FREEHOLD – A former Union Beach soccer coach is expected to be sentenced to 12 years in state prison next March after he pleaded guilty to multiple sex crimes against several student-athletes once under his supervision has admitted to the charges of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child by manufacturing child sexual abuse material; second-degree attempted endangerment of a child by manufacturing child sexual abuse material; second-degree endangerment of a child through sexual contact and third-degree endangerment of a child through sexual contact according to the statement Monday from the Prosecutor’s Office Previously: Ex-Union Beach soccer coach accused of sexting, molesting players indicted on 30 counts In a hearing held late last week before state Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua Gunsauls acknowledged that he engaged in inappropriate sexual conversations with players on his team; that he sent pornographic material to them in group team chats; sent photos of his penis to players; solicited them to send him photos of their penises and forwarded what was sent to him to other players who is also a former police dispatcher and volunteer firefighter had previously confessed to investigators that he engaged in sexual contact with two of the players He told detectives he would pick up the players at their homes drive them to a Union Beach ballfield and molest them in his car He said the interactions lasted for more than three years In depth: 'They trusted him' - Union Beach youth soccer coach ordered jailed on sex charges Detective Joseph Mason of the Prosecutor’s Office and other law enforcement officers from the Special Victims Bureau and Union Beach Police Department launched an investigation earlier this year after one of his victims came forward to authorities The juvenile disclosed that Gunsauls had been soliciting and distributing sexually explicit materials to him through a social media app eight additional victims — ranging in age from 11 to 17 — were identified and contacted for interviews Gunsauls was taken into custody in May and has remained in the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold Township A sentencing date is scheduled for March 6 the Prosecutor’s Office will recommend 12 years in prison with the stipulation that he remains incarcerated for at least the next 10 years or 85% of the sentence before he is eligible for parole under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act which the Prosecutor’s Office said was crafted in consultation with the victims and their families Gunsauls would also be subject to parole supervision after he is released and for the remainder of his life He will also be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be forbidden from ever contacting his victims again He had originally been indicted on 30 counts of criminal conduct Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer of the Special Victims Bureau is supervising the case Gunsauls is represented by defense attorney Michael J Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com This work, To the rescue: NJ community receives coastal restoration project, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright Old Cars WeeklyUpdated Apr 29 2025 11:53 AM PDTShare this storyLeft to right Chief of Police Michael Woodrow George Poosikian and STEM Institute Dean Dr Brookdale Community College Automotive Technology students proudly returned the fully restored 1966 Chrysler Newport police car to the Union Beach Police Department — just in time for the town's 100th anniversary parade this July What began as a challenging mechanical project grew into something much larger: a labor of love and an inspiring example of student excellence and community collaboration.  affectionately nicknamed "Christine" and newly designated TC31 honors the late Detective Corporal Tim Kelly a beloved member of the Union Beach Police Department It will serve as a moving tribute to his service every time it rolls down the streets of Union Beach.  "This project was about so much more than just restoring a car," said George Poosikian Brookdale Automotive faculty member and project leader "We went through it soup to nuts — new brake lines and a rebuilt 303 engine with a four-barrel carburetor breathing representation of a 1966 police vehicle But real pride comes from seeing the growth of the students their teamwork — it's been amazing to watch."  The journey began when the Union Beach Police Department's vintage car broke down during a ceremonial funeral parade Chief Michael Woodrow reached out to Brookdale's Automotive Department to bring it back to life — and the students enthusiastically rose to the challenge speaking during the ceremonial turnover at Brookdale's Automotive Technology Center "On behalf of the men and women of the Union Beach Police Department The craftsmanship and care poured into this project are incredible," Woodrow said "Every time this car appears at a community event it will honor the spirit and service of Detective Corporal Tim Kelly — his memory will never be forgotten."  Students Steven Malo and Bishes Mulcherjee volunteered every Saturday for over seven months and were instrumental in the restoration.  "Restoring the Chrysler Newport gave me a deeper appreciation for the engineering behind classic cars," said Bishes "Finding the right parts and ensuring everything is restored with precision has been a test of patience and attention to detail."    Stephen added his personal connection to the project describing how his passion for vintage American cars and family traditions fueled his excitement.  "Being a part of this restoration felt like living a dream," he shared "It's about preserving a piece of American automotive and local history — and being part of something that will last."  I'm proud to say that this car was built here at Brookdale."  The restored vehicle — featuring its original 383 V8 engine and vintage suspension — now stands as a symbol of pride for both Brookdale and Union Beach Chief Woodrow drove the car back to Union Beach The public will get their first chance to see the restored 1966 Union Beach police cruiser at the town's Centennial Celebration parade this July — a fitting tribute to the past powered by the next generation of automotive technicians If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine © 2025 Active Interest Media All rights reserved As the Union Beach Police Department prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025 Brookdale Community College’s Automotive Department students have embarked on a unique project: restoring a 1966 Chrysler Newport a classic police cruiser that once patrolled local streets This restoration is not just about bringing a vintage car back to life; it is a special partnership between the Union Beach Police Department (UBPD) and Brookdale students honoring an important time in law enforcement history donated to the Union Beach Police Department years ago had unfortunately fallen into significant disrepair over time missing key components like the engine and transmission students are now hard at work bringing the car back to life “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us but the students are excited and motivated,” Poosikian said is known as the “man who can fix anything,” leading the project with dedication ensuring his students gain technical expertise and a strong appreciation for craftsmanship and teamwork “This project is about more than just restoring a car it’s teaching students the value of craftsmanship has also been an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice for 25 years at several colleges and universities including 20 years at Brookdale’s Criminal Justice Department and who serves on the Council of State Governments Justice Center Advisory Board played a pivotal role in launching the project “Brookdale was my first choice and the ideal place to bring this restoration to life,” Chief Woodrow remarked “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to work on something truly special that will benefit not only the UBPD and Brookdale Community College but also the residents of New Jersey we are confident and excited to see this piece of history restored.” The Chrysler Newport was a powerhouse of its time equipped with a 440 cubic inch V8 engine capable of producing 365 horsepower police cruisers like this one were commonly used for high-speed highway patrol Chief Woodrow reflected on this era: “These cars were built for speed and power and they were essential tools for law enforcement at the time.” and Chevrolet Biscayne entered the competitive police car market bringing increased horsepower and performance Both four-door and two-door versions were available we didn’t have the same level of technology or safety features so officers had to rely on their driving skills and the car’s raw power.” officers would handcuff suspects and secure them in the front seat of the two-door vehicle with a seat belt “It was a different time,” Chief Woodrow explained “Officers had to work with what they had and often that meant having a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ with the person they had just arrested during those long drives to the jail or headquarters.” Partition walls in police cruisers were not the norm during that period a second-year international automotive student expressed his excitement about working on the vehicle: “I always knew I wanted to work on an American hot rod which is one of the reasons I chose to study in the United States I’m thrilled to be part of the mechanical restoration of the ’66 Chrysler Newport it’s truly a dream come true.” echoed his sentiment: “If cars go this far back in anyone’s lifetime it’s because we’re passionate about them and that passion isn’t limited to auto tech majors,” he explained cars like this Chrysler Newport with roaring V8 engines and historical significance fueled my interest and we still maintain a collection of a 1989 V8 swapped Dodge Dakota and the only non-Chrysler vehicle I own is a retired 2005 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor when George offered me the chance to work on this car we strive to create opportunities beyond the classroom offering students real-world experiences that enhance their skills and contribute to their personal and professional growth,” said President David M “It’s exciting to see their dedication and enthusiasm knowing that programs like this foster learning that stays with them long after they leave Brookdale.” The team plans to have the car fully restored and operational by Christmas just in time for the 100th-anniversary celebrations The restored 1966 Chrysler Newport will stand as a reminder of the evolution of policing and the strong bond between the community “It’s an incredible project,” Poosikian reflected “And when that car rolls out onto the streets again it’ll be a proud moment for all of us.” GET STARTED FIND MY PATH 2025 at 12:45 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Jeanette Peña and Kevin Dehmer pose with the resolution marking April as Autism Awareness Month NJ — Union Beach resident Angie Tener has driven from home to her job at the Children’s Center of Monmouth County in Neptune for over 20 years has always had a soft spot for people with autism and has spent her days at the Children’s Center teaching young people the basics like gaining independence in life skills and motor skills she finds ways to bring spontaneity and joy to the job often breaking out a disco ball and music to dance with her students April has long been a highlight of the year at the Children’s Center Staff and students decorate the hallway bulletin boards with Autism Acceptance decorations As a participant of Autism New Jersey’s Ambassador program she was acknowledged for her work on behalf of the Autism community at the State Board of Education’s meeting on April 2 The board and Autism New Jersey invited Tener to speak at the meeting and receive the board’s resolution which formally recognized the month as Autism Acceptance in New Jersey During her speech, Tener memorialized 20-year-old twins who were students at the Children’s Center and died in a Trenton house fire in 2022 “My student’s photo is my desktop background,” Tener said “I think about him and his brother every day when I arrive at work Their legacy drives me to help our students with autism and disabilities in any way I can.” In New Jersey, one in 35 children is identified with autism spectrum disorder and about a third of those children are nonverbal experience severe challenges in social communication Through its trained helpline staff Autism New Jersey helps caregivers identify signs of autism and find autism-friendly services throughout the state The non-profit also runs an annual ambassador campaign team up to raise awareness during the month of April “Many of us see Autism Acceptance Month as a time of celebration,” Tener said during the board’s meeting agreed with Tener and spoke about how grateful they are for local leaders like her who dedicate their lives to raising awareness "It enables schools to teach children life-saving skills health care professionals to provide evidence-based therapies and families to live in communities where everyone is accepted." “We’re so grateful for local leaders like Angie who dedicate their lives to raising awareness and come alongside individuals with autism in their daily lives," Buchanan continued "Angie was the perfect person to kick start Autism Awareness Month in our state.” Upcoming awareness events in Monmouth and Ocean Counties include: To learn more about Autism New Jersey, you can visit their website. To hear Tener’s full speech, you can watch here Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 2024 at 8:08 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The coach is Ryan Gunsauls​ NJ — A Union Beach youth soccer coach has now admitted to engaging in a variety of sex crimes with the student-athletes formerly under his supervision The coach is Ryan Gunsauls In a hearing held late last week in Monmouth County Superior Court Gunsauls pleaded guilty to first- degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material second-degree Attempted Endangering via Manufacture of Child sex abuse material and second- and third-degree Endangering via Sexual Conduct The investigation into Gunsauls began earlier this year when a juvenile disclosed that Gunsauls had been soliciting and distributing sexually explicit materials with him via a social media app Prosecutors say Gunsauls texted underage boys photos of his genitalia and asked the boys to send him photos in return He would also forward those photos he received to other boys on the team Gunsauls was arrested without incident in May at which time the state intends to recommend a term of 12 years in state prison with 85 percent required to be served before the possibility of parole which was crafted in consultation with the victims and their families Gunsauls would also be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and have to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law along with complying with Sex Offender Restraining Orders barring him from any further contact with his victims Gunsauls was also a volunteer firefighter in Union Beach and he used to work as a Union Beach Police dispatcher Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. FREEHOLD – A former Union Beach soccer coach has been indicted on charges that he committed a variety of sex crimes against the student-athletes he was supervising confessed to investigators to engaging in inappropriate sexual conversations with players on his team sending pornographic material to them in group team chats soliciting them to send him photos of their penises and forwarding what was sent to him to other players The former police dispatcher and volunteer firefighter also admitted to engaging in sexual contact with two of the players confessing that he would pick the players up at their homes drive them to a ballfield in Union Beach and molest them there in his car Gunsauls told authorities the interactions lasted for more than three years The 30-count indictment upgrades some charges and adds more to what Gunsauls was originally facing said his client will be entering a not guilty plea at his arraignment a judge ordered Gunsauls to be held at Monmouth County Jail pending the outcome of his case More: Brick state trooper sent home to pregnant wife to await trial in child-sex solicitation case the Special Victims Unit of the prosecutor’s office and Union Beach police launched an investigation after the father of a 12-year-old soccer player discovered inappropriate conversations between his son and the coach on his son's cell phone and contacted the police Santiago is urging anyone with more information about Gunsauls’s activities to call Detective Joseph Mason of the prosecutor’s office at 800-533-7443 Ken Serrano covers breaking news 2024 at 4:51 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The coach is Ryan Gunsauls​ He is also a volunteer firefighter in Union Beach NJ — A Monmouth County grand jury has now returned a 30-count indictment against a youth soccer coach accused of molesting underage minors Gunsauls coached for the Union Beach Soccer Association Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the charges against him were upgraded (one of the new charges is that he is accused of exchanging sexual photos with a ninth minor): Gunsauls is now charged with eight counts of first- and second-degree child endangerment by manufacturing child sex abuse material eight counts of second-degree endangering via sexual conduct nine counts of third-degree distributing obscene materials to a minor two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact The investigation into Gunsauls started in May when an underage minor reported to Union Beach Police that Gunsauls had been soliciting and distributing sexual photos with him via a social media app were identified and contacted for interviews The alleged sex abuse took place over the past three years, Patch previously reported Gunsauls was arrested without incident in May and he has been held in the Monmouth County Jail ever since When Gunsauls was first arrested in May, he admitted in court that he picked up two of the minors and drove them to a ball field in Union Beach, where he would molest them in his car, the Asbury Park Press reported Anyone with more information about Gunsauls’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Joseph Mason at 800-533-7443 Initial Patch report on Gunsauls: Union Beach Youth Soccer Coach Accused Of Sex Crimes Against 8 Kids (May 15) New Details In Union Beach Soccer Coach Accused Of Molesting Players (May 22) Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. UNION BEACH - For the past several summers longtime Aberdeen residents Bob and Mary McKenty have made the short trip to JakeaBob’s Bay restaurant and bar on Raritan Bay in Union Beach The bay that made this bayside haunt so appealing was gone from view vanished behind a huge berm — a long sand dune built during the offseason by the U.S “But they put in all of that sand and now you can’t even see the bay from JakeaBob’s Bay.” Union Beach and Sandy: Shattered home was Superstorm Sandy icon. After 12 years, it's getting rebuilt The berm is part of the long-awaited shoreline protection enhancements necessitated by superstorm Sandy’s flooding in 2012 The storm surge devastated much of the Monmouth County Bayshore and Union Beach in particular As a challenging 2024 summer season winds down for JakeaBob’s which lost a big chunk of seating (32 tables 74 total seats) due to the Army Corps project the situation there highlights the balancing act between protecting waterfront communities and supporting their staple businesses JakeaBob’s first opened in 1999 as a brick-and-mortar establishment along with much of the surrounding borough owner Gigi Liaguno-Dorr reopened it as an outdoor-only tiki bar and deck overlooking the Raritan Bay with a spectacular view of New York City’s skyline Shoreline development: Developers have plans for former Coast Guard station along Shark River Inlet in Avon The new view is a high mound of sand with vegetation growing out of it so she had applied to New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection for a CAFRA (Coastal Area Facility Review Act) permit to enable JakeaBob’s to expand and restore the view by building a raised deck up and over the dune which also needs approval from the Army Corps of Engineers “She’s applied for permits with the DEP and the Army Corps to raise her property and get the water view back,” Union Beach Mayor Charlie Cocuzza said of Liaguno-Dorr “My hope is that the DEP and Army Corps approve her permits with what she has proposed as evidenced by poster boards throughout JakeaBob’s that read “Coming 2025” and feature an artist’s rendering of the proposed renovations is to have the view restored by next May (the restaurant is closed from October through April) “This is a very high priority of us,” Cocuzza said of Union Beach’s government “(JakeaBob’s) employs over a hundred people and a lot of them are college kids and residents they’re the biggest draw in Union Beach as far as bringing people in from out of town.” Sand dune fight: Ocean County condo owners get $4.7M after NJ only offered $500 to seize their sand dunes whose 13th legislative district includes Union Beach When friends of his recently moved to Union Beach ‘The very first thing you should do is to go JakeaBob’s “Preserving JakeaBob’s is as essential as preserving Union Beach — it’s that loved also saw up close the destruction Sandy wrought “You hope that there’s a way that there can be an accommodation made (for JakeaBob’s) to make sure they have as much access to water views as possible,” he said “At the same time the dune protects not only JakeaBob’s if we have another storm and we hope all these things we’re doing will dramatically reduce the heartbreaking losses we all saw with Sandy.” The issue is not necessarily either/or in nature — either protect the borough or support JakeaBob’s It’s more a matter of: Will the state and federal bureaucracy move on this time for summer 2025 and we’re absolutely going to encourage them,” O’Scanlon said “We have to make sure these places survive and thrive and we will not stop working toward that.” Sandy Hook a dining destination? See what these businesses are offering Liaguno-Dorr volunteered to staff the borough’s emergency food pantry before she began to pick up the pieces of the old JakeaBob’s She doesn’t want to go through that again and we don’t want to go through that again,” Cocuzza said “They (JakeaBob’s) never stood in the way of the Army Corps project.” Cocuzza cited the high level of cooperation between all involved as a reason why “it should not take the state and Army Corps very long to decide,” on the permit request “I’m sure the state and the federal government don’t want to be the ones responsible for killing the local economy here,” the mayor said so I’m very hopeful that they get this done as quick as they can so (Liaguno-Dorr) can open up in 2025 and be restored to what she had.” “One thing I can say with 100% certainty is that the town is not going to be the impediment here There are too many people in town that rely on that income It’s on the state and the Army Corps now.” There have been patrons who’ve shown up to JakeaBob’s this summer unaware of landscape change but Bob and Mary McKenty were not among them — nor will they be “I feel bad for Gigi because she’s having all these obstacles,” Bob said “But I’ll go even if they don’t do anything else.” Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people 2024 at 12:58 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}(Shutterstock)UNION BEACH NJ — A 13-year-old boy stole a 2,000-pound asphalt roller from a construction site in Union Beach and drove it around town police in that town announced Tuesday evening The boy drove the heavy-duty construction vehicle down Park Neither he or anyone else was injured in the apparent joyride nor were any Union Beach cars damaged by the 1-ton construction vehicle said Union Beach Police Chief Michael Woodrow "The 13-yr-old (Middletown resident) was able to manage to take and operate from the construction site a 1-ton asphalt roller," said the police chief "(He drove it) from Park Avenue to Central to Spruce Street." It was Patrolman Kevin Finucan who was able to stop the teen "This could have had a very different ending," Police Sgt "Fortunately the juvenile nor anyone else was not injured." Central and Spruce streets are being asked to check their vehicles for tangible damage and report damage directly to Ptl UNION BEACH — Magaly Milton was out enjoying her Union Beach backyard when something pink flew across her vision "I said 'Is that a flamingo?'" she recalled Milton dismissed the sighting as maybe a wounded bird or some other more plausible explanation The roseate spoonbill — a bird more commonly found in Florida southern Louisiana or coastal Texas — has spent the past week and a half fishing along a creek by the Henry Hudson Trail's northern section in Union Beach MORE: A roseate spoonbill in Monmouth County? Why are southern birds traveling to NJ? Milton and her husband Michael began seeing dozens of photographers and nature lovers gather on the trail near their home to photograph or catch a glimpse of the rare bird Michael Milton said he pulled out ladders for bystanders to better see the bird above the high brush alongside the trail It's really spectacular," Magaly Milton said "Why shouldn't the whole community enjoy it The spoonbill has been spotted along East Creek where it feeds and keeps company with egrets and herons according to Monmouth County Park System officials Park naturalist Paul Mandala said the bird is a juvenile Adult roseate spoonbills lose their head plumage "We don't get the adults up in New Jersey," said Mandala "Young birds typically have this innate need to go explore And sometimes they'll go look for new areas and…it's part of the process of expansion of range." It is not uncommon for young spoonbills to migrate northward during their first summer The young spoonbills have been reported as far north as New Hampshire Photographer Donna McKnight saw an alert about the spoonbill in Union Beach from the eBird app on her phone, a bird tracking software run by Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology She took her camera to the trail on Friday where she waited for hours with a group of photographers The bird "finally flew up out of the marsh that’s when I got that shot," McKnight said Not including the one along the Henry Hudson Trail, only 15 roseate spoonbills have been recorded in New Jersey, according to Audubon's New Jersey Bird Records Committee Another was spotted in the Heislerville Wildlife Management Area in Cumberland County around the same time that the Monmouth County spoonbill appeared This September sighting marks the first time that a roseate spoonbill was documented by the committee within Monmouth County Carmine DiVenere of Hazlet walks the Henry Hudson Trail regularly and typically photographs raptors but he was excited for the rare opportunity to capture a picture of the spoonbill He managed to snap a variety of photos of the pink-tinged bird "This was just like a topping on the cake" of years of raptor photography roseate spoonbills get their pink color from carotenoids — yellow orange and red pigments — contained within the crustaceans and marine invertebrates they eat according to Monmouth County Park officials "At low tide, it (the spoonbill) flies down with its neck outstretched to feed in the shallow creek," park officials wrote on the county parks' website "Using its long ladle-like bill to sweep back and forth through the water expects the spoonbill will soon head south as the weather cools New Jersey residents are likely to see rare birds again in the future especially after coastal storms push southern birds northward and prey distribution expands due to warming weather "We did have a pink flamingo in Long Island (this summer)," he said Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment She has worked for the Press for more than 16 years Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates A Union Beach woman who "lit up every room she entered" was struck by a vehicle and killed near a busy Hazlet intersection was killed in a pedestrian crash in Hazlet Tracey Ryan, 52, was identified as the pedestrian who died in the Route 36 crash a Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson said on Wednesday The collision happened near the intersection with Union Avenue at around 7:49 p.m Paramedics rushed Ryan to the hospital and she was pronounced dead at 8:33 p.m The vehicle's driver remained at the scene and was cooperating with investigators A GoFundMe page said Ryan was born in Laurence Harbor and had lived in Union Beach for the last 24 years and friend who "was the life of every party." The GoFundMe had raised more than $8,500 from at least 87 donations as of press time "She was someone who everyone knew no matter where she went," wrote Taylor Carbone "Her absence leaves a hole in all the hearts that loved and knew her." Ryan was survived by her husband of 36 years Jimmy "She loved her family and friends unconditionally and was loyal to all those around her," Carbone wrote No charges or summonses have been issued as of December 11 The Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team was helping with the investigation Anyone with information about the crash should call the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 800-533-7443 or the Hazlet Township Police Department at 732-264-0763 You can click here to see the GoFundMe page for Tracey Ryan Doren Development has received approval to build another Starbucks in New Jersey where it will redevelop a former bank branch off Route 36 The Passaic-based firm said it aims to begin construction by year-end at 1500 Union Ave following the recent vote by local officials Its plans call for repurposing the former Bank of America location for a full café that will include drive-thru service “Investing in a prime piece of real estate and having Starbucks as a tenant in a thriving community it’s not just about location — it’s about visibility foot traffic and the guaranteed draw of a beloved brand,” Doren Development’s Rick Doren Jr Doren, Manzo set to bring new Starbucks to shuttered Sonic on Route 46 in Totowa has been covering New Jersey commercial real estate for 13 years Many industry leaders view him as the go-to real estate reporter in the state a role he is eager to continue as the editor of Real Estate NJ He is a lifelong New Jersey resident who has spent a decade covering the great Garden State Restaurant chain Bojangles has opened along a major commercial corridor in Piscataway as part of a previously announced deal brokered by The Goldstein Group All RIGHTS RESERVED Copyright 2023 Real Estate NJ 101 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland Our site uses cookies. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy This 13-year-old Middletown boy is going places but we don't want him to get there like this and I think I was just learning how to drive I don't know how this kid learned to get this 2,000-pound machine in motion. If you don't know, these Asphalt Rollers are made to used to compact soil, gravel, concrete, or asphalt in the construction of roads. All this went down last Tuesday evening according to the Union Beach Police Facebook page This teenager stole the 2,000-pound asphalt roller from a construction site in Union Beach and drove it around town "This could have had a very different ending fortunately the juvenile nor anyone else was injured." Police Sgt Asphalt Roller Levels Off The Tar On The Road Way This 13-year-old kid from Middletown was able to get this huge piece of machinery and drive it from Park Avenue to Central to Spruce Street This kid really will make us have a good laugh but thank God no one was injured including himself on his little joyride also no cars were damaged by the 1-ton construction vehicle The brave police officer that stopped the 13 year-old was Patrolman Kevin Finucan and got him into custody and Spruce streets are being asked to check their vehicles for tangible damage and report damage directly to Ptl Year Old Stole A Asphalt Roller And Drove Through Union Beach I wonder when he turns 17, this will affect him getting a driver's license? Thank you for taking the time out to check this story out and as always rocking out with me and Jersey's Rat Radio 95.9 The Rat. You can also check out more stories just by clicking right HERE Download the app to LISTEN LIVE wherever you are and connect with us like never before UNION BEACH - Twelve years after their hollowed-out yellow house became a global symbol of superstorm Sandy's devastation along with their 8-year-old daughter Violet are moving into a new house on the property crossing the finish line at the end of an exhausting journey Since they evacuated to escape the storm surge in October 2012 and navigated obstacles from financing to inspections before finally moving in "Between working a full-time job that requires a lot of mental energy and all of this standing in the new kitchen the week before Thanksgiving The Zoises invited The Asbury Park Press to follow them this year as their new home took shape — from empty land that once was the site of an iconic image to a 2,300-square-foot modular home set high on pilings driven deep into the ground Watch the video above to see more about the rebuilding process Transformed by Sandy: Twelve years after Sandy walloped Mantoloking, see the bigger, pricier homes built there The project adds to a post-Sandy transformation in Union Beach a working-class Bayshore town that has seen an influx of new homes selling for as much as $1 million who unintentionally found the spotlight when photographers came across their home after Sandy virtually cut in half and supported on one leg dubbed "The Princess Cottage," had survived plenty of stories over the years Jon's father and aunt bought it in 1994 and rented it to Jon and Meridith in April 2012 they were forced to evacuate to a nearby hotel Jon and Meridith started picking up the pieces moving first to an apartment before eventually returning to Union Beach into another home across Front Street that also was owned by their family They saw it on the side of a city bus in Los Angeles during their honeymoon They saw it on advertisements for insurance companies you have to keep moving on," Meridith Zois "What's the point of sitting and wallowing in it Sandy aftermath still stings: Feds still seek $80K from this Point Pleasant couple 12 years after Sandy recovery chaos watched as workers pieced the home together like it was a giant Lego project Meridith Zois dubbed the $700,000 project "The Princess Fortress." In November she and Zarrilli Homes manager Patrick Bottazzi sprinkled glitter onto the still-hot driveway and watched as pavers rolled over it The new house has a Pacific blue and white facade It has a kitchen that looks out to a living area with a fireplace It has an elevator to take the family from the garage to the living area And it has an expansive deck with an unvarnished view of the protective sand dunes and beach the lights of Coney Island and downtown Manhattan 'You guys needed me': Sandy flattened his Ocean Gate home. Now he helps Helene victims. The Zoises envisioned plenty of room for a Christmas tree in the family room They pictured Fourth of July gatherings with views of fireworks displays from the Bayshore to New York City And they were reasonably confident that their new home would fair far better in a storm than their old one The hoops and hurdles of the past decade briefly faded away one September morning scoped out her new bedroom and playroom that were coming together nicely Meridith asked her what she was looking forward to the most Diamond is a business reporter at the Asbury Park Press He has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry since 1999 He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com Frank Pallone confident of federal funding for coastal NJ under Trump Brenda Flanagan, Senior Correspondent | November 25, 2024 | Energy & Environment A New Jersey Shore town is getting the final piece of a flood defense network: a $300 million system of interconnected levees deflect and drain dangerous storm surges intensified by a warming climate Army Corps of Engineers announced the final contract phase of the Port Monmouth Storm Risk Reduction Project “Thousands and thousands of Middletown residents will be safe and secure from those rising tidal waves,” said Middletown Mayor Tony Perry What they’ve been doing has really helped us a lot,” said resident Cathy Rogers who moved to Middletown in 1976 and immediately lost everything in a flood Homes in Port Monmouth — built on salt and freshwater marshes — flooded often and we had 241 homes here that were lost,” she said “Building this type of infrastructure to protect our communities is critical now … and will only become more so in the years ahead,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette Funding for the 15-year-long effort is dedicated through the Sandy Relief Act But the enhanced beach already needs replenishment And some advocates see political storms ahead recalling how the first Trump administration slashed funding for Shore resilience and that President-elect Donald Trump remains skeptical of climate change Frank Pallone (D-6th) Pallone said he’s trying to add earmarks for beach replenishment to the pending U.S but said he believes federal funding for coastal New Jersey could survive under Trump he’s been supportive of the Army Corps projects and so I really don’t think we need to worry about that when it comes to this project or the other Army Corps projects like in Union Beach or the Shore protection along the Atlantic Coast,” Pallone said Senior Correspondent Brenda Flanagan joined NJ Spotlight News in 2013 The Emmy-award-winning reporter has also worked as an investigative/political correspondent for news departments at WWOR,WNYW and NJN SUBSCRIBE NJ Spotlight is part of The WNET Group and is operated by WNET a non-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code A Union Beach youth soccer coach admitted to molesting two players and sending sexual pictures to several others pleaded guilty during a hearing in superior court Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Monday The investigation began in May when a teen reported Gunsauls had asked for and shared sexually explicit material through a social media app eight additional victims between 11 and 17 years old were identified Gunsauls was held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution and a judge granted a motion to keep him detained Gunsauls pleaded guilty to first-degree endangering the welfare of a child by manufacturing child sexual abuse material and second-degree attempted endangering via manufacturing child sexual abuse material along with second- and third-degree endangering via sexual conduct Gunsauls is listed as a volunteer firefighter with Union Beach Fire Company No. 1 and was also a dispatcher for the borough's police department. He graduated from the Monmouth County Fire Academy in May 2010 Prosecutors planned to recommend a 12-year prison sentence for Gunsauls He would have to serve more than 10 years before being eligible for parole under the No Early Release Act The plea deal also included lifetime parole supervision and sex offender restraining orders banning him from contacting the victims MORE: Asbury Park Press live blog tracking voting, candidates, issues for 2024 election Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Spokesman Christopher Swendeman said was struck and killed by a vehicle at the intersection of Route 36 and Union Avenue just before 8 p.m. Ryan was taken to a local hospital following the crash and pronounced dead at 8:33 p.m. The driver remained at the scene of the crash In a GoFundMe started to support Ryan’s family Ryan is described as “the life of every party” and someone who “lit up every room she entered.” She was a Union Beach resident for the last 24 years “She loved her family and friends unconditionally and was loyal to all those around her She lived every day for her family,” the GoFundMe reads “Her absence leaves a hole in all the hearts that loved and knew her.” Donations to the fund will go towards supporting Ryan’s family $16,349 of the family’s $20,000 goal has been raised we ask for any donation to help the family in every way possible,” the GoFundMe reads “They need all the support they can receive and are beyond grateful to anyone who is able to support them in this devastating time.” Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team and the Hazlet Township Police Department are investigating the fatal crash Anyone with information on the crash should contact Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Detective Nicolas Logothetis at 800-533-7443 or Hazlet Township Police Department Sergeant Patrick Wood at 732-264-0763 It was a terrific Tuesday for a lottery player in Monmouth County A ticket sold in Keyport matched the winning numbers in the Jersey Cash 5 drawing held on Tuesday It’s 18 feet of old-school law enforcement a tinge of patina to show its age and red solo siren this two-door 1966 Chrysler Newport must have been an eye-popping sight when it peeled out in hot pursuit “It’s got the cherry on top,” George Poosikian said of the siren with more than a hint of admiration in his voice a model of which made appearances in the iconic cop-TV dramas Starsky & Hutch and CHiPs It’s parked in a bay in Brookdale Community College’s auto tech department where automotive instructor Poosikian and two students are restoring it for use by Union Beach police “It’s exciting stuff,” said student Steven Malo “I kind of feel like I’m on one of those ‘Fast and Loud’ TV shows.” The vehicle must have been both fast and loud in its heyday with a V8 engine capable of 340 horsepower and a top speed of 130 mph It’s been with Union Beach's police department for many years but had broken down and fallen out of commission some time ago “There’s a story that it stopped working during a funeral procession,” Malo said “They called it Christine (after the famous 1983 film about a car with a mind of its own).” The restoration was the suggestion of Michael Woodrow who is a longtime adjunct professor of criminal justice at Brookdale The goal is to use it for ceremonial purposes as Union Beach commemorates the borough’s 100th birthday in 2025 “They’re going to use this in a parade,” Poosikian said “And I assume somebody will be driving this car around town every now and then.” Chrysler produced 37,622 two-door hardtop Newports in 1966 Woodrow said they were commonly used for highway patrol especially in the open-road western states "These cars were built for speed and power and they were essential tools for law enforcement at the time,” Woodrow said “Officers had to rely on their driving skills and the car's raw power." there are seat belts in the front seat only Partitions between the front and back seats were not common then so arrested suspects would ride in the shotgun seat handcuffed and seat-belted It was assumed that they would not attempt to disrupt the cop at the wheel "It was a different time," Woodrow explained and often that meant having a 'gentlemen's agreement' with the person they had just arrested during those long drives to the jail or headquarters." The restoration began in August and is expected to be done by January The engine and transmission had been removed before the car arrived on campus Poosikian and his students are installing a new brake system as well “We took a car that was completely disassembled and we’re putting it together and giving them a running “We have some work to do on the engine compartment I want to start with a fresh harness out of another ’66 vehicle.” Someone had tinkered with the wiring in the past “We’re going to undo the rat’s nest wiring and make sure the car doesn’t die on the side of the road,” Malo said For Malo and fellow student-mechanic Bishes Mukherjee Poosikian hand-picked the two of them as volunteers to help him with the restoration on Saturday mornings “I always knew I wanted to work on an American hot rod which is one of the reasons I chose to study in the United States,” said Mukherjee a Middletown High School North graduate who learned to work under the hood with his car enthusiast father a retired cop car from Marlboro’s police department That’s producing about 240 horsepower – not quite as dynamic as the ‘66 Newport 1 requirement is to have a little bit more power,” Malo said It’s also nice to have a living classroom like this and I want to teach the younger guys the craft,” Poosikian said "This project is about more than just restoring a car It's teaching students the value of craftsmanship if you see this classic cop car along the Bayshore “We’re having fun doing this,” Poosikian said “When that car rolls out onto the streets again Gunsauls is also a volunteer firefighter in Union Beach the Monmouth County prosecutor released the criminal complaint against Gunsauls It describes specifically what he is accused of doing: Gunsauls has been charged with 22 counts related to child sex abuse of his former players Prosecutors say Gunsauls texted the boys photos of his penis and asked the boys to send him photos of their penises in return He engaged in sexual conversations with the boys over an unnamed social media app, said prosecutors. He also admitted in court this week that he picked up two of the players and drove them to a ball field in Union Beach, where he would molest them in his car, the Asbury Park Press reported This went on for over the past three years, Patch previously reported that one of the children told an adult what had been happening The following is from the criminal complaint: "It was learned that the defendant had been engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior with multiple juvenile players on teams that he coached Forensic interviews were conducted by two of the juvenile players One of the juveniles disclosed that the defendant had asked him to send him a picture of his penis The same juvenile stated that the defendant sent him a picture of his penis on a social media application One of the juveniles disclosed that he and the defendant engaged in sexually explicit conversations on a social media application at which time he admitted to sending pictures of his penis and sexual materials to multiple juvenile players He also admitted to receiving sexually explicit images from multiple juvenile players The defendant further stated that he sent some of the sexually explicit images that he received from multiple juvenile players to another juvenile player The defendant also admitted to engaging in sexually explicit conversations with multiple juvenile players The defendant also admitted to engaging in sexual contact with two juvenile players by touching their penises and having them touch his penis." Anyone with more information about Gunsauls’ activities is urged to contact MCPO Detective Joseph Mason at 800-533-7443 Gunsauls is charged with eight counts of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child eight counts of third-degree Distributing Obscene Materials to a Minor two counts of second-degree Attempted Endangering two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact and single counts of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM) and third-degree Possession of CSAM Gabrielle Union in a white bikini suit and cream crochet set adorned with sparkly pearls Dua Lipa wears an orange swimsuit and a crystal mesh tank for her 29th birthday Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa are fans of the outfit trick Union is switching up her style to celebrate the dog days of summer—and bringing a touch of the naked dressing trend into the mix now vacationing with her family on the island of Ile Sainte Marguerite in Cannes She shared photos on Instagram yesterday featuring two glamorous seaside looks The second outfit: a cover-up that screamed Grecian goddess meets beach babe Union wore a metallic gold knit crochet set from Retrofete—a matching maxi skirt and cropped off-the-shoulder long-sleeve top—that was patterned She layered a simple white bikini underneath and accessorized with minimal brown sandals and a beige raffia hobo bag letting her cover-up be the centerpiece of the look Lipa shared a photo sitting poolside in a $850 tangerine Gucci logo-dotted string bikini that she layered underneath a mesh mini dress covered in sparkly gold crystals With how celebrities are styling their glammed-up cover-ups it's a sign to hold onto them even as summer bleeds into fall A mesh or macrame beach dress works just as well for cocktails on a warm Scroll down to shop dressy cover-ups and crochet knit sets Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends Julia’s reporting has ranged across style Julia writes for outlets like the Washington Post Julia's fashion reporting is led by curiosity Julia is not only interested in critiquing and covering pop culture but in understanding what our pop culture says about how we live and modern values where she and her co-host revisit shows like Girls and Gossip Girl from the beginning with guests like comedian Cat Cohen and writer Hunter Harris Girls Room was recently cited in the New York Times New Jersey's beaches are famous for their beauty and charm making them some of the most sought-after spots for summer fun Stretching along the entire coastline, awaits shoobies and locals alike are the beautiful shores with golden sands and picturesque views up and down is known for its fantastic beach towns that offer the perfect blend of relaxation and family-friendly activities and Point Pleasant have earned a reputation for being top-notch family resorts because they have a bit of everything: clean and plenty of attractions like amusement parks and water parks the small-town atmosphere makes it easy for families to enjoy quality time together With gorgeous beaches and a welcoming vibe South Jersey really shines as a great destination for a summer getaway The beach towns in New Jersey aren't exactly thought to be budget-friendly the demand for time at the Jersey shore.during the peak summer months is really high this time of year That means prices for things like accommodations Since rentals close to the shore are in high demand they often come with a pretty hefty price tag Not to mention the fact that the cost of living in New Jersey is generally higher than many other states which can make everything from hotel rates to dining out more expensive via GIPHY If you want to enjoy some of the fun activities or attractions at the beach So while a beach vacation here in NJ can be a fantastic experience it’s a good idea to plan ahead and budget for these extra costs to make the most of your trip via GIPHY What can save you and your family a little bit of money is staying in one of the towns on the coast that offers a free beach While it's true there aren't too many of those you can make a great vacation and save a couple hundred bucks (depending on the size of your family) if you spend most of your time on the sand Here's a list of all the beaches you can take your family to this Labor Day Weekend without having to purchase any beach tags: You can have a great vacation at the Jersey Shore while saving a couple bucks if you spend most of your time in the towns that don't require beach tags.\nRead More via GIPHY via GIPHY A 32-year-old youth soccer coach is facing additional and upgraded charges three months after being arrested on charges of distributing sexually explicit images to children Ryan Gunsauls, of Union Beach was also accused of engaging in sexually explicit conversations with student-athletes under his supervision and inappropriately touching at least two of the victims A Monmouth County grand jury returned a 30-count indictment — Four counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child by manufacturing child sexual abuse material— Four counts of second-degree attempted endangering via manufacture child sexual abuse material— Eight counts of second-degree endangering via sexual conduct— Nine counts of third-degree distributing obscene materials to a minor— Two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact Gunsauls was also indicted on third-degree counts of endangering via sexual conduct and possession of child sexual abuse material as well as second-degree endangering via distribution of that material The investigation began earlier this year when one juvenile said that Gunsauls had been asking for and sharing sexually explicit materials via a social media app Police then found eight more potential victims Gunsauls was being held at Monmouth County Jail Anyone with more information about Gunsauls’s activities was urged to contact MCPO Detective Joseph Mason at 800-533-7443 Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom Gallery Credit: MIT Living Wage Calculator Ryan Gunsauls, of Union Beach, was first arrested in May. He faces allegations involving athletes between the ages of 11 and 17.\nRead More Ryan Gunsauls, of Union Beach Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom Crews were responding to three boats on fire after an explosion at a marina in Keyport The fire broke out at Brown's Point Marina on Monday, Sept. 9, Keyport's emergency management office said in a Facebook post at 3:53 p.m Residents were asked to avoid the area near the West Front Street facility Keyport police said officers first received a call about the fire at around 2:50 p.m and firefighters from other Monmouth County communities were also responding Social media posts showed heavy smoke in the sky above the marina Officials didn't say if anyone was injured as of press time According to its website, Brown's Point Marina is a full-service boat storage facility that was renovated in 2021 The marina on the Raritan Bay is about a quarter-mile west of Keyport Waterfront Park This appeared to be the third fire at a New Jersey marina in less than three weeks. Four marina employees suffered smoke inhalation after flames broke out on a roughly 42-foot boat in Wildwood on Thursday Two people were injured during a boat explosion at Raritan Marina in the Laurence Harbor section of Old Bridge on Wednesday A 57-year-old man from Old Bridge was airlifted with burns to his face and legs after the explosion launched him into the water Stay with Daily Voice for updates on this developing story 2024 at 1:09 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Ryan Gunsauls NJ — A youth soccer coach from Union Beach had sexually-explicit conversations with eight of the youth soccer players under his supervision two of whom he is also accused of touching inappropriately alleges Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago Ryan Gunsauls, 32, is also accused of distributing sexually-explicit images with the minors, who ranged in ages from 11 to 17. News 12 reports he sent the minor boys sexual photos of himself The charges against Gunsauls were announced in this press release Tuesday by Deputy First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Decker when a juvenile told an adult Gunsauls had been soliciting and distributing sexual photos with him on an unnamed social media app Union Beach Police and the Special Victims' Unit of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's office then got involved: As the investigation continued NJ101.5 reports Gunsauls coached for the Union Beach Soccer Association Gunsauls was arrested without incident in Hazlet on Friday He is currently being held in the Monmouth County Jail pending his first scheduled hearing Monday in Monmouth County Superior Court the LA–based duo just bought a $2.6 million beach house in Jamesport built the modern 3,500-square-foot residence that stands there today in its place A private beach on the Long Island Sound is included in the roughly half-acre plot who has written two memoirs and two children’s books Get a year of unlimited access for $25 $20 per month which is outfitted with minimalist white cabinetry and geometric floor tiles that transition into the knotty blonde wood that grounds the rest of the open-plan living space a built-in banquette provides a cozy dining spot complete with another picture window view of the ocean Sheri Winter Parker of the Corcoran Group represented both parties in the off-market transaction The Studio Has Tons of A-List Cameos—Including Some of the Best Midcentury-Modern Architecture in LA 50 Cent’s Houses: Exploring the Rapper’s Over-The-Top Real Estate Portfolio The Full House Victorian in San Francisco Sells for $6 Million The Residence Offers a Peek Inside the White House—but What Really Goes Into Running the President’s Private Quarters? Severance Twists the Mundane Trappings of the Office Into a Mind-Bending Hellscape Inside Lana Condor’s Completely Transformed Dream Home Actor Walton Goggins and Director Nadia Conners Imagine a New Life in the Hudson Valley 5 Secrets of the SNL Sets You Probably Didn’t Know Not a subscriber? Join AD for print and digital access now Browse the AD PRO Directory to find an AD-approved design expert for your next project.