Day: December 22, 2020

Mercer County, Robbinsville, State of NJ

“Christmas Star” Great Conjunction Of Saturn and Jupiter

December 22, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)– For the first time in 800 years, planets Saturn and Jupiter aligned. It may appear as one star observed from Earth with the naked eye, hence the conjunction nicknamed the “Christmas Star.” During the month of December, the two planets appeared to move closer together, and on Monday night, they were closest. Unfortunately, clouds over most of New Jersey kept most from seeking the spectacle. Tonight, there was a short break in the clouds long enough to get a photograph of the conjunction.

If you did not see the two planets, you will still have an opportunity over the next few days to see the rare conjunction, but it will appear that the planets are moving further apart each night.

To see the planets, look in the Southwest sky just after dusk and you will see two bright objects that may appear as one with the naked eye. If you use binoculars or a telescope, you can see the two planets apart. As the week progresses, however, Jupiter and Saturn will move further apart once again. To make things easier, use an application like Star Walk 2 or Google Sky Map to find and identify the planets.

Saturn and Jupiter aligned to appear as one as observed from Earth with the naked eye in a conjunction nicknamed the “Christmas Star” This photograph was taken with an effective 1,000 mm lens with the crop factor.

Lawrence, Mercer County, State of NJ, Trenton

Coronavirus Hits The Lottery!…NJ Lottery To Close Building Due To COVID-19

Update: NJ Lottery Headquarters Reopens Following COVID-19 Case

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey Lottery headquarters building is temporarily closed effective immediately for cleaning due to a positive case of Covid-19. Operations will continue at the Lottery’s Business Continuity Site, which is designated as a back-up facility to ensure continuity of critical business functions in the event that Lottery Headquarters is ever closed or inaccessible for any reason.

Lottery staff will conduct tonight’s evening drawings at the Business Continuity Site, a secure environment. As always, the drawings will be monitored by an independent auditor. Tomorrow’s drawings may also be impacted.

The general public should be aware that:

  • The Lottery office will be closed to the public until at least Monday, December 28.
  • The office closure will also necessitate the cancellation of any winner claims appointments. Appointments will be rescheduled after the office reopens.
  • The drawings will be held at the Business Continuity Site.
  • The drawings will still be conducted using mechanical ball machines and in accordance with standard lottery procedures.
  • Drawings for games broadcast from the Business Continuity Site will not be broadcast or livestreamed. Those games include Pick-3, Pick-4, Jersey Cash 5, and CASH4LIFE.
  • The drawing results will be posted to the website, mobile app and emailed to the VIP Club members as per standard operating procedure.
  • The drawings will be videotaped for security purposes only.

The media and public are being apprised of the closure with this release and through our social media and other public-facing communication channels.

The Business Continuity Site is housed at a secure location away from Lottery Headquarters. A team of employees was designated as essential to operations and assigned functions at the Business Continuity Site. The Business Continuity Site facility houses key staff from all Lottery departments including the: Executive team, Administration and Compliance, Communications and Public Relations, Drawing, Finance, Operations, Security and Technology.

Manchester, Ocean County

Update: Frank has been found safe and sound! –Police Seek Help Locating Missing Person

December 22, 2020

Update: Frank has been found safe and sound!

MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–The Manchester Township Police Department currently needs assistance in locating Mr. Frank Montervino, 81, from Whiting, NJ. Frank, who suffers from dementia, was reported missing earlier today and was last seen in the area of the Crestwood Manor retirement community that is located at 40 Lacey Road in Whiting, NJ. Frank is wearing a light green jacket, gray button down shirt, blue jeans, and a camouflage hat.

If you see Frank or have information regarding her whereabouts, please contact the Manchester Township Police Department at 732-657-6111.

  • No longer missing has been found : Frank Montervino, 81, from Whiting, NJ
Update: Frank has been found safe and sound!