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Forked River, NJ

'Ultimate Baller:' Jersey Shore Man, 39, Killed In Pre-Thanksgiving Crash 'Ultimate Baller:' Jersey Shore Man, 39, Killed In Pre-Thanksgiving Crash
'Ultimate Baller:' Jersey Shore Man, 39, Killed In Pre-Thanksgiving Crash A Forked River man was killed when his pickup hit a utility pole and rolled over in an overnight crash, authorities said. Christopher Winkle, 39, died in the crash on Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Lacey Township Police Department said in a news release. Police responded to the 2800 block of Dover Road at around 12:19 a.m.  Officers arrived to find a severely damaged 2016 Nissan Frontier overturned in the woods. Winkle was ejected from the truck during the crash. Paramedics tried to save Winkle's life but he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators said Winkle was drivi…
Man Who Strangled Wife, Dumped Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road Sentenced: Prosecutors Man Who Strangled Wife, Dumped Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road Sentenced: Prosecutors
Man Who Strangled Wife, Dumped Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road Sentenced: Prosecutors A Forked River man will spend more than four decades in prison after he was convicted of strangling his wife to death and leaving her body on the side of a Monmouth County road, authorities said. Jeremy Cruz, 53, was sentenced to 50 years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Sept. 13. A jury found him guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday, Apr. 24. Investigators said a driver saw 51-year-old Dawn Cruz with severe injuries on Colonial Avenue near the intersection with Asbury Avenue in Ocean Township …
'A Fight We Cannot Win': Vet-Owned Jersey Shore Brewery Closing After Years Of Pints, Charity 'A Fight We Cannot Win': Vet-Owned Jersey Shore Brewery Closing After Years Of Pints, Charity
'A Fight We Cannot Win': Vet-Owned Jersey Shore Brewery Closing After Years Of Pints, Charity An Ocean County brewery run by an Army veteran will serve its final pint after nearly a decade in business. Backward Flag Brewing Company announced on social media that it will permanently close on Saturday, June 29. The Forked River brewery will host an event starting at noon for "one last party" and "one final toast." The brewery thanked its fans and supporters in its announcement. "We know how hard this news will hit some," Backward Flag posted. "We feel that sting too. We have fought to keep our doors open for a while now, but this is a fight we cannot win." Yes. It is true,…
Veteran Severely Injured In Costa Rica, South Jersey Mom Fighting To Get Him To U.S. Hospital Veteran Severely Injured In Costa Rica, South Jersey Mom Fighting To Get Him To U.S. Hospital
Veteran Severely Injured In Costa Rica, South Jersey Mom Fighting To Get Him To U.S. Hospital A Forked River woman is fighting for her veteran son to return to the U.S. after he was severely injured in Costa Rica, according to a fundraising campaign. On a GoFundMe page, Debra Vargas said that her son Codey Vargas suffered several injuries in an accident, including severe head trauma, a collapsed lung, several fractured ribs, paralyzed intestines, pneumonia, facial fractures, and several scrapes. Codey's accident happened on Wednesday, Mar. 20, but Debra wasn't aware of it until the U.S. embassy in Costa Rica told her on Tuesday, Apr. 2. The GoFundMe page for Codey raised more than $…
Jersey Shore Woman Accused Of Stealing $100K From Construction Company: Police Jersey Shore Woman Accused Of Stealing $100K From Construction Company: Police
Jersey Shore Woman Accused Of Stealing $100K From Construction Company: Police An Ocean County woman was accused of stealing more than $100,000 from a construction company, authorities said. Dawn Sanzari, 50, of Forked River, was arrested on Monday, Mar. 25, the Stafford Township Police Department said in a news release. She was charged with second-degree theft by deception and fraudulent use of a credit card. Stafford police received a report of a theft from a construction company on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Macko Construction reported that more than $100,000 was stolen from its business account. Sanzari was released pending a future court appearance.
Three Arrested After Heroin, Meth, Guns Found In Vehicle Blocking Atlantic City Traffic: Police Three Arrested After Heroin, Meth, Guns Found In Vehicle Blocking Atlantic City Traffic: Police
Three Arrested After Heroin, Meth, Guns Found In Vehicle Blocking Atlantic City Traffic: Police Three people were accused of having drugs and guns in a vehicle that was blocking traffic in Atlantic City, authorities said. Vincente Scalzo, 36, of New Port Richey, Florida, Aubrey Costello, 25, of Forked River, and Lamar Dew, 36, of Atlantic City, were arrested on Saturday, Mar. 23. The Atlantic City Police Department announced their arrests in a news release on Monday, Mar. 25. An officer saw a vehicle illegally parked and blocking a lane of traffic near the intersection of California and Fairmount avenues at around 9:35 a.m. Scalzo was the driver and the officer noticed drug parapherna…
'Devastating Turn' For South Jersey Girl, 7, After Flu Complications: Campaign 'Devastating Turn' For South Jersey Girl, 7, After Flu Complications: Campaign
'Devastating Turn' For South Jersey Girl, 7, After Flu Complications: Campaign A Lacey Township girl was fighting for her life after complications from the flu, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page for seven-year-old Alena Robles said the Forked River girl was in a coma at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. Her family wrote that she began feeling sick on Sunday, Mar. 10, and woke up with a headache the next day before having several seizures. Robles was rushed to the hospital's intensive care unit and doctors said her flu infection has caused severe encephalitis. "The medical team is working tirelessly to combat the sw…
'Fly High Chels': South Jersey Cheerleader Dies Unexpectedly, 14: Campaign 'Fly High Chels': South Jersey Cheerleader Dies Unexpectedly, 14: Campaign
'Fly High Chels': South Jersey Cheerleader Dies Unexpectedly, 14: Campaign A Lacey Township teen known for her love of cheerleading has died, according to a donation campaign. A GoFundMe page said Chelsea Diehl of Forked River unexpectedly died on Sunday, Mar. 3. A cause of death was not mentioned for the 14-year-old girl. Diehl's GoFundMe page had raised more than $24,000 from at least 496 donations as of Tuesday, Mar. 3. Becky Hutler-Melanson, who organized the memorial fundraiser, said Diehl's death was devastating. "She was a wonderful daughter, friend, and athlete who touched the lives of all those around her," Hutler-Melanson wrote. "Her smile lit up the r…
Twins Born In Different Years Among NJ's First Babies Of 2024 Twins Born In Different Years Among NJ's First Babies Of 2024
Twins Born In Different Years Among NJ's First Babies Of 2024 Twin brothers were among some of the last babies born in 2023 and the first of 2024 in New Jersey. Ezra was born at 11:48 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, while his little brother Ezekial was born at 12:28 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at Virtua Voorhees Hospital in Camden. Ezra weighed 6 pounds and measured 18¾ inches long, while Ezekial weighed 4 pounds and measured 17¼ inches long. To make their birthdays even more special, Ezra shares his birthday with his dad, Billy, who is a New Year’s Eve baby, too. Parents Eve and Billy are thrilled that their boys are healthy and will ha…
Sudden Death Of NJ High Schooler Prompts Outpouring Of Support Sudden Death Of NJ High Schooler Prompts Outpouring Of Support
Sudden Death Of NJ High Schooler Prompts Outpouring Of Support The community is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old boy whose "life was just beginning" when he was killed in a car accident. Jayson Lee Cugliari of Forked River had just been accepted to the college of his choice, Stockton University. He was working and getting ready for Christmas, according to a GoFundMe page. The senior at Lacey Township High School was killed in a car accident on Dec. 9.  Jayson worked at the Goddard School in Forked River where he was adored by students and staff. "He loved being around children," his obituary said. "Working with children was his passion." He wa…
EMS Volunteer Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Route 9 Jersey Shore EMS Volunteer Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Route 9 Jersey Shore
EMS Volunteer Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Route 9 Jersey Shore A volunteer member of the Bayville First Aid Squad was killed when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle turning from Route 9 into a shopping center parking lot in Forked River, authorities said. Michael McCabe, 49, was riding north on Route 9 and the southbound vehicle driven by 55-year-old Anne Danza of Forked River was turning left into Sunset Plaza at 5:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, Lacey police said. McCabe, a life member of the Bayville First Aid Squad, died of the injuries he suffered in the crash, police said. Lacey Township EMS and RWJ Paramedics responded to the scene.  “Mike w…
Three Pedestrians Killed By Car In South Jersey Three Pedestrians Killed By Car In South Jersey
Three Pedestrians Killed By Car In South Jersey Three pedestrians were struck and killed by a car in Burlington County Saturday, Sept. 24, authorities said. A Nissan Maxima heading north on Chatworth Barnegat Road (CR-532) struck the rear of a Ford Mustang, also heading north around 11:25 p.m. in Woodland Township, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Philip Curry said. The Nissan then hit three pedestrians identified as Dion Cardell, 50, of Browns Mills, Michael Stull, 46, of Hamilton, and Brian Blaszka, 36, of Forked River. All were killed. The driver of the Ford sustained minor injuries and the driver of the Nissan did not report any in…
Professional Ring Finder Strikes Silver, Gold All Over NJ Professional Ring Finder Strikes Silver, Gold All Over NJ
Professional Ring Finder Strikes Silver, Gold All Over NJ He doesn't do it for fame or fortune, but Ed Trapper's hobby as a treasure hunter attracts a lot of attention. Last weekend, he was able to find a wedding ring on the beach in Lavallette. And a man's gold cross in a lagoon.  Asked whether he's had one special find, the 63-year-old Forked River resident said, "They're all rewarding." Trapper said it's all about doing a lot of detective work, and it's important if the person seeking their lost item knows approximately where they lost it. "You ask them over and over again," Trapper said, to narrow down the location. In the case of the weddi…
WINNERS: Jersey Cash 5 Players Split $865K WINNERS: Jersey Cash 5 Players Split $865K
Winners: Jersey Cash 5 Players Split $865K Two lucky Jersey Cash 5 players will split $864,760, state Lottery officials said. The winning tickets were sold at a Wawa store and Walsh Farms in Middlesex and Ocean counties from the Wednesday, June 1 drawing. Each ticket is worth $432,380.  The winning numbers were: 08, 16, 25, 27, and 39 and the XTRA number was: 02.  The retailers will receive a bonus check for $2,000 for each winning ticket sold.  Those tickets were sold at the following locations: Middlesex County: Welsh Farms, 1 Schuyler Drive, Edison; and, Ocean County: WAWA #988, 800 Lacey Road, Forked River.
NJ Mom Faces Long Road To Recovery After Brain Tumor Removal NJ Mom Faces Long Road To Recovery After Brain Tumor Removal
NJ Mom Faces Long Road To Recovery After Brain Tumor Removal Stephanie Cole was getting ready to start as a student in an ultrasound program in 2018 when she began suffering from headaches and dizziness. Doctors found a small, non-cancerous tumor, Acoustic Neuroma, and gave her two options: Watch and wait, or go under the knife. Cole, now 36, of Forked River, decided to watch and wait. The mom of three powered through her symptoms up until graduation. But by the time Cole landed her dream job in April 2021, her tumor had tripled in size. Cole under went surgery to have it removed last month and is readjusting to a new normal. While a GoFundMe pag…
$1,000 REWARD: Who Dumped Crated Dog In NJ Woods Near Gun Club? $1,000 REWARD: Who Dumped Crated Dog In NJ Woods Near Gun Club?
$1,000 Reward: Who Dumped Crated Dog In NJ Woods Near Gun Club? A $1,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for dumping a crated dog in a wooded New Jersey area. The Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park ACO Maria Cymanski responded to a  call for an abandoned dog near 1450 West Bay Ave., in Barnegat on Monday, Dec. 28. There, she found a young, female Siberian Husky mix left in a crate in a wooded area near a gun club, initially spotted by a man leaving the gun club who went over to investigate. The dog -- who had a pink collar and was …
GOOD GRIEF: Only One Charlie Brown Steakhouse Remains In NJ GOOD GRIEF: Only One Charlie Brown Steakhouse Remains In NJ
Good Grief: Only One Charlie Brown Steakhouse Remains In NJ 2020 has been a miserable year for Charlie Brown restaurants in New Jersey. Spurred by the coronavirus pandemic, 13 Charlie Brown Fresh Grills have closed statewide this year. Only one restaurant remains, in Union County. Charlie Brown’s, a casual steakhouse chain that at one time enjoyed dozens of eateries across New Jersey and the East Coast, is now down to just one spot in Scotch Plains. At the start of 2020, there were 14 Charlie Brown’s restaurants in the Garden State. After Charlie Brown closed its Lakewood spot, the last one left is at 2376 North Ave. in Scotch Plains.  A company…
Jersey Shore Restaurant Owner Admits Ducking $185,000 In Federal Taxes Jersey Shore Restaurant Owner Admits Ducking $185,000 In Federal Taxes
Jersey Shore Restaurant Owner Admits Ducking $185,000 In Federal Taxes The owner of a Jersey Shore Italian restaurant admitted stiffing the IRS out of $185,000 in personal and corporate taxes. Raimondo Schiano, 55, admitted diverting unreported income from Biagio’s Trattoria in Lacey Township to his personal account for four straight years, beginning in 2014, during a video conference with a federal judge in Trenton on Wednesday, Special IRS Agent Robert Glantz said. None of the diverted funds was reported as income on either the corporate tax returns for the Lanoka Harbor restaurant or on Schiano’s personal tax returns, Glantz said. As a result, Schiano, of…
Lightning Strike Fire Engulfs Jersey Shore Home Lightning Strike Fire Engulfs Jersey Shore Home
Lightning Strike Fire Engulfs Jersey Shore Home UPDATE: A lightning strike Wednesday ignited a fire that destroyed a Jersey Shore home and killed several pets. Two cats, a bird and several reptiles died in the Beckerville Road fire, which broke out in the 1½-story ranch house shortly before 3 p.m., Manchester Township police said. Responders included firefighters from Whiting, Manchester, Ridgeway, Forked River, Lakehurst, Cassville and Whitesville, as well as Manchester Township EMS and police. No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross found temporary lodging and provided supplies to the family.