TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 21 - No. 49
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Firefighters Train On Houses Slated For Demolition
In This Week’s Edition
April 11, 2026
Paying Bills Becomes Power Struggle
BREAKING NEWS @
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Councilmen David Ciccozzi (left) and Tom Nivison consult with Township Attorney Jonathan Penney (standing).
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 9
Community News Pages 7, 10-15
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 18
Inside The Law Page 20
Photos courtesy Silverton Volunteer Fire Company Silverton Volunteer Firefighters practice their skills on a home in Green Island. By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – Fire trucks pull up to a house, a group of firefighters swarm the property, but there’s no fire. The firefighters break down the door and cut open the roof. They run hoses inside and charge in with full protective gear. No one is in danger. In fact, the house is empty. The owner of the property is planning to demolish the house, so they lend it to the fire company before it comes down. “Acquired structures are extremely valuable for firefighter training,” said Silverton Fire Chief John P. Keating. “When a building that’s scheduled for demolition is donated to the fire department, it gives us the chance to train in a real structure rather than a classroom or simulation. “Our firefighters at Station 29 can practice things like search and rescue, ladder operations, ventilation, and advancing
(Budget - See Page 5)
hose lines in conditions that closely resemble an actual emergency. The only thing we can’t do is use real (live) fire,” he explained. (Firefighters Train - See Page 6)
(Paying Bills - See Page 4)
Beach Sweeps Are A Part Of Spring Cleaning
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
Real houses give firefighters a unique opportunity for hands-on training.
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – A resolution to try to bring payments under the Township Council’s control was passed – and then rescinded during the same meeting when it was revealed that it could delay employees being paid. The resolution was introduced at the March 26 Township Council meeting in response to a $14,664 payment made to Shore Media and Marketing LLC, also known as Shore News Network. The majority of council members sought to block this payment. According to language read into the record, the payment was issued on February 11, 2026, the same day a scheduled council meeting
By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – As spring weather creeps out from winter’s shadow, people will be spending a lot more time outside, and there are environmental organizations making sure that there will be beautiful natural places to go. There will be ample opportunities to help clean the environment this weekend by picking up litter at various waterways. The beach sweeps are rain or shine, and approximately 9 a.m. to Photo courtesy Clean Ocean Action 12:30 p.m., although individual times may vary. The Clean Ocean Seaside Park officials participated in the 40th Action website provided the following locations: (Beach Sweeps - See Page 6) COA Beach Sweep last year.
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