2025-05-10 - The Southern Ocean Times by Jersey Shore Online

Times SOUTHERN OCEAN

Dramatic Wildﬁre Rescue Highlights Power Of Teamwork Lacey Board Approves Budget

By Stephanie Faughnan

Fireﬁghters battle the Jones Road Wildﬁre.

By Stephanie Faughnan SOUTHERN OCEAN

COUNTY – As the Jones Road wildfire raged through the heart of the Pine Barrens on April 22, a Waretown man found himself trapped in the woods. But thanks to a team

of fi rst responders, he made it out alive. The responders didn’t just know the land - they used quick thinking and precise teamwork to save a life amidst the chaos.

The man had ventured deep into the woods on a solo spiritual retreat.

But as smoke began to rise and fire engulfed the forest around him, his solitude quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency.

Officials say the blaze was deliberately set near the intersection of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Waretown (Ocean

Township) by two local teens. Nineteen-yearold Joseph Kling and an unnamed 17-yearold face arson charges for allegedly setting wooden pallets ablaze and leaving before the fire was out. The flames would ultimately (Rescue - See Page 4)

Second Arrest Made In Jones Road Wild re

By Chris Lundy

OCEAN COUNTY – A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the wildfi re that started on April 22 which caused thousands of evacuations and burned more than 15,000 acres.

The juvenile, whose identity is not being released, was charged with Aggravated Arson, Arson, and Hindering Apprehension, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

This is the second arrest in relation

to this incident. Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown, was previously charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson. Kling now faces an additional charge of Hindering Apprehension.

Investigators had said that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fi re and then leaving the area without the fi re being fully extinguished. The new charge of hindering comes from allegedly providing false information as to how the fi re started.

Officers said they learned the origin of the fi re by using a Global Positioning System. The investigation led to a second individual, the 17-year-old, who assisted in setting the wooden pallets on fi re and then left the area before the fi re was extinguished.

The Jones Road Wildfi re, fi rst spotted at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower, spread to 12,000 acres in just an hour. It ripped (Arrest - See Page 4)

LACEY – Homeowners in Lacey will most likely see a 7.57 percent increase in their school taxes provided the county superintendent gives their seal of approval to the local school board. School officials say this difficult decision to raise taxes was necessary to keep local control of the school district, despite significant cuts to staff and student services.

The budget for the 2025-26 school year, which increased by $1.4 million, was passed by a 5-2 margin after much debate among board members and passionate pleas from teachers, parents, and taxpayers. Some community members expressed concerns about the impact of the tax increase on household fi nances, especially after a 9.9 percent increase last year.

Acting Superintendent William Zylinski explained that the tax increase and budget cuts were a direct result of years of reduced state funding due to the S-2 school funding formula. He emphasized that the budget was a compromise to avoid the state taking over the school district, which could lead to even more severe cuts.

“State takeover remains a serious risk. While the full impact is uncertain, we know further program elimination, service losses and over-crowded classrooms are very likely in that scenario,” said Zylinski at a special

(Budget - See Page 5)

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – Cancer has touched practically everyone’s life, so it should be no problem to fill a park for a fundraiser.

The Berkeley/Lacey Relay For Life will be at Veterans Park, 9 Tilton Boulevard, Bayville on May 31 overnight into June 1. The rain date is July 12. “It’s not too late to join a team or form a team,” event lead Robyn Griffith said. “We are here with open arms.”

(Relay For Life - See Page 7)

Photo courtesy DEP

s PotLiGHt o n G oVeRnment

Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

Congressman Speaks Out Against “Overreaching” NJPACT Rules

From The Desk Of Congressman Jefferson Van Drew

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jefferson Van Drew (R-2) announced that, following a productive meeting

with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency has agreed to engage with New Jersey state leaders - including Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) - to address growing concerns surrounding the New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Threats (NJPACT)

regulations and their impact on coastal communities.

“We all support protecting our environment, but these regulations are based on extreme, worst-case scenarios that do not reflect reality and could do real damage to the future of the Jersey Shore,” said Congressman Van Drew. “The NJPACT rules significantly expand flood zones, restrict construction, and place costly requirements on homebuilders and small businesses

which will only make it more difficult for families to afford to live and work in our coastal communities. I made it clear that South Jersey cannot absorb these regulations as they stand, and the EPA listened. They have committed to discussing this with the state and urging a more moderate, workable approach. I will continue to keep the pressure on to ensure we see real solutions that both protect our beautiful shores and support investment in our future.”

Senators Question Mass Firings At Agency Th at Protects Citizens

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislative watchdog agency the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will investigate the Trump Administration’s actions to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), including attempted fi rings, stop-work orders, and recent announcements of dropped lawsuits to hold big corporations responsible for ripping off Americans. The GAO will investigate whether the CFPB is able to fulfi ll its congressionally mandated functions.

Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) joined Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and 40 Democratic Senators in a letter to CFPB Acting Director Russell Vought outlining more than 80 congressionally mandated functions of the CFPB and

pressing for answers on how the agency would be able to fulfi ll them after firing almost the entire staff. Signers of the letter include every Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee.

In a letter to Vought, the Senators wrote: “You tried to fi re nearly all of the agency’s remaining 1,700 employees - the staff responsible for fulfi lling the CFPB’s mission and statutory requirements to prevent Americans from getting scammed by big banks and giant corporations. Your hasty and unjustified mass fi rings are an illegal shutdown of the CFPB that will leave it unable to conduct agency actions that are required by law.”

The Senators continued: “You directed the gutting of entire divisions - including departments created by Congress to protect servicemembers and older Americans - attempting to leave a shell of only 200 employees to supervise and examine large

fi nancial institutions across the country, respond to millions of consumer complaints, answer the phone for hundreds of thousands of people seeking help, monitor emergency fi nancial risks, and run all of the agency’s other operations.”

The Senators laid out in detail the impact the mass layoffs would have on specific functions of the CFPB - including fi ring all but one employee helping victims of scams in the offices focused on our nation’s two million servicemembers and tens of millions of older Americans.

The Senators concluded: “We request that you provide…a detailed accounting of each of the more than 80 statutory obligations of the CFPB, the number of employees assigned to each of those functions as of December 2024, the number of employees who would be assigned to each function if your rushed reduction in force were to go into effect, the immediate impact of such a reduction on the agency’s ability to perform each function consistent with federal law and federal

court orders, and copies of any individualized or particularized analysis of those planned reductions on the agency’s work.”

Through this letter, Senator Kim continues on efforts to protect American consumers from Trump’s assault on the CFPB. He previously led a series of letters with Ranking Member Warren requesting an investigation and comprehensive overview of the Trump administration’s actions to dismantle CFPB and ensure the agency is still able to fulfi ll its statutorily required functions and mission.

Senator Kim serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. He is a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Special Committee on Aging.

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.

Relay For Life:

Continued From Page 1

There are activities and entertainment planned for this weekend event. Griffith said that there are still spots available for food trucks and vendors.

The survivors’ luncheon is from 12-2 p.m., followed by a kick-off ceremony and the fi rst laps. Laps are sometimes themed. The fi rst walk of the relay is reserved for survivors, for example. There’s also a lap for caregivers, the unseen and unsung heroes behind the scenes.

The opening ceremony features medals given out to survivors, with an explanation of how many years they’ve been cancer-free and the type of cancer they had.

This year, there will also be people driving – but not on the track. There will be a cruise-in hosted by Jersey Shore Car Shows.

People can bring their classic vehicle and help support the fight against cancer. The roll-in will be from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, with a cruise from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event is an overnight fundraiser. There’s a metaphor at work here - there is dawn after the night – light follows darkness. The other represents the round-the-clock struggle that families have with this disease.

Relays support the American Cancer Society, which in turn funds research, endorses policies (such as smoke-free restaurants), and supports families who are plunged into fi nancial straits because of the diagnosis.

The research arm in particular is of concern this year, as the White House has been preparing widespread cuts of funds and staff in the area of cancer research.

Residents can join a team or create one of their own to participate in this special event. For more details on how to get involved, visit:

secure.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/ RFLCY25NER?pg=entry&fr_id=109541

For more information, and to sign up, email rnofgnt@yahoo.com or call 848-333-7318.

Senator Andy Kim Capitol

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RENT OR BUY Storage Trailers

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SWING & SIP After Hours May 15th from 5pm to 8pm Sponsored by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ Calloway’s Caddy Club, West Creek

Connect, Network and Win: Southern Ocean Young Professionals Networking Event hosted by Code 1 Creations Wednesday, June 18 5:30-6:30 PM at 918 Lacey Road, Suite 4, Forked River. This event is perfect for professionals under the age of 35 who are looking to grow their network and share ideas. $10 at door

“Members register for your merchant table for July 21st Southern Ocean Home, Dock & Garden Show”

Proud Supporter of the Lighthouse International Film Festival June 4-8

Please email Kate@sochamber.com to RSVP for these events

Township Celebrates Arbor Day With Tree Planting

STAFFORD – Mayor Henken and Township Council would like to thank all those that came out to the Arbor Day Tree planting with Stafford Township School District and the Southern Regional School District. Dr. Steven Yergeau from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, visited the Intermediate School, McKinley Avenue Elementary School, the Ronald L. Meinders Primary Learning Center (PLC), Ocean Acres Elementary School, Oxycocus Elementary School and Southern Regional to celebrate Arbor Day!

Dr. Yergeau explained the importance of planting native trees in our area, while the Stafford Township Department of Public Works staff helped show the students how to plant new native trees at each location. Many thanks to Dr. Yergeau, Stafford Township School District, Southern Regional, the Stafford Township School District Buildings and Grounds Department, as well as the Stafford Township Department of Public Works staff for organizing such an incredible and educational event for our students!

Join A Heart-Healthy Lunch & Learn

Find out about our

TUNE IN TO THE LBI REGION REPORT PODCAST!

Airing weekly, it features the voices of local business and community. Don’t miss it!

STAFFORD – Mayor Henken and Township Council invite you to join Stafford Recreation, in conjunction with Rutgers University Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, Family Community Health and Sciences Division, to a special Lunch & Learn event with Dr. Kathleen Cullinen as she discusses Heart Health for a Longer Life. Learn valuable insights on maintaining

heart health and simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in your well-being.

Program will be on May 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Bay Avenue Community Center, 775 East Bay Ave, Stafford Township. Registration is required! To reserve your spot, call Jen McBrien at 609-597-1000 ext. 8573.

Township Of Ocean 2025 Fireworks Display

WARETOWN – Township of Ocean Fireworks Display on May 24 at 6 p.m. at Waretown Bayfront Park & Pier at the end of Bryant Road.

Featuring DJ Mike Thompson and City Eats Food Truck. Bring your chairs stay for the fi reworks. Fireworks show at 9 p.m. Rain date May 25.

4th Annual One Barnegat Music & Arts Festival

BARNEGAT – Join for the 4th Annual One Barnegat Music and Arts Festival on June 4 at 5 p.m. at Barnegat High School.

Featuring artwork, musical theater number, instrumental and vocal performances, food trucks, and face painting.

Photo courtesy Staﬀord Township

Local Pets Available For Adoption

LACEY – The Associated Humane Society shelter at the Popcorn Park Zoo has pets available for adoption.

Meet Houston! This 5-year-old sweetheart is the full package - loyal, loving, playful, and smart! She loves showing off her training skills and is this close to mastering dropping her toys on command. Houston is ready to fi nd her forever family - come meet her today and fall in love!

Call 609-693-1900, visit ahscares.org/forked-river-adoptables or email: office@ahsppz.org for an adoption application.

Photo courtesy AHS

Photo courtesy Barnegat Schools

BARNEGAT – Congratulations to Jakob Jason, senior captain of the Barnegat High School Boys’ Lacrosse team, for scoring his 100th career point!

Southern Boys Golf Place At The Shore Conference Tournament

courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN – On April 23, the Southern Regional Boys Golf team placed 3rd at the Shore Conference Tournament. The Rams were led by Jackson Bodony (tied for 2nd individually even par) and Paul Reilly 75 (8th overall individually). First time Ocean County school has medaled at the SCT since 2002!

Southern Girls Golf Win Shore Conference Tournament

Photo

Photo courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN – Congratulations to Southern Regional Girls Golf on winning the 2025 Shore Conference Tournament.Congratulations, players and Coach Reilly. Best of luck the rest of the season.

PHoto oF tHe weeK

Dr.Bartisshasoftenbeenreferredtoas“adoctor’sdoctor”,andisfrequentlycalled upon for his diagnostic skills. He is founder and Medical Director of ICAM and a member of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine, the American AcademyofAnti-AgingMedicine,theAmericanAcademyofOzoneTherapists,and adiplomateoftheAmericanAcademyofFamilyPhysicians.Dr.Bartissisamedical writer, lecturer and author who is recognized as one of the top ten specialists in thefieldofBio-IdenticalHormoneReplacementTherapy(BHRT).

THERAPIES/SERVICES

• Hormone Replacement

• IV Therapies

• Thermascan

• Cryoskin • HOCATT

• Colonics • PEMF

• Salt Room/Halotherapy

• Theta Chamber

• Ozone • Botox

• Thyroid/Adrenal Fatigue Management

• Peptides

63 Lacey Rd. Unit C • Whiting, NJ 08759 609-978-9002 • www.ICAMNJ.com

The Barnegat Bay is always a terriﬁc photo op, especially during a sunrise. Here’s a great one taken recently by local resident Donna Kwiatkowski in Bay Head. Want to see your pix in this space? Email it to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win tickets to see the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in action!

Stephen E. Price Scholarship Breakfast

TUCKERTON – Stephen E. Price Scholarship Breakfast will be on May 18 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Tuckerton Lodge #4 of F&AM, Church & Wood Street, Tuckerton. Tickets are $10 for adults and children over.

Includes eggs, pancakes, sausages, orange juice, coffee and tea.

Benefits Pinelands High School Scholarships. Please bring a donation for the Food Bank.

Some Risks And Ethical Concerns Of Keeping Wildlife As Pets

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

While in some places, regulations regarding keeping wildlife as pets are permitted, doing so should not be done.

Here are some reasons why wildlife should not be kept as pets. Dangers to the well-being of both the animals and their

human(s) should be considered. There are major ethical concerns about keeping a wild animal in a captive environment. Wildlife has its own dietary requirements, and it mostly does not include anything we have in our household. They should never be offered human food. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained in replicating diets to satisfy the requirements of the animals

they care for.

Once an animal is held in captivity from a young age, often they can never be released back into the wild due to imprinting (bonding to humans instead of their own species), and failure to replicate complex socializations. Wildlife raised in captivity may appear to be tame, but their behavior can become unpredictable, particularly as

they mature.

Interaction with its own species is necessary to thrive. In captivity they will be deprived of engaging in natural behaviors. As a result, animals can experience boredom, loneliness and other psychological issues. Behavior such as mating and raising young are denied.

(Wildlife - See Page 24)

ARounD tHe JeRsey sHoRe

Library To Boost Digital Literacy

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is among over 100 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to increase digital literacy using DigitalLearn.org resources, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T.

The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive and the new PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive support public libraries in their work of improving basic digital skills among families and communities. The workshops will utilize DigitalLearn training materials, created in collaboration with AT&T, that are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org and AT&T ScreenReady.

The Ocean County Library plans to use the funds to provide tech education programs at several of its branches:

• “Email 101” at 10:30 a.m. May 13 at the Toms River Branch

• “Internet Basics” at 2:30 p.m. May 13 at the Lacey Branch

• “Email 101” at 2:30 p.m. May 15 at the Toms River Branch

• “Email Basics” at 10 a.m. May 19 at the Little Egg Harbor Branch

• “Email 101” at 2:30 p.m. May 20 at the Toms River Branch

• “Email 101” at 10:30 a.m. May 23 at the Toms River Branch

• “Cybersecurity Basics” at 2 p.m. May 27

at the Manchester Branch

• “Internet Basics” at 2 p.m. May 29 at the Manchester Branch

• “Email Basics” at 3 p.m. May 29 at the Manchester Branch

Registration is required for these free programs. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ PLAGrantOCL or call or visit your local Ocean County Library branch.

PLA President Michael Lambert said, “PLA is proud to support public libraries in being at the forefront of boosting digital literacy skills and bridging the digital divide in their communities. With another year of PLA’s sustained collaboration with AT&T, more learners from across the nation than ever before will get connected to vital literacy skills and technology resources at the library.”

PLA’s free training site, DigitalLearn.org, helps community members build skills and confidence using technology.

The Ocean County Library connects people, builds community, and transforms lives through the power of information and the power of stories. We are essential today more than ever. Public libraries support lifelong learning, sustainable communities, and economic development. The library services as a portal of knowledge and strengthens civic involvement. It increasingly provides content that is digital in nature, as well as supporting our residents’ desire for personal growth.

Support Our Troops Assembly

STAFFORD – The Stafford Township School District will hold an assembly to Support Our Troops on May 22 at 10 a.m. at the Ocean Acres Community Center, located at 489 Nautilus Drive, Manahawkin. This event recognizes all of the men and

women who have served or are currently serving on our Armed Forces.

Be sure to RSVP by May 16 by calling 609-978-5700 ext. 1198. We hope to see you there for this wonderful community gathering!