No Jail Time In Animal Cruelty Case - by Jason Allentoff

The date was Monday, April 7th, 2008. The WOBM Newsroom received a phone call from Barnegat Police Lieutenant Pat Shaffrey that a gruesome discovery had been made at a home on Potomac Court. I promptly left the station heading for the house - not knowing what to expect. At least seven news trucks from New York and Philadelphia TV stations were on the scene when I arrived as a local station's helicopter hovered loudly overhead. It was a story that I followed for five full days and one that came to a conclusion this week in a Toms River Courtroom.

A representative of a bank that had foreclosed on 21 Potomac Court came by to change the locks when he noticed an overpowering stench. No one was home and the property appeared to be abandoned. Garbage bags and old newspapers were stacked up out front. This prompted a call to police leading to the grotesque scene. Row after row of cages with mummified remains of animals - everything from dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, turtles and guinea pigs. In the freezer were the bodies of 28 kittens. At the time, Police Chief Art Drexler said some of the pets were decomposed so much that it was hard to determine an accurate total. The rotting remains were carried out in bags as neighbors looked on with disbelief. A media shanty town was set up outside the house as A-S-P-C-A and Popcorn Park Zoo representatives aided in the cleanup. Because of the feces spread throughout the house and carcasses covered in flies, officers and officials had to wear haz-mat suits. A-S-P-C-A officer Tom Yanisko told me at the scene that he had never seen such horror in his life. Just steps away from the house, he described the inside as a "fly-infested, maggot-infested tomb.''

Eyewitnesses had said the last time they saw anyone enter the home was around Christmas 2007. One woman across the street from the home said even when she did see the husband and wife occupants, they kept mostly to themselves. When all was said and done, about 68 animals were counted. Within 24 hours of the discovery, Matthew and Amanda Teymant were charged with animal cruelty. Matthew worked as a dispatcher for the Toms River Police Department. At the time, Chief Mike Mastronardy told WOBM News that the crime didn't fit Teymant, who also worked as a volunteer with the Toms River First Aid Squad. In addition, Teymant's father is a Toms River police canine officer who trained dogs for agencies throughout the state.

On Monday, Matthew Teymant, now 30, appeared in a Toms River Courtroom where he could have faced jail time for the crime he admitted to back in February. According to published reports, Judge Barbara Villano didn't agree with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office's plan to get Teymant to serve 364 days in jail because he had no prior criminal record. Instead, Teymant will serve five years' probation and was ordered to perform 250 hours of community service. He has since resigned from the Toms River Police Department. His wife Amanda, now 23, was admitted into a pre-trial intervention program that will drop charges against her within the next 18 months. She must perform about 100 hours of community service. Both are not allowed to go near animals as part of their sentences.

Its a verdict that doesn't sit too well with animal activists. Stuart Chaifetz with the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance says he is totally outraged that the sentence was too lax. He feels jail time was mandatory in this case. Chaifetz says "there should be some accountability - there should be a message sent that you can't do this so that the next person doesn't do this and get away with it." He adds "if so much devastation and death can occur and you can just walk from it, then what's the point in having cruelty laws?" Chaifetz says this was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty he has ever seen.

According to reports, a lawyer for the couple said Matthew Teymant was only trying to care for needy animals, but he and his wife became overwhelmed when they had two children of their own. Chaifetz says "whatever their intentions were - the moment the animals started to die, it went from being a sanctuary to a prison. You have to have some kind of common sense to know how many lives you can take care of in a reasonable manner." They abandoned the house about seven months before the gruesome discovery. Neither Teymant's attorney Bradley Billhimer nor Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco have returned phone calls to WOBM News for comment.

by Jason Allentoff
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Images courtesy of pet-abuse.com

by Rosetta Key

Officials with the State Department of Environmental Protection once again strike down the efforts of Lacey Township officials to build a 2.2 mile alternative roadway to Route 9 on the old Central Jersey railroad right-of-way.

On March 27th, State Urban Growth and Redevelopment officials with the Division of Land use Regulation, determined that there were feasible alternatives to the proposed road project and that the applicant failed to demonstrate the alternatives.

Helen Henderson, Chair of the Lacey Rail Trail Environmental Committee, a group that formed in 2000 aimed at stopping construction on the railroad right-of-way, says they on the other hand, provided the State D.E.P with a comprehensive analysis of the township's road application.

She says, "We think that the D.E.P. did a thorough review. You know, the findings were that the road is detrimental, that there are alternatives for traffic improvements and they justified the protection of open space."

Rail Trail Committee Founder and Secretary Donna Bahrley says "the township also could not prove that the traffic relief would warrant sacrificing this non-motorized transportation corridor the Barnegat Branch trail."

Meanwhile, Bahrley says she's been working with 9th District State legislators Senator Chris Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Dan Van Pelt since 2001 on safety improvements to the busy Route 9/Lacey Road intersection. She says, "that project is coming to fruition within the next two years."

Rejection of the Township's application doesn't prohibit them from appealing the decision or even from applying a third time.

However, Bahrley says, "she's hoping the Township will finally recognize that after two denials and spending almost a million dollars on their second application, that the taxpayers are not going to be able to handle any more money spent on the project and that they work forward now toward preservation and hopefully donate the old rail bed to the County for the Barnegat Branch Trail or pursue conservation through other funding sources.

So does this spell the end of the Lacey Rail Trail Environmental Committee?

Committee officials give a resounding no. Henderson says "there's no resting in Lacey Township. We're going to continue to work tirelessly to make sure the railroad right-of-way is a safe, car free, county park from Barnegat all the way up through South Toms River.

Henderson says the Lacey Rail Trail was carved out by the former railroad tracks of the Central Jersey Rail Road that ran from Toms River to Barnegat from 1870 until the 1950's. She says the tracks were pulled up in the 1970's leaving a sandy tree-lined roadway that's been used by walkers and bikers for many years. Henderson says evidence of the old railroad light post can be seen in Waretown near the new Shoprite.

Toms River Students Take A Stand Against Big Tobacco

By Tom Mongelli

Well over a thousand sixth-graders from Ocean County schools turn away from a life of smoking addiction at the Ritacco Center. New Jersey REBEL's annual "Choose To Be Smoke-Free" shore event brings youngsters together for valuable information about personal responsibility, courage, and good health choices

It's co-sponsored by the Ocean County Community Partnership for a Smoke Free New Jersey. Albert Petroni, based in Lakewood, has been associated with the program since its inception in 1999.

"They're essentially going to put the message out to big tobacco that they're no longer going to be manipulated," Petroni says. "They're going to take control of their lives, make a pledge to themselves and to their friends to be smoke-free."

The event also treats kids to an interactive show by the Cameo Cast Theater, which has contributed in each of the past three years.

Petroni says that sixth-graders are the most vulnerable to suggestions, from others their ownage as well as from media sources such as advertising - and they're filled with the uncertainties that accompany entry into junior high school. REBELL is composed of youngsters in the same age bracket, up through middle teens.

"If we can impart to them peer pressure refusal skills and youth advocacy, to just say 'no,' then down the line, they won't be as vulnerable to that kind of destructive behavior," Petroni says.

By Tom Mongelli
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Emergency Response Exercise Scheduled For Tomorrow In Brick - by Jason Allentoff

Don't be alarmed if you are driving down Route 88 in Brick Township tomorrow morning and you see hazmat vehicles, first aid trucks, police cars and what appears to be a chemical fire. The Brick Township Police Department's Office of Emergency Management will hold an emergency response exercise beginning at 9:00 A.M. A simulation of a fire/chlorine leak will take place at the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority building with units from Brick, Berkeley Township and Point Pleasant Boro taking part.

Patrolman Joseph Pawlowicz who serves as the Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Management says their ultimate goal is to make the experience as authentic as possible. He stresses that "preparation is the key to effectively dealing with disasters and hazardous situations and this training exercise will go a long way towards preparing all of our emergency responders."

Beginning at around 9:00, a mock simulation of the incident will take place and the police department will be called to the scene. Medical teams from Ocean Medical Center will be called in as well to treat "actors" in various roles. Units from the Berkeley Hazardous Material Unit, Breton Woods Fire Company, Brick First Aid, Brick Township Fire Bureau, the Brick Township Police Department, Brick Police EMS, Brick Township OEM, Community First Aid, the Herbertsville Fire Company, the Herbertsville First Aid squad, Laurelton Fire Company, Ocean County Fire Marshall, Pioneer Hose Fire Company and the Point Pleasant Borough Fire Company's Decon Unit will all participate in various capacities.

Patrolman Pawlowicz says a slew of volunteers will be on hand to observe the proceedings and everything that happens will be well documented and reviewed by the state. Pawlowicz says "hopefully, this training exercise is as close we come to this or any type of disaster for the area." Many community emergency response teams are put to the test a couple of times a year to make sure they are ready if and when a disaster strikes. This can be anything from a man-made situation such as a terrorist attack to an accident that causes the release of a dangerous substance.

Aside from a bevy of flashing lights and some emergency vehicles, the public will be unaffected by the situation. Officers will be on the scene to make sure traffic in the area isn't tied up because of the drill. The event will run until about 12:15 p.m.


by Jason Allentoff
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A Hefty Grant Coming To Brick For Trader's Cove - by Jason Allentoff

Almost on a daily basis, we're constantly reminded about the troubled state of the economy. I could honestly say within the last four months, the phrases "tough economic times" and "unsettling financial issues" have dominated the headlines and come up at least once during the course of our daily news cycles here at WOBM. The volatility of Wall Street and the rate of unemployment continue to be sour footnotes during the afternoon drive time. That's why when a local community is able to secure some funding for a "happy project," we like to think that not everything will be bad forever and that rosier times may soon be back. Governor Jon Corzine said so this past Monday and I'm sure we would all like to believe him.

Brick Township has been awarded a million dollar matching grant by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres Program. The grant money will be used to fund the development of the Trader's Cove Marina Park located on Mantoloking Road. What makes this special is the fact that up until recently, there were developers who wanted to construct condos on the acreage and thanks to some quick thinking by officials and Mayor Steve Acropolis, they managed to purchase the property and prevent housing from ever going up on the site.

In the past, Brick has received Green Acres funding for previous projects. Some of them include the development of the Drum Point Sports Complex, Ocean Beaches 1 and 2, Frede Park, Arrowhead Park and Bayside Park - just to name a few. Mayor Acropolis attributes this latest infusion of cash as a sign that the state is happy about what the township is doing and they truly believe in the projects they have in the works. The Traders Cove Site will be developed into a park which will feature a boardwalk and promenade area, ample parking, benches, a kayak/canoe launch, a place to dock boats, spots to fish and crab and even a handicapped accessible playground and water play area for the kids. Also in the works would be a link to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Acropolis hopes families will be able to take advantage of barbeque grills and picnic grounds as early as this summer while the rest of the project is developed from now until next year.

Ironically, when the grant was announced, Mayor Acropolis never expected that the total would exceed $400,000. When they heard about the $1-million-dollar award, officials became excited and it will virtually accelerate the process. Originally, the design work was not expected to begin until next spring, but the money will help the ball get rolling now. This grant will bring total Green Acres funding for Trader’s Cove to nearly $5,000,000. Green Acres has earmarked over $3.7 million for the acquisition of the property. The Township became eligible for that reimbursement earlier this year when Mayor Acropolis signed a restricted deed preserving the property from residential development forever.

“I have always said grants are a win-win for the taxpayers,” said Mayor Acropolis. “This grant will help us invest in our community’s future while lifting some of the burden off of our taxpayers.” Acropolis says the ultimate goal is to turn the site into one of the finest waterfront parks in the Garden State and they will be taking input from the public at their usual Tuesday council meetings. Acropolis adds it is always great to hear from members of the community who care so much and want to see projects like these succeed.

by Jason Allentoff
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2010 Census & Tourism Budget Cut Reaction - by Jason Allentoff

Tuesday morning, I left my usual anchor post a little early for my monthly breakfast with Ocean County leaders. Once a month, the Ocean County Mayors Association meets at a local restaurant in Toms River to talk about the state of things in the various municipalities. The eggs and home fries are great and so is the discussion. The sessions are always a who's who of county leaders from Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher to Brick Mayor Steve Acropolis, Manchester Mayor Mike Fressola to Stafford Mayor Carl Block. President DiAnne Gove, who also serves as Mayor of Long Beach Township leads the meeting followed by a treasurer's report and a guest speaker. The issues range from budgetary and economic concerns to happy issues like ribbon cuttings and grant nominations.

This month, Ocean County Freeholder Joe Vicari was the man of the hour. Although April 1st, 2010 seems like a long time away, Ocean County officials are working to promote the Census for the upcoming year. The 2010 Census is of extreme importance to the residents and government living at the shore. As mandated by the United States Constitution, our nation conducts a census survey in an effort to count every person living in the country. The multi-billion dollar operation requires years of planning and more than a half million temporary workers. In Ocean County, this is no exception. Freeholder Vicari, who serves as the U.S. Census liaison for the county, wants to stress the importance of accurate counts because in past tallies, the numbers have been off.

Why important? An accurate count of the population is vital to various sources of federal funding and even determines legislative and congressional representation. According to Freeholder Vicari, New Jersey came up short of the 15,187 people needed to keep its 13th seat in the House of Representatives based on 2008 population estimates. In addition, census figures have a direct effect on schools, non-profit organizations, businesses and the community. The data is used to make decisions on marketing to target demographics and populations in businesses both in the public and private sector.

In year's past, Vicari says some people were hesitant about participating resulting in miscounts of anywhere from 25 to 30-thousand people. Vicari says when this happens "the loss of one person takes about ten years to recover and the communities lose out on much needed funding." Some of the concern was because of privacy issues. Vicari says by federal law, all of the information provided will remain completely confidential.

Another issue? Snowbirds, or people who generally migrate out of the area during the cold winter months to warmer climates. Vicari says it doesn't matter if your driver's license or car registration features an out-of-state address - "if you call Ocean County home for most of the year, you must be counted a resident." Vicari adds "the guiding principle for the Census is the usual residence, which is defined as the place where the person lives and sleeps most of the time."

At the breakfast, Freeholder Vicari told Ocean County Mayors that a massive marketing campaign will be in place to further drive home the importance. This will be seen in print advertising, radio spots and even local television commercials. Vicari said more information will be available at the Ocean County Connection at the Ocean County Mall on Hooper Avenue in Toms River.

The Census is also adding some extra temporary job opportunities for local residents. Vicari says “Working for the Census may help some folks getting through the challenging economic times we are facing." He added, “Jobs may not be immediately available, so if anyone is even thinking of wanting a job at some time in the future, they should start the application process now.” For more information on working for the Census office, call 1-866-861-2010 or visit http://www.census.gov/2010census/jobs

In addition, Governor Jon Corzine announced this week that he will be slashing the budget for the state's tourism industry by at least $3-million-dollars. Freeholder Vicari says "tourism is the life blood of Ocean County and cutting any part of the budget would be detrimental to a billion-dollar-a-year business." Vicari says close to 70-thousand people in the Garden State are employed in the industry and if anything, Corzine should restore the funds and create new jobs to stimulate and grow the hurting economy. Vicari says he will continue to push for Corzine to change his decision along with other lawmakers from around the state.

by Jason Allentoff

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Governor Jon Corzine Comes To Berkeley Township - by Jason Allentoff

I've had the opportunity to interview Corzine on several occasions when he has visited Jackson and Toms River in the past. This time, you could tell he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. As he entered the municipal building Monday afternoon, he joked that there were so many smiling faces - something he hasn't been seeing recently due to the current state of the economy and budget. The residents applauded Corzine as he entered and I don't think they expected to have a chance to sit down in a private round table with the man in charge. But they did! About 25 residents packed the small council chambers and had a one-on-one with him. Topics included everything from the Senior Tax Freeze program to the fiscal troubles in Atlantic City. One gentleman spoke about how he used to enjoy gambling at the shore resort but can barely afford heating his home this winter. Another resident sat and reminisced about the "good old days" when things were more financially stable.

Governor Corzine worked to keep the morale up and said eventually things will get better and we will continue to weather the storm. Corzine says "it is very important that we work together and remain diligent during these tough economic times." In regards to his budget, he explained how the spending plan shrunk from $33-billion-dollars to $29.8-billion and "when you take $3.2 billion out of the budget, there are lots of elements, people, programs and other matters that are not getting treated like they would in better financial times." He also stated "we are all making sacrifices during this not only statewide issue, but the nationwide crisis."

In regards to the Senior Freeze Rebate, Corzine says “so many of our seniors and disabled citizens are struggling to make ends meet during this national recession and the expansion of the Senior Freeze program is aimed at providing property tax relief to thousands on fixed incomes who may not have qualified previously. I really encourage our seniors to take advantage of this program and file their rebate applications as soon as possible.”

Representatives from the Division of Taxation’s Taxpayer Services Outreach Bureau were also on hand to provide assistance. It can be somewhat confusing, so I will try and explain it in easier terms. Those eligible to receive direct assistance from the program are individuals 65 years of age or older who have paid property taxes and are homeowners. This includes seniors in mobile home parks as well as those receiving federal Social Security benefits. Qualified recipients are directly reimbursed by the state for the difference between the amount of local property taxes paid in the "base year," and the amount of property taxes paid for the reimbursement year.

The current income limit of approximately $53,000 will increase to $60,000 for tax year 2007, $70,000 for tax year 2008 and $80,000 in tax year 2009. That means residents who previously did not qualify because their income was too high could now be eligible for a reimbursement.

More information about the program is available on the Division of Taxation's web site which you can reach from the news link on our web site at wobm.com or wobmam.com. For phone assistance, the Property Tax Reimbursement Hotline number is 1-800-882-6597 and they are in the office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

When all was said and done, most of the residents I spoke with spoke favorably about the Governor. One man said he applauds Corzine and gives him a lot of credit for coming to talk to the public when people tend to point a finger at him for the state's fiscal troubles. One woman said she was coming by to drop off a water bill, saw a crowd and decided to pull up a seat.

Before leaving, Corzine spoke to me and some other media outlets. I asked him about the state of the unemployment fund which had run out of money. He wants to assure all New Jersey citizens receiving unemployment benefits that you will still receive your checks and not see any changes. He also stated they have the situation
well in hand.