Barnegat/Waretown Top Stories
By PAT SHARKEY
December 22, 2025
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Despite a career-best effort from sophomore Elayna Ordonez, the Barnegat girls basketball team couldn't maintain an early lead, falling 47-36 to Lower Cape May on Monday.The loss brings the Bengals to an even 2-2 on the season, while the Tigers opened their campaign with a ...
BARNEGAT, NJ – Students and staff at Barnegat High School (BHS) were treated to a harmonious surprise this Friday morning, December 19, as they arrived for the final school day of the week.In a display of Christmas spirit and community cheer, music teachers Mr. McGrath and Mr. Salguero took to the ...
ANNANDALE, NJ – In a dual meet that lived up to its heavyweight billing, defending Group 5 champion Southern Regional overcame a double-digit deficit to defeat defending Group 4 champion North Hunterdon, 36-29, on Thursday night.The Rams relied on a late-match surge, recording pins in four of the ...
BARNEGAT, NJ – In a dominant display of technical skill and pin-fall prowess, the Barnegat High School wrestling team dismantled Brick Township on Wednesday night, securing a 53-27 dual meet victory. The Bengals used a relentless middle-weight surge, including six consecutive pins, to pull away ...
MANCHESTER, NJ – In a matchup that tested the mettle of a completely revamped roster, the Barnegat Bengals (1-1) secured a hard-fought 42-35 victory on the road against Manchester Township on Wednesday (0-1).The win marks a significant milestone for a Barnegat program that entered the 2025-2026 ...
SURF CITY - Ring in 2026 at Wally’s! A 3-Course New Year’s Eve CelebrationCelebrate the arrival of 2026 with an unforgettable (and affordable!) dining experience at Wally’s Surf City. For one night only, we are offering a premier three-course dinner for just $26.00—the perfect way to toast to the ...
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Stafford Township Police Department has confirmed the recovery of a 19-year-old male who had been the subject of a massive multi-agency search since late November.The individual was located on the evening of Wednesday, December 17, 2025, bringing a tragic conclusion to ...
TOMS RIVER – In a high-stakes Shore Conference clash defined by physical play and unexpected adversity, Southern Regional proved its resilience on Wednesday night. Despite the mid-game ejection of one of their star playmakers, Noah Perna, the Rams rode a dominant second-half performance from ...
TUCKERTON, NJ – Behind a balanced scoring attack and a dominant defensive performance in the first half, the Pinelands Regional Wildcats (1-1) earned their first win of the season on Wednesday night, defeating the Barnegat Bengals (1-1) by a score of 52-41.The Wildcats wasted no time establishing ...
BARNEGAT - BARNEGAT, NJ — As the holiday season reaches its peak, television screens are filled with the predictable, picture-perfect endings of Hallmark Christmas movies. But as Bayside Chapel explores in its latest sermon series, true joy goes much deeper than a scripted happy ending.In the sixth ...
Barnegat Girls Basketball Dominates Pinelands 49-18 for First Win of SeasonBARNEGAT, NJ — The Barnegat High School girls basketball team evened their record to 1-1 on the young season with a commanding 49-18 victory over Pinelands Regional.The Bengals controlled the tempo from the opening tip, ...
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Southern Regional High School boys basketball team kicked off the 2025-26 season with a thrilling 60-57 victory over Cedar Creek, withstanding a furious fourth-quarter rally to secure the win.Southern (1-0) found themselves trailing early, down 16-12 after the first ...
STAFFORD, NJ — The Southern Regional High School boys wrestling team kicked off their tournament schedule on a high note this past Saturday, hosting the prestigious 2025 Robin Leff Tournament. The event brought wrestlers, coaches, and spectators from across the region to Manahawkin for a full day ...
BARNEGAT, NJ – Barnegat Township Police Chief Jason Carroll has joined the ranks of the world’s most elite law enforcement leaders, graduating from the 296th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on December 11, 2025.The FBI National Academy is a prestigious 11-week program ...
BARNEGAT, NJ — The Barnegat Township School District has announced a schedule change for the start of the week due to weather conditions.All schools within the district will operate on a two-hour delayed opening schedule on Monday, December 15. District officials made the decision in response to ...
Barnegat Patrolman Commended for Act of Kindness Amidst Winter WeatherBARNEGAT, NJ – A Barnegat Township police officer is earning praise from the community this weekend for going above and beyond the call of duty—not for a high-stakes emergency, but for a simple act of neighborly kindness.On ...
STAFFORD – As the 2025-26 winter season approaches, the Southern Regional High School boys basketball team is poised for a competitive campaign, blending established veteran talent with a significant new presence in the paint.Head Coach John Pampalone enters his seventh season at the helm (26th ...
BARNEGAT, NJ – Despite a spirited third-quarter rally and a double-double performance from Elayna Ordonez, the Barnegat High School girls basketball team fell to Lawrence, 51-45, in their season opener.Head Coach Tammy Nicolini’s squad (0-1) faced an early deficit but surged back after halftime.
SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – The latest National Weather Report from Friday night informs us that residents should prepare for the return of winter weather this weekend, as a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the area. The advisory will go into effect at 7:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, ...
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ – The halls of municipal government and local businesses were alive with the sound of music this week, thanks to a festive tour by the Southern Regional High School Vocal Ensemble.Led by Carolyn Schneider, the talented group of students made a special, impromptu stop at ...
TRENTON, NJ — Restaurants and other places that serve food in New Jersey would be banned from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, under legislation sponsored by Sen. Bob Smith (D - District 17) and Raj Mukherji (D - District 32).The bill, S3195, would ...
Farmingdale, NJ – Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore proudly celebrated its 2025 class of Bronze and Silver Award Girl Scouts—254 young leaders and changemakers whose Take Action projects have created meaningful, lasting impact throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.At a ceremony held on November 19 ...
The people have spoken, and the next governor of the state of New Jersey is Rebecca Michelle “Mikie” Sherrill. The 53-year-old has prevailed over the Republican candidate and former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, in a hotly contested race that included a fair share of mud-slinging on both ...
TOMS RIVER, NJ – Coach Graham Borg’s Southern Regional ice hockey team engaged in a gritty defensive battle on Wednesday night, holding Hunterdon Central scoreless through two periods before ultimately falling 2-0 at Winding River Park.Despite the loss, the Rams (1-3-1) received a stellar ...
BARNEGAT – Continuing the Advent season series “Grateful Expectation,” Pastor Ken Carlson delivered a poignant message titled “The Prince of Peace” at Bayside Chapel on Sunday, December 7. Addressing a congregation gathered amidst the bustle of the holiday season, Carlson tackled humanity’s ...
BARNEGAT, NJ — The spirit of giving was on full display this past weekend as members of the Barnegat Township Police Department and Barnegat PBA Local 296 gathered at the Barnegat Recreation Center to sort and organize donations for the 2025 Toy Drive.Following a town-wide collection effort, ...
STAFFORD - The New Jersey high school wrestling season is not easing into action this year; it’s kicking down the door. On Saturday, December 13, the epicenter of Garden State wrestling will be in Manahawkin, as Southern Regional High School hosts the annual Robin Leff Invitational ...
WARETOWN, N.J. — Residents are invited to embrace their holiday spirit—and perhaps a little mischief—at the upcoming “Brunch with the Grinch” fundraiser, set to take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025.Hosted at the Waretown Firehouse at 117 Wells Mills Road, the event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 ...
BARNEGAT, N.J. — The Bengal Theatre Company at Barnegat High School captivated audiences this past weekend with a poignant and successful four-day run of Thornton Wilder’s classic drama, Our Town.Performed from December 4 through December 7, the production marked a departure from the company's ...
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Residents and visitors are invited to bring their appetites to the Spray Beach Yacht Club this January as the Long Beach Township PBA Local 373 brings back its popular Annual Beefsteak Dinner.Scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, the event will run from 3:00 p.m. to ...