Barnegat/Waretown Top Stories
By PAT SHARKEY
March 17, 2026
Future Force: Barnegat Police Open Registration for 2026 Junior Police AcademyBARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Barnegat Township Police Department is officially calling for the next generation of community leaders. Registration is now open for the 2026 Junior Police Academy, a premier summer program ...
PLEASANTVILLE, NJ – The Atlantic County Prosecutors Office announced on March 13 that a 66-year-old Barnegat man is in custody following an investigation into the sexual exploitation of a minor, authorities announced Friday.James Hadley, of Barnegat, was arrested on March 13, 2026, after allegedly ...
SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Ocean County, effective until 7:00 PM EDT this evening. Residents across the Jersey Shore are urged to remain weather-aware as a potent storm system moves through the region, bringing the threat of severe ...
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The future of Southern Regional wrestling is not just bright; it’s podium-ready. This past weekend at the NJSIAA State Championships, two underclassmen solidified their status among the elite, bringing home hardware and proving that the Rams are a force to be reckoned with for ...
STAFFORD - The Stafford Township Arts Center (STAC) is proud to partner with the Atlantic City Ballet to present a new After-School Family Performance Series designed especially for young audiences.This three-performance series introduces children to the magic of live performance through ...
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Barnegat High School Jazz Ensemble hit all the right notes this weekend, delivering a standout performance at the prestigious Steinert High School Jazz Festival. The ensemble walked away with several top honors, solidifying their reputation as a rising force in the ...
MANAHAWKIN – The Southern Regional boys golf team started their season on a high note, securing a convincing 173-192 victory over Wall in their opening match. Competing in a standard stroke-play format over nine holes, the Rams showcased both depth and individual talent to move to 1-0 on the young ...
BARNEGAT, NJ — The post-season accolades continue to roll in for the Barnegat High School girls' basketball program, as two standout student-athletes have officially been named to the Class A-South All-Division teams.The selections, voted on by division coaches, highlight the individual excellence ...
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – A Barnegat resident is facing charges after allegedly attempting to steal over $100 worth of merchandise from a local retailer earlier this week.On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at approximately 6:08 PM, officers with the Stafford Township Police Department responded to the Target ...
BARNEGAT, NJ – It has been a week of major milestones for the Barnegat Township School District, celebrating everything from inclusive workplace innovation to state-level athletic prowess and coaching excellence.BHS Interns Lead the Way in Workplace AccessibilityAt Barnegat High School (BHS), the ...
STAFFORD — The Southern Regional Board of Education has officially ushered in a new era for Rams football. On Wednesday night, March 11, the board approved the appointment of long-time defensive coordinator and Southern alumnus Matt Abbato as the program’s next head football coach.Abbato succeeds ...
BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ – Michael Mulgrew, 37, of Barnegat, pleaded guilty today to two counts of murder in the brutal 2023 stabbing deaths of his parents, Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew. The plea was entered before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., marking a significant milestone in a case that has ...
TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Mikie Sherrill laid out a record $60.7 billion budget on Tuesday that would provide modest increases in a few key areas balanced by more than $2 billion in cuts to other programs, including property tax relief.“Today, I’m submitting to this legislature the most fiscally ...
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Southern Regional girls wrestling program continues to cement its legacy as a powerhouse in the circle. Following a weekend of high-stakes competition at the 2026 NJSIAA Region Tournament hosted by Absegami High School, the Rams are officially sending two standouts to ...
STAFFORD — For four decades, the name Taylor has been synonymous with craftsmanship and community in Stafford Township. Now, one half of the duo that built a local empire is stepping into a well-deserved retirement.Chris Taylor, who co-founded Taylor Made Cabinets with his brother Dave in 1985, has ...
STAFFORD – The rhythm was right and the brass was bright as the Barnegat High School Jazz Ensemble delivered a powerhouse performance at the Southern Regional High School Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 7. The group’s hard work and precision culminated in the highest honor of the night: a Gold ...
LACEY TOWNSHIP — The "Road to AC" has reached its final destination for Barnegat senior Gerald Miller.Following a grueling weekend at the NJSIAA Region 7 tournament, Miller secured a fourth-place finish in the 175-pound weight class, officially qualifying for the Individual State Championships at ...
BARNEGAT, NJ — Dr. Brian Latwis, Superintendent of the Barnegat Township School District, has achieved a major professional milestone by earning his National Superintendent Certification through AASA, The School Superintendents Association.The certification is a rigorous program designed to sharpen ...
STAFFORD — After more than half a century on the sidelines and a career that redefined consistency in New Jersey high school football, Chuck Donohue Sr. has officially coached his final regular-season snap.The legendary Southern Regional High School head coach is retiring after a monumental ...
WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ – The Southern Regional wrestling program made a loud and clear statement at the Region 8 Championships on Saturday, crowned by a stellar performance that saw five Rams climb to the top of the podium. With a relentless display of technique and grit, Southern cemented its status as ...
WILLIAMSTOWN - Southern Regional absolutely flexed its muscles during the Region 8 Quarterfinals on Friday night, advancing a staggering nine wrestlers to the semifinals. The Rams showed exactly why they are a perennial powerhouse, blending technical dominance with the night's most shocking ...
BARNEGAT – After the recent winter storms transformed the township into a sparkling white playground, Barnegat residents traded their shovels for scarves to participate in the annual Snowman Building Contest. From towering giants to comedic frozen characters, the creativity of the community was on ...
GeminiDaylight Saving Time Change ExplainedConversation with GeminiYou saidNews article clocks go ahead to eastern daylight timeGemini saidIt’s that time of year again. This weekend, most of the United States will transition from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).To help ...
BARNEGAT, NJ – The Barnegat Township School District has officially announced its "Outstanding Teachers of the Year" for 2026, honoring six educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their students and the local community.The annual awards recognize staff members who go above and ...
BARNEGAT, NJ – The Barnegat Township School District is shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes of its educational community. This week, the district officially announced its Outstanding Staff Members of the Year, recognizing seven individuals whose dedication keeps the district running smoothly, ...
TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has thrown its full weight behind a legislative push by Senate President Nick Scutari to repeal the controversial New Jersey Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) Rule.In a unanimous show of support, the Board praised Scutari’s newly ...
STAFFORD – It has been a banner week for the Southern Regional Rams as the community celebrates a hard-fought girls' basketball season and the next chapter for two standouts from the football program.Hardwood Success; Girls Basketball Wraps UP 17-10 season. The Southern Regional High School girls' ...
BARNEGAT, NJ – The hallways of Cecil S. Collins Elementary and Lillian M. Dunfee Elementary were buzzing with literary excitement this week as students and staff kicked off the 2026 Read Across America celebration. The annual event, which began on March 2nd, saw the Barnegat Township School ...
WEST CREEK, NJ – For over a decade, the Arctic Outreach has been the ultimate remedy for the winter blues, transforming the coldest months into a season of profound giving. This year, the tradition enters a fresh chapter as the Jetty Rock Foundation and Tide Table Group move the 11th Annual Arctic ...
SURF CITY, NJ – Following a massive wave of interest in their recent Sea Glass event, Wally’s in Surf City is answering the community’s call for more creative outlets. The local staple has announced its next Art Night, scheduled for Thursday, April 16th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.The evening will be ...