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.
Team coverage by: Dennis Symons, Tyler Eckel, and Brian McCarthy
PLAINSBORO, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Firefighters, EMS, and police with over 50 pieces of apparatus took part in a hospital worker appreciation event tonight at UPenn Princeton Medical Center. Hosted by Plainsboro Fire Department and Police, many agencies came through to show their support for hospital workers.
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and even the Grinch showed up to show their support riding in the fire department’s ladder towers and were able to see hospital employees though the windows of the hospital.
This is a partial list of those participated:
Plainsboro Fire, Plainsboro EMS, Plainsboro Police Department, West Windsor Police Department, Princeton University Pubic Safety, Kingston Fire Company, Monmouth Junction Fire Comapny, Kendal Park Fire Comapny, Hightstown Fire Department, Little Rocky Hill Fire Company, Griggstown Fire Company, Middlesex County Hazmat, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab Fire Department, South River Fire Department, Monroe Fire Company – 51, Lawrenceville Fire Company -23, North Brunswick Fire Company #1, North Brunswick Fire Comnpany #2, North Brunswick Fire Company #3, New Jersey State Forest Fire Service, NJSP Aviation Unit, East Windsor Rescue Squad, Princeton Rescue Squad, Mercer County Fire Coordinator, Hopewell Fire Department – 52
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters and other rescue personnel were dispatched to Exit 8 of the NJ Turnpike for an overturned vehicle with entrapment about 10:45 am Firefighters were already on the road and responding and reported the accident at 67.3 North Bound Inner Roadway as seen from the Etra Road Bridge. Firefighters entered the Turnpike at Exit 8 and responded to the scene and found at least three vehicles involved in an accident and one was overturned on its roof. Cranbury Fire Company was on scene and reported two minor injuries and recalled the rescue assignment due to no entrapment. Hightstown First Aid Squad was on scene but it was unclear if anyone was transported to the hospital.
Several departments returning from the earlier pickup truck fire responded to the accident including Cranbury, Hightstown. Robbinsville Township Fire Department also responded and was also recalled prior to arrival.
NJ State Police was on scene investigating the crash.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters were dispatched to the 800 Block of Perrineville Road around 10:15 am this morning for a pickup truck well involved in fire near a building. Firefighters responded from East Windsor Fire Companies 1 & 2, Hightstown, Cranbury and Monroe Township to the scene. The pickup truck was up a farm lane and close to a structure sending the additional apparatus. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and kept the fire from spreading to near by buildings. No further information was available.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–At 5:45 pm tonight Santa arrived from the North Pole in preparation for Christmas. Santa’s sleigh and reindeer were parked behind the firehouse where the reindeer enjoyed treats and fresh water provided in preparation for their return trip back to their home at the North Pole tonight.
While the reindeer were on break, Santa climbed aboard Ladder 41 for a trip around town with the members of Hightstown Engine Company #1. Santa wanted to visit the town’s children to let them know he is watching and will be returning on Christmas Eve. Santa stated that he had to scale things down this year because of social distancing because of COVID-19 and promised things should return to normal for next Christmas.
After the ride around town on the fire department’s ladder Santa quickly returned to his sleigh and raced back to the North Pole to get toys together for Christmas. Prior to departing, he mentioned that this is his busy season and has a tight time schedule but will return to different places in NJ over the next month.
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.
On Sunday, November 22, 2020, East Windsor Police responded to Route 133 West near Route 571 for a report of a motor vehicle off the roadway engulfed in flames. Upon patrol arrival, the vehicle, a 2017 BMW was located down an embankment on the north side of the roadway at the curve just prior to the exit ramp for Route 571 West. The vehicle had driven off the roadway and struck a tree. The East Windsor and Hightstown fire companies extinguished the fire. The lone occupant Rashawn Young, 19, of Hamilton and driver was found deceased inside the vehicle.
The Traffic Safety Unit of the East Windsor Township Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Officer Serious Collision Response Team are investigating the crash.
Responding agencies: East Windsor Township Police Department, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Station 42, East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2, Station 46 Hightstown Engine Company No. 1, East Windsor Rescue Squad #2
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:45 pm the East Windsor Police received 9-1-1 calls reporting a vehicle off the road and on fire about 1/4 mile from Princeton Hightstown Road on Route 133 West Bound (Hightstown Bypass).
East Windsor Police, East Windsor and Hightstown Fire Companies and East Windsor First Aid and Rescue Squad along with Capital Health Paramedics responded to the scene. Upon arrival firefighters quickly knocked down the flames.
The crash is under investigation by the East Windsor Police Department. There is no other details available at this time.
No further information is available at this time. A press release most likely will follow sometime tomorrow so check back for an update.
Route 133 westbound, all lanes closed and detoured in the Vicinity of CR 571/Princeton-Hightstown Rd., East Windsor due to crash investigation. Follow detour or plan alternate route.
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.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Santa Claus will be coming to Hightstown on Friday Nov. 27th! Save the date and spread the word.
As with everything this year, our annual celebration will look a bit different.
While Santa and Mrs. Claus will be riding on the back of our Fire Truck as they usually do, there will not be any festivities at the fire house this year.
Instead, the route has changed to include more streets in town (see map for more details) so that you can wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus from the safety and comfort of your porch or street corner while maintaining social distance and staying closer to home.
Santa will leave the Fire house at approximately 5:45pm so listen for the sirens to indicate that he and his reindeer…oops…he and his firefighter friends are on the way to a street near you!
Please remember to wear masks and stay 6 feet apart from anyone who is not in your immediate household.
We hope you enjoy this Pandemic friendly version of Santa coming to our town!
Don’t forget that Christmas Tree and Wreath sales start on Sunday Nov. 22nd
Don’t forget that Christmas Tree and Wreath sales start on Sunday Nov. 22nd
NEWARK, NJ –An Ohio man who was out on bail for allegedly committing a bank robbery in the Chicago area and who is charged in New Jersey with seven bank robberies or attempted bank robberies will make his initial court appearance by videoconference today, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Tyler O’Toole, 23, of Cleveland, Ohio, was arrested in Queens, New York, on November 14, 2020. He is charged by complaint sworn out in the District of New Jersey on Nov. 4, 2020, with five counts of bank robbery and two counts of attempted bank robbery and is scheduled to have his initial appearance by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
O’Toole was arrested in Glenview, Illinois, on Aug. 20, 2020, and charged in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois with bank robbery. O’Toole was released on bail and placed on home detention with electronic location monitoring.
On Sept. 24, 2020, O’Toole removed his monitoring device, stole his mother’s blue 2018 Hyundai Elantra, and drove away. He later robbed, or attempted to rob, the following New Jersey banks:
Date Bank Location:
Date
Bank
Location
Oct. 8, 2020
PNC Bank
Morris Plains, New Jersey
Oct. 8, 2020
PNC Bank*
Pompton Plains, New Jersey
Oct. 22, 2020
Chase Bank
Aberdeen, New Jersey
Oct. 22, 2020
Bank of America
East Windsor, New Jersey
Oct. 27, 2020
Chase Bank
Lawrence Township, New Jersey
Oct. 27, 2020
Citizens Bank
Mount Holly, New Jersey
Oct. 30, 2020
Citizens Bank*
Runnemede, New Jersey
*attempted bank robbery
At each bank, O’Toole presented a note demanding cash from bank tellers. For example, during the Oct. 27, 2020, robbery of the Chase Bank in Lawrence Township, O’Toole handed the teller a manila envelope which stated:
• This is a robbery. Comply and Nobody gets hurt. • Give me 20’s 50’s 100’s • NO Trackers or Ink Packs • Put Money in THIS Envelope • Be fast, Act Normal
Each bank robbery or attempted bank robbery charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI’s Violent Crimes/Interstate Theft Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the FBI’s Westchester, County, New York Safe Streets Task Force; the Camden County, Monmouth County and Morris County prosecutor’s offices; and the Morris Plains Boro, Pompton Plains, Aberdeen Township, East Windsor Township, Lawrence Township, Mount Holly Township, Runnemede Borough, Medford, and Gloucester Township police departments for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan W. Romankow of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tyler O’Toole, 23, of Cleveland, Ohio, was arrested in Queens, New York, on November 14, 2020. He is charged by complaint sworn out in the District of New Jersey on Nov. 4, 2020, with five counts of bank robbery and two counts of attempted bank robbery and is scheduled to have his initial appearance by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson.
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
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—Sergeant Lawrence Peele from the New Jersey State Police Public Information Bureau told MidJersey.News —
That a crash occurred at 11:53 p.m. last evening on the New Jersey Turnpike, northbound inner roadway in East Windsor Township, Mercer County.
Preliminary information indicates that in the area of milepost 66.8, a Lincoln Town Car was involved in a crash and was disabled in the roadway.
A Jeep Cherokee traveling northbound then struck the disabled Lincoln. Two rear seat passengers of the Lincoln were pronounced dead at the scene, the driver and front passenger sustained serious injuries. The driver of the Jeep sustained minor injuries.
The inner roadway was closed for approximately 6 hours.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A fiery crash left several with life threatening injuries tonight on the New Jersey Turnpike at Mile Marker 67 North Bound inner roadway (car lanes) prior to Exit 8. The crash was reported just before midnight at 11:56 pm., (November 12) reporting multiple vehicles involved and on fire with entrapment. Initially Robbinsville Township Fire Department and Hightstown Fire Company along with EMS from Robbinsville, Hightstown and Cranbury were sent to the scene. Upon arrival a MCI was called (Mass Casualty Incident) because of reports of how many injured additional paramedics from Capital Health and multiple ambulances were sent to the scene.
From radio reports there appeared to be at least 5 to 7 injures reported in the crash with 3 being life threating.
New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority have the inner roadway closed from the split in Florence to Exit 8 in the North Bound direction for the accident investigation and clean up. The New Jersey State Police Serious Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the crash.
This is a breaking news report and an email was sent to the NJ State Police Public Information Bureau for official details. Information contained in this preliminary breaking news report is unofficial and subject to change. Once official information is received the story will be updated with current information and any corrections made.
Crash investigation on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes closed to traffic and diverted to northbound outer roadway between Split and Interchange 8 https://t.co/quzacVxCl1
Crash and Overturned vehicle and Vehicle fire on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes blocked – traffic diverted to northbound outer roadway from the Split through Inte https://t.co/NfyObCAq1S
Crash with Injuries and Overturned vehicle on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes blocked – all traffic diverted to northbound outer roadway from the Split through Int https://t.co/efrbOZkT9L
EAST WINDSOR-HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Hightstown Fire Department, Hightstown First Aid, Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS were sent to the NJ Turnpike at mile marker 67 north bound outer lanes for a crash just prior to Exit 8. Initially there was reported entrapment but upon fire department arrival the vehicle was found in a ditch and the driver was out of the vehicle. The driver was checked by the first aid squad and refused medical advice and was able to walk away on their own power.
New Jersey State Police was investigating the crash, no other information was available.
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.)
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 7:45 am the Robbinsville Township Fire Department and the Bordentown Township Fire Departments were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident in the area of mile marker 58 south bound with injuries.
Luckily there is a North-South response sent to accidents on the NJ Turnpike because there is constant confusion with exact locations when people call 9-1-1 to report accidents and fires. This accident was originally reported at mile marker 58.0 south bound inner roadway “car lanes” but the vehicle was at mile marker 58.8 south bound outer lanes or “truck lanes” When Robbinsville Township firefighters went to the reported inner roadway location they discovered the accident was on the outer roadway. They radioed ahead to the north bound Bordentown Township fire and EMS apparatus that they could make the U-turn at 7A to get to the accident.
Bordentown firefighters arrived on location on the inner roadway and determined that a vehicle rear ended a tractor trailer and there was one injury. Bordentown Township EMS transported the patient to a local hospital. No word on the condition of the patient.
NJ State Police was on scene investigating the crash.
It seems with almost every call on the NJ Turnpike there is location confusion since the creation of the inner and outer roadways, nicknamed car and truck lanes. A similar situation happened on last night’s call near Exit 8. A response was sent from Hightstown and Cranbury Fire Departments and first aid squads to a South Bound accident in the area of Exit 8 “truck lanes” and the accident was actually in the North Bound inner roadway in the “car lanes” on the exit ramp. The confusion of people calling 9-1-1 had sent apparatus to the wrong location and delays responses since apparatus has to travel miles to make U-turns. It appears that the nick names “car lanes” and “truck lanes” adds unnecessary confusion the NJSP radio uses Inner Roadways and Outer Roadways for descriptions.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:30 pm a car traveling north bound in the inner lanes of the NJ Turnpike overturned just prior to Exit 8 that left 4 injured. At least 2 were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, others reported minor injuries but refused medical advice and transport.
Hightstown Fire Company, Cranbury Fire Company, Hightstown First Aid Squad, East Windsor First Aid Squad and Mercer County Paramedics responded to the scene. A light pole was reported to be knocked down partly blocking the Exit 8 Ramp. NJ State Police is investigating the crash.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–It was Hightstown High School’s football, band and cheerleading senior night tonight. Senior nights this season have been moved from the usual last game of the season to the 1st home game of the season due to COVID-19. The visiting Robbinsville Ravens defeated the Hightstown Rams 35-32.
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.
