Day: July 6, 2021

Ocean Ice Palace To Close After Almost 60 Years

July 6, 2021

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean Ice Palace & Ocean Hockey Supply will be closing their doors after almost 60 years in business at the end of the month. The rink has brought many memories over the last 60 years and had a classic look with its Quonset hut style shaped roof.

According to the Ocean Ice Palace, Dr. Leon J. Dwulet built the Ocean Ice Palace in 1962. His vision was to provide skating and hockey development opportunities for the youth of Ocean and Monmouth Counties. The Dwulet family has operated the Ocean Ice Palace and Ocean Hockey Supply continuously for the last 59 years, and it is currently owned by Dr Dwulet’s daughter and managed by her daughter & son-in Law, Andrew & Raven Barten.

Ocean Ice Palace Facebook Post:

After almost 60 years of Family Owned & Operated business’ Ocean Ice Palace & Ocean Hockey Supply will be closing their doors at the end of this month. We are extremely thankful to all the friends who have become family and customers who have become friends over the years. The decision was not made lightly and certainly not without being given much thought. We will continue to run all programs and camps as scheduled through the end of this month and our shop will remain open until then. We welcome you to visit @OceanHockey and pick up some new gear before your season- shop starts at 40% off the entire store.







NJ State Troopers Help Distribute Food to Families in Mercer County

July 6, 2021

EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–On June 27, 2021 several New Jersey State Troopers helped distribute groceries to more than 1,000 families at a distribution event in East Windsor, Mercer County. Troopers joined community volunteers to help empty boxes, pack bags, and hand out groceries. The event was hosted by Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) and Rise.To learn more about the TASK, please visit https://www.trentonsoupkitchen.org To learn more about Rise, please visit https://www.njrise.org

NJ State Troopers From Troop “C” Presented With Awards

Trooper Travis performed CPR on a 7 year old child on vacation saving the child’s life. Trooper Waldrop on patrol on I-295 in Hamilton Township saved a woman from jumping from a bridge.



July 6, 2021– Updated July 7, 2021

WEST TRENTON – EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On June 17, 2021 Lt. Colonel Geoffrey Noble, Lt. Colonel Terence Carroll, and Major Brian Polite presented Division awards to troopers from Troop “C” at the historic log cabin at Division Headquarters.

On August 23, 2019, Trooper I Charles Travis was off-duty on a family vacation at a hotel pool in Orlando, FL, when he heard someone calling for help. He immediately ran over and discovered a child unconscious and not breathing in the adjacent pool. Without hesitation, he grabbed the seven-year-old child and began performing life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). After administering several rounds, the child coughed up water and regained consciousness. Trooper I Travis was honored for his quick and decisive actions while off-duty which ultimately saved the child’s life.

On April 14, 2020, Trooper Robert Waldrop was on patrol on Interstate 295 northbound in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, when he observed a vehicle parked under an overpass. As he approached the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle made him aware of a female standing outside of the protective fencing on the ledge of the overpass in an apparent suicide attempt. Trooper Waldrop immediately informed dispatch and ran towards the victim. He spoke calmly to the woman and slowly gained her trust before convincing her to come down from the narrow ledge. He held on to her clothing through the chain link fence until she was safely on the ground. Trooper Waldrop was honored for his life-saving efforts.

During the ceremony, Senior Security Officer Michael Cheeseborough, Guard Richard Allen, Guard Douglas Hoyt, and Guard Ryan Herbert were also honored for their service in the armed forces and presented with Certificates of Military Service.

The actions of the award recipients have brought great pride and distinction to themselves and the Division. Their commitment and dedication embody the core values of the New Jersey State Police: Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.

See related MidJersey.News story here: NJ State Trooper Rescues Suicidal Woman From I-295 Bridge At Scenic Overlook





Mount Laurel Bias Crime Suspect In Custody

July 6, 2021

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Edward C. Mathews, 45, of the 3600 block of Gramercy Way in Mount Laurel, was taken into custody yesterday evening at his residence and is presently in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He was scheduled for a first appearance today in Superior Court. The Prosecutor’s Office has moved to detain him, and he will be held pending a detention hearing, likely on Friday, July 9.

Statement from Burlington County Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina Regarding Bias Crime in Mount Laurel:

“It is difficult to overstate how vile and despicable the conduct by this defendant towards his neighbors was on Friday night. No one should ever have to deal with such hatred thrown in their face anywhere, but especially on their own doorstep. Once again, I want to commend the victims for showing incredible restraint in the midst of this unprovoked rant by the defendant. We recognize the justifiable outrage of the community – of ALL members of the community – at the defendant’s conduct, and vow to see this prosecution through so that justice is done.

That said, it was unfortunate that some participants in yesterday’s protest resorted to violence and the destruction of property, including that of the defendant’s neighbors, as officers tried to escort the defendant from his home to the waiting patrol car. We will be reviewing evidence from the scene and will hold accountable anyone who committed criminal acts yesterday.

We appreciate those members of the community who came forward with information and video evidence to support the charges we brought against the defendant over the weekend. We are all in this together, and we urge anyone with information or evidence of prior incidents involving this defendant to come forward and present it to Mount Laurel Police Department or our Office.

We also vow to work with our elected officials, the Mount Laurel Police Department, community leaders, and members of the public to help the community heal and move past this incident. The law enforcement community will do everything within our power to make all our residents, no matter their background, feel safe and welcome in their homes, and wherever they work, play or go to school in Burlington County.”

Information can be submitted to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office at tips@co.burlington.nj.us, to Mount Laurel Police Department at tips@mountlaurelpd.org, or by calling the Mount Laurel Police Department’s Confidential Tip Line at 856-234-1414, extension 1599





On Friday July 2nd, at approximately 7:50 PM, a resident of the 3800 block of Gramercy Way reported that she is continually harassed by her neighbor, Edward Cagney Mathews, age 45. A disturbing video was widely circulated on social media showing Mathews shouting offensive and racial slurs at his neighbors. An investigation was conducted resulting in Mathews being charged with harassment and biased intimidation. The charges were placed on a summons by a municipal court judge to be heard at future court appearance. The Mount Laurel Police Department does not tolerate hate or bias intimidation in any form. This type of behavior is totally unacceptable. We can assure our residents that incidents like this are thoroughly investigated and that those who commit such offenses will be held accountable for their actions.

We are actively investigating other incidents involving this suspect. If anyone has information on these incidents, you are kindly asked to contact Mount Laurel Police Department at 856-234-8300 or the confidential tip line 856-234-1414 Ext. 1599


RWJ University Hospital Opens Better Health Education Center

July 6, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton held a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 29, 2021, to commemorate the grand opening of the Better Health Program and Education Center at The James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ. The event welcomed James and Sharon Maida and family; senior leaders from RWJBarnabas Health, including President and Chief Executive Officer Barry Ostrowsky and Dr. Jessica Israel, Senior Vice President, Geriatrics and Palliative Care; and leaders and staff from RWJUH Hamilton. Following the ribbon cutting, James Maida and Richard Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJUH Hamilton, joined Sodexo Head Chef Tim Compton for a summer cooking demonstration.

“Hamilton is a demographically aging community, so establishing this program is very important to us,” said Richard Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJUH Hamilton. “In less than a year of operation, and during a pandemic, more than 300 Hamiltonians age 65 and up have already started to enjoy the Better Health program.”

“RWJ Barnabas Health, I’m proud to say, is committed to making all of our healthcare settings an age friendly health system,” continued Dr. Israel. The Better Health Program at RWJUH Hamilton is one way the health system’s commitment is being honored.

Better Health at RWJUH Hamilton is a free program, specially designed for members age 65 and up, that focuses on creating a personalized approach to health wellness; it features programs and events ranging from health topics to the arts to spirituality, museum trips and more. The James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute, slated to open in Hamilton in 2022, will provide a unique, integrated approach to geriatric services for patients in Hamilton’s service area. For more information and to become a Better Health member, visit rwjbh.org/hamiltonbetterhealth or call 609-584-5900.


Toms River Police is Looking for the Best of the Best

July 6, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–The Toms River Police Department is excited to announce our 2021 recruitment test application process is underway, and will continue through July 31, 2021, for the testing process which will be in September. We are looking for qualified applicants who meet strict educational, physical and ethical standards, to take our police test. The recruiting process is ongoing, testing occurs once every 3 years. Join our Toms River Police Department Family, your career starts here! If you have any questions please visit us at http://www.trpolice.org and choose the “Recruitment” button or contact us at 732-349-0150 x 1327.



Fatal Crash In Lakewood

July 6, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 5, 2021, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of Cedarbridge Avenue and Clover Street for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that a 2009 Infinity G37, operated by a juvenile and containing two passengers, Hector Martinez, age 18, of Toms River and another juvenile, were traveling eastbound on Cedarbridge Avenue approaching the cross street of Clover Street at a high rate of speed. An unidentified vehicle was in the left-hand turn lane attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Clover Street. The juvenile operator of the Infinity G37 attempted to navigate around that vehicle and lost control of the Vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway and struck the face of a building. The vehicle overturned and came to an uncontrolled rest on its hood. The juvenile passenger, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The juvenile operator and Mr. Martinez were both transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune to be treated for their injuries.

This remains an active investigation by the Ocean County Vehicular Homicide Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.


Photos by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response

Driver Extricated From Overturned Vehicle In East Windsor

July 6. 2021 — Updated at 4:20 p.m. with information from East Windsor Police Department

EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 6:59 a.m. East Windsor Police, EMS and firefighters were dispatched to an overturned vehicle on Yorkshire Drive near Kent Lane. East Windsor Police confirmed entrapment on arrival. A vehicle hit a utility pole and overturned trapping the occupant. East Windsor Fire Companies 1 & 2 (42 & 46) and Hightstown Fire Company (41) responded to the scene for extrication. East Windsor Rescue Squad EMS – RWJ EMS were also sent to the scene.

The extrication took about 15 minutes. Cranbury Service Center righted the vehicle, cleaned up the scene and towed the vehicle away. JCP&L was on scene and will need to replace the utility pole.

Police say that the preliminary investigation revealed the operator of a 2019 Toyota Rav4 a 57 year old East Windsor resident was traveling north in area of Kent Lane when driver lost control, struck a utility pole, and overturned. The driver of the Toyota was extricated from her vehicle by fire department personnel.

Police also said that the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries as result of the collision and she was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, NJ by rescue squad personnel.

Responding agencies: East Windsor Police Department, East Windsor Volunteer Fire Companies 1 & 2, Hightstown Fire Company, East Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad District 1 and Robert Wood Johnson EMS.