Month: January 2020

Basketball, Hamilton, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hightstown, Hightstown-East Windsor, Mercer County, Sports January 31, 2020

Basketball: Hightstown 78 Steinert 63

January 31, 2020

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Hightstown High School boys basketball team defeated Steinert with a final score of 78-63 at home tonight.

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Basketball, Mercer County, Princeton, Robbinsville, Sports January 31, 2020January 31, 2020

Basketball: Robbinsville Girls Over Princeton 32-18

January 31, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville girls basketball team defeated Princeton 32-18 tonight at home.

Photo gallery:

Allentown, Allentown, Basketball, Lawrence, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Sports January 31, 2020

Basketball: Allentown Over Lawrence 61-54

January 31, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown Redbird boy’s basketball team defeated Lawrence Cardinals with a final score of 61-54.

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Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County January 31, 2020January 31, 2020

Mercer Generating Station Demolition Noise Saturday February 1, 2020

January 31, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Office of Emergency Management has released a statement saying that there will be elevated noise levels on the morning of Saturday February 1, 2020 coming from the Mercer Generating Station. Residents in the area may here additional noise tomorrow morning.

From Hamilton Township:

The Hamilton Township Office of Emergency Management would like to alert residents that on Saturday, February 1, 2020 demolition is scheduled to occur at the Mercer Generating Station Site located on Lamberton Road, Hamilton, NJ.

Residents in the immediate area may hear elevated noise levels coming from the site during the morning hours on that date.

For any questions, contact the Hamilton Police Division at 609-581-4000.

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County January 31, 2020January 31, 2020

Hamilton Township Fire Chief Mark Antozzeski Retires

January 31, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 0900 this morning Hamilton Township Fire Chief Mark Antozzeski contacted Mercer County Central and signed off radio for the last time before backing the chief’s vehicle into the station. The Chief was surrounded by firefighters and a large flag was draped from Truck 17 during the event. Chief Antozzeski has been with the department since 1991.

After the ceremony at the day room table I had an opportunity to talk to the chief about some past significant calls in the township. One of the calls was during 2001 terrorist attacks Anthrax was sent though the Hamilton Township Postal Facility. The call was a major operation bringing Federal, State and Local agencies to the scene. The fire department was on scene for at least three days. We discussed that all the different Federal, State and Local agencies at the time did not regularly work together had little to no compatible communication capabilities or structure. The scene command structure was set up by the fire department using the Incident Command System (ICS) portable radios and a command post was set up to run the operation efficiently while hazardous materials teams and investigators went about their work.

Another signifigant call was “The Barrel” April 6, 1999 fire at the Country Barrel Inn in the Crosswicks area section of town. Chief Antozzeski was fire captain for that fire. We were able to discuss some other local fires prior being dispatched to Upper Freehold Township on a mutual aid call.

We wish Chief Antozzeski a great retirement and while I was working at Robbinsville (before I retired) it was a pleasure working with you. Good luck in the future and enjoy your retirement.

The Barrel April 6, 1999 fire in Hamilton Twp. one of the significant fires the retiring Chief mentioned as memorable. File Photo by: Dennis Symons, Jr.

Allentown, Allentown, Events, FFA, High School, Monmouth County, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold January 30, 2020February 6, 2020

13th Annual Allentown FFA PAF Gift Auction & Spaghetti Dinner March 21, 2020

The Allentown FFA Parents, Alumni, and Friends (PAF) will be hosting the 13^th Annual Gift Auction andSpaghetti Dinner on March 21^st, 2020 at 6:00PM at the Hope Fire House, 82 County Road 526 in Allentown, NJ. Doors will open at 5:30PM. The Allentown FFA PAF provides support to the Allentown FFA Chapter of Allentown High School throughout the year through scholarships, leadership training programs, and more.

Proceeds from the Allentown PAF Alumni Gift Auction will provide students with opportunities to pursue careers in veterinary science, agricultural technology and mechanical systems, earth sciences, environmental science, horticulture, aquaculture, and many other essential fields of work. Students are given the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom through FFA activities, such as competitive events and leadership trainings.

This event provides the Allentown FFA PAF with necessary funds to assist with chapter activities. This includes travel to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, the New Jersey FFA Convention, and various Career Development Events (CDEs) throughout the year. These are tremendous opportunities for members to grow personally and professionally. Through fundraising events, such as the Annual Gift Auction, all students have the opportunity to participate in any of the Chapter, State, and/or National activities, regardless of their financial situation.

Admittance for the 13^th Annual Gift Auction is $15.00. The admittance ticket includes an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner. Seating is limited to the first 175 individuals. Please arrive early to secure your seat. No seats will be saved. Donations are also being accepted.

Join the Allentown FFA Alumni/ PAF at this special event and support this very worthy cause!

For further information, please contact the Allentown FFA at (609) 259-7292 x1440 or x1443. To learn more about the National FFA Organization, please visit ffa.org.

Allentown, Allentown, East Windsor, East Windsor, Hightstown, Hightstown, Hightstown-East Windsor, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Sports, Wrestling January 29, 2020January 29, 2020

Wrestling: Allentown Falls To Hightstown 21-52

January 29, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Allentown Redbird wrestling team fell to the Highstown Rams with a final score of 21-52 tonight.

It was Hightstown’s Senior Night and the Rams locked up the Colonial Division Title at the last home meet of the season. The next match ups for most local teams will be at Robbinsville High School this Saturday for the Mercer County Wrestling Tournament.

Team Score Allentown 21 Hightstown 52

Individual scores:

126lbs. Allentown Kolin O’grady 3, Hightstown Gio Morina 6 (w )

132lbs. Allentown Joey Lamparelli (Pin 2:18), Hightstown Anthony Orlando

138lbs. Allentown Jack McDonough, Hightstown Kether Thornton (Pin 0:37)

145lbs. Allentown Parker Schloss 6, Hightstown Elijah Rodriguez 17 (w )

152lbs. Allentown Matt Paglia 6 (w ), Hightstown Alex Stavrov 3

160lbs. Allentown Doug Fusco 7, Hightstown Robert Doss 14 (w )

170lbs. Allentown Nick Golden (Pin 0:57), Hightstown Nico Leaver

182lbs. Allentown Paskal Miga (Pin 4:22), Hightstown Juan Cobos

195lbs. Allentown Walter Diebel (Pin 4:49), Hightstown Chris Stavrov

220lbs. Allentown Dan Schweitzer, Hightstown Brenden Hansch (Pin 1:34)

Heavy weight Allentown Jake VanDenBogart (Pin 1:16), Hightstown Bryan Bonilla

106lbs. Allentown FFT, Hightstown Robert Fattore

113lbs. Allentown Vinny Grassullo, Hightstown Sean Baur (Pin 2:45)

120lbs. Allentown Vinny Datello, Hightstown Joe Obst (Pin 1:27)

126lbs. Allentown Kolin O’grady 3, Hightstown Gio Morina 6

Bordentown Twp, Burlington, Hamilton, Mercer County, Robbinsville January 29, 2020January 29, 2020

NJ Turnpike Truck Fire

January 29, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters from Robbinsville Fire Department, Bordentown Township, and Chesterfield (tanker) extinguished a truck fire just prior to the Woodrow Wilson/6N Service Area on the NJ Turnpike at 3:50 pm today. The fire was near Yardville-Allentown Road/Route 524.

NJTP Truck Fire Photos by: Dennis Symons and a passerby.

Freehold, Jackson, Manalapan, Monmouth County, Ocean County January 29, 2020January 29, 2020

Jackson Trio Indicted In Manalapan Shooting Death 2 Men, Woman Facing Charges Related to October Shooting in Manalapan

Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office

FREEHOLD – Two men and a woman, all from Ocean County, were indicted Tuesday morning for their respective roles in the October shooting death of a Manalapan man, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Zoey S. Monte, 20, of Jackson, was arrested after she turned herself into authorities at the Manalapan Township Police Department yesterday. Monte was indicted on one count of second degree Burglary, one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, one count of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, one count of second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and one count of third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

Tyler J. Martucci, 22, also of Jackson is currently be held in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River on separate, unrelated charges. Martucci was indicted on one count of second degree Burglary, one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, one count of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, one count of second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and one count of third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

In October, Gerard A. Grimes Jr., 23, of Jackson, was arrested in connection with the shooting death of Narciso Rodriguez-Corona, 43, of Manalapan. Tuesday, Grimes was indicted on one count of first degree Murder, one count of first degree Felony Murder, two counts of second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, one count of second degree Burglary, one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, two counts of fourth degree Aggravated Assault, one count of second degree Eluding, one count of fourth degree Resisting Arrest, and one count of fourth degree Tampering with Physical Evidence.

On Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 9:34 p.m., Manalapan police officers responded to a call, reporting a fight at 25 Fawn Run in the township. Several minutes later, police received another call for a confirmed shooting victim. Manalapan police officers arrived on scene and discovered RodriguezCorona suffering from a gunshot wound. Mr. Rodriguez-Corona was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed Grimes, Monte and Martucci all came to the Manalapan residence armed with a handgun. Grimes attempted to enter the residence while Monte and Martucci remained outside. Residents of the home were alerted to Grimes’ presence and attempted to stop him from entering, resulting in a brief confrontation outside the home. Shortly thereafter, a second encounter occurred nearby, where Grimes ultimately shot the victim. Grimes, Monte and Martucci all fled the area

Police were quickly dispatched to the area and encountered the victim, who was suffering from lifethreatening injuries. After receiving initial information regarding the incident, police began to search the area. A few hours later, police attempted a motor vehicle stop of Grimes’ vehicle, but he failed to stop. Thereafter, Grimes fled the vehicle. Monte and Martucci were also onboard the vehicle and were arrested at that time. A short time later, Grimes was in the backyard of a neighborhood residence.

If convicted of Murder, Grimes faces a minimum sentence of thirty (30) years in New Jersey state prison without the possibility of parole, and a maximum sentence of Life imprisonment subject to the provisions of the “No Early Release Act” (NERA), requiring him to serve 85 percent of his imposed sentence before becoming eligible for release on parole. Grimes would also be under parole supervision for five years following his prospective release from state prison.

If convicted of any of the second degree crimes, Grimes, Monte and Martucci each face up to 10 years in a New Jersey state prison on each count. Any sentence resulting from a conviction for the second degree crime of Burglary is also subject to the provisions of NERA. Grimes, Monte and Martucci would also be under parole supervision for five years following their respective release from state prison.

Grimes, Monte and Martucci are each being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) in Freehold Township. Grimes has been detained pending trial since his arrest on Oct. 5, 2019. Detention hearings for Monte and Martucci are schedule for Feb. 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Joseph Lanzot and Lawrence Nelson.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Mercer County, West Windsor, West Windsor January 29, 2020

West Windsor Police Department Awards Presentation

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–On Monday January 27, 2020 the West Windsor Police Department Award Presentation was held at the West Windsor Township Council Meeting. The following have received awards and recognition:

1. Sgt. Michael McMahon
A Letter of Recognition is awarded to Sgt. Michael McMahon for his service on New Jersey Task Force One. Sgt. McMahon is a founding member and for over 20 years he has volunteered his time and dedicated his service as a Rescue Specialist for New Jersey Task Force One. During this time, Sgt. McMahon has been part of search and rescue teams that have been deployed to numerous states to conduct water rescues, water evacuations, wide area searches for lost or injured, preliminary damage assessment, and to provide humanitarian assistance.

2. Ptl. Frank Zicha
A Certificate of Commendation is awarded to Ptl. Frank Zicha for the performance of departmental duties with a high degree of competence and professionalism. During the early morning hours of July 29, 2018 Ptl. Zicha conducted a motor vehicle stop of a vehicle containing two occupants. During his investigation, Ptl. Zicha located a large amount of heroin, cocaine, MDMA and marijuana within the vehicle. In addition, the occupants of the vehicle were in possession of a stolen 9mm handgun. Both occupants were subsequently arrested and lodged in county jail. Ptl. Zicha is commended for his proactive police work.

3. Sgt. Lee Brodowski, Ptl. Kyle LaForge, Ptl. Christian Crawford, Ptl. Peter Buchanan and Dispatcher Austin Fountain

Certificate of Commendations are awarded to Sgt. Brodowski, Ptl. LaForge, Ptl. Crawford, Ptl. Buchanan and Disp. Fountain for the performance of departmental duties with a high degree of competence and professionalism. On August 13, 2019 patrol units were dispatched to a residence in response to a hang up 911 call. Upon arrival, it was determined that a domestic violence incident had taken place that involved the use of a knife by a mentally disturbed subject. The subject fled the area prior to patrol’s arrival. Through the combined efforts of Sgt. Brodowski, Ptl. LaForge, Ptl. Crawford, Ptl. Buchanan and Disp. Fountain, the officers were able to successfully locate and apprehend the dangerous individual.

4. Ptl. Melissa Nagy, Ptl. Douglas Montgomery and K9 Mackey
Certificate of Commendations are awarded to Ptl. Melissa Nagy, Ptl. Douglas Montgomery and K9 Mackey for the performance of departmental duties with a high degree of competence and professionalism. On June 16, 2019 Ptl. Melissa Nagy. Ptl. Douglas Montgomery and K9 Mackey responded to a residential burglary. Upon their arrival they met with the callers and observed that forced entry was made to the residence. As Ptl. Nagy, Ptl. Montgomery and K9 Mackey cleared the residence, K9 Mackey led officers to the two suspects who were hiding in the attic. Both suspects were arrested and charged with burglary, theft, criminal mischief and drug offenses.

5. Ptl. Frank Zicha
A Certificate of Commendation is awarded to Ptl. Frank Zicha for the performance of departmental duties with a high degree of competence and professionalism. On August 1, 2019 Ptl. Frank Zicha was patrolling the area of the Overlook Center when he located a suspicious person. After further investigation the subject was found to be a wanted person who had recently escaped from the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital. The subject was in need of his medication, had a history of attempted murder and was considered extremely dangerous. Ptl. Zicha should be commended for his aggressive police work, which led to the apprehension of a dangerous person.

6. Lt. Stephen Skwierawski, Sgt. David Jelinski, Det. Jason Jones, Det. William Jones, Det. Christopher Van Ness, Det. Nick Barber, Det. Eric Woodrow, and Ptl. Christian Crawford
Certificate of Commendations are awarded to Lt. Skwierawski, Sgt. Jelinski, Det. Jason Jones, Det. William Jones, Det. Christopher Van Ness, Det. Barber, Det. Woodrow, and Ptl. Crawford for the performance of departmental duties with a high degree of competence and professionalism. In 2018 and 2019 West Windsor Township was experiencing numerous residential burglaries throughout the township. Using various investigative methods, the West Windsor Police Detective Bureau tirelessly investigated these cases and developed a suspect. After the suspect information was disseminated to Patrol Officers, Ptl. Crawford took the initiative to locate the suspect’s vehicle, which ultimately led to his arrest. At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was charged and indicted on over 25 counts of burglary, over 10 counts of attempted burglary, and over 20 counts of theft.

7. Sgt. Frank Bal, Sgt. Lee Brodowski, and Ptl. Melissa Nagy
On August 6, 2019 Sgt. Bal, Sgt. Brodowski and Ptl. Nagy responded to a residence for a family disturbance involving a drug addicted family member who was trying to steal property from her parents’ residence. Officers facilitated a family meeting, assisted in locating a rehabilitation facility that would accept the family’s insurance, and spoke to the individual about her life choices. The Officers’ empathetic actions convinced her to go to rehab, which she successfully completed.

8. Ptl. Frank Zicha and K9 Hodge
Certificate of Commendations are awarded to Ptl. Frank Zicha and K9 Hodge for the performance of departmental duties with a high degree of competence and professionalism. During the early morning hours of May 29, 2019 Ptl. Frank Zicha conducted a motor vehicle stop. During his investigation, Ptl. Zicha deployed narcotics K9 Hodge to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle. K9 Hodge indicated for the presence of narcotics within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle and driver located 26 bundles of heroin packaged for distribution. Ptl. Zicha’s partnership with K9 Hodge has proven to be a valuable tool in removing drugs off the streets of West Windsor.

9. Ptl. Brian Mahon, Ptl. Kyle LaForge and Maureen Gallagher
Ptl. Brian Mahon and Ptl. Kyle LaForge are presented with Life Saving Awards and Maureen Gallaher is presented with a Citizen Commendation for their roles in conducting CPR to a motor vehicle accident victim. On November 6, 2018 Ptl. Brian Mahon and Ptl. Kyle LaForge responded to a motor vehicle collision. A 24 year old driver was reported to have no pulse and was not breathing. Maureen Gallagher, who was a nurse in a nearby senior living facility, initiated CPR on the victim until the arrival of patrol officers, who took over life-saving efforts. The victim regained a pulse and was able to breath on his own. The quick actions by Mrs. Gallagher, Ptl. Mahon and Ptl. LaForge were instrumental in saving the victim’s life.

10. Tricia and Kurt Baker
Tricia and Kurt Baker are presented Citizen Commendations for their cooperation, support and willingness to assist the West Windsor Police Department and the West Windsor Community with compassion, empathy and professionalism during severe times of crisis. The partnership we share assisting residents is invaluable. Their tireless efforts are immeasurable and worthy of commendation.

11. Ptl. Nicholas LaRocca , Ptl. Walter Silcox , Jackie Galdieri and Willie Neal
Ptl. Nicholas LaRocca and Ptl. Walter Silcox are presented with Medals of Distinction. Jackie Galdieri and Willie Neal are presented Citizen Commendations. On June 15, 2019 New Jersey Transit employee Jackie Galdieri noticed a subject at the Princeton Junction Train Station who was emotionally distressed and had wounds on her wrists. Galdieri spoke with the subject and offered her help. Realizing that something wasn’t right, Galdieri determined that the quickest resource for help was to call 9-1-1. As Galdieri contacted 9-1-1 the subject jumped off the platform and onto the train tracks. A bystander at Princeton Junction Train Station, Willie Neal, immediately sprang into action and jumped onto the train tracks to help the subject. Mr. Neal attempted to remove the subject off the tracks as he reassured her that people love her. Ptl. Nicholas LaRocca and Ptl. Walter Silcox arrived and immediately entered onto the train tracks without regard for their own safety. Working as a team, Ptl. LaRocca, Ptl. Silcox and Mr. Neal were able to remove the subject from the train tracks and get her the help she needed. All subjects should be commended for their quick actions and personal bravery.

12. Detective Jason Jones
A Certificate of Commendation is awarded to Detective Jason Jones for the performance of departmental duties with a high degree of competence and professionalism. On August 13, 2018 the Sally Beauty Supply store was robbed at gunpoint by masked individuals, placing its female employees in fear of death. Detective Jason Jones immediately began investigating the incident and within several hours he was able to develop workable leads that ultimately identified three suspects. Further investigation by Detective Jones helped identify one of the suspects as having committed several other robberies in the area. All three suspects were arrested and incarcerated.

Mercer County, Monmouth County, Ocean County January 29, 2020January 29, 2020

Smith Joins USDOT Secretary to Kick-Off New Human Trafficking Initiative

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) joined US Dept. of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao today to launch a new USDOT human trafficking initiative. The following are excerpts of his remarks:

Special thanks to Secretary Elaine Chao for her leadership in combatting the cruelty of human trafficking both in the eight years she served as Secretary of Labor, and now, at Transportation and for the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking Initiative.

Deep thanks as well to all the assembled leaders—for your commitment and effectiveness in this human rights and humanitarian cause.

Truckers Against Trafficking have written the book on how to discern and disrupt human trafficking networks through training and referrals to law enforcement. You are the eyes and ears on the highways—thank you, Kendris.

Human trafficking is a barbaric human rights abuse that thrives on greed, secrecy, a perverted sense of entitlement to exploit the vulnerable and an unimaginable disregard for the victims.

Twenty years ago, the U.S. Congress approved and the President signed legislation that I authored—the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000—a comprehensive whole-of-government policy to combat sex and labor trafficking in the United States and around the world.

This past January, I authored another bill that was signed into law by President Trump—my fifth major law on human trafficking— The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act. The new law honors the extraordinary legacy of one of the greatest Americans who ever lived.

Among its many “prevention” provisions, the Douglass Act provides grants to local education agencies in partnership with NGOs to establish, expand and support programs:

to provide age-appropriate information to students on how to avoid becoming victims of sex and labor trafficking;
to educate school staff to recognize and respond to signs of sex and labor trafficking.

The law also requires General Services to ensure that any contract entered for the provision of air transportation with a domestic carrier submit the number of personnel trained by that carrier, notifications of number potential victims, whether they contacted the trafficking hotline or law enforcement.

In 2010, I chaired a congressional briefing and heard compelling testimony and best practices from many leaders—including Nancy Rivard of Airline Ambassadors International.

Yesterday I spoke to her in El Salvador where she is advising that government on airline training of flight attendants, pilots and other personnel akin to what was prescribed in the 2016 and 2018 FAA reauthorizations.

To date, she organized 117 airport training seminars—including at New Jersey’s Newark International and an OSCE multi-nation conference that I had proposed in Kiev, Ukraine.

More than 100,000 aviation officials have been trained through the Blue Lightning Initiative.

As we all know, children are especially vulnerable. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) one in four trafficking victims is a child.

In 2008, I first introduced International Megan’s Law. It passed the House in 2010, 2014, 2016—and, thankfully, finally cleared the United States Senate and was signed into law in 2016—eight years later!

Megan Kanka of Hamilton—my hometown—was just 7 years old when she was kidnapped, raped, and brutally murdered in 1994. Her assailant lived across the street. Unbeknownst to her family and other residents in the neighborhood, he was a convicted repeat sex offender sexual predator.

We know from law enforcement and media documentation that Americans on the U.S. sex offender registries are caught sexually abusing children in Asia, Central and South America, Europe, and, frankly, everywhere.

A deeply disturbing 2010 report by the GAO found that at least 4,500 U.S. passports were issued to registered sex offenders in fiscal year 2008 alone. Typically, a passport is valid for 10 years, meaning some or many of the tens of thousands of registered sex offenders possessing passports may be on the prowl internationally looking to exploit and abuse.

Now, under International Megan’s Law, convicted child sex offenders who travel abroad must provide notice to the U.S. Government—via the Angel Watch Center—prior to departure of all planned destinations. Failure to do so carries a significant jail term commensurate with a convicted child sex abuser not reporting to local law enforcement. Upon receipt of the travel itinerary, the

U.S. government informs the destination country or countries of those plans.

The destination country or countries are then empowered with actionable information to render the traveler inadmissible.

International Megan’s Law also requires the passport of convicted child sex offenders to carry this endorsement: “The Bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor and is a covered sex offender pursuant to 22 United States Code Section 212 (C) (I).”

The law is working. In just about two years, 10,541 covered sex offenders had been noticed by the U.S. government to foreign countries—and 3,681 individuals as of July who were convicted of sex crimes against children were denied entry into those nations.

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes who just spoke has not only pioneered an aggressive multifaceted strategy through his Utah Trafficking in Persons (UTIP) Task Force and prosecutors of the Utah SECURE Strike Force—but when I learned of his amazingly heroic and brilliantly planned and executed undercover 2014 sting in Cartagena, Columbia with Operation Underground Railroad in which he and others posed as sex tourists to disrupt three trafficking rings in three Columbian cities—and rescue 120 child victims, I was in awe.

Mr. Reyes testified at one of my trafficking hearings in May of 2015 and as an undercover buyer he said he “saw up close the horror and helplessness in the eyes of young girls ages 10-16 after the drugs the traffickers had given them had worn off and they were paraded in front of us like a pet or a dessert to sample…we transacted large amounts of cash, and captured on hidden cameras the disgusting things” the traffickers said could be done to these children.

The AG and his team not only liberated 120 innocent girls and boys that day but trained local law enforcement.

The rescued children shouted: “Thank you Americans, we love you Americans.”

For what you’re doing here, children and victims of every age shout thank you.

Basketball, Ewing, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Sports January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Basketball: Robbinsville 64 Ewing 45

January 28, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville High School basketball team defeated Ewing with a final score of 64-45.

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Hopewell, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Sports, Wrestling January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Wrestling: Robbinsville 17 Hopewell 48

January 28, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—The Robbinsville High School wrestling team fell to Hopewell Valley tonight 48-17

120 lbs. Robbinsville Michael Maneri, Hopewell Allen Lopez (Pin 2:22)

126 lbs. Robbinsville Bylan Cifordeli, Hopwell Jacob Venezia

132 lbs. Robbinsville Isaiah Leaderman, Hopewell Joey Knozzi

138 lbs. Robbinsville Drake Torrington (w), Hopewell A. Lopez

145 lbs. Robbinsville Cole Cifrodelli(w), Hopewell Larry Kennedy

152 lbs. Robbinsville RJ Stradling, Hopewell Brian Zeglarski

160 lbs. Robbinsville Jeremy Murray, Hopewell Ben Berlin (pin 0:20)

170 lbs. Robbinsville Nicholas Migllardio, Hopewell G. Vasquez

182 lbs. Robbinsville FFT, Hopewell Josh Beigman

195 lbs. Robbinsville Thomas Jennings, Hopewell Brian Lacross (pin 2:42)

220 lbs. Robbinsville FFT, Hopewell Christian Cacciabudo

Heavyweight Robbinsville Mateo Cruz (w), Hopewell John Snyder

106 lbs. Robbinsville Shailen Savur (pin 2:58), Hopewell Kyle Doherty

113 lbs. Robbinsville Aiden Weil, Hopewell Christian Micihes (pin 3:03)

126 lbs. Robbinsville Bylan Cifordeli, Hopwell Jacob Venezia

Allentown, Allentown, Basketball, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Sports, West Windsor January 28, 2020January 28, 2020

Basketball: Allentown 77 West Windsor Plainsboro North 65

January 28, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown, Redbirds boys basketball team won their home game against West Windsor Plainsboro North, Knights 77-65

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East Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hightstown, Hightstown-East Windsor, Ice Hockey, Lawrence, Mercer County, Sports January 27, 2020

Ice Hockey: Nottingham 2 Lawrence 1

January 27, 2020

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The Nottingham-Hamilton West co-op hockey team defeated the Lawrence-Hightstown-Ewing co-op hockey team at Mercer County Skating Center tonight.

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Hightstown, Hightstown, Hightstown-East Windsor, Mercer County January 27, 2020January 27, 2020

Demolition Of Warehouse Signals Start Of Phase 1 Mill Project

January 27, 2020

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Demolition of the blue warehouse at the corner of North Academy Street and Bank Street signals the start of the Phase 1 Mill Project. The demolition will make way for new town homes and the mill will eventually be converted to apartments. Downtown Hightstown reported this morning.

Business Spotlight, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville January 27, 2020January 27, 2020

Demolition Of Old National Pools Building Making Way For New WaWa

January 27, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Meadowbrook, LLC is has begun demolition and preliminary construction work of the newest Wawa facility at the intersection of Route 130 and Meadowbrook Road (former National Pools location).

Site preparation is expected to take the landowner until May of 2020 to complete. After that date, Wawa’s construction team will be on-site to build their store and gas canopy, featuring 12 dispensers.

Complete of the project is expected by the end of October, with the grand opening of the new Wawa targeted for November.

football, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Sports January 26, 2020January 26, 2020

Robbinsville HS Football Daniel Surtz Receives Mini Max High School Award

January 26, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville’s Daniel “Danny” Surtz received the 2019 Mini Max High School Award from the Maxwell Football Club awards dinner held at St. David The King tonight. The award is given to 66 outstanding football players in the State of New Jersey.

Danny is first team West Jersey Football League Classic as quarterback this year. He has started for Robbinsville HS football for the past two and a half years and is the leading pass record holder at Robbinsville for a total of 3,185 passing yards. Danny also has 25 touch downs in his career and 1,900 offensive yards this past season.

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County January 26, 2020

Hamilton Township Police Seek Missing Person

January 26, 2020

01/26/2020 – Missing Juvenile – Tyana Leary

Mercer County, Trenton January 26, 2020

Governor signs Dancer’s bill to provide tax benefits for organ and bone marrow donors and employers

TRENTON, N.J. – The governor signed Assemblyman Ron Dancer’s bill (A6075/S4188) to allow up to a $10,000 deduction on unreimbursed expenses if a taxpayer or their dependent donates an organ or bone marrow.

The bill is designated as “Lindsay’s Law” in honor of Lindsay Clark, a kidney donor, and Pine Hill resident.

“Donating an organ and bone marrow is not an easy decision, but when someone chooses to help save a life, often a stranger’s life, we need to make sure they are also taken care of as well,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “When someone decides to give a part of themselves to save a life, the least we can do is offer some tax relief.”

The bill also would grant their employers a tax credit and provide paid leave for state and local employees up to 30 days for an organ donation and up to five workdays for bone marrow donation.

“Organ and bone marrow transplants have saved countless lives and those who chose to donate are the unsung heroes of the medical world,” said Dancer. “We must make sure we take care of the donors as well as the transplant recipients.”

Mercer County, Trenton January 26, 2020

Governor signs legislation increasing workers’ compensation for loss of an appendage

TRENTON, N.J. – This week the governor signed a bill (A1110/S782) sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer to increase workers’ compensation for the loss of a hand or foot.

“Losing a hand or foot is a traumatic, life-changing experience. Workers need to know we will support them during their time of need,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “A big part of alleviating some of their stress is by ensuring injured workers are properly compensated.”

The bill also requires the Labor commissioner to study the effectiveness of the workers’ compensation program.

“It’s also our responsibility to make sure the programs we put in place to help our workers are efficient and beneficial,” said Dancer. “Including a study is critical to ensure our programs are effective and genuinely helping workers when they need it the most.”

Editorial, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Opinion, Other Towns, Trenton January 26, 2020January 27, 2020

New Jersey EMS System Has Needed Life Support For A Long Time!

January 26, 2020

Editorial by: PFANJ, Professional Firefighters of NJ

The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system in New Jersey has long been in need of revamping and overhauling. Since 2010, the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) has been working with the New Jersey State Legislature to enact critical changes to our EMS system that will help keep our communities safe. In fact, a law to rebuild the system was passed by the Legislature in 2012, but was vetoed by Governor Christie.

State Senator Declan J. O’Scanlon Jr. (R-13) is taking advantage of the union-busting shut-down of MONOC – New Jersey’s Hospital Service Corporation on April 1 to advocate for swift passage of a bill he is sponsoring (S-617) that would fundamentally change EMS delivery in New Jersey. Make no mistake, this bill will impact the method in which emergency medical help is provided to every neighborhood and family in our great state. The O’Scanlon bill is not the lifeline the NJ EMS system needs.

Instead of strengthening New Jersey’s EMS system, O’Scanlon’s bill lowers standards. It takes highly trained paramedics out of advanced life support units and replaces them with lower-paid EMTs with significantly less training and life-saving capabilities. While O’Scanlon’s bill claims to allow more staffing flexibility, it merely gives hospital systems shortcuts to higher profits. Some of these same hospital systems are the very ones responsible for the dismantling of MONOC.

MONOC, which provided ALS service in New Jersey for 40 years, is being dismantled and shutting its doors on April 1, 2020. MONOC was run by a board of directors that included management from RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health and CentraState Healthcare System. These hospitals systems now will absorb MONOC’s service area. MONOC’s International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) union EMS professionals will all lose their jobs and are offered no guarantee of employment in these takeover areas.

Senator O’Scanlon has stated that MONOC’s business model was no longer sustainable. One must ask, if these hospital systems were responsible for MONOC when MONOC collapsed, how will they effectively run this new EMS service?

The needed overhaul of our EMS system should be about giving the citizens of New Jersey the best possible emergency medical services available. The PFANJ and Professional Emergency Medical Service Association PEMSA – IAFF Local 4610 (PEMSA) have worked constructively in the past with Senator O’Scanlon on this overhaul, but more work needs to be done before this current and flawed legislation moves forward.

Paramedics know that hurrying through an emergency scene can lead to unintended mistakes. Deliberative care is always best for the patient and results in a better long-term prognosis. The same can be said for legislation. Instead of rushing to pass legislation like O’Scanlon’s bill that front-line EMS professionals are uncertain will help our communities, it is far more prudent to work with all stakeholders to create sustainable solutions that will have a proven positive impact on how EMS is delivered.

The citizens of New Jersey deserve the best emergency medical system the world has to offer. The PFANJ looks forward to continuing to modernize and increase professionalism of our state’s EMS system. We fear that the forced closure of MONOC and the rushing of O’Scanlon’s bill takes us in the wrong direction and makes us all less safe.

Don Marino
President
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County January 25, 2020January 26, 2020

Hamilton PD Asking For Information On 2 Cases

January 25, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Police Department is seeking information on two different cases they are investigating.

The first investigation is for “Shots Fired” in the area of the 100 block of Norway Avenue. A residence was struck by gunfire, the residence was occupied at the time but no one was injured. The Hamilton Twp. PD Criminal Investigation Section is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brian Davis at 609-689-5823 or the Hamilton Township Police Crime Tip Line at 609-581-4008

UPDATE PER HAMILTON PD MISSING PERSON LOCATED: 01/26/2020 – Missing Person – Paige Inman Located

The second request for information is for a missing person. Paige Inman a 26 year old female was reported going to the Dollar Store on S. Broad Street around 7 pm, on January 23, 2020 and never returned home. She is described as a white female, 5’10” tall, approximatelyi 200 pounds, blond hair with a purple streak. She has a tatoo under her left eye and large “gauge” piercings in both ears. Last seen wearing a gray knit winter hat, a white jacket, a long sleeve black T-shirt and gray leggings and boots.

Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Paige Inman Contact Detective Thomas Clugsten of the Criminal Investigations Section (609) 581-4027, email tclugsten@hamiltonpd.org The public can also leave a message on teh Hamilton Police Crime Tip Line at (609) 581-4008

See Special Bulletins issued below for further information:

01/26/2020 – Missing Person – Paige Inman Located

Mercer County, Trenton January 25, 2020

Serious Accident In Trenton

January 25, 2020

By: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

TRENTON NJ, (MERCER)–A serious accident involving a police vehicle occurred this afternoon at the intersections of Mulberry and Brunswick Avenue. Trenton Fire Department, Trenton EMS responded. Trenton Police are investigating.

Allentown, Allentown, Monmouth County, Sports, Wrestling January 25, 2020

Allentown HS Wrestler Nick Golden Hits 100 Career Win Milestone

January 25, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)—Allentown High School wrestler Nick Golden reached his 100^th career win milestone on Saturday January 25, 2020 at a quad meet in New Brunswick, NJ. Golden is the 5^th Allentown High School wrestler to reach the 100-win milestone. The match was against Jazzarell Bull from New Brunswick with a fall at 1:32 of the first period to get the 100.

Nick, 17 years old is a senior and wrestling in the 170-pound weight class and began wrestling in the 5^th grade. Currently Golden is 100-26 with 65 pins and so far this season 23-1 and is looking for a strong finish this season.

When asking Nick how he sees the rest of the season he says he is continuing to do the right thing with proper nutrition, wrestling club and spending time in the weight room. He is looking forward to the upcoming county, districts and regions in preparation for the state tournament in Atlantic City.

Next year Nick will wrestling at The College of New Jersey next year and has signed a commitment. Nick’s major at TCNJ will be math and looking for a career as an actuary working for an insurance company or major corporation in the future.

High School, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Special Events January 25, 2020January 25, 2020

Happy New Year! 新年快乐！

January 25, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Happy Chinese New Year! 新年快乐！and is celebrated this year on January 25, 2020. It is the Year of the Rat.

Students celebrated Robbinsville High School’s 8th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration. The events included: The Dragon Dance, Group Singing, Opening Ceremony, Taichi, Ping Pong Match, Yo Yo, Cai Wei group dance, WuShu. The event concluded with the Lion Dance and traditional Chinese foods.

Traditional foods included Beef Lo Mein, Sesame Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, Vegetable Rice, Noodles, General Tso’s Chicken, Dumplings, White Rice, and Fortune Cookies.

The event was hosted by the Robbinsville High School Chinese Club and Ping Pong Club under the direction of Mrs. Kanagawa

Happy New Year! 新年快乐！

This is the Lion Dance. The Lion Dance has been part of the Chinese culture for thousands of years. The Lion is a symbol of power, wisdom and good fortune. This dance is performed during Chinese New Year to chase away evil spirits, and bring happiness, longevity and good luck. The performers are. (L to R) Brett Christiansen, Fiona Dennis,
Chris Mysholowsky, John Gallagher, Joe Thottathil

Basketball, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Sports, Trenton January 24, 2020January 25, 2020

Basketball: Robbinsville 64 Trenton 40

January 24, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Ravens Boys Basketball Team defeated the Trenton Tornados 64-40 at home tonight.

Photo gallery:

Allentown, Allentown, Hamilton, Hamilton, Ice Hockey, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Sports January 24, 2020January 25, 2020

Ice Hockey: Robbinsville 8 Nottingham 1

January 24, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville-Allentown Co-op Hockey Team defeated Nottingham-West Co-op Hockey Team 8-1 at Mercer County Skating Center tonight. Tonight was also the Robbinsville-Allentown Senior Night and items were on display.

Photo gallery: