The JACKSON Times Vol. 22 - No. 41
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Bunker Hill Bog Provides Respite For Nature Lovers
In This Week’s Edition
Page 11
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
through local flora and fauna. Formerly established as a cranberry bog in 1871 by Edward R. Johnson and Cornelius Hood, the property changed hands between private families and corporations before Jackson Township acquired the tract in 2001, designating it as an open space preserve. Dedicated in 2009, the area is jointly maintained by both the township proper and a local preservation group known as the Jackson Photo by Mark Bator Pathfinders. Several spurs come off the main trail, leading to different spots along St ar ted in 1999 by Ellen Repasy, the Paththe water’s edge. finders’ mission is to help preserve open space for the enjoyment of By Mark Bator area residents and visitors, especially in the face JACKSON - Spanning 112 acres between of ever-increasing development in the region. East Veterans Highway and Butterfly Road, a The all-volunteer staff of the Jackson Pathfinders little-known stretch of wilderness exists where help to oversee several trails in the township, most people would least expect it. and their stewardship recently celebrated its If not for one sign and a small, gravel-and-dirt twenty-fifth anniversary in 2024. parking area, it is doubtful that most motorists In 2022, the Pathfinders were instrumental even notice the entrance to the Bunker Hill Bog in the installation of signage along the Purple area, as they approach the intersection with Heart Trail to assist hikers with directions and Whitesville Road. But, for those who take the locations within the preserve, including the time to investigate this hidden surprise, their (Bunker Hill Bog - See Page 4) curiosity is soon rewarded with miles of trails
A Wolf In The Fold At Town Hall
Photo courtesy Howling Woods Farm A wolfdog from Howling Woods Farm was brought to a Township Council meeting.
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – With the change of season, members of the township Department of Public Works are busy preparing for several spring events ahead. A DPW status update, rental inspection news and a special guest visit by a wolf were all part of a recent Township Council meeting. Council President Mordechai Burnstein read a DPW report saying “our team has been conducting routine maintenance and servicing (Wolf In The Fold - See Page 13)
GOLD Exceeds $4,500 an Ounce! OVER 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS
HIGHEST RATED CASH FOR GOLD STORE IN OCEAN COUNTY
April 11, 2026
Schools Lose State Aid For 9th Straight Year By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – The Township School District is facing another state aid reduction but this year’s tentative budget will also provide some positives despite the funding cut. Superintendent Nicole Pormilli announced prior to a presentation of the tentative budget during the latest Board of Education meeting “that once again we have been reduced with a 3% decrease in our state aid.” Under the proposed budget, Jackson will lose an additional $680,999 in state funding for the 2026–2027 school year, bringing the school district’s total state aid allocation to $22,018,952. This marks nine straight years of cuts. Officials noted that a short-term adjustment to rectify a long-term problem is causing the Board of Education, school administration and taxpayers to make some difficult decisions. In recent years the school district was forced to close and sell two of its school buildings. The first was the Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School and a year later in 2025, Christa McAuliffe Middle School was closed and sold. Enrollment Changing School District Business Administrator/ (State Aid - See Page 15)
County Introduces $655.6M Budget
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - Ocean County’s proposed $655.6 million budget keeps the tax rate unchanged, the total cost to taxpayers is still rising. Wondering how that’s possible? Commissioners formally introduced the 2026 spending plan during a recent meeting, outlining a budget that holds the county tax rate at 28.2 cents while increasing the amount raised through taxation by nearly $47 million. Officials described the proposal as a product of disciplined financial management in a growing county. But the numbers reveal a more complex picture, where rising costs and increased spending are being absorbed by higher property values and continued reliance on budget reserves. A public hearing and final adoption of the budget is scheduled for April 15 at
SILVER Nears $70 an Ounce!
90% SILVER • MEDALLIONS FLATWARE • SCRAP • JEWELRY TEA SETS • TRAYS • PITCHERS CANDELABRAS
(Budget - See Page 10)
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