Officials Rule Fatal Ocean County Fire Accidental

By Alyssa Riccardi BERKELEY

– Authorities have announced that a house fire, which killed a 59-year-old man, has been determined accidental in nature.

The blaze occurred May 10 around 1:30 p.m., with multiple fire companies responding to a home on Tortola Street in Berkeley Township.

While suppressing the flames, first responders found the victim on the floor in the home. He was quickly brought to RWJ Community Medical Center in Toms River where he later succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

Through investigation, authorities discovered that the fire originated on a recliner in the living room of the home, and was caused accidentally due to smoking materials. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Berkeley Township Police Department, and Berkeley Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.

Berkeley Township Recycling Center

BERKELEY – Open to residents with proof (valid driver’s license with Berkeley address, tax bill or recent utility bill.)

Hours are Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Collection of comingles, newspaper, cardboard, tires, junk mail, metal items/appliances, hard plastic, paint cans, shrink wrap and electronics.

Branches and brush are on a call-in basis by homeowners. They can call: 732-349-4616 to arrange pick up. Residents can bring branches/ brush to the Recycling Center there is a dumpster on site. Check your Sanitation Schedule/ Calendar for leaf pick up.

To help residents “Spring Clean” to remove branches and brush, the Berkeley Township Recycling Center will be extending its hours as follows:

May 20 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 21 – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Special Meeting Notice

In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 of the Laws of New Jersey, the Central Regional Board of Education is going to have a Special meeting on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 at 5:00pm. The meeting will be held in the Board of Education office located behind Central Regional High School at 509 Forest Hills Parkway, Bayville, NJ 08721. The main purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the Superintendent Search with NJ School Boards Association. Other action may be taken at the meeting. The Board of Education will go into closed session at 5:00pm.

Kevin O’Shea Business Administrator/Board Secretary

Package includes: Removal from hospital or facility within 25 miles of funeral home, all funeral home service fees, and required cremation container MCDDT-01. Package excludes residential removal fee and Crematory charges.

Package includes: 2-Hr Memorial Visitation (during regular business hours) a complimentary select Urn, removal from Hospital or Facility with-in 25 miles of Funeral Home, all Funeral Home service fees, required cremation container MCDDT-01. Package excludes residential removal fee and Crematory charges.

Police Unity Tour Berkeley PBA

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen Amato wished good luck and safe travels to members of Berkeley Township PBA local 237 who participated in the Police Unity Tour. They cycled over 300 miles to Washington, D.C. in remembrance of fallen officers.

Police Unity Tour Pine Beach PBA

PINE BEACH – The Borough of Pine Beach wished good luck and safe travels to members of Beachwood & Pine Beach PBA Local 253 and South Toms River PBA 368 who are participated in the Police Unity Tour.

A special shout out to their very own Pine Beach Police Department officer, Sgt. Steven Araneo!