ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Coast Guard medevaced an injured mariner after his vessel ran aground in Absecon Inlet Thursday morning.
Just before 3 a.m., watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received a transmission on VHF-FM channel 16 from a mariner stating that he ran aground, hit his head and was potentially taking on water.
The command center launched a 29-foot Response Boat—Small boat crew from Station Atlantic City. Once on scene, the crew found the mariner’s vessel high aground and not taking on water. They brought the mariner aboard and transited to Station Atlantic City where emergency medical technicians transported him to Atlantic Care Hospital.
“We are grateful that this mariner had communications equipment on board in order to reach out for help,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Perkins, the coxswain aboard the RB-S from Station Atlantic City. “You never know when you may need to reach out for assistance, and having a VHF radio on board could end up saving your life.”
A crew from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City assists an injured mariner who ran aground in Absecon Inlet, New Jersey, June 17, 2021. The man called for assistance via VHF-FM channel 16 after he hit his head during the grounding. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)
A crew from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City assists an injured mariner who ran aground in Absecon Inlet, New Jersey, June 17, 2021. The man called for assistance via VHF-FM channel 16 after he hit his head during the grounding. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Thursday, June 17th at 3:37PM a motor vehicle collision occurred on Route 539 near Cervetto Road. The crash involved a 1998 Volkswagen convertible operated by Fiona Kaufman, 19 of Mays Landing. After passing Cervetto Road, Kaufman lost control of her vehicle resulting in striking a parked pickup truck in a driveway, and coming to rest after crashing into a large tree.
At the time of the collision, Kaufman was not wearing a seatbelt. She sustained a head trauma and was subsequently flown to Atlantic City Medical Center for treatment. Kaufman had two other passengers on board, both juveniles, who sustained minor injuries and were treated at Southern Ocean Medical Center and released.
The crash is currently under investigation by Officer Pascale and Officer DeMarco of the Traffic Safety Bureau. Any witnesses are asked to call 609-597-1189, extension 8436.
If you follow the MidJersey.News Facebook or Twitter accounts you would have heard about this accident as a traffic alert earlier today as the incident was happening:
Avoid Route 539 in Stafford Township due to serious accident. 1400 block of CR 539 (Main Street) waiting for helicopter to fly 1 from a field near by. Multiple injuries reported at this time.
Serious Accident on County Road 539 in Stafford Township cross street Cervetto. One female extricated and will be waiting for a medical helicopter to land in the 1550 Block of County Road 539
POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ (OCEAN)–The Point Pleasant Beach Police Department announced the arrest of Nkosi Jones, 19 years of age, from Brick, NJ. After an investigation conducted by detectives from this department, Nkosi Jones was charged with; (2) two counts of False Public Alarm, a second degree crime and (2) two counts of Terroristic Threats, a third degree crime for calling in two separate bomb threats on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk.
On Thursday, June 3, 2021 at approximately 1315 hrs. the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department responded to Jenkinson’s Main Business Offices on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk for a report of the business receiving a phone call reporting a bomb threat. Due to the nature of the threat, members of this agency, with the assistance of several other law enforcement agencies immediately evacuated the boardwalk, beach, and surrounding businesses. Several bomb detection K9’s were brought in and the entire boardwalk was searched. At approximately 1600 hrs. the boardwalk was deemed safe and reopened to the public.
On Friday, June 4, 2021 Jenkinson’s Main Business Office received another phone call reporting a bomb threat. This department evacuated the boardwalk, beaches, and surrounding businesses, and called in numerous K9 bomb detection teams to clear the boardwalk once again.
Chief Joseph A. Michigan stated, “I’d like to thank all of the surrounding agencies that responded on two separate occasions to assist our officers with evacuating and searching the boardwalk.” “I’d also like to acknowledge the members of my detective bureau for their hard work and efforts in this investigation to locate and identify Mr. Jones as the suspect who made the threatening phone calls on both June 3rd and June 4th.”
Mr. Jones was taken into custody without incident, processed, and transported to Ocean County Jail pending future court proceedings. If anyone has any additional information about these incidents, please contact the Detective Bureau at 732-892-0500 ext. 173.
Mr. Jones has been only charged with these crimes and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
MANASQUAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An off-duty New Jersey State Trooper and a good Samaritan saved two distressed kayakers who fell overboard in the Glimmer Glass Creek in Manasquan, Monmouth County. (Brielle Road between Green Avenue and Draw Bridge Lane-Glimmer Glass Lane)
On Sunday, June 13, Sergeant First Class Erin Smith was traveling over the Glimmer Glass Drawbridge when she noticed an overturned kayak, two orange life vests floating, and two women struggling in the water. She immediately exited her vehicle, ran towards the bridge and called to the struggling women to ask if they needed assistance.
While speaking with the women, Brielle resident, Andrew Jacobs, who was riding his bicycle over the bridge with his family, offered his assistance to rescue the women. Both SFC Smith and Andrew Jacobs jumped off the Glimmer Glass Draw Bridge into the water and swam to the victims. Together, they were able to get to the kayakers and bring them safely to the shore.
A short time later, members of the Manasquan Police Department, Manasquan Fire Department, Manasquan lifeguards, Brielle Police Department, and Brielle First Aid Squad arrived to assist. The victims were treated on scene and released.
Due to the quick actions of SFC Erin Smith and Andrew Jacobs, we are happy to report that both victims are doing well.
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Coast Guard suspended its search for a possible downed aircraft off Long Island Beach, New Jersey, Thursday afternoon.
“After careful consideration, we have suspended the search for the reported aircraft,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Walsh, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “Swift action from our Coast Guard crews and local partners and extensive coverage of the search area allowed us to come to this decision, pending further developments.”
The Coast Guard received a report at 11:52 a.m. that a plane had potentially entered the water one mile offshore. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay diverted an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City. A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Atlantic City and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Barnegat Light also responded to the search area.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin was present to welcome My Salon Suite to our community with a Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Monday, June 7, 2021.
My Salon Suite’s unique concept was brought to Hamilton by owner Joe Carretta. My Salon Suite offers state of the art salon and spa suites featuring quiet-glide sliding glass doors for privacy and a 24-hour security system offering secure code access entry for My Salon Suite clients. Twenty-seven salon owners were attracted to this new space conveniently located in the Court at Hamilton Station, formerly the Clover Square Shopping Center. Each Salon owner, called a My Salon Suite member, was able to customize their suite to best capture their individual vibe and spirit.
“We are breaking a record this evening, I don’t think we have ever seen more businesses open in one day! It is so wonderful to see so many new businesses celebrate with the opening of My Salon Suite,” said Mayor Martin.
The twenty-seven My Salon Suite members at the Quakerbridge Road location include: Ashanti Rose Pro Beauty, Chrissy’s Studio 202, CV Hair Studio, June Hair Company, Karma Salon By Heather Michelle, The Second Look Salon, Hair By Jen Kelly, Color Me Pink, Estilo by Jennifer Leigh, GK Stanza Di Bella, Meticulous Nails, Waxed Away, Hair Bliss By Julie D, Studio Posh, Kristina’s Hair Salon, Shear Intuition, Sunset Aesthetics, Olivia Deleon Beauty, Studi-O3, Your Salon, Sharelle’s Studio 202, Tara Alicen Studio, Hair Diva Fashions, T & T Hair Suite, Thairapy By Tiffany, T & T Salon Suite, and Hair By Vicky B.
Check out hamiltonnj.com/economicdevelopment to learn of the new businesses that have recently opened or relocated to Hamilton and read up on why Hamilton is a great place for businesses to call home!
An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man yesterday admitted sending a false distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard and submitting fraudulent information on a loan application, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Andrew Biddle, 51, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an indictment charging him with one count of bank fraud and one count of causing the U.S. Coast Guard to render unnecessary aid.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On June 25, 2014, Biddle submitted documents to secure a loan for $55,000 from Southeast Financial Credit Union. Biddle listed as collateral for the loan a boat and provided a fraudulent appraisal document for the boat. Biddle also submitted to Southeast Financial a document that falsely listed his gross earnings as owner of Professional Boat; a document that falsely inflated the net income for Professional Boat; and a fraudulent income tax return. Based on the fraudulent documents Southeast Financial fund the loan and deposit $55,000 into Biddle’s account.
Between February 2014 and July 2014, the Egg Harbor Township Police Department filed theft charges against Biddle. Biddle admitted that on July 20, 2014, he and a passenger took a boat out of Seavillage Marina in Northfield and traveled across Great Egg Harbor Inlet to a restaurant in Somers Point to have dinner. During dinner, Biddle and the passenger finalized a scheme to fake Biddle’s disappearance. After dinner, Biddle and his passenger traveled back to the marina by boat. The passenger dropped Biddle off between two piers so that he could be picked up by another individual and driven out of the area. The passenger then continued back to Seaville Marina and he intentionally hit a navigational marker in Great Egg Harbor Inlet near Longport. The collision caused the passenger to be ejected from the boat. The passenger caused someone to call 911. Based on that call the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police and Longport fire/rescue responded to the area to search for and try and save Biddle. The U.S. Coast Guard and others searched for Biddle using vessels and helicopters on July 20 and 21, 2014. Biddle admitted that while the Coast Guard was searching for him, he was in Florida.
Biddle admitted that he faked his disappearance in order to avoid prosecution by authorities in Atlantic County, but eventually turned himself into authorities in Atlantic County on Feb. 12, 2015. The count of bank fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The false distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard carries a maximum potential penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 18, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., and detectives of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Egg Harbor Township Police Department, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel: Thomas Young Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced that the City of Trenton will host a public webinar on Zoom Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to give an overview of the American Rescue Plan and discuss eligible expenses related to the federal guidelines.
Those interested in attending the webinar can visit this link Wednesday, June 23 at 6:00 p.m. The presentation will be followed by a brief Q & A to address any comments or concerns. The webinar will be recorded so residents who cannot attend the meeting will still have access to the discussion. No registration is required beforehand.
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan contains $360 billion in state and local aid to help employ essential workers, assist struggling families and small businesses, and make critical infrastructure investments. Trenton will receive $72,913,998 across two payments, the first $36.5 million of which was received on May 19, 2021. City Council voted to adopt a Resolution to accept this first round of funding on May 27, 2021.
The funds received must be appropriated by the City no later than Dec. 31, 2024 and expended by Dec. 31, 2026.
On May 10, 2021, sixty days after President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law, the U.S. Department of Treasury issued its “Interim Final Rule,” which details eligible uses for funds. The Interim Final Rule is currently open for a 60-day comment period, which will close on July 9, 2021.
Eligible expenses include supporting public health costs, addressing negative economic impacts related to COVID-19, replacing lost public sector revenue, providing premium pay for essential workers, and investing in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. Generally, municipalities must assess whether and how the proposed use would respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and identify the connection between the negative impact and how the assistance alleviates that impact.
The guidance offers wide latitude to support public health initiatives and resources, including COVID-19 mitigation and containment, medical expenses, and behavioral and mental health services. This also includes capital investments in public facilities to meet operational requirements related to the pandemic. Municipalities are also empowered to address negative economic impacts for individuals, households, small businesses, and non-profits, especially in low-income and socially vulnerable communities.
The Gusciora Administration and City Council are currently considering options based on the updated guidance. Following the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the Office of the Mayor also assembled an advisory committee of city officials, policy experts, and community leaders to help evaluate upcoming projects.
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The United States Coast Guard, NJ State Police, multiple fire and police units are operating off of Long Beach Township in the area of 26th Street for a reported glider type plane in the water. So far nothing has been found and some units are still actively searching.
Coast Guard units are responding to reports of a downed aircraft off Long Beach Island, New Jersey, Thursday.
The type of aircraft and number of people involved remains unknown.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Atlantic City was diverted to respond to the area. A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Atlantic City and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Barnegat Light launched to assist with search efforts.
The Coast Guard will release more information as it becomes available.
Photo by: Marie Lazore
#BREAKING We have received a report of a plane crash off Long Beach Island, NJ. Coast Guard has diverted a helo from Air Station Atlantic City and crews from Station Atlantic City and Station Barnegat Light. Updates to follow.
— USCG Mid-Atlantic (@uscgmidatlantic) June 17, 2021
Monroe Township, Middlesex County, NJ resident among the Council’s Top 10 Elite Cookie Entrepreneurs selling over 2,200 packages of cookies.
June 17, 2021
The Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey (GSCSNJ) knew it would be challenging in the midst of a global pandemic when the 2021 Girl Scout cookie season began in January. Due to social distancing restrictions, they were not able to knock on doors and use their traditional cookie selling methods. In true Girl Scout fashion, the resourceful girls were up for the challenge and put their innovation and leadership skills to the test by implementing creative ways to keep themselves and customers safe while striving to have a successful cookie season.
With the help of local businesses, the community, and innovative thinking of the girls, GSCSNJ succeeded in having a strong cookie season. One Girl Scout, Josephina Corona of Monroe Township, was among the Council’s top 10 elite cookie entrepreneurs this year. Corona sold over 2,200 packages of cookies.
This year, the Girl Scouts offered virtual, hybrid, and socially responsible in-person options to sell cookies including unique partnerships with Walmart and Grubhub. Walmart allowed local troops to set up cookie booths at stores and Grubhub offered contact-free cookie deliveries. The girls gained hands-on e-commerce experience as they fulfilled orders.
The Girl Scouts also started the Cookie Angel program this year, which provided an opportunity for businesses and donors to connect with local troops and support their cookie sales. Businesses purchased cookies virtually and gifted the cookies to their customers, employees, or local organizations. This year’s Cookie Angels included Advantage Outfitters, Bordentown Home for Funerals, Brown & Brown Insurance, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, and the Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company. Local organizations received the cookie donations from the program.
To recognize the top cookie sellers this year, the Juliette’s Pearls Club was created to honor Elite Entrepreneurs. The club is named after Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts who sold a beloved string of pearls to fund the operating expenses of the first Girl Scout Council. The top sellers received a necklace with a single pearl or their membership in the club. Each year they are among the Elite Entrepreneurs, they will receive an additional pearl to recognize their accomplishments. Corona received a necklace and her first pearl.
“We are so very proud of our Girl Scouts and all they accomplished for their cookie sales in spite of the pandemic,” said Ginny Hill, GSCSNJ CEO. “The girls used essential skills they learn in our program such as innovation, goal setting, and money management, and pivoted their approach to help them achieve their goals. Girl Scout cookies are known and loved by so many. We were glad to have provided something familiar during this time of uncertainty, while supporting programs to benefit girls for years to come.”
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest female-led entrepreneurship and financial literacy program in the country. Proceeds from sales are critical because they benefit local troops and GSCSNJ and assist in developing innovative programs that build girls of confidence, courage, and character who make a difference in their communities.
For more information about the Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ, visit gscsnj.org.
About Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ, Inc.
Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ (GSCSNJ) is the premier organization serving 12,000 girls ages K-12, and 9,000 adult members and volunteers in over nine counties. GSCSNJ shapes leaders for tomorrow by empowering girls to take on bold challenges, discover their own passions and strengths, act with character, and engage fully in fun, relevant experiences that encourage friendships and build life-long skills.
One Girl Scout, Josephina Corona of Monroe Township, was among the Council’s top 10 elite cookie entrepreneurs this year. Corona sold over 2,200 packages of cookies.
The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop after observing a vehicle stopped in the lane of travel on Route 33 near Route 133. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests . The individual was later released pending court action.
Defendant: Marco Vivar East Winds or, NJ 25 Years of Age
Charges: DUI
Reckless Driving Careless Driving
Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Bryan Butchon
2) DUI
Location : Etra Road/Ward Street Time/Date: 12:15 AM, 6/6/2021
The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop after observing the vehicle fail to maintain its lane. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests. The individual was later released pending court action.
Defendant: Jose Morocho-Arias Hightstown, NJ
34 Years of Age
Charges: DUI
Reckless Driving Careless Driving
Failure to Maintain Lane Failure to Wear Seatbelt
Arresting Officer: Sergeant David Oleksy
3) Drugs
Location: Days Inn
Time/Date : 4:15 AM, 6/6/2021
The officer located a disoriented male in the Days Inn parking lot. While speaking with the individual , the officer observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside his vehicle. The officer conducted a vehicle search and located wax folds of heroin and hypodermic needles. The individual was arrested and released pending court action.
Defendant: David Rakowski Clarksburg, NJ 41 Years of Age
Charges: Possession of Heroin
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Joseph Zucchero
The officer responded to Probasco Road, at the request of a neighboring police agency, to search for a vehicle regarding a motor vehicle accident that occurred in their jurisdiction. The officer located the involved vehicle and individual, who appeared intoxicated. The individual admitted to driving the vehicle and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests . The individual was later released pending court action.
Defendant: Edgar Ortega East Windsor, NJ 50 Years of Age
Charges: DUI
Reckless Driving Careless Driving
Arresting Officer : Patrol Officer Joseph Zucchero
The officer responded to Route 133 East near Route 33 for a single car motor vehicle accident. Investigation revealed that the driver struck a guardrail. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests . The individual was later released pending court action.
Defendant: Nina Hannah Dundalk , MD 31 Years of Age
Charges: DUI
Reckless Driving Careless Driving
Failure to Maintain Lane Driving While Suspended Unlicensed Driver
Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Nicholas Hoffmann
The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop after observing the vehicle make an improper turn and fail to maintain its lane. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests. The individual was later released pending court action.
Defendant: Maeve Sheridan East Windsor, NJ 22 Years of Age
The officer responded to Route 130 South near Royal Plaza for a single car motor vehicle accident. Investigation revealed that the car struck a utility pole and the driver suffered minor injuries. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest. The driver was taken to RWJ Hamilton hospital for treatment and was released pending court action.
Defendant:
Charges:
Nicholas Baka Newark, NJ
55 Years of Age
DUI
Reckless Driving Careless Driving
Failure to Maintain Lane Umegistered Vehicle
Open Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Nicholas Enea
The officer responded to Route 130 South near Royal Plaza for a single car motor vehicle accident. Investigation revealed that the car struck a utility pole and the driver suffered minor injuries. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest. The driver was taken to RWJ Hamilton hospital for treatment and was released pending court action.
The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop after observing the vehicle fail to properly utilize its turn signal while making a lane change. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests. The individual was later released pending court action.
Defendant:
Charges
David Angelo Toms River, NJ 57 Years of Age
DUI
Reckless Driving Careless Driving Failure to Signal Obstructing Traffic
Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Michael Whalen
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MidJersey.News 
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