Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Daniel Plumacker of the Sayreville Police Department announced today that John Denuto, 46, of Spotswood pled guilty to Endangering the Welfare of a Child and other offenses on Friday, April 14, 2023.
Denuto, a former special education teacher at the Sayreville Middle School and former wrestling coach at numerous other schools and organizations who exploited his position as both a teacher and a wrestling coach to meet and abuse his victims was initially arrested on February 15, 2020. An investigation by the Sayreville Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined Denuto had criminal sexual contact with a juvenile and he possessed child sexual exploitive materials that he had created by filming and photographing the previous mentioned juvenile. Further investigation revealed Denuto was in possession of additional sexual exploitive material of unidentified individuals.
On April 22, 2021, Denuto was indicted on one count of first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, three counts of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, eight counts of third-degree Invasion of Privacy, six counts of third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, six counts of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, two counts of third-degree Witness Tampering, and one count of third-degree Hindering His Own Apprehension.
On Friday April 14, 2023, Denuto pled before the Honorable Benjamin
S. Bucca, J.S.C., to one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, one count of third-degree Endangering and one count of fourth-degree Invasion of Privacy. He is subject to a sentence of seven years and will be on parole supervision for life and must register under Megan’s Law. Denuto is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Benjamin S. Bucca, J.S.C., on September 8, 2023.
Below is a list of schools, organizations, and clubs that the investigation revealed Denuto to be associated with:
Rhino’s Wrestling Club – Morganville
CJA Wrestling Club – East Brunswick
Pennsville High School – Pennsville
Raritan High School – Hazlet Township
Saint John Vianney – Holmdel
Sayreville Middle School – Sayreville
Sayreville High School – Sayreville
Middletown North High School – Middletown Township
Monroe High School – Monroe
Peddie High School – Hightstown
South Brunswick High School – South Brunswick Saint Joseph High School – Montvale
Union County College – Cranford
Camden Catholic High School – Cherry Hill Johnson High School – Clark
St. Thomas Aquinas High School (formerly Bishop Ahr HS) – Edison
Woodbridge High School – Woodbridge
7th & 8th Woodbridge Recreation Program – Woodbridge
7th & 8th Grade Old Bridge Recreation Program – Old Bridge Piscataway High School – Piscataway
Spotswood High School – Spotswood
Freehold Boro High School – Freehold Borough
In a separate prosecution, Denuto was adjudicated delinquent on May 20, 2022, for crimes which, if committed by an adult, would constitute two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault. Denuto was the subject of a dispositional hearing on October 21, 2022, which resulted in his commitment by the Honorable Deborah J. Venezia to the care and control of the Acting Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission for an aggregate term of four years.
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri wants to warn the public of a telephone scam where a caller falsely claimed to be a law enforcement Officer employed by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
On April 20, 2023, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Cyber Crimes Unit, was contacted by the Cranbury Township Police Department in Middlesex County and advised that a victim reported that they received a call from a number purporting to be the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the caller falsely claimed to be “Sergeant Whitlock” with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The scammer claimed the resident had a warrant for their arrest and directed the victim to drive to a drugstore to purchase gift cards.
As a reminder, law enforcement will never ask for payment of any type over the phone, nor will they ask for personal identifying information that could be used for fraudulent purposes. Law enforcement, government agencies, and courts will never ask you to pay by unusual methods, such as gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
Scammers often research their potential victims on the internet and social media. Scammers will call and deceive their victims into thinking the callers are law enforcement officers, prosecutors or police employees. Scammers may spoof a law enforcement telephone number, falsely showing on the victim’s caller ID. Spoofed phone numbers are typically done through a VPN (Virtual Private Network) making it difficult for law enforcement to track the actual caller. The scammers may threaten their victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
Should you receive a call from a police department within Mercer County and/or the Prosecutor’s Office, please confirm with whom you are speaking. If you believe you received a scam telephone call, hang up and call the main phone number to the police department or Prosecutor’s Office (609-989-6351). If legitimate, you’ll be connected with a Police Dispatcher or receptionist who can verify the caller’s identity. Report any scam calls to your local law enforcement agency.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters from Hightstown and Robbinsville responded to a vehicle fire just south of New Jersey Turnpike Exit 8 at mile post 66.5 south bound inner roadway for a car fully engulfed in flames at 11:01 a.m. Firefighters arrived and found a van well involved in fire and quickly extinguished the fire. Traffic at the time of the fire had a 1 mile delay according to Google Maps. No additional information is available.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown Engine Company # 1 announced the passing of Past President , Chief , and Life Member Neal M. Glackin. Neal has over 50 years of service with the fire department and has held every fire line position, multiple executive line positions, chaired multiple committees, built numerous apparatus and served as the past two years as company President.
Neal was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Msgr. Crean Div. 1, having served as a parade marshal of the Trenton/Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day for the past 37 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and a longtime member of Hightstown/East Windsor Lions Club and the Hightstown American Legion. Neal was very instrumental each year in organizing the Youth Fishing Derby at Peddie Lake.
Neal was also a supporter of MidJersey.news for covering local news and Hightstown.
See statement from Hightstown Engine Company #1 and obituary below:
It is with heavy hearts that the Hightstown Engine Company # 1 announces the passing of Past President , Chief , and Life Member Neal M. Glackin badge # 196.
Brother Neal was a pillar not only in the firehouse but within the community. In his 50 plus years of service Neal has held every Fire line position, multiple executive line positions, built numerous apparatus, chaired multiple committees and for the last two (2) has lead the company as our president.
Weekend mornings you would find him at the Hightstown diner getting the town news and later in the afternoon he would be sitting at the station reading a firehouse newspaper, watching the Fighting Irish, Jets, Yankees or sitting on the bench near his favorite piece (Engine 41) watching over his beloved Hightstown.
Neal leaves very big shoes to fill and a legacy that will live on in the Mercer County Fire Service Community. Neal may you rest easy brother, we have it from here.
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand”
Services and arrangements are as follows:
Viewing:
Sunday March 12, 2023
2pm-5pm
Firefighters Service at 5pm
Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel
136 Morrison Ave
Hightstown, NJ 08520
Funeral:
Monday March 13, 2023
10:30am Mass
St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church
156 Maxwell Ave,
Hightstown, NJ 08520
A procession will depart from St. Anthony’s to Cedar Hill Cemetery
385 Mercer St
Hightstown, NJ 08520
Neal was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Msgr. Crean Div. 1, having served as a parade marshal of the Trenton/Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day for the past 37 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and a longtime member of Hightstown/East Windsor Lions Club and the Hightstown American Legion.
Born in Plainfield, NJ, he was a lifelong resident of Hightstown. Neal was a graduate of Hightstown High School. He began his career at Glackin Funeral Home on Morrison Avenue in Hightstown, NJ, a family-owned funeral home which his late parents founded in 1957 and ended his career with Glackin/Saul Funeral Home. Neal was a life member of Hightstown Engine Co No 1. He served as Past Chief and most recently Company President. Neal was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Msgr. Crean Div. 1, having served as a parade marshal of the Trenton/Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day for the past 37 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and a longtime member of Hightstown/East Windsor Lions Club and the Hightstown American Legion. Neal was very instrumental each year in organizing the Youth Fishing Derby at Peddie Lake. He enjoyed blue fishing out of Point Pleasant, watching NASCAR races, Notre Dame Football, and New York Jets football
“J!-E!-T!-S!…………………..Jets, Jets, Jets”.
Son of the late William F. and Patricia Glackin; he is survived by his daughter Samantha Glackin and her husband Steve Barclay, his son Corey Glackin; his beloved grandson Liam Barclay; his former spouse and friend Elly Glackin; his sister and her fiancé Barbara Glackin and Frank Myernick, his brother and sister-in-law Timothy and Gwyn Glackin; his godson Mario Lanzetta; and a very large extended family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10:30AM at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church 251 Franklin Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520. All funeral attendees are asked to arrive to the church no later than 10:15AM.
Interment will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hightstown, NJ.
Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2-5PM at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, NJ. Fire company services will begin at 5:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hightstown Engine Co No 1, 140 N. Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520 or to Fox Chase Cancer Center http://www.foxchase.org
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is aware of a scam using letters claiming to be from a fictitious Tax Assessment Securities division of Mercer County. This is not an official notice from the Mercer County Board of Taxation.
It is believed that this is an attempt to scam residents into paying a fake tax debt. The fraudulent notice has a bold heading claiming the notice is a distraint warrant and a toll- free number listed on the letter, which may lead recipients to believe this is a legitimate piece of communication. These letters attempt to scare residents to respond by stating it is a final judgmental notice and that the recipient must call within 15 days of receiving the letter to avoid enforcement and additional penalties, fees or interest.
Residents should not take any action or call the number listed on the notice.
Property owners with questions can contact the Mercer County Board of Taxation at (609) 989-6704, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email botinquiry@mercercounty.org.
The company donated $25,000 to Habitat and provided volunteers for new home construction and home repair projects in Mercer County
March 8, 2023
Hamilton, NJ – A volunteer group from Freedom Mortgage, a top mortgage lending company, lent their hearts, hands, and hammers to Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey to build and repair homes for local women in need of a safe place to call home. Their work in the community was part of Habitat’s “Women Build Week” and amplified by a donation of $25,000 to support Habitat SCNJ’s affordable housing initiatives.
Freedom Mortgage has been a longstanding partner of Habitat SCNJ. They not only provide financial contributions to our project, but take it a step further by coming out to our builds and putting in the dirty work, even with a crisp chill in the air and a blanket of snow covering the ground. In the past, Freedom Mortgage has supported Habitat SCNJ’s Veterans Build, so this was an exciting first for the partners as they set out to work together for Women Build Week. Volunteers focused their work on two construction sites; one, framing a new home under construction in Hightstown, and the other, refurbishing basement doors and replacing the stairs to the cellar, building a shed roof, and repairing soffits around a home in Hamilton.
“The team at Freedom Mortgage is so invested in uplifting members of the community, and we’re so glad to have them out on the work site during Women Build Week so that we may empower local women together. The impact of their volunteer and financial support will last beyond today and this event, and we are so thankful to have partners like this who help us continue our work of building homes, community, and hope,” shared Habitat SCNJ Chief Development Officer, Annie Fox.
Women Build is an annual Habitat event that seeks to empower women and help them achieve stability, security, and independence with hands-on learning experiences, financial education, affordable homeownership, and home repairs. The event invites members of the community to devote their time to help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through permanent housing solutions. Women Build takes place during the first week of March, which coincides with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8th. By spotlighting the homeownership challenges faced by women and providing opportunities for skills training and homeowner education during this time, Habitat and Women Build participants aim to send the message that every woman can empower themselves and others through learning and using construction skills.
Women Build is not just about supporting local women in their efforts to build brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones, but it’s also an opportunity to highlight local businesses that play critical roles in the communities Habitat builds in and serves women in their efforts to achieve and maintain homeownership. Companies like Freedom Mortgage amplify their own work as a mortgage lender as well as Habitat’s through their involvement in Women Build. The company’s support will bring more affordable housing opportunities to the community and provide women with pathways to move onward and upward from substandard living situations.
Be sure to connect with @HabitatSCNJ on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see photos from Freedom Mortgage’s volunteering. You can also visit http://www.HabitatSCNJ.org to learn more about Habitat’s events and services, find volunteer opportunities like Women Build, and give the gift of home to families in need.
# # #
Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey (Habitat SCNJ) is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which operates through independent, local affiliates to ensure that all functions of the organization have maximum relevance and impact on individual communities. In January 2022, the affiliate changed its name to reflect its expanded service area, which covers Burlington, Mercer, Atlantic and parts of Middlesex Counties.
You can find affordable homeownership and home repair projects from the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore, as well as ReStore locations in Egg Harbor Township, Hamilton and Maple Shade. Since its inception, the affiliate has built 286 and repaired 266 homes for low- and moderate-income families, serving 77 municipalities and over 1.1 million residents. Learn more at http://www.HabitatSCNJ.org
Family-founded and operated since 1990, Freedom Mortgage is a top mortgage lender. The company specializes in mortgages that can help people buy or refinance a home regardless of unique circumstances. The company is particularly focused on helping service members realize the American dream of homeownership. For over 30 years, Freedom Mortgage has helped millions of Americans achieve their dreams of homeownership and financial betterment. The wellbeing and improvement of their customers’ lives and the communities in which they live fuels the organization’s ambition. They’re driven by boundless stamina and an unwavering focus on continuous collaboration, relentlessly seeking the right solutions for every customer and loan every day. Learn more by visiting http://www.freedommortgage.com
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3:05 a.m. Hightstown, Cranbury and Robbinsville Fire Departments were dispatched to the New Jersey Turnpike on the Exit 8 Ramp for a truck fire. Upon arrival it was found that the tractor had disconnected from the trailer and that the rear of the flatbed trailer hauling steel rebar was well involved in fire. Firefighters stretched hose lines and extinguished the fire. There was a partial blockage of the shoulder for cleanup. No additional details are available.
Photos by: Steven Kadir
Tractor trailer fire on New Jersey Turnpike southbound exiting at Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) right shoulder blocked https://t.co/j03nBf0AJj
Tractor trailer fire on New Jersey Turnpike southbound exiting at Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) partial ramp blocked https://t.co/R9EWPljd11
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today this his Cyber Crimes Unit is investigating recent telephone scams where callers spoof the non-emergency telephone numbers for various police departments within Mercer County in an attempt to scam residents. The scammers falsely claim the resident has a warrant for their arrest. As a reminder, law enforcement will never ask for payment of any type over the phone nor will they ask for personal identifying information that could be used for fraudulent purposes. Law enforcement and government agencies will also never ask you to pay by unusual methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
Scammers research potential victims on the internet and social media. Then they call and deceive their victims into thinking the callers are law enforcement officers, prosecutors or police employees. Scammers may spoof a law enforcement telephone number, falsely showing on the victim’s caller ID. They threaten victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
Should you receive a call from a police department within Mercer County or the Prosecutor’s Office, please confirm who you are speaking with. If you believe you received a scam telephone call, hang up and call the number back. If the call is legitimate, you’ll be connected with a police dispatcher or receptionist who can verify the caller’s identity. Report any scam calls to your local law enforcement agency. Please share this message with your family and friends, especially the elderly, to help prevent phone scams.
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – A fire that fully-engulfed a box truck forced police to shut down the southbound lanes of the Trenton Freeway (Route 1), between the split with Business Route 1 and Whitehead Road, for an extended period Saturday evening, Dec. 17.
It was shortly before 7:20 p.m. when township police and Mercer County Central Communications became inundated with multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting that a vehicle had crashed and was on fire. Police and township firefighters arrived to find the blazing Ford box truck sitting on its side along the guardrail that separates the highway from the rear yards of homes on Glenview Drive.
Residents of Glenview Drive gathered in their yards and watched through the trees as flames shot into the night sky and several small explosions from the vehicle’s bursting tires echoed through the neighborhood. Township firefighters extinguished the blaze. The driver and a passenger from the truck reportedly escaped from the wreckage without injury.
The cause of the accident was under investigation by Lawrence Township police.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Tonight, Hightstown Engine Company # 1 held a dedication for a memorial site in the front of the firehouse for Dave Lidke who passed away in the line of duty on December 23, 2013. The fire company color guard posted the colors, and the dedication was held at the site at 5:30 p.m. The memorial contains a bench, small patio positioned next to a small tree.
See post from Hightstown Engine Company # 1 below:
We’ve all experienced loss in different ways. As we continue to move forward we cannot forget the one’s we’ve loved and lost. This is the purpose of a memorial. It’s a subtle but constant reminder celebrating the heroic lives of ordinary people. When you sit and reflect on the bench that has been added to the front of the firehouse you are paying homage to those who have come before us and paved the way.
The bench and small patio are neatly positioned next to a beautiful small tree. This tree is a memorial to our dear friend Dave Lidke who sadly passed away in the line of duty on December 23rd, 2013. It too is a memorial, albeit a living one, meant to carry forward the spirit of a man for whom that tree represents.
The bench is made of stone, it’s a rock. That’s what the fire department has always been thanks to those who have come before us. The tree is full of life and growth that’s what we will continue to be within this community.
Here’s to what was and what will always be.
It would be a sincere and much appreciated gesture to have many of you with us today at 5:30pm when we dedicate this new memorial space. We want to be surrounded by the community we love to serve as we conduct this brief ceremony.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In the wake of numerous issues with voting and counting on Election Day, challenges that are still under investigation, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is calling for a thorough public review of what went wrong and a comprehensive overhaul of the elections process in Mercer County.
“After issues in the last two elections, I have come to the conclusion that we must fundamentally change the management of the election process in Mercer County because it is clearly not working,” the County Executive said. “There are legal limits to what I can do as County Executive but rest assured that I will do everything within my power to ensure the integrity of elections in Mercer County and will tolerate nothing less.”
In Mercer County, three separate entities, the Board of Elections, the Superintendent of Elections, and the Office of the County Clerk each plays a role in elections. Board of Elections commissioners are appointed by the respective County Chairs of the Republican and Democratic Parties, the Superintendent of Elections is an appointee of the Governor, and the County Clerk is an elected position.
“I am happy that Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami-Covello requested that the County Prosecutor look into the election. But we also need a more thorough and public review. We’ve got too many people in control and the quality of our elections has suffered as a result, undermining peoples’ faith in the democratic process,” Mr. Hughes said.
Moving forward, County Executive Hughes proposes the following:
Request a special meeting of the Commissioner Board to bring together the Clerk, Superintendent and Election Board Chair explain to the public what went wrong.
Reform and simplify our election process by merging and unifying the Office of the Superintendent and the Board into one, and having an experienced Executive Director oversee our elections.
Call on legislators to enact changes that will allow Mercer County to reform our system.
Pledge any county resources needed to ensure every vote is counted and help get to the bottom of what went wrong hasten and conclude investigation.
“I pledge to you that we will get to the bottom of this and that every vote will be counted,” Mr. Hughes said. “I have listened to the people of Mercer County and have spoken with election officials, and we are committed to finding out how we can improve the election process and to prevent future incidents as the one on Election Day.”
In Mercer County, the Office of the County Executive does not supervise the Board, their offices, nor does it have jurisdiction. The board is responsible for selecting polling places, training board workers, receiving and counting vote-by-mail ballots, and counting and certifying provisional ballots. The Superintendent of Elections handles voter registration, renews registration records, investigates provisional ballots, and is the custodian of voting machines. The County Clerk designs and prints all election ballots, processes vote by mail applications, and officially certifies the election results.
File photo: Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes
File photo: Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried
Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried said in a Facebook post:
“Regarding the events of Election Day, here is what we know so far.
Either the machine scanners did not work, or the ballots were printed incorrectly and the machines did their jobs and correctly spit them out as invalid. An investigation is reportedly under way, and Robbinsville will join other elected officials across Mercer County to see that the investigation is complete and transparent.
Let me be clear: I am not blaming anyone. Honestly, I do not know how this happened. Pointing fingers without all the facts is not productive. We do know that this is the second straight year the County process did not work as it should have, and I am not happy with much of what I saw.
One of the basic tenets of our democracy is the right to vote, and that every vote will be counted.
As of today, it appears our District 5 ballots (Library) have been found after having been misplaced. That information was given directly to our Municipal Clerk Michele Seigfried from the County.
Just a quick note about our clerk’s office. Michele and her team of Deputy Clerk Kaitlyn Macellaro and Sandy DeLorenzo performed exceptionally under extremely difficult conditions this past week. I cannot thank them enough for their service to our Township. The same goes for our Administration team, led by B.A. Joy Tozzi, each of whom worked all hours of the day and night in the chaotic aftermath of Election Day.
Over in Princeton, it seems they discovered ballots still in their machines. During in-person voting on Election Day, two slots for placing ballots were used. The first was the so-called emergency slot. This was used in the early part of the day because officials had hoped the scanner problems could be fixed before polls closed. As the day went on, that emergency bin became full and the scanners were removed so the main bin could be used. They discovered Princeton’s ballots were still in some of those containers since both sides were not emptied. It also appears that the documentation of the chain of custody regarding our ballots was quite poor, allowing the ballots to be apparently misplaced for a time.
The courts have ordered all the machines returned to the Mercer County Board of Elections for inspection to ensure there are no more ballots in those machines, including the ones deployed in Robbinsville.
I DO NOT believe there was any type of fraud, and I DO NOT believe there are any conspiracies at work here. I do believe mistakes were made at a time in our nation when it can ill-afford to stumble on Election Day.
We have spent millions of dollars on these machines and ballots, and they clearly did not work as advertised. It is time to reassess and come up with a better system. Those of you who voted early did not seem to have any issues. Perhaps we need to consider moving entirely in that direction. I will be attending all upcoming Mercer County Commissioner’s meetings until we have a real and fortified plan. Together, I am hopeful we will come up with a solution. Robbinsville has no intention of paying for this process unless real change is implemented.
I have no reason to believe, even with ballots that may or may not still be out there, that our local results will change.
Thus, I sincerely congratulate our three new Board of Education members – Jeffrey Pierro, Raghu Nandan and Peter Oehlberg. I wish each of you the best of luck, and I am sorry your first election was fraught with so much turmoil.
I have always said putting your name on a ballot is one of the most difficult – but potentially rewarding things – a person can do. Although no candidate should have to wait days for results in 2022, each of you earned your rightful place among your other BOE members.
While Ballot Question #1, which sought to combine our Planning and Zoning Boards into a consolidated Land Use Board, did pass, Ballot Question #2 regarding an increase in our Open Space tax to preserve more land and slow development did not. I know times are tough. That is why we put items such as these questions on the ballot. Sometimes we think we know what the residents want, but this process helps us know for certain.”
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello told MidJersey.News in an email, “Although this is under the board of elections, I have been informed that they were all found by them and are being counted.”
As reported yesterday by MidJersey.news a bag of Robbinsville emergency ballots went missing, and also 3 Princeton districts also appeared to be missing as of this morning.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Spokesperson Casey DeBlasio, told MidJersey.news in an email, “I can confirm the county clerk did reach out to the prosecutor today. We are reviewing her concerns to determine what further action should be taken.”
MidJersey.news did reach out to Mercer County Board of Elections this morning and have not received a reply yet.
Check back with MidJersey.news we will update as information becomes available.
*Results are not official until all votes are counted and certified. This includes ballots cast by mail, provisional, and ballots requiring a signature cure. These first two reports above must be ADDED for a cumulative total (until further notice)! –Note the PDF files below and the above link must be added together to get the most accurate until updated by County Clerk’s Office
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township reported on social media that due to a Mercer County-wide system outage, all voting machines are currently down in each district across the County.
Voters can still report to their respective polling locations and vote on a standard ballot and insert their ballot into the “emergency slot” in the machine. However, Mercer County officials will be unable to tally those votes tonight and are working to fix the system issue.
8:00 a.m. UPDATE:
Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello posted on Facebook that there is a glitch with the Dominion scanners. Voters can still vote by completing their ballots and placing them in the top of the scanning machine in the slot where the emergency ballots are placed. Everyone can vote manually, so rest assured no one will be disenfranchised.
8:08 a.m. UPDATE:
Mercer County reports: The Board of Elections has advised the county of issues with voting machines. Poll workers will be on hand to walk voters through the process. The board is working with Dominion, the machine maker, to resolve the issue.
“All votes cast in this General Election will be scanned on high capacity scanners by the Mercer County Board of Elections, at their central location, instead of at the polling locations by the voters. The Board of Elections is a bipartisan commission. Fortunately, we have hand-marked paper ballot system.
The Mercer County Clerk’s Office does not oversee voting machines or the voting equipment, but all three offices work together to make sure that the process is secure and transparent.
We made it through Hurricane Sandy, through 2020 and we will make it through this one too and no one will be disenfranchised.”
Update from the Mercer County Superintendent of Elections Nathaniel Walker
November 8, 2022 – 2 p.m.
Soon after polls opened this morning, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, poll workers became aware of an issue with the voting machine scanners. Voters are being asked to fill out the ballot as they normally would. A contingency plan is in place for all ballots cast at all locations to be scanned at the secure Board of Elections office.
Again, ballots will be scanned just as they would at the polling location. Every ballot that has been cast will be counted, no voter will be disenfranchised, and the integrity of the election is intact and secure.
Additionally, provisional ballots are available to those who would prefer to vote provisionally. A provisional ballot can be obtained at a voter’s polling location.
Further information will be reported as it becomes known.
– Nathaniel Walker, Mercer County Superintendent Of Elections
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–East Windsor Police report, on Monday November 7, 2022, at approximately 9:09 a.m., members of the East Windsor Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the Bear Brook, located off of Oak Creek Road, for a report of an unattended death. Investigators located the body of Julia McDaid, 18, of East Windsor. The East Windsor Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office are actively investigating the incident, however preliminary investigation indicates no signs of foul play.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Sgt. Philip Curry of the New Jersey State Police Public Information Unit told MidJersey.news the crash occurred at 4:53 p.m. on the NJ Turnpike northbound on the inner roadway at MP 67.6 in East Windsor, Mercer County. Preliminary investigation revealed that an Acura MDX was traveling south on the NJTPK on the inner roadway when the left front wheel became separated from the vehicle. The wheel then traveled over the center divider and entered the northbound inner roadway. The wheel then impacted the front windshield of a northbound traveling Acura RDX. The impact caused fatal injuries to the front seat passenger of the RDX, Susan Dagrosa, 75, of Port Jefferson, NY. The driver of the RDX was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 5:06 p.m. Robbinsville EMS and Paramedics were dispatched to the New Jersey Turnpike north bound inner roadway at mile post 67.5 for a “pronouncement” Initial 9-1-1 radio reports indicated that mile post 67.6 a tire flew from the south bound side of traffic, into oncoming traffic then into the windshield of a north bound vehicle striking the occupant. Initial unconfirmed reports that a female occupant of the vehicle was deceased.
The left lane of the New Jersey Turnpike inner roadway was shut down for the crash investigation and Troopers were scene checking the roadway for evidence. New Jersey State Police are actively investigating the crash at the time of this report.
Crash investigation and Crash with Injuries on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) left shoulder blocked https://t.co/0CkC4zwFtB
Emergency maintenance on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) to North of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) 1 Left lane of 4 lanes closed to traffic until further notice https://t.co/qNiGkzb8WB
On September 9, 2022, the East Windsor & Hightstown community suffered a devastating loss. Anthony (A.J.) Dewayne Collins Jr., born June 29, 2009, in New Brunswick, N.J., was called home this Friday, September 9, 2022. He grew up in New Brunswick and recently moved to Hightstown, where he attended Melvin H. Kreps Middle School.
His family will always love his bright smile, his love of reading, his fascination with Legos, and the way he took his job as a big brother and uncle seriously.
A.J will be deeply missed by his mother, Elba Quiñones, his father, Anthony Collins, his brothers Christofer and Isaiah, his little sister Analisse, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and nieces, the staff and students at Gifted & Talented Academy (GTA) at Lincoln Annex, and the Kreps Middle School community. A.J. brought joy wherever he went.
Please consider donating to help the family with the funeral and related costs they will incur.
Please keep A.J.’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
This is the official fundraiser for Anthony (A.J.) Dewayne Collins and is being managed by the Kreps PTO.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown Police Department reported that on Friday, September 9, 2022, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers from Hightstown Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of West Ward Street and Mercer Street for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle; updates from dispatch reported the subject unconscious but breathing.
Sergeant Miller and Officer Moreno arrived on location to find a thirteen (13) year old male, resident of Hightstown Borough, and a student at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, unconscious with severe trauma to the body and head. While waiting for emergency medical services to arrive, the child slipped into cardiac arrest and officers began lifesaving measures, beginning CPR. Hightstown EMS arrived on scene and continued with lifesaving measures, with police assisting. Paramedics from Capital Health arrived on location and transported the victim, with Hightstown EMS, to Capital Health Trauma Center, Helene Fuld Campus, in Trenton, and continued the performance of lifesaving efforts.
At the hospital, despite valiant efforts by all involved, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff at 10:20 p.m.
The accident was investigated by Hightstown Police Department and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Officer-Serious Collision Response Team. Det. Mecca and Det. Vaccaro continued the investigation, which was determined to be accidental, with no criminality associated with the incident; the investigation revealed that the victim, a bicyclist, was struck while crossing the roadway as the driver, Ms. Kathryn Wagner, a resident of East Windsor, New Jersey, made a left turn from Mercer Street, onto West Ward Street. Ms. Wagner remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation. Ms. Wagner was later issued a traffic summons for careless driving.
School personnel were advised of the incident to prepare for any services that students may need as a result of this event. Any witnesses to this incident, that may have information, are encouraged to contact Sgt. Miller or Det. Mecca at the Hightstown Police Department. The Hightstown Police Department would like to thank all those that remained on scene, cooperated with the investigation, and assisted with this tragic event.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Around 9:00 p.m. Hightstown Police, EMS and Captial Health Paramedics MSU were dispatched to the area in front of the Hightstown Diner at Mercer and West Ward Streets. Upon arrival it was reported that Police and EMS found a juvenile that was riding a bicycle that was struck by a car. The juvenile was transported to Captial Health Regional Medical Center, Trauma Center in Trenton, NJ for treatment. Hightstown and East Windsor Police were on scene conducting a serious traffic investigation and West Ward Street was closed.
Hightstown Fire Company was dispatched to the scene to assist police around 11:00 p.m.
No further details are available at this time. Further details will be posted as information becomes available. Police are still on scene conducting a serious traffic investigation.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 3:19 p.m. Hightstown and Robbinsville Fire Departments were dispatched to the New Jersey Turnpike at mile post 65 in the south bound outer lanes for a fully involved dump truck on fire. Firefighters from Hightstown and Robbinsville extinguished the fire and called a water tanker from Cranbury Fire Company to the scene. New Jersey State Police shut down a lane of travel during the firefight. No further details are available at this time.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 7:16 a.m., Robbinsville and Hightstown Fire Departments were dispatched to mile post 65.3 south bound in the outer lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike for an overturned van with entrapment. RWJ EMS, Captial Health Paramedics and NJ State Police also responded to the scene. It was determined that several people riding in the van were able to get out on their own power and extrication was not needed. One person was transported with non-life-threatening injuries to a local hospital for treatment. New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time.
Vehicle off the roadway on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway southbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open – vehicle off right side of road https://t.co/va0IraNs5c
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Around 9:00 p.m. a serious head-on crash occurred in the 200 Block of Franklin Street near Cole Avenue, there were two reported injuries with one person trapped reported by Hightstown Police on scene. Hightown Fire Company, Cranbury Fire Company, Hightstown First Aid, Robbinsville EMS and Capital Health Paramedics were dispatched to the scene.
Firefighters and EMTs worked to quickly remove one of the occupants. Hightstown First Aid Squad and Captial Health Paramedics transported one person to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and a “trauma alert” was called. The second ambulance from Robbinsville also transported one person to Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton.
The accident is under investigation by the Hightstown Police Department. No further details are available at this time.
Send photos into MidJersey.News by using the contact form and we will send you the email address to send them. The photos must be your original work and not taken by someone else or to be used without permission from the artist. Gas is +/- $5.00 a gallon and we can’t get to as many things as we would like to so all the help we can get is appreciated. This is a volunteer news site run by journalists as a public service to cover areas of NJ where traditional news agencies ignored.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ – Farmers are gearing up and improvements have been made at the historic Tri-County farmers’ cooperative and auction market on Route 33. First opened in 1933 at the height of the Great Depression, in recent years, the market has opened itself up to the public and a variety of restaurant and catering hall owners from around New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.
Farmer George Asprocolas of Asprocolas Acres in Millstone is president of the vegetable and fruit growers’ cooperative. Each week, three days during the week, at the height of the season, farmers bring their extra produce to Tri-County’s loading docks and walk-in refrigerators, to sell at wholesale prices. The market is open Wednesdays in June, depending on the weather and availability of cool weather crops like asparagus, peas, strawberries and a variety of lettuces.
“We had some paving of our parking lots done last season, and we also put a new roof on our extra storage building,” Asprocolas said, “we have two contractors who will add garage doors to our open loading dock building. Much of the funding for the improvements at this historic marketplace came from grants from the United States Department of Agriculture [USDA.]
“Every year it varies a little bit, but we usually have between 45 and 60 participating farmers in the cooperative,” Asprocolas said, adding customers can check in with the cooperative’s website to see available produce.Tri-County’s loading docks also host farmers from as far away as Swedesboro and Vineland, Vernon in Sussex County and even a few Amish farmers from Lancaster, Pa. “We regularly get participating farmers from a wide range of areas,” he said.
While farmers who wholesale their excess produce at Tri-County all season long pay annual membership dues, what’s most remarkable about the operation are the low buyer’s fees. Customers such as churches or schools, can come in and buy in wholesale quantities for a $2 fee. Customers get to “know their farmer” and support local farms by purchasing Jersey Fresh products. For more information, updated produce lists and instructions on how to order online or via phone, refer to our website:
* The non-profit, tax-exempt Section 521 Tri-County Cooperative Market was founded in 1933 by a group of farmers from Mercer, Monmouth and Middlesex counties at the height of the Great Depression.
*What began as a wholesale-only market has recently opened its doors and loading bays to restaurant owners, chefs, caterers and members of the general public who wish to take advantage of wholesale prices.
*Products from up to 50+ farmers – from all over the Garden State — are available during the growing season.
*The Tri-County Auction Market Association owns just under five acres of land off Route 33 in Hightstown. The land was purchased for $1 from farmers Bertha and James Taylor on Aug. 18, 1937.
*Veteran third and fourth generation farmers recall how farm trucks would be lined up all the way to Route 130 in the 1960’s and 70’s during operating hours at the market, before a lot of precious, fertile farmland in central New Jersey – some of the most fertile farmland in the United States — was sold off to developers for housing and office parks.
*Farmers pay a nominal fee at the start of each growing season to belong to Tri-County Farmers Cooperative Market, and Future Farmers of America, [FFA] members, benefit from free membership in this unique, tax-exempt, Section 521 farmer-owned facility.
*There are no membership fees for buyers. This means a family of five or several neighbors buying together can come in during market hours and order a bushel of corn
–about 64 ears — at $14 to $16.
*With a redesigned website, www.tricountycoop.net, transactions between buyers and sellers are conducted much more easily. Restaurant chefs and suppliers can place
orders via the website. Farmers who operate their own retail stands can order produce they don’t grow from other farmers.
*The Tri-County Market remains a farmer-run, farmer-owned tax-exempt cooperative with four officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and five general members.
*Restaurant owners come from as far away as Connecticut to purchase “Jersey Fresh” produce at the market’s official seasonal hours from”5:30 until the last farmer leaves” on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. People from the restaurant industry can also pick up and order produce on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling to make an appointment.
*With a large walk-in refrigeration area on site, patrons of the Tri-County Cooperative Market [who understand the seasonal nature of fruits and vegetables,] can order any of the following products at wholesale prices.
Historic photos of the farm market. The non-profit, tax-exempt Section 521 Tri-County Cooperative Market was founded in 1933 by a group of farmers from Mercer, Monmouth and Middlesex counties at the height of the Great Depression.
Send photos into MidJersey.News by using the contact form and we will send you the email address to send them. The photos must be your original work and not taken by someone else or to be used without permission from the artist. Gas is +/- $5.00 a gallon and we can’t get to as many things as we would like to so all the help we can get is appreciated. This is a volunteer news site run by journalists as a public service to cover areas of NJ where traditional news agencies ignored.
Update: As of 5:15 p.m. traffic issues from this accident have resolved.
Update from NJ State Police: Trooper Brandi Slota from the New Jersey State Police, Public Information Unit told MidJersey.news that the crash occurred at 2:29 p.m. on the Turnpike inner lanes northbound at milepost 67.1. Preliminary investigation reveals that a box truck was traveling on the outer lanes when it came through the guardrail and struck a Jeep, then subsequently struck a Honda. There were two minor injuries.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 2:32 p.m. the Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Hightstown Fire Department, Robbinsville EMS, Hightstown First Aid and Captial Health Paramedics responded to the NJ Turnpike north bound near Exit 8. It appears that a box truck traveling north bound in the outer roadway broke though a guard rail into the inner roadway crossed over multiple lanes of traffic, and collided with two vehicles before coming to rest near the off ramp for the NJ Turnpike. There were reports of two people with non-life-threating injuries that were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Firefighters assisted the injured and applied oil absorbent from spilled fuel and oil from the vehicles. NJ State Police is investigating the crash.
At times traffic in the north bound direction was backed up six miles in the north bound direction all the way to Exit 7 A in Robbinsville.
At 4:35 p.m. Google Traffic reports a 4-mile delay prior to Exit 8 in the north bound direction prior to the crash.
See update from NJ State police above the origninal MidJersey.News story.
Crash and Crash with Injuries on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes blocked https://t.co/foOaEHJHyv
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 5 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/hX0P4MrdDM
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 3 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/rtohU5PiBT
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 5 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/tBLdWuf3Og
Crash and Crash with Injuries on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) 3 Right lanes of 4 lanes blocked https://t.co/WlmStlKOFU
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 5 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/46eTx98cpH
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 3 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/drsqcEQ6wl
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.
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