Day: December 5, 2020

Gas Leak Shuts Down N. Olden Avenue in Ewing Township

December 5, 2020

Story by: Tyler Eckel

EWING TOWNSHIP (MERCER): Fire companies from Ewing Township and Lawrence Township responded to the 1600 block of North Olden Avenue around 6:00 pm for multiple calls reporting strong odors of gas in the area. Fire departments investigated and discovered a leak from 16 inch gas main. PSE&G was called to the scene to repair the leak. North Olden Avenue between Arctic Parkway and Princeton Avenue remains closed as of 10:45 pm.

No further information is available at this time.

Hamilton’s “Winter Wonderland” Replaced by “Holidays in the Park” Due to Pandemic

December 5, 2020

Story by: Tyler Eckel

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER): Traditionally named Winter Wonderland, Hamilton’s annual holiday attraction held at Kuser Park is being called Holidays in the Park, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the 2020 holiday season, the community event has slightly changed. Holidays in the Park only gives visitors the chance to take in the decorations, lights, and festive music throughout the park.

Previously, Winter Wonderland included a number of exciting activities for children, such as visiting Santa’s Village, visit Santa’s Secret Workshop, rides on the “Holiday Express Train,” a Petting Zoo, a tour of the Kuser Mansion, and more.

Holidays in the Park allowed visitors to walk through the park on Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 9pm. However, to continue the holiday spirit, you can now drive through the park until January 1st, from 5pm to 9pm.

Hamilton Township plans to return with the Winter Wonderland program for the 2021 holiday season.



Gov. Murphy Signs Executive Order To Automatically Register Those Who Choose To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

December 5, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In preparation for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines to New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy last night signed Executive Order No. 207, which automatically enrolls residents who choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine into the state’s existing vaccine registry. The Governor’s Executive Order changes inclusion into the New Jersey Immunization Information System from an opt-in to an opt-out program for residents who elect to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. That group of residents will be automatically enrolled into the system, and will then be permitted to opt-out of the registry 30 days after the public health emergency expires. 

Currently, all individuals born on or after January 1, 1998 are automatically enrolled in the registry, unless they opt-out of the registry. Any individual born prior to January 1, 1998 can elect to opt-in to the registry.  

“As we continue to prepare for the first tranche of vaccines in New Jersey, we are exploring every avenue to maximize efficacy and efficiency,” said Governor Murphy. “We’re taking this step today to ensure that New Jerseyans who choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine get the most effective course, on the proper timetable, without logistical or bureaucratic hurdles in the way.”

“Accurate accounting of every dose of vaccine is vital to monitoring implementation progress of New Jersey’s vaccination plan,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.  “The system will also allow us to ensure residents are returning for the second dose of vaccine.”

A copy of Executive Order No. 207 can be found here

Car Hits Tree On I-195 In Upper Freehold

December 5, 2020

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 8:23 am a vehicle traveling east bound on I-195 in the area of mile marker 14 ran off road and hit a tree. The vehicle came to rest back on the highway partly blocking one lane. The Hope Fire Company of Allentown was dispatched for a vehicle smoking and possibly on fire. Upon arrival there were no reported injures but there was a large amount of debris left on the roadway.

Firefighters from Hope Fire Company helped clear the roadway and set up apparats to close the a lane down while a tow truck removed the vehicle. The NJ State Police were on scene investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time.