Jersey Shore Headlines

Here's the latest news for Monmouth and Ocean Counties:

A shooting in Freehold Borough led to a SWAT team response yesterday morning. The shooter is still at large, but the Prosecutor's office says the public is in no danger. the 59-year old victim was shot inside his home near the intersection of Ford and Lloyd Avenues. He's listed in stable condition.

A Toms River man was killed in a one-car crash on Rt. 9 in the township Monday night. Police say 22-year old Richard Bitterle's car crossed the center line shortly before 11 pm and struck a tree near Sunset Avenue.

Merck says the Food and Drug Administration has approved its new tablet for grass allergies, Grastek, for patients 5 to 65-years old. Meant as an alternative to weekly allergy shots, the tablet dissolves under the tongue. NJ's Merk will market the tablet in North America. It's already sold in Europe.

The Monmouth County man who owns a goat farm has been told to thin the herd after he admitted improperly caring for animals. Authorities cited 45-year old Christopher Vaccaro after they found nearly 200 sick and malnourished goats, horses, chickens and peacocks on the farm in Millstone.Only goats and a few chickens remain after the other animals were adopted. Vaccaro pleaded guilty yesterday. Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer Victor 'Buddy' Amato of the Monmouth County SPCA says the remaining goats need to be neutered in order for Vaccaro to manage the herd. Vaccaro was fined $2,000. He'll have to pay $500 with the rest suspended if he provides a care plan within 30 days.

Could allowing Ocean County families to carry the heroin antidote Narcan be dangerous if it gets into the wrong hands? free training is being offered to Lacey residents. Some concerns are being raised about the possibility of heroin addicts abusing the antidote, which reverses the drug's effects. Ocean County prosecutors say hopefully when Narcan is used to reverse an overdose, one time will be enough for that person to realize they need professional help.

An unregistered charity suspected of fraud has begun distributing money nearly a year after a settlement with prosecutors  in our state. The Attorney General says the Hurricane Sandy Relief Foundation handed out $225,000 to four charities. Ocean Inc. of Toms River is getting 100,000 dollars and the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is getting $50,000.

Monmouth University students seeking degrees in social work are helping residents of Lakewood's Tent City transition into permanent homes and stable emplooyment. $250,000 from lakewood and a $38,000 grant is being used to help cover the cost of housing for one year.

James Coleman, a former Monmouth County Prosecutor, Asbury Park Councilman and State Assemblyman, has died. Coleman passed away Saturday at the age of 90. He's survived by 6 children and 6 grandchildren. A wake is being held tomorrow and Friday in Neptune.

The Red Robin restaurant chain is coming to Brick after being awarded a $550,000 liquor license. It will open in Brick Plaza, but a date hasn't been unveiled. Brick officials say money raised from the liquor license will go into the township's surplus fund.

Stocking your kitchen and refridgerator is costing more these days. Beef, eggs, fruits and veggies are all up in price...as much as 50%. We won't be seeing relief anytime soon. The cost of groceries is expected to increase even more as droughts ravage California farms. and beef demand is Asia could make that steak even more costly.