New Jersey

Rick Shetler, 65, in his booth over Townsends Inlet, between Avalon and Sea Isle City, first started working as a toll taker on the bridges of Cape May County more than four decades ago and is the last full-time toll taker left. He reads two books a week, and the little booth is stocked with a lamp, microwave, and TV set. The bridges will convert to all E-ZPass only beginning April 1.

The last bridge toll taker in Cape May County nears the end in a booth above Townsends Inlet

After more than 40 years collecting tolls from Shore drivers, Rick Shetler stands sentry a little longer before E-ZPass takes over entirely on April 1.

February 10, 2025: Photos taken over the past two years from the same spot, diagonally across Market Street from the “OY/YO” sculpture outside the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in the Historic District.

Photography

Oy vey | Scene Through the Lens

File: Winslow Township High School, on Cooper Folly Rd in Atco.

Education

South Jersey school district reverses ban on Eagles gear for teachers ahead of Super Bowl

(Clockwise from top left) Bill Spadea, a former radio show host, State Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblymember Jack Ciattarelli, and former State Sen. Ed Durr speak at the first Republican debate Tuesday at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J.

New Jersey Politics

The first N.J. Republican gubernatorial debate sets the stage for a nasty primary

Mr. Thomas was born in Bridgeville, Del., and honored as a hometown hero.

Obituaries

The last bridge toll taker in Cape May County nears the end in a booth above Townsends Inlet

Oy vey | Scene Through the Lens

South Jersey school district reverses ban on Eagles gear for teachers ahead of Super Bowl

The first N.J. Republican gubernatorial debate sets the stage for a nasty primary

Nathan O. Thomas, celebrated Tuskegee Airman and longtime data technician, has died at 98