Barnegat/Waretown Top Stories
By PAT SHARKEY
November 26, 2025
STAFFORD — Southern Regional High School's burgeoning Esports program concluded its very first fall season with a trip to the New Jersey State Championship on Saturday, November 22, 2025, held at Georgian Court University.The announcement, released by the Southern Regional Director of Athletics, ...
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ — A major search and rescue operation is currently underway in the Barnegat Bay after a witness reported seeing a person jump from the Route 72 Causeway Bridge late Tuesday night.The incident was reported to Stafford Township Police Dispatch on November 25, 2025, at ...
WHITING, NJ - America's Keswick, a long-standing Christian retreat and addiction recovery ministry, celebrated a monumental achievement this year as its annual Thanks-For-Giving Turkey Trot race soared past its fundraising goals, demonstrating a powerful commitment from the community to support ...
STAFFORD — Southern Regional High School senior swimmer Sevanah Oravets has officially committed to continue her academic and athletic career at James Madison University (JMU). The standout athlete will join the Dukes' Division I swimming program in Harrisonburg, Virginia.Oravets marked the ...
BEACH HAVEN, NJ – In a significant development for Long Beach Island's (LBI) iconic amusement scene, Thundering Surf Water Park & Adventure Golf, a Beach Haven staple for nearly 50 years, has been sold to the neighboring Fantasy Island Amusement Park, which is owned by the prominent Wainwright ...
BARNEGAT – The Barnegat School District recently recognized numerous dedicated staff members with the prestigious Superintendent's Award, honoring their exceptional contributions across various categories that support students, staff, and the school community.The awards highlight the commitment and ...
MANAHAWKIN, NJ – Southern Regional High School's field hockey standout, Moorea Scott, has officially announced her commitment to continue her academic and athletic career at Rider University.The commitment was celebrated in a signing event where Scott was surrounded by her family and the Southern ...
STAFFORD TWP — Manahawkin is on the brink of a major retail upgrade, as the huge new ShopRite in Manahawkin Commons is nearing completion and could open its doors as early as next month. The state-of-the-art supermarket, managed by Saker Properties, is replacing the existing, smaller store in ...
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Southern Regional High School community is celebrating a significant athletic and academic achievement as Jayden Nascimento of the Boys Lacrosse team has officially committed to Rutgers University. Nascimento will continue his education and lacrosse career with the ...
LONG BEACH ISLAND – Daddy O Restaurant and Hotel and Tuckers Tavern are embracing the holiday spirit by launching a crucial fundraising campaign in partnership with The Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean County (HFOSOC). The Fearless Restaurants establishments are inviting patrons to join their ...
STAFFORD TWP – An impressive community collaboration highlighted the spirit of giving this holiday season, as the residents of The Residence at Stafford collected a substantial donation of nonperishable food items, which were then delivered by the Barnegat VFW Post 10092 to the Starve Poverty food ...
STAFFORD – The Ocean County Vocational School District Leadership is celebrating the extraordinary achievements of two students from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES), located in Manahawkin, whose original scientific research has earned them entry into the highly ...
BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Township School District is shining a spotlight on nine outstanding staff members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their roles, awarding them the prestigious Superintendent's Award for Excellence, Ownership and Pride.The award recognizes individuals whose ...
WARETOWN – Twenty-five local families in need are set to enjoy a complete Thanksgiving dinner this year, thanks to a generous donation from the Forked River Rotary to the Ocean Township Police Department (OTPD).The Rotary club provided 25 full Thanksgiving meal kits, which will be distributed ...
STAFFORD TWP, NJ – Demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the local community, approximately 25 Brothers from the Ocean County Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh volunteered their time today to ensure dozens of local families have a joyous Thanksgiving.The "Shillelagh Brothers" partnered with ...
BARNEGAT, NJ — A heartwarming holiday tradition is set to continue as the Yllanes siblings—Michelle, Kaylee, and Ethan—prepare to host their annual Christmas Bingo Night for residents at the Barnegat Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 19th, at 2:00 ...
OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ — Students at the Frederick A. Priff School received a vital lesson in modern safety today as members of the Ocean Township Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit stopped by to address fourth, fifth, and sixth graders.Sgt. Jeremy Samuel and Cpl. Steven Mandarine led the ...
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ -Manahawkin-based local businessman and long-time Joey’s Pizza owner, Joe Rulli, is bringing the amazing life and tragic, unsolved disappearance of his father, famous fighter Joey "Lupo" Rulli, to the screen. After years of meticulous research, Joe Rulli—with the strong ...
BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Township School District is gearing up for a festive fundraiser that will not only brighten the holiday season but also benefit local students, staff, and families in need. The Paws For A Cause organization is proudly presenting a Holiday Lights Bus Tour on Monday, December ...
OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ — The spirit of giving is already shining brightly in Ocean Township, following the massive success of the first of two "Stuff the Cruiser" toy drives held recently. Organizers extended a "huge thank-you" to every resident who participated, calling the community's generosity ...
OCEAN TOWNSHIP – The Township of Ocean has announced the launch of its Home Improvement Program (HIP), inviting eligible homeowners to apply for financial assistance to cover essential home repairs. The program aims to help low-to-moderate-income residents maintain and improve their properties, ...
BARNEGAT – The Barnegat High School football program is celebrating a successful season as four of its standout players have been named to the prestigious 1st Team All C-South team. The honor recognizes the top performers in the highly competitive Shore Conference C-South division.Barnegat High ...
OCEAN TOWNSHIP — The Ocean Township Police Department (OTPD) is teaming up with key state partners to host a crucial online forum, "E-Bike Info for Parents," offering a smart and straightforward look at the growing trend of e-bike usage among teens and how to ensure their safety.Recognizing that ...
BARNEGAT — The spirit of Christmas is set to light up Barnegat as the Barnegat Recreation Department proudly announces its 6th Annual Christmas Holiday House Decorating Contest! Residents are encouraged to deck their halls and transform their homes into festive masterpieces for a chance to win ...
BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat High School Football Head Coach Paul Covine proudly announced the student-athletes from the 2025 Bengals squad who received recognition for their outstanding performance, earning a spot on the 2nd Team All C-South.The honors span across all class years and multiple ...
STAFFORD — Southern Regional High School's star wrestler, Anthony Mason, has officially committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Bucknell University. The announcement marks a major milestone for Mason, who has been a standout athlete for the Rams' dominant wrestling program. Mason ...
CHARLESTON, SC— Stafford Township, NJ native Dr. Ryan Wydra, an experienced special education teacher and scholar-practitioner, has released his first book, Teaching Academic Seminar with Purpose. The new release has quickly achieved Amazon Best-Seller status, earning top rankings in categories ...
STAFFORD — The Southern Regional High School football team has capped off one of the greatest seasons in school history with a phenomenal showing in the annual Shore Conference B South Division awards. The Rams finished the 2025 campaign with an impressive 9-2 record, a benchmark of excellence that ...
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – The Stafford Township Veterans Garden at 520 Hilliard Blvd. is now home to a permanent and deeply moving symbol of remembrance, following the unveiling of a Battle Cross, a monument to service members killed in battle. The ceremony, held on Veterans Day, was made possible by the ...
BARNEGAT, NJ – An individual allegedly responsible for threatening the Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey and ransacking their office has been taken into custody following an arrest in Barnegat, New Jersey. Keith Michael Lisa, 51, a man who was the subject of an urgent federal manhunt, was taken ...