EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 1:34 p.m. East Windsor and Hightstown Fire Departments were dispatched to a dumpster fire in the first block of Compton Drive. First arriving firefighters found a well involved construction dumpster next to a house with exposure issues and called for a full first alarm sending additional apparatus from Robbinsville and other departments to the scene. Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames but remained on scene to overhaul the fire. East Windsor Police, East Windsor Rescue Squad as well as Fire Police were also on scene. No further details are available at this time.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – The Mercer County man who fatally shot a Freehold woman as she drove along on a state highway – a crime that took place four years ago today – has been sentenced to life in prison, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.
Kader Mustafa, 40, will not become eligible for parole before reaching the age of 104, under the provisions of New Jersey’s No Early Release Act and the terms set down Monday by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr.
Shortly before 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018, members of the Freehold Township Police Department responded to a 911 call originating from a vehicle stopped along Route 33 West near the exit ramp for Halls Mill Road. At that location, officers found three occupants of the vehicle, a 1997 Mazda Protégé: 24-year-old Sciasia Calhoun, who had sustained a single gunshot wound to the head, and her boyfriend and 1-year-old daughter, both of whom were not physically harmed.
Calhoun was rushed by Freehold First Aid, with the assistance of Monmouth-Ocean Hospital Service Corporation (MONOC), to nearby CentraState Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead approximately one hour later.
An intensive joint investigation by the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau and the Freehold Township Police Department, with significant assistance from the Manalapan Police Department, revealed that Mustafa was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Impala when he fired a single shot at Calhoun, after several minutes of following her vehicle, at one point even colliding with its rear bumper. Mustafa was apprehended at his cousin’s residence in Manalapan in the area of Oakland Mills Road at approximately 8:10 a.m. the morning after the shooting, when two handguns were recovered from the vehicle.
While recounting the facts of the case on Monday, Judge Falcetano noted that Sciasia and her loved ones were en route to Asbury Park on the night of the shooting when they suddenly realized that their vehicle’s headlights weren’t operational – only the high beams were working. They had already turned around and were heading back home when they encountered Mustafa. “Her last act,” Falcetano said, was to somehow safely pull over the vehicle to the side of the road, despite having been shot by a man he described as a “cauldron of rage” who was “marauding … aimlessly” that night, while armed.
“This was completely random,” Falcetano said. “I don’t have enough words in my vocabulary to describe it.”
Several members of Calhoun’s immediate family, spanning three generations, made remarks in court before Monday’s sentencing was rendered. They described a “diamond in the rough” with ample ambition and a fierce independent streak, who stubbornly refused to let anyone help her learn how to ride a bicycle as a young child – despite bumps, bruises, and scratches piling up – until she had perfected it on her own.
“The defendant chose to randomly fire a shot and randomly kill a 24-year-old who had done absolutely nothing to him,” said MCPO Director of Investigations Christopher Decker, who represented the State at sentencing. “There’s nothing more depraved or heinous.”
Monday’s sentencing followed a multi-week trial that concluded in October 2021, when the jury convicted Mustafa on all six charges against him: first-degree Murder, second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of third-degree Endangering Another Person. MCPO Investigation Division Director and Assistant Prosecutor John Loughrey, who has since retired, handled the prosecution.
Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 3:43 a.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike north on the outer roadway, mile post 63.4, Robbinsville, Mercer County.
Based on a preliminary investigation, Franklin S. Parker, a 36 year-old male of Eden, MD, was operating a tractor trailer northbound on the New Jersey Turnpike in the area of mile post. 63.4, the tractor trailer entered the left shoulder and struck the left guardrail, overturned, and impacted a concrete bridge support. As a result of the crash Franklin S. Parker sustained fatal injuries. The crash remains under investigation and there is no additional information available at the moment.
April 21, 2022
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3:47 a.m. multiple 9-1-1 calls were received reporting a serious crash involving a tractor trailer on the NJ Turnpike at mile post 63.5 north bound (North of Exit 7A — Between Exit 7A and Exit 8). Hightstown and Robbinsville Fire Departments were sent to the scene for an extrication. Robbinsville EMS, East Windsor EMS, and Captial Health Paramedics were also on scene. Medivac 2 from Hackensack University Medical Center flew to the scene and cleared at 5:28 a.m. A victim was pronounced at the scene about the same time. The NJ Turnpike was closed for the investigation and clean up but some lanes have since reopened.
This is a breaking news report from the scene and radio reports, once official information becomes available the story will be updated with information from NJSP.
Crash on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) 2 Left lanes of 3 lanes blocked https://t.co/a2SpFriLpj
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) All lanes open 2 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/3zkcxSIg7y
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) All lanes open 4 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/goDCUe709O
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) All lanes open 6 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/cLEtiUglpM
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) All lanes open 2 1/2 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/vKf5Uio0Om
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes has presented to the County Board of Commissioners his administration’s proposed 2022 budget, a $358 million spending plan that stays within the state-mandated 2-percent cap and would result in no increase to the tax levy.
Mr. Hughes on Feb. 22 presented an overview of his administration’s budget proposal to the commissioners, who will review the document over the coming weeks before voting on its adoption.
Of the total budget, $269 million would be collected through property taxes, the same levy as last year.
“This document represents our effort to provide the best possible government in the most cost-effective manner to the taxpayer,” Mr. Hughes said. “The ongoing pandemic has tested us as never before. While we may have changed the way we deliver some services, I am proud of the fact that we have continued to provide resources our residents expect, and I applaud the creativity of our county workforce, including this board, for their flexibility.”
A resident’s actual tax rate will rise or fall depending on his or her municipality once the county rate is equalized to reflect the difference between municipal property assessments and property market values.
The budget proposes that $6.5 million of the County’s surplus be used, leaving a $33 million balance, along with $22 million from the federal American Rescue Plan fund to “help offset the enormous expenditures incurred during the unprecedented pandemic response,” Mr. Hughes said. The spending plan “reflects our continued response to the challenges brought by the pandemic and the toll it has taken on the health of our residents, as well as our county finances, and as a result of our responsible planning, we can propose a budget that is considerate of our taxpayers and offers relief by holding the line,” Mr. Hughes added.
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes File Photo Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes File Photo
Free tax preparation assistance available in Mercer County
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)— Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes reminds residents that many sites throughout Mercer County offer free income tax preparation assistance to help them prepare and file their 2021 taxes. The deadline for filing 2021 tax returns for both state and federal taxes is April 18, 2022. Below is a list of sites where free income tax preparation assistance is being provided to qualified individuals. Call the site for required paperwork.
AARP Tax-Aide program sites in Mercer County
The AARP Foundation provides Tax-Aides to assist people with low to moderate incomes with 2018 tax preparation at Mercer County Connection, libraries and other sites. For more information, including a list of documents to bring to the Tax-Aide site, visit www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/.
Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing Wednesdays, 1:30 to 5 p.m. Appointment necessary; call (609) 882-3148.
Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Ave., Lawrence Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointment necessary; call (609) 882-9246.
Lawrence Senior Center, 30 East Darrah Lane, Lawrence Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointment necessary; call (609) 844-7048. Seniors preferred.
Mercer County Connection, through United Way, 957 Route 33 (Acme shopping center), Hamilton Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Appointment necessary; call (609) 890-9800. Mercer County residents only.
Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton Mondays, 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointment necessary; call (609) 924-9529, ext.1220
Princeton Senior Resource Center, 45 Stockton St., Princeton Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Appointment necessary; call (609) 924-7108.
RWJ Fitness and Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointment necessary; call (609) 584-5900.
West Windsor Senior Center, 271 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointment necessary; call (609) 799-9068.
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sites in Mercer County
The VITA Program generally offers free tax help to people who make $54,000 or less, people with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in local communities. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.
Boys & Girls Club of Trenton, 212 Centre St., Trenton Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, noon. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins welcome; call (609) 392-3191 for required paperwork.
Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County, 1040 Spruce St., Lawrence Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, noon. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins welcome; call (609) 392-3191 for required paperwork.
Catholic Charities of Trenton, 39 North Clinton Ave, Building 1, Side Door, Trenton Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, noon to 3 p.m. Walk-ins welcome; call (609) 394-5181 for required paperwork.
United Way of Greater Mercer County, 3150 Brunswick Pike, Crossroads Corporate Center, Suite 230, Lawrence Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5 to 8 p.m., Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon, and Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m. Appointment required; call (609) 896-1912, for required paperwork.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Trooper Brandi Slota from The New Jersey State Police, Public Information Unit told MidJersey.News that Troopers responded to a multi motor vehicle crash on the New Jersey Turnpike southbound outer lane at milepost 65.5 in East Windsor Twp at approximately 6:28 a.m. The preliminary investigation revealed that a Freightliner tractor semi-trailer was traveling south on the New Jersey Turnpike outer Roadway in East Windsor Township, Mercer County. A Nissan Rogue was traveling south, directly behind the Freightliner. A second Freightliner tractor semi-trailer was disabled on the right shoulder of the roadway. In the area of milepost 65.5, the front of the Nissan collided with the rear of the first Freightliner traveling directly in front of it and subsequently the rear of the second Freightliner disabled on the right shoulder. As a result, the driver of the Nissan, identified as Peter J. Pascalli Jr., 23, of Iselin sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital.
This morning’s breaking news story here:
February 7, 2022
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A serious crash occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike in the area of mile post 65.5 south bound outer lanes around 6:37 a.m. It appears that a car rear ended a tractor trailer, and one was entrapped in the wreckage. Firefighters from Robbinsville Township Fire Department and Hightstown Fire Company extricated the occupant of the vehicle in about 30 minutes. Tow truck operators from Treats Garage – Mackey’s Towing in the Windsor Section of Robbinsville helped use their truck to pull the car back enough to help in the extrication. Robbinsville EMS, Cranbury EMS and Hightstown EMS along with Captial Health Paramedics were also on scene. There were reports that NJSP escorted the ambulance to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. NJ State Police are investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A serious crash occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike in the area of mile post 65.5 south bound outer lanes around 6:37 a.m. It appears that a car rear ended a tractor trailer, and one was entrapped in the wreckage. Firefighters from Robbinsville Township Fire Department and Hightstown Fire Company extricated the occupant of the vehicle in about 30 minutes. Tow truck operators from Treats Garage – Mackey’s Towing in the Windsor Section of Robbinsville helped use their truck to pull the car back enough to help in the extrication. Robbinsville EMS, Cranbury EMS and Hightstown EMS along with Captial Health Paramedics were also on scene. There were reports that NJSP escorted the ambulance to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. NJ State Police are investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—According to an Affidavit of Probable Cause obtained by MidJersey.news The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from KIK regarding the distribution of child pornography and generated a cybertip report where a user utilized KIK to upload three files containing child pornography. After reviewing the cypertip an IP Address 73.193.229.70 was located with a physical address in the 600 Block of Ithaca Place in East Windsor.
On January 27, 2022, officers executed a search warrant at the residence on Ithaca Place in East Windsor, NJ. While executing the search warrant, Mitchell B Richtman, 31, was located in the residence. Officers located and seized several electronic devices belonging to Richtman, according to the affidavit.
Police stated in the affidavit that while previewing the seized electronic devices detectives located a combination of between approximately 1,000 and 100,000 images and video files containing child sexual abuse material.
Additionally, while previewing the seized electronic devices, detectives located approximately twenty-one (21) videos depicting Mitchell Richtman performing fellatio on a horse, as reported in the Affidavit of Probable Cause.
The document also shows Richtman was charged with, knowingly possessing or knowingly view or knowingly have under his control, though any means including the Internet, between 1,000 and 100,000 items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child in violation of N.J.S.2C:24-4B (5) (B) (II) which is a Second Degree Crime.
Richtman was also charged with knowingly use an animal in a sexual manner, and/or did initiate sexual contact on an animal specifically by performing fellatio on a horse, in violation of N.J.S. 4:22-17C(4) which is a Fourth Degree Crime.
The Affidavit of Probable Cause is signed by Detective Minnick
According to a search of the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry Mitchell B. Richtman is a Tier 2-Moderate Risk offender and was convicted on October 12, 2005 for 2C:24-4A – Endanger Welfare of Children in Mercer County.
Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ, is charged with second-degree possession of child pornography and fourth-degree animal cruelty. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Richtman pending trial.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The National Westher Service confirmed Blizzard Conditions along the entire coastal strip of New Jersey from Cape May to Sandy Hook, NJ during the Nor’easter of January 28 and 29, 2022. A blizzard is defined as three or more hours of visibility reductions to one quarter mile or less due to falling or blowing snow, and sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater. Shore areas received 11 to 21 inches of snow reported.
Moving further west inland towards Trenton areas of Western Monmouth, Western Ocean, and Western Burlington and Mercer County received around 9 to 10 inches of snow. Further north in the areas north of our reporting area such as Hunterdon, Warren, Morris, Passaic and Sussex Counties received 2.1 to 5.6 inches of snow.
Jersey Shore Fire Response Live Video from January 29, 2022Robbinsville-Allentown area received around 9 inches of snow. Robbinsville Town Center and Foxmoor Area on January 30, 2022Allentown Mill Pond on January 30, 2022Assunpink Lake in Upper Freehold Township, NJ on January 30, 2022Hamilton Township, NJ January 30, 2022East Windsor Township, NJ January 30, 2022Hightstown, NJ January 30, 2022
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Just before 9:00 a.m. Hightstown Fire Company was dispatched to the 100 Block of Franklin Street for a house fire. Hightstown Police arrived and confirmed that there was a fire in the basement and extending to the second floor. Additional fire departments were dispatched including East Windsor 1 & 2, Monroe Township, Robbinsville, and Cranbury to the scene. There were reported frozen fire hydrants in the area and a tanker was called to the scene for additional water.
No additional information is available at this time.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 11:00 a.m. the Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Hightstown Fire Company, RWJ EMS and Robbinsville EMS were dispatched to mile post 64.4 south bound outer roadway for an accident with reported entrapment. RWJ EMS and Hightstown Fire Company Rescue 41 arrived and treated the occupants of the vehicle. It appeared that there were non-lifethreating injuries and it was unclear if anyone was transported from the scene to a local hospital. No further details are available at this time. NJ State Police was on scene investigating the accident. There were no traffic delays due to the crash.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown Police, Hightstown Fire Company, and Robbinsville EMS responded to Mercer Street between South Street and Academy Streets for a car that hit a parked car around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, December 8. The driver of the vehicle was treated by EMS responders and transported by EMS to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. Hightstown Fire Company responded for reports of wires down but upon arrival it was phone and cable wires across the roadway. Hightstown Police are investigating the crash.
UPDATE: Police say that the subject was Adlai Barber, a 32-year-old male of Panama City, Florida; the subject was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. Subject remained in the custody of the hospital pending court.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to an end, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office would like to remind the community that we are here to help. Domestic violence transcends all boundaries: age, gender, race, ethnic, geographical, economic and sexual orientation. Applications for temporary restraining orders are available Monday through Friday during business hours at the Mercer County Civil Courthouse located at 175 South Broad Street in Trenton. After business hours and on weekends, TRO applications can be made at your local police department. Our Office of Victim Witness Advocacy is here to assist you at (609) 989-6428. If you are in imminent danger or an emergency situation, always call 9-1-1.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried and Hightstown Borough Mayor Lawrence D. Quattrone are proud to announce a historic shared services agreement to construct a new police station and court on the site of the current Robbinsville Township Municipal Complex at 1117 Route 130.
The new facility will house both the Robbinsville and Hightstown Police Department headquarters and each town’s municipal court. The existing and outdated Robbinsville/Hightstown Municipal Court trailer will be permanently closed and removed from the site.
“Making sure our respective police departments and shared municipal court have the best facilities and every tool possible to perform their duties to the best of their abilities is of paramount importance to both Mayor Quattrone and all of us here in Robbinsville,” Robbinsville Mayor and Director of Public Safety Dave Fried said. “This is a historic agreement between two neighbors which have the utmost respect for each other and their constituents.”
The shared services agreement is for an initial term of 50 years, with a mutual option to extend the agreement for an additional 50 years. Each municipality will pay its share of the costs to construct the facility (approximately $9.8 million) based upon each municipality’s proportional use of the facility’s square footage. The municipalities will share utility costs in the same proportion as the construction costs.
The Robbinsville and Hightstown Police Departments will each occupy their own dedicated space within the new facility and remain separate and distinct departments. Additionally, the Hightstown Police Department will operate a sub-station located in the new municipal complex building at 230 Mercer Street in Hightstown and will continue to maintain the same 24/7 police coverage within the Borough of Hightstown that it currently provides.
“We have shared our court and jail cells with Robbinsville for several years, so expanding the partnership further by sharing a police station is a natural fit,” Hightstown Mayor Quattrone said. “Not only do our hardworking police benefit from the new state-of-the-art facilities, but our residents will continue to receive the same response and dedicated service from the officers they respect and love.”
The Robbinsville and Hightstown Municipal Courts will continue to operate in the new facility under its existing agreement to share facilities, employees, equipment and supplies. This new shared services agreement will not change each municipality’s status as separate and distinct municipal courts.
Ground-breaking for the new police and court facility is scheduled for 2022 and construction is expected to take approximately 12 months.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth County jury has returned guilty verdicts on all charges against a Hightstown man who fatally shot a Freehold woman as she drove along on a state highway three years ago, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.
Kader Mustafa, 40, was convicted of first-degree Murder, second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of third-degree Endangering Another Person in connection with the killing of 24-year-old Sciasia Calhoun.
Shortly before 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018, members of the Freehold Township Police Department responded to a 911 call originating from a vehicle stopped along Route 33 West near the exit ramp for Halls Mill Road. At that location, officers found three occupants of the vehicle, a 1997 Mazda Protégé: Calhoun, having sustained a single gunshot wound to the head, and her boyfriend and her 1-year-old daughter, both of whom were not physically harmed.
Calhoun was rushed by Freehold First Aid, with the assistance of Monmouth-Ocean Hospital Service Corporation (MONOC), to nearby CentraState Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead approximately one hour later.
An intensive investigation by the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau, greatly assisted by the Freehold Township and Manalapan police departments, revealed that Mustafa was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Impala when he fired a single shot at Calhoun, after several minutes of following her vehicle and flashing his high beams. Mustafa was apprehended in Manalapan in the area of Oakland Mills Road at approximately 8:10 a.m. the morning after the shooting, when two handguns were recovered from the vehicle.
Tuesday’s verdict was delivered following a multi-week trial before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano Jr. Representing the State during the proceedings was Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Investigation Division Director and Assistant Prosecutor John Loughrey.
“This was a chilling, senseless crime, committed against a total stranger in the dead of night, in front of the victim’s horrified boyfriend and young child,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “We thank the jury for their service and are deeply gratified to know that while today’s verdict can’t bring Sciasia Calhoun back, this defendant will be kept off the streets and brought to justice for his actions.”
Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 7, 2022. Mustafa is facing a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of life in state prison, with a 30-year period of parole ineligibility.
Kader Mustafa, 40, Hightstown Kader Mustafa, 40, was convicted of first-degree Murder, second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of third-degree Endangering Another Person in connection with the killing of 24-year-old Sciasia Calhoun.
Weekdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; weekends 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at Hollowbrook Center
September 14, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–
TRENTON – Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Mercer County has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Hollowbrook Community Center, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing Township, to assist any Mercer County residents or businesses whose property was damaged in the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The DRC is open starting today, Sept. 14 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sunday. Residents do not need to schedule an appointment to visit the center, nor must they be Mercer County residents.
The DRC will be staffed by FEMA representatives who can provide information on FEMA disaster aid and answer questions. Again, the DRC is open to residents and businesses from every municipality in Mercer County, and residents from any other county that received the FEMA “Disaster” declaration.
On Sept. 10, Mercer County residents were declared eligible to register for Individual Assistance with FEMA. Residents who previously registered for assistance via the Internet or by phone do not need to visit the DRC, but can ask questions or seek further information in person at the DRC. The eligibility for FEMA Individual Assistance means residents or business owners whose properties were directly damaged by the flooding or storm events on September 1-3 can apply to recoup their losses.
What is a Disaster Recovery Center?
A DRC is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where applicants may go for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or for questions related to a specific case.
Some of the services that a DRC may provide:
Guidance regarding disaster recovery
Clarification of any written correspondence received
Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information
Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance
Status of applications being processed by FEMA.
SBA program information if there is a SBA Representative at the Disaster Recovery Center site.
Affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or registering by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
The toll-free numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time Monday through Sunday, and applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information such as their name, the name of the business, address, phone number, insurance coverage, and other information to help substantiate losses.
Individual Assistance, if awarded, can cover reimbursement for a variety of storm-related expenses.
These include, but are not limited to: rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are uninhabitable; grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance; low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance; loans for small businesses that suffered disaster-related cash flow problems; and loans for farmers and other agriculture operators to cover property loss.
Additionally, mall businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in Mercer County are eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration. For more information, visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.
Residents in need of assistance with damage from Tropical Storm Ida may call a Home Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations and community groups that may be able to assist with cutting fallen trees, removing drywall, flooring and appliances, tarping roofs and mitigating mold.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Executive, Brian M. Hughes said, It’s hard to believe it’s been two decades since the terrorist attacks that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Tragically, we’ve lost many more since; heroic first responders and others who spent weeks and months working at Ground Zero, and who have since died from cancer or respiratory illness.
While 20 years may seem like a long time, we continue to mourn the loss of innocent life on that fateful day. In Mercer County, many residents lost loved ones and friends, and continue to bear the scars of having their lives changed forever by senseless violence. So, every year on this date, we honor the victims of September 11 by coming together in solemn remembrance, quiet reflection and in service.
But honoring their memory isn’t limited to a formal ceremony on or near the anniversary date.
The County’s September 11 Memorial – which opened in Mercer County Park in West Windsor on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 – was designed to be a special place where people can go for solace and comfort 365 days a year. I encourage everyone to visit that memorial when the time is right for you, to spend a few moments in quiet reflection and remembrance.
And most importantly, each and every day, we can honor the memory of the victims of September 11 by embracing peace and hope, and not losing sight of the principles on which America stands, such as tolerance, inclusion and caring. Each and every day, we can honor their memory by celebrating our oneness as a nation and our unity in the face of adversity.
September 11 Events Throughout Mercer County
8 a.m., New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; 101 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrence Township.
8:30 a.m., Lawrence Township 9/11 Memorial Ceremony; Memorial Park, Pilla Avenue, Lawrence Township.
9:45 a.m., Robbinsville Professional Firefighters Association will conduct its 20th annual ceremony at the 9/11 memorial site on Lake Drive.
10 a.m., Hamilton Township September 11th 20th Anniversary Ceremony; Memorial Grove, Veterans Park, Klockner Road Entrance, Hamilton.
10 a.m., East Windsor Township 9/11 Program & Wreath Laying Ceremony, East Windsor Municipal Building, Lanning Blvd.
11 a.m., Hopewell Valley 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Woolsey Park, presented by the Sept. 11th & Emergency Services Memorial Committee.
12 noon, Princeton’s 9/11 Memorial Dedication, 2 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, in front of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad. The 9/11 Committee will dedicate a permanent memorial containing an 8-foot piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center.
7 p.m., West Windsor Township 9/11 “20th Anniversary” Ceremony; Twin Ponds Memorial at the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum, intersection of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown Road.
Flash flooding from Tropical Storm Ida’s heavy rains flooded roadways and many homes as creeks and rivers overflowed. Many people were caught in their vehicles in the raging flood waters and 23 New Jerseyans have lost their life to this storm according to Governor Phil Murphy. The National Weather Service has confirmed 7 tornados, in NJ and PA so far.
Video Hamilton Township Sweetbriar Avenue and Whitehead Road area:
Video by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response
“As Mercer County begins to fully grasp and assess the destruction caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, I wish to thank the heroic first responders, the police, firefighters, EMTs, emergency workers and public works professionals, who worked throughout the day and night to save lives. The courage and commitment our first responders have displayed throughout this crisis is awe-inspiring and appreciated.
It is with great sadness that I report that despite the countless rescues that took place overnight, we know that at least two Mercer County souls have been lost.
To our residents who have been displaced from their homes or who have lost property, Mercer County is here to assist you. For those who made it through the storm without harm, I encourage you to check on the well-being of your friends and neighbors and to offer comfort in any way you can.
Finally, I also wish to thank Gov. Phil Murphy for his quick action in declaring a State of Emergency in New Jersey, which will allow Mercer County to seek federal reimbursement for its disaster response and help us begin to pick up the pieces and recover.” — Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes
Princeton: Due to the heavy rainfall last night, Princeton experienced severe flooding and numerous roadways were closed as a result. At approximately 11:43 PM, PPD, PFARS and PFD were dispatched for a swift water rescue on Rosedale Rd. near the Johnson Park School. All responding personnel made efforts to rescue the stranded motorist, who was identified as a 58 year-old Princeton resident. While rescue efforts were attempted, the motorist climbed onto the roof of his vehicle as the water continued to rise at a rapid rate. Due to the unsafe water level and dangerous current rescue efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, requests were made for the NJSP aviation unit to respond and assist. At 4:08 AM the victim was successfully hoisted into the helicopter and flown to Trenton Mercer Airport for evaluation. Mutual aid was received by Lawrenceville Fire Co., Princeton Junction Fire Co., Hamilton Fire Dept., Trenton Fire Dept. and the Pennsauken FD High Water Truck.
During the aforementioned rescue, a second motorist became stranded with high rising waters on Rt. 206 in the area of Quaker Rd. The resident was identified at 30 year-old Montgomery resident. The PPD, PFARS and PFD all responded. The swift moving water flooded the roadway and began to flood the motorist’s vehicle, forcing the driver to escape onto the roof of the vehicle while emergency rescue efforts were made. The Trenton FD responded with a ladder truck, which drove into the flooded roadway and extended its 100 ft ladder, which was used to rescue the motorist.
Nottingham Way
Hamilton Township Sweetbriar Avenue and Whitehead Road area.
Governor Phil Murphy Meeting with state emergency management officials at the Statewide Traffic Management Center in Woodbridge to discuss Tropical Storm Ida response and recovery. Your safety is our top priority, and we’re working around the clock to clean the state up and restore power. Governors Office photos.
...7 CONFIRMED TORNADOES SO FAR...
...DAMAGE SURVEYS CONTINUE...
.Update...Update to include survey results for Harrisonville-Mullica Hill-
Deptford tornado.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, NJ continues
to conduct several storm surveys this afternoon. The surveys are
in relation to the severe thunderstorms that moved through the
area on September 1, 2021.
Some Preliminary Tornado Information...
1) Mullica Hill, NJ area (Gloucester County): Confirmed EF-3 with
estimated peak winds up to 150 mph tornado.
2) Fort Washington/Upper Dublin Twp to Horsham Twp, PA
(Montgomery County): Confirmed EF-2 with estimated peak winds up
to 130 mph.
3) Edgewater Park, NJ (Burlington County) to Bristol, PA (Bucks
County): Confirmed EF-1 with estimated peak winds up to 90 mph.
4) Oxford, PA (Chester County): Confirmed tornado.
5) Buckingham Twp, PA (Bucks County): Confirmed EF-1 with
estimated peak winds up to 100 mph.
6) Princeton, NJ (Mercer County): Confirmed EF-0 with estimated
peak winds up to 75 mph.
7) Upper Makefield Township, PA (Bucks County): Confirmed tornado.
Additional information, as it becomes available, will be sent via
Public Information Statements and also posted on our social media
platforms.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The remnants of Hurricane Ida created major flash flooding last evening and overnight. The heavy rain started around 5 PM and by 11:30 PM over 8 inches of rain had fallen in the Township. In the twelve hours after the heavy rain began to fall, there were 125 calls for police, fire, and EMS service. Two families who were trapped in vehicles were rescued by firefighters and briefly sheltered at police headquarters. There were no serious injuries as a result of the storm. As of 3 PM Thursday all roads have been cleared of floodwaters with the exception of Route 27 at the Princeton border. Here are some of the numbers from the storm –
TOTAL CALLS – 125
WATER RESCUES – 15 people
Between 8:30 PM and 11:45 PM Wednesday night, firefighters rescued 15 people from vehicles stuck in flash floodwaters around the Township. Here are the locations the rescues occurred at –
Kendall Park Fire Department – Route 1, Oakey Drive, Hawthorne Road, Shelly Road
Monmouth Junction Fire Department – Route 130, Major Road, Blackhorse Lane
Kingston Fire Department – Route 1, Mapleton Road, Raymond Road
MOTORIST ASSIST IN HIGH WATER CALLS – 51
TOTAL CARS TOWED FROM FLOODED ROADS – 33
ROADS STILL CLOSED – 1 (Route 27 / Princeton Border)
FLOODED BASEMENT CALLS – 11
South Brunswick Office of Emergency Management Director and Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “I want to thank all the police officers and firefighters who risked going into flooded waters to get people to safety. The flash flooding created life-threatening conditions in minutes. The conditions yesterday deteriorated rapidly last evening and too many people ventured out onto the roads. The property damage left behind will be cleaned up in the coming days, but we must all remember to stay off roads when flash flooding is present.”
Our fire departments – Monmouth Junction, Kendall Park, and Kingston have done tons of water rescues tonight. They have done amazing work. Look how high the water is on the fire truck. pic.twitter.com/gUzcUQKsEV
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO EMERGENCY for the following areas:
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
713 PM EDT Wed Sep 1 2021
NJC005-021-PAC017-012330-
/O.CON.KPHI.TO.W.0049.000000T0000Z-210901T2330Z/
Mercer NJ-Burlington NJ-Bucks PA-
713 PM EDT Wed Sep 1 2021
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 730 PM EDT FOR CENTRAL
MERCER...NORTH CENTRAL BURLINGTON AND SOUTHEASTERN BUCKS COUNTIES...
At 712 PM EDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was
located over Tullytown, or near Trenton, moving northeast at 40 mph.
This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...NWS employee confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may
be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes
will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes,
businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction
is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Trenton, Ewing, Florence, Bristol, Bordentown, Pennington, Yardley,
Tullytown, Edinburg, White Horse, Windsor, Florence-Roebling,
Mercerville-Hamilton Square, Levittown, Lawrenceville, Woodside,
Morrisville, Penndel, Langhorne Manor and Hulmeville.
This includes the following highways...
New Jersey Turnpike near exit 6A.
Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 356 and 359.
Interstate 195 in New Jersey between mile markers 0 and 5.
Interstate 295 in New Jersey between mile markers 58 and 76.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is occurring. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 4009 7480 4014 7492 4037 7482 4025 7454
4021 7461
TIME...MOT...LOC 2312Z 213DEG 35KT 4016 7481
TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 8:30 p.m. last night August 23, the Robbinsville Township Fire Department and Hightstown Fire Department were dispatched to a vehicle fire at mile marker 65 north bound inner roadway. Radio reports say that a vehicle traveling north in the outer roadway crashed and overturned and ended up in the inner roadway and burst into flames. When firefighters arrived they found a vehicle fully involved at mile marker 65 and quickly extinguished the fire. Ambulances from Robbinsville Township and Hightstown First Aid Squad transported accident victims for what appeared to be minor injuries to local hospitals. No further information is available at this time.
Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Henri flooded the area overnight with up to eight inches of rain in the Central New Jersey area. Many people traveling on flooded roadways were trapped in the vehicles and needed to be rescued.
Hightstown Fire Company reported responding to at least 10 incidents with the majority being water rescues. Hightstown firefighters rescued eight civilians who were trapped in their vehicles or relocated to the roof of their vehicles due to flood waters.
The National Weather Service reported that 4 to 8 inches of rain fell from the storm and that Middlesex and Mercer Counties were particular hard hit.
[9:12 AM] Torrential rain across portions of the region, mostly focused in central NJ. 4-8 inches of rain has been reported in several counties, with Middlesex and Mercer counties particularly hard hit with some evacuations occurring. DO NOT drive through flooded roadways! #njwxpic.twitter.com/fX5CrvHmXD
Tropical Depression #Henri Advisory 28A: Henri Weakening But Still Expected to Produce Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Across Portions of Southern New England and The Northern Mid-Atlantic States Through Monday. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
Runway is flooded at Trenton Robbinsville Airport N87 this morning
Sections of Route 130 was closed in several areas for flooding, East Windsor, Cranbury, South Brunswick until floodwaters receded.
Flooding in the area of Cranbury-South River Road and CR614 Dey Road, several cars were submerged and local fire departments made rescues earlier in the morning. A house and business was flooded near the location.
Flooding in the area of Cranbury-South River Road and CR614 Dey Road, several cars were submerged and local fire departments made rescues earlier in the morning. A house and business was flooded near the location.
Flooding in Jamesburg, NJ at the Lake Manalapan dam at West Railroad Avenue.
A Helmetta Public Works truck responds to flood waters and adds and resets cones blocking the road the many cars were going around and though the flood waters.
Flooding on Cranbury South River Road in South Brunswick near NJ Turnpike Exit 8A
A car stalled from flooding on Route 130 is being towed by Georges Garage at the Cranbury Township, South Brunswick Township border.
Flooding from Henri in Plainsboro, NJ August 22, 2021
Flooding in Cranbury, NJ from Heri on August 22, 2021
Flooding in the Main Street Cranbury Area from Henri, August 22, 2021
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–America’s 911 Ride came though Hightstown yesterday afternoon on their way to New York City. This year the motorcycle ride is remembering the 20th anniversary of 911. The ride starts at the Pentagon in Arlington-Washington, D.C., proceeds to the memorial at Shanksville, PA and ends in New York City at the World Trade Center site.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–MidJersey.News was able to capture possible tornadic activity in the area of Old York Road and the NJ Turnpike. The clouds with rotation indicating a possible tornado was spotted behind the Field Of Terror off of Windsor Prineville Road as it moved toward Millstone Township. Further down the road the tornadic activity crossed Winsor Prineville Road towards Roosevelt and Clarksburg.
Just prior to the possible tornado spotting there were reports of damage to a building on Route 130 in Robbinsville and wires down near Gordon Road, Perrineville Road and Allen’s Road.
Several people were stuck in vehicles around the area including Mercer Street Hightstown, Main Street Hightstown, One Mile Road East Windsor, Route 571 East and West Windsor.
MidJersey.News will be out in the morning to check for damage in the areas where the possible tornado was spotted. This is the same area where the NWS reported the rotation.
Clouds with rotation spotted from Old York Road near the NJ Turnpike and seen here behind the Field of Terror off Perrineville Road this evening.
Several cars were stuck on Mercer Street in Hightstown and were being towed from the flood waters by the Post Office.
Cars stuck on One Mile Road being towed from the flood waters.
Some cars stalled out and some made it though the flood waters in East Windsor between Burger King and Wendy’s near the Colinade Motel on Route 130. Route 130 north bound was closed shortly after these photos were taken.
National Weather Service Mount Holly products showing tornado warnings in the area.
Tornado Warning including West Freehold NJ, Freehold NJ, Twin Rivers NJ until 7:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/QqqrvqWxAi
7 PM Thursday Update: There remain two tornadic storms in the area. One is on the NE Philly/Bucks County line moving SE, another is in SW Mercer County moving into Western Monmouth and northern Ocean Counties. For the latest info: https://t.co/LgidMYSCqNpic.twitter.com/V16SeTQuCi
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown Police were investigating a 9-1-1 call earlier for a missing teenager. It escalated around 5:50 p.m. when the Hightstown Fire Company was dispatched to the Peddie Lake in the area of Main Street for a “water rescue” due to the nature of the call mutual aid was dispatched from several area fire departments and rescue squads.
The search concentrated around the Peddie Lake Bridge on East Ward Street. Hightstown Police and Peddie Security searched the area and the banks of the lake and the school campus. Fire Departments deployed boats to search the area of the bridge. The Mercer County Sherriff’s Office searched with their drone.
After approximately a two hour search with boats, divers, drones and by foot along the lake nothing was found at the lake. The search was called off just before dark.
Responding departments include: Hightstown Fire Company, Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Plainsboro Fire Department, Trenton Fire Department, Hamilton Township Fire Department, West Windsor Fire Company, East Windsor Fire Company, Hightstown EMS, Robbinsville EMS, East Windsor EMS, Signal 22 and others.
Hightstown Police are continuing the investigation.
Update: Hightstown Police say they are investigating this as a false call. The investigation is still active and when more information becomes available they will let us know.
