If it’s not, it goes into effect 60 days after the state approves it. The board was created by resolution at the first Township Council meeting of the year, where a new council majority took their seats. There are two groups of Republicans that have been fighting for a while now. The new majority is made up of Council President David Ciccozzi, Thomas Nivison, (Ethics Board - See Page 7)
(County Leadership - See Page 4)
Homes, Businesses Approved Near Senior Village
Toms River Protestors Debate ICE Tactics By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER - Approximately 100 people came out to Hooper Avenue for a protest that was part of the thousand or so nationwide “ICE Out for Good” rallies held in response to the controversial death of a Minneapolis woman. Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, Jonathan Ross, on January 7 during an ICE operation, sparking the protests. Federal officials claimed she tried to run over agents with her car, while some questioned the use of
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – More than 100 homes and a variety of businesses are going to be built at the corners of Route 37 and Bimini Drive, an already busy intersection. The land is currently two open fields, sandwiched between shopping centers, storage units and office buildings. The 24.414 acres include both the east and west sides of Bimini, and all of it is south of 37. It’s in the Rural Highway Business Affordable Housing
(Debate ICE - See Page 5)
(Senior Village - See Page 6)
Quinn Hopping Funeral Home BURIALS | ENTOMBMENTS | CREMATIONS PRE-PLANNING without OBLIGATION Clifford B. Tantum, Manager • N.J. Lic. No. 4078
26 Mule Road, Toms River | 732-240-3800 | Quinn-HoppingFH.com
Photo by Chris Lundy This land has been open space for decades but will soon be homes and businesses.
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