UPDATE! Friday Briefs From WOBM News

News from Ocean & Monmouth counties and around New Jersey.

TOMS RIVER - Jury selection is set to begin in Toms River Tuesday for the trial of Jahmell Crockam of Lakewood, the suspect being held in the killing of Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz. The 27-year-old from Manchester died a year ago tomorrow from three close-range gunshots – the first officer to die in the line of duty in Ocean County history.

BRICK – Brick Township school officials enact a plan that will allow home-schooled students to participate in public high school varsity athletic programs. Published reports say, students who wish to participate will be required to submit a portfolio of their school work and take a test to prove their academic equivalency. The rules come after the NJSIAA ruled that home-schooled students can play if the school board and prinicipal approved.

BARNEGAT - Barnegat Township High School may soon be the home stage for a newly formed theatre group. Reports say the district is finalizing a contract with the Ocean Professional Theatre Company. The deal will provide an alternative funding source for the district and offers students in the drama program a chance to work in professional theater.

ASBURY PARK - Asbury Park Police make two arrest during a probe into several shootings this week. Reports say, 21-year-old city resident Jarel Morris and 19-year-old Abdul King of Freehold Township are being charged with aggravated assault and weapons counts for an incident that occured Wednesday afternoon. A victim was shot in the stomach outside a deli near Bangs and Ridge Avenues. Both suspects are in the Monmouth County Jail on $300-thousand dollars bail.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Two Shore first-responder outfits divide more than a quarter-million dollars to upgrade operations and safety through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Hatzolah in Lakewood qualified for $56,000 and the East Freehold Fire Company gets $196,000 in the current round of Assistance-To-Firefighter Grants.

TRENTON - If you’re a business owner who’s served your country there could be some good news your way. A new initiative from the 9th district delegation called Veteran Owned Businesses Assistance Act will ensure that the Department Of Treasury encourages vet owned businesses to state procurement for contracts. The bill was developed by Senator Chris Connors and Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman Dianne Gove.