How about cyber classes on snow days instead of kids having to go to school longer in June because of snow days? That story and more in today's Monmouth and Ocean County News from Townsquare Media.

There are many sources predicting a good deal of snow this winter. That plays havoc with school schedules as districts try to make up all the days lost to snow days. In Pennsylvania, they are trying out 'cyber days', where students attend classes online. It's been talked about here as well and there does seem to be some support in the assembly. At least one district held a cyber day last year, but state officials said it would not count toward the required 180 days of classroom instruction.

A 7-year old boy was killed in a car crash in Freehold this weekend. He was riding with his mother Saturday night when their car hit another. The mom is fine. Police are still investigating. This was in the same area of Koszloski Road and Rt. 33 where three people were killed in an accident last month, prompting more calls for a barrier to be built separating lanes.

A man from Brick thought he was meeting a 14-year old girl for sex. He was greeted by undercover police officers instead. 66-year old Richard Jones remains jailed this morning. Police say he had hired a prostitute to arrange the meeting in Freehold.

No jail time for the former long-time Monmouth County SPCA volunteer who was hoarding more than 300 dead birds in her mother's Little Silver home. 56-year old Gretchen Rell of Ocean Township instead was sentenced Friday to 5 years probation, 1 month of community service, and a lifetime ban from ever owning or caring for animals.

Monday's meeting of the Toms River Citizens Action Committee on Childhood Cancer Cluster might provide some new fuel for debate. Sources close to the group say that federal funding cutbacks are likely to limit monitoring of sensitive underground water sources. It's at 7 pm at Toms River Town Hall.

Asbury Park police have confirmed reports of gunshots heard in the Seventh Avenue area Saturday morning. Investigators say a search of area hospitals turned up no victims, but a vehicle was hit several times.

Brookdale Community College now has a Veteran's Center. Those looking to start post-military careers and active military members can get help deciding what courses to take, how to pay for them, and counseling and support services.

National Preparathon Day is tomorrow and Neptune fire, police and EMS, the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, and Jersey Shore University Medical Center will be showing off their equipment along the Shark River from 5 pm - 8 pm. They will be demonstrating emergency services and anti-terrorism plans. The Coast Guard and FEMA will be on hand too. Volunteer agencies will be recruiting as well.

Child and adolescent victims of crime, abuse and sexual assault now have a special place in Toms River to get help. Tina's House, Ocean County's newly renovated children's advocacy center on Hadley Avenue, is warm and welcoming and aimed at helping to make juvenile crime victims feel at ease. It provides a one-stop location for the services a child victim needs. Their next goal is national accreditation.

Our state has a state flag, bug, bird, dinosaur, and even a state dirt. But we don't have a state song. The debate over which song should be ours has raged for decades. State lawmakers may have a compromise: not one, but five state songs. Only Red Mascara's "I'm From New Jersey" would be the official state song, but legislation would also name a state anthem, a state children's song, a state ballad, and a state popular song.

 

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