“Snooki’s Law” Advances In NJ State Senate

A bill inspired by “Snooki’s” 2011 appearance at Rutgers that paid the Realty TV star $32,000 to advise students to “study hard but party harder” was advanced through the Senate Education Committee today.

Sponsored by Sen. Joe Kyrillos, S-703 decreases costs and increases transparency at higher education institutions by requiring colleges to publish an online breakdown of student fees and allow students to decline certain expenses.

“The growing cost of pursuing higher education is staggering, with many New Jersey students struggling to foot the bill and finish their degrees,” said Senator Kyrillos (R-Monmouth). “College students and their families should know exactly what they’re paying for, before their money is taken. By offering them the chance to opt-out, we are giving students the opportunity to create and pay for the college experience they want, instead of forcing them to pay for frivolous events that do not contribute to the quality education that they deserve.”

S-703 requires all higher education institutions to publish a full breakdown of student fees on the web. The fees must be sorted into categories, including “student managed entertainment” and “capitol improvement.” The bill would allow students to affirmatively opt-out of student-managed entertainment fees.

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Police officer, public works employee nabbed in massive drug sting

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Sadie Says: Don’t be a poopie head. Pick up your trash and don’t litter on the beach!

By Joe Sinagra

She is only 7 years old from Manville, NJ, and already knows how to get things done. On June 7, Sadie Fleming was at Monmouth County’s Union Beach that Sunday morning with her family.

The Union Beach Borough is part of the Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan, recently undergoing an extensive restoration of its beach front due to the effects of hurricane Sandy. The beach offers a view of the New York City skyline and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Walking along the beach with her mom, dad, and her sister, Sadie couldn’t help but notice how dirty it was. Sadie was visibly upset that adults weren’t being responsible with their trash and not throwing their litter in the garbage. She was concerned that all that trash would wind up in the ocean, potentially killing the fish and wildlife.

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Greg’s List: Things to do in Monmouth County this weekend, June 12-14, 2015

By Greg Kelly

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Friday, June 12

• New Jersey Seafood Festival (Belmar) – MORE INFO
• Gary U.S. Bonds at The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) – MORE INFO
• Be More Chill at TRT (Red Bank) – MORE INFO
• Strawberry Festival (Oceanport) – MORE INFO
• Dr. George Sheehan Classic Expo (Red Bank) – MORE INFO
• Cindy G “Jail Break” Live at Spring Lake Community House Theater – MORE INFO
• Bluegrass Mini Golf at Monmouth Park (Oceanport) – MORE INFO
• West Side Story at Axelrod PAC (Deal) – MORE INFO
• Atlantic Cinemas Movie Night (Atlantic Highlands) – MORE INFO

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Monmouth Regional Teacher Charged With Having Sexual Relations With A Student

Nicholas DePue,  Photo via Deseret News

Nicholas DePue, 29 of Jackson, a teacher at Monmouth Regional High School, surrendered to authorities on Wednesday on charges that he had inappropriate sexual contact with a student under the age of 18, according to a statement by Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

DePue is charged with second degree counts of Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was released after posting a $100,000 bond, as set by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jamie Perri, J.S.C., who also ordered DePue have no contact with his victim and he is not to return to the scene of his crimes.

A College Prep Biology teacher, DePue was an Assistant Coach of the Falcons wrestling team and a set designer for the school’s drama club.

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$6.2M solution for persistent flooding in Belmar on the way

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Judge may force Christie to release his troopers’ $1M Amex bill, report says

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Sheriff’s Office Launches Updated Website

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office announced the launch of its of its new and very improved website today.  Check it out at www.monmouthsheriff.org

The website, which was produced in-house by the Sheriff’s Information Technology Department, is equipped with the latest web design technology, enabling users to easily interact from all of their devices..phones, tablets and desktop computers.

“The sheriff’s office newly redesigned website increases our contact with the residents by providing them with a wealth of public safety resources in a fast and efficient manner,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “It includes valuable and real time information and those who visit the website will find it easier to navigate and more user friendly.”

All of the sheriff’s office divisions are highlighted on the website which includes Law Enforcement, Communications, Special Operations and Corrections, along with the Office of Emergency Management, community outreach programs and an archive of current and past news releases.

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Greg’s List: Things to do in Monmouth County this weekend, June 5-10, 2015

By Greg Kelly

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Friday, June 5

• Bayshore Greek Festival (Holmdel) – MORE INFO
• Be More Chill at TRT (Red Bank) – MORE INFO
• NHRA Toyota Summernationals at Raceway Park – MORE INFO
• Bluegrass Mini Golf at Monmouth Park (Oceanport) – MORE INFO
• Atlantic Cinemas Movie Night (Atlantic Highlands) – MORE INFO
• Live Harness Racing at Freehold Raceway – MORE INFO
• Live Horse Racing at Monmouth Park (Oceanport) – MORE INFO
• “Dare to Fly!” Youth Art Exhibit (Belmar) – MORE INFO
• Atlantic Highlands Farmer’s Market – MORE INFO

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FEMA official: Government let Hurricane Sandy victims down

FEMA Official Brad Kiesrman is leaving the agency for a job with the American Red Cross

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