About 45,000 People Are Expected To Attend The Haskell Invitational At Monmouth Park Racetrack This Sunday And Traffic Will Be Heavy In The Area

Oceanport police will be directing traffic, controlling lights and have signs posted this Sunday to keep vehicles moving around Monmouth Park.

Gates open at 10am. The Haskell race will be at about 6:10pm and last until 6:40pm.

From 10am until 1pm Oceanport Avenue will be closed to northbound traffic from the main gate of the track to Port-Au-Peck Avenue. Local traffic should use Eatontown Boulevard or Branchport Avenue.

From about 6pm until 8:30pm, Oceanport Avenue will be closed in both directions from Highway 36 to Port-Au-Peck avenue to allow exiting traffic to leave the area.

Port-Au-Peck and Myrtle Avenues will be closed to traffic westbound from 6pm until 8:30pm.

Motorists should expect delays Sunday on Route 71, Route 537, Main Street, Oceanport Avenue, Route 36.

By: Janet Fried

Officials Meet To Discuss The Health Of The Barnegat Bay

by Jason Allentoff

Lacey Township - Members of the State Assembly and Senate Enviornmental Committee heard testimony from dozens of concerned enviornmentalists and residents of Ocean County on the health of the Barnegat Bay.

And the findings were absolutely startling. For the past 10 years, the bay has seen a large amount of degradtion thanks to overdevelopment, pollution and stormwater runoff. High levels of nitrogen from lawn fertilizers are also causing major issues for the entire ecosystem. Essex County Assemblyman John McKeon, who chairs the Assembly Environment Committee, says they're not taking this lightly and they are working to find a way to ban certain fertalizers and are pushing people to use more organic products.

But Jeff Titel of the Sierra Club says talk is cheap. He feels the event was nothing more than a dog and pony show and actions speak louder than words. Titel says "we've been talking about Barnegat Bay for the past ten years and nothing has changed - no actions have been taking. He feels it's up to the lawmakers in this state to take decisive action and actually "do something other than flapping their gums."

John Watson of the Department of Enviornmental Protection says they're well aware of the situation and the goal of Thursday's meeting is to map out a definitive plan. He says "the Bay is a significant part of tourism and we can't just watch a billion dollar industry go down the tubes."

The Barnegat Bay encompasses all the land and water in Ocean County and parts of Monmouth County including 42 miles of shoreline. Spanning 38 municipalities, it includes fresh water from nine streams and rivers that flow into the Bay. It stretches as far as Barrier islands to the east and Plumsted Township to the west and is bound by Point Pleasant Canal in the north and Little Egg Harbor to the south.

Witnesses at the hearing testified that more than fifty percent of the contamination of the Bay's waters is from fertilizer runoff. Rain laced with chemicals from cars and factories and groundwater contamination from development are also factors.

Some of the recommended measures to slow down the contamination include:

- directing storm water runoff into groundwater systems to improve filtration

- using slow-release fertilizer to limit nitrogen emissions

- limit the use of fertilizers during the winter and before rains

- setting total maximum daily loads of fertilizers

The Haskell Invitational Is This Sunday At Monmouth Park Racetrack In Oceanport

With a purse of $1.25 million, the Haskell is the richest invitational horse racing event contested in North America and its expected to draw thousands of people to Monmouth Park racetrack in Oceanport this Sunday.

Even though people attending the Haskell will stay at local hotels and eat at area restaurants when its all said and done New Jersey's horse racing industry still faces increasing competition from surrounding states.

“We have an ongoing purse subsidy agreement with the casino industry so we’re comfortable that we have a sufficient amount of dollars to maintain our purse structure through 2011, says Carl Goldberg, Chairman of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

The governor has named a commission to address solutions that will promote the sustained viability of the horse racing industry in New Jersey. A report is expected next year.

By: Janet Fried

New Jersey Had More Beach Closings Last Year As Compared To The Previous Year

A report by The Natural Resources Defense Council says in 2008 there were 208 days of closures or advisories in New Jersey as compared to 142 in 2007. 117 of the days were because of a criminal medical dumping event in Cape May.

“At the beach families should be able to relax and not worry about swimming in human and animal waste that can make them sick,” says Heather Saffert, Staff Scientist, Clean Ocean Action.

Ocean County had the highest number of beach monitoring samples that exceeded the state's daily maximum bacterial standards, followed by Monmouth, Cape May and Atlantic Counties.

“Developers are loving the Shore to death, and beach-goers are paying the price,” says Doug O'Malley, Field Director for Environment New Jersey.

The report found a 10 percent decrease in closing and advisory days at beaches nationwide in 2008 but says the weather and less water monitoring are the cause not improved water quality.

For the Natural Resources Defense Council’s full report go to www.nrdc.org.


By: Janet Fried

One Beach Patrol Captain Says Its Been An Average Summer At The Jersey Shore When Its Comes To Rescues And Injuries

Joe Gomulka, Captain of the Seaside Park Beach Patrol, says there haven’t been any drownings, there’s been several injuries and they’ve rescued about 3 or 4 people a week.

“Go where there’s life guards and when the lifeguards leave, its time to go home,” says Gomulka.

Gomulka says shore breaks, a type of wave that breaks in very shallow water, have caused neck and back injuries at some New Jersey beaches this summer but not Seaside Park.

But Gomulka says every day there’s some type of rip current that can cause problems for inexperienced swimmers.

“If you are not ocean savvy it’s a very tricky place, you may think its nice in one particular spot, ten minutes later that spot has some type of current that’s going through there,” says Gomulka.

By: Janet Fried

Swine Flu Could Worsen In The Fall - New Jersey Is Ready!

by Jason Allentoff

According to the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services, the Garden State is ready to combat the H1-N1 Influenza or Swine Flu this Fall.

As of today, there are 934 confirmed cases of Swine Flu and 15 deaths. The state continues to keep a close eye on things while a vaccine is being developed. State officials believe there is a good chance the number of H1-N1 cases will increase after the summer.

Dr. Susan Walsh says conditions that weaken the immune system such as asthma, emphysema or cancer are just a small sample of underlying health conditions that could worsen the Swine Flu. What about the strain mutating once the colder months arrive?

So there's been 934 confirmed cases since April of this year. But haven't most of them healed? Walsh says yes - within 7 to 10 days of getting the symptoms, most of them were fully free of the novel influenza and if the virus doesn't mutate, people can't get it more than once.

Health officials continue to enforce good hygiene and hand washing as the best prevention we have. They expect the vaccine to be ready sometime in late October, early November.

Proposed Federal Health Reforms gets Another Boost

Another one of Jersey's Democratic Washington Lawmakers comes up to bat to help promote the proposed federal health care reform legislation making its way through capital hill.

12th District Congressman Rush Holt, who's district covers parts of Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer and Somerset Counties, fielded anywhere from commonly asked questons to charged questions about the "America's Affordable Health Choice Act" during last nights telephone listening session.

One of the most frequently asked questions came from a Somerset County woman who wanted to know if there was any truth to what she's heard about the possibility of employeers opting to drop their health coverage to employees in mass because it would be cheaper than having to pay the penalty? Congressman Holt says very likely not.

"If employeers don't insure their employees ... they would be taxed. In other words, they would have to pay 8 percent of their total payroll in taxes if they choose not to provide health care. He says for most of them, that would be enough incentive to lead them to continue the health care they have or to provide the health care they don't now provide."

Other callers asked if they could choose to go back to their employeers plan if they didn't like the public plan? To which Holt said yes. A man from East Brunswick asked why the enormus Health Choice Act was needed in the first place?

Holt's answer, "We have the choice of doing this reform or condemning Americans to live sicker, die younger and to pay more than they have to".

Holt explained to callers that the reforms would change our approach to health care by moving the emphasis away from paying for proceedures and a shift toward paying for wellness and total patient care.

Holts tele-conference follows a efforts by President Barack Obama to tout the importance of the Health care reform act while stumping for Governor Jon Corzine. It was also promoted by 6th District Congressman Frank Pallone.

By: Rosetta Key

Point Beach Mayor Says He's Not Going Anywhere!

by Jason Allentoff

An embattled mayor claims fraud and bad faith on the part of those seeking to oust him from office. Now Point Pleasant Beach's Vincent Barrella is fighting back.

41 duplicated signatures, 131 non-registered voter signatures and even the size of the paper the petition was printed on has Mayor Vincent Barrella seeking to stop the recall effort. Barrella says the organizers who want to see him gone have not done it in absolute good faith.

Barrella, who's been in office since 2007, says the petition never states why they want him out. He feels it's all political from a few people who are placing their own interests ahead of residents and taxpayers of the town. Barrella says he's not going anywhere. He's served as Mayor since being elected back in 2007.

Congressman Takes Comments On Health Care

by Tom Mongelli

President Barack Obama's prioritization of health care reform prompts a local Congressman to take your questions and offer explanations on Monday night.

Representative Rush Holt (D-12) begins his newest telephone town-hall meeting tonight at 7:40. It'll be a one-hour session. Members of Holt's legislative staff tell us that response is increasing in small but steady increments since he initiated them about a year ago. They're primarily aimed at, but not limited to, homeowners and taxpayers in his district.

Holt's 12th Congressional District cuts through the center of Monmouth, Middlesex and Mercer Counties. At the shore, it includes the areas around Oceanport, Eatontown, Tinton Falls, Red Bank, Little Silver, Rumson, Lincroft, Morganville, and Englishtown.

State and national proposals for healthcare reform ostensibly seek to guarantee the broadest possible coverage base with affordable rates. Federal proponents contend that their plan is not intended to replace private insurance concerns, but to compete with them.

The number to dial is 1-877-269-7289. Once you establish a connection, you'll be asked to enter a personal identification number. The PIN number is 13864.

Caveat: In previous sessions, given contact numbers have been switched without notice. To reach his West Windsor office beforehand, call toll free: 1-87-RUSHHOLT. Call before the close of business at 4 PM.

Please address questions/comments to wobmnews@wobm.com.

Assemblyman Dan Van Pelt Arrested - County Residents Stunned

by Jason Allentoff & Tom Mongelli

Shore-based Assemblyman Daniel Van Pelt is among the most prominent shore-based arrestees among 44 rounded up in a two-tiered federal probe into political corruption and money laundering. Van Pelt is charged with taking 10-thousand dollars from a cooperating witness posing as a developer seeking state approvals for construction in Waretown. He was mayor for a decade, and folks there mix disbelief with cynicism.

While some people we spoke with were totally speechless, others felt it was to be expected. There were quite a few people who knew Van Pelt personally and said he had done "such good things for the community that its very hard to believe that this happened." Some other remarks came from people who feel that New Jersey is too far gone to fix when it comes to corruption and this is just a prime example of "how deep the roots and seeds of corruption run."

Van Pelt's Ninth-District colleagues are Senator Chris Connors and Assemblyman Brian Rumpf. They both are pressing Van Pelt to resign as soon as possible. State Assembly Republican Leader Alex Decroce is also calling for the resignation sooner rather than later. He has stated clearly that "Daniel Van Pelt cannot represent his district effectively with this cloud hanging over his head."

Also charged with extortion are Charlie Amon and Former Assembly Candidate Jeff Williamson, both of Lakewood and Denis Jaslow of Wall Township. Among those facing money laundering counts are Eli Ben Haim of Long Branch and Edward Nahum of Deal, principal rabbis of a Deal synagogue where neighbors are understandably shaken.

Be sure to stay tuned to WOBM News and the Millennium Radio News Network for continuing updates on this developing story.

Two Monmouth County Rabbis Are Caught Up In Corruption And Money Laundering Probe

Authorities say the investigation initially focused on a money laundering network operating between Brooklyn, Deal and Israel. The network allegedly laundered millions of dollars through Jewish charities controlled by rabbis in New York and New Jersey.

Over 40 people were arrested Thursday including three mayors, two state lawmakers and five rabbis. Rabbi Eliahu Ben Haim with Congregation Ohel Yaacob and Rabbi Edmond Nahum with The Deal Synagogue are two of the rabbis that were arrested and charged with money laundering. FBI and IRS agents also removed several boxes from The Deal Yeshiva, a school that educates Sephardic Jewish children.

“I’m saddened and troubled by this and hope that this is an isolated incident and that if found guilty they’re prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Howard Gases, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County.

The synagogues declined to comment on the investigation.

By: Janet Fried

Cops & Collegians Go To Bat For Kids With Cancer

By: Julia Bruder

The New Jersey State Troopers are scheduled to take on the Atlantic Baseball Confederation Collegiate League in a ballgame benefitting children with pediatric cancer. First Energy Park, Home of the Lakewood Blueclaws, will host the game on Sunday, July 26th at 11am.

All proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly to 'Camp Quality,' a NJ non-profit organization dedicated to "letting children with cancer be kids again." Each summer, camp director Frank Dalatto, along with many volunteers (including extraordinary college students from Rutgers, Penn State and Monclair University) provide a week-long, fun-filled event for young cancer patients at a campground in Blairstown.

Dalotto admits that he never saw himself taking on such a role, but finds it a truly rewarding.

"The way Camp Quality got its name is - it was determined we can't do much about the quantity of life but we can certainly do something about the quality," said Dalotto.

The camp provides both adventurous and passive recreational activities for cancer patients ages 5-17. Each child is placed with a "companion," usually a college volunteer who serves as their personal caretaker for the week. The camp is designed to instill a little joy in each child fighting such a tiring battle.

"It's a wonderful program. You go there and meet such wonderful people and the smiles on the kids faces are just awesome," said Dalatto.

Dalotto explained that there are children fighting all severities of cancer in attendance each year.

"We've had kids with as little as three months to live, even some children in remission. We take them all," he said.

Families are encouraged to come out on Sunday to not only support this great cause, but to enjoy what should be an excellent ballgame, with perks! It is a rare chance to meet and greet participants from both teams.

Centrastate in Freehold and the Sunrise Optimist Club are partnering in Sunday's game. For more details visit WOBM.COM or CAMPQUALITYNJ.ORG.

Questions/Comments to WOBM News at WOBM.COM

Assemblyman Dan Van Pelt of Ocean County Arrested In Statewide Sweep

A Millennium Radio exclusive this morning. Federal agents have been scouring the state in what is being described as one of the largest sweeps in state history involving public officials and others. A large number of cases involving everything from money laundering, political bids, and black market body parts. Among those also being rounded up this morning are a number of rabbi's...but their connection remains unclear. Busloads of suspects from Ocean Monmouth and Hudson Counties will begin arriving at the Newark Federal Courthouse within an hour.

Those arrested include 9th District Assemblyman Dan Van Pelt of Ocean County and some rabbi's in Deal and the Elberon section of Long Branch. 45-year-old Pelt was elected to the state Assembly back in November of 2007. He was also the Mayor of Waretown from 1998 until last year.

We will keep you up to date on further developments as we get them.

A New Study Finds Harmful Bacteria Could Be Lurking In The Sand At Your Favorite Beach

You've heard that swimming in the ocean at certain times can make you sick and now a new study finds the sand at the beach might also be bad for your health.

Researchers interviewed 25,000 beach goers at seven beaches around the country that are within seven miles of sewage treatment plants.

The sand had high levels of fecal bacteria and the people who came in the most contact with it through digging or by being buried were most likely to develop gastrointestinal illnesses.

“I think its just a matter of taking care to use a hand sanitizer or wash your hands after you’ve played in the sand, especially before you are about to eat,” said the lead author of the study, Christopher Heaney of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

By: Janet Fried

Spay-Neuter Clinic Upcoming in Lakehurst

By Amber Brown

Especially during these hard times of economic recession, Ocean County pet owners may be appreciative of the fact that the Ocean County Health Department is supporting the Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters' low cost spaying and neutering program. On August 17 the Lakehurst Fire Department Community Center will be hosting this clinic at 8:30 a.m. for dogs and at 9 a.m. for cats.

For just $45 a family's cat can be spayed and for $60 one can have their dog neutered, plus the animals will receive rabies shots at no extra cost. However, there is a two pet maximum per household and dogs must weigh 45 pounds or less, so take him for a run if you have to!

County Health Coordinator Dr. Ella Boyd says, "This clinic can help a family of modest means meet the costs of such a service."

Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little agrees that this low cost clinic can be very helpful stating, "The low cost clinics can be very helpful to families with limited funds who wish to spay or neuter their pet but can't afford to do so during the current economic downturn."

Animal advocates say the procedure not only helps keeps pet populations under control, but also reduces their risks of certain types of cancers and diseases. Also, according to the Ocean County Health Department Public Information Officer Leslie Terjesen, the veterinarians are licensed and ready to perform using dissolvable stitches, so no worries there.

Appointments are now being taken, so call 732-657-8086 to pre-register today!

A Bill Working Its Way Through Trenton Would Protect Some Of New Jersey's Most Vulnerable Residents

Tara O'Leary weighed only 43 pounds when she died on November 10, 2008. The 29 year old was living in a New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities sponsor home in Hunterdon County.

Senator Jennifer Beck and Assembly Members Caroline Casagrande and Declan O’Scanlon are sponsoring legislation that would require case managers to provide written reports of their visits, establish a registry of providers who are implicated in incidents of abuse and create a 24 hour hotline for people to report abuse.

Under the legislation, if a person has reasonable cause to believe a developmentally disabled person is being abused they are to report it to the Department of Human Services or they may face six months in prison or a $1,000 fine.

“It is nice to see that her memory is honored with a law that will help prevent other’s with similar disabilities to not suffer the same fate as Tara,” said Tara’s cousin, Little Silver resident Eileen Devlin.

By: Janet Fried

Police Investigating Noontime Bank Robbery in Toms River

By Sarah Zucco

Toms River Township Police are continuing their search for a man responsible for a bank heist that occured before noon today at the Kearny Federal Branch located on Fischer Boulevard. According to Police Chief Mike Mastronardy, the suspect left on foot with cash, which he demanded from the teller after indicating he had a weapon that was never revealed. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male about 35 years old, approximately six feet tall and 230 pounds with brown hair. He was also reported wearing a blue golf shirt containing dark blue and white horizontal stripes, and blue shorts.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact Toms River Police at (732) 349-0150.


Address questions/comments to wobm news@wobm.com.

Jackson Council President Launches Mayoral Bid

By Tom Mongelli

Claiming leadership strength and frugal spending, Jackson Township Council President Michael Kafton today announced his intention to become the community's next mayor this November. Also on his ticket is Councilman Dr. Howard Tilis, seeking his first full term on the governing body since being appointed last January.

"Jackson, more than ever, needs a strong leader to guide it through these very difficult times," says Kafton, "and I strongly feel that I am the person who can successfully accomplish this." Kafton served as Mayor under the township's former Committee government format. Among his most recent cost-cutting endeavors is formation of the Going Green Committee, whose task is to incorporate environmentally-friendly methods into government operations in ways that reduce the property tax burden.

Dr. Tilis says that Kafton's methods have impressed him. "I am confident," he says, "that together, we can make a difference to all Jackson residents as we move ahead."

Former Councilman Mike Reina currently occupies the Mayor's post. His goals have been to create more transparency and accountability to township government. Among his current proposals to mitigate the property-tax bite facing homeowners is a reduction in the voluntary set-aside in the levy for open space preservation.

Please address questions/comments to wobmnews@wobm.com.

Monmouth County Residents React to The Republican Candidate For Governor’s Selection of A Running Mate

Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie announced Monday that he has selected Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno as his running mate.

The 50 year old Monmouth Beach resident is married with three children. She became Monmouth County’s first female Sheriff in January 2008. Before that she was a Monmouth Beach commissioner. Guadagno is an attorney who teaches at Rutgers University Law School. She is also a former Assistant United States Attorney and Assistant Attorney General.

Monmouth County residents have mixed reactions to Christie’s pick. One woman says, “I think the best candidate should win, it shouldn't’t matter whether it’s a male or a female just as long as it’s the right person to do the right job for us.” An Asbury Park man says, “I need to know records, I need to know where they stand on issues, I need to know what they are going to do for urban issues.”

Governor Jon Corzine has not said who his running mate will be. He has until next Monday to make that announcement.
This is the first time a Lieutenant Governor is on the ticket in New Jersey.

By: Janet Fried

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA VISITS MONMOUTH COUNTY TO RALLY FOR THE GOVERNOR

President Barack Obama visits Monmouth County today to try to rally support for Governor Jon Corzine's
re-election campaign.

More than 52,000 people sought tickets to the
event at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.

A Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll released shows three-quarters of those surveyed say their vote for governor will be based solely on state and local issues.

Skin Cancer Screenings Coming Up

by Jason Allentoff

While many are out enjoying fun in the summer sun, people often forget their risk for skin cancer increases dramatically. That's why the Choose Your Cover promotion is under way statewide.

Members of the Ocean County Cancer Coalition came out Wednesday morning in Ship Bottom to announce details. Also in attendance was Dr. Arnold Baskies. He is the Chairman of the Governor's Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment. Baskies says free melanoma screenings will be offered for free on Saturday, July 25th.

The Choose Your Cover Screenings will take place from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M. Locations are as follows: Asbury Park Beach on the Boardwalk at Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach on the Ocean Avenue section at Lorraine Avenue, Brick Beach 3, Brigantine at the 16th Street Gazebo, Cape May on the boardwalk at the Great Law area, Highlands Family Beach at 22 Snug Harbor Avenue, Long Branch on the boardwalk at the Great Lawn area, Ortley Beach at 4th and Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright Boro Beach at 1097 Ocean Avenue, Ship Bottom at the 20th Street beach end and in Ventnor at the Ventnor Community Center.

Clean Ocean Action Wants New Jersey To Update Its Beach Rules

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is preparing to re-adopt its beach rules. Clean Ocean Action says the rules are old and are inconsistent with the United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines to protect public health.

"The outdated existing rules are inadequate, fail to protect public health, and lack common sense," says Cindy Zipf, Executive Director, Clean Ocean Action.

She says the current beach rules rely on old testing methods that take 24 hours to produce results and the state should adopt rapid testing methods as soon as possible.

Zipf adds the current rules require two days of consecutive water samples exceeding allowable levels of fecal contamination but she would like to see health advisories posted at beaches after one sampling day of high results.

She says she would also like to see the state create public health rules for highly used recreation waters, make the data publically availabel and increase testing.

Finally, Zipf says better communication is also needed to inform the public about the water quality test results in a timely manner.

To see all of Clean Ocean Action's recommended changes to the Beach Rules go to:

http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/fileadmin/editor_group1/Science_Comment_Letters/Beach_Rule_Seven_Simple_Ways.pdf


By: Janet Fried

The Thompson Park Visitors Center Reopens

Its been over three years since the Thompson Park Visitors Center in Lincroft burned to the ground but the building was reconstructed and is now open to the public.

Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry says the county lost an incredible piece of history and a very important park of the park system on February 6, 2006.

Burry says the building has been reconstructed with respect for its historic roots while keeping in mind that we are in the 21st century.

She says the building has an elevator and a sprinkler system.

Burry says the reconstruction finished ahead of schedule and under its originally estimated $10 million budget.


By: Janet Fried

Rip Current Awareness

by Jason Allentoff

The top ten beaches named by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium back in May take part in a special outreach campaign regarding rip currents.
The beaches on the list from Sandy Hook down to Cape May will serve as Ambassador Communities for Rip Current Awareness. There will be brochures at beach badge stands, you'll see signs posted around and the lifeguards will serve as a mouthpiece to the initiative. Director of Communications Kim Kosko says it's something that they've done in the past and seems to be successful. Education continues to be a key component of any awareness campaign and this one is no exception.

So far this summer, there have been several deaths and accidents related to rip currents. Kosko and the other members of the Consortium feel that if this campaign spreads out wide enough, they can cut down on the number of incidents.

The beaches that were on the top ten list include Ocean City, Long Beach Island, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Asbury Park, North Wildwood, Cape May, Seaside Heights, Sea Isle City and Avalon.

Many Jersey Residents Are Complaining About Unkept Foreclosed Homes

The bank is responsible for the upkeep when a home goes into foreclosure but many properties around the state are being neglected and it becomes a problem for the neighbors and the towns.

Foreclosed homes that are not maintained become eyesores and can attract crime says Bill Dressel, The Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

Dressel says from the municipal standpoint it’s also a loss in ratable.

Another problem is when banks do not maintain foreclosed properties the burden sometimes falls on the towns.

By: Janet Fried

Ocean County Fair

By: Julia Bruder

The Ocean County fair is back for its 63rd year! The fair that opens July 14th with rides, games, animals and more, has become quite a tradition for families in Ocean County. With about 50,000 people in attendance each year, it's as much as a part of the summer season as a day at the beach or a stroll on the boardwalk.

Chip Meyer, this year's acting manager, is ecstatic to see that the fair has grown to be the main attraction of Ocean County each July. In fact, because of its booming popularity, the fair outgrew its humble roots at Lakewood Park and has been operating at Robert J. Miller Airpark in Berkley Township for the last 30-some years.

What's to expect this year? Well the fair has yet again added many new and exciting attractions. Among them are Bwana Jim's Wildlife Show, Dale Jones: the One-Handed Juggler, a race car display from New Egypt Speedway, and a rockin' performance from up and coming Country-Western band "Williams Riley"of Nashville, Tennessee.

But let's not forget the always annual attractions such as the Jon Bundy and Morgan Magical Illusion Show (a crowd favorite), vendors and merchants, and of course, delicious fair food from funnel cakes to cotton candy!

"We try to bring in things that are exciting to everyone, from large rides that are more for the thrill-seekers, to childrens' games, animals, and shows." says Meyer.

The fair hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 5pm to 11pm, Thursday through Saturday 11am to 11pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Fair Tickets are $6 each. Children under 10 are free.

"One thing that we're proudest of is that especially in this economy, we've managed to keep all the same days and all the same hours we've always had. Our admission price hasn't changed in several years. It's still just an economical family type of event," says Meyers.

So, be sure to bring the family out for a fun-filled day in our community as the Ocean County fair will not disappoint!

For more information and official itinerary visit the Ocean County Fair Website at: http://www.oceancountyfair.com/.

A Special Commission Is Trying To Figure Out How To Save New Jersey's Horse Racing Industry

The Governor's Commission on the Horse Racing Industry has until next July to submit recommendations to the governor.

“There are many different areas we are looking at from how could the industry itself revitalize to attract new participants, what should be done with the tracks and whether or not there should be gaming at the tracks,” says Robert Bildner, The Governor’s Commission on the Horse Racing Industry Chair.

The commission met Wednesday at Monmouth Park in Oceanport

New Jersey's horse racing industry employs almost 4,000 people, generates about $31 million annually and promotes about 176,000 acres of green space throughout the state.

By: Janet Fried

Abduction Attempt in Ship Bottom Triggers Search

by Tom Mongelli

Ship Bottom police are searching for a woman suspected of trying to abduct two preteens on the borough's beachfront in the middle of Monday afternoon.

The suspect is described as being in her 30s, 5'6" to 5'8", medium build, with short curly brown hair possibly configured in a bun shape. She was seen wearing bright red lipstick, a bright red short-sleeved shirt and tan Capri pants.

Police say the woman struck up a conversation they describe as "rude and provocative" with a six-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl at the 15th Street beach entrance around 2:00 in the afternoon. Police say the girl ran, but the boy had to free himself from her grip on his arm before he could run, at which point they reported the incident to their parents.

Investigators seek witnesses who may have information that can help their probe. Reach Ship Bottom Police 609-494-3055. Sergeant Jim Butler's extension is 115. Detective M. Nash's extension is 110.

Please address questions/comments to wobmnews@wobm.com.

Global Scammers Invade Ocean County

by Tom Mongelli

Ocean County authorities are combating a multi-platform assault by international scammers on residents throughout the county, especially seniors. Criminals are using overland mail, phones and the Internet simultaneously in their attempt to invade homes, con residents out of thousands, and ruin their credit by lifting credit-card information.

Sergeant Cindy Boyd at the County Prosecutor's office says that the current wave is a combination of the two main approaches - those that give potential victims a false sense of hope, and those that give them a false sense of danger.

Most scams being reported to her office begin as mail notification of winnings in a foreign lottery. "They're receiving letters, some with checks, some with just contact phone numbers or e-mail, requesting that they contact them," says Boyd. But the checks are counterfeit, and the con artists seek small "processing fees," usually 20 or 30 dollars, according to Boyd.

Resistance is met with escalating degrees of anger, says the sergeant. Scammers use the web to look up phone numbers of potential victims, then launch a barrage of threatening calls. Some victims cave in to the pressure, sending thousands of hard-earned dollars.

In some instances, callers pose as federal agents, demanding payment for a variety of reasons - occasionally to resolve the lottery scam, sometimes to resolve a contrived situation implicating friends or relatives.

"The FBI, or any federal agency, or law enforcement, will not contact you and verbally assault you over the phone and request money," says Boyd. "It just will not happen." Investigators are working with U.S. postal inspectors to track the path of the ruse. She says Jamaica has been a center of activity, but it's also cropping up elsewhere in spots around the world.

Sergeant Boyd urges anyone getting mail about lotteries they don't recall entering, or phone calls demanding cash to bring it to the attention of local police. Reach the Prosecutor's Office at 732-929-2027.