Category: Lakehurst

Lakehurst, Ocean County

Lakehurst, NJ Man Admits To Online Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Criminal Sexual Conduct, Distribution Of Child Porn And Possession Of Prepubescent Child Porn

March 22, 2023

TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing and distributing images of child sexual abuse and inducing a minor to send him sexually explicit images and engage in sexually explicit conduct over an online messaging service, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Kevin Van Pelt, 33, of Lakehurst, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner to an information charging him with one count each of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct, distribution of child pornography, and possession of prepubescent child pornography.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From August 2018 to October 2018, Van Pelt used multiple online messaging services to communicate with a minor victim, including repeatedly requesting that the minor send him sexually explicit images. Van Pelt also distributed images and videos of child sexual abuse over several online social media applications between December 2017 and March 2019. Van Pelt possessed images and videos of prepubescent child sexual abuse on his cellular phone when he was arrested by local authorities on May 1, 2019.

The charge of online enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of prepubescent child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and members of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Christine Hoffman, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

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Defense counsel: Teri Lodge Esq., Marlton, New Jersey

vanpelt.informationDownload

Kevin Van Pelt, 33, of Lakehurst, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner to an information charging him with one count each of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct, distribution of child pornography, and possession of prepubescent child pornography.

Lakehurst, Ocean County, State of NJ

FAA Implements More Efficient Descent Procedures to Reduce Fuel Burn, Emissions

January 13, 2022

WASHINGTON—Descent procedures that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) put in place across the country in the 2021 will save millions of gallons of fuel and reduce CO2 and other emissions by hundreds of thousands of tons. The 42 new Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs) allow planes to glide down safely from cruising altitudes into airspace for some of the nation’s largest airports instead of the fuel-consuming stair-step procedure.

“These new efficient descent procedures both save fuel and dramatically reduce emissions, moving us closer to our goal of net-zero aviation emissions by 2050,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. 

For each group of descents used at an airport, the FAA estimates that an average 2 million gallons of fuel is saved and 40 million pounds of emissions reduced annually. That is equivalent to eliminating the fuel and CO2 emissions of 1,300 Boeing 737 flights from Atlanta to Dallas.

“When we multiply the impact by thousands of flights, we gain real fuel savings and real environmental benefits,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said.

In 2021, the FAA implemented OPDs for Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Lakehurst Maxfield Field in New Jersey, Love Field in Dallas, Miami International Airport, North Las Vegas Airport, Orlando International Airport, Port Columbus International Airport, Portland International Jetport, Tampa International Airport and numerous mid-size airports.

Under traditional staircase descent procedures, aircraft repeatedly level off and power up the engines. This burns more fuel and requires air traffic controllers to issue instructions at each step. With optimized descents, aircraft descend from cruising altitude to the runway in a smooth, continuous path with the engines set at near idle.

Since 2014, the FAA also has developed OPD procedures at airports in Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Northern California, Southern California and Washington, D.C. More OPD procedures will be added in 2022.

The FAA employs a growing number of new flight procedures that use less fuel and reduce noise. These include NextGen initiatives such as Performance-Based Navigation (PBN). These procedures bring more precision to routes and result in less fuel burn and reductions in CO2 greenhouse gas emissions.

In November, the U.S. released its first-ever comprehensive Aviation Climate Action Plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Earlier in 2021, the FAA announced more than $100 million in matching grants to increase aircraft efficiency, reduce noise and aircraft emissions, and develop and implement new software to reduce taxi delays. The White House also announced its Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, a government-wide initiative designed to catalyze the production of at least three billion gallons per year by 2030.

Find more information about the FAA and its environmental efforts at its Sustainability Gateway Page. 

Bay Head, Brick, Lakehurst, Lavallette, Ocean County, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, State of NJ, Toms River

Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano Legislation Would Prohibit Use of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports in NJ

Legislators Say People Shouldn’t Be Discriminated Against Based on Vaccination Status

The 10th Legislative District covers parts of Ocean County

April 19, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)--Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman John Catalano (all R-10) are taking action to prevent the use of COVID-19 vaccine passports in New Jersey that could lead to discrimination against people based on their vaccination status.

“We’re extremely concerned by Governor Murphy’s willingness to consider the use of vaccine passports that could prevent people from working, going to school, or visiting public places,” said Holzapfel. “In a free society that respects individual rights, we believe health decisions should be a personal, private choice that a patient doesn’t have to discuss with anyone but their doctor. Our new legislation would prevent vaccine passports from being employed here in New Jersey.”

So-called vaccine “passports” are physical or electronic documents or credentials that could be used to demonstrate that an individual has been immunized against COVID-19.

They could be used to prevent unvaccinated individuals from traveling, accessing public places or events, attending school, or even working.

“We don’t think our state government should threaten or allow for personal freedoms to be restricted based on vaccination status,” said McGuckin. “Requiring vaccine passports to engage in everyday activities would be discriminatory and raise a host of serious constitutional and privacy concerns. This fatally flawed idea needs to be nipped in the bud.”

Holzapfel will introduce legislation in the Senate that makes it unlawful to ask a person if they have received a COVID-19 vaccination or require a person to display proof of vaccination as a condition of or as a prerequisite to:

  • the exercise of any privilege or right granted under State or federal law;
  • conducting any business or commerce;
  • travelling to, outside, or within the State;
  • obtaining or maintaining an internship, obtaining or maintaining employment, or receiving a promotion from an employer;
  • participation in any governmental or political activity;
  • admission or enrollment into any child or adult day care program;
  • admission to, enrollment in, or graduation from a preschool program, elementary or secondary school, college, university, or any other institution of education;
  • participation in any activity, internship, opportunity, program, or sport offered by a preschool program, elementary or secondary school, college, university, or any other institution of education;
  • receiving adequate dental care or health care;
  • maintaining, receiving, or renewing a professional certification or license;
  • obtaining or renewing membership in any professional organization;
  • entrance into or service from any place of business, including, but not limited to, any market, restaurant, or store;
  • entrance into and service from any public building, office, or structure;
  • entrance into and use of any public park or beach; or
  • admission into or service from any amusement park, concert venue, theater, or sporting event.

Additionally, the legislation makes it unlawful to discriminate against or to take any adverse action against any individual who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine or who does not disclose whether the individual has received a COVID-19 vaccine.

McGuckin and Catalano will join as co-sponsors of identical companion legislation that is pending introduction in the General Assembly.

“After a year of watching Governor Murphy take extreme actions by executive orders, people don’t want their rights to be further eroded,” added Catalano. “Just like shutting down businesses and closing houses or worship, forcing people to show their documents to go out in public seems completely un-American. We have to fight back.”

Lakehurst, Manchester, Monmouth County, Neptune, Ocean County, Toms River

Three Men Arrested For Narcotics And Weapons Offences In Lakehurst

December 31, 2020

LAKEHURST, NJ (0CEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Lakehurst Police Department, and Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted a collaborative investigation into the distribution of heroin and cocaine in the Ocean County area.  This cooperative, multi-agency investigation ultimately identified a room at the Travel Inn and Suites in Lakehurst, New Jersey, as being utilized by three individuals to store and distribute quantities of heroin and cocaine.

On December 29, 2020, Detectives observed the subject individuals exit the motel room in question and enter a vehicle.  A motor vehicle stop was conducted by the Lakehurst Police Department, and all three individuals were placed under arrest for possessing quantities of heroin and cocaine.  Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Manchester Township Police Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Lakehurst Police Department executed a court-authorized search warrant on the motel room.  As a result, Detectives seized approximately five bricks of heroin, a small quantity of marijuana, and a large 9mm capacity 50 round drum style magazine with hollow point bullets.  Arrested were:

  • Nicholas Ryland, 29, of Toms River

Nicholas Ryland, 29, of Toms River, charged with two counts of Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Heroin with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); two counts of Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); two counts of Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); two counts of Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of less than 50 grams of Marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Hollow Nose Ammunition in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3f(1); and Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j.  Ryland is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
  • Ahmid Fisher, 29, of Toms River

Ahmid Fisher, 29, of Toms River, charged with Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Heroin with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1). Fisher was charged on a summons and released pending a future court date.
  • Theopolis Stewart, 29, of Neptune

Theopolis Stewart, 29, of Neptune, was charged with Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Heroin with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1).  Stewart was likewise charged on a summons and released pending a future court date

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Lakehurst Police Department Detective Bureau, Lakehurst Police Department Patrol Division, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Manchester Township Police Department K-9 Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Lakehurst, Ocean County, Toms River

20 Year Old Lakehurst Man Arrested On Numerous Charges In Toms River

Jaylin Evans, 20, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Criminal Mischief, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, False Imprisonment, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Simple Assault, Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine.

August 27, 2020

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Wednesday August 26, 2020 at approximately 12:00 PM multiple police units responded to the Main Street Apartments in reference to a civil matter involving a handgun. The victim stated suspect Jaylin Evans, 20 of Lakehurst, pointed a handgun at her during an argument. He then struck her in the head and pushed her into the walls of the residence, blocking her path and not allowing her to leave, stating numerous times that he would kill her. Before fleeing the residence, he damaged the victim’s cellular phone and television.

Police officers located the suspect in a neighboring apartment and he was placed under arrest. A consent to search the apartment was signed by the tenant and revealed a backpack owned by the suspect. Inside the backpack was a loaded 9MM handgun which had an extended magazine. An additional magazine containing 4 rounds was located in the backpack as well. Jaylin Evans was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Criminal Mischief, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, False Imprisonment, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Simple Assault, Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine. He is lodged on Ocean County Jail.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are accusations only. Every criminal defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Lakehurst, Mercer County, Ocean County, Trenton

New Jersey Task Force 1 Deploys to Louisiana in Response to Hurricane Laura

See updated MidJersey.news story here: NJ Task Force 1 Returns Home From Hurricane Laura

80 Members of NJ-TFT1 left NJ early this morning deploying to Baton Rouge, Louisiana

August 27, 2020 Update August 29, 2020

NJ-TF1 Update🇺🇸

In response to Hurricane Laura, FEMA has adjusted the federal response to meet local needs.

NJ-TF1 has received demobilization orders and begun the process of heading home.

Thank you for your support!

New Jersey Task Force 1 (NJ-TF1) has been activated as members of the National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response System and will be deploying to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts resulting from the effects of Hurricane Laura.

NJ-TF1 deployed as a Type 1 Team consisting of 80 team members, three tractor-trailers, two box trucks, five F-450 utility vehicles, two crew carriers, an F-250 towing vehicle, two passenger vans, two utility terrain vehicles, and a fleet service truck. A water rescue component of six boats with trailers and a water support trailer were also deployed.

NJ-TF1 is en route to the current staging area in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This will be the team’s seventh deployment as a FEMA US&R Team.

The team is en route to their current destination of Baton Rouge, Louisiana in response to Hurricane Laura.

Sunrise Update:

Allentown, Allentown, Bordentown Twp, Burlington, East Windsor, East Windsor, Hamilton, Hamilton, Hightstown, Jackson, Lakehurst, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Millstone, Millstone, Monmouth County, New Hanover, North Hanover, Ocean County, Plumsted, Princeton, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Roosevelt, South Brunswick, Trenton, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold, West Windsor, West Windsor

Tropical Storm Isaias Update

Yesterday’s MidJersey.News coverage here: Tropical Storm Isaias Hits Area

August 5, 2020

PSE&G Reports 9,3958 power outages with 292,052 customers affected as of 12:30 pm

JCP&L Reports 527,305 customers affected at of 12:30 pm

Atlantic City Electric reports 4,448 active outages with 64,761 customers affected as of 12:30 pm

JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Governor Phil Murphy visited Jackson Township this morning to assess damage from Tropical Storm Isaias with Senator Sam Thompson, Ocean County Freeholder Director Joe Vicari, and Mayor Mike Reina. Government officials are continuing to work closely with the utilities to get the lights back on as quickly and safely as possible.

MidJersey.News has been monitoring fire department, police and EMS activity and fire departments from our area have been sent to several locations overnight and this morning for carbon monoxide issues dealing with generators too close to the house or running in a garage. Please use these appliances properly, keep them far away from the home, and also make sure you have batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and verify they are working.

Upper Freehold and Allentown, Message from Hope Fire Company:

Good Morning. We realize that some will be without power for a few days. HFC will be opening it’s doors for anyone that is in need of charging devices from now until 4pm. We do have charging stations setup in our meeting room for your convenience. We ask that you please wear masks when coming into our facility and, to practice social distancing measures, we will be allowing up to 10 people in at a time. Also, we do have bagged ice that we can give you (2 bags per person) and should you need to use our showering facilities, that area is open as well. Non-potable water will be available so please, bring your buckets or containers. Again, masks are required and you must be symptom free to enter the building. Should you have any questions you can email me at president@hopefirecompany.com or reach out to me directly at 609-556-9764.

North Hanover, Jackobstown:

We have put the hose out for residents to get water if needed. While clean water direct from our well we don’t recommend it for drinking but if you need to flush a toilet it will work. Bring your own container. The station is closed to members only at this time, please do not enter the station for any reason. Thank you

86 Chesterfield Jacobstown Rd (10.50 mi)
Wrightstown, NJ 08562

There are still numerous roads closed, trees and wires down please avoid those areas and do not go around cones or barricades. Stay far away from any wires because you will not know if they are live or energized, leave that up to the professionals to determine.

Water and Ice available for JCP&L customers:

Water and Ice Locations

Water and Ice Available to JCP&L Customers

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) is restoring service to customers who lost power due to Tropical Storm Isaias. JCP&L is offering free water and ice to customers remaining out of service. Customers can pick up water and ice at the following locations:

(Last updated 8/5/2020)

BURLINGTON COUNTY

  • Acme Supermarkets, 18 Broadway Rd. Store 7908, Browns Mills

ESSEX COUNTY

  • Shop Rite of Millburn, 220 Main Street, Millburn, Essex County
  • Kings, 778 Morris Tpke, Short Hills, Essex County

HUNTERDON COUNTY

  • Shop Rite of Hunterdon, 50 Rte 513 BLDG D, Clinton, Hunterdon County
  • Shop Rite of Hunterdon272 Rt. 202 & Rt. 31, Flemington, Hunterdon County
  • Kings, 531 U.S. Hwy. 22 East, Whitehouse Station, Hunterdon County

MERCER COUNTY

  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 319 Rt 130N, East Windsor
  • Shop Rite – Pennington, 2555 Pennington Rd, Pennington

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

  • Acme Supermarkets, 3505 Route 9, Old Bridge
  • Saker Shop Rites, Inc., 2909 Washington Rd., Parlin

MONMOUTH COUNTY

  • Acme Supermarkets, 576 River Rd., Store 7949, Fair Haven
  • Acme Supermarkets, 3241 Route 9, Store 7960, Freehold
  • Acme Supermarkets, 990 Shrewsbury Ave., Tinton Falls
  • Acme Supermarkets, 2007 Route 35, Wall
  • Food Circus (a/k/a Foodtown), 1560 Rt 35, Store 269, Ocean Twp
  • Food Circus (a/k/a Foodtown), 2204 Rt 35 & Sea Girt Ave, Store 268, Sea Girt
  • Food Circus (a/k/a Foodtown), 9 Rt.  36, Bayshore Plaza, Store 266, Atlantic Highlands
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 3585 Hwy 9, Freehold
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 280 Hwy 9 N, Morganville
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 2200 Asbury Ave., Neptune 07753
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., Routes 36 & 71, West Long Branch 07764
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 1151 Shrewsbury Ave., Shrewsbury 07722
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 4594 Rt 9 S, Howell 07731
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 2445 Rt 34, Wall  07719
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 1801 Route 35, Wall Twp.
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 318 Lloyd Rd., Aberdeen
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 3140 State Hwy 35, Hazlet 07730

MORRIS COUNTY

  • ACME, 550 Myrtle Ave., Boonton
  • ACME, 329 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, Morris County
  • ACME Oak Ridge, 5774 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge
  • ACME, 690 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph
  • ACME, 123 E Main St Suite 1, Denville
  • Kings, 115 Hawkins Place, Boonton
  • Kings, 88 East Main St, Mendham
  • Kings, 393 Main Street, Chatham, Morris County
  • Kings, 977 Valley Rd, Gillette, Morris County
  • Kings, 191 South Street, Morristown, Morris County
  • Kings, 184 Columbia Tpk., Florham Park, Morris County
  • Kings, 191 South Street, Morristown, Morris County
  • Shop Rite of Morris, 1711 Routes 10 (& 202), Morris Plains
  • Shop Rite of Chatham, 641 Shunpike Rd / Southern Blvd, Chatham
  • Shop Rite of Chester, 195 Route 206 South, Chester
  • Shop Rite – Ronetco, 90 Bartley Rd Flanders, Flanders
  • Shop Rite – Ronetco, 75 US 46 Netcong
  • Shop Rite , 437 Rt 46, Rockaway
  • Shop Rite – Ronetco, 281-021 Rt 10, Succasunna
  • Shop Rite, 1153 Valley Road, Stirling, Morris County
  • Shop Rite, 314 Rt 15, Wharton

OCEAN COUNTY

  • Acme Supermarkets, Route 35 & Washington, Ortley Beach/Seaside Heights           
  • Perlmart Shop Rite 427, 429 Atl City Blvd., Store 663 Bayville
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc. 668 Rt 70, Brick 08723
  • Perlmart Shop Rite, 328 Route 9, (Lacey) Store 655, Lanoka Harbor
  • Perlmart Shop Rite, 1001Rt 70W, (Manchester) Store 659, Manchester
  • Perlmart Shop Rite, 260 County Line Rd., Store 661, Jackson
  • Perlmart Shop Rite, 860 Fischer Blvd, Store 656, Toms River
  • Perlmart Shop Rite, 100 Town Center Bldg 9, Store 665, Waretown
  • Saker ShopRites, Inc., 2 Rt 37 West, Toms River 08753

SOMERSET COUNTY

  • Kings, 450 Rt. 206N & Hills Dr., Bedminster
  • Saker Shop Rite -Branchburg, 3166 Rt 22, Somerville
  • Shop Rite of Bernardsville, 93 Morristown Rd (Rt 202), Bernardsville
  • Kings, 100 Morristown Rd., Bernardsville
  • Kings, 64 Mt. Blvd Brady Shopping Center, Warren

SUSSEX COUNTY

  • ACME Vernon, 530 Route 515, Vernon, Sussex County
  • ACME Sussex, 455 Route 23 North, Byram, Sussex, Sussex County
  • Shop Rite – Ronetco, 90-80 Rt 206 N Byram NJ, Sussex County
  • Shop Rite – Ronetco, 270 Rt 23 N Franklin NJ, Sussex County
  • Shop Rite – Ronetco, 125 Water St. Newton, Sussex

UNION COUNTY

  • ACME, 1260 Springfield Avenue, New Providence, Union County
  • Shop Rite of Springfield, 727 Morris Tpke, Springfield, Union
  • Kings, 784 Springfield Ave, Summit, Union County

WARREN COUNTY

  • ACME Blairstown, 152 Route 94, Blairstown,
  • Shop Rite – Ronetco, 1965 Rt 57 Hackettstown NJ
  • Shop Rite of Hunterdon, 1207 Rt. 22, Phillipsburg (Greenwich Store)
  • Shop Rite of Washington, 2 Clubhouse Dr @ Route 31, Washington

Photos provided by NJ Governor’s Office
Allentown, Belmar, Brick, Englishtown, Freehold, Hamilton, Hamilton, Holmdel, Howell, Jackson, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Manalapan, Mercer County, Middletown, Millstone, Millstone, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Plumsted, Robbinsville, Rumson, Upper Freehold, Wall

Rep. Chris Smith’s Annual High School Art Competition Opens ‘Virtually’

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.

“American Graffiti,” by Jordan Heine of Wall High School won Best in Show in 2018.
Burlington, Lakehurst, Mercer County, New Hanover, Ocean County, Trenton, Wrightstown

President Donald J. Trump Announces “Operation America Strong” Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Fly Over Airshows Coming To A City Near You

April 22, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC–President Donald J. Trump has confirmed there will be airshows over America’s major cities from the USAF Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels as announced today during his daily COVID-19 press conference.

President Donald J. Trump said, “I am excited to announce that in the coming weeks the Airforce Thunderbirds they’re  incredible and the Navy Blue Angels equally incredible will be performing airshows  over America’s major cities and some of the cities that aren’t major cities, they are going to be doing a lot of work and a lot of dangerous flying, its dangerous you know the odds when you start going massive speeds and your 18 inches away from each other, that’s dangerous work. (Looking over at VP Pence) Your son is a great pilot and a, I don’t know if he could be, could he be a Thunderbird? (VP Pence, “We’ll See.) I don’t know? I think he probably could be from what I hear, I don’t know if I would want him to be. Its incredible what they can do and to sacrifice. What we’re doing is paying tribute to our front line health care workers confronting COVID and its really a signal to all Americans to remain vigilant during the outbreak. This is a tribute to them, to our warriors because the are equal warriors to those incredible pilots and all the fighters we have for the more traditional fights, that we win, and we win and when we want to we always win. Sometimes we don’t want to win so we just go to a standstill but that’s always a, that’s not the way this country works.

Operation America Strong was the idea of our great military men and women the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels crews who wanted to show support to the American medical workers who just like military members in a time of war are fiercely running toward the fight. Its going to be great, I want to see those shows and I seen them many times and I can’t get enough of them. On July 4, we will be doing what we had at the mall as you know, last year was a tremendous success and I would imagine and I can use the term forever. That was a great success as you remember even thou it was pouring it was raining so hard, it was raining, it was hard as I have seen in a while, but it was an amazing success. It didn’t bother the pilots I didn’t bother the military it didn’t bother the crews that we had there. So were going to be doing that again on July 4th”

President Donald J. Trump’s announcement starts at 23:30 in the video posted by C-Span

As MidJersey.news accurately reported the event was in the “planning stage” from information obtained from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakurst Facebook page when someone asked a question if it was going to happen today. This is the response:

“Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst The Blue Angels / Thunderbird flight in this region is still in planning phases. Each of the demo teams and our base Facebook page will release the information at the appropriate time. It’s not happening today. Thanks for reaching out.“

MidJersey.news showed a possible leaked draft document that was making its way around social media and creating quite an Internet buzz. The document includes quite a bit of information and a possible flight path. We have no way to confirm that document is real, but with President Trump’s announcement today it could be a possibility so stay tuned.

The only way we will know when it is, the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will post official information about the flight as well as the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels I suggest you follow all three Facebook pages and any other social media outlets from each group.

Once MidJersey.news finds out more details we will let you know.

Photos from the US Navy Blue Angels and USAF Thunderbirds Facebook pages.
Lakehurst, Lakewood, Mercer County, Ocean County, Trenton

COVID-19 Violators For April 21st Include Lakewood School Gym Opening, Criminal Mischief At Monmouth Medical Center Lakewood, Throwing Of Bodily Fluids And Other Things At Officers, EMTs Or Others Different Locations Around The State

April 21, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders: Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others

  • Lettie Carstarphen, 29, an inmate at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, was charged on April 7 with terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), risking widespread injury (4th degree), and endangering (4th degree).  While at the clinic inside the correctional facility, Carstarphen allegedly intentionally and forcefully coughed and tried to spit at correction officers, stating “I’m going to give you corona and I hope you die.”
  • Immanuela Omini, 21, of Sickerville, was charged yesterday, April 20, by the New Jersey State Police with throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), obstruction (disorderly persons offense), and resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense).  A state trooper stopped Omini at about 5:30 p.m. for driving recklessly on Sicklerville Road and discovered that she had several outstanding warrants against her.  When Omini refused to get out of her vehicle, the trooper, assisted by officers of the Monroe Township Police Department, had to physically remove Omini from the vehicle.  Omini was placed under arrest on the warrants and for resisting arrest and obstruction.  As she was being placed in a Monroe Township Police vehicle, Omini allegedly spit twice at the trooper, once in her face and once on the chest.

Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses

  • Paul J. Smith, 44, of Lakehurst, was charged yesterday, April 20, with false public alarm (2nd degree) and criminal mischief (3rd degree).  Smith allegedly pulled a fire alarm yesterday at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood.  He also allegedly broke a television, a sink faucet, and an IV pump, causing more than $2,000 in damage.  Hospital staff had to struggle to restrain him.

Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order, and Ordinances

  • Newark Enforcement.  The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 37 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered four non-essential businesses closed in enforcement actions on Sunday and Monday, April 19 and 20.
  • Yosef M. Notis, 43, of Lakewood, was charged early this morning by the Lakewood Police Department for violating the emergency orders by giving children permission to open the gym at his school on Oak Street to play basketball. There were eight male youths in the gym.
  • Felipe Familia-Lugo, 31, of Dover, was charged yesterday, April 20, by the Dover Police Department with violating the emergency orders for opening his barber shop to cut hair.  Police also charged his brother Jesus Familia-Lugo, 27, of Dover, who was having his hair cut, and Manuel Pandolfo, 33, of Hackettstown, who was also present in the barber shop.  Police investigated when they saw lights on inside the business shortly before 11 p.m. last night.
  • Roland Nunez, 49, Saunialt Adams, 29, Warnetta Johnson, 70, and Juan Gnegorie, were charged late Saturday night, April 18, with violating the emergency orders by hosting gatherings outside their apartments at the Mallard Park Apartments in Penns Grove. Borough police responded to a report of altercations among the groups.  Officers dispersed the crowds.
  • Jarod Rieth, 21, of Haskell, was charged with violating the emergency orders after the Stanhope Police Department stopped his vehicle on Route 206 on the night of April 16.
  • William Hancock, 32, of East Orange, and Roberto St. Juste, 25, of West Orange, were charged on April 17 by the Hampton Police Department with shoplifting (disorderly persons offense) and violating the emergency orders.  Police stopped Hancock and St. Juste for alleged shoplifting and found items stolen from Lowe’s in their vehicle.
  • Tyrell Wright, 26, of Washington Township, Warren County, was charged on April 17 with distribution of less than one ounce of marijuana (4th degree) and violating the emergency orders. Wright allegedly was seen conducting a hand to hand marijuana sale with another individual. 
  • Ryan Peterson, 24, of Budd Lake, was charged on April 14 by the Mount Olive Township Police Department with violating the emergency orders for playing on a soccer field.
  • Shahiem Alston, 33, Shamir Williams, 26, and Jahmahli Carnegie, 19, all of Paterson, were charged yesterday, April 20, by the Paterson Police Department with violating the emergency orders for gathering in the area of 17th Avenue and East 28th Street without an essential purpose, refusing to disperse, and failing to practice social distancing.
  • Miguel Gonzalez, 40, Victor Corota, 50, Alberto Torres, 49, and Jose Montez, 56, all of Paterson, were charged yesterday, April 20, by the Paterson Police Department with violating the emergency orders for gathering in the area of Market and Summer Streets  without an essential purpose and refusing to disperse.
  • Clavon Radcliff, 31, Andre Gordon, 32, Jermaine Brown, 32, and Jerome McGraw, 32, all of Paterson, were charged yesterday, April 20, by the Paterson Police Department with violating the emergency orders for gathering  in the area of 10th Avenue and East 26th  Street without an essential purpose, refusing to disperse, and failing to practice social distancing.

 The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders or local ordinances and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested.  Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court.  “One month after Governor Murphy issued his emergency orders, we are flattening the curve and saving lives, because the vast majority of our residents are conscientiously obeying the social distancing rules and doing their share to fight COVID-19,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “Unfortunately, there are still those who violate the orders, risking the further spread of this deadly virus.  What is worse, there are some who deliberately threaten our brave police officers, medical personnel, and other essential workers, impeding their vital work.  Our message to violators is that we will hold you accountable, whether it is through a summons for those who violate the social distancing orders, or an arrest on indictable charges for those who deliberately harm or threaten others during this emergency.”    “Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six people who were charged with assaulting and threatening law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders.  Specifically, those enhanced charges included terroristic threats during an emergency, a second-degree offense carrying a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.  Seventeen additional defendants, including Lettie Carstarphen, have been similarly charged since that time for alleged assaults or threats against law enforcement officers, medical personnel, or others. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas.  COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes.  Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.

  • New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
  • Tuesday April 14, 2020 – State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan speaks during Governor Phil Murphy’s coronavirus briefing in the George Washington Ballroom in the Trenton War Memorial.(Pool photo by Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)