Authorities Urge Residents To Lock Their

By Alyssa Riccardi

BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Township Police Department is urging locals to lock their cars as motor vehicle thefts have increased in the area.

The message stems from a recent investigation of an attempted car theft where the key fobs were left inside, becoming an easy target. Police said the homeowner was fortunate to see the suspects and interrupted their attempt at stealing the car.

“As we have previously mentioned, incidents of reported motor vehicle thefts have increased statewide. The increase within Ocean County is partially due

Vehicles

to would-be offenders from outside of our community seeking out high-end vehicles that are left unlocked with the key fob inside,” Barnegat Police said in a statement.

Police also stated how unlocked vehicles could also lead to suspects attempting to enter a victim’s home, by finding an unlocked door, window, or through the garage by activating the garage door opener if found inside the car.

“We cannot stress this enough - keep your car doors locked. Do not create an easy opportunity for those committing these crimes,” Barnegat police said.

More NJ Bed Bath & Beyond Stores Set To Close

By Alyssa Riccardi

NEW JERSEY – Bed Bath & Beyond has announced plans to close more of its stores across the state, including its Manahawkin location.

The New Jersey-based home goods retailer began closing locations over the past couple of years, closing up to 200 stores nationwide due to fi nancial struggles.

The company has confi rmed the following New Jersey stores will be closing: Eliz- abeth, Manahawkin, Marlton, Paramus, Watchung, North Brunswick, Ramsey, Flemington, Matawan, Bridgewater, Mays Landing, Mt. Laurel, and Kinnelon.

In Ocean County, the previous Toms River store located on Hooper Avenue closed in October 2020. At the time the company stated how COVID-19 affected the business and its sales. Currently, the Brick Township location is still open on Chambers Bridge Road, with no announcements of closing in the future.

Free Rabies Clinic

STAFFORD – Mayor Myhre and Township Council would like to remind you that the free rabies clinic will be held on February 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Water and Sewer Department Garage located at

260 East Bay Avenue, behind Town Hall. Residents will also be able to purchase cat and dog licenses the day of the event. Call the Animal Control Department at 609-5971000 ext. 8525 for details.

The Southern Ocean Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

Global Warming, Climate Change And Weather

Renee A. Thomaier

We’ve all heard about global warming. Is it real? Maybe it’s just the Earth’s natural cycle of change affecting the climate and our weather. This subject affects the ‘global’ community.

Global Warming relates to the Earth’s rapid increase in the average surface temperature. Carbon emissions from fossil fuels are linked to global warming and as a result, to climate change.

Climate Change, according to National Geographic, “is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. Often climate change refers specifically to the rise in global temperatures from the mid-20th century to present.” Climate and weather are two different things. Climate speaks to the atmospheric changes referring to periods of time, typically 30 years or more. Whereas weather is the short-term change in the atmosphere.

No longer can we expect to wake up each day, think about what ‘season’ we’re in, but rather, expect our weather to be determined day-by-day. I remember as a child, in anticipation of entering each new season, people were putting away the clothing they were wearing, and refreshing their wardrobe with clothing appropriate for the expected change in season. We prepared for our cooling and heating systems to be running according to seasons. Today, maybe we need our heating system in the morning, but when we return home, we find that it would be more comfortable to turn on the air conditioning.

Whether you believe in ‘global warming’ or not, what’s occurring cannot be denied. The lives of every living organism on our planet is affected as we rely upon each other for our survival. That’s not, however, the entire story. Since our environment is changing, the Earth itself, beyond the living organisms we depend on, our homes and other structures that support life, are being destroyed. Landslides, sinkholes, rain, snow, winds are causing damage at alarming rates.

It’s clear this transformation is causing us to react accordingly. We are all in this together. We all matter and are connected to each other.

Information for this article from was gathered through multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/ or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm inflicted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

Democratic Club Of Stafford Township

Upcoming Meeting

STAFFORD – The Democratic Club of Stafford Township meets every third Thursday of the month at the Stafford Recreation Center located at 775 East Bay Avenue, in Manahawkin to discuss the issues in our township. They want to make Stafford Township a better and more inclusive place to live, so please stop by and bring your friends. Remember, the opposite of democracy is apathy. Their next meeting is on February 16 at 6:30 p.m.