Week in News: Renting After Sandy Becomes a 'Nightmare'

Displaced by Sandy, Some Renters Face "A Nightmare"

Toms River- Two weeks ago Tia Savoy had her first meltdown.

Nearly six months of moving from place to place, calling family and friends looking for a place to sleep for a month, a week, a night, finding a bed for her daughter - she'd take a couch - had taken its toll. 

Read more on Toms River Patch.

The Remnants of Funtown Pier

Seaside- Just a short walk down the debris-littered beach in Seaside Heights, work is underway on Casino Pier.

Despite the presence of a roller coaster still sitting in the ocean, positive reconstruction has been going on for several months. Officials even say they plan on reopening a portion of the pier, along with some rides, by Memorial Day.

It's a different story at Funtown Pier.

Read and see more on Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch. 

Abused Cocker Spaniel 'Sammy' Leaves Animal Hospital

Wall- The cocker spaniel who authorities charge was brought to an animal shelter by his abuser was released from a Monmouth County animal hospital Monday.

"Sammy," estimated to be about 13 or 14 years old, was brought to the Monmouth County Animal Shelter by Keith Morgan, 56, of Brick, who told staff that he and his wife, Shauna Ewing Morgan, 43, found the dog in a garbage bag on the side of Belmar Boulevard in Wall.

Read more on Wall Patch. 

A 'Good Kid' from a 'Very Quiet' Neighborhood

Toms River- Friends and neighbors remembered Brandon Holt Wednesday as a 6-year-old with a contagious smile, who liked to play in his quiet McCormick Drive cul-de-sac in Toms River with his 4-year-old friend. 

Since Monday night, when Brandon was fatally shot by the same 4-year-old neighbor while the pair were playing, those who knew the 6-year-old have been grieving for the child and for the families affected by the tragedy. 

Read more on Toms River Patch.

Point Pleasant Man's Body Found in Long Branch Backyard

Long Branch- The body found in a Long Branch backyard this morning has been identified as a 56-year-old Point Pleasant man.

Michael M. Wells was found dead in the backyard of 215 Cleveland Ave. at 7:30 a.m., according to information from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.