Day: April 29, 2021

Lakewood, NJ Man Found Dead After Pursuit In Saratoga County, NY

April 29, 2021

SARATOGA, NY — On April 28, 2021 the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office became aware of a suspicious vehicle complaint being handled by the U.S. Park Rangers at the Saratoga Battlefield in the Town of Stillwater. The vehicle reportedly struck barriers at the park entrance and subsequently fled from the Rangers. The vehicle continued north on NY State Route 32 after which the Rangers lost sight of it.

While checking the area for the vehicle, the Stillwater Police Department located it traveling southbound on NY State Route 4. The vehicle continued to flee from police and proceeded south though the Village of Stillwater before reaching the City of Mechanicville where it passed though and continued westbound on NY State Route 67.

The vehicle ultimately reached U.S. Route 9 where it turned south and struck signs in the roundabout at Routes 9 and 67. It proceeded south on Route 9 when it crossed over to the northbound lane and struck a guardrail on the east side of the roadway near Goldfoot Road in the Town of Malta and came to a stop. The operator was found deceased inside the vehicle.

The operator of the vehicle that fled from police was identified as Robert A. Sanders (age 48) of Lakewood, NJ Mr. Sanders was operating a silver 2008 Toyota Tundra with NJ registration H50JUZ. The vehicle had a large brown tool box in the bed.

The Sherriff’s Office is requesting anyone who might have encountered Mr. Sanders recently to contact the Sherriff’s Office at (518) 885-6761

Other police agencies involve were: U.S. Park Rangers, NY State Police, Mechanicville Police Department, Stillwater Police Department, and the New York Attorney General’s Office. The NY State DOT, Saratoga County OES, Round Lake Fire and Malta EMS also responded to the scene.



UPDATE: Driver Found Shot Dead In Audi Involved In Crash

5/7/2021 update: Trenton Man Arrested for Murder

April 29, 2021 — April 30th update corrects preliminary information released by MCPO last night.

UPDATED NEWS STORY HERE: Victim Identified in Thursday Night Homicide in Trenton

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton Police Department responded to a motor vehicle accident at 6:27 pm. at North Clinton and Poplar Street. According to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office police units discovered an Audi with a male driver was found to be shot and unresponsive. A female in the vicinity was suffering from seizures. Both of them were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where the male victim was pronounced dead.

A witness told MidJersey.news that the driver appeared to be shot in neck and suffering a neck wound and CPR was given at the scene.

Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office will be releasing more details as information becomes available. As originally released by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Audi turned out not to be stolen and the woman suffering seizures was in the area not a passenger of the vehicle.

Check back for more updates as the story develops.



Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News


Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News


Names of 2021* homicide victims:

  1. 2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
  2. 2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
  3. 2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
  4. 4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
  5. 4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
  6. 4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
  7. 4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from the May 14, 2018 shooting.


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TPD Asks for Public’s Help to Prevent Auto Theft

April 29, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Director Sheilah A. Coley is asking for the public’s help in preventing auto thefts, which have been on the rise lately in the Capital City.

In 2021, Trenton residents have reported 67 motor vehicles stolen, 53 of which were stolen with a key or key fob. Nearly 80 percent of the vehicle thefts in the city could have been prevented if the victims had not left their cars running while unattended. Some of these thefts happened after the victims left a key fob inside the vehicle for convenience.

While TPD has seen a decrease in auto theft in recent years, 2021 has seen a 63 percent increase so far compared to 2020.

TPD wants to remind everyone that it is illegal under state and local law to leave a motor vehicle running while unattended or with a key in the ignition. This rule does not apply to a remote start system that automatically disables the vehicle unless a key or key fob is used to start the vehicle. TPD has issued 172 summonses so far this year in the hopes that the public will understand the dangers of leaving their cars running while unattended. These stolen cars are often driven recklessly and many times are used in other crimes such as shootings or robberies.

Please do not start your car and leave it running unattended, even for a few seconds. The consequences could be disastrous. Anyone who has been a victim of a crime can call 609-989-4170.


AG Grewal Announces 14 Grants Totaling $233,000 to Expand Summer Programs for At-Risk Youth


Those in the MidJersey.news coverage area to receive grants:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth, Monmouth County ($19,650) will expand an eight-week summer program that provides activities and services, including mentoring, sports and recreation programs; access to computer knowledge; service and leadership clubs to an additional 25 students in Asbury Park, Neptune, and Long Branch.
  • Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of Mercer County ($8,588) will expand its program to serve an additional 150 participants and provide additional recreational and educational summer camp experiences to young people. Collaborating with La’Keisha Sutton & Her Fan Favorite, LLC, the program will provide a six-week basketball clinic including skills, drills, and games, as well as discussions on healthy nutrition, education, faith, character, decision making, and leadership.
  • Community Action Services (Rise), Mercer County ($20,000) will develop a five-day Teen Youth Conference to take place at a university or virtually, as required by CDC guidelines. Rise will serve an additional 12 young people in a variety of workshops to facilitate positive behavior, to deliver information on post high school options and alternatives, and to provide information on peer voluntarism.
  • Jackson Township School District, Ocean County ($18,204) will expand its summer learning to approximately 50 additional students for 15 half-days to recover core math and literacy skills through a STEM initiative that integrates social-emotional wellness activities. The expansion funds will also be used to purchase additional LEGO Mindstorms robots needed to successfully implement the program.
  • Prevention Education, Inc. (PEI), Mercer County ($19,993) will increase the number of participants served through its Summer Initiative/Juvenile Intense Supervision (JIS) programming for first-time youthful offenders, young people on probation, and at-risk youth in Mercer County. An additional 19 new young people will participate in the summer program which will include a new program module, “Connecting with Community,” that focuses on promoting understanding and building community.
  • Trenton Circus Squad, Mercer County ($20,000) will expand its summer traveling residences to provide additional services to Trenton youth including overnight accommodations at a university, as allowed under COVID-19 guidelines, college/career exploration, and access to a life/career coach.
  • Trenton Music Makers, Mercer County ($19,907) will expand its program by engaging an additional 50 students. In addition, working with the Capital Area YMCA, Trenton Music Makers will use the grant funding to add an outdoor tented area where students can engage in their music study, and to add a hip-hop production and a choir to augment the existing conducting and percussion classes.\
  • Trenton Police Department (TPD), Mercer County ($7,446) will expand its current Summer Camp Program to an additional 15 participants and integrate a police exploration, communication, and relations component. In addition, TPD will expand its programming into schools and enhance partnerships with parent/teacher programs.


April 29, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that the Juvenile Justice Commission (“JJC”), in conjunction with the Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (“JJDP”) Committee, has awarded 14 grants totaling $233,000 to police departments, schools, and non-profit organizations across the State to expand summer programs for at-risk youth.

The grants provide organizations already running successful summer programs for at-risk youth with up to $20,000 in additional funding each to enhance their programs and/or increase the number of young people they serve. An additional 600 at-risk youth throughout New Jersey will be able to participate in an array of recreational, educational, and character-building activities being offered in their communities this summer as a result of these grants.

“New Jersey is committed to making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth and preventing their involvement in the youth justice system,” said Attorney General Grewal. “The JJC and JJDP Committee have worked together to expand access to programs in communities to provide youth with activities and learning experiences that foster important life skills, and help them retain vital educational progress and connections to services while school is not in session.”

Funding for the grants comes from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention’s Formula Grants Program, which supports state and local delinquency prevention and intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. The funds can be used to provide job training, mental health and substance abuse treatment, community-based programs and services, reentry/aftercare services, and school programs to prevent truancy.

“At the foundation of New Jersey’s youth justice reform efforts is the understanding that youth can succeed in their communities with appropriate resources. Through these grants, the Juvenile Justice Commission, in partnership with the JJDP Committee, is enhancing a system that provides the tools and skills necessary for young people to navigate challenges, recognize their potential, and successfully prevent their involvement in the juvenile justice system,” said Jennifer LeBaron, Ph.D, Acting Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. “Our partners in the community are delivering thoughtful, exciting, and valuable summer experiences for youth that not only provide benefits during the summer months, but will provide young people with skills and experiences that will have lifelong significance.”

Based on the philosophy that communities have a unique understanding of their local youth populations, the JJC administers millions of dollars in state and federal grants that encourage the development and enhancement of a continuum of community-based services for at-risk, court-involved, and delinquent youth. The JJDP Committee is responsible for setting funding priorities for the federal funds awarded through the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency prevention that support state- and local-level initiatives, community-based programs, and system reform efforts.

“The JJDP Committee is proud to provide resources to help existing successful programs expand their reach, both in terms of the number of youth who can participate, and the services and opportunities available to them,” said the Honorable F. Lee Forrester, Chairman of the JJDP Committee and a retired New Jersey Superior Court judge. “These efforts support community-based programs and system reforms that prevent or reduce delinquency and improve the lives of youth and families in New Jersey.”

In addition to meeting other requirements for funding, grant recipients have demonstrated the capacity to host summer programs virtually, if necessary, or to provide programming to account for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
 

The following programs will receive funding:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth, Monmouth County ($19,650) will expand an eight-week summer program that provides activities and services, including mentoring, sports and recreation programs; access to computer knowledge; service and leadership clubs to an additional 25 students in Asbury Park, Neptune, and Long Branch.
  • The Camp Horizon Summer Learning Program, Gloucester County ($20,000) will allow 25 additional school-aged children to participate in a summer-long program that provides enrichment and physical activities. The program, in partnership with the Bullock Garden Project, will include an outdoor education and walking classroom to deliver a curriculum focusing on gardening, birding, botany, and climate.
  • Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of Mercer County ($8,588) will expand its program to serve an additional 150 participants and provide additional recreational and educational summer camp experiences to young people. Collaborating with La’Keisha Sutton & Her Fan Favorite, LLC, the program will provide a six-week basketball clinic including skills, drills, and games, as well as discussions on healthy nutrition, education, faith, character, decision making, and leadership.
  • The Center for Prevention & Education, Sussex County ($20,000) will increase the total number of 7th graders participating in its summer program from 40 to 50 participants. The program will also be enhanced by creating a Youth Task Force that will design, create, and deliver a local leadership conference.
  • Community Action Services (Rise), Mercer County ($20,000) will develop a five-day Teen Youth Conference to take place at a university or virtually, as required by CDC guidelines. Rise will serve an additional 12 young people in a variety of workshops to facilitate positive behavior, to deliver information on post high school options and alternatives, and to provide information on peer voluntarism.
  • The Hackensack Police Department, Bergen County ($19,501) will expand its annual Police Youth Academy (PYA) to include 35 additional participants. The program fosters a positive relationship between local youth and police. Instructors include local police officers, firefighters, and volunteers from Hackensack and the surrounding towns.
  • Jackson Township School District, Ocean County ($18,204) will expand its summer learning to approximately 50 additional students for 15 half-days to recover core math and literacy skills through a STEM initiative that integrates social-emotional wellness activities. The expansion funds will also be used to purchase additional LEGO Mindstorms robots needed to successfully implement the program.
  • The Joseph Firth Youth Center, Warren County ($7,483) will serve an additional 40 participants, with a focus on middle school youth (grades 6th-8th), and include four additional programming hours per week during the 10-week summer program. The Center collaborates with youth sports organizations to deliver the SPORT-Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) curriculum, combining physical activity and sports with healthy-living components, including diet, sleep, and stress control. It also incorporates content on the negative impacts of alcohol and drugs.
  • New Community Corporation, Essex County ($20,000) will expand its summer program that delivers hands-on STEM experiments, photography, music appreciation, Zumba, and art and crafts to allow 25 additional young people to participate. The length of the program will also be increased from six weeks to eight weeks, and three new components will be offered including digital music recording, robotics with emphasis on computer coding, and drama.
  • Prevention Education, Inc. (PEI), Mercer County ($19,993) will increase the number of participants served through its Summer Initiative/Juvenile Intense Supervision (JIS) programming for first-time youthful offenders, young people on probation, and at-risk youth in Mercer County. An additional 19 new young people will participate in the summer program which will include a new program module, “Connecting with Community,” that focuses on promoting understanding and building community.
  • Roselle Board of Education, Union County ($12,815) will use the funds to add two guidance counselors to its summer program staff, enabling the program to serve an additional 150 participants, bringing the total served to 500. The counselors will work with students through a combination of classroom, small groups, and one-on-one activities.
  • Trenton Circus Squad, Mercer County ($20,000) will expand its summer traveling residences to provide additional services to Trenton youth including overnight accommodations at a university, as allowed under COVID-19 guidelines, college/career exploration, and access to a life/career coach.
  • Trenton Music Makers, Mercer County ($19,907) will expand its program by engaging an additional 50 students. In addition, working with the Capital Area YMCA, Trenton Music Makers will use the grant funding to add an outdoor tented area where students can engage in their music study, and to add a hip-hop production and a choir to augment the existing conducting and percussion classes.\
  • Trenton Police Department (TPD), Mercer County ($7,446) will expand its current Summer Camp Program to an additional 15 participants and integrate a police exploration, communication, and relations component. In addition, TPD will expand its programming into schools and enhance partnerships with parent/teacher programs.

***

The JJC was established in 1995 to serve as the single agency of the State government with centralized authority for planning, policy development, and provision of services in the juvenile justice system. The JJC is committed to implementing and promoting policies and practices that improve outcomes for young people involved with the juvenile justice system, their families, and their communities.

The JJC’s three primary responsibilities are providing care, custody, and rehabilitative services to youth committed to the agency by the courts, supervising and coordinating services for youth released from custody on parole, and supporting local efforts to provide prevention and early intervention services to at-risk and court-involved youth.


Dancer proposes legislation defending voter rights following Murphy’s plans to deny entry of unmasked voters

April 29, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mask up or be denied polling place access. That’s the message Gov. Phil Murphy issued at his Wednesday COVID-19 press briefing. Voters “will not be allowed in. It’s that simple,” New Jersey Globe reported him saying.
 
Assemblyman Ron Dancer took exception to the governor’s comments and announced he is planning to introduce legislation protecting the rights of all residents to vote in person.
 
“With all the talk about fair access to voting, one would think the governor would have provided a more reasoned response,” Dancer said (R-Ocean). “We are already facing a poll worker shortage. Are they now supposed to act as the masking police and turn voters away? No one should be denied the opportunity to cast their ballot in person. If the state requires face masks for voting, the state must provide face masks for voters.”
 
The assemblyman added that the governor’s own executive orders make allowances for individuals to decline to wear a face covering due to medical conditions. Those individuals are not required to provide documentation to support their claims.
 
Dancer’s legislation will require the state to supply face coverings at polling locations to ensure that no one is denied the right to vote in person. In addition, voters will not be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.



East Windsor Earth Day Recycling Poster Winners

September 29, 2021

EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov recognized the elementary school winners of the East Windsor Township Earth Day Recycling Poster Contest at a recent Council meeting.  The theme of the poster is to promote any or all of the “4 R’s” of the East Windsor Township Recycling Program Logo, which are:

            RECYCLE all items that can be recycled.

            REUSE other items rather than throw them out in the trash.

            REDUCE materials into their homes that then have to be disposed of.

            REBUY buy goods that use recycled materials.

Winners from Grades K – 2 and Grades 3 – 5 all received Mayoral Certificates of Recognition and gift certificates to Barnes and Noble, donated by corporate sponsor Shiseido America.

            Mayor Mironov congratulated all of the students stating, “we are very proud of all of the students who participated in the Township Earth Day Recycling Poster Contest, and who demonstrated an interest at a very young age in encouraging recycling as an important tool for creating a greener environment.  The posters designed by the students creatively and colorfully serve to remind everyone of the importance of practicing and promoting recycling to help protect and preserve our environment.  All of the participating students did an outstanding job and are to be commended for their great interest in recycling.”

The student winners were: 

1ST PLACE WINNERS

Grade K-2 – Tavo Lopez (Ethel McKnight)

Grade 3-5 – Madeline Hayston (Perry L. Drew)

2ND PLACE WINNERS

Grade K-2 – Luke Brooks (Walter C. Black)

Grade 3-5 – Logan Pablacio (Perry L. Drew)


3RD PLACE WINNERS

Grade K-2 – Sean Kelly (Ethel McKnight)

Grade 3-5 – Andrea Ferreyra (Perry L. Drew), Julia Mahoney (Perry L. Drew) 

HONORABLE MENTION

Grade 3-5 – Sydney Benjamin (Perry L. Drew), Mukund Sairakshan Prabakaran (Perry L. Drew)  


AG Grewal Announces Charges Against Alleged “Hit Squad” Of Inmates Who Assaulted Other Inmate; Plotted Violence Against Correctional Officers

Defendants Include Alleged Leader of Latin Kings Street Gang and Eight Inmates Currently Incarcerated in State Prisons, Including New Jersey State Prison in Trenton

April 29, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that an alleged local leader of the Latin Kings street gang and eight inmates allegedly under his command in various correctional facilities—including Northern State Prison in Newark and New Jersey State Prison in Trenton—have been charged with forming a “hit squad” within the prison system to commit assaults on behalf of the gang. They are specifically charged with engaging in conduct including a brutal attack on one inmate in New Jersey State Prison, a planned assault on another inmate in Northern State Prison that was prevented by the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC), and possession of makeshift blades called “shanks.”

The charges were filed by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) as the result of an investigation by members of the DOC Special Investigations Division (SID) and OPIA Corruption Central Squad.

Frank Blake, aka “Lafay,” 33, of Hillside, N.J., an alleged leader of the Elizabeth, N.J., chapter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) street gang, allegedly created and directed a “hit squad” in the state prison system to carry out assaults on behalf of ALKQN. Blake and inmate Alexander Chludzinski, aka “D Noble,” 27, of Phillipsburg, N.J., allegedly discussed going to the homes of DOC-SID investigators leading this investigation to commit violence against them.

It is further alleged that, at the request of inmates William Figueroa, aka “King Stitch,” 27, of Hightstown, N.J., and Andy Reyes, aka “Chango,” 25, of Somerset, N.J.—and at the direction of Blake—inmates Roberto Garcia, aka “Taz,” 25, of Carteret, N.J., and Eduardo Lago, aka “King Bay Bay,” 27, of Newark, N.J., brutally assaulted an inmate in the prison yard of New Jersey State Prison in Trenton on Sept. 28, 2020, causing the victim to suffer a traumatic brain injury.

Between December 2020 and February 2021, Blake allegedly conspired with and directed alleged ALKQN members Chludzinski, Reyes, Kevin Washington, aka “King Jafi,” 32, of Atlantic City, N.J., James Zarate, aka “King Samurai,” 33, of Randolph, N.J., and Larry Cardona, aka “King Legend,” 28, of Elizabeth, N.J., in planning an assault on an inmate at Northern State Prison in Newark. DOC-SID investigators learned of the alleged plot and placed the targeted inmate in protective custody to prevent the attempted assault.

“We allege that Blake and the Latin Kings gang members he commanded in the state prison system not only conspired to assault and seriously injure inmates, but went so far as to plot violence against members of the Department of Corrections who were investigating them,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Gang violence is always a danger in our state prisons, but we charge that these defendants and their so-called ‘hit squad’ posed a special threat to the safety and security of inmates and correctional police officers. I commend the DOC Special Investigations Division and OPIA for their outstanding work to neutralize this threat and bring these alleged gang members to justice.”

“As a result of the thorough investigation conducted by the DOC Special Investigations Division and our detectives and attorneys, eight of these nine defendants now face a charge of first-degree gang criminality carrying a sentence of up to 20 years in prison,” said OPIA Director Thomas Eicher. “This investigation is ongoing. We charge that these members of the Latin Kings sought to hold sway in prison through violence and fear as if they were out on the street, but we have stopped their alleged reign of terror. We’re committed to protecting people in custody.”

Blake—the only defendant not currently incarcerated—allegedly commanded the gang members inside the prison through phone calls as well as letters. Blake was arrested on Thursday, April 22, 2021. The eight inmates were charged yesterday. All of the defendants except Cardona are charged with first-degree gang criminality and second-degree conspiracy. In addition, Blake is charged with first-degree promoting organized street crime.

Blake, Figueroa, Reyes, Lago, and Garcia are charged with second-degree aggravated assault in the assault on the inmate at New Jersey State Prison who suffered a brain injury. Blake, Chludzinski, Washington, Reyes, Zarate, and Cardona are charged with second-degree attempted aggravated assault for allegedly planning the assault at Northern State Prison that was thwarted when DOC placed the targeted inmate in protective custody.

Blake and Chludzinski are charged with second-degree hindering apprehension or prosecution, third-degree terroristic threats, and fourth-degree obstruction for the alleged threats of violence against DOC-SID members investigating this case. Cardona, Chludzinski, Reyes, and Zarate are charged with possessing shanks, and Cardona is charged with possessing a cell phone in prison.

When Blake was arrested, investigators executed a search warrant at his home, seizing a .45-caliber pistol, a .357-caliber revolver loaded with hollow-point bullets, a 9mm pistol, an illegal large-capacity magazine, additional bullets including hollow-point rounds, numerous suspected methamphetamine pills, and two digital scales. For those items, he is charged with second-degree possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, second-degree possession of a weapon during commission of a drug offense, third-degree possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in a school zone, and fourth-degree possession of a large-capacity magazine, among other charges.

The criminal complaints against the nine defendants are posted with this press release at:

www.njoag.gov/ag-grewal-announces-charges-against-alleged-hit-squad-of-inmates-who-assaulted-other-inmate-plotted-violence-against-correctional-officers/

Deputy Attorney General Colin Keiffer is prosecuting the case for the OPIA Corruption Bureau, under the supervision of OPIA Corruption Bureau Chief Peter Lee and OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione. They were assisted by Deputy Attorney General Heather Hausleben and other members of the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau.

Attorney General Grewal thanked all of the investigators and detectives who conducted the investigation for the DOC Special Investigations Division and the OPIA Corruption Central Squad. For security reasons, they are not being named individually.

Attorney General Grewal also thanked the New Jersey State Police TEAMS North Unit, Division of Criminal Justice Cyber Crimes Unit, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Division, and Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit for their assistance in the investigation.

First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. The sentences for gang criminality and promoting organized street crime must be consecutive to the sentence for any underlying offense. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Possession of a weapon as a convicted felon carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of five years. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Defense Attorneys

For Blake: Thomas R. Ashley, Esq., Newark, N.J.

For the other defendants: undetermined.

Hamilton’s Great Dine Out Is Coming This May

April 29, 2021

HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Jeff Martin is excited to announce the first ever “Hamilton’s Great Dine Out” will be held May 17-24, 2021.  This event, which will support our local eateries, is a collaboration between the Hamilton Township Department of Community & Economic Development, SHOP Hamilton, the Hamilton Partnership, and the Hamilton Township Economic Development Advisory Commission (HTEDAC), and most importantly, many of your favorite eateries. 

Hamilton Township is home to over 200 eating establishments, including bakeries, coffee shops, pizzerias, delis and restaurants offering cuisines to suit every taste.  As one of the hardest hit industries during the Coronavirus pandemic, “Hamilton’s Great Dine Out” highlights how important our local eateries are to our community.

Many of Hamilton’s restaurants are small businesses owned and operated by our fellow Hamiltonians.  They are also known for their generosity – giving back to various sectors of our community over the years and to many frontline workers during the pandemic. 

Hamilton Township restaurants are encouraged to pick their favorite signature dishes and fan-favorites to share with diners during the week-long event.  Guests will be able to enjoy Hamilton’s local eateries and support our small business community in any way they feel safe and comfortable – whether it be dining in, take out, delivery, or outdoor dining.  With great choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, foodies from Hamilton and the surrounding area are encouraged to have fun, try something new, and enjoy amazing meals.

“Hamilton’s restaurants have been an integral part of the fabric of our great town.  They have given back to our community over the years – donating to our sports teams, our schools, non-profits, various other organizations and events,” stated Mayor Jeff Martin.  “Now it is our turn to be there for them.  I ask those who are able, to join me in giving back by taking part in any way you prefer – dine-in, take out, or delivery from one or more of our local food establishments throughout the week.”

From May 17th through May 24th diners are encouraged to dine in or take out from one of our many restaurants and post their meals on social media with the hashtag #HamiltonDineOut.


$1,000,000 Power Ball Ticket 2nd-Tier Prize Sold In Burlington County

April 29, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–One New Jersey Lottery ticket matched five of the five white balls drawn for the Wednesday, April 28, drawing winning the $1,000,000 second-tier prize. The ticket was sold at Township News Center, 2506 Mount Holly Rd., Burlington in Burlington County.

The winning numbers for the Wednesday, April 28, drawing were: 16, 18, 35, 39, and 53. The Red Power Ball number was 21. The Multiplier number was 03. 22,815 New Jersey players took home an estimated $132,316 in prizes ranging from $4 to $300. The Powerball jackpot rolls to $129,000,000 for the next drawing to be held Saturday, May 1, at 10:59 pm.