The JACKSON Times Vol. 22 - No. 47
In This Week’s Edition
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Pirates Gather At Reunion Dance
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Government Pages 6
Community News Pages 8-10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 13
Classifieds Page 16
Photo courtesy Jackson Schools (Left) Pirates enjoy the 25 Annual Reunion Dance at Jackson Township High School. (Right) Nautical decorations and even a pirate ship added to the theme. th
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Ahoy matey! Every May, there is always a tradition worth waiting for... “Once a Jag, Always a Jag” which notes that a very special reunion of students and staff will come about. This year’s reunion dance featured a pirate theme and included, food, fun, dancing and costumes. School District Paraprofessional Michelle Sheeran told The Jackson Times that “for over 25 years our school community at Jackson Township High School has hosted an annual reunion dance for students and graduates of our special education program.”
“This event brings together former students, families, and staff for an evening of connection, music and celebration and it has become a meaningful tradition where past graduates return each year to reconnect with friends and create lasting memories,” Sheeran added. She noted that the dance is especially significant because “it provides a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals who may not always have access to social events like this. Many attendees look forward to it all year, and it continues to strengthen the bonds within our community.” (Pirates - See Page 4)
Family Of Missing Man Asks For Help
Photo by Bob Vosseller (From left) LaSandra Reyes, the aunt of missing Jackson resident Mortimer Wortman, Selena Tevis and Wortman’s mother Johanna Reyes continue to plea for help finding him.
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Family members of a man who has been missing for months again called on elected officials for help finding him. Mortimer “Mekhi” Wortman was last seen on November 21, 2025 in the vicinity of the Collier Mills Wildlife Management Area near High Bridge Road. He was last seen at Regional Day School at 890 Toms River Road that is adjacent to Collier Mills. His friend Adam Zalouk stated in a 911 call the next day,
that following an argument in the car, Wortman left Zalouk’s car to walk home walking in the woods of Collier Mills around 10 p.m. The 22-year-old African-American / Hispanic man was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, a burgundy sweatshirt and blue jeans. Wortman did not have a cell phone with him but did have an iPad. Zalouk described him as walking in the direction of a fire pit within the area. Wortman is described as 5 feet (Missing Man - See Page 12)
May 23, 2026
Friction Forms Over Fiscal Decisions By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Fiscal spending and budgetary practices have been the dominant subject at Township Council meetings for several months now. Recently, the administrative staff of the mayor and council president were brought up along with the retention levels of township employees. During the last meeting resident and mayoral candidate Elliott Shem-Tov who described himself as a fiscal hawk, spoke during the public comment period about township spending. He noted the mayor has an administrative assistant, Erica LaRue who is being paid $30,000 annually and who also works for “JLK the mayor’s private real estate business.” “I’m not making accusations. I am asking a question every resident has a right to ask, what firewall exists to ensure no JLK work is being done on township time in township offices on township equipment?” he asked. He added if there were no safeguards to this, “this is textbook conflict of interest waiting to happen.” He noted that Council President Mordechai Burnstein also has an administrative “assistant Leah Zulkovitz who is paid $50,000 a year working remotely, hired in October. Most residents have never heard her name. The clerk’s office already serves this council and this council president. I’d like to know on the record, what is her job description? What work product does she produce?” Mayor Kuhn had left the meeting by the time the public comment period had started and was not present to respond. Council President Burnstein told the resident that he would not “respond to political accusations” regarding the subject of his staff assistant. Burnstein also told Shem-Tov during the meeting that “I don’t have to respond to a political stump speech. Many of the things you said were inaccurate.” In seeking further information, The Jackson Times reached out to Mayor Kuhn to verify that the position existed, when it was created, its purpose, and if they worked for her firm and if the position was full or part-time and what the salary range was. The mayor responded “the position referenced does exist. The employee in question serves the (Fiscal Decisions - See Page 4)
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