June 23, 2020
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–New Jersey State Police said a fatal accident was reported on Carrs Tavern Rd at 3:18 pm.
State Police said that preliminary details indicate that a Buick Century traveling on Carrs Tavern Road ran off the roadway and into several bushes. The driver of the Buick was pronounced dead at the scene. Cause of the crash remains under investigation.
June 6, 2020
ALLENTOWN-UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–This evening a Senior Class Car Procession was held from 5 to 7 pm to celebrate the Allentown High School Class of 2020. Tonight would have been Allentown’s Prom but since the covid-19 pandemic that was canceled.
The Seniors were be led by the New Jersey State police, DJ Nebbs Entertainment and Hope Fire Company also assisted with traffic control around the township.
June 1, 2020
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–In this time of social distancing, being “together” is tough. This weekend, families from both Cub Scout Pack 116 and Boy Scout Troop 116 of Millstone Township went camping…. at home. With the aid of a private Facebook group and Zoom video conferencing; scouts and their families spent time outside cooking, building campsite gateways, doing scavenger hunts and pioneering projects.
Fifty families with 71 scouts located in both Millstone and Upper Freehold and ranging in age from 6 years to adult participated in the weekend long event. Cubmaster, Chris Weltner, commented, “This was an excellent event, the weather could not have been any better. I am proud of the scouts who attended and showed their scouting skills and scout spirit. This pack/troop interaction should occur more often and I look forward to participating in person.”
Teaching, learning & growing… that was the highlight of the weekend that held the theme “Scouts Camping Apart yet Together: bridging the gap from Lion to Eagle”. Each morning began with a rousing Reveille and each night ended with Taps played by the Troop 116 Buglers. George Schmidt, Senior Patrol Leader, said “I was happy to see so many scouts getting involved in different activities. It was the closest thing we have had to a camp out in months.”
The older scouts from Troop 116 posted instructional videos ranging from cooking, hiking and First Aid skills to pioneering projects, Leave No Trace tips and flag retirement ceremonies. Challenges were made and accepted by scouts of all ages… cooking, camp gateway projects, scavenger hunts, scout skills, and, of course, a s’mores challenge ended Saturday night on a sweet note! Troop Committee Chair, John Keleher. noted that he was “really impressed by not only the engagement of the scouts, but the quality of the content that was posted and shared online. The amount of effort these boys put in was really great!”
Are you interested in learning more about Scouting? For boys in Kindergarten through 5th grade, please visit millstonepack116.org and for boys 6th grade and older, please visit https://millstonetwp116.mytroop.us/. Dens and patrols are always forming and you are welcome to Join the Adventure!
May 27, 2020
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP AND ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Troopers from the New Jersey State Police Troop C Hamilton attended a small Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial in Millstone Township.
Also Hope Fire Company had a small parade though Allentown in remembrance of Memorial Day.
April 29, 2020
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Yesterday between 3 pm and 6 pm Vesuvio’s food truck “Slices and Ices” handed out over 350 free ice creams and Italian ices during a special event held across from the pizzeria in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NJ Properties lot.
Frank Costaglioa from Vesuvio’s provided the free ice cream and Italian Ice. Volunteers including eleven agents from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NJ Properties helped take orders, direct traffic and hand out ice in a manor to keep the “social distancing” practice in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the kids arrived with their parents someone took the order and then a few seconds later they were handed their treats. Vesuvio’s offered vanilla or chocolate ice cream and the other option was cherry or lemon Italian ice. Everyone had gloves and masks to keep everyone save.
April 25, 2020
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A total of four people were injured with non-threatening injures in an accident around 2 pm this afternoon. The accident occurred between a Nissan Murando and a Harley Davidson motorcycle leaving three people trapped upside down in the Nissan and the motorcyclist injured. The collision was at the intersection of Millstone Road and Stage Coach Road-Route 524 also known as “Scooter’s Corner”
The Millstone Township Fire Company responded and requested assistance from several area agencies including Monroe Township Fire Department and Hope Fire Company of Allentown. First Aid Squads were Millstone Township, RWJ Hospital EMS, Allentown First Aid-Capitol Health EMS, and Freehold.
When the Millstone Township Fire Department arrived they found three trapped upside down in the Nissan Murando set up extrication equipment and quickly removed three trapped.
A helicopter was called from the NJ State Police for the motorcyclist but was not needed. The motorcyclist was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center. Three from the Nissan were taken to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold.
No additional details were ready at the time of this report. Initial reports were that all patients had non-threatening injures.
April 24, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – For the first time ever, the annual Congressional Art Competition held by Rep. Chris Smith as part of a national competition for his district’s high school students, will be a “virtual” online show to ensure the safety of students, parents, teachers and the interested public.
In response to the coronavirus national emergency, the artwork, which is normally displayed for a month at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Lakefront Gallery, will be posted on Smith’s congressional website ensuring that the students who have worked for many months can still take part in the national competition.
“For these young student artists whose school year has been turned upside down by coronavirus, I am happy we found a way forward and I am grateful to the parents, judges and teachers for making needed adjustments,” Smith said.
“We received strong support for a virtual art competition rather than cancel the show outright due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Smith said. “Safety is paramount, and a virtual gallery enables us to proceed safely not only for the students and parents, but for the patients and workers at RWJ-Hamilton, which has in the past, graciously hosted the show,” he said.
“I am delighted that this year’s show wasn’t canceled, but continued as an online competition,” said Wall High School art teacher, Jill Alexander, who has been preparing her students to enter the show every year for the past six years. “Students in the 4th district are thankful for the great show that Congressman Chris Smith puts on each year, but especially this year because of the challenges everyone is facing.”
“We love going to Robert Wood Johnson’s impressive gallery, and unfortunately that just wasn’t possible this year. My students start working in September preparing their best artwork to submit, and this show is the highlight of the year for us.
“High school students across the country will miss the opportunity to participate in many events this year, including proms, sporting events and even graduation,” Alexander said. “We are really pleased the art competition survives.”
The 2020 show will be exhibited in a virtual art gallery, will use online judging, with winners to be announced in May. Smith’s three-member team of professional judges, whose works are also normally displayed at the show, will also have artwork posted in an online gallery.
This year, students who place in the competition—as best-of-show, and first, second and third runners-up and honorable mentions—will receive ribbons and all participants will be mailed Congressional Certificates, instead of being presented them in person.
The best-in-show winner will be displayed in the Capitol Building in Washington along the busy public corridor/tunnel between the Cannon House Office Building and the Capitol Building for one year with other winners from across the nation. All the artwork entered into Smith’s competition this year will be displayed in his online gallery for one year.
Every year the Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school art competition to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each Member office. Currently, the Institute plans to accept the top winning artwork from every congressional show in America by June 18 and hold a reception in Washington on July 22.
For information about the 2020 NJ-04 show or to view the 2019 and prior year winners visit Congressman Smith’s Congressional Art Competition web page.
April 18, 2020
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A single car accident into a tree occurred in the 300 Block of Route 527A-Smithburg Road at 4:57 pm. The Millstone Township Fire Department, NJ State Police and EMS responded. NJ State Police are investigating the crash. No further details are available at the time of this report.
April 1, 2020
Updated: NJSP released the name of the victim, Jeremy Pulley, 38, of Freehold had passed away in the accident.
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)—One person passed away from a single car crash on Route 537 near Six Flags Great Adventure this morning according to New Jersey State Police. The reportedly lost control and crashed into a utility pole around 7 am. The New Jersey State Police are investigating. The name of the deceased was being withheld pending notification of the family. The exit ramp from 195 to 537 was closed for several hours for the accident investigation.
March 24, 2020
In an urgent phone conversation Saturday, March 21st with U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Krishna Urs, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urged the Ambassador to reach out to U.S. citizens and reassure those spread-out across Peru that they have not been forgotten nor abandoned.
“There are reportedly 5,000 Americans trapped in Peru needing the immediate assistance of the U.S. government in order to get home,” said Smith, who has been contacted by more than a dozen travelers with New Jersey roots.
“The Administration has been working on some limited options, but we are asking the State Department to raise the bar and expand their efforts to include chartering planes or using military aircraft.”
“Seven hundred Americans, including some from my district, are stuck in parts of Peru, such as Cusco, which is 11,000 feet above sea level where air quality is thin and a strict curfew is enforced. It’s time to let these Americans and their worried families in the U.S. know that their country will employ more resources to bring them home safely,” Smith said.
In addition to speaking with the Ambassador, Smith has been working with State Department officials for several days. A human rights leader in the Congress, Smith has written three letters to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo outlining the location and needs of the New Jersey residents and others desperate for assistance to come home.
“I ask your assistance in prioritizing the evacuation from Peru of these and other Americans by any appropriate, practicable and timely manner, including the chartering of private or commercial aircraft or the utilization of military planes,” Smith said in his March 20th letter in which he named specific Americans needing assistance.
Smith also led a letter cosigned by two additional members of the Foreign Affairs Committee which said in part “Amid the press of so many concerns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, we appreciate the efforts undertaken thus far on behalf of our citizens abroad, but nonetheless ask that you reassure trapped Americans and their families that their needs are being prioritized.”
“Americans in Peru and elsewhere around the globe should know that we are doing everything we can to reunite them with their loved ones,” he said.
According to news reports, on March 15 the Peruvian government abruptly announced it would close
all borders, effective March 16, subsequently issuing a 15-day quarantine. It later announced that March 22 would be the final day the country would allow official flights to repatriate foreign visitors before the country closed all borders, effectively trapping many Americans and other international visitors in the South American nation. Further repatriation efforts require diplomatic intervention, something Rep. Smith is urging our Ambassador and State Department to prioritize.
March 20, 2020
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–See letter sent out to families of Upper Freehold Regional School District:
March 20, 2020
Dear UFRSD Family,
I hope this letter finds you well. It is remarkable to think about how different things are in such
a short amount of time. In these times, we are seeing our schools, our staff, our students, our
community, our state and country rise up to battle this moment in our history. I continue to be
proud of the work that everyone is doing to make this moment meaningful for kids. We are all a part
of this team of Redbirds, and I couldn’t be prouder of the entire UFRSD community.
As you may remember, the UFRSD and Millstone Township School District made the decision last week
to close our schools through March 27, 2020. We made this decision to support the recommendation of
social distancing to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) virus. This past week, the
Governor closed all schools in New Jersey “until further notice.” All indications point to a much
longer closure for our schools. Therefore, Dr. Huss and I made the decision to close schools
through spring break. Spring break begins on Thursday, April 9th (early dismissal schedule) and has
our schools reopening on Monday, April 20, 2020. There will be no remote learning during the week
of spring break (April 10 – April 19), because, more than ever, we recognize the real need for a
mental break this year..
We are fully aware that this date may need to continue to be adjusted. We will monitor all
information and continually consult with the Department of Health and the Department of Education
to determine if the April 20th date is a realistic one.
I am an eternal optimist, and I know we will get through this challenging time together. We have
always been a great district, and this extraordinary community just continues to show how amazing
people do amazing things.
Stay healthy, and I will continue to look forward to our return to school at some point in the
future. I miss everyone.
My best,
Mark Guterl
Mark Guterl
Superintendent of Schools
March 16, 2020
The three States will limit crowd capacity for recreational and social gatherings to 50 people – effective by 8 PM tonight
Restaurants and bars will close for on premise service and move to take-out and delivery only effective 8 PM tonight
Movie theaters, gyms and casinos will temporarily close effective 8 PM tonight
Uniform approach to social distancing will slow spread of COVID-19 throughout the tri-state area
PRESS RELEASE FROM GOV. MURPHY’S OFFICE: TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—Amid a lack of federal direction and nationwide standards, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced a regional approach to combatting the novel coronavirus – or COVID-19 – throughout the tri-state area.
These uniform standards will limit crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people, effective 8 PM tonight. This follows updated guidance that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued yesterday recommending the cancellation or postponement of in-person events consisting of 50 people or more.
The three governors also announced restaurants and bars will close for on premise service and move to take-out and delivery services only. These establishments will be provided a waiver for carry-out alcohol. These measures will take effect at 8 PM tonight.
Finally, the three governors said they will temporarily close movie theaters, gyms and casinos, effective at 8 PM tonight.
This uniform approach to social distancing is meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Governor Murphy said, “With all we are seeing in our state – and across our nation and around the world – the time for us to take our strongest, and most direct, actions to date to slow the spread of coronavirus is now. I’ve said many times over the past several days that, in our state, we are going to get through this as one New Jersey family. But if we’re all in this together, we must work with our neighboring states to act together. The work against coronavirus isn’t just up to some of us, it’s up to all of us.”
“Our primary goal right now is to slow the spread of this virus so that the wave of new infections doesn’t crash our healthcare system, and everyone agrees social distancing is the best way to do that,” Governor Cuomo said. “This is not a war that can be won alone, which is why New York is partnering with our neighboring states to implement a uniform standard that not only keeps our people safe but also prevents ‘state shopping’ where residents of one state travel to another and vice versa. I have called on the federal government to implement nationwide protocols but in their absence we are taking this on ourselves.”
Governor Lamont said, “The only way to effectively fight the spread of COVID-19 is by working together as states. We have shared interests, and a patchwork of closures and restrictions is not the best way forward. I know that because of this collaboration, we will save lives.”
March 13, 2020
FREEHOLD AND MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Due to the cancellation of group activities on the local, state and national levels, all Millstone Township recreational programs, both travel and non-travel, adult and youth programs, have been suspended through Sunday, April 5th 2020. This includes games, practices and events. Further evaluation will be made in early April regarding lifting or extending this suspension.
Video from Millstone Township Mayor and Deputy Mayor Regarding COVID-19
Monmouth County takes action in response to COVID-19
Beginning Saturday, March 14, no public access to County buildings
FREEHOLD, NJ –The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and County officials are
taking action out of an abundance of caution to protect and keep residents safe from the
spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Our number one priority is the safety of our residents and so, at this time, we have decided to
take immediate actions to prevent the COVID-19 in Monmouth County libraries, parks and
public buildings,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “In attempt to curb the spread of
COVID-19, Monmouth County will be suspending all public building access and programs
beginning tomorrow.”
“We want to remind residents to remain calm and make sure you have the most accurate and
up to date information, which you can get from the Centers of Disease Control or the New
Jersey Department of Health. Please help us spread facts, not fear,” added Freeholder Director
Arnone.
Beginning Saturday, March 14, and through Sunday, March 22, all Monmouth County Library
branches and the Monmouth County Park System buildings will be closed to the public. County
golf courses and park spaces will remain open.
Beginning Monday, March 16, public access will be restricted from all buildings with the
exception of the Monmouth County Division of Social Services (MCDSS). For MCDSS,
protections will be put into place to ensure that there is no physical contact between
Monmouth County employees and the residents seeking services.
All Monmouth County employees will report to work and be available to residents by phone
and by email.
“We understand that the COVID-19 situation is unsettling for some and want to arm our
residents with the information they need,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley,
liaison to the Monmouth County Department of Health and Human Services. “There is a
Monmouth County Health Department’s phone bank will open Monday at 9 a.m. for residents
who have any questions and concerns about COVID-19, or need to talk to someone about how
this situation is affecting them.”
Crisis Counselors from the Monmouth County Division of Behavioral Health are available
through the phone banks to help residents who may be experiencing stress or anxiety due to
the evolving situation. The counselors will provide County residents with guidance to help
them through this challenging time.
The Monmouth County Health Department phone bank will open Monday, March 16 at 9 a.m.
and can be reached at 732-845-2070.
County officials monitoring Coronavirus situation in
Monmouth County
FREEHOLD, NJ –With four presumptive positive cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Monmouth
County, County officials are assuring residents that they are monitoring the situation and taking action
to ensure the public health and safety of Monmouth County residents.
Two of the presumptive positive cases include a 66 year old female from Hazlet and an 83 year old
female from Hazlet who are both being treated at Hackensack Meridian Health Bayshore Medical
Center. The Golden Age Adult Day Care Program, where both of these individuals were clients, has
voluntarily closed and is working in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Health and the
Monmouth County Health Department.
The two other cases include a 27 year old male from Little Silver who recently attended the Biogen
conference in Boston and a 17 year old female from Little Silver who is an immediate family member
of the 27 year old male.
“We continue to assure you that the freeholder board is actively engaged and in constant contact with
the local mayors and the New Jersey Legislative Delegation as well as the New Jersey Governor’s
Office and the New Jersey Department of Health,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “We
are committed to ensuring that the County has the necessary resources to respond and mitigate this
evolving situation.”
“All Monmouth County and municipal health officials are following guidelines set forth by the Centers
of Disease Control (CDC) the Governor’s State of Emergency Declaration and the New Jersey
Department of Health (NJDOH) for response to COVID-19 cases,” added Freeholder Director
Arnone.
All Monmouth County and municipal health officials are following the guidelines set forth by the CDC
and the NJDOH for monitoring and response to COVID-19 cases.
The best defense against the Coronavirus is to practice safe respiratory hygiene and take steps to
prevent the spread of germs including washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home
when sick. However, residents should be aware that as investigations into these four cases continue,
additional cases may be identified.
“Again we would like to reiterate that it is important to have factual, up to date information about the
coronavirus,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley. “If you have questions, go directly to the CDC,
the New Jersey Department of Health or the Monmouth County Health Department.”
There have been social media reports of individuals going door to door claiming to be from the CDC.
The CDC is not deploying teams of people to go door to door and conduct surveillance, so people
should not let these individuals in their homes or speak with them.
The CDC has a “share the facts, stop fear” page which is quite useful in determining what is fact vs.
fiction with regard to the coronavirus. It can be accessed at cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Timely and accurate information can also be found at http://www.nj.gov/health and anyone with questions
can call the NJDOH COVID-19 24-Hour Public Hotline 1-800-222-1222 or email to ncov@dohnj.gov.
Links to the CDC and New Jersey Department of Health are currently posted to the Monmouth County
Health Department webpage, http://www.visitmonmouth.com/health.
March 13, 2020
By: Dennis Symons, Jr.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—The 2020 Census count is underway and I received my invitation by mail today. As per the instructions I logged onto My2020census.gov and entered my code Census ID Code. There were some very basic questions of who was living in the home and birthdays. It was one of the easiest census forms I have ever completed and took less than two minutes to complete from start to finish, even though it says it could take an average of 10 minutes to complete.
The Census is counted every 10 years and many things from voting districts, financial aid, Federal, State and Local government services and more use this government data. A response is required by law and should be very easy to complete if you have received the invitation from United States Census Bureau.
Frequently asked questions of the Census Bureau:
March 3, 2020
HAMILTON, N.J. (MERCER)– It’s not too late for high school students to sign up for the national 2020 Annual Congressional Art Competition hosted locally by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) for Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean students who live in the Fourth Congressional District he represents.
The deadline for entry is March 13 for current high school student artwork recently completed, or works specifically created just for the competition, that meet the originality, suitability, size and other entry guidelines of the national competition. Click here for 2020 rules of entry, entry forms, a list of towns in the Fourth District and other important information.
“Every year the artwork submitted by the students is impressive,” Smith said. “It is encouraging and inspiring to see such a high level of artistry being pursued by our students and fostered by art teachers in the Fourth Congressional District. Three professional judges, whose artwork will also be on display, will pick the winners.”
The artwork entered into the competition this year will be displayed and open to the public at the Lake Front Gallery of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton (RWJ-Hamilton) from March 31, 2020 through May 1, with winners announced at the end of the show. Last year the nearly 70 entries represented a variety of styles and mediums.
The judges are dedicated, experienced local artists who have roots in the community.
Every year the Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school visual art competition to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each Member office.
Students who place will receive ribbons and all participants are presented with congressional certificates.
Student artwork will on be display during normal hospital visiting hours at the RWJ-Hamilton Lakefront Art Gallery located in the Tower on the first floor mezzanine, directly above the café and gift shop area. RWJ-Hamilton is located at One Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, NJ, Mercer County.
To enter a piece of artwork or for more information, call Smith’s Constituent Service Center at (609) 585-7878.
Information about the 2020 NJ-04 show or to view the 2019 and prior year winners visit Congressman Smith’s Congressional Art Competition web page.
Municipalities in New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District 2013-2022
Allentown Manasquan Bay Head
Avon-By-The-Sea Middletown (part)* Jackson
Belmar Millstone Lakehurst
Bradley Beach Neptune City Lakewood
Brielle Neptune Township Manchester
Colts Neck Ocean Township Plumsted
Eatontown Red Bank Point Pleasant Borough (part) *
Englishtown Roosevelt Point Pleasant Beach
Fair Haven Rumson
Farmingdale Sea Girt
Freehold Borough Shrewsbury Borough
Freehold Township Shrewsbury Township
Holmdel Spring Lake
Howell Spring Lake Heights Mercer County
Lake Como Tinton Falls Hamilton
Little Silver Upper Freehold Robbinsville
Manalapan Wall
January 17, 2020
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown High School boys basketball team defeated Ewing Township High School with a final score of 72-59 tonight.
January 17, 2020
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Ravens ice hockey team defeated Hopewell Valley High School Bulldogs with a final score of 5-2.
Note: The Robbinsville Ravens are a cooperative team between Robbinsville High School and Allentown High School.
Photo gallery:
Breaking crews are still on scene: Expect power problems, traffic delays and detours until repairs are made.
January 17, 2020
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Another crash within the past 7 days on Old York Road creating traffic problems and power problems for the residents of Upper Freehold, East Windsor and Robbinsville as a vehicle cut a pole in half. These accidents are is in a section where two counties and three townships come together. The previous accident was on January 10th and residents were without power close to 10 hours while repairs were made.
Robbinsville Police, East Windsor Police and NJ State Police are on scene, as well as the Robbinsville Township Fire Department, East Windsor Fire Company, Hightstown Fire Company, and Millstone Township Fire Department. Allentown First Aid Squad and Robbinsville FD EMS also on scene.
Update, Robbinsville, East Windsor, and Hightstown Fire has cleared the scene. Millstone Township Fire Department remaining on scene since it is Millstone Township. Expect power problems, traffic delays and detours until repairs are made.
January 4, 2020
Updated 11:48 am 1/5/2020, with information from Millstone Township Fire Chief John Fiore
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)—Fire fighters responded to a 3 Alarm Fire including sending a “Tanker Strike Force” at 4 Fitzpatrick Lane at 8:59 pm sending fire departments from 4 counties to the scene.
According to Fire Chief John Fiore, calls were reporting flames from the rear of the home, adding to the difficulty of finding the exact address was multiple calls reporting addresses on nearby Pine Hill Road. The fire chief called a 2nd alarm prior to the arrival of fire apparatus due to the amount of calls and information provided by the public and a call from the fire alarm monitoring company.
Milestone Township does not have fire hydrants so water must be trucked in using fire service tankers (aka tenders in other parts of the country) a “tanker strike force” was called. Due to strong winds and blowing embers neighbors homes were checked to make sure the embers did not start a fire and in the nearby woods the chief told our corespondent.
The site remains a NJ State Police “crime scene” while the Monmouth County Fire Marshall’s Office conducts their investigation. The cheif stated that homeowners were not home at the time of the fire. One wall and the garage is still standing everything else is a total loss. The fire department cleared the scene around 4 am.
The house measurement from Google Maps is approximately 110×65 feet and appears to be 2 ½ stories falling into the definition of a “mansion” Firefighters, police and fire investigators were on scene at the time of this report. More information will be released when it becomes available.
List of fire departments responding:
32-1 Millstone Township, 82 Allentown/Hope Fire Company, 56 Jackson-Cassville, 54 Jackson Mills FD, 12 Englishtown, 57 Monroe-Applegarth, 16-1 Freehold Township Independent, 19-2 Howell Township- Adelphia Fire Company, 26-1 Manalapan- Gordons Corner Fire Company, 26-2 Manalapan Fire Company, 41 Highstown Fire Company, 39 New Egypt Fire Company (Plumsted Twp), 23 Monroe District # 3, 49 Plainsboro, Jamesburg, East Windsor, West Windsor, Cranbury. Chesterfield covered Allentown, Helmetta covered Monroe 57.
1/5/2019 10 am Update from NJ State Police: NJ State Police received the call at 9:01 pm and said that no one was home was unoccupied at the time of the fire. NJ State Police said based on preliminary investigation nothing suspicious was noted. No additional information from police was available.
December 2, 2019
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Millstone Township Fire Department (IAFF Local #4388) responded to a school bus accident at 1:40 pm today. The school bus was carrying sixteen students in grades Kindergarten though 5th grade. At the intersection of Sweetman’s Lane and Millstone Road it collided with a Dodge Ram pickup.
The crash brought down a utility pole and transformer on top of the school bus. The sixteen children from the Millstone Elementary and Millstone Primary Schools were evacuated and uninjured in the accident. The driver of the bus was hospitalized with non life-threatening injures at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The driver of the Dodge Ram pickup refused treatment at the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the NJ State Police.
Millstone Township Schools dismissed classes early today in anticipation of today’s winter storm.
Shout out to Vesuvio’s Pizzeria & Family Restaurant, the kids were evacuated to the pizzeria and were treated to pizza while waiting transport back to the school. (Ed note: After years of sampling Vesuvio’s pizza it is great pizza)
November 30, 2019
By: Dennis Symons, Jr.
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Millstone Township, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 116 held an Eagle Court of Honor today. Six Scouts made the Rank of Eagle Scout, it is the the highest rank in BSA an honor that only 2 to 4% of all Scouts achieve. Luke D. DePinho, Jordan Daniel Lisnow, Nicholas Luke Meier, Noah Lee Meier, Andrew Joseph Raccuglia, and Jared Scott Skidmore obtained the highest rank in the BSA as Eagle Scout.
| November 29, 2019 |
| TRENTON, N.J. – Thirteen municipalities in the 12th legislative district will receive more than $3.25 million in grants from the Department of Transportation, Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Rob Clifton announced today. “This funding will help get vital roadway projects moving and will make much-needed improvements for the benefit of motorists,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). The towns in Dancer and Clifton’s district will use the money for roadway preservation, one of the seven project categories under the municipal aid program. The others include roadway safety, quality of life, mobility, bikeway, pedestrian safety and bridge preservation. “Local commuters and families deserve safer roads, resurfaced roads and peace of mind when travelling in our district. These funds will provide a better and safer experience,” said Clifton (R-Monmouth). NJDOT provides 75 percent of the grant amount when a town awards a contract and the remaining 25 percent upon completion of the project. The following towns and projects in district 12 have been awarded funding: Municipality Grant Amount Name of Project Chesterfield Township $244,000.00 Sykesville Rd Improvements Phase II New Hanover Township $244,000.00 Cookstown Hockamick Road North Hanover Township $240,000.00 Schoolhouse Road Phase II Old Bridge Township $312,338.00 Phillips Drive Improvements Allentown Borough $180,000.00 Improvements to Waldron Road, Quinn Road, and Hamilton Street Englishtown Borough $154,000.00 Heritage Drive and Raymond Court Improvements Manalapan Township $270,000.00 Improvements to Gordons Corner Road Matawan Borough $200,000.00 Overbrook Lane Improvements Millstone Township $180,000.00 Nurko Road Roosevelt Borough $255,000.00 Improvements to School Lane Upper Freehold Township $330,000.00 Burlington Path Road Jackson Township $425,000.00 Improvements to Wright DeBow Road, Phase II Plumsted Township $218,000.00 Tower Road Resurfacing |
November 22, 2019
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ–Scouts are HELPFUL As we move into the season of giving, the scouts from Pack 116 in Millstone Township held their annual Scouting for Food drive and collected over 1,250 lbs of food and other non-perishable items that were donated to the Caring Hearts Food Pantry, also in Millstone. (www.upcm.org)
Scouts ranging in age from 5-10 years old collected food from friends, neighbors and family, then sorted and stacked food on the shelves of the food pantry last Friday evening.
For more information about joining Pack 116, please visit
https://millstonetwp116.mypack.us/
November 23, 2019
By: NJ State Police
***PLEASE SHARE***
The New Jersey State Police is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a man who committed multiple vehicle burglaries earlier today between the hours of 1 a.m and 4 a.m. in the townships of Millstone and Upper Freehold, Monmouth County.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6 feet tall, stocky build, wearing a green-hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and gray and white sneakers.
The suspect was observed entering unlocked motor vehicles and removing items.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Hamilton Station at 609-584-8115.
As always, we urge residents to lock their vehicles and keep valuables out of sight.
Anonymous tips are welcome.
Updated to include additional photos of the transit and exit.
November 11, 2019, ALLENTOWN-ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – This morning about 7:35 a.m. Eastern Standard Time the planet Mercury started it’s transit across the sun. In a rare event, the transit is where the planet crosses in front of the sun and can be seen from planet Earth. The next time this can be seen from planet Earth will be in 2032. The transit will be complete today around 1:04 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. If you have proper equipment you can see this yourself from just about anywhere in the United States and beyond.
Do not look directly at the sun you won’t be able to see it without some magnification and certified eye protection. Use proper equipment for viewing the sun such as certified eclipse glasses and special filters for cameras and telescopes. I tried looking though eclipse glasses that I had from left over from the eclipse a few years ago and could not see it. Using the camera with a special coated filter with 600mm magnification equivalent I was able to capture images of this event. If you do not use proper equipment you will suffer eye damage and damage to your photographic equipment.
ALLENTOWN-ROBBINSVILLE, NJ—Joint Base McGuire (the default for our area by many weather apps) may be reporting 22F this morning but out here in the Allentown-Robbinsville area we are waking up to temperatures in the 19F range confirmed by 3 different sensors just before 7 a.m. Bundle up if you are going to the “Run As One 5K Run/1 Mile Walk” over in Hamilton or doing any outside activity it will be a cold one. NJ101.5 Traffic Desk is also reporting some ice on certain roadways so use caution driving.
It’s that time of year again for the Annual Allentown FFA Citrus Sale! We will be taking pre-orders through November 15, 2019. We are pleased to announce that we are using a NEW supplier this year. This will provide you with MORE fruit for your money. It has also REDUCED prices for all of our products. We will also be offering cheesecakes for the first time this year.
| Pick-up Date: | (Tentative)12/10/2019 |
| Pick-up Time: | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Pick-up Address: Agricultural Science Building 27 High Street, Allentown NJ 08501 |
2019 Citrus Pricing: .
All indications are pointing to an excellent crop this year! NEW Supplier and REDUCED pricing compared to 2018
Mixed Gift Boxes
Cheesecakes
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! You can place an order with any FFA member or adviser or place an order through the online form. You can purchase with a credit card through the link and all materials will be shipped with our order. You can also order gift boxes to ship throughout the country. All orders due by 11/15/19!
Incumbents Witt, Ciaccio and Schuberth Re-Elected to Township Council
By: Robbinsville Township from press release
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – (November 5, 2019) – Following a contentious race for Robbinsville Township Council, incumbents Ron Witt, Christine Ciaccio and Dan Schuberth were elected to another four years as part of a landslide victory Tuesday over first-time challengers Paul Kranz, Rakhi Upadhyay and Roland Allen.
The ticket of Witt, Ciaccio and Schuberth won all 9 districts in convincing fashion with 6,435 votes (68.8 percent), including mail-in totals. All three incumbents surpassed 2,000 votes with Schuberth setting the pace at 2,261.
In the race for Robbinsville School Board, incumbents Craig Heilman (2,191) and President Jane Barker (2,154), along with a fine showing from newcomer Chris Emigholz (2,112), were the three candidates elected to four-year terms. Challenger Avery Hutchinson (1,207) rounded out the BOE voting.
The current Township Council of Witt, Ciaccio, Schuberth vice president Mike Cipriano and Vince Calcagno have worked with Mayor Dave Fried and Administration to lower municipal taxes four straight years, bring seven new tenants online in the Foxmoor Plaza and have helped push the amount of land set aside for open space to over 1,000 acres, among other accomplishments.
All vote tallies are unofficial until being certified by the Mercer County Clerk.
Links to results from each county provided by each board of election and county clerk’s office:
Ocean County Board of Elections Live Election Results at this link
Mercer County Board of Elections Live Election Results at this link.
**All winners announced below are unofficial until announced by the County Clerk in each respective county. **
Upper Freehold Township
Running unopposed incumbents Stanley Moslowski, Jr. and LoriSue Mount were reelected to Township Council.
Upper Freehold Regional School District
William Borkowski (Allentown) won running unopposed
Vanessa DePompo and Christine Ciccarone (Upper Freehold) won running unopposed.
Allentown Borough
Allentown was a really tight race as of right now it appears that Thomas Fritts won race for mayor. Martha Johnson and Daniel “Danny” Payson won council seats. Race is too close to call until certified by County Clerk and Board of Elections
Millstone Township
Albert Ferro ran unopposed for township council.
Millstone Township Board of Education
788 write in votes no name listed
Roosevelt Boro
Peggy Malkin ran unopposed for mayor, Michael B. Hamilton and Luke d. Dermody won 2 year full council seats and Chad Vroman won a 1 year unexpired term for a vacancy.
Hamilton Township Mercer County
Winning a the seat for Mayor was Jeff Martin. Pasquale “Pat” Papero, Jr. and Nancy Phillips won township council seats.
Hightstown Borough
Steven Misiura and Joshua Jackson won 3 year terms on council. Joseph Cicalese won a one year unexpired term on council.
East Windsor
Janice S. Mironov, Marc Lippman, Peter Yeager and John Zoller won four year terms on council.
East Windsor Board of Education
Ram K. Ramachandran, Bertrand Fougnies and Nicole LaRusso won seats
Plumstead Township
Herbert F. Marinari and Robert W. Bowen won 3 year terms on township committee. Leonard A. Grilleto won a 1 year unexpired term on township committee.
Plumstead Township Board of Education
Leslie Septor and Sandra M. Soles won seats.
Ocean County Board of Elections Live Election Results at this link
Mercer County Board of Elections Live Election Results at this link.
November 5, 2019 – General Election, Polls Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New Jersey Voter Information System
Voter Information Project Polling Place Locator – Type in your home address to find the location of your polling place at this link
Department of State, New Jersey Division of Elections website contains information on if you are registered, where to vote, and a host of other voter information
Robbinsville Township Election Information
Plumstead Township voting information
Mercer County Board of Elections
Monmouth County Clerk Election Division
Ocean County Board of Elections
November 3, 2019, ROBBINSVILLE, NJ — New Jersey enacted a law requiring all single fire alarms be changed out an with a unit with a 10 year “sealed battery” (Usually used in an older home) If you have a hard wired smoke alarm system (usually in a newer or renovated home) where detectors are hooked together with a 110 volt system with a communication wire between, those detectors still have a backup battery in them that needs to be changed. If you don’t change the back up battery in those units they may fail during a power outage, cause a false alarm or chirp every 15 seconds indicating a low battery condition. You should still test both single station and hard wired units at least monthly and change the batteries in them as per manufactures recommendations that came with the unit, usually when we change the clocks we change the batteries as a reminder.
The State of New Jersey also enacted a law requiring a carbon monoxide alarm in any home or business that has a fuel burning appliance or attached garage. Many of these carbon monoxide alarms run on batteries and it is a good time to change the batteries and/or backup batteries in the plug in units.
In the gallery below there are several informational flyers that were designed by the Monmouth County Fire Prevention and Protection Association to aid you in alarm selection and placement requirements. Always check the manufactures recommendations and instructions that come with each smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher to help determine your specific needs.
Please review the flyers on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguisher requirements for residential properties in New Jersey.
As a guideline smoke alarms should be replaced in your home every 10 years. Carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 7 to 10 years unless specified in the unit’s instruction manual.
