Echo News TV LLC Community Highlights: Child Tragedy, Wild Encounter with a Port Monmouth Deer, Health Initiatives in New Jersey and more
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
October 14, 2025
Variety News
Tragedy in Lawrenceville: Family Sues State
Over Deadly Tree Accident
The Schwartz family of Lawrence Township has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) after a tragic incident in which a dead and rotted tree from DMAVA property fell and killed their 12-year-old son, Lucas Schwartz, while he was playing in his backyard. The incident occurred on October 14, 2024, when strong winds caused the tree to topple, striking Lucas as he played with his younger sister. Emergency responders attempted to save him, but he later died at the hospital. The lawsuit alleges that DMAVA was aware, or should have been aware, of the hazardous condition of the tree and failed to take action to remove it or warn the public, despite the proximity of their property to residential homes and public spaces. The case highlights concerns about public safety and property management by state agencies. To learn more please check out Sarah Salvadore, article in the Middletown Link. NJ Responsible For Tree That Killed 12-Year-Old, Lawsuit Says | Lawrenceville, NJ Patch
Deer Drama at the Barbershop: Police Sweep Up a Wild Customer
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — It was a wild Monday morning at Barber Culture Barbershop in Port Monmouth when a buck decided he needed a trim, crashing through the front window and turning the shop into a real-life rodeo. Shop owner Rob Lawrence and Middletown Police—armed with nothing but brooms and nerves of steel—did their best to convince the four-legged customer to leave, and after a few tense moments (and probably some hair-raising yelps), the deer dashed back outside, hopefully with a new appreciation for walk-in appointments. To learn more about this Port Monmouth Animal Antics check out Carly Baldwin's Middletown Patch Article by clicking this link: See Video Of Deer Trapped In Monmouth County Barber Shop | Middletown, NJ Patch
CONNECTICUT FARMS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - UNION NEW JERSEY
Stay Healthy Neptune: Free Flu Shots & Blood Drive This October
Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center is hosting two community health events in Neptune this October: a free flu vaccine clinic for all ages at the Jane H. Booker Family Health Center on Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring snacks, fun activities, and balloon animals, and a blood drive in partnership with Vitalant on Friday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Brennan Pavilion. Attendees for the flu clinic should bring medical insurance cards, and free parking is available. Blood donors, who must weigh at least 110 lbs and bring ID, can schedule appointments by calling 877-258-4825 or visiting donors.vitalant.org with code XJSMC, and will be entered for a chance to win $10,000 through the Vitalant Donor Recognition Program. To learn more check out Eric Muench Local Business Report with the Asbury Park Patch by clicking this link: Free Flu Vaccine Clinic, Oct. 18 and Blood Drive, Oct. 24 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center - Asbury Park, NJ Patch
Tinton Falls Candidate Forum: Register for the Live Zoom Event
Alert: Register now for the Tinton Falls Mayor and Borough Council candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Monmouth County on October 15 at 7 P.M. via Zoom—sign up at bit.ly/lwv-tintonfalls and send questions to lwvforum2025@gmail.com - lwvmonmouth.org (LWV Monmouth)
To learn more, check out Marianne Kligman Long Branch-Eatontown Patch: The LWV Organizes Virtual Forum For The Tinton Falls Mayor & Borough Council Candidates Wed. Oct 15; 7 pm | Long Branch, NJ Patch
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