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The Van Dyk Group

News

  • News••January 8, 2026

    Stafford Township Seeks State Grant for Potential Skate Park

    While nothing is concrete right now, Stafford Township officials are making moves to acquire grant funding that could pave the way for a skate park at the Bay Avenue Community Center.

  • News••January 8, 2026

    Longtime Barnegat Lighter, Author Mary Karch Dies at 88

    The American flag outside the post office in Barnegat Light is flying at half-staff this week in honor of Mary Karch, a former longtime resident of the borough who died Sunday, Jan. 4 at age 88. She…

  • Columns••January 8, 2026

    2026 Has Been Cold and Flat; That Pattern Change Starts Now

    Here it is, my first column of 2026, which is odd because it feels like the fifth week of January already. This year, so far, the waves have yet to hit 2 foot, and the temperature has yet to hit 33.…

  • Columns••January 8, 2026

    Adjust Your Helmets: The New Year Poised to Get Bumpy and Loud

    I approach 2026 with a guarded enthusiasm – and an apolitical apprehension.

  • News••January 8, 2026

    Ship Bottom Honors Tallon at Last Meeting

    The second seat from the left behind the dais in the Ship Bottom meeting room, like the others, was vacant Dec. 30 after the council moved its final meeting of the year to the firehouse to…

  • News••January 8, 2026

    COASTAL Project Supports Local Aquaculture Farmers

    Last month, as part of the second stage of the multifacted, partner-driven Conservation Opportunities Advancing Sustainable Technologies for Aquaculture Leases’ (COASTAL) project, nine area shellfish…

  • Arts & Entertainment••January 8, 2026

    Four Winners in Gingerbread House Contest

    Surflight Theatre and the New Jersey Maritime Museum recently announced winners in the inaugural Beach Haven Gingerbread House contest.

  • News••January 8, 2026

    Stafford Township Police Close Out Year With Five Arrests

    Stafford Township police officers were busy during the final 10 days of 2025.

  • News••January 7, 2026

    Amato Was Primary Sponsor of Four Bills Unanimously Approved on Dec. 22

    State Sen. Carmen F. Amato, Jr. was a busy man as Christmas approached.

  • Arts & Entertainment••January 7, 2026

    Score Big at Southern Regional Sports Collectibles Show Fundraiser

    Collectors and sports memorabilia enthusiasts can start the new year by acquiring some new items when Southern Regional hosts its 2026 Sports Collectibles Show later this month.

  • Opinion•January 7, 2026

    Abuse of Power

    President Trump’s unauthorized bombing of Venezuela – and the forcible removal of Nicolás Maduro and his wife – marks one of the most brazen abuses of executive power in recent memory.

  • Opinion•January 7, 2026

    Goodness and Joy

    I attended the Beach Haven School’s concert, held at Surflight Theatre, demonstrating community at its best. What a delightful evening! Thank you to Mr. Elmo and his gang of elves, as well as Beach…

  • Arts & Entertainment••January 7, 2026

    Surflight Comedy Night Show Set for Jan. 17

    Surflight Theatre’s first Stand-Up Comedy Night of 2026 is scheduled for 7:30 on Saturday, Jan. 17.

  • Sports••January 7, 2026

    Pratola Leads Balanced Offensive Attack as Southern Regional Girls Bounce Steinert

    With one junior, two sophomores and two freshmen as a starting five, Southern Regional girls basketball coach Sean Sweeney is quite pleased with the results seven games into the season.

  • News••January 7, 2026

    Ship Bottom’s Affordable Housing Approach Multi-Layered

    Three commercial properties in Ship Bottom have been set aside as affordable housing overlay zones as part of the borough’s settlement with the state, paving the way for possible future construction…

  • Business••January 7, 2026

    Local Farm Offers CSA Shares

    For those with goals of eating healthier or supporting local businesses in 2026, the Manahawkin-based Eastbound Acres farm has announced that its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares are now…

  • Opinion••January 7, 2026

    My Christmas Miracle Was the All-Time Best Gift Ever

    During the pandemic shutdown, on a Christmas that saw me and my shadow dog, Mick, heading to the beach, I saved someone’s life. Or at least a limb.

  • Arts & Entertainment••January 7, 2026

    Sign Up for Little Egg Harbor Citizens Police Academy

    The Little Egg Harbor Police Department will host its second annual Citizens Police Academy, which will begin Feb. 4.

  • Opinion••January 7, 2026

    Let’s All Resolve to Strive to Be People of Grace

    In the spirit of that miserable green minuscule-hearted Grinch, I must say that it is easy to be a critic. Why else would there be so many of them? They are everywhere you look.

  • Arts & Entertainment••January 7, 2026

    LBI Library Manager Wins Ocean County Art Contest

    As part of Ocean County’s 175th anniversary, residents were invited to create two-dimensional artwork inspired by the theme “Ocean County at 175 Years Is a Great Place to Be.”

  • News••January 7, 2026

    Colangelo, Dupuis Sworn in to Tuckerton Council

    Tuckerton Councilmen Sam Colangelo and Mike Dupuis, both re-elected in November, were sworn into office at the borough’s reorganization meeting on Jan. 1.

  • News••January 7, 2026

    Barnegat VFW Honors Young Patriots

    A group of civic-minded students was recently honored by Barnegat Township VFW Post 10092 as winners in the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essay contests.

  • News••January 7, 2026

    Eagleswood Reorganizes for 2026; Officials Retain Positions, Hold Course

    At the Eagleswood Township Committee’s reorganization meeting of Monday, Jan. 5, the Eagleswood Volunteer Fire Co. officers were sworn in. The installation dinner will take place later this month.

  • Arts & Entertainment••January 7, 2026

    Work on ‘Mobility Moves’ Tuesday Mornings at Ocean Acres Community Center

    Get moving into 2026 more safely and easily. The Stafford Township Recreation Department has announced a new class offering called Mobility Moves, held on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean Acres…

  • Arts & Entertainment••January 7, 2026

    Look Forward to 2026 at Tuckerton Seaport

    With the new year upon us, it’s a great time to look forward to new experiences in the Tuckerton area. Plan ahead for an enriching museum trip, a walk around the water and interesting classes coming…

  • Columns••January 7, 2026

    How Hard Did You Study?

    Well, 2025 is finally over! The Eagles are in the playoffs and luckily the Giants and Jets still call themselves New York. But before we start thinking about the new year there is some unfinished…

  • Opinion•January 7, 2026

    LBIer in D.C.

    When Long Beach Island is mentioned on a national broadcast, quite by reflex, I listen.

  • News••January 7, 2026

    Ken Laney Named Mayor of Little Egg Harbor; Ray Gormley Bids Farewell

    Little Egg Harbor Township ushered in the new year on Jan. 1 with the appointment of a new mayor, Ken Laney, who served as deputy mayor in 2025.

  • News••January 7, 2026

    Pipi Is Barnegat Mayor for 2026

    There’s someone new sitting in the Barnegat mayor’s chair – Pasquale “Pat” Pipi, who was handed the gavel at the Jan. 1 township committee reorganization meeting.

  • Business••January 7, 2026

    Freeman & Company Opens in Harvey Cedars

    Last month, Freeman & Company Real Estate opened an office at 7601 Long Beach Blvd. in Harvey Cedars, across the street from borough hall.

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