COVID, Woman With Alzheimer’s Found: Howell’s Top Stories In 2020

HOWELL, NJ - The year 2020 brought an unfathomable 365 days of death, illness, unemployment, business lockdowns and school shutdowns in Howell. From business closures ranging from Petco to Bed Bath and Beyond to thousands of students at Howell High School and Howell Township Public Schools collectively learning online for the first time, virtually no resident has been left untouched by the pandemic’s effects.

But the same year that saw tragedy also brought community, perseverance and new beginnings. Locals started new endeavors, such as the Sunset Flip Radio podcast and online coffee shop Edgar Allan Joe. A police officer distributed treats instead of tickets on Christmas, Howell police officers saved a choking victim at The Cabin and a local business owner sought help after a missing Toms River woman with Alzheimer’s stumbled into his shop.

Here are the top stories that defined Howell in 2020:

Missing Woman With Alzheimer's Found By Howell Business Owner | Howell, NJ Patch

"I was just in the right spot at the right time," said Robert Vaccaro, who found the missing Toms River woman outside his shop this year.

Howell Officer Trades Traffic Tickets For Treats On Christmas | Howell, NJ Patch

"I want people to see the good in us, police officers," says Ptl. Brett Kyle. "The reactions … made it so worth it."

Howell Couple Hit, Woman Killed In Christmas Eve Car Crash | Howell, NJ Patch

Phyllis Shtab, 81, succumbed to her injuries after she was involved in a hit-and-run in Jackson Township.

Narcotics, Pounds of Marijuana Seized In Howell Home | Howell, NJ Patch

Homeowner Kevin Gallagher was charged with possession and intent to distribute the illicit substances, according to police.

Howell Local Brings Bold Coffee To NJ With 'Edgar Allan Joe' | Howell, NJ Patch

This Howell native is crafting coffee blends as dark, bold and imaginative as the tales they're inspired by.

Howell Duo Launch Wrestling Podcast Made By Fans, For Fans | Howell, NJ Patch

Coworkers-turned-pals Alex Drayton and Thomas Lisi discuss all things wrestling on 'Sunset Flip Radio.' Here's how to tune in.

Howell Homeowner Charged With NJ Executive Order Violation | Howell, NJ Patch

A Howell resident, who authorities say hosted a gathering of 400 this summer, was charged with violating Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order banning large gatherings.

Howell Commons Crash Leaves Motorcyclist Dead: Prosecutor | Howell, NJ Patch

A November collision on Route 9 left one motorcycle rider dead, later identified as Jonathan T. Giorgi, 20, of Howell.

Police Break Up 2 Lakewood Weddings For Exceeding 50-Person Limit | Lakewood, NJ Patch

Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday limited all gatherings to 50 people to try to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Howell Trooper's Mom Wins Fight To Strengthen Move Over Law | Howell, NJ Patch

Motorists who don't slow down or move over face points as well as fines, thanks to Donna Setaro's efforts.

Pickup Rolls Into Manasquan Reservoir Boat Launch: Howell Police | Howell, NJ Patch

Authorities had to pull a submerged pickup truck from the Manasquan Reservoir after the vehicle was left in reverse while a boat was being launched.

Forgotten Howell Cemetery Gets A Makeover From Jamesburg Man | Howell, NJ Patch

Brewer Cemetery, tucked behind a busy Howell road, is easy to miss. Six New Jersey residents wanted to change that.

Howell Police Officers Save Choking Victim At Freehold Restaurant | Howell, NJ Patch
A 56-year-old Freehold resident dining at The Cabin in Freehold Township was given life saving CPR earlier this year.

Five Guys Fires Employee Over 'Piggies' Insult To Howell Police | Howell, NJ Patch

"Let's move on from this," Howell's police chief said after Five Guys' owner again apologized and set up a fundraiser for the Howell PBA.

Here Are The 8 Howell Priests On The 'Credibly Accused' List | Howell, NJ Patch

ProPublica has released the most comprehensive list yet of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse. Here are the eight who have Howell ties.

Howell Man Charged In Threats Over Lakewood Weddings: Authorities | Howell, NJ Patch

Anthony Lodespoto sent Facebook messages, including to Gov. Murphy, threatening to beat residents with a baseball bat, the prosecutor said.

3 Arrested, 2,000 Heroin Folds Seized In Howell Busts | Howell, NJ Patch

Police have seized nearly 3,000 folds of heroin since the beginning of the year, Howell Chief Andrew Kudrick Jr. said.

Howell Man Charged In Armed Robberies Of Hotel, Spa | Howell, NJ Patch

Authorities said he and an Eatontown man are suspects in a number of similar robberies around the state.

2 Howell Men, 13 Others Arrested In Countywide Child Porn Bust | Howell, NJ Patch

15 people were arrested in a sting targeting individuals seeking and distributing child sexual abuse material, the prosecutor's office said.

Lidl Announces Grand Opening Of Howell Store | Howell, NJ Patch

The grocery store, which filled the former Best Buy, has specials and giveaways planned to celebrate the store's opening.

Howell Bed Bath & Beyond Set To Close Its Doors: Report | Howell, NJ Patch
Route 9's Bed Bath & Beyond store is just one of 200 locations slated to close.

Howell Petco To Close In August | Howell, NJ Patch
Next month will see Petco's departure from Howell Commons. The storefront has been a neighborhood fixture since 2003. Related: Howell Businesses We Lost In 2020