The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 9 - No. 32
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Stafford K-9 Officer Ollie Retires as a Hero
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Page 8-13
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 17
Classifieds Page 19
─Photo courtesy Officer Christopher Smith Master Police Officer Christopher M. Smith with his newly retired partner K-9 Officer Ollie By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD – Newly retired Stafford K-9 Officer Ollie may be a bit of a newshound based on his behavior at January’s town council meeting.
As the Belgian Malinois and his partner, Master Police Officer Christopher M. Smith, walked the room before the session started, Ollie clenched an empty plastic water bottle between his teeth.
When the pair reached the front row, a reporter asked permission to pet the handsome canine. Smith appeared momentarily surprised as he watched Ollie’s reaction to the attention. “Look, he dropped
his water bottle,” Smith pointed out. “He seems to like you.” Just about every journal ist k nows when they’re being hounded for coverage. In this case, Ollie seemingly (Hero - See Page 4)
Shore Animal Shelters Raise Funds Through #BettyWhiteChallenge
By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE – Local animal shelters have recently been raising thousands of dollars to help homeless animals in need thanks to the virtual event honoring late actress Betty White. After the news broke that America’s Golden Girl had passed at the
end of 2021, the internet wanted to honor her and celebrate her 100 th birthday by creating the “Betty White Challenge.” The vir t ual event was held on January 17 (White’s birthday) through social media asking fans to donate to their local animal rescues or shelters in
her name, as she was a devoted animal lover and an animal rights activist. The Mon mouth C ou nt y SP CA wa s one of many organizations that participated in the challenge, raising nearly $16,000 through Facebook donations. “On January 17, Bet-
ty White would have turned 100 years old, and what a life she lived! An animal lover since she could walk and a celebrated animal advocate for the rest of her life into adulthood. We’ve gotten quite a few donations in Betty’s honor but we wanted to make her birthday weekend
the official donation period to show our appreciation for her life’s work!” the Monmouth County SPCA said. The group shared the story on how the donations have helped one of their dogs in need, Amos. “Amos was one of the over 60 dogs and puppies (Animals - See Page 7)
January 29, 2022
School Meeting Canceled Because Of Maskless Again
By Bob Vosseller LACEY – For the second time in one month, members of the township’s Board of Education had to adjourn their meeting and reschedule it for a hybrid session several days later that be a mix of a live meeting and virtual. The reason the January Board reorganization meeting and the January 20 session were canceled both involved attendees, including new Board member Salvatore Armato, refusing to wear a COVID protective mask which are required to be worn in school buildings per an executive order by Governor Phil Murphy. During the latest meeting, audience members gathered at the Lacey Middle School auditorium and the division of those who wore masks to those who refused was apparent. (School - See Page 5)
Nonprofit Wants To Starve Poverty
By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT - The decision of a local non-profit to incorporate a skull and crossbones as part of its logo might seem a bit contradictory. What in the world could a symbol of death have to do with providing community assistance? Starve Poverty International Founder and CEO Ron Fraser said the emblem directly relates to his organization’s mission. The organization plans to do its part to starve poverty to death. Barnegat Township recently agreed to lease the non-profit space in its firehouse on Route 72. Starve Poverty will pay the town just $1 per year for 15 years, and also has the opportunity to renew for another 15 years at the end of the term. The group met with some opposition (Starve - See Page 7)
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