The Top Lacey Stories Of 2023: Year In Review

LACEY, NJ — It's been a busy year in Lacey!

From a Forked River local starring on a NBC car show to the revamping of a classic diner, there was certainly a lot going on.

Here are five of the top-viewed articles from the Lacey Patch in 2023.

5. Lacey Township School District Mourns Loss Of Student

Unfortunately, the year was marked by tragedies, including the death of a high school student. The student was later identified as 17-year-old Dashaun Witter, one of three who died in a Lakewood car crash in October. Witter was remembered by his loved ones as being a caring and respectful individual.

4. Forked River Filmmaker Spotlights Vietnam Vets With New Movie

As a child, Forked River's M.J. Walker spent a lot of time doing software editing, which turned into making music videos for friends and beginning filmmaking in 2016. His upcoming movie, "Retrograde Victory," tells the story of Vietnam veterans - and it was partially filmed locally. The movie is set to be released in 2024.

3. Lacey Pizzeria One Of NJ's Best For 3rd Year In A Row

What's better than pizza? Not much, and though there's plenty of options in Lacey, Mimmo's Pizza was again named one of the best by lifestyle and tourism website Best of NJ. "It's hard to beat authentic Italian cooking from a chef born and raised in Naples, Italy," Best of NJ writes. "That's exactly what patrons can expect at Mimmo's." Owner Domenico Costagliola told Patch he was "humbled" by the recognition.

2. ID's Of 4 Killed In Jersey Shore Fire, Including Baby, Teen Released

One of Lacey's biggest stories of the year was the tragic house fire in Lanoka Harbor that killed four, including a 14-year-old and a four-month-old infant. "This is an unspeakable tragedy, and our prayers are with the loved ones of these victims," Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said at the time.

1. NJ Walmart's Self Checkout 'Employee' Christmas Party Gets 21K RSVPs

And the top-read story from the Lacey Patch this year? It was the big story this Christmas season - a local man's joke Facebook event about a self-checkout party at the Lanoka Harbor Walmart turned into a real event. Instead of just a party, it became a donation drive, with toys and more given out to the food bank and Popcorn Park.