Joe Strupp

Maplewood

Reporter at Asbury Park Press

Reporter, author, news junkie, adjunct professor.

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Articles

Lakewood Schools request another massive state loan even as school board objects

2 weeks ago | app.com | Joe Strupp

The loan request, and a proposed $303.8 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year, were actually approved by State Monitor Louise Davis, who stepped in to override the board’s unanimous rejection. The new budget, which now goes to the county superintendent, will boost the school tax by about $88, or 2.4%, a year for an average township household. Lakewood Schools have faced a state aid crisis for more than a decade and are currently involved in a lawsuit demanding state aid be increased.
Skydiving to return to Lakewood Airport in new deal that allows development

3 weeks ago | app.com | Joe Strupp

The new skydiving lease agreement will be with ISkyDive America, which is based in Michigan and operates similar recreational parachuting services in several cities, including Miami and Detroit. The agreement will allow the company to operate under a $6,000 annual lease fee, while also renting a trailer for $75 to $100 per month.
Annual Chametz burning draws thousands before Passover

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Joe Strupp

LAKEWOOD – Thousands of Orthodox residents gathered throughout the township Friday, the day before Passover, to partake in the annual Chametz burning ritual that dates back centuries. That symbolic tossing of items into fire celebrates the liberation of Jewish people from slavery in ancient Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. Back then, Jews escaped in such a haste that there was no time to leaven the bread, observers say.
Lakewood offers nine locations for annual religious ceremonies.

1 month ago | app.com | Joe Strupp

LAKEWOOD – Thousands of Orthodox residents gathered throughout the township Friday, the day before Passover, to partake in the annual Chametz burning ritual that dates back centuries. That symbolic tossing of items into fire celebrates the liberation of Jewish people from slavery in ancient Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. Back then, Jews escaped in such a haste that there was no time to leaven the bread, observers say.
New Lakewood Middle School data proves recent staff violent concerns

1 month ago | app.com | Joe Strupp

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy. The majority of the increase affected the middle school, which saw the number of violent incidents rise from 8 in 2021-2022 to 49 in 2023-2024. The new data comes as middle school teachers and Lakewood Education Association leaders have been campaigning for more than a year for improved response to student misbehavior.
New data shows sharp increase in Lakewood Middle School violence

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Joe Strupp

LAKEWOOD ― Violent incidents at Lakewood Middle School nearly quadrupled last year, according to recently released data, apparently backing up teacher claims that student behavior is worsening and their safety is at risk. But while the number of incidents has skyrocketed in the past two years, police calls have remained about the same and no students have been suspended in that time, according to reports.
Lakewood school watchdogs were paid nearly $2 million as district money woes spike

1 month ago | app.com | Joe Strupp

Since 2014, Lakewood Schools paid state monitors nearly $2 million. Most monitors have pocketed $100,000 as at least two receive about $500,000 each. At the same time the district has financed the monitors, its debt has climbed to $200 million. Information about the monitors' invoices are spotty at best. And their reports to the state about progress and plans to address the "deficiencies" are spotty were not provided by officials.
Bias crime charges in theft of pride flag from Matawan donut shop

1 month ago | app.com | Joe Strupp

MATAWAN – A man who allegedly stole a pride flag from a local donut shop and made a Nazi salute before scuffling with the store’s owner has been arrested and charged with several crimes, including bias intimidation, police said. Maciej Wojciak, 61, of Holmdel also allegedly “simulated sexual acts in the roadway” and threatened to burn down the shop, according to a police statement.
Lakewood Middle School teachers demand better discipline in 'unsafe and untenable' school

1 month ago | app.com | Joe Strupp

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy. Seventy-one teachers signed a letter to Superintendent Laura Winters demanding action about ongoing middle school student misbehavior. Winters insisted on teachers taking a survey instead about the situation. Previous reports cite high teacher turnover and "high levels of distrust" in the district. Between 2019 and 2024, more than 100 staffers had left the district each year, officials said.
Toms River man gets five years in prison for shooting another man in the leg

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Joe Strupp

TOMS RIVER -- A township man has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault and unlawful weapons’ charges for shooting another man in the leg last June, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Anthony Brown, 20, was sentenced on Friday by state Superior Court Judge David M. Fritch to four years in prison on the aggravated assault charge and to five years for possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The sentences will run concurrently.