Week in News: $1 Million Powerball Sold in Howell

Long Branch Gets Helping Hand In Removing Sandy Debris

Long Branch- A large piece of debris left by Hurricane Sandy has been sitting in Long Branch's Branchport Creek as a reminder of the storm's power.

However, with the help of New Jersey Clean Shores, the debris, which is likely a piece of wooden decking, is being removed.

Read more on Long Branch Patch.

$1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold In Howell

Howell- Somewhere, there's someone who stopped in at a Howell store recently and bought a Powerball ticket. And who likely hasn't stopped smiling since.

New Jersey Lottery officials on Monday announced that a $1 million winning ticket to Sunday's Powerball was purchased at a Route 9 liquor store.

Read more on Howell Patch.

L.L. Bean To Open Store In Freehold Mall

Freehold- L.L. Bean on Tuesday announced it will open a new location at the Freehold Raceway Mall.

The Maine-based retailer is set to open a 25,000-square-foot store in the space vacated by Borders book store. The store is expected to employ 100 people, according to a company release.

Read more on Freehold Patch.

Rip Currents A Big Concern Following Sandy

Jersey Shore- In an average year, more than 100 Americans lose their lives after being dragged out to sea in rip currents, though last year the number of deaths totaled 41, figures compiled by NOAA show.

Besides making sure to swim at a guarded beach, being able to identify where rip currents are occurring – and avoiding those areas – is the best bet to ensure one's safety.

Read more on Brick Patch.

Howell Girl Among Winners In First 2013 Freehold Idol

Freehold- A 10-year-old Howell girl from Ramtown Elementary School was among the top winners of the inaugural 2013 Freehold Idol singing competition, held Wednesday outside the Hall of Records. 

It was Amber Grant’s eccentric performance of  “House of the Rising Sun’’ that drew praise from the judges at the kick-off to this year’s summerlong competition. Grant tied with Erin McGuinness, 15, of Middletown, in the 10- to 15-year-old category. McGuinness sang “Stars,’’ by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.

Read more on Howell Patch.

Displaced Sand Returns Home to Shore Up Brick's Beachfront

Brick- Crews from state contractor CrowderGulf have started the process of returning sand that flowed into Barnegat Bay during Superstorm Sandy to Brick Township's beachfront.

Brick is one of the first areas of the state where sand is being collected from the bay and returned to the oceanfront, which has been in dangerously slim shape since the storm pummeled the township in Oct. 2012.

Read more on Brick Patch.