Jersey Shore Headlines

Monmouth County heroin overdoses have tripled and now Narcan is here. That story and more in today's Monmouth and Ocean County News from Townsquare Media.

Narcan, the drug that can reverse heroin overdoses, is finally in the hands of police in Monmouth County. 300 Narcan kits have been issued to departments throughout the county, and an additional hundred more are on the way. It's part of an expanded pilot program meant to address heroin abuse in the hardest hit areas. Last year alone there were over 60 overdose deaths in Monmouth County. But in the past three years, the rate of heroin and opiate deaths in Monmouth County has tripled. Towns like Holmdel, Spring Lake Heights, Marlboro and Freehold are being hit just as hard as other towns. Heroin does not discriminate.

Our state may become the first to raise the legal smoking age to 21. The idea is advancing in Trenton. The minimum age to buy tobacco is 18 in all but 4 states. It's currently 19 in our state and 3 others. Supporters say it might make it less likely that kids will pick up the habit.

Updated information on the bomb threats called into a Walmart and 2 K-marts in Brick and Wall Townships Wednesday. Police say that in each case a man called the stores demanding money in the form of green-dot cash cards. All 3 were evacuated but no devices were found.

A character who conned a woman out of major bucks is being sought by Brick police, according to authorities. They met at a tattoo party where he convinced her that he had wired money into her bank account, then induced her to pull out most of it. It was actually her money.

A boater's solo trip off Sandy Hook in his 21-footer was nearly his last Wednesday. The Coast Guard says the craft started sinking in late morning. A crew from the coast guard fished him out within about 10 minutes of the report and towed the boat to Atlantic Highlands.

Superstorm Sandy victims get more help with the grand opening of the new Bayshore Resource Center in Highlands tomorrow. It's a one-stop shop for the Sandy survivor. Their goal is to help pull all the resources together to get people back into their homes.

A new neighborhood, featuring luxury apartments, upscale townhouses and retail stores behind the Brick post office on Chambersbridge Road, is expected to be completed by December 1st. New Visions at Brick is being build on 24 acres.

Our state has one of the best Pre-K programs in the country, but enrollment is stalling. What makes it special is that our state partners with private pre-schools and holds them to higher standards. But education experts say the program is unable to expand largely as a result of the recession and flat enrollment.

Rocky the Bobcat got out again, and this time his Ocean County owners may be forced to get rid of the animal. There has been an ongoing battle between the cat's owners, neighbors, and the town of Stafford over concerns the 38-pound animal could be dangerous. The last time he got out the owners were told that if it happened again, Rocky could be seized.