Month: July 2022

Fatal Motorcycle Crash Under Investigaton In Howell Township

July 30, 2022

HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Howell Township Traffic Safety Unit is investigating a fatal single vehicle crash which occurred on July 29, 2022. At approximately 10:27p.m., a 23-year-old motorcyclist from Jackson Township was traveling west on Norse Drive when he left the road for an unknown reason and struck a utility pole. The motorcyclist sustained traumatic injuries, and life savings measures were initiated by first responders. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, but was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The crash remains under investigation by the Howell Township Police Department Any witnesses are asked to call Ptl. Kyle Bush of the Howell Police Traffic Safety Unit at 732-938-4575, ext 2667 or Det. Brian Boryszewski of the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office at 732-431-7160, ext. 4082.


Fatal Shooting In Asbury Park Under Investigation

July 29, 2022

FREEHOLD – A fatal shooting that took place yesterday evening in Asbury Park is under active investigation, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Friday.

Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to a report of gunfire originating from the 1600 block of Sewall Avenue.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered 33-year-old Kyshawn Walker of Asbury Park, who had sustained multiple gunshot injuries. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased a short while later.

The investigation into this shooting is being handled by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police Department. Anyone with information about this matter is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Matthew Delgado at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Department Detective Anthony Houlis at 732-774-1300.

This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings.


Mega Millions Jackpot Increased To $1.28 Billion

TRENTON (July 29, 2022) – The ten-figure jackpot frenzy keeps pushing the Mega Millions jackpot higher and higher for tonight’s drawing. The clock is ticking, and tickets must be purchased before 10:45 pm! The jackpot has just been increased to $1.28 billion, the second-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. The estimated cash value is $747.2 million.

Over one million New Jersey players have already won prizes during this jackpot roll, including three tickets worth $1,000,000 and another worth $3,000,000. Another 34 New Jersey players have won prizes of $10,000 or more by matching four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball drawn.

Players are reminded that Lottery games are for fun and entertainment – it only takes one ticket to get in the game. The Lottery promotes responsible play through its cooperation with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ and by promoting the Council’s helpline phone number, 1-800-GAMBLER, on all Lottery marketing and advertising materials.

In an office lottery pool or friendly jackpot squad? We recommend having important rules in place before any drawing, including an exact list of who is in each drawing. Make sure copies of the ticket are shared with everyone before the drawing, and consider receipts for paying members of any lottery pool. If somebody misses a payment collection day, are they in the drawing or not? Visit our site for a full list of recommendations, have all members of your squad review the guidelines, and remember to keep it fun!

Our website features important information for players, including Mega Millions odds & prizes. If a player believes they have a winning ticket, we recommend signing the back of the ticket and taking a picture of both sides for security before checking the ticket with our app, website, or any New Jersey Lottery retailer. A winner of a large prize may wish to seek financial and legal consultation.



House Fire Extinguished In South Brunswick

July 29, 2022

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Just before 8:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 24th, the Monmouth Junction Fire Department, South Brunswick EMS, and South Brunswick Police Department were dispatched to Davids Court for a smoke condition in the residence and a possible basement fire. First arriving police officers and fire chiefs observed heavy smoke coming from one residence of the two-family dwelling. Firefighters entered the home and located a working fire in the basement, which was quickly extinguished. Firefighters remained on scene until just after 10 PM, extinguishing hot spots and ventilating smoke and carbon monoxide that had spread throughout both residences. Responding to the fire were the Monmouth Junction, Kingston & Kendall Park Fire Departments. Firefighters from Jamesburg and Plainsboro covered South Brunswick during the incident. EMS units from South Brunswick, Plainsboro, and North Brunswick responded to the scene to provide monitoring and rehab for firefighters. All residents escaped the home, and there were no injuries. The fire is currently under investigation by the South Brunswick Township Fire Safety Bureau.

Monmouth Junction Fire Chief Scott Smith said, “Basement fires are one of the most dangerous types of fires we can respond to. The firefighters did a great job advancing to the basement and quickly extinguishing the fire, under very hot and smokey conditions. The humid weather certainly added to the challenge for our firefighters with the amount of protective gear we have to wear.”

This fire also demonstrates the importance of keeping doors and windows closed in the event of a fire. Fortunately, the door at the top of the stairs to the basement, and the few basement windows, were all closed. This helped to limit the smoke spread and the amount of oxygen available to feed the fire. We must also remind residents to exit a home or building immediately in the event of smoke or fire, and call 9-1-1 right away once safely outside.


South Brunswick Police Issue Summons In Fatal Motorcycle Crash That Killed Beloved Helmetta Fire Chief

July 29, 2022

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The South Brunswick Police Department announced yesterday that motor vehicle tickets have been issued in connection to the July 11, 2022, fatal motorcycle crash on Georges Road. Investigators determined that at 3:20 P.M   Maheshkum Kuniyil, 48, of Dayton was driving a 2019 Honda Odyssey on Summerfield Boulevard and came to a stop at the Georges Road intersection. Mr. Kuniyil then attempted to make a left onto Georges Road and collided with a 1998 Harley Davidson motorcycle being driven by Christopher Acs, 47, of Jamesburg which was headed north on Georges Road.  Mr. Acs died at the scene of the crash.

Investigators determined that after Mr. Kuniyil came to a stop, he failed to make sure it was clear to proceed into the intersection. He was issued two motor vehicle summonses; one for failure to yield right of way at an intersection and one for obstructing the passage of other vehicles. Both motor vehicle tickets will be heard in Municipal Court.

The investigation was conducted by Patrolman First-Class Jason Gassman of the South Brunswick Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau in conjunction with Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.





Teens Charged With Aggravated Arson In Beach Haven After Throwing 5″ Shell Mortar Firework Out Jeep Window

A 53-Year-Old victim was struck by a firework explosive that was thrown from a Jeep Wrangler on Pennsylvania Ave., causing her clothes to catch fire and suffered second-degree burns. Liebhauser handed a five-inch shell mortar firework to Aveta, who then lit the firework and threw it out of the passenger side of the vehicle, striking the victim.

July 28, 2022

BEACH HAVEN, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Beach Haven Police Chief James Markoski announced that on July 23, 2022, Justin Liebhauser, 19, of Randolph, New Jersey, and Gianni Aveta, 18, of Wayne, New Jersey, were each charged with Aggravated Arson in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1), in connection with an incident that occurred in Beach Haven on July 22, 2022.

On July 22, 2022, a 53-year-old female victim entered the Beach Haven Police Department to report that at approximately 10:15 p.m. that evening, she had been struck by a firework explosive that was thrown from a motor vehicle. She advised the Officers that she was walking on Pennsylvania Avenue when a firework was thrown from the passenger side of a Jeep Wrangler. The firework exploded and struck her in the arm and rib area, causing her clothes to catch fire. Officers contacted EMS, and the victim was treated for second-degree burns to her arm.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., Officers from the Beach Haven Police Department executed a motor vehicle stop on a Jeep Wrangler matching the description of the vehicle described by the victim. The vehicle was being operated by Liebhauser – with Aveta and three minors as passengers.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Beach Haven Police Department revealed that Liebhauser was operating the vehicle with Aveta and the two minors as passengers in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue earlier in the evening. Liebhauser handed a five-inch shell mortar firework to Aveta, who then lit the firework and threw it out of the passenger side of the vehicle, striking the victim. As a consequence of the investigation, Liebhauser and Aveta were served with the aforementioned charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Markoski acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Beach Haven Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation.

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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).


Justin Liebhauser, 19, of Randolph, New Jersey, and Gianni Aveta, 18, of Wayne, New Jersey, were each charged with Aggravated Arson in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1), in connection with an incident that occurred in Beach Haven on July 22, 2022.


Affidavit: Murder, Burned Body, And “Erotic Asphyxiation” During Sexual Activities, After Meeting Via Online Dating Application “Skip The Games”

July 27, 2022

NOTE: Midjersey.news has spoken to a close neighbor and the property owner was down the shore at the time of the incident and unaware of what happened until being contacted by police. The neighbor explained that Harley Wildmann was just staying at the home temporarily.

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—An affidavit obtained by MidJersey.News from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office speaks of a horrific murder, a burned body and “erotic asphyxiation” during sexual activities in Hamilton Township after meeting via online dating application “Skip the Games”

The affidavit states that during an interview with police detectives Harley Wildmann agreed to meet with the deceased victim, Lisa Lloyd via the dating application “Skip the Games” Lisa drove her vehicle, a Nissan Armada with North Dakota plates to his residence. Wildman stated upon arrival at the residence, the two engaged in sexual activities for the evening. Wildmann explained that he and Lloyd agreed to have Lloyd’s hands and feet bound by zip ties for sexual purposes. Wildman explained that he tied an electrical power cord around Lloyd’s neck for the purpose of erotic asphyxiation. Wildman stated while performing sexual acts on one another, Lloyd began groaning unintelligibly, and shortly after, began twitching and convulsing. Wildmann continued that Lloyd lost consciousness and he believed that Lloyd had died. Wildmann stated he wrapped Lloyd in a blanket, placed her in a contractor trash bag, and ultimately placed Lloyd in a trash can. Wildman stated he kept the trash can in his room for approximately one (1) day. Wildmann stated he disposed of zip ties in the trash that was currently in front of 120 Manor Boulevard, Hamilton, New Jersey. Wildmann also admitted to abandoning Lloyd’s vehicle, cellphone, and other personal items. Wildmann stated that on July 25, 2022, he moved the trash can containing Lloyd’s body and brought a gasoline can to the truck bed of the discolored red and grey 1995 Chevrolet S10. Wildmann stated at that point he drove to a nearby gas station and purchased gas for both his vehicle and the gasoline can. Wildmann stated while driving to areas of Pennsylvania and back to New Jersey, he devised a plan to discard Lloyd’s body. Wildmann said he decided to drive to the cemetery on Cedar Lane due to the familiarity of the area. Wildmann stated he drove into the cemetery discarding the trash can with Lloyd’s body contained withing and set both on fire with gasoline, as stated in the affidavit.

On Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at approximately 6:35 a.m., the Hamilton Police Department received a telephone call from a citizen reporting she believed there to be a “burnt body on the sidewalk” Hamilton Police Officers responded and arrived on scene at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, 1200 Cedar Lane. Hamilton Police Officers located the deceased victim, burned and unidentifiable, in the middle of the cemetery yard. The victim was found lying on the roadway of Clover Avenue. Hamilton Police Officers were able to view what appeared to be a cord around the unidentified victims neck. Hamilton Police Department contacted the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force and Detectives. The Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office Doctor Laura Thoma pronounced the deceased at 9:22 a.m. and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Detectives commenced an investigation into the deceased individual’s death, who was later identified as Lisa Lloyd as stated in the affidavit.

A canvas of the area revealed that surveillance footage revealed that on July 26, 2022, at approximately 1:48 a.m., a vehicle is seen approaching the area of the recovered human remains on Clover Avenue from Lily Street. The vehicle stopped and at approximately 1:51 a.m. the vehicle continues driving on Clover Avenue toward Cedar Lane. The vehicle conducts a U-Turn prior to Cedar Lane and returns to the are of the recovered human remains. The vehicle stops momentarily and at approximately 1:52 a.m., an incipient ignition of fire can be seen adjacent to the stopped vehicle.

The affidavit says that at approximately 1:53 a.m., the same vehicle can be seen fleeing on Clover Avenue toward Lily Street. The vehicle makes a right on Lily Street followed by a right on Ridge Avenue. The vehicle is then viewed exiting the cemetery on Ridge Avenue toward Cedar Lane. The vehicle is then viewed making a left hand turn on Cedar Lane, at which time surveillance footage reveals the vehicle to be a discolored red and grey Chevrolet S10, with a silver hard tonneau cover elevated from the bed of the truck. The vehicle is fleeing the are on Cedar Lan toward Hunt Avenue and according to the affidavit continues out of surveillance footage view.

At approximately 10:34 a.m., while canvassing for further video surveillance footage in the area, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force members observed a vehicle matching the description of the aforementioned suspect vehicle. An investigative traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, which is further described as a discolored red and grey 1995 Chevrolet S10, with a silver hard tonneau cover. The vehicle was being operated by Harley Wildmann along with a passenger were detained and transported to the Mercer County Homicide Task Force Office for the murder investigation of Lisa Lloyd according to the affidavit.

At 6:21 p.m., the Honorable Judge J. Adam Hughes approved search warrants for the Chevrolet S10, Nissan Armada, and residence of 120 Manor Boulevard, Hamilton, NJ 08620.

The affidavit states that a search of the 1995 Chevrolet S10 revealed numerous items which included a cell phone, zip ties, and a rubber bungee. A search of the 2007 Nissan Armada revealed several items which included a purse and women clothing. A search of the residence at 120 Manor Blvd., revealed numerous items which included men clothing, men shoes, zip ties, sawed off pump shotgun, and gas can.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


According to the Skip The Games Escort Application Website:

The #1 Escort Finder App

SkipTheGames app is a true escort finder app. Better than any escort site out there. No more need to search local escorts or escorts near me. SkipTheGames allows you access to a worldwide pool of premium verified and reviewed escorts. Even the best escort websites are outdated. You have probably tried escort sites like eros, slixa, city x guide, escort index, or adult search to find local escorts. Maybe you even go the extra mile and check out escort reviews on erotic monkey. If so,you have probably experienced bait and switch, unreliable reviews, and some complicated screening and verification processes. The SkipTheGames app takes everything about the top escort sites and best escort review sites and packages them into a mobile app that makes finding a local escort no matter where you are easier than it has ever been.


Copy of the affidavit as provided by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office


Police search a residence on Manor Boulevard, Hamilton Township, NJ on July 26, 2022

NOTE: Midjersey.news has spoken to a close neighbor and the property owner was down the shore at the time of the incident and unaware of what happened until being contacted by police. The neighbor explained that Harley Wildmann was just staying at the home temporarily.


A Trump 2024 Save America Again flag is displayed in the window of a residence Manor Boulevard, Hamilton Township, NJ on July 27, 2022.


A trash can in front of 120 Manor Boulevard, Hamilton Township, NJ as seen from the roadway on July 27, 2022.



A discolored red and grey 1995 Chevrolet S10, with a silver hard tonneau cover at a traffic stop yesterday at the Fast Trac Gas Station July 27, 2022. The “person of interest was identified as Harley Wildmann and is seen in the back of a police vehicle. Photos by: Brian McCarthy


Harley Wildmann, 42, was arrested and charged Tuesday evening with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses and fourth-degree tampering with evidence. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Wildmann pending trial.

At approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 26, Hamilton police received a call from someone in the area of Clover Avenue who observed what appeared to be human remains near the cemetery. Police arrived and located a severely burned deceased victim. The victim was later identified as 39-year-old Lisa Lloyd of Ewing.

Detectives collected video from the area surrounding the cemetery and identified a two- tone Chevy S10 pickup truck with NJ registration driving past in the early morning of Tuesday, July 26. At approximately 1:48 a.m., the vehicle could be seen stopping for several minutes in the area where the remains were found. A short time later, a large fire can be seen adjacent to the stopped vehicle.

Detectives located the Chevy S10 pickup truck later that morning in the area of Chambers and E. Franklin Streets and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The driver of the vehicle was Harley Wildmann. A female passenger was also in the vehicle. Interviews were conducted by task force detectives and the female was released.

Anyone with information is asked to call HTF Detective Sherika Salmon at (609) 989- 6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.






18-Year-Old Lawrence Resident Killed In Princeton Pike Crash Near Fackler Road

July 27, 2022

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police reported that at approximately 11:52 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the Lawrence Township Police Department responded to a one car motor vehicle crash on Princeton Pike in the area of Fackler Rd.

Lawrence Township resident Armando Rosario 3rd (18 years old) was the single occupant of the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.

The crash is under investigation by Lawrence Township Police Detective Ryan Dunn, Police Officer Darren Gould and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team Detective Ryan Minnick.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Ryan Dunn at 609-844-7125 or rdunn@lawrencetwp.com



Hamilton Man Charged In Horrific Murder; Body Burned In Hamilton Township Graveyard Yesterday

Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses and fourth-degree tampering with evidence.

July 27, 2022

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Hamilton Township Police has led to the arrest of a Hamilton man for murder.

Harley Wildmann, 42, was arrested and charged Tuesday evening with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses and fourth-degree tampering with evidence. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Wildmann pending trial.

At approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 26, Hamilton police received a call from someone in the area of Clover Avenue who observed what appeared to be human remains near the cemetery. Police arrived and located a severely burned deceased victim. The victim was later identified as 39-year-old Lisa Lloyd of Ewing.

Detectives collected video from the area surrounding the cemetery and identified a two- tone Chevy S10 pickup truck with NJ registration driving past in the early morning of Tuesday, July 26. At approximately 1:48 a.m., the vehicle could be seen stopping for several minutes in the area where the remains were found. A short time later, a large fire can be seen adjacent to the stopped vehicle.

Detectives located the Chevy S10 pickup truck later that morning in the area of Chambers and E. Franklin Streets and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The driver of the vehicle was Harley Wildmann. A female passenger was also in the vehicle. Interviews were conducted by task force detectives and the female was released.

Anyone with information is asked to call HTF Detective Sherika Salmon at (609) 989- 6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


Photos of the arrest yesterday at the Fast Trac Gas Station. Hamilton Police and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office detectives with a possible person of interest in custody in back of a police vehicle Chambers Street by East Franklin Street yesterday morning. Photos by: Brian McCarthy



Harley Wildmann, 42, was arrested and charged Tuesday evening with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses and fourth-degree tampering with evidence. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Wildmann pending trial.





Trenton Shooting Suspect Arrested In Hamilton Township, NJ

July 27, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department Detective Lieutenant Bethesda Stokes reported that on July 5, 2022, The Trenton Police Department responded to Sweets Ave on a report of a shooting in progress. Upon police arrival, Officer McNair was rendering aid to a man that was shot in the face. The investigation led to the arrest of Tiffany Wiggins being responsible for the shooting. She was charged accordingly (Criminal Attempt Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Weapons offenses, etc.). Tiffany Wiggins was taken into custody in Hamilton, NJ, without incident.

Great job by the Trenton Police Department Major Crimes Unit.

All arrestees/suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.

Related story:

Mercer County Homicide Task Force Investigation Leads to Arrest in 2014 Murder

July 27, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Trenton man has been arrested and charged for the 2014 murder of Jamer Greenfield, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced.

Jonathan Woody, 40, of Trenton, is charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and certain persons not to possess a weapon.  He was arrested in Trenton Monday evening, July 25, by members of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Woody pending trial.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force. On July 19, 2014, at approximately 5 a.m., Trenton police officers were in the area of the 100 block of Rosemont Avenue when they heard gunshots near Rosemont and Hoffman avenues.  Officers observed a large group of people running from the 200 block of Rosemont Avenue.  As officers approached, they saw Greenfield, 23, on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the chest.  He was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Prosecutor Onofri applauded the tenacity of his detectives.  “Eight years, and they never stopped.  Detectives continued searching for witnesses, asking questions, putting fresh eyes on the case, until the pieces fit and they had the necessary evidence to charge,” he said.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.



Hamilton Township Cemetery Burned Body Identified As 39-Year-Old Female From Ewing Township, And Person Of Interest In Custody


July 26, 2022

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)– The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office reported that the deceased victim discovered this morning in the cemetery in Hamilton Township has been identified as Lisa Lloyd, 39, of Ewing. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force continues to investigate and has identified a person of interest in the case. No charges have been filed at this time.

At approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 26, Hamilton police received a call from someone in the area of Clover Avenue who observed what appeared to be human remains near the cemetery.  Police arrived and located a severely burned deceased victim

An autopsy is pending.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406.  Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org

Hamilton Police and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office detectives with a possible person of interest in custody in back of a police vehicle Chambers Street by East Franklin Street this morning. MidJersey.News has held the photo of the person in the back of the police vehicle pending official determination by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Photo by: Brian McCarthy




Murphy Administration Encourages New Jersey Residents and Businesses to Conserve Water 

July 26, 2022

TRENTON – The Murphy Administration today asked residents and businesses to conserve water as the state continues to experience a persistent period of hot and dry weather.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for monitoring and protecting the state’s water supply to ensure ample clean, safe water for drinking and other needs. DEP’s Division of Water Supply and Geoscience has been closely monitoring the drier than usual conditions this summer. 

While these conditions have not significantly impacted drinking water supply indicators statewide, persistently hot and dry conditions could adversely affect water supplies. It is important that residents and businesses take proactive steps to help moderate their use of water to help ensure ample supplies throughout the summer.

“Now is the time for New Jersey to be especially mindful of water usage and proactively moderate our consumption,” said Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “Although our reservoirs and other indicators are healthy, persistent hot and dry weather coupled with the high water demands of summer can quickly impact water supply. Simple steps, like reducing lawn and landscape watering, go a long way in preserving our water supplies and avoiding the necessity of significant restrictive measures.”  

Current water demands are being met and New Jersey’s water systems are capable of handling periods of low precipitation. Reservoir levels are near long-term averages for this time of year and groundwater supplies are near normal, with the central and southern portions of the state tending to be drier. Local conditions can vary, so it is normal for individual water systems and municipalities to periodically request that their customers reduce water use.

The DEP will continue to monitor water supplies very closely and advise the public, local governments, and water systems as appropriate. For a DEP microsite on water conservation measures visit https://dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/

The most up-to-date information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies can be found at www.njdrought.org, where you can also find more water conservation tips for your community.

Other government and academic institutions also prepare drought-related indices and maps. One well-known example is the US Drought Monitor, which defines drought more broadly than DEP. These other resources may suggest drought or pre-drought conditions are present before actual water supplies are technically determined to be below normal by DEP’s Division of Water Supply and Geoscience.



Mega Millions Jackpot Has Increased To $830 Million

July 26, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Due to increasing sales across the nation, the Mega Millions jackpot has been increased again to an $830 million annuity, the third largest in Mega Millions history. The estimated cash value is $487.9 million.

Over one million New Jersey players have already won prizes during this jackpot roll, including one ticket worth $1,000,000 and another worth $3,000,000. Another 27 New Jersey players have won prizes of $10,000 or more by matching four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball drawn.

Our website features important information for players, including Mega Millions odds & prizes and tips and guidelines for group or lottery pool play. If a player believes they have a winning ticket, we recommend signing the back of the ticket and taking a picture of both sides for security before checking the ticket with our app, website, or any New Jersey Lottery retailer. A winner of a large prize may wish to seek financial and legal consultation.

The Lottery promotes responsible play through its cooperation with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ and by promoting the Council’s helpline phone number, 1-800-GAMBLER, on all Lottery marketing and advertising materials.


The top Mega Millions jackpots to date:

AmountDateWinning Tickets
$1.537 billion10/23/20181-SC
$1.050 billion1/22/20211-MI
$830 million (est)7/26/2022?
$656 million                 3/30/2012                 3-IL, KS, MD
$648 million12/17/20132-CA, GA
$543 million7/24/20181-CA
$536 million7/8/20161-IN
$533 million3/30/20181-NJ
$522 million6/7/20191-CA
$516 million5/21//20211-PA



“All Hands” Fire On North Broad Street

July 26, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 12:24 p.m. Trenton Fire Department responded to the area of 7 North Broad Street for a smoke condition and a fire was found at 7 South Broad Street. Upon arrival an “all hands” was called sending additional apparatus and manpower to the scene. Firefighters found a fire in the rear of the property and stretched a 2 1/2″ hose line. Within a few minutes firefighters had the bulk of the fire knocked down. A fire marshal and building inspector were called to the scene for the investigation. No additional details are available at this time.


Photos by: Brian McCarthy