For the latest information on your township’s trash collection or town office information visit your local town’s website. Here are current updates for selected towns:
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)– Municipal Offices are closed on Tuesday, February 2 and Tuesday’s trash collection is postponed to Saturday, February 6. Any questions please contact the Public Works Department at 609-259-0422. See Robbinsville Township’s website for all updates here.
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Borough Hall is closed on Tuesday, February 2nd. Due to a heavy accumulation of snow today, overnight and into tomorrow, Borough Hall will be closed on Tuesday, February 2nd with our municipal office staff working remotely. All calls will go to voice mail. For an email directory click here. We do not have an update on tomorrow’s recycling collection at this time. An update will be posted once it is available. Tomorrow’s Council meeting is still scheduled for 7PM. All elected officials are asked to attend remotely on Zoom. For Allentown updates see this link.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Township Offices will be CLOSED tomorrow, Tuesday, February 2nd. Garbage collection scheduled for Tuesday, February 2nd will be cancelled in order to assist with the snow removal process. The Hamilton Township Council meeting is still scheduled for Tuesday, February 2nd at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Participants may join by visiting: http://www.zoom.us/join or by phone 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 946 3214 8692 Passcode: 444652 Please remember to exercise caution if you must travel. To see when your street is scheduled to be plowed be sure visit Snow Plow Sal.
No Township Curbside Garbage Collection Will Occur Tomorrow Tuesday, February 2. Garbage Collection for Area #2 residents, normally on Tuesday, February 2, will be on the next scheduled collection date of Friday, February 5.
Residents are strongly reminded toremove ALL vehiclesfrom Township roadways to allow for snow removal.
Residents are reminded to clear all snow from sidewalks and fire hydrants within 24 hours of the end of the snow fall.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER, REPUBLIC SERVICES HAS CANCELLED ALL TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS FOR MONDAY FEB, 1ST AND TUESDAY, FEB 2ND
They are scheduled to resume regular operations on Wednesday, February 3rd. All of Monday’s and Tuesday’s material will be collected next week on their regular day. Sorry for any inconvenience. Any further questions, please call the Garbage and Recycling Dept. at (732)329-4000 Ext 7274
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–UPDATED TRASH PICKUP DELAY INFORMATION FOR FEB. 2ND, 2021
Due to the weather conditions scheduled trash pickup for today, Monday February 1st, has been delayed until Friday, February 5th, and the scheduled trash pickup for Tuesday, February 2nd, has been delayed until Saturday, February 6th.
Please do not put out your trash for these delayed pickups until the rescheduled day to help keep the road clear for plows. Thank you for your cooperation and stay warm.
EWING TOWNSHIP (MERCER): Around 12:40 Wednesday afternoon, Ewing Police and Ewing Fire Department responded to 133 Beacon Avenue after received a call from a delivery driver reporting some coming from a house.
Officers arrived on scene to find heavy smoke coming from the residence and were quickly alerted by a neighbor that a resident was inside. From there, Officers immediately entered the house, but were driven back to do the heavy fire conditions.
While responding to the scene, a Ewing Township fire officer received the update from police and called the “All hands,” sending additional manpower, fire equipment, and additional EMS/paramedics to the scene.
Within minutes of Ewing firefighters arriving to the scene, they located a man deceased inside of the burning home. The fire was placed under control at approximately 1:03 pm.
Ewing Police detectives and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The identity of the victim has not yet been determined.
TRENTON (Jan. 23, 2021) – One Michigan ticket matched all five of the five white balls and the Gold Mega Ball drawn winning the $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot. The estimated cash value was $776.6 million.
In New Jersey, there was onesecond-tier prizewinning ticket sold for the Friday, January 22, drawing that matched five of the five white balls drawn winning the $1,000,000 prize. The ticket was purchased at 7-Eleven #11027, 2075 Route 88, Brick in Ocean County.
There were ten third-tier prizewinning tickets sold that matched four of the five white balls and the gold ball winning $10,000. Those tickets were purchased at the following locations:
Sussex County: 7-Eleven #37251, 63 Water St., Newton; and,
Warren County: Mini Mart, 1312 US Highway 22 East, Phillipsburg.
In addition to the second and third-tier prizes won, 236 players matched four of the five white balls drawn making each ticket worth $500. 15 of those tickets were purchased with the Megaplier option, multiplying the prizes to $1,000. Moreover, 389,264 other New Jersey players took home $1,455,848 in prizes ranging from $2 to $400. The winning numbers for the Friday, January 22, drawing were: 04, 26, 42, 50, and 60. The Gold Mega Ball was 24, and the Megaplier Multiplier was 02.
The jackpot resets to $20 million for the next drawing on Tuesday, January 26, at 11:00 pm. All New Jersey Lottery Mega Millions tickets must be purchased before 10:45 pm to participate in the drawing. Mega Millions tickets cost just two dollars; by adding the Megaplier option for an extra dollar per play, players can increase their non-jackpot winnings up to five times. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 46 participating jurisdictions. Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Jersey Cash 5 Boasts the Biggest Cash Jackpot EVER
Jersey Cash 5 Leaps to Record $2 Million Jackpot
TRENTON (Jan. 23, 2021) – New Jersey Lottery would like to announce the record-breaking jackpot for tonight’s Jersey Cash 5 drawing. The drawing for the all-cash jackpot of $2 million happens tonight at 10:57 pm, so be sure to get your tickets in time. The $2 million jackpot is the highest jackpot for Jersey Cash 5, ever – topping the 2013 record of $1.96 million.
With daily drawings and jackpots starting at $100,000, seeing jackpots top the million-dollar milestone is a rare treat for the game’s loyal players, but the two-million-dollar jackpot breaks new ground for the Jersey Cash 5 record books. For just a dollar, Jersey Cash 5 is a great option for players to pick their lucky numbers – or go with a Quick Pick option – and hope for the five-out-of-five match tonight.
Jersey Cash 5, which held its first drawing in 1992, has already proven to be a vital component of the Lottery’s offerings to support our State.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Once again, Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler has issued a warning to area residents regarding telephone scammers posing as Mercer County Sheriff’s Officers. Over the past month, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous complaints about suspected phone scams asking residents for personal bank account information or cash payments. Some calls have reached residents throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The scammers identify themselves as Mercer County Sheriff’s Officers along with fictitious badge numbers. The callers state they have an arrest warrant related to money laundering charges and need access to their bank accounts. The scammers also suggest meeting at a location and to bring cash for bail or fines. Otherwise, they will be taken into custody. “I can state with confidence the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office will never call anyone and ask for their bank account number or to meet in an odd location to pay bail or fines with cash,” said Sheriff Kemler.Unfortunately, it is difficult to crack down on telephone scammers because calls are often generated from phone banks located out of state. While the calls remain under investigation, the best advice is to exercise common sense. If a resident suspects a particular telephone call may be a scam, do not give out any personal information and simply hang up. Anyone who receives such a call and is uncertain of its validity should report the call to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office at 609-989-6111.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County plans on opening an COVID-19 vaccination site at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton in partnership with Capital Health System. An additional vaccination site is planned at Mercer County Community College and will be managed by the County Health Officer’s Association. See full press rease below from Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes:
Dear Mercer County Community,
The State of New Jersey this week ramped up its COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and Mercer County is preparing to do the same. The County will open a vaccination site at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton in partnership with Capital Health System, which will manage the site. The opening date is dependent on vaccine supply but a soft opening is planned next week.
We had a successful partnership with Capital Health during the COVID-19 testing program we established last spring, and I can’t think of a more fitting partner for this next phase of the pandemic response – the vaccination phase. Like other vaccination locations, this site will be for those eligible under the state’s phasing plan that is designed to ensure that those most at risk are prioritized.
Mercer County also is working on opening a vaccination site at Mercer County Community College that would be managed by the County Health Officers Association and utilize all of the resources and staffing available from the municipal and county health offices. The arena and MCCC vaccination locations will supplement, not replace, smaller sites including those currently being operated by municipal health departments and other health care facilities in Mercer County. If you have questions about the CURE Insurance Arena or MCCC vaccination sites, please email publichealth@mercercounty.org.
As of this morning, at least 7,342 vaccine doses had been administered in Mercer County, according to the state Department of Health. While we all want to see that number grow exponentially, we are simply not getting enough vaccine from the federal government, and we are using every single dose we receive.
I ask that everyone be patient throughout what will be a months-long vaccination process and continue to take basic preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus, which is still rampant in our community and seemingly everywhere else. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth; keep a least 6 feet away from other people; practice good hand hygiene; avoid large gatherings; and stay home if you are sick.
Anyone can – and everyone should – pre-register to receive a vaccination by visiting the state’s online portal at https://covidvaccine.nj.gov. The state expects to have a consumer call center up and running soon to assist people without Internet access in scheduling appointments, and to help answer general inquiries and questions. Those who have pre-registered will be notified when they are eligible to make a vaccination appointment. The state is compiling a list of designated vaccination locations for eligible recipients. That list will continue to grow.
For more information on who is eligible, and how to get vaccinated if you are eligible, please visit the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine website.
In addition to vaccinations, Mercer County continues to respond to the pandemic through testing, contact tracing and support. The County, in partnership with Vault Health Services, is offering a free COVID-19 saliva test on the next two Tuesdays – Jan. 19 and 26 – at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton. For details, please visit the COVID-19 Testing page on the County website, where you’ll also find information on the County’s at-home testing program.
These are trying times but we will get through them. Let’s continue to support each other and keep each other safe. Let’s continue to work together.
Six-Month Investigation Yields 18 Arrests, Guns, $228,000 in Drugs
TRENTON (MERCER): Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri today announced that a six month, multi-jurisdictional investigation of narcotics distribution and violent crime in the Mercer County area has culminated with the arrest of 18 individuals and the seizure of approximately 1,000 grams of heroin, 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, 15 pounds of marijuana, 11 guns, six vehicles and more than $22,000 in cash.
“Operation Eight-Ball was an enormous investigative endeavor and as a result, many violent offenders have been taken off of the street,” said Prosecutor Onofri. “I cannot thank our many law enforcement partners enough for their dedication and assistance in providing safer neighborhoods for the residents of Trenton and Mercer County.”
“Our law enforcement challenges this year required a coordinated plan, and I’m thankful for the city, county, state, and federal officers who stepped up to make Trenton a safer place to live,” said Trenton Police Director Sheilah A. Coley. “In just this operation alone, their hard work yielded multiple firearms, high-capacity magazines, kilograms of narcotics, and more than 15 arrests, six of which are connected to several homicides. This multi-tiered response awaits any criminal group that seeks to plague our streets with drugs and violence.”
“This investigation makes clear the violence associated with drug trafficking,” said Susan A. Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division. “Those targeted in this investigation brought violence and misery to the residents of Mercer County. Their arrests have made the community safer, and DEA will continue to work with our partners to pursue those who violate the law.”
“In the spring of 2020, as the number of shootings and homicides in Trenton began increasing at an alarming rate, we set out to expose trends and connections that might be responsible for triggering the uptick in violence,” said Prosecutor Onofri.
The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Economic Crime Unit, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and many state, county and local police agencies, began their hard-hitting investigation a short time later and dubbed the job “Operation Eight-Ball,” representing the eight-ball logo used by Trenton’s H-Block, a violent criminal street gang responsible for numerous shootings and murders in the city. According to Prosecutor Onofri, the initial investigation focused on the alleged drug activities of H-Block, and through informant information, controlled buys, surveillances and intelligence, authorities were able to obtain and execute more than 40 warrants of individuals, vehicles and locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
On November 4, 2020, search warrants were executed and arrests were made as this investigation progressed. On this day, an undercover officer made arrangements to purchase a quantity of heroin from Joseph Kaite. After conducting the narcotics transaction with the undercover detective at a gas station on North Olden Avenue in Trenton, detectives attempted to arrest Kaite, however, he fled in his vehicle. When detectives attempted to stop Kaite, he collided with a police vehicle causing heavy damage to both vehicles. He then attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief struggle. Also arrested inside the vehicle were Vincent Bowman and Zaire Jones. Search warrants related to the investigation were subsequently executed and detectives located 30 bricks of heroin and a shotgun. At an apartment on Beakes Street in Trenton, detectives located evidence related to murder of Derek Colley that resulted in homicide charges being filed against Kaite and Tabika Hale.
The investigation continued into 2021 and last week, search warrants were executed at locations in Trenton and Ewing, New Jersey, and Bristol and Morrisville, Pennsylvania. Prior to the execution of these warrants, surveillance officers followed Deshawn Abner as he traveled by cab from Bond Street in Trenton to the Extended Stay Motel on Route 1 in West Windsor where Abner and a second individual, identified as Aziz Stroman, were
observed searching a wooded area around the hotel. After searching the area for about 30 minutes, Abner was seen retrieving a box containing 210 bricks of heroin from the bushes in the hotel parking lot. After retrieving the package, Abner entered the Mercedes Benz Stroman had arrived in, and the two men departed the area. Arrest teams converged on the area and both Abner and Stroman were eventually detained after attempting to flee. A search warrant for Stroman’s Mercedes Benz was obtained and detectives located 210 bricks of heroin on the front passenger floor. Both Abner and Stroman were charged with first-degree narcotic offenses.
After Abner and Stroman were taken into custody, detectives contacted officers in Pennsylvania who had an individual identified as Ricardo Moise under observation. Through the investigation, authorities had pinpointed Moise as the supplier of heroin to North Trenton. At that time, Moise was seen moving items out of his apartment on Beaver Street in Bristol Township, and detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and the Bristol Borough Police Department, arrested him for outstanding warrants as a result of distributing 75 bricks of heroin to an undercover officer in the spring of 2020. Search warrants were subsequently executed at related locations.
According to Prosecutor Onofri, the total retail value of the confiscated drugs is $228,000. The heroin is valued at $60,000; the methamphetamine is valued at $100,000; and the marijuana at $68,000.
In addition to the narcotics, authorities also seized 11 guns, six vehicles and approximately $22,000 in cash. Approximately 24 bank accounts in connection to the investigation were frozen and continue to be investigated by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Economic Crime Unit.
As a result of this cooperative investigation, the following arrests were made with the listed charges:
Prince Attoh, 20, Trenton – Numerous narcotic-related offenses
Additionally, information obtained during Operation Eight-Ball directly linked Tyzir Hamilton, 19, Treizon Thompson, 20, and Darnell Davis, 19, to the murders of William Irizarry and Julius Vargas. Arrest warrants for the three defendants were obtained in October 2020 and search warrants were also executed at several locations, which led to the recovery of several weapons.
Operation Eight-Ball developed over six months of investigation. It initiated with the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Economic Crime Unit, and received support and resources from 16 additional agencies including:
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Homeland Security Investigations
New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Central
Mercer County Sheriff’s Office
Bucks County District Attorney’s Office (PA)
Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office
Ewing Police Department
Hamilton Police Department
Lawrence Police Department
Princeton Police Department
Robbinsville Police Department
Trenton Police Department
West Windsor Police Department
Bristol Borough Police Department (PA)
The College of New Jersey Police Department
In the interest of investigative security and pursuant to established court requirements, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is limited in discussing specific details regarding the ongoing investigation and the alleged conspiracies. Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
EWING TOWNSHIP (MERCER): The Ewing Police Department is seeking assistance with locating the pictured missing adult male.
Stanley Wrobel, 83 years of age went missing on Sunday January 3, 2021 and was last seen at approximately 3:00 p.m. by his wife. Wrobel left his residence driving his 2013 4 door Buick LaCrosse, beige in color bearing New Jersey Registration (PEK57J). Wrobel was wearing a grey jacket, blue t-shirt, black pants, and black boots. Wrobel also was wearing eyeglasses, a watch on his left wrist along with 2 rings. His last know location was in the area of North Brunswick, New Jersey.
Anyone encountering Stanley Wrobel or may know his current whereabouts are urged to contact Detective D. Morris of the Ewing Police Department at (609)882-1313 x 7000 or by email at dmorris@ewingnj.org.
FOUND SAFE! Stanley Wrobel, 83 years of age
2013 Buick LaCrosse 4 door, similar to the one Wrobel left his residence in.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–There were reports of two people removed from a house fire this morning around 8:40 am in the 600 Block of Parkway Avenue. With reports of entrapment, Ewing firefighters called for a full first alarm sending firefighters from multiple companies in Ewing Township and Lawrence Township to the scene. A person was rescued from the 2nd floor and reports of another was assisted getting out of the basement. The fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters. It appeared the two that were rescued from the fire were wrapped in blankets and at the next door residence. A fire marshal and building inspector were on their way to the scene for the investigation.
This is a breaking news report from radio reports and on scene reporting, once we receive other details about the fire the story will be updated and any corrections made.
The first Mercer County COVID-19 vaccine clinic was held in Hamilton today at Station 17
December 28, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township in collaboration with the Mercer County Health Officer Association (MCHOA) held the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic earlier today to Phase 1A healthcare workers.
In order to maximize COVID vaccination efforts, the Mercer County Health Officers Association has joined together to serve all communities within Mercer County throughout the four phases of the COVID-19 vaccination distribution. Under CDC and State health guidelines, the Moderna doses will first be distributed to healthcare workers who qualify under Phase 1A and who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 through their employer or the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care (LTC) Program administered through CVS and Walgreens.
This MCHOA is currently planning a series of COVID-19 vaccination clinics to support ongoing efforts to vaccinate healthcare workers which include emergency medical services. The MCHOA will administer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations at clinics throughout Mercer County municipalities point of dispensing (POD) locations. The clinics will be held twice a week on a rotating schedule and have the capacity to handle 500 vaccines per week.. The COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be by appointment only and subject to the availability of vaccine doses on hand or accessible within the supply chain.
“Hamilton Township is proud to partner with the Mercer County Health Officer Association in order to ensure that those on the frontlines in our fight against this virus receive the vaccine as quickly as possible,” said Mayor Jeff Martin. “The arrival of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is a continued step forward to provide protection to more of our community’s critical healthcare workforce and eventually the general adult population.”
“Vaccination is a critical component to protecting our residents,” stated Hamilton Township Health Officer Christopher Hellwig. “Working together to safeguard the citizens of Mercer County is exactly what the founding members of the MCHOA had in mind when they formed in 1972. Our vaccination clinics will continue that ideal and work to protect the public’s health particularly those that have been most impacted by COVID-19, while giving us a clear end to this pandemic.”
Local Health Departments are one piece of the puzzle to vaccinate the State goal of 70% of the adult population in 6 months. This collective effort will ensure that our residents are provided with the opportunity to receive their vaccination in a timely manner and in a safe medical setting. COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be rolled out in phases determined by the State. The Mercer County Health Officers Association collaboration will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners.
Nottingham Ambulance Bob McQueen Chief receives a COVID-19 vaccination
Nottingham Ambulance Bob McQueen Chief receives a COVID-19 vaccination
Bob McQueen Chief thumbs up after COVID-19 vaccination
Nottingham Ambulance Steven Hernandez receives a COVID-19 vaccination
Nottingham Ambulance Steven Hernandez receives a COVID-19 vaccination
Robbinsville Police Det. Sgt. Scott Kivet who is also an EMT and volunteer fire chief in Plainsboro receives the COVID-19 vaccine.
Robbinsville Police Det. Sgt. Scott Kivet who is also an EMT and volunteer fire chief in Plainsboro receives the COVID-19 vaccine.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Water Works, the city-owned public water system that serves nearly a quarter-million consumers in five municipalities in Mercer County, will seek City Council approval on December 22 to accept $15 million in funding from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank). The funding will be used for Phase 3 of its six-year Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP), Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced today.
If approved, Phase 3 of the LSLRP will remove 1,850 more lead services (short for lead service lines) from TWW’s 683-mile water distribution system and private homes in its service area, except for Hopewell Township, which has newer infrastructure. Fifty percent of the funding, $7.5 million, is a grant from I-Bank, an independent state financing authority that issues revenue bonds to make loans to finance the construction of eligible environmental and transportation infrastructure projects.
In the $25 million Phase 1 of the LSLRP, TWW personnel and two vendors operating under publicly awarded contracts with TWW—South State, Inc. and Spiniello Companies—have removed 2,620 lead services in Hamilton Township and Trenton. Phase 1 is on track to remove a total of 3,850 lead services by April 2021.
The $25 million Phase 2, which begins in April 2021, will remove 3,500 lead services by March 2022.
Phase 3 starts in June 2021, with plans to remove 1,850 lead services by May 2022. Also, TWW will utilize personnel from its construction and maintenance operations to remove 900 lead services, bringing the combined total number of lead services removed from TWW’s water-distribution system to 10,000. The LSLRP is a critical capital project that is a part of TWW’s six-year, $405-million capital plan announced in 2020.
“When I took office in July 2018, I pledged to apply the leadership and resources necessary to modernize Trenton Water Works, which has nearly 63,000 customers, and to prioritize this policy goal,” said Mayor Gusciora. “TWW has made substantial progress in regulatory and administrative consent order compliance, developing and executing a $405-million capital plan, implementing corrosion control, removing lead services in the TWW system and at private homes, improving customer service, and strengthening its workforce. Much work remains, particularly addressing lead, and we are determined to remove all lead services from the TWW system within five-to-six years.”
Mayor Gusciora added: “I am asking Trenton city residents to phone your councilperson to request support for this additional round of funding for the Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The removal of lead pipes from the TWW system is contingent on available funding and a nexus of cooperation from state and local leaders, including our City Council. The removal of lead infrastructure from our water system is integral to maintaining high water quality and public health and wellness for many years to come.”
According to TWW’s inventory, there are 17,463 lead services in Trenton, 11,618 in Hamilton Township, 5,236 in Ewing Township, and 2,383 in Lawrence Township. Hopewell Township has no lead services because its infrastructure is newer. TWW regularly revises its overall inventory as it assesses pipe materials at private homes, using internal survey teams, LSLRP contractors, and information from homeowners. Service-line pipe material made of galvanized steel is considered a lead service.
Homeowners who have verified that their pipe material is galvanized steel can still sign up for a future phase of the LSLRP at twwleadprogram.com. Residents can also refer their questions about the program to a hotline – (609) 989-3600 – and will receive a return call from a TWW community-relations team member within 24 hours.
Purchased by the City of Trenton in 1859, Trenton Water Works (TWW) is one of the oldest and largest publicly owned water systems in the United States, supplying 28 million gallons of water per day to approximately a quarter-million consumers in a five-municipality service area in Mercer County, NJ: Trenton, parts of Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, and Hopewell Township. TWW operates a 60-million-gallon water-filtration plant and water-distribution system that includes a 100-million-gallon reservoir, 683 miles of water mains, three pump stations, nearly 8,000 valves, 3,517 fire hydrants, and six interconnections between TWW and other water suppliers. TWW has approximately 63,000 metered customers.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force has resulted in charges being filed against a man and a woman in the December 8 homicide of Joel Alexander.
Nasir White, 24, of Ewing, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree robbery, weapons offenses, hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence. Monet Maiden, 22, of Trenton, is charged with hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence. Complaints were signed on Tuesday charging both White and Maiden, who were already in custody on unrelated charges out of Lawrence Township. Motions to detain both pending trial have been filed by the prosecutor’s office.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on December 8, 2020, Trenton police received a 911 call for a report of a male who was dumped out of a vehicle and shot on Chase Street. Responding officers located an unresponsive male, later identified as 43-year-old Alexander, in the street with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
During the course of the investigation, task force detectives collected and reviewed video surveillance footage from the surrounding area, and located and interviewed several witnesses. They were able to identify a gold Honda Accord with tinted windows, distinct aftermarket rims, and an unknown New Jersey registration as the vehicle involved in the incident.
The investigation revealed that a gold Honda Accord drove onto Chase Street from Brunswick Avenue and stopped in the middle of the street. An unknown black male, exited the front driver seat of the vehicle, walked to the rear driver side seat and shot the victim Joel Alexander. The unknown black male was later identified as Nasir White and Monet Maiden was identified in the gold Honda Accord at the time of the murder. Nasir White then dragged the victim out of the car, place him in the middle of the street, and then reentered the gold Honda Accord and fled the area with Maiden. A bulletin with a photograph of the vehicle captured from surveillance video was sent out to surrounding municipalities on December 10.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. on December 13, Lawrence police located a matte black Honda Accord at the Wawa on Brunswick Pike in an unrelated criminal investigation. During that investigation Nasir White, Monet Maiden and Anesha Joynes were arrested for possession of two handguns and drug offenses. Further investigation revealed that the Honda Accord appeared to be spray painted black and ultimately determined to be the gold Honda Accord used in the murder of Joel Alexander. The investigation revealed the Honda Accord as belonging to Monet Maiden and, in the days following the murder, White and Maiden purchased black spray paint to repaint the gold Honda Accord black. White also attempted to clean the interior of the Honda Accord. A search warrant was obtained and a search of the Honda Accord revealed an obvious bloodstain on the backseat of the Honda Accord along with upholstery cleaner.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Nasir White, 24, of Ewing, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree robbery, weapons offenses, hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence. Monet Maiden, 22, of Trenton, is charged with hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence.
Monet Maiden, 22, of Trenton, is charged with hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence.
Nasir White, 24, of Ewing, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree robbery, weapons offenses, hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence.
Nasir White, 24, of Ewing, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree robbery, weapons offenses, hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence. Monet Maiden, 22, of Trenton, is charged with hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence.
EL DORADO, Ark. and WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., Dec. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Murphy USA announced an agreement to acquire QuickChek Corporation (“QuickChek”) in an all-cash transaction for $645 million. The purchase price includes expected tax benefits valued at $20 million for a net after-tax purchase price of $625 million. The transaction will be financed with a combination of cash on hand, existing credit facilities and new debt, and Murphy USA has obtained committed financing from the Royal Bank of Canada.
QuickChek represents a truly distinctive business in a class shared by only a few comparable industry peers. Founded in 1967 as an extension of Durling Farms, a door-to-door milk and fresh dairy products delivery service that originally opened in 1888, it is a family-owned chain of 157 stores located in central and northern New Jersey and the New York metro area. It operates a best-in-class food and beverage (“F&B”) model with a strong regional brand and engaged customer following, offering quick-serve restaurant style food alongside convenience items; a high-volume fuel offer is included at 89 of its newest stores. Its industry leading economics are evidenced by robust per-store per-year merchandise sales of $3.5 million, combined merchandise margins of 38% with F&B representing over 50% of the mix, and per-store per-year fuel gallons of 3.8 million. Additionally, QuickChek has a proven history of same-store-sales growth and a rich real estate pipeline to sustain unit growth within its existing footprint.
The acquisition is consistent with Murphy USA’s updated capital allocation strategy as announced in October. It represents a continued commitment to deliver exceptional and sustained value to long-term shareholders and will complement other ongoing value creation mechanisms, including ongoing productivity improvement initiatives, organic growth, share repurchase and a dividend.
“In October we outlined an updated capital allocation strategy and committed to improving our food and beverage offer at existing and future sites,” said Murphy USA President and CEO Andrew Clyde. “This transaction greatly accelerates those efforts and benefits, and is expected to provide reverse synergies across our network, while enhancing future returns on new stores. The transaction is also expected to create direct synergies that leverage our enterprise scale and our distinctive capabilities in fuel, tobacco and loyalty. We are excited to join forces with an exceptional and highly engaged team at QuickChek who share Murphy USA’s passion for delivering excellence every day to all our stakeholders.”
“QuickChek and Murphy USA both reflect a family heritage and a strong people culture,” said QuickChek CEO and Chairman Dean Durling. “I am thrilled by Murphy USA’s commitment to honor our legacy and preserve our brand while learning from our business model. I am proud of what we have accomplished in making QuickChek what it is today and I am excited about the opportunities for continued growth and success in the next chapter in QuickChek’s journey. I know QuickChek’s dedicated employees and valued customers remain in good hands.”
The above considerations result in highly attractive deal economics. The net investment of $625 million represents a multiple of 13.2 times QuickChek’s estimated LTM October 2020 Adjusted EBITDA of $47 million. Annual run rate synergies of $28 million are expected to be achieved by the third year. When taking into account expected run-rate synergies and tax benefits, the acquisition reflects a multiple of 8.3 times estimated LTM Adjusted EBITDA. The acquisition is projected to be accretive to earnings in 2022, the first full year of combined operations.
The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval. RBC Capital Markets, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP acted as legal advisor to Murphy USA. BofA Securities, Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal advisor to QuickChek.
Webcast Information Murphy USA will host a conference call to discuss the transaction at 8:00 a.m. CT on Monday, December 14, 2020. Interested parties may participate by dialing 1-833-968-2218 and referencing conference ID number 8192285. The call can also be accessed via webcast through the Investor Relations section of Murphy USA’s website at http://ir.corporate.murphyusa.com. The webcast will be available for replay one hour after the conference concludes and a transcript will be made available shortly thereafter.
About Murphy USA Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA) is a leading retailer of gasoline and convenience merchandise with nearly 1,500 sites located primarily in the Southwest, Southeast and Midwest United States. The company and its team of nearly 10,000 employees serve an estimated 1.7 million customers each day through its network of retail gasoline stations in 25 states. The majority of Murphy USA’s sites are located in close proximity to Walmart stores. The company also markets gasoline and other products at standalone stores under the Murphy Express brand. Murphy USA ranks 262 among Fortune 500 companies.
About QuickChek Continuing to redefine “fresh convenience,” QuickChek is a market leader in food service providing local one-stop shopping where consumers can enjoy delicious made-to-order subs and sandwiches, guaranteed fresh brewed coffee, healthy snacks and salads, hot breakfast and more. Looking to make a difference in people’s everyday lives, QuickChek enables consumers to choose their convenience: you can place a mobile order through the QuickChek Rewards app where you’ll earn rewards for future savings; have your order ready through Curbside Pickup; utilize in-store self-checkout counters to get you on your way safe and fast; or have your order delivered through DoorDash and Grub Hub. Based in Whitehouse Station, NJ, the family-owned company operates 157 fresh convenience market stores including 89 locations with fuel throughout New Jersey, New York’s Hudson Valley and Long Island.
Certain statements in this news release contain or may suggest “forward-looking” information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risk and uncertainties, including, but not limited to anticipated store openings, fuel margins, merchandise margins, sales of RINs and trends in our operations. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual future results may differ materially from historical results or current expectations depending upon factors including, but not limited to: our ability to consummate our acquisition of QuickChek on the stated terms or at all; our ability to realize projected synergies from the acquisition of QuickChek and successfully expand our food and beverage offerings; our ability to finance the acquisition of QuickChek on acceptable terms; our ability to continue to maintain a good business relationship with Walmart; successful execution of our growth strategy, including our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from such growth initiatives, and the timely completion of construction associated with our newly planned stores which may be impacted by the financial health of third parties; our ability to effectively manage our inventory, disruptions in our supply chain and our ability to control costs; the impact of severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods and earthquakes; the impact of a global health pandemic, such as COVID-19 including the impact on our fuel volumes if the gradual recoveries experienced in Q2 2020 stall or reverse as a result of any resurgence in COVID-19 infection rates and government reaction in response thereof; the impact of any systems failures, cybersecurity and/or security breaches, including any security breach that results in theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or company information or our compliance with information security and privacy laws and regulations in the event of such an incident; successful execution of our information technology strategy; future tobacco or e-cigarette legislation and any other efforts that make purchasing tobacco products more costly or difficult could hurt our revenues and impact gross margins; changes to the company’s capital allocation, including the timing, declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends or levels of the company’s share repurchases, or management of operating cash; the market price of the Company’s stock prevailing from time to time, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to the Company from time to time, the Company’s cash flows from operations, and general economic conditions; compliance with debt covenants; availability and cost of credit; and changes in interest rates. Our SEC reports, including our most recent annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q, contain other information on these and other factors that could affect our financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking information we may provide. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances.
Supplemental Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information
The reconciliation of estimated LTM October 2020 Adjusted EBITDA to estimated GAAP net income for QuickChek is as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
LTM Oct 2020
Estimated net income
$8
Income tax expense
$3
Interest expense
$5
Depreciation and amortization
$29
Other
$2
Estimated Adjusted EBITDA
$47
Consistent with Murphy USA’s historical presentation of non-GAAP metrics, Adjusted EBITDA for QuickChek is provided as it is a key metric used in the Company’s operational and financial decision-making. The Company believes that some investors may find it a useful indicator of ongoing operating performance and ability to generate cash flows from operations. Non-GAAP measures are not a substitute for GAAP disclosures and Adjusted EBITDA may be prepared differently by us than by other companies using similarly titled non-GAAP metrics. The above amounts are estimated based on preliminary data for QuickChek’s fiscal year ended October 30, 2020 and are subject to change based on the finalization of the financial statements for such fiscal year.
QuickChek, Robbinsville, New Jersey 12/14/2020
QuickChek, 2695 S. Broad St., Hamilton NJ 12/14/2020
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing and Lawrence Township firefighters were dispatched to the 1st Block of Green lane for a garage fire at 6:47 pm. Upon arrival firefighters reported heavy smoke and fire in a garage attached to a two story home. Ewing career staff, and volunteers from Prospect Heights, West Trenton and Lawrence Road Fire Companies quickly extinguished the fire bringing the fire under control by 7:15 pm., saving the home. No further information is available.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)-LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA (BUCKS)–Firefighters from both sides of the river responded to a fire on I-295 at the Scudder Falls Bridge construction site. The fire was reported around 3:12 pm involving wood scaffolding-concrete forms in the middle of the bridge project. Upon arrival firefighters reported a “deep seated fire” and additional tankers were requested to the scene, Marine 33 was also requested to respond from the river. Traffic was tied up in the area until the firefighting was completed. No further information is available at this time.
Photos West Trenton Fire Company Station 33
Additional photos by: Yardley-Makefield Fire Company‘s Facebook Page.
EWING TOWNSHIP (MERCER): Fire companies from Ewing Township and Lawrence Township responded to the 1600 block of North Olden Avenue around 6:00 pm for multiple calls reporting strong odors of gas in the area. Fire departments investigated and discovered a leak from 16 inch gas main. PSE&G was called to the scene to repair the leak. North Olden Avenue between Arctic Parkway and Princeton Avenue remains closed as of 10:45 pm.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rasheed McNair, 40, of Ewing, New Jersey, was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a weapon following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On Feb. 18, 2018, two Trenton Police detectives in the Street Crimes Unit were driving through the area of Oakland Street and Hoffman Avenue in Trenton when one of them observed McNair standing in an open doorway in a public housing complex and holding what was later identified as a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun.
McNair tucked the handgun into his jacket and ran up the stairwell of the building. After giving chase, one of the detectives observed McNair remove the handgun from inside his jacket and attempt to hide it under a doormat in front of an apartment. The other detective retrieved the firearm from under the doormat and rendered it safe. The weapon was later found to be loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber, and its serial number had been obliterated.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced McNair to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah A. Coley; and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elisa T. Wiygul and Michelle S. Gasparian of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
20-451
Defense counsel: Mark A. Fury Esq., Mt. Holly, New Jersey
**Arrests Stopped a Group of Alleged Gang Members Planning Retaliatory Shooting**
Trenton, N.J. – Colonel Patrick J. Callahan and Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced today that the New Jersey State Police have arrested 24 suspects for various drug, weapon, and local ordinance offenses and as a result stopped a group of gang members allegedly preparing a series of retaliatory shootings.
Through various investigative means, detectives with the State Police Crime Suppression Central Unit determined that a group of armed gang members was gathering at a residence on Tyrell Avenue to plan a series of retaliatory shootings. Detectives observed several members of the group to be in possession of handguns and as a result obtained a search warrant for the residence.
On Wednesday, November 25, members of the State Police T.E.A.M.S., K-9, Aviation, and Crime Suppression Central Units along with assistance from the Trenton Police Department, Hamilton Township Police Department, and Ewing Township Police Department executed a search warrant at the Tyrell Avenue residence and found several members of the group to be in possession of multiple handguns, drugs, high capacity magazines and in violation of local ordinances. Detectives arrested 24 suspects without incident.
As a result of the search, detectives seized the following evidence:
Ten of the suspects were lodged at the Mercer County Correctional Center and three juveniles were lodged at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center. The remaining 11 suspects were charged with violating local ordinances and were released pending court.
The following were charged criminally:
Samuel Vincent, 25, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Certain persons not to possess weapons Possession of handgun for unlawful purpose Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of hollow point ammunition
Jaheim Myles, 19, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of a defaced firearm
Jerome Bennett, 19, Burlington, N.J. Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of a defaced firearm
Antwan Tootle, 22, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of a defaced firearm
Quameir Billups-Taylor, 22, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of a defaced firearm
Dontrell Wilkins, 21, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of a defaced firearm
Anthony Robbins, 20, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of a defaced firearm
Jahad Blackshear, 19, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of a defaced firearm
Terron Bazemore, 20, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Receiving stolen property Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine
Stafford Knowles, 18, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Receiving stolen property Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine
Juvenile Male, 17, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of a defaced firearm
Juvenile Male, 16, Hamilton, N.J. Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense Possession of heroin with intent to distribute Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine Possession of a defaced firearm
Juvenile Male, 16, Trenton, N.J. Possession of a handgun Possession of a handgun for unlawful purpose Receiving stolen property Possession of hollow point ammunition Possession of a high-capacity magazine
“Throughout this pandemic, New Jersey law enforcement officers have been doing all they can to combat gun violence in our cities by arresting violent gang members and seizing illegal weapons, and these latest arrests in Trenton are just another strong example,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Earlier this month, the State Police arrested two men allegedly trafficking illegal guns into Trenton from South Carolina, and in June, during the prior spike in COVID, we announced the Division of Criminal Justice’s arrests of 16 alleged members and associates of the ‘Get Money Boys,’ a violent street gang linked to multiple shootings in Trenton. Meanwhile, we are also engaging in community outreach like the virtual town hall we held in Trenton in June to discuss violence reduction strategies. We will continue to take a holistic and collaborative approach to public safety in our Capital City.”
“How and where the illegal guns seized in this operation were going to be used thankfully remains an untold story, but what is certain is that it would have ended in tragedy,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The prompt response by the detectives in our State Police Crime Suppression Central Unit and our law enforcement partners undoubtedly saved lives. We remain committed to working shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners, community leaders, and city residents to build and maintain safer neighborhoods in Trenton.”
“We commend the State Police on this successful operation and look forward to continuing to work with them to eradicate violent crime and to help keep our communities safe,” said Veronica Allende, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Our Deputy Attorneys General stand ready to prosecute these defendants to bring them to justice.”
“This case is a testament to the success of our partnership with the N.J. State Police, which continues to help our city at a time when we need it the most,” said Trenton Police Director Sheilah A. Coley. “I’m sure our residents will feel a bit safer knowing that multiple law enforcement entities are operating in Trenton at this very moment, working day and night to get these guns and drugs out of our streets before they cause further bloodshed.”
The case is being prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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.
