Jean Mikle

3 weeks ago | app.com | Jean Mikle

Two-minute readThe Ocean County Health Department is urging caution to residents living in areas impacted by the southern Ocean County wildfire, noting that those with respiratory conditions should stay indoors to avoid breathing the smoky air. The health department suggests checking outdoor quality in your area at www.airnow.gov, a site created by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and its partners to give updates about local air quality.

3 weeks ago | app.com | Jean Mikle

Four-minute readToms River Regional Schools is cutting three administrative positions to address a $22.3 million budget deficit. The district has applied for state Tax Levy Incentive Aid, which could allow them to raise taxes above the 2% cap. A public hearing on the proposed $293.5 million budget is scheduled for April 30. TOMS RIVER -- Toms River Regional is cutting three administrators' positions and has applied for state tax levy incentive aid to close a $22.3 million budget gap.

3 weeks ago | app.com | Jean Mikle

Four-minute readA Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen pop-up restaurant operating in the Ocean County Library in Toms River is serving meals to those in need, including homeless people. Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick has criticized the restaurant's location, citing concerns about its impact on library patrons. The Soul Kitchen operates on a "pay it forward" model, where patrons can pay for their meals and/or volunteer.

4 weeks ago | app.com | Jean Mikle

Four-minute readAnthony Cirz won the Toms River Fire District 1 Board of Commissioners election by one vote after a judge upheld a revised vote count. The ruling is stayed until April 29 to allow for a possible appeal, preventing Cirz from participating in the upcoming board meeting. The contested vote was a write-in for Cirz, which his opponent argued should be void according to state statute.

1 month ago | app.com | Jean Mikle

Five-minute readA disputed fire district election in Toms River is under review in court after a write-in vote changed the initial tie. Financial clerk Dawn Halliwell testified that she discovered the write-in vote for Anthony Cirz, giving him a one-vote victory over Michael Hopson. The discovery of the write-in vote led to updated election results and Cirz being sworn in, despite objections from the fire district's attorney.