Shooting At Best Western On Route 70 In Lakewood

Lakewood- One person was hospitalized after a shooting reportedly took place at the Best Western on Route 70 in Lakewood, according to Lakewood police.

The victim, whom police declined to identify, suffered "non-life-threatening injuries," according to police.

The victim was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. Lakewood police said they had no further information on the incident or the suspect.

Find updates on Brick Patch.

Motorcyclist Critically Injured In Collision With Truck In Bayville

Berkely- A 48-year-old Bayville man was in critical condition early this morning, after his motorcycle collided with a Dodge Ram truck on Dorsey Drive early Tuesday evening, Patrolman John Houghkirk said.

James McGee, Hancock Avenue, was traveling north on Dorsey Lane across from Central Regional High School when his 2006 Harley Davidson collided with a truck driven by Ralph Blumberg, 22, Dorsey Lane, Houghkirk said.

Read more on Berkely Patch.

Freeholder: Rebuilding Ocean County is Job 1 in 2013

Ocean County- When the Ocean County Board of Freeholders reorganizes New Years Day, John P. Kelly will take over as freeholder director in the midst of one of the most challenging periods the county has faced in decades.

Already struggling with difficulties from a tough economy, the county now must rebuild from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy — and do so in the face of many conflicting demands and interests.

Read more on Toms River Patch.

Planning Lessons from Sandy: Climate Change a Reality, Adjustments Needed

Jersey Shore- Climate change is a reality, experts say.

Following Hurricane Sandy's impact on the Jersey Shore, property owners will have to make some tough decisions about how and if they should rebuild. 

For those willing to stick it out, the only option is to build smarter and build up, some say. Here, two professionals, one an architect, one a hazard mitigation specialist, talk about the reality of climate change, and the future of building along the coast.

Read more on Toms River Patch.

How New Jersey's Most Crooked Politician Was Finally Caught

Manchester- Joseph S. Portash was nearly 6’ 5”, a mop of graying hair making him appear stately. He was 56 when I met him late one February afternoon in 1988, and he would be dead in two years, his name synonymous with scandal. 

He’d come through a side door of the Manchester Township Municipal Building wearing an overcoat as bits of snow twirled in the frigid Pine Barrens air. I remember him walking swiftly toward a dark Lincoln Town Car.

I’d just pulled into the parking lot and there he was, right in front of me.

Read more on Manchester Patch.