The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 14 - No. 3
In This Week’s Edition
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Team Wins Shore Conference During Its First Year
winning division and conference championships.” Football Fever took rapid hold at the southern Ocean County school. “ We ha d t r yout s during the first week of the season and more than 30 girls tried out,” Petruzzi said. “They were tested for agility, football moves and a positive attitude. Final cuts were made for 25 players. I was pleasantly surprised at
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Community News Pages 8-11
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 15
Classifieds Page 19
Photo courtesy Barnegat High School (Above) Camila Chamorro throws a pass for Barnegat’s Bengals. (Right) The Barnegat High School girls flag football team celebrates its season. By Chris Christopher BARNEGAT - It did not take long for the Barnegat High School girls flag football team to go unbeaten and win two championships. Competing at the club level, the f irst-year team won the Shore Conference South Di-
vision at 9-0 and the Shore C o n fe r e n c e Tou r nament en route to a 12-0 record. “Our preseason goals were to teach the girls the game and make it fun for them,” said coach Andrew Petruzzi,
School Reports Decrease In Violence, Other Incidents
By Declan R. Vidal STAFFORD - Student safety incidents continue to trend downward across the Southern Regional School District, according to the district’s 2025-2026 Student Safety Data System (SSDS) Summative Report. The annual report, which is required by the New Jersey Department of Education, was presented during a recent Board of Education meeting. It tracks reportable
assisted by Paul Covine (the Bengals’ head boys football team coach) and Kevin Smith. “Once we saw what we had, those goals were changed to
(Team - See Page 4)
Larry’s Home Is Building A Brotherhood
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Just Believe founder Paul Hulse, Jay Hayden of MA-22, veterans from Larry’s Home and members of Aleks McIlroy Racing gather around the team’s MA-22 sponsored sprint car before heading to Bridgeport Speedway. By Stephanie Faughnan LITTLE EGG HARBOR - The sprint car sitting in the driveway outside Larry’s Home promised an evening of roaring engines and dirt-track excitement. Inside the house, however, the quieter moments revealed what the day was really about. Veterans of different generations sat together in the living room. Others leaned against countertops and gathered around the island sharing lunch with members of Aleks McIlroy Racing, active-duty personnel from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and a volunteer from Ma Deuce Deuce (MA-22). The conversation bounced effortlessly between military service, racing, careers and family. Laughter came easily, but so did something less obvious. (Larry’s Home - See Page 5)
Woman Charged After Video Of Alleged Abuse Found On Phone
incidents involving violence, vandalism, weapons, substance abuse, harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) as well as other incidents that result in disciplinary action. Superintendent Craig Henry said the district’s data shows student safety has steadily improved during the past five years. “Over the last several years, we’re trending in a great direction,” Henry said. “Our (School - See Page 12)
how quickly the girls were able to adapt to the rules of the game. Five girls also played on traveling teams. It
July 18, 2026
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - A woman accused of sexually abusing a child who had been entrusted to her care now faces multiple felony charges after a friend made a discovery on a cellphone that prosecutors say exposed the alleged crimes. Victoria Anne Cranmer,
25, of Little Egg Harbor, is being held in the Ocean County Jail without bail following her July 8 arrest. She is charged with second-degree sexual assault, second-degree manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree
Victoria Anne Cranmer (Abuse - See Page 12)
Local News, Events & Advertising Solutions
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Page 2, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
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Page 4, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
Team:
Continued From Page 1 helped us get up to speed quickly. We tried to make the practices fun and fast paced. “We started with fundamentals, then we progressed to more advanced drills. As the season progressed, our offense became more complicated and the girls adapted quickly. We used multiple formations, making sure we targeted our key players. My goal was to make sure we put the key players in the best position to succeed. We played mainly a zone defense to maximize the girls’ football acumen and athleticism.” Athletics director John Germano played a role in getting the program off the ground. “His goal was to approach the season just like we would if we were a varsity program,” Petruzzi said. “He trusted me to run the program like we run our boys football program (Petruzzi was an assistant coach under Covine). Coach Covine and coach Smith were helpful during our season. When Mr. Germano was looking for a head coach, we discussed what he was looking for. “He wanted someone with football knowledge and was interested in building a program. To become a head coach after 20 years of coaching football was an achievement. I put as much time and effort into coaching this team as I did the boys football program.” Sophomore quarterback Camila Chamorro completed 182 of 286 passes for 3,203 yards and 43 touchdowns. One completion devoured 92 yards. She tossed two interceptions. She rushed for 586 yards and three touchdowns on 47 carries and sparkled on defense, making 29
solo tackles. Chamorro connected on 22 of 28 passes for 408 yards and three touchdowns in a 39-12 conquest of Middletown South in the SCT championship game. She tossed one interception, rushed for 64 yards and one touchdown on three carries and completed two one-point passes. “After I saw South (which bested Trinity Hall 31-13) play in the semifinals, I knew we had a good chance to win,” Petruzzi said. “We had more athletes than they did.” The Bengals clinched the division, downing Pinelands Regional 14-7 and Chamorro again came in clinch, completing 14 of 18 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns, rushing for 76 yards on 10 carries and adding two solo tackles. “I saw Camila play in our school’s powder puff game and I knew she was a legitimate quarterback,” Petruzzi said. “She became my coach on the field. She was able to call her own plays. We beat our cross town rivals, which was sweet.” Protecting Chamorro were Allie King and Lyla Santiago. “One of the keys to our success was the development of King and Santiago,” Petruzzi said. “We played a fast paced, up tempo offense. Our goal was to run more plays than the other team.” Sophomore wide receiver Syrah Holmes caught 52 passes for 1,031 yards and a teamhigh 20 touchdowns. She also excelled on defense, making 17 solo tackles and adding three interceptions. She returned one theft for a touchdown. Holmes caught six passes for 152 yards and one touchdown and added three solo tackles and one interception against South. “Syrah was unstoppable,” Petruzzi said. “Defenses tried double teaming her - and that
didn’t work.” Another solid all-around player was Victoria Hoffman. The sophomore running back-defensive back hauled in 44 passes for 686 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. She added 31 total tackles and one sack. Hoffman caught four passes for 46 yards and one touchdown and added one sack and six solo stops against South. She notched nine solo tackles against Pinelands. “She was a speed demon,” Petruzzi said. “Once she got outside, she was gone.” Freshman wide receiver Julia Giangregorio caught 36 passes for 703 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 44 yards on four carries. She was a key player on defense, making 33 solo stops and picking off one pass. She caught eight passes for 55 yards and one touchdown against South. She piled up 135 receiving yards, caught one touchdown pass and added 11 solo stops against Pinelands. “Julia was our go-to person since teams focused on Syrah after our first few games,” Petruzzi said. “Julia could break a short pass into a long pass. She was the person I would bounce things off as she has a lot of experience playing the game.” Junior Amaya Afflick contributed one sack and 46 solo tackles, eight receptions for 141 yards and one touchdown and 30 yards on two carries. She registered one sack and 10 solo stops against South. She made eight solo tackles against Pinelands. “She dominated on the defensive side of the ball during the Shore Conference Tournament,” Petruzzi said. Sophomore Natalya Novitsky added seven
sacks and 37 solo stops. Petruzzi termed freshman Isabella McGowan the Bengals’ “Quarterback of the future.” She completed 14 of 21 passes for 172 yards and rushed for 12 yards on one carry. Kaleigh Outwright coached the junior varsity team. “I have to recognize coach Outwright,” Petruzzi said. “She was amazing at handling our junior varsity team. The girls really leaned on her during the season to overcome adversity. We would not be successful if it weren’t for her. Some of her girls also played on our varsity team. They performed well during the year as most of our games were lopsided in the second half.” Petruzzi said he enjoyed coaching the Bengals, the owners of five shutouts. The Bengals buried opponents under a 399-85 avalanche in points. They are believed to be the first Barnegat team to win a Shore Conference title in any sport since Barnegat joined the conference in 2006. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the results of our season,” he said. “It surpassed my wildest dreams. I am excited to see the team compete for a true state championship (for the first time on the varsity level next spring as the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association has approved flag football as a varsity sport). I never met a group of girls with more energy and a competitive nature. They will run through a brick wall for their teammates. “I am excited for the future of this team. There is only one goal to achieve - and that is to win a state title. I am truly blessed to coach a great group of girls who have become part of my family,” he said.
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Larry’s Home: Continued From Page 1
One veteran wasn’t quite ready to join the conversation. Army National Guard veteran Andrew Irwin, 24, lingered near the edge of the room, listening more than speaking. No one called him out or urged him to participate. Instead, another resident quietly explained what was happening. “Everybody takes care of everybody in their own way,” Army veteran Tim Timberlake, 51, said. “You learn when somebody needs conversation and when somebody just needs space.” Within a short time, Andrew eased into the discussion. Watching the interaction, it became obvious that Larry’s Home is already fulfilling the vision Just Believe founder Paul Hulse had when he built the transitional residence in memory of his lifelong friend, Army veteran Lawrence “Larry” Robertiello. Hulse never intended the house to be simply a place where veterans could sleep. He wanted it to recreate something many veterans lose after leaving military service - the camaraderie of knowing someone always has their back. Last week’s outing to Bridgeport Speedway offered a clear glimpse that the dream has become reality. A House Built On Brotherhood Larry’s Home grew out of one of the most painful experiences of Hulse’s life. Robertiello, who served two tours in Iraq, returned home carrying invisible wounds
The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 5 before dying in 2022 following struggles with PTSD and addiction. Hulse promised Larry’s mother that her son’s story would not end there. Instead, it would become the foundation for a place where veterans facing their own battles could rebuild their lives with dignity, support and hope. The four-bedroom home opened less than a year ago as transitional housing, offering veterans up to a year to stabilize their lives while working with case managers to secure employment, permanent housing and veterans benefits. Throughout the afternoon, the veterans spoke candidly, joked, and laughed about evenings around the backyard fire pit while instinctively looking out for one another. When Andrew appeared hesitant to speak, the others quietly let him settle in at his own pace. No explanation was necessary because they already understood. Timberlake said the atmosphere reminded him of military life itself. “It’s really a microcosm of military life,” he said. “You have people from every race, creed, personality, culture, age and region of the country. Even if I don’t like you, I know you’re still going to be there when I need you. And vice versa.” That lesson, he said, begins the day someone enters military service, regardless of why they enlisted. As the conversation unfolded, each veteran described a different path into uniform. Tom Mauro, 48, joined the Army because he wanted to become a police officer or firefighter and knew his family couldn’t afford college. Mike Fortuna admitted the steady
paycheck initially appealed to him before patriotism gradually became part of the equation. Irwin entered the Army National Guard at 17 looking for life experience. Timberlake’s answer reflected how circumstances can change. He initially enlisted because he had a young child and wanted to build a better future for his family. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, however, his motivation became deeply personal as relatives working in New York City and at the Pentagon were directly affected. “Everybody has a different reason,” Timberlake said. “Some people join for college. Some people need a job. Some people want to serve. But once you’re in, none of that matters anymore.” That shared understanding often disappears after veterans return home, leaving many feeling isolated from people who have never experienced military life, he said. Mauro knows those struggles firsthand. After serving eight years between active duty and the Army National Guard as a combat medic, he went on to careers as a sheriff’s officer and volunteer firefighter. Looking back, he said the cumulative trauma from those professions contributed to PTSD and alcoholism. “The biggest battle wasn’t being over there,” Mauro said. “It was being home.” Today, Mauro serves as house leader while completing certifications as a Certified Recovery Support Practitioner and Certified Recovery Specialist. He hopes to eventually return to Florida and work for the veterans treatment program that helped him rebuild his own life.
Around the house, however, his impact is already obvious. “If we have any problems, we go to Tom,” Fortuna said. “Tom helps us out. He cooks for us.” The 79-year-old Navy veteran, who served during the Vietnam era, paused and looked around the home. “This is paradise compared to where we came from.” Taking The Mission To The Racetrack The Saturday trip to Bridgeport Speedway grew out of another partnership built on military service. The outing was organized through Ma Deuce Deuce (MA-22), a veteran nonprofit that includes 13-year Air Force veteran Jay Hayden, together with Aleks McIlroy Racing. The organization’s name references the long-cited statistic that an average of 22 veterans die by suicide each day while using the military nickname for the M2 .50-caliber machine gun. Through events like this, MA-22 seeks to reduce isolation by reconnecting veterans with one another. The MA-22 logo appeared prominently on Aleks McIlroy’s sprint car parked outside Larry’s Home, symbolizing more than sponsorship. It represented a shared commitment to ensuring veterans never feel they are fighting their battles alone. “It’s clear that it takes a team,” Hayden said when Larry’s Home opened. “Regardless of what side of the aisle you’re on, or what organization you’re with, we have an obligation to help our veterans.” Marine Corps veteran James McIlroy immediately understood why the partnership (Larry’s Home - See Page 12)
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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
FEATURED LETTER Power Company Responds To Holiday Outages Dear JCP&L Customers, Thank you for your patience and encouragement for our crews during the recent storms. There’s never a good time to lose power, but an outage in triple-digit heat during a holiday weekend created especially difficult challenges for families, businesses and communities. We understand the frustration many of you have felt. Storms unlike we’ve seen in years: Four consecutive days of storms during the Fourth of July weekend brought severe thunderstorms with winds exceeding 65 mph and flooding rains. The damage to our system was comparable to what we see in hurricanes. This led to a massive restoration effort. In the days that followed, we restored power to more than 400,000 affected customers. Hundreds of contractors already on-site for the heatwave were joined by thousands of additional contractors and mutual assistance partners. Approximately 5,700 workers worked around-the-clock in the restoration efforts including nearly 2,900 line workers and some 1,400 foresters, as well as substation electricians, hazard responders, damage assessors, dispatchers and support personnel. Trees, mostly outside of our rights-of-way, were the primary cause of outages.
Nearly 1,500 forestry orders were addressed, many with multiple trees down at a single site. In all, crews replaced: • More than 500 broken poles • Over 600 transformers • Over 163,000 feet of wire - nearly 31 miles Looking ahead: While restoration is complete, our work continues. Post-storm patrols and inspections are underway across thousands of miles to identify any new potential hazards. For many customers, this was the longest outage since Tropical Storm Isaias. While the investments we’ve made have improved reliability, we still have work to do. That’s why we plan to invest $6.8 billion over the next five years to strengthen the electric system against more frequent storms, improve reliability and enhance your customer experience. On behalf of everyone at JCP&L, I want to acknowledge and thank not just our crews, but their families. Many of the people working 16-hour shifts had families at home who were also without power. And most importantly, I want to thank our customers again for your patience, understanding and support for our crews as we worked to get the lights back on as fast as safely possible. Doug Mokoid President, JCP&L
WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR! The Southern Ocean Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns. All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.
Councilman’s Mudslinging Is Disgraceful This is an open letter to Councilman Chris Pollak. You have stated several times how much you’re for the residents of Jackson, and how you want to bring everyone together. Furthermore, you also have stated how you’re against mudslinging. That is calling the kettle black. Every time you sit on that dais and call your fellow councilmen disgusting, you are mudslinging. How exactly does that bring people together in a positive fashion? It doesn’t. Your constant negativity towards your fellow members of the administration needs to stop. It’s causing more divisiveness in an already divided town. It causes more antisemitism in a town where it already exists. As for the mayor, we don’t need any more controversy between a mayor and councilman. We already had that with Reina vs Kafton. It was disgraceful then, and it’s disgraceful now. Please leave all that negativity outside the door, if you really want to move our town forward in the right direction. Stephanie Brown Jackson
Transparency Is Not Optional At (a recent) Jackson Township Council meeting, residents witnessed a moment that should alarm anyone who believes government is accountable to the people it serves. During the discussion of the 2026 municipal budget, I raised concerns that several documents required under the New Jersey Administrative Code had not been provided to the public. When asked, the township attorney confirmed that I was correct: the law requires this information, and it was not supplied. But what followed was even more troubling.
Rather than treating the missing documentation as a serious breach of transparency, the attorney stated that the State would likely be “more upset” that the Township submitted its budget significantly past the required deadline than about the fact that residents were denied the information they are legally entitled to. And despite acknowledging these omissions, the council voted to adopt the budget anyway. That comment revealed a mindset that should concern every resident: the idea that the public’s right to information is secondary - something that can be brushed aside when inconvenient. The timeline only makes the situation worse. The Township did not release any version of the User Friendly Budget (UFB) until May 27, 2026 - a full 29 days after the budget was introduced. That document was incomplete. Entire sections were missing, including critical financial details that state regulations require to be available at the time of introduction. Nine days later, on June 5, the Township posted a second version of the UFB. Yet even that updated document still lacked essential information, including: Budgeted positions by department; accrued absence liability details and information on all outstanding PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) programs. These are not optional attachments. They are foundational components of a transparent budget. They show how many positions each department is funded for, what long term financial obligations the township is carrying, and how much revenue is being forgone through PILOT agreements. Without them, residents cannot see the full financial picture. And without that full picture, meaningful public oversight becomes impossible. The council’s decision to move forward anyway sends a clear message:
meeting a deadline mattered more than meeting the public’s right to transparency. The State’s potential frustration mattered more than residents’ legal entitlement to information. And the appearance of progress mattered more than the integrity of the process. This is not how trust is built. It is how trust is broken. Local government is the level of government closest to the people. It is where residents expect, and deserve, the highest standard of openness. When a governing body knowingly proceeds with a budget while required infor mation is missing, it undermines the very foundation of public confidence. It tells residents that their role in the process is ornamental, not essential. And it forces a difficult question: If the council is willing to ignore what residents are entitled to today, how can we trust that we are being told everything we should be receiving tomorrow? Transparency is not a courtesy. It is not a favor. It is a legal and ethical obligation. And when that obligation is treated as optional, residents are right to be offended - and right to demand better. Every municipality deserves a government that respects the law, respects the process, and respects the people it serves. The events of the council meeting show how far Jackson Township still has to go. James Silecchia Jackson
Patriotism After 250 Years As an avid student of American history, the 250th anniversary of the founding of our republic serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of patriotism and the enduring value of our democracy. Our founding fathers, while not perfect, were geniuses in establishing
our form of government and drafting the Constitution. Among them, George Washington was perhaps the most prescient, specifically warning us about the dangers that a divisive party system poses to our nation. Today, it is vital that we reject intense partisanship and remember that, first and foremost, we are all Americans living in the most wonderful country in the world. True patriotism lies in every citizen’s belief in their country and their active participation in our government. As we celebrate our democracy, we must also remember Benjamin Franklin’s timeless warning that... we have a republic, if we can keep it. Charlie Cunliffe Barnegat
Pine Beach Doesn’t Look Like Shore Town Anymore My family has been in Pine Beach since the early 1930s. I spend all the summers of my youth there and I still have family who live there, but the saddest part about Pine Beach today is how the local government has turned it into a mini Staten Island or, as I have heard, Perth Amboy. McMansions on lots that are way too small for them, grass covered yards, large concrete driveways, the decimation of the pine trees that used to be so prominent. If I’m not mistaken, the town is called “Pine Beach.” Town council has done a disservice to this community over the years and it’s sad how the inf lux from the north were unable to see and understand the natural beauty of the area and ultimately destroyed it. Despicable. As Thomas Wolfe once wrote, you can’t go home again. Fred Eriksson Pine Beach
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The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 7
Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Local Towns Authorized To Receive $72,470,000 In Funding Capitol Comments Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District
TRENTON - Legislation sponsored by Senator Carmen Amato, Jr. (R-9th) to allocate funds from New Jersey’s Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) to finance more than 300 clean water projects was signed into law.
Senator Amato was a prime sponsor of the bipartisan legislation (S-4220) along with Senator Raj Mukherji, which passed by both Houses of the State Legislature with unanimous support. “Ensuring clean, drinkable water is not a partisan issue, it’s a core responsibility of government to effectively serve the people,” said Senator Amato. “The NJ Infrastructure Bank remains a vital resource for commu-
nities working to modernize aging water systems, protect waterways, and deliver safe water for families across the state. This allocation of funds will deliver meaningful support to achieve those goals.” Correspondingly, Senator Amato was a co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation (S4221), which has also been signed into law, to allocate state and federal funds to support these projects. Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre, representing the 9th Legislative District along with Senator
Amato, also co-sponsored S-4421 in representing the interests of their constituents. The 9th District legislators have introduced companion legislation, S-1608 and A-1845, which would require the Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to provide priority for principal forgiveness on environmental infrastructure project loans to municipalities in coastal areas. The legislative initiatives are awaiting consideration by the environment committees of their respective Houses.
Legislation Will Save Residents Money On Electric Bills From The Desk Of The
Governor Mikie Sherrill TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill signed major legislation to hold utility companies and data centers accounta ble wh i le a n nou n c i ng i m me d ia t e bill credits that will provide relief to millions of New Jersey households. Toget he r, t he She r r ill Ad m i n ist r ation’s actions over the last six months, including these bills, will save New Jersey ratepayers more than $1 billion annually, according to Synapse Energy Economics. The three bills will eliminate unnecessary utility incentives that increase electricity costs (Repeal ROE Adder, S1673 / A2757); strengthen state oversight of utility infrastructure investments to prevent wastef ul spending and encourage smarter grid upgrades (Adva nced G r id Tech nolog ies Act , S4411 / A5188); and ensure large data centers pay their fair share for energy i nstead of sh if t i ng costs onto New Jersey families and small businesses (Data Center Fair Share, S731 / A796). Additionally, the Governor announced a $25 credit to all 3.6 million New Jersey ratepayers through the Residential Universal Bill Credit (RUBC) program, as well as an additional $150 credit to lower- to moderate-income families through the Residential Energy Assistance Payment (R EAP) program, as
we head into the summer months. “I made a commitment to rein in energy costs, and today we are deliver i ng on t hat com m itm e nt ,” s a id G ove r n o r Sherrill. “For too long, New Jersey families have paid the price for poor oversight, outdated policies, and rising demand on our electric grid by unchecked actors. Today, we’re putting money back into people’s pockets while holding utility companies and large data centers accountable through stronger oversight and smarter incentives that will drive down costs and strengthen our grid. The actions we have taken over the last six months, i nclud i ng t he bil ls I sig ned tod ay, will save New Jerseyans more than $1 billion every year. We will continue using every tool at our disposal to lower costs for families and build a more affordable and reliable energy future for New Jersey.” The Governor also highlighted additional actions taken by the Board of Public Utilities, including renewing the Summer Termination Program to protect v ulnerable households f rom utility shutoffs during extreme heat and approving 12 new solar projects that will generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 45,000 homes. Summary Of Legislation Repeal ROE Adder (S1673 / A2757 – Zwicker / Katz, Calabrese, Park): This bill would allow for the removal an unnecessary incentive where utility
Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.
companies receive additional money for being par t of our grid operator, PJM, or a regional transmission organization (RTO). Under FERC Order No. 679, a utility that is a voluntary member of an RTO gets to add 50 basis points to its return on equity, which f lows to customers as higher wholesale transmission rates, called the RTO Participation Adder. This bill mandates RTO membership for NJ utilities. Because participation would no longer be voluntary, they lose eligibility for the adder. Advanced G r id Tech nologies Act (S4411 / A5188 – Zwicker, Timberlake / Miller, Schnall, Onyema): This bill closes a reg ulator y gap that utilit y companies have taken advantage of to advance supplemental transmission projects (i.e., wires, poles, substations) without oversight and passing those costs to consumers. The bill will require utility companies to pursue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) before they construct a supplemental project, where the state will review under a standard track (full notice and hearing, decision within 180 days) or fast track (decision within 120 days) if they use Advanced Transmission
Technologies (ATT). Supplemental project spending made up 79% of New Jersey ratepayer transmission expenses from 2008-2025 $14.7 billion. New Jersey represents 12% of PJM total demand but nearly 22% of PJ M’s supplemental project spending, the biggest differential of any PJ M state, according to Rock y Mountain Institute. Data Center Fair Share (S731 / A796 – Burzichelli, McKeon / Bailey, Danielsen, Calabrese, Pintor Marin): The bill will create a new ratepayer class and rate structure for data centers, ensuring they pay for their own energy use and associated grid infrastructure. T his includes incentivizing these data centers to bring in cheap, clean power to the grid, and when the grid gets strained requires data centers to cut back before residential ratepayers are impacted. The bill would also create a retail program - outside the PJM market through which a new large load offsets its capacity obligation by paying to reduce demand elsewhere on the system. This mechanism is the first of its kind, driving accelerated deployment of distributed energy resources paid for by data centers.
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Page 8, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
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Photo courtesy Friends Of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter STAFFORD – Parker is a two year old terrier mix. He is a hyper boy, and gets so excited to play with all his toys! Parker has lived with other dogs in the past, but he may need a little time to become comfortable around new dogs. Once he does, he just wants to play with them! He does not seem to enjoy being around cats, and would do best in a home without them. Parker may do better in a home with children over the
age of 10 years, as he may be too much for younger kids. Looking to meet this playful pup? Get your application in today! This pet is at the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter. No application should be filled out ahead of time. You need to come in person to meet the pet and fill out the application at the shelter. Please call ahead if you have any questions at 609-978-0127.
Elks Clothing Drive Collects 2,400 Pounds
FORKED RIVER – Lacey Elks Lodge 2518 is thanking its members and the community after more than 2,400 pounds of clothing and other textiles were donated through the lodge’s collection shed over the past year. The donations, which included clothing, shoes, belts, purses, blankets, linens and stuffed toys, generated nearly $2,000 for the lodge’s Charitable Committee. The money helps support programs benefiting veterans, youth, people with special needs, local families and community organizations in the Lacey area. “We are extremely grateful for the continued support of our members and
neighbors,” Exalted Ruler Michael Day said. “Every bag of clothing donated helps us continue our mission of serving those in need and supporting the many charitable programs that make a difference in our community.” The clothing shed is located in the rear parking lot of Lacey Elks Lodge 2518, 900 Beach Boulevard. Donations are accepted year-round, but the lodge said it cannot accept household goods or furniture. Lacey Elks Lodge 2518, established in 1974, continues to encourage residents to support the program as part of its ongoing charitable work in the community.
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The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 9
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Cartooning Workshop Coming To Library
BARNEGAT – Young artists can learn how to tell stories through comics during a free cartooning workshop at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library. Author and award-winning cartoonist Mike Dawson will present “Cartooning Lessons – Telling Your Stories Using the Language of Comics” at 2 p.m. July 28 at the branch, 112 Burr Street. The program will feature hands-on drawing exercises designed to engage children’s eyes, hands and imagination. The workshop is open to children ages 8 to 12 and will be followed by a book signing. Attendees may bring their own copies
or purchase books at the event. Dawson’s middle-grade novels include “The Fifth Quarter,” “The Fifth Quarter: Hard Court” and his newest book, “The Hidden Dominion of Geordie James.” The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Barnegat Library, a volunteer group that supports library programs, fundraisers and community outreach. To learn more about the Friends, visit theoceancountylibrary. org/oclfriends. Registration is required. To register, visit tinyurl.com/CartoonBGT, call 609-698-3331 or stop by the branch.
Farmers Market To Feature Fresh Local Produce
WARETOWN – The Waretown Farmers Market will be bringing fresh produce, local vendors and community-focused offerings to town through the summer. The market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through September 1 at 117 Wells Mills Road in Waretown. Organizers said the market will feature fresh produce, local vendors, healthy food options and a focus on supporting the com-
munity. Ornery Acres at Krowicki Farms will participate and will accept benefits through several nutrition programs. Accepted programs include WIC, the Senior Nutrition Market Program, the New Jersey Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, SNAP and Good Food Bucks. The market is being promoted as part of Ocean’s ongoing 150th anniversary celebration.
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Page 10, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Alice-Themed Tea Party Coming To Library
WARETOWN – Families are invited to step through the looking glass for an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea party at the Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library. The event will be held at 11 a.m. July 25 at the branch, located at 112 Main St. Children can enjoy a story with Alice, sing songs, play games and snack on light refreshments. Tea party attire and costumes are encouraged. The program will be presented by Enchanting Entertainment, a character entertainment company run by two sisters who perform at events throughout New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. The group has presented numerous programs for the
Ocean County Library. The tea party is recommended for children up to age 12. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Waretown Library, a volunteer group that supports the library through branch activities, fundraisers and community outreach. To learn more, visit theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends or stop by a local Ocean County Library branch. Registration is required and opens July 11. Only children attending the program should be registered, not accompanying adults. To register, visit tinyurl.com/AliceWaretown, call 609-693-5133 or stop by the Waretown branch. Attendees should notify library staff of any food allergy concerns.
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FORKED RIVER – Lacey United Methodist Church’s S.H.A.L.O.M. Mission is offering updated summer hours for residents in need of shower and laundry access. The mission provides laundry services from 8 a.m. to noon and shower access from 9:15 a.m. to noon every Tuesday and Thursday. Pre-registration is not required, and toiletries and laundry detergent are provided. The services are offered in the Connolly
Center, located between the church and the Joy of Angels Thrift Shoppe, at Lacey United Methodist Church, 203 W. Lacey Road in Forked River. Church officials said other missions will continue on their regular schedules, including the Joy of Angels Thrift Shoppe, Hot Lunch Mission and Hope Chest Food Pantry. For more information, call 609693-5222, email laceyumcnj@gmail.com or visit laceyumc.org.
Antique Car Show To Honor Air Force Veteran
BARNEGAT – John Wesley Taylor American Legion Post 232 will host an Antique Car and Truck Show on August 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the post, 499 North Main Street, Route 9. The post is partnering with the Sentimental Cruisers Car Club for the event, which will be held in memory of Bill Moglia, the club’s former president and an Air Force veteran. Organizers said the club is one of Ocean County’s premier antique car groups. The show is free for spectators and will feature antique vehicles of many eras, music
by Tommy Tunes, and food and drinks for purchase. Families are invited to attend and support the event honoring Moglia’s memory. Vehicle owners interested in participating can complete an entry form at the post canteen, through the post’s Facebook page at facebook.com/alabarnegat, or at barnegatamericanlegion.com. Pre-registration is $15, while registration on the day of the show is $20. For more information, call the post at 609698-9876 or Robert Brown at 609-384-3300.
Toy Story Bingo Event Planned
WARETOWN – Families are invited to enjoy a Toy Story-themed bingo night at 6 p.m. July 22 at the Waretown Community Center, 239 11th Street. The event, presented by Ocean Recreation, costs $5 per child and includes 10 games of bingo, Toy Story-themed prizes, themed snacks and a craft.
Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite Toy Story character for a chance to be entered to win a special prize. Organizers said the evening will feature games, crafts, prizes and family fun. For more information, call 609-693-3302, ext. 600 or 601, or email recreation@twpoceannj.gov or gcbontonti@twpoceannj.gov.
The Southern Ocean Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!
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The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 11
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Library To Celebrate 50 Years
FORKED RIVER – The Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will mark its 50th anniversary July 28 with a day of programs featuring Jenkinson’s Aquarium and the Lacey Historical Society. The celebration will begin with an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by “Penguin Pointers with Jenkinson’s Aquarium” at 11 a.m. The all-ages program will teach visitors about penguins, including where they live, the threats they face and how people can help protect them. A penguin from the aquarium is also scheduled to make an appearance. After the penguin program, Vampire Penguin, a shaved ice food truck, will be outside the branch with treats available
for purchase. The food truck is sponsored by the Friends of the Lacey Library, while the aquarium program is sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation. The anniversary celebration will continue at 6 p.m. with “Lacey Historical Society: History of the Lacey Library.” The presentation will explore the library’s development through the 20th century, from early reading rooms in private homes to the modern branch serving the community today. Registration is required for “Penguin Pointers.” To register, visit tinyurl.com/ PenguinLacey, call 609-693-8566 or stop by the branch at 10 East Lacey Road. Registration is not required for the evening history program.
Library To Host Colonial Basket Weaving Program
WARETOWN – The Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library will offer a hands-on look at colonial life with “America at 250: Colonial Berry Basket Weaving” from 2 to 5 p.m. July 20. Participants will learn basic basket-weaving techniques while creating a small berry basket inspired by those used in the 1700s. The program will also explore how baskets were made, why they were important for gathering food and storing household items, and how the craft has been passed down through generations. The workshop will be led by Mary May, a South Jersey master basket maker who has taught basket-making for many years.
May received the Ocean County Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts in 2022. No experience is required, but participants should be able to follow multi-step directions and complete the project independently, as the workshop is detailed and one-on-one assistance will be limited. The free program is part of the Ocean County Library’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and is supported by the Ocean County Library Foundation and the Friends of the Waretown Library. Registration is required. To register, visit tinyurl.com/BasketsWaretown, call 609693-5133 or stop by the branch at 112 Main Street.
Green Fair To Offer Music, Vendors And Family Fun
STAFFORD – Residents can lear n about sustainability, connect with local organizations and enjoy an evening of family-friendly entertainment during the Stafford Township Green Team’s Green Fair on July 27 at Manahawkin Lake Park. The free event will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at the park, located at 86 N. Main St. Organizers said the fair is designed to give residents practical information and resources while creating a fun community atmosphere. Attendees can explore interactive booths, hands-on activities and educational exhibits focused on topics such as gardening, sustainable living and local programs
available to families. Officials said the event aims to help residents find ways to save money, become more environmentally conscious and stay connected with the community. The Green Fair will also feature a summer concert series performance and a pop-up farmers market with local vendors. Organizers said the event is open to all ages and encourages residents to stop by for entertainment, activities and community engagement. For more information, contact Rae Baldwin at 609-597-1000, ext. 8511, or email rbaldwin@staffordnj.gov.
Summer Fest Moves To New Location TUCKERTON – The chamber of commerce will host its first annual Summer Fest on August 15 at All Wars Memorial Ball Field, 310 Bay Ave. The free event begins at 11 a.m. and will feature live rock ‘n’ roll music, a classic car show, craft vendors, food trucks and
ice cream. Organizers said this year’s festival will be held at a new location. A rain date has been scheduled for August 16. Cars, vendors and food trucks can register at ticketstripe.com/tuckerton-summerfest-2026.
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Page 12, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
Abuse:
Continued From Page 1 possession of child sexual abuse material. The charges involve one child under the age of 13, according to documents released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. According to the affidavit of probable cause, the investigation began May 20 after the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency referred the matter to the Little Egg Harbor Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit. Names and identifying information are also redacted in the records released by the prosecutor’s office. Investigators first spoke with Ms. H., the mother of the alleged victim, who reported concerns involving her young son after learning about a video that allegedly showed the child touching Cranmer’s exposed genitals. Ms. H. told investigators Cranmer had previously babysat her son but that the arrangement ended after she learned of the recording and became concerned about the child’s behavior. Reports indicate that Ms. H. said she learned about the recording from Ms. P., a longtime friend with whom Cranmer had been staying for approximately three months. In addition to watching Ms. H.’s son, Cranmer also babysat for Ms. P’s daughter. Ms. P. told investigators that she had purchased Cranmer a cellphone as a birthday gift. Concerned about what she described as Cranmer’s mental health issues, Ms. P. asked the defendant to move out and told her to leave the phone behind. Once the phone
School:
Continued From Page 1
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numbers in schools are very low.” Henry said he reviewed five years of district data while preparing the report and found a consistent decline in reportable incidents. For the 2025-2026 school year from September 1 through June 16, the district reported 38 total incidents. The report included one violent incident, four acts of vandalism, 26 substance related incidents and no weapons offenses. The district also recorded seven confirmed harassment, intimidation, and bullying cases as well as three alleged HIB incidents. In addition, there were 267 other incidents resulting in student detention.
Larry’s Home: Continued From Page 5
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mattered. Racing, he said, had helped him through difficult periods in his own life. “When I struggled, one of the things that got me through was racing,” he said. “A buddy of mine owned a sprint car, and we’d load up and drive halfway across Pennsylvania. It gave me a totally different sense of camaraderie. The only thing I could equate it to was my time in the military.” Rather than simply watching from the grandstands, the veterans received pit pass-
was in her possession, Ms. P. searched its contents and discovered a 14-second video saved in Cranmer’s Snapchat memories. The affidavit states Ms. P. immediately saved the recording so it could not be deleted, logged out of Cranmer’s Snapchat account and later turned the cellphone over to investigators. What began with a single 14-second recording eventually led detectives to obtain search warrants for the cellphone and Cranmer’s Snapchat account. According to the affidavit, investigators later uncovered additional videos preserved in Snapchat’s Memories feature. Ms. P. told detectives she immediately recognized Cranmer in the video by her distinctive tattoos, voice and the bathroom where it was recorded. Investigators initially examined the cellphone with Ms. P’s consent before obtaining search warrants for both the device and Cranmer’s Snapchat account. A forensic examination uncovered multiple Snapchat videos involving Cranmer and the child, including recordings saved on May 6, according to the affidavit. Investigators allege one recording showed Cranmer sitting on a toilet with her genitals exposed while the child touched her. According to the affidavit, Cranmer laughed during the recording while making comments to the child. Detectives concluded the evidence supported the charges approved by the prosecutor’s office. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office approved the charges July 7 following the joint investigation. Cranmer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to the report, Southern Regional High School accounted for 29 reportable incidents, while Southern Regional Middle School reported nine. Substance related offenses represented the largest category, with 23 incidents at the high school and three at the middle school. “It’s a testament to our entire operation, the administrative teams in buildings and teaching staff,” Henry said. “It’s also you guys at the board level that set the precedent.” The Student Safety Data System is submitted annually by all New Jersey public school districts to monitor school safety trends and identify areas where additional support or intervention is needed. The Board of Education accepted the report as part of its regular July meeting.
es and spent the evening alongside the team. “When you’re standing in the pits watching the car you just worked on, you’re invested,” McIlroy said. “You’re not just a fan sitting in the stands anymore.” The race lasted only one evening, but the relationships built inside Larry’s Home continue long after the checkered f lag falls. Nearly a year after welcoming its first residents, the house built in Larry Robertiello’s memory has become exactly what Paul Hulse envisioned: not simply a place for veterans to live, but a place where they belong.
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The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 13
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Page 14, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
H ere ’ s T o Y our H ealth
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Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
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The majority of my patients with permanent hearing loss demonstrate auditory processing/listening issues. Hearing aids can assist in clarifying conversations but in some instances the brain has to be retrained to give you that extra 10-15% of additional clarity. This is where LACE AI Pro should be considered. Basically, it’s physical therapy for the brain! Depicted below are some advantages of using LACE AI Pro. Improves Speech Understanding (Especially in Noise) LACE helps improve your ability to understand conversations in restaurants, crowds, and meetings. It trains your brain to focus on speech while filtering background noise. Studies show up to 25% improvement in understanding speech in noise with regular training. Helps Your Brain Adapt to Hearing Aids Faster Hearing aids amplify sound, but your brain must relearn how to interpret it. LACE helps you adjust faster to new hearing aids, improves voice clarity, reduces listening fatigue, and increases confidence in conversations. Improves Memory, Attention, and Processing Speed LACE trains cognitive hearing skills including working memory, attention, rapid speech comprehension, and processing
speed. This helps you follow fast talkers, remember conversations better, and stay mentally sharp. Improves Real-World Communication Ability Exercises simulate real-life situations such as restaurants, meetings, phone calls, and doctor visits. This improves everyday listening ability, not just quiet test-room performance. Makes Hearing Aids Work Better Clinical trials show LACE can improve hearing aid performance, increase daily hearing aid use, and improve satisfaction. 6. Supports Long-Term Brain and Cognitive Health Auditory training strengthens brain pathways involved in hearing, helps maintain cognitive function, and reduces listening effort and fatigue. LACE AI Pro recommends that you do these exercises 15 minutes per day for up to 6 weeks. You can continue the program indefinitely. You can purchase the licensing rights for this program by finding a participating provider. Dr. Izzy and his Staff will continue to educate you on hearing related issues. Call today to set up an appointment in one of 3 locations, 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com.
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Why You’re More Tired This Summer By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Every summer, I hear the same thing, “Suzy, I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I’m exhausted.” To be honest, I hate the heat and feel the same way! While hot and humid weather can certainly beat you down faster, it isn’t the whole story. Sometimes summertime just exposes an underlying issue that was already there. One of the biggest culprits is electrolyte loss. When you sweat, you lose more than water. You also lose minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These are needed to maintain healthy blood pressure, and boost energy. When they fall out of balance, you may feel weak, tired, dizzy, mentally foggy, anxious, or even notice heart palpitations. Certain medications like acid blockers for reflux, some diuretics, and other commonly prescribed drugs, can quietly deplete nutrients over time, making summer fatigue more noticeable. Dehydration is another common problem, and it doesn’t always make you feel thirsty. Sometimes it shows up as fatigue, headaches, constipation or dry skin. Plus, as we age, our thirst signals become less reliable. Add outdoor activities, exercise, air travel, caffeine, alcohol, or summer heat, and it becomes surprisingly easy to fall behind on hydration. Summer also means more activity - gardening, vacations, swimming, golf, hiking, or chasing kids or grandchildren. That increases your need for nutrients, especially the B vitamins that help convert the food you eat into usable energy. If you’ve been sleeping well but still feel like you’re dragging, you may be short on
B vitamins. This can easily happen if you take medications that gradually deplete them, what I call “drug muggers.” It can also happen if you drink wine or alcohol. Inflammation can also quietly drain your reserves. Whether it’s related to poor sleep, chronic stress, excess weight, joint discomfort, chronic pain, or an inflammatory diet, your body uses energy to manage these processes. Let’s talk D and sunshine. Many people assume their D levels are better in summertime (because of the sunshine), but that’s not necessarily true. Many of us spend much of the day indoors, avoid direct sunlight, or consistently wear sunscreen. Others have genetic polymorphisms or reduced enzyme activity that affect the liver and kidney hydroxylation pathways needed to convert vitamin D into its active form. Low vitamin D is one possible contributor to fatigue, reduced muscle function, and changes in mood. It’s worth a blood test to check levels. Over the years, I’ve watched people chase fatigue for months (sometimes even years) only to discover they simply needed better hydration, a healthier electrolyte balance, improved nutrition, a few less pounds to carry around in the summer heat, or a review of the medications they were taking. If you’ve been feeling unusually tired this summer, don’t automatically blame your age or the heat and humidity. Make some of these small changes and see surprisingly big improvements. For more practical health tips, wellness articles, and access to exclusive supplement coupons, visit me at suzycohen. com and stay in touch.
(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2026 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.
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The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 15
R.C. Shea & Assoc.
Inside The Law Can You Sue An Employer For A Positive Marijuana Test In New Jersey?
Christopher R. Shea Esq.
By: Christopher R. Shea, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates In a major decision for New Jersey workers, the Appellate Division recently ruled that people who lose a job or are denied employment because of lawful, off-duty marijuana use may have the right to sue their employer under New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA). In Sanders v. Levari Group, LLC, the plaintiff applied for a customer service position and received a conditional job offer. As part of the hiring process, she took a pre-employment drug test, which came back positive for marijuana metabolites. These metabolites simply show that a person used cannabis at some point in the past—they do not prove that the person was impaired at work or under the influence when tested. The applicant explained that she had legally used cannabis while off duty and had never been impaired during the hiring process. The employer told her it would withdraw the job offer unless she paid for a second drug test herself. When she could not afford the test, the company rescinded the offer. She filed suit, claiming that CREAMMA prohibits employers from refusing to
hire someone solely because of a positive marijuana test. Although the trial court dismissed her case, the Appellate Division reversed that decision. For the first time, a New Jersey appellate court held that individuals may sue employers under CREAMMA if they are denied employment or otherwise discriminated against solely because they lawfully used cannabis outside of work. The decision makes an important distinction between being impaired on the job, which employers may still prohibit, and merely testing positive for marijuana metabolites, which can remain in a person’s system for days or even weeks after lawful use. This ruling is significant for both employers and employees. Employers should carefully review their hiring and drug-testing policies, while employees and job applicants should understand that lawful, off-duty cannabis use may now be protected under New Jersey law. If you believe you were denied a job or otherwise treated unfairly because of lawful cannabis use, you may have legal rights. Contact our office at (732) 505-1212 to discuss your situation.
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Early Intervention Program Helps Young Children
OCEAN COUNTY – The Health Department’s Early Intervention Program provides support for children under age 3 who may have a developmental delay, disability or diagnosis that could lead to a delay. Families who have concerns can speak with a service coordinator about their child’s development. Evaluations are offered at public expense, with no cost to the family.
Children who meet eligibility requirements can receive help accessing individualized early intervention services. Health officials encourage parents and caregivers to seek help as early as possible if they suspect an infant or toddler may be experiencing delays or may have a disability. Referrals can be made by calling the Regional System Point of Entry toll-free number at 1-888-653-4463.
SAVE Rescue Offers Low-Cost Spay And Neuter Program
OCEAN COUNTY – SAVE Rescue is asking residents to help control the stray and feral cat population by sharing information about its affordable spay and neuter program. The program is designed for towns that do not already have a spay and neuter program available. The goal is to reduce overpopu-
lation while helping prevent disease and improve the welfare of community cats. The low-cost program is $25 per cat and includes the surgery, rabies vaccine and ear tip. Appointments are required. To schedule, call 732-281-8652 or email saverescuespayneuter@gmail.com.
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Page 16, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
Police Blotter Ocean County Firebombing Suspect Released In Molotov Cocktail Case
By Jason Allentoff TOMS RIVER – An Ocean County judge ruled that a Little Egg Harbor Township man accused of throwing a lit Molotov cocktail at a house while the homeowner was inside can remain on home confinement while awaiting trial. The decision was handed down shortly after 2 p.m. July 8 by Superior Court Judge Wendel Daniels. Prosecutors had argued that John Algor Jr., 24, should remain detained, but Daniels allowed him to be released under strict conditions. Algor is barred from contacting the victim or going near the Oneida Lake Drive home authorities say he targeted. Algor, of Little Egg Harbor Township, is charged with aggravated arson, possession of a destructive device and hindering apprehension in connection with the July 1 incident. If convicted of the charges, Algor could face up to 10 years in prison. Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Foti said police and firefighters were called to the home around 11:30 p.m. after the victim heard a loud bang and found a fire outside the house. Authorities said surveillance footage from a Ring camera showed Algor arriving on a motorcycle, lighting an object and throwing a glass container filled with combustible material soaked in an ignitable liquid. Prosecutors said he walked up to the porch and threw the device toward the front door.
The homeowner was able to use a garden hose to put out the flames before the fire spread, authorities said. Investigators said Algor k new the residents of the home and that ongoing harassment issues between the parties led up to the alleged attack. According to an affidavit filed in the case, the firebombing was allegedly intended to intimidate the people inside. Video provided to Jersey Shore Online appears to show the suspect igniting the object before throwing it at the home. You can see the video on the website. Detectives from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad later searched Algor’s property. Authorities said they found a motorcycle hidden under a tarp with its license plates removed. Investigators also recovered explosive residue as part of the investigation, officials said. Algor was arrested and lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending Wednesday’s detention hearing. He appeared visibly shaken in court as defense attorney Marissa Koerner argued for his release. Authorities said Algor was previously arrested on a simple assault charge in March 2025 and a criminal mischief charge in 2021. Algor’s next court appearance is scheduled for 11 a.m. July 28 before Judge Ryan.
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The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 17
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Basketball Camp Offered For Young Kids
LACEY – A basketball camp for children ages 5 to 7 will be held July 23 and 24 at Lanoka Harbor School. The Lacey Basketball Kid’s Camp will run
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Page 18, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
Viral Police Horse Attack Claim Falls Apart
By Jason Allentoff JERSEY SHORE – A police horse was not attacked before falling on the Wildwood Boardwalk over the Fourth of July weekend, authorities said, disputing a viral social media claim that sparked hundreds of angry and racist comments. Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy said the horse simply lost its footing on a metal surface and that neither the animal nor its rider was hurt. “There was no assault on the horse,” Murphy told Jersey Shore Online. “It slipped on a metal grate on the boardwalk. The horse and rider were not injured.” The incident gained widespread attention after Jersey Coast Emergency News, a monetized Facebook page with more than 428,000 followers, shared the video July 5 with the claim that “thugs attacked
a police horse.” The video initially appeared on a Facebook page operated by Wildwood digital creator Brian Foster before being reposted by Jersey Coast Emergency News with its own wording. The footage does not show the horse slipping. It begins as the mounted officer and horse fall into view. The horse is then seen regaining its footing as people nearby react. Several young people can be heard laughing before officers direct the crowd to continue moving. Many commenters said the video did not support the claim that anyone attacked the horse. Some said the young people appeared to be reacting to the unexpected fall and did not touch or kick the animal. “I saw kids acting like kids and a police
horse slipping on a wet boardwalk,” one commenter wrote. Despite the police chief’s account and the lack of visible contact with the horse, the posts generated hundreds of comments, including racist and threatening remarks directed at the young people shown in the video. The episode shows how quickly an unverified allegation can spread online when dramatic language is attached to a short video without full context. Jersey Coast Emergency News has previously drawn criticism over posts that were disputed by people, businesses and organizations involved. Those posts included unfounded accusations against Brick Little League, allegations about a Central Regional High School teacher, a falsehood about
a submarine sighting off the New Jersey coast and a supermarket explosion that police later said did not occur. A local car dealership also publicly challenged a post involving its business earlier this year. The Ashley Lauren Foundation announced it had ended its relationship with the page. In the case of the Central Regional teacher, Jersey Coast Emergency News published allegations that he had a sexual relationship with an underage student. An attorney representing the educator later named Meta and Jersey Coast Emergency News in a strongly-worded legal notice connected to the online posts. The allegations have not been established as fact, and it was not immediately clear whether the page’s operators responded to the notice.
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The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 19
CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate
Items Wanted
Services
Hunting 11.75 Acres - 3 BR, 1 1/2 BA, mobile home. F/P. Mineral rights. Furnished. Bethel Hill Susquehanna, Pa. 2 car garage. 732-675-2092. Offers. (32) ~Selling??- Best service for less than 1% ~Don't get RIPPED OFF!!! ~CALL-Joe Shimonis 609-713-1727 listforlessnj.com (31)
COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)
PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)
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Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (t/n)
1 9 9 1 M e rc u r y G r a n d M a rquis - Low milage. Garage kept. Silver. Leather seats. Excellent condition. Call Barbara 732492-0812. $11,600. (32)
Estate Sale
ESTATE/MOVING SALE - 56" round marble table, 310lbs olympic weight set, all wood corner desk with hutch, Massarelli 4 tiered fountain and statues, king sleep number bed, patio furniture, 18ft ext. ladder, luggage, vintage Wilson Staff golf clubs, MUCH MORE. 732-232-5016. (33)
Items For Sale Limited Edition Dolls - From Ashley Cooper, Madame Alexander Bradley, Shirley Temple. Must buy all. Leave message. Firm $150. 732-341-9357. (32)
Items Wanted $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n) Comice Books - I am paying cash for comic books from 1979 and before. Please call Steve at 732-277-7327 anytime. (30) JScott Firearms FFL dealer appraising and purchasing firearms from estates or individuals. No obligation. Discreet, fair offers. Call 215-595-5480 (38) Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums Rock Jazz Reggae Psychedelic. Call Rick 908-616-7104. Also Buying Comic Books. (35) Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-abrac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n) CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n) CA$h PAID For OLD 45 RPM RECORDS - R and B, doo wop, soul, rock and roll, and rockabilly. 909-938-4623, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., bobo78rpm@verizon.net. (26)
SALES, P/T - Reliable person for Family Business, Seaside Heights, Call 732-597-0388 (31) Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full time cook If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliatr.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (30) Reliable and bi-lingual (Russian or other Slavic language) nanny - is needed in Atlantic county. We live in Egg Harbor, NJ, and are looking for a nanny to care for two daughters, a five year old and a newborn. We value gentle parenting and aim to create a safe environment where the girls can thrive. Start in mid-September. Ask for Laura, 609-833-0058. (32) Certified Home Health Aides Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n) Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)
Live-In or Live-out Caregiver Experience 30 years. NJ Driver's License. Have own car. Doctor Appointments, laundry and light cleaning. 732-439-9765 Zeina. References available. (31) Experienced Gardener specializing in container gardens and house plants. Planting, design, refresh containers. Seasonal care, problems diagnosed, DIY advise. Free 5 step care plan with visit. Keep your containers thriving in all seasons. Joseph 732-232-8144. (24) Life Coach - Facing a challenge? Talk it out with me, a safe, nonjudgmental listener. Meet it head on with my support, unique to you. In-person or on phone. Confidential. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (31) Experienced 24/7 caregiver is available to take care of your elderly loved ones: personal care, med reminders, meal preps, light housekeeping. Please, call: 732867-6686. Thanks. (28)
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Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full and part time Dietary Aides If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (30)
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jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 20, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore County Marks 250th With Stars And Stripes Spectacular
Photo courtesy Ocean County OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean County Parks and Recreation thanked residents and visitors who attended the 250th Stars and Stripes Spectacular and Drone Show, a community celebration held in honor of America’s milestone anniversary. The event brought the public together for a patriotic evening hosted by Ocean County
Parks and Recreation, featuring a drone show as part of the festivities. Officials expressed appreciation to everyone who came out to support the celebration and take part in the countywide event. More information about Ocean County Parks and Recreation programs and events can be found at co.ocean.nj.us.
Farmers Market Now Open
LACEY – The Farmers Market at Lacey Elks in Forked River is now open for the season. The market is held Sundays from 11 a.m.
to 3 p.m. at 900 Beach Blvd., with vendors offering fresh produce, handmade items and other local goods.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 21
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 22, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across 1 Golfer’s vehicle 5 Lingerie purchases 9 Lingerie purchase 13 21-Across in Spain 14 __ Raton, Florida 15 Buenos __ 17 On the horizon 20 Permit 21 13-Across in France 22 Zip 23 Spy-fi org. 24 On the horizon 29 Counter attacker 30 Oft-redacted fig. 31 Burrito option 32 “I’ve __ better” 34 Mouth pieces? 37 Hosp. caregivers 38 On the horizon 41 Fish tacos fish, familiarly 43 Foil kin 44 Wound covering 48 One of five com-
petitive figure skating disciplines 49 Grilled fish in kabayaki 51 In the style of 52 On the horizon 56 “Miracle Workers” channel 57 Fed. health law 58 “I knew it!” 59 Lessens 61 Classic film with a time-traveling DeLorean, and an apt description of 17-, 24-, 38-, and 52-Across 66 Cookies with a Sour Patch Kids flavor 67 Mystical glow 68 Fielder’s need 69 Mangyshlak Peninsula’s continent 70 More __ meets the eye 71 64-Down, for one Down 1 Capital city with
Bolívar Square 2 Botox target 3 Go long? 4 Root in the Hawaiian dessert kulolo 5 Television network created by royal charter 6 Sushi topper 7 Feels sore 8 Thai skewers 9 Japanese title of respect 10 Actor Simu 11 Big name in endurance events 12 Stretches 16 Burrito option 18 Doesn’t rent 19 “Radical Optimism” singer __ Lipa 25 Northern European capital 26 In reserve 27 Valley 28 Best Upset and Best Moment 33 Indira Gandhi’s fa-
ther 35 Soda 36 Trusty horse 39 Japanese soup 40 Suffix with ump41 Lash lengthener 42 Decorated fighter pilots 45 Form-fitting garment 46 Columbia Icefield province 47 Angela of “9-1-1” 48 Soul singer Bryson 50 “In __ of gifts ... “ 53 Comedian Margaret 54 Patronize, as a restaurant 55 Casual agreement 60 Devices loaded with cash 62 Fish in an ornamental pond 63 LAX safety team 64 Young fig. 65 Booster
(c)2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
SOLUTIONS
SU DOK U
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Jumble: SOAPY MESSY SWIVEL GERBIL -- “LOSS” VEGAS
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The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026, Page 23
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 18 - 24 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): While you may have been fairly home-oriented in the last few weeks, your heart could get even more engaged for the next few days. Recognition for your efforts in the world could be expanding. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Today one focus could be money, and if you can escape negative emotions, it could be a good day for money moves if your individual cycles are helpful. Your communication abilities could be nearing a peak. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You aren’t your financial status, I’ll say it again. While some kinds of people judge by that yardstick, free yourself enough from public opinion to put your personal authenticity first. This said, your money could be growing anyway. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your intelligence shines now, forget trying to play stupid. An old grievance could come to mind, see if you can shift your perspective from grievance to lesson. Consider your part and what you could do differently. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A friend could move from negative and cynical to excited about an opportunity in just a few hours. Instead of wishing you were more onstage, use the next week or so for the equivalent of rehearsals, you’ll be in the spotlight soon. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t linger in a discouraged place in terms of work, more money could be inbound soon. Mastermind something with the right friends, they could provide better ide-
as and stronger intel than you might have expected. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Share investing and money-making ideas and be open to learning more, there’s lots of info out there that can help. The clarity with which you can approach your career now could be epic. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Shared resources could become easier to manage by later today or tomorrow but consider that not everyone may want the same thing. Digital creators could be at the top of their game. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You may be able to talk something through today that’s been an issuefor a while, but the other people need to be on board too. Someone close may have a financial idea for you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If both partners are in decent enough individual cycles, a breakthrough in communication could change everything for the better in a relationship. When hearts and minds work together, magic can happen. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Something could come along that makes day-to-day tasks easier and more pleasant both. The more you can make your daily round a happy one, the better your quality of life. Mindset helps too. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Express yourself. Use art, crafts, music, the written or spoken word, whatever medium gives you the most freedom and satisfaction. The next week or so could allow a lot of happiness through creativity.
(c) 2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
THIS SAVORY, FRENCH-STYLE PIE IS A DELIGHTFUL SUMMERTIME DISH Diane Rossen Worthington Recently I served this to guests as a first course, and it was so well received I had to share the recipe. When it comes to the dough, if you aren’t a pastry person, feel free to use a store-bought fresh pie dough and then roll it out into a 13-inch round. I like to use a removable springform disc or removable tart pan bottom to center the galette and help remove it from the baking sheet pan easily. If you are making your own pie dough (which really is seriously simple) look for unbleached pastry flour, which has less gluten than all-purpose flour and will develop a very flakey crust. I added a touch of cornmeal to the dough to give it a bit of texture, but don’t worry if you decide to use store-bought pie dough. Once the dough is rolled out, it is brushed with Dijon mustard and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese to keep the bottom from getting soggy. The sauteed multi-color cherry tomato mixture is spooned into the center of the dough, then the pastry edges are folded around the filling, making pleats around the galette. When the pie is golden brown and slightly cooled, I add bits of cheese on top to give an extra layer of flavor. If you want, you can drizzle some balsamic syrup on top. Either way, this is truly a winning dish that is Seriously Simple to put together. Serve this galette on the side of any grilled meat, chicken or fish. I have also served it as a main course with an arugula salad alongside for lunch or dinner. A glass of chilled rose would be a lovely accompaniment
PROVENCAL TOMATO GALETTE
Serves 6 For the pastry: 3 tablespoons cornmeal 1 1/4 cup all-purpose or pastry flour Good pinch salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) frozen unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1/4 cup ice water For the filling: 1 pound yellow and red (heirloom if possible) cherry tomatoes, halved 2 teaspoons salt 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced 3 tablespoons finely shredded fresh basil 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour To finish the galette: 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg, well beaten, to brush pastry Sprigs fresh thyme 2 ounces fresh mozzarella, burrata or goat cheese, cut into small pieces or crumbled 1. Prepare the pastry. Place the cornmeal, flour, and salt in a food processor and process for about 5 seconds. Add the butter and a few tablespoons of water and process until you have a crumb-like texture, about 5-10 seconds. Pat the dough into a round disc form for easy rolling. Refrigerate for 1 hour. 2. Place a 9- to 10-inch diameter removable bottom disc of a springform or removable tart pan on a parchment-lined heavy baking sheet with a rim. (You won’t need the sides of the springform or tart pan for this freeform tart.) On a floured surface roll out the pastry into a 13-inch diameter round. Roll the pastry back onto the rolling pin and transfer it to the tart bottom round, laying the dough flat to cover the round with a 3inch border overlap all around on the baking sheet. Refrigerate while making the filling. 3. Preheat oven to 425 F. 4. Combine the tomatoes and salt in a medium bowl and mix. Let sit for 15 minutes to release excess tomato juice. Drain tomatoes in a colander and return to bowl. Add the rest of the filling ingredients and mix well so everything is nicely coated. 5. Remove the rolled pastry. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly on the pastry round and then sprinkle with Parmesan. Spoon the tomato mixture in the center on top of mustard coating. 6. Fold about 3 inches of the pastry edges up around the tomato mixture, making pleats, to look like a free-form tart. Brush the pastry with egg wash. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. 7. Remove from oven, cool slightly, garnish with thyme sprigs and then carefully place the cheese pieces on the tomato mixture. Cut into slices and serve. Advance preparation: This can be made a day ahead and reheated.
(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including “Seriously Simple Parties,” and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.) ©2026 Diane Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Page 24, The Southern Ocean Times, July 18, 2026
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