Day: February 15, 2023

Allentown, Allentown, Ice Hockey, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Sports, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

Ravens Ice Hockey Hosts “Skate For Nate” Benefit

February 15, 2023

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Last night, February 14, 2023, the Robbinsville-Allentown Ravens put on quite the show when they played none other than… the Robbinsville-Allentown Ravens! At an intra-squad game to remember, the Cancer Crushers took on the Red Blood Cells in the fight against sarcoma in honor of Nathan Ugi, a 12-year old 7th grader from Stonebridge Middle School in Allentown.

Nate was on-hand to drop the ceremonial puck under an honor guard of sticks and was presented a magic jersey signed by all the players and coaches. “We know that sometimes going through health issues can be a tough go, so we want you to know when things get a little bit tough and you feel a little down, you put on this magic jersey and it makes things a little bit better for you”, Coach Dan Bergan shared.

Team Nate bracelets and keychains were sold at the event and over $1,200 has been raised to offset Nate’s medical expenses and “more has been coming in all day. The love our community and hockey family has shared for Nate is so spectacular”, Amy Weltner shared.

After a grueling hour-long scrimmage, with a few antics thrown in for good measure and some light-hearted laughs – the Cancer Crushers took the game in an 11-7 win over the Red Blood Cells. 

As the night wrapped up with a fist bump line with Nate as the players carrying yellow taped sticks with helmet stickers that proclaimed, “We Skate for Nate” exited the ice, Nate’s smile was ear-to-ear and that was the best part of it all. Bergan expressed that “Nate inspired us all to remember what is most important in life. The good in the world lies quiet at times but know that it is there and will rise to the occasion. This is such an occasion.”

Middlesex County, South Brunswick

South Brunswick Road Rage Suspect Arrested After 3 Months of Incidents

February 15, 2023

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Department has charged a 40-year-old South Brunswick man after a series of motor vehicle incidents and crashes over the past three months. An investigation into the crashes by South Brunswick Traffic Safety Bureau and detectives determined the crashes were the result of intentional acts. Mark Lauri was charged with 3 counts of endangering the welfare of others and 1 count of criminal mischief.
 
The first incident took place on November 3, 2022, at 12:55 when Mr. Lauri was driving south on Route 1 near Finnegans Lane. He became upset with another driver, eventually cutting off the victim’s vehicle, then slammed on his brakes, which caused the victim to impact the rear of Mr. Lauri’s vehicle.
 
Two additional incidents took place hours apart on February 3, 2023. At 1:59 PM a driver on Route 1 called 911 to report a vehicle driving erratically and stopping suddenly (break checking) in front of multiple vehicles. Police determined Mr. Lauri was the vehicle the 911 caller was speaking of. At 3:12 PM Officers responded to the Target parking lot to investigate a crash that took place on Route 1. An off-duty New Jersey State Trooper was traveling on Route 1 and observed Mr. Lauri recklessly drive and cut off another motorist. The trooper witnessed Mr. Lauri change lanes erratically and impact another vehicle that was also headed north on Route 1. Investigators determined Mr. Lauri had also been involved in a road rage incident on January 24, 2023, at High and Bridge streets in Somerville. Mr. Lauri was charged with careless driving and delaying traffic by Somerville Police in that incident.
 
Mr. Lauri’s actions created widespread risk and he was charged for his reckless conduct. Mr. Lauri surrendered at police headquarters and was lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center as of Wednesday morning.
 
Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “Mr. Lauri’s conduct put everyone at risk. Last year alone there were nearly two thousand crashes on roadways in the Township. His erratic driving and repeated sudden stopping in front of other drivers just increases the potential for crashes.” He thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.

Mark Lauri, 40 of South Brunswick was charged with 3 counts of endangering the welfare of others and 1 count of criminal mischief.

Mercer County, Trenton

Trenton Firefighters Battle Fire On N. Overbrook Ave.

February 15, 2023

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 2:45 p.m. Trenton firefighters were dispatched to 42 North Overbrook Avenue after a reported house fire. A Trenton Building inspector notified the fire department that there was smoke coming from the second-floor window. Engine 9 arrived and reported heavy smoke from the structure and started stretching hose lines. Hose lines were also stretched into the left exposure building with reported heavy fire on the second floor of the exposure. A total of five hose lines were stretched to knock the main body of fire down. The second floor of the main fire building collapsed. At 3:35 p.m. the fire was not under control but the incident commander reported that they will probably be able to hold with what is on scene.

The Red Cross called for eight people displaced including three children.

Fire was officially under control at 4:00 p.m.

At the time of this report the fire scene was still active. If further details become available the story will be updated.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News