TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Willing Workers of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church and members of Mercer County’s PBAs (Police Benevolent Associations) distributed frozen turkeys and food baskets late this afternoon at the church on North Clinton Avenue.
There were at least thirty boxes of frozen turkeys distributed with an average weight of around 55 pounds per box for a total of about 1,600 pounds. There were numerous baskets of food and turkey baking supplies provided to go along with the frozen birds.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–All chapters of the Mercer County PBA are assisting with turkey distribution in Mercer County today. This morning at Saint Phillips Baptist Church, members unloaded over 600 pounds of turkey for distribution at that location.
There were two other locations with many more pounds donated this morning including the Hamilton YMCA.
The distribution will continue this evening at the Willing Workers of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Trenton at 4:00 pm.
Mercer County is also proud to offer free at-home COVID-19 testing. These tests are available to all residents of Mercer County, free of charge.
November 18, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes today announced that the County, in partnership with Vault Health Services, will offer free COVID-19 testing on Tuesday, Nov. 24, and Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CURE Insurance Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave. The saliva test is available to County residents 14 years or older and anyone employed as a first responder or health care worker in Mercer County.
Those going to the arena for testing should use Parking Lot 2 off South Broad Street to access Gate A. Testing will be conducted in the arena concourse. Bring identification showing Mercer County residency and a smartphone or tablet if you have one. No prescription is necessary. Please avoid eating, drinking, chewing gum or smoking 30 minutes prior to taking the test.
Testing will be limited to 300 people on each of the two days but additional pop-up testing sites will be scheduled around the County in the near future.
If you want to avoid the lines, Mercer County also offers an at-home saliva test for COVID-19, which can be requested by visiting www.mercercares.org. If you need help with the online registration process, assistance will be available Tuesday at the arena.
Mercer County is proud to offer free at-home COVID-19 testing. These tests are available to all residents of Mercer County, free of charge.
The saliva collection test for COVID-19 has the same effectiveness as the nasal swab test. This test is performed under the supervision of our healthcare provider, Vault, through a video telehealth visit eliminating the risk of person-to-person exposure to the virus.
To register for your at-home testing kit, you must first fill out the form below to verify your Mercer County residency. Within 24-48 hours following your submission, you will receive a link to order your free kit on the Vault Health website. This is FREE to all Mercer County residents, and health insurance is not required but a claim will be submitted if are covered.
Please note the following:
There is no out of pocket cost for this test.
You must be a resident of Mercer County or employed as a first responder or health care worker in Mercer County.
Only persons over the age of 14 are eligible for this test. Persons under the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian complete the registration for them.
You will receive your code within 48 hours.
This is not an antibody test. This test is designed to determine if you currently are infected with COVID-19 and have the potential to infect others.
If your test is positive, or if you have symptoms, call your health care professional.
MERCER COUNTY, NJ–Mayors and local officials warn of increased COVID-19 transmission as cases rise in Mercer County. Officials are reminding residents to continue to take precautions by limiting gatherings, wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and other general COVID-19 precautions.
In the City of Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora has announced new restrictions as COVID-19 transmission rates have doubled in each of the last three weeks.
Trenton’s transmission rate is currently 44.2 cases per 100,000 people, which exceeds both the state and county rates at 29.3 and 28.9, respectively. Trenton has had a total of 4,598 COVID-19 cases with 80 related deaths.
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes stated, Mercer County surpassed 10,000 cumulative positive test results since the start of the pandemic, and the United States surpassed a staggering 10 million positive cases. In addition, the New Jersey Department of Health has reported more than 13,000 positive cases statewide since Monday.
It was anticipated that colder weather in the fall and winter would drive people indoors and trigger a second wave of virus transmissions. We’re only in mid-November and the second wave is here. New cases of COVID-19 are on the rise and everyone needs to take that seriously, County Executive Hughes stated.
Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried said in a Facebook post, “I always like to start with good news, but a second wave of COVID-19 is upon us and it is making that increasingly difficult. I am going to give this to you straight. Since October 30, Robbinsville Township reports 29 new cases that is by far the highest number of new cases we have encountered since this started.”
Mayor Fried also stated in a message that My personal feeling is this second wave will get worse before it gets better, so I am asking people to be increasingly diligent.
Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin shared the weekly update from Hamilton Township that includes a weekly COVID-19 update and that urges the following precautions:
•Keep Your Distance — stay at least six feet away from others — and Wear a Face Covering.
•Wash Your Hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after being in a public place, as well as after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
.•If soap and water are not accessible, Use a Hand Sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
•Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth with unwashed hands.•Avoid Close Contact with people who are sick.
•Stay Home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
•Cover Your Mouth and Nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Full text of statements below:
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora yesterday announced new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 as transmission rates in Trenton have doubled each of the last three weeks.
Mayor Gusciora’s amended State of Emergency declaration now includes the following instructions, which will remain in effect from Nov. 16, 2020 through Dec. 5, 2020:
All Trenton businesses, including restaurants, bars and grocery stores must close at 10:00 p.m. daily. Gas stations may stay open only to dispense gas.
Restaurants and drive-through businesses may be open for pickup or delivery until 11:00 p.m., provided that no parties are allowed to congregate inside or outside of the establishment.
All city residents are encouraged to remain indoors after 10:00 p.m.
All city residents should wear masks and practice social distancing techniques as recommended by the CDC by avoiding large crowds, and, whenever possible, keeping a distance of six feet from other people.
All city residents are strongly encouraged not to have large family gatherings on Thanksgiving and to avoid hosting visitors from states that are on the Governor’s travel advisory list.
Trenton’s transmission rate is currently 44.2 cases per 100,000 people, which exceeds both the state and county rates at 29.3 and 28.9, respectively. Trenton has had a total of 4,598 COVID-19 cases with 80 related deaths.
“It’s clear the second wave is here and has hit the Capital City especially hard,” said Mayor Gusciora. “Our transmission rates may even be higher now than they were in the spring. While we believe these new restrictions will help, we won’t get past this crisis unless our residents wear their masks and practice social distancing. No more excuses about COVID-19 fatigue: the virus never gets tired, and neither should our residents and businesses when it comes to keeping this city safe.”
“It is critically important that when we see cases rise throughout our city, county and state that we are extremely cautious and we social distance, wear masks and limit indoor gatherings as much as possible,” said Dr. Kemi Alli, Chief Executive Officer of the Henry J. Austin Health Center. “If not, our path will follow sister states such as North and South Dakota, and Montana which are currently in dire straits.”
While transmission rates have risen across all age groups, a quarter of all hospitalizations over the past month are comprised of individuals age 30 and below. The greatest source of transmission has been indoor contact, and residents are advised to wear masks even around friends or relatives who are visiting.
Mercer County, NJ:
Mercer County 3 Day Average as of November 13, 2020
A letter from County Executive Brian M. Hughes
Mercer County and the nation both reached sobering COVID-19 milestones this week: Mercer County surpassed 10,000 cumulative positive test results since the start of the pandemic, and the United States surpassed a staggering 10 million positive cases. In addition, the New Jersey Department of Health has reported more than 13,000 positive cases statewide since Monday. It was anticipated that colder weather in the fall and winter would drive people indoors and trigger a second wave of virus transmissions. We’re only in mid-November and the second wave is here. New cases of COVID-19 are on the rise and everyone needs to take that seriously.
When you’re around people outside your own household, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and practice social distancing. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Avoid crowds and stay home if you are sick. Public health officials are advising that the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to keep your gathering small with just immediate family. Please bear that in mind when planning for the holiday. We know what we need to do to reduce the spread of the virus – now it’s up to us. Let’s continue to support each other and keep each other safe. Let’s continue to work together.
One of the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been job loss. State officials reported this week that more than 1.7 million New Jersey workers have filed an unemployment claim since March, with about 1.46 million workers meeting the monetary requirements to receive benefits. Jobseekers need all the help they can get, and with that in mind I’d like to call attention to the work being done by the staff at the Mercer County One-Stop Career Center.
As part of Mercer County’s ongoing effort to connect jobseekers with employers, and do it safely during the public health crisis, our One-Stop recently held a drive-through job fair at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton that had the participation of 45 employers and was attended by about 525 individuals. Attendees were required to wear face masks but did not have to leave their vehicles. When they pulled up, they were handed a bag filled with information provided by employers on the jobs they had available, along with information about One-Stop services and community resources. This was a successful effort to help people in our community find work.
The inventive job fair came on the heels of the One-Stop’s equally successful Summer Youth Jobs Connection program. After receiving grant funding from the state in early June, One-Stop Director Virgen Velez and her staff set about making the summer job program a reality, despite a small time window and challenges presented by the pandemic. The program, which served Mercer County residents between the ages of 16 and 24, provided a paid six-week work experience and paid virtual job readiness workshops, along with transportation assistance.
I join the One-Stop and the County’s Workforce Development Board in thanking the employers who brought interns into their facilities this summer. The young adults learned not only traditional work skills but the virtual communication skills that have become essential in the COVID-19 work and school environment. And I applaud the One-Stop team, whose passionate commitment enabled it to deliver a summer employment program and job fair amid a pandemic.
Brian M. Hughes Mercer County Executive
Robbinsville, NJ:
Mayor Dave Fried:
I always like to start with good news, but a second wave of COVID-19 is upon us and it is making that increasingly difficult. I am going to give this to you straight. Since October 30, Robbinsville Township reports 29 new cases that is by far the highest number of new cases we have encountered since this started.
Thankfully, we have not seen significant spread or sickness in our three schools. We are seeing an uptick in cases throughout Mercer County, including increased positives reported by our first responders and front line workers resulting in staffing shortages. We have seen an uptick in hospitalizations across Mercer County.
My personal feeling is this second wave will get worse before it gets better, so I am asking people to be increasingly diligent. We have kids coming home from college for Thanksgiving, and while I am not going to tell you how to host or visit your families, I am asking you to be smart.
There are some things you can do to minimize the spread, such as not sharing glassware or silverware. Try to be more aware when eating in groups. Wash your hands regularly and wear a mask when you can. While many of our cases have been asymptotic, our fear as flu season approaches is we may see people with multiple symptoms for both COVID-19 and the flu, or family members suffering from both in the same household. We are on stand-by to help and volunteer when and where we are needed. We hope you will join us as that need increases.
Additionally, our kids still need to socialize in the face of the virus. That said our Recreation Department, in conjunction with the school district, will be coming up with programs to help keep our children safely engaged. This is a difficult and complex decision … and it will not be for everyone. There will be no right or wrong. It really comes down to what is best for your family, while not judging others.
I am very proud of our community for all it has done to flatten this curve. You all have been rock stars, and it is a pleasure to be Mayor of this incredible town. Keep your chins up. Pfizer has announced they have a vaccine and early reports indicate it is 90 percent effective, so help should be on the way.
We will get through this together. Thank you all for all you do, and God bless you all. —Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Firemen’s Association 2020 Memorial Service that was originally scheduled for May 6, 2020 was postponed several times due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This year’s Memorial Service was held at Colonial Fire Company Hamilton Township Station 18 and was hosted by Union Fire Company Hopewell Township Station 53. Hamilton Township Station 18 has a large hall and is big enough to hold the service while complying with COVID-19 guidelines.
The annual Memorial Service is held to honor members of Mercer County Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary and Firefighters in Mercer County. All fire departments in Mercer County are represented and Hope Fire Company of Allentown, Monmouth County is also a member.
This year’s Memorial Roll was read honored 14 Ladies Auxiliary members and 36 firefighters. As each name is read a white carnation is placed in a Maltese cross and firefighters salute and family members stand as the name of their loved one is read.
2020 Mercer County Firemen’s Association Memorial Service. Video by Dick Cunningham, Broadcast Productions-East Windsor Station 46
Scenes from the 2020 Mercer County Firemen’s Memorial Service. Photos by: Dennis Symons, Robbinsville Township Fire Department (Ret.)
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–This year has been anything but ordinary, and the 14 Senior Visual Arts students at the College of New Jersey can attest to that statement as they navigate planning their one-and-only Solo exhibitions on campus.
With hard work and dedication, and with the support of the TCNJ Art Department and the TCNJ Art Gallery, the Seniors are able to showcase their work from behind the glass windows of the Art and Interactive Multimedia (AIMM) building on campus. Visitors can see the work from the AIMM Courtyard, which was once a communal gathering place in between studio classes. The courtyard is accessible through the Lot 5 parking lot on the Ewing campus and overlooks the football field. Visitors will be required to follow the COVID-19 guidelines implemented throughout the TCNJ campus, including wearing a mask at all times and maintaining 6-feet of social distance.
Session One of the Senior BFA solo exhibitions opened on Wednesday, October 28th, and will be on view to the public until November 4th.
Session One features the work of emerging artists Lily Gilston, Sarah Valente, Halle Luttrell, Lucia Gardiner, Addison Cooper, and Shelly Crooz. Their paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and installations will be viewed exclusively from the outside, unlike any solo exhibitions before this semester. Read more about the Session One shows here on the TCNJ Art Gallery website.
Fine Arts Major Halle Luttrell added, “We’ve all worked really hard these past couple of months to put together these shows, despite the challenging and perpetually changing situation we’re in. It’s the ultimate test for us as young artists, to overcome this adversity and think creatively to solve the problem of how to show our work, and in the end, we’ll all be better off from this experience.”
Session Two of the Senior Solo Exhibitions features the work of Ash Albeser, Ryan Levy, Stephanie Rosenthal, and Jamie Davidson. Session Two will be on view from November 13th through November 19th, with a public Opening Reception held in the courtyard on Friday, November 13th from 5:30-7pm. Visitors will be required to follow the same safety protocols as with the first opening.
All BFA Seniors will have their work published on TCNJFineArt.com, with a virtual launch on November 12th at 7 PM that is open to the public. Samantha Kearney, Heather Simpson, Jayln Giles-Ewell, and Madison Cascardo will have exclusively virtual exhibitions published on the online platform.
The BFA Seniors thank their professor, Liselot Van Der Heijden, for encouraging them to “be good and do good work.” They also extend gratitude to the School of the Arts and Communications at TCNJ and the TCNJ Art Department for their flexibility and allowing time to work in-studio on their shows, and to Kyle Lopinto and Olivia Burton for their commitment to making sure the shows go on.
Photos by: Dennis Symons, Tyler Eckel and Brian McCarthy
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Today Air Force One touched down with President Trump for a campaign rally that was held in Newtown, PA near Washington Crossing. The event was held at “Keith House – Washington’s Headquarters” where he delivered remarks on “Making America Great Again, Again”
Security was tight, roads were shut down in the area including I-295. Detours were in the area until the rally was complete and the President was on his way to his next scheduled stop in Reading, PA.
Air Force One Touches Down at Trenton-Mercer County Airport today for a campaign rally in Pennsylvania:
Roads were closed and detours were made during President Trumps visit to the Mercer County, NJ area on his way to Bucks County PA. Photos by: Dennis Symons
ROBBINSVILLE-HAMILTON TOWNSHIPS, (MERCER)–The Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton held a bike drive event today for the Mercer County Bike Exchange that supports Boys and Girls Clubs of Mercer County. The event was held in front of Friendly’s Restaurant in the Foxmoor Shopping Center from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Many bikes were collected during the event.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange is a volunteer-led enterprise that repairs donated bicycles and sells them at modest prices at its Ewing location at Capitol Plaza, raising funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County and promoting biking for transportation and pleasure among low-income families. Proceeds from the Bike Exchange sponsor the Club’s after-school programs.
Robbinsville Hamilton Rotary members collecting bikes.
Robbinsville Township Police dropping off bikes at the event.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Last night at approximately 7:20 pm the Ewing Township Police Department responded to the intersection of Olden Avenue and Prospect Street for a report of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle. Officers located a 19-year-old male with head injuries, lying on the ground on Olden Avenue. The vehicle which struck the male did not remain on scene. The male was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center for Treatment.
Due to the seriousness of the crash, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Serious Collision Response Team was notified and assisted with the investigation. The striking vehicle is described as being a black sedan which was last seen traveling on Olden Avenue towards Parkside Avenue. At this time, the male is in stable condition.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Officer David Danley at 609-882-1313 or the confidential tip line at 609-882-7530.
EWING TOWNSHIP-WEST TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– The New Jersey State Police have arrested Mario Mondragon, 21, of Long Branch, N.J., and Genaro Guzman, 21, of Shrewsbury Township, N.J., for committing 2 armed robberies and approximately 100 vehicle burglaries spanning 5 Monmouth County municipalities between April and June.
During a five-month investigation, State Police detectives with the Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office (CIO) along with members of the Eatontown Borough Police Department, Tinton Falls Police Department, Ocean Township Police Department, and Long Branch Police Department, identified Mondragon and Guzman as the suspects in armed robberies in Shrewsbury Township and Eatontown Borough.
On Saturday, May 16, Mondragon and Guzman were burglarizing a vehicle at a Shrewsbury Township residence when they were confronted by the homeowners. During the confrontation, the suspects allegedly brandished a handgun and taser before fleeing. On Saturday, June 6, in Eatontown Borough, the duo sprayed a deliveryman with oleoresin capsicum (pepper) spray and physically assaulted him during a robbery.
Through various investigative means and by using evidence recovered by the Troop “C” CIO and State Police Crime Scene Unit, investigators were able to link Mondragon and Guzman to an additional 100 vehicle burglaries in Monmouth County. On Thursday, October 8, detectives from the Troop “C” CIO, State Police Fugitive Unit, K9 Unit, along with members of the U.S. Marshals Service NY/NJ Task Force located and arrested Mondragon in Long Branch, N.J., and Guzman in Shrewsbury Township, N.J.
Mondragon and Guzman were charged with armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon – handgun without permit, unlawful possession of a weapon – other weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose – firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose – other weapon, aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, burglary, and theft. They were lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institute pending a bail detention hearing.
Mondragon and Guzman were charged separately by our partnering agencies.
This case is being prosecuted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–This morning the Lawrence Township Fire Department responded to a couple of potentially serious calls that were mitigated.
The first call at 9:45 am was on Gainsboro Road where an excavator hit a gas line. Firefighters evacuated houses on Gainsboro and Marlboro for about a half hour. Lawrence was backed up by Ewing Township Station 31 until the gas was shut down by PSE&G.
Then around 10:54 am the Lawrence Township Fire Department was dispatched to 4140 Quakerbridge Road at PSE&G at the Lawrence Electric Delivery station for something smoking with a chemical smell behind one of the trucks in the yard. Hamilton Township Fire Department was also called in to standby for water supply in case it was needed.
It was determined that a power inverter hooked to batteries was the cause of the fumes. Firefighters used CO2 and ABC dry chemical extinguishers on the batteries and equipment before using a 1 3/4 line for final extinguishment. There was no hazard to anyone at the plant.
At the PSE&G, Lawrence Electric Delivery Station, Lawrence township Fire Department extinguished an inverter with a battery configuration in one of the trucks that was making a small smoke condition and a chemical smell prior to being extinguished.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township Police Officers following up on an unrelated call yesterday around 2 pm discovered a burglary at Pro Auto, 1590 Fifth Street. The investigation, which is ongoing, revealed someone entered the property at approximately 2 A.M. on October 3rd and caused a substantial amount of damage. (Approximately $50,000.00 worth reported so far.) Nothing has been reported taken. Detectives are following up on several leads at this time. If anyone has any information to provide they can contact Detective Condrat at 609-882-1313 ext. 7583.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Tonight, the Ewing Township Police, Ewing Township EMS and Ewing Township Fire Department responded to a home to help get the patient to the ambulance. The configuration of the front of the home made the removal difficult so the extra hands were needed to bring the patient to street grade level to be place in the ambulance. After removal the patient was transported quickly by Ewing Township EMS.
All Drop Boxes will be open by October 5, 2020 until General Election Night of November 3, 2020 at 8:00 pm.
October 4, 2020
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Recently a secured election ballot drop box has been installed at the Robbinsville Township Municipal Building. The box is to the left of the rear parking lot entrance to the building. Just look for the flag pole and the box is in that location. There are also signs located in the parking lot to show the way to the secure drop box.
Robbinsville’s newly installed secured voting drop box at the Robbinsville Municipal Building, 2298 NJ-33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 (In back parking lot of Municipal Bldg.) Look for the flag pole it is right under the American Flag.
Robbinsville Township Municipal Clerk Michele Seigfried explains the 2020 General Election process on November 3 in the wake of COVID-19 in this informative video.
All Active Registered Voters will receive a Mail-In-Ballot that can be placed in a drop box at any one of the fifteen (15) locations (see below), mailed, or hand delivered at the polling location on November 3 from 5:15 am-8:00 pm.
Drop boxes will be open beginning in October 2020 until General Election Night of November 3, 2020 at 8:00 pm.
This box is located in Hamilton Township Hamilton Golf/Call Center – 5 Justice Samuel A. Alito Way, Hamilton, NJ, 08619
Secured Drop Box Locations
Please Note: We anticipate more drop boxes, however, at this time do not know how many and in what locations they will be placed. Any and all changes will be updated on the website.
** All Drop Boxes will be open by October 5, 2020
EAST WINDSOR:
East Windsor Police Station – 80 One Mile Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520 (Courthouse)
EWING:
Ewing Municipal Building – 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing, NJ, 08628 (In Front)
HAMILTON:
Hamilton Golf/Call Center – 5 Justice Samuel A. Alito Way, Hamilton, NJ, 08619
Hamilton Municipal Building – 2090 Greenwood Avenue, Hamilton, NJ, 08609 (Right side of Bldg.)
Nottingham Firehouse – 200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, NJ, 08690 (Right side of Bldg.)
HIGHTSTOWN:
Hightstown Firehouse #1 – 140 N. Main Street, Hightstown, NJ, 08520 (Front of Bldg.)
HOPEWELL TWP:
Hopewell Township Administration Building – 201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560 (at the intersection of Scotch Road)
LAWRENCE:
Lawrence Municipal Building – 2207 Lawrenceville Rd, (Rt 206) Lawrence, NJ 08648 (North Side-Right Side of the Municipal Bldg.)
PRINCETON:
Princeton Municipal Building – 400 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ, 08540(Front of Bldg. facing Witherspoon)
ROBBINSVILLE:
Robbinsville Municipal Building, 2298 NJ-33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 (In back parking lot of Municipal Bldg.)
TRENTON:
County Clerk’s Office- Courthouse Annex- 209 S. Broad Street, Trenton, NJ, 08608 (in front)
Trenton City Hall – 319 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ, 08608 (In back/ near Municipal Clerks Office)
Henry J. Austin Center – 321 N. Warren St, Trenton, NJ, 08618(Corner of Tucker)
Trenton Central High School – 400 Chambers Street, Trenton, NJ, 08609(across from McDonald’s)
WEST WINDSOR:
West Windsor Municipal Complex, 271 Clarksville Rd, West Windsor, NJ,08550 (Between the Municipal building and the Senior Center)
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is reminding residents that assistance is available for energy costs for those who qualify beginning Oct. 1, but that applicants must adhere to certain COVID-19 restrictions. The County’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), offered in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, is designed to help low-income families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.This year, the LIHEAP application period is Oct. 1, 2020, to July 31, 2021. Mercer County will continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program throughout the year. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions also may be eligible to receive cooling assistance. An eligibility chart can be found on the Mercer County website.
“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have created financial hardships for many households that now have to worry about the cost of heating and other energy bills,” Mr. Hughes said. “I urge our low-income residents to visit our website or contact the County housing office to determine their eligibility to apply for energy assistance.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the public may visit the Mercer County Office of Housing and Community Development, located at 640 South Broad St., Trenton, by appointment only. If an in-person visit is necessary, clients can call 609-337-0933 or email heatingappt@mercercounty.org to schedule an appointment.
Beginning Oct. 1, the County will temporarily begin operating an outdoor informational center adjacent to the 640 South Broad St. building. Clients will be able to drop off applications and access information from LIHEAP staff.
The County will continue to accept applications by regular mail, fax and email until July 31, 2021. Applications, forms and information are available on the Mercer County website.
Includes now-defunct Landmark Americana Tap & Grill on The College of New Jersey campus in Ewing
In the early morning hours of Dec. 2, 2018, 22-year-old David Lamar of West Windsor left Landmark Ewing after hours of drinking and crashed head-on into a car carrying six TCNJ students back to campus. The collision killed the car’s designated driver and wounded all five passengers, one critically. Lamar and his passenger also sustained injuries in the crash. At the time of the incident, Lamar had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit for driving.
October 1, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) today announced a settlement resolving charges against Landmark Americana bars in Ewing and Glassboro stemming from two fatal accidents involving patrons in 2018 and 2019.
The owners of the Landmark Americana Tap & Grill located near the Rowan University campus in Glassboro (“Landmark Glassboro”), and the now-defunct Landmark Americana Tap & Grill on The College of New Jersey campus in Ewing (“Landmark Ewing”), agreed to sell the liquor license for the Glassboro establishment within two years, significantly curtail the bar’s business hours and operation in the interim, and pay $550,000 to the State, under settlement terms contained in a Consent Order with ABC.
In addition, the owners have forfeited the temporary permit that had authorized the sale and consumption of alcohol at the Landmark Ewing establishment until the bar closed down last fall, the consent order acknowledges.
The settlement is a global resolution of numerous charges filed against corporate entities held by Antonio Cammarata, Fillippo Cammarata, Massimo Cammarata, and David Goldman who together hold liquor licenses for Landmark Ewing, Landmark Glassboro, and WineWorks liquor store in Evesham under various corporate names.
The charges alleged numerous violations committed by the establishments in 2018 and 2019, including operating a public nuisance requiring law enforcement responses on numerous occasions, serving an underage patron, and three separate instances of serving intoxicated patrons, two of which led to fatal crashes.
“Intoxicated drivers present lethal threats to themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Public safety demands, and the law requires, that establishments licensed to serve alcohol do so responsibly. When they don’t, we will hold them accountable.”
In the early morning hours of Dec. 2, 2018, 22-year-old David Lamar of West Windsor left Landmark Ewing after hours of drinking and crashed head-on into a car carrying six TCNJ students back to campus. The collision killed the car’s designated driver and wounded all five passengers, one critically. Lamar and his passenger also sustained injuries in the crash. At the time of the incident, Lamar had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit for driving.
Ten months later, in the early morning hours of Oct. 11, 2019, Robert Gallagher, 21, of Monroe Township, left Landmark Glassboro after hours of drinking, lost control of his car, and crashed into a retaining wall. Gallagher died as a result of his injuries and his passenger was injured. At the time of the incident, Gallagher had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit for driving.
In both cases, ABC’s investigation revealed that the patrons responsible for the fatal crashes had been overserved alcohol by Landmark Americana staff. State law prohibits licensed establishments from selling alcoholic beverages to any patrons “actually or apparently” intoxicated. According to experts, the vast majority of drinkers are “apparently intoxicated” at a Blood Alcohol Concentration (“BAC”) of .15%. In New Jersey, a BAC of .08% is the legal limit for driving.
“Today we are holding the owners of Landmark Americana responsible for the role they played in the tragic deaths of two young people who we allege would be alive today if not for the irresponsible conduct of Landmark Americana and its staff,” said James B. Graziano, Acting Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. “These deaths are a grim reminder of what can happen when establishments fail to comply with laws requiring them to serve alcohol responsibly, especially when catering to young patrons in a college setting.”
Under the terms of the settlement announced today, the Cammaratas and Goldman – who hold Landmark Glassboro’s liquor license under the corporate name Zagami LLC – agreed to sell the license and divest their interest in the bar by Oct. 1, 2022. The settlement also places immediate restrictions on Landmark Glassboro’s operations that include:
a “last call” at 11:30 pm and no alcoholic beverages sold after midnight;
no amplified music or live DJ on site;
a ban on using the “nightclub room” except for private parties not open to the general public or dining;
a ban on offering patrons one free drink as a good will gesture and/or offering coupons, tickets, or tokens to redeem a free drink;
requiring all alcoholic beverages to be sold, delivered, and dispensed in accordance with industry standards: a five-ounce pour for wine, a 12-ounces bottle or can for malt beverages, a 16-ounce draft pour for malt alcoholic beverages.
These restrictions are independent from any limits on indoor or outdoor dining imposed by Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders. The global settlement also resolves a charge filed against CGM Wines, LLC t/a WineWorks in August 2019 for failure to disclose an interest in its license in violation of state laws. The charge, which sought a 30-day license suspension as penalty, was the result of an ABC investigation that found CGM Wines was transferring money back and forth from a Pennsylvania business owned by Fillippo Cammarata.
Detectives Seize Drugs, Firearms, High Capacity Magazines, and $313,000 Cash
September 29, 2020
EWING TOWNSHIP – TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested six men and one woman for various drug and firearms offenses after a year-long cooperative investigation with the Trenton Police Department.
In September of 2019, the New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Central Unit, Opioid Enforcement Task Force, and the Trenton Police Department began surveilling multiple individuals suspected of dealing narcotics in the Trenton and Ewing Township areas of Mercer County.
During the investigation, detectives arrested the suspects at various times and locations. Throughout the operation, the Ewing Township Police Department provided assistance on numerous occasions. Most notably, on Friday, July 10, 2020, a Ewing Township patrol officer who was assisting with the operation was dragged by Daniel Peyton when he fled in a Chevrolet Impala after being stopped by detectives on Stokes Avenue in Ewing Township. Peyton was later apprehended in the area of Shelton Avenue and Chelmsford Court.
As a result of the year-long operation, detectives seized more than 4 kilograms of cocaine, 1 bundle of heroin, 30 grams of marijuana, a 9mm handgun, a .40 caliber handgun, a 9 mm assault weapon, 2 high capacity magazines, hollow point ammunition, a 2016 Toyota Highlander, a 2010 BMW X5, and more than $313,000 cash.
“We will never cease in our collaborative efforts to stop the drug dealers who are fueling addiction and violence in Trenton,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “At the same time, we are committed to combating the corrosive influence of these criminals on a second front by working with the community to develop programs for the young people of Trenton that will help them choose a strong and healthy course in life.”
“This operation targeted individuals who were profiting off of addiction and violence and whose actions stood in stark contrast to the countless members of the community who work tirelessly every day to strengthen and build safer neighborhoods,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “We will continue to aggressively target drug dealers and violent criminals, but we will also continue to work with our community partners to implement educational and outreach programs to stay connected to our youth who far too often fall victim to addiction and gun violence.”
“This case demonstrates what we can achieve when we bring the full weight of local and state law enforcement against individuals who target our communities with addiction and violence,” said Trenton Police Director Sheilah A. Coley. “Trenton residents deserve to feel safe in their own neighborhoods, and I commend the officers and detectives who worked tirelessly on their behalf by ridding our streets of multiple firearms and thousands of doses of dangerous narcotics.”
The following were charged:
David Craig, 32, Trenton, N.J.
eluding unlawful possession of a handgun certain persons not to possess a firearm possession of hollow point ammunition possession of cocaine possession with the intent to distribute cocaine possession of a firearm while committing a CDS offense possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a public park
Davon Craig, 27, Trenton, N.J.
unlawful possession of a handgun certain persons not to possess a firearm possession of hollow point ammunition possession of cocaine possession with the intent to distribute cocaine possession of a firearm while committing a CDS offense possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a public park money laundering
Davae Craig, 31, Trenton, N.J.
possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute possession of heroin possession of a high capacity magazine money laundering
Deesade Meyers, 27, Ewing N.J.
unlawful possession of an assault weapon unlawful possession of a high capacity magazine money laundering
Daniel Sabree, 46, Bristol, PA
with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana
Daniel Peyton, 55, Westampton, N.J.
possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute money laundering aggravated assault (charged by Ewing Township Police Department) eluding (charged by Ewing Township Police Department)
Wayne Bessant, 39, Trenton, N.J.
possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute money laundering The case is being prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice. Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Check back for more photos, still having photos sent into MidJersey.News and will be updated again tomorrow or later tonight.
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Police Unity Tour held a one day bike ride today starting in Asbury Park and proceeding on shore routes towards Stafford Township ending at the Stafford Township Police Memorial.
This year’s spring four day ride that is usually held in May was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic that ends at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
This year’s ride was shortened to one day and two hundred sixty police officers participated from fourteen states including California and Missouri.
History of the Police Unity Tour:
In 1997, Florham Park (NJ) Police Officer Patrick Montuore had a simple idea: organize a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, DC to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. With that, the Police Unity Tour was formed.
What started with 18 riders on a four day fund-raising bicycle ride from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. has grown into 9 chapters consisting of nearly 2,600 members nationwide who make the trip annually. Participants include riders, motorcycles, and support personnel.
The journey is long and challending but for the Police Unity Tour participants it is what they prepare for throughout the year. Through fundraising and physical training, they know that their efforts raise awareness of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many law enforcement officers.
The last leg of the jouney ends at the Memorial, where the participants are greeted by friends, family, and survirors. Once there, many Police Unity Tour members present remembrance braclets worn on their wrists throughout the journey to the families of the fallen.
May 2020, the Police Unity Tour was proud to donate more than $2.0 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, bringing our total donations to more than $30 million since their inception.
The Police Unity Tour is the sponsor of the National Law Enforcement Museum’s Hall of Remembrance, the Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month Award, and Recently Fallen Alert programs.
Photos by: Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
Today Sgt. Biddle, Ptl. Alexander, Ptl. Edwards and ACO Bencivengo participated in a Police Unity Tour ride from Asbury Park to Stafford Township. This ride helps raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. Photo by: Bordentown Police Department
#MCSONJ was proud to participate in this yrs Police Unity Tour, a 1 day bike ride which began in Asbury Park,to raise awareness of members of LE who died in line of duty.@SheriffGolden commends all who are ensuring the sacrifices of our brother&sisters never go unnoticed. @NLEOMFpic.twitter.com/ZRVNmVeiO6
— Monmouth County Sheriff's Office (@MonmouthSheriff) September 28, 2020
Today Sgt. Biddle, Ptl. Alexander, Ptl. Edwards and ACO Bencivengo participated in a Police Unity Tour ride from Asbury Park to Stafford Township. This ride helps raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. 🇺🇲🚴♂️💙 pic.twitter.com/CwRzyhpJCY
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–This evening the Hamilton Township Police Department hosted a memorial service and blessing of riders that are in tomorrow’s Police Unity Tour ride from Asbury Park to Stafford Twp., NJ.
The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. The secondary purpose is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial.
Normally the ride would be held in May when several Chapters of the Police Unity Tour leave New Jersey on bicycles and ride to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The over 250 mile journey on bicycles takes 4 days to complete riding at least 62 miles per day.
This year’s spring ride was canceled due to COVID-19 but the Police Unity Tour was able to schedule a one day ride on Sunday.
Some history on the Police Unity Tour:
In 1997, Florham Park (NJ) Police Officer Patrick Montuore had a simple idea: organize a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, DC to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. With that, the Police Unity Tour was formed.
What started with 18 riders on a four day fund-raising bicycle ride from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. has grown into 9 chapters consisting of nearly 2,600 members nationwide who make the trip annually. Participants include riders, motorcycles, and support personnel.
The journey is long and challending but for the Police Unity Tour participants it is what they prepare for throughout the year. Through fundraising and physical training, they know that their efforts raise awareness of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many law enforcement officers.
The last leg of the jouney ends at the Memorial, where the participants are greeted by friends, family, and survirors. Once there, many Police Unity Tour members present remembrance braclets worn on their wrists throughout the journey to the families of the fallen.
May 2020, the Police Unity Tour was proud to donate more than $2.0 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, bringing our total donations to more than $30 million since their inception.
The Police Unity Tour is the sponsor of the National Law Enforcement Museum’s Hall of Remembrance, the Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month Award, and Recently Fallen Alert programs.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Water Works will be painting 3,501 fire hydrants in its five-municipality service area over the next 24 months, weather permitting.
“We are improving the quality of TWW’s fire hydrants for effective fire suppression,” said Michael Walker, Chief of Communications and Community Relations. “We’ve been inspecting fire hydrants for operability and flow rate over the last few months, and we now plan to vary their color to indicate how quickly water flows from them to fire personnel and emergency responders.”
TWW personnel will strip hydrants of old layers of paint, and then apply primer and two fresh coats. Color codes to indicate flow volume in gallons per minute are as follows: Light Blue: 1,500 gallons per minute; Green: 1,000-1,499 gallons per minute; Orange: 500-999 gallons per minute; Red: less than 500 gallons per minute.
TWW personnel must have direct access to the hydrants. We are therefore asking residents to please remove any plantings or decorations that might be obscuring local hydrants. Hydrants should never be blocked, hidden, or decorated, as this interferes with emergency access.
“We ask that residents not paint or decorate fire hydrants, which prevents fire personnel from knowing a hydrant’s flow rate during an emergency,” added Walker.
If you have questions about TWW’s hydrant paint project, including reporting hydrants that have been knocked over or are not functioning properly, please call TWW’s Construction and Maintenance at (609) 989-3222.
TWW personnel will strip hydrants of old layers of paint, and then apply primer and two fresh coats. Color codes to indicate flow volume in gallons per minute are as follows: Light Blue: 1,500 gallons per minute; Green: 1,000-1,499 gallons per minute; Orange: 500-999 gallons per minute; Red: less than 500 gallons per minute.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A man was arrested shortly after 9 am Sunday morning for possession of marijuana and a large amount of Xanax following a single car crash attributed to the man driving while under the influence.
At 9:01am, Sunday, September 13th, police dispatchers received a call about a single car crash on Route 1 southbound at Sandhill Road.
Upon arrival, Officer Gerald Sarno found that a 1999 Lexus had crashed head-on into the concrete divider at the intersection. Officer Sarno also observed the driver, identified as Daniel Saladyga, 24 years old, of Ewing, NJ, sitting on the grassy shoulder of the roadway, uninjured.
On speaking with Mr. Saladyga about the crash, Officer Sarno noted that Saladyga’s eyes were glassy with pinpoint pupils, his diction slow, and his hands fumbling. Suspecting that Saladyga was under the influence, Officer Sarno gave Saladyga several field-side sobriety tests, which Saladyga failed. Saladyga was placed under arrest for DUI, and was searched incident to arrest, at which time he was found to possess a small amount of marijuana, as well as 112 bars of Xanax.
Mr. Saladyga was transported to Police Headquarters, where Detective Tim Hoover, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, performed a series of tests on Saladyga, ultimately determining that Saladyga was under the influence of a central nervous system depressant, in keeping with Saladyga’s statement that he had ingested Xanax earlier that morning.
Saladyga was charged with Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Under 50g Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Xanax, Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, and other motor vehicle offenses. Saladyga was lodged in the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending his bail hearing.
Chief Raymond J. Hayducka said, “Impaired driving can happen at any time of the day. This driver was on Route 1, impaired, and struck the concrete median at 9 am Sunday morning. Officer Sarno’s detailed investigation discovered the drugs and took this driver off the road. With thousands of cars and trucks using Route 1 daily, we are just lucky this crash wasn’t much worse.”
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On September 2, 2020 at 4:39 p.m. Ewing Dispatch received 9-1-1 calls regarding a motor vehicle crash on Parkway Avenue in front of 1201 Parkway Avenue.
The crash involved one vehicle that struck a utility pole and a tree. Upon patrol arrival, the driver was found unconscious. Ewing Township Fire Department Emergency services extricated the driver, a 39-year-old male from Ewing, NJ.
The driver was then transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. No charges have been filed at this time. Anyone with information concerning the crash is asked to contact Officer Ricardo Sookhu at (609) 882-1313
Herbert Bell, 58, of Ewing, N.J., was sentenced to five years in state prison, including 2 ½ years of parole ineligibility
September 2, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that a Mercer County man was sentenced to state prison today for using file-sharing software to distribute child sexual abuse materials on the internet.
Herbert Bell, 58, of Ewing, N.J., was sentenced to five years in state prison, including 2 ½ years of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Darlene J. Pereksta in Mercer County. He will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life. Bell pleaded guilty on Sept. 23, 2019 to a second-degree charge of storing or maintaining child sexual abuse materials using a file-sharing program.
Deputy Attorney General Thomas Huynh prosecuted Bell for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau.
Bell was arrested on Aug. 10, 2018, when detectives of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, assisted by other members of the New Jersey Regional ICAC Task Force, executed a search warrant at his residence. A State Police detective previously downloaded 14 files of child sexual abuse material from a shared folder at an IP address traced to Bell. During the search, detectives seized a desktop computer belonging to Bell. A forensic examination of the computer revealed approximately 3,000 files of child sexual abuse material on the computer.
“We are determined to seek substantial prison sentences for offenders like Bell, because the more they collect and distribute these abhorrent materials, the more they drive the terrible sexual abuse of young children,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We will continue to collaborate across all levels of law enforcement to bring these criminals to justice.”
“We monitor the internet on a daily basis with our law enforcement partners to apprehend the offenders who exploit and re-victimize children by distributing child sexual abuse materials,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We want these criminals to know that when we catch them, they will face serious prison time.”
“By repeatedly sharing images of abuse, Bell is just as responsible for robbing the victims of their innocence and shattering the lives of their families as those who committed these unspeakable acts,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our youth from the re-victimization caused by file sharing and send a clear message to offenders that we will utilize every tool at our disposal to bring them to justice.”
Just last week, Attorney General Grewal announced arrests of 21 sex offenders as a result of a collaborative operation led by the New Jersey ICAC Task Force. They included 18 defendants charged with possessing and/or distributing child sexual abuse materials, and three charged with sexually assaulting or attempting to sexually assault children.
More details of the 21 arrests in “Operation Screen Capture” are available on our website:
The file-sharing networks used by offenders to distribute child sexual abuse materials operate in the same manner as websites used for privately sharing music or movies. Those in possession of the illegal images can make them available on computers that they control for others to download. Because many of the videos and photos of child sexual abuse shared on these networks keep recirculating, they result in the perpetual re-victimization of the children who were sexually assaulted or abused to produce them.
Attorney General Grewal and Director Allende urged anyone with information about the distribution of child sexual abuse materials on the internet – or about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children – to contact the New Jersey ICAC Task Force Tipline at 888-648-6007.
Defense Attorney: Mark G. Davis, Esq., Hamilton, N.J.
Herbert Bell, 58, of Ewing, N.J
Herbert Bell, 58, of Ewing, N.J., was sentenced to five years in state prison, including 2 ½ years of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Darlene J. Pereksta in Mercer County. He will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life. Bell pleaded guilty on Sept. 23, 2019 to a second-degree charge of storing or maintaining child sexual abuse materials using a file-sharing program.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Just after 3 pm NJ Office Of Emergency Management, Urban Search and Rescue, New Jersey Task Force 1 returned to the area as the passed through the NJ Turnpike toll booths on their way back to their headquarters.
The team was activated for response to Hurricane Laura in the early morning hours of August 27, 2020. The team traveled south to stage near Atlanta, Georgia until needed. Early this morning the Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA adjusted the Federal response to local needs and NJ-TF1 received demobilization orders and begun the process of heading home.
NJ-TF1 deployed as a Type 1 Team consisting of 80 team members, three tractor-trailers, two box trucks, five F-450 utility vehicles, two crew carriers, an F-250 towing vehicle, two passenger vans, two utility terrain vehicles, and a fleet service truck. A water rescue component of six boats with trailers and a water support trailer were also deployed.
Local members known to MidJersey.News are:
Hamilton Township Fire Department:
Jarred Pierson, Jason Ryan, Kinte Holt, Brad Ladislaw, Jeff Barlow and Joe Flynn.
West Windsor Emergency Service, and West Windsor Police Department:
Joe Gribbins, Scott Cook, Michael McMahon
Ewing Township Fire Department:
Eric Rowlands
Bristol Myers Squibb:
John Welling
Civilian: (K-9, NJ Rescue & Recovery K-9)
Jennifer Michelson
New Jersey Task Force 1 returning leaving the NJ Turnpike and getting on I-195 East to return to their headquarters.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Friday, August 21, 2020 at approximately 9pm, the pictured suspect entered the Family Dollar Store, located at 1509 Princeton Avenue. The suspect held the assistant manager at gun point while demanding money from the register and safe. The suspect directed the employee to place the money in a bright orange, dollar-store bag. The suspect was described as a black male, late 20s early 30s, average build, 5’9-5’10, and small dark eyes. The suspect displayed a semi-automatic handgun with a silver slide and black frame. He fled the store on foot, down Princeton Avenue, toward Heil Avenue. Anyone with information regarding this incident, or who can provide home security video footage of the area at the time of the incident, please contact Detective Julia Caldwell 609-882-1313 ext. 5682. Video footage can be emailed to jecaldwell@ewingnj.org
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 3:14 PM Ewing Police dispatch was notified by NJ Human Services Police that a male walked away from Trenton Psychiatric Hospital (TPH). Investigation revealed that Robert Cortez, 5/22/91, 5’6″ 140 pounds, last seen wearing a white shirt and blue jeans walked away from the facility at 9:23 AM. Cortez was being held at TPH on an aggravated assault charge. Human Services Police have entered Cortez into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a wanted person for escape. Cortez has ties to Hudson County and Manchester Township in Ocean County. His current address is listed as homeless with TPH. If you see Robert Cortez, please do not approach him and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Robert Cortez, 29 year old
Investigation revealed that Robert Cortez, 5/22/91, 5’6″ 140 pounds, last seen wearing a white shirt and blue jeans walked away from the facility at 9:23 AM. Cortez was being held at TPH on an aggravated assault charge. Human Services Police have entered Cortez into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a wanted person for escape.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy reports November 3rd election will be primarily “Vote By Mail” See statement below:
The November 3rd Election will be primarily vote-by-mail.
All active registered New Jersey voters will automatically receive a prepaid return-postage vote-by-mail ballot.
No one should have to choose between their right to vote and their health.
TRENTON – Per Gov. Phil Murphy’s announcement, the Nov. 3 General Election will be conducted primarily by mail-in ballots. This is similar to the way the July 7 Primary Election was held, and is to help reduce the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Mercer County Clerk’s Office is preparing to send mail-in ballots to all registered voters in the County.
Before the election, all voters, regardless of party affiliation, will receive a mail-in ballot, where they will be able to fill in their choices. Only blue or black ink will be allowed; red ink or pencil cannot be accepted. Postage on all ballots is paid. In addition to mailing in their ballots, voters will have the option of placing their ballots in one of the secure drop boxes throughout the County. There will be more drop boxes available than during the Primary Election. There will also be at least one polling place per municipality that will be open on Election Day, for voters who prefer to vote at the polls. Further details, including polling place and drop box locations, will be determined by the Mercer County Board of Elections.
Also, for those unregistered to vote, an online system will be launched on Sept. 4 to assist those people who need to be registered. More details about this system will be available as the weeks progress.
“The July 7 Election provided us a template on how to perform our Election duties in the midst of a crisis,” said Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello. “The fact is, we all must continue to do our part to reduce the risk that COVID-19 poses to the public. For those who want to vote at the polls, they can still do so by provisional ballot.”
The earliest ballots will be mailed out in late September and early October. The deadline to register to vote in time for the Primary Election remains unchanged; that date is October 13. All ballots sent in must be postmarked no later than November 3 and received by the Board of Elections no later than November 10, one week after the Election. Alternatively, voters may return their ballots personally to poll workers. These do not need to be postmarked, but received within 48 hours of polls closing.
Breaking news report, when official information is released the story will be updated and any corrections made if needed.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Ewing Township Fire Department was dispatched to the 100 Block of Robbins Avenue around 9:15 pm. Mutual aid was sent from the Lawrence Township Fire Department as well as Hopewell. Firefighters had the fire under control within 15 minutes.
The fire department requested the Red Cross to respond to find temporary housing for 5 persons 3 adults and 2 children that live in the home.
Firefighters were still on scene at the time of this report and was currently under investigation. No further information was available.
