March 2020

February 11, 2020

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Hightstown boys basketball team are the 2019-2020 Colonial Division Champions after their win against Notre Dame tonight at home. Final Score Hightstown 67 Notre Dame 64 in overtime.

Photo gallery:

January 15, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township, Bordentown Township and Chesterfield Fire Departments are on scene of a truck fire. The fire is located on the NJ Turnpike North Bound outer lanes also called the “truck lanes” by the Yardville-Allentown Road overpass.

NJ Turnpike north bound outer lanes were temporarily closed until the incident was completed. Traffic was shifted to the inner car lanes. A tanker was called to the scene from Allentown but was turned around once the fire was under control.

February 27, 2020

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Ranking Member of the House global health subcommittee, said today that the growing threat of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, requires Congress to immediately and adequately provide emergency funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies already working to protect US citizens.   

“This week, the Trump administration is requesting at least $2.5 billion in additional funding to combat the coronavirus,” said Smith.  “The President, Secretary Azar, and others have moved swiftly to identify comprehensive ways to protect US citizens and prepare for a potential pandemic.” 

Smith recommended the CDC website for its background on the coronavirus and its guide on actions people can take to slow the spread of a pandemic virus and protect family and friends. 

The CDC reports, as of Feb. 25, that 14 cases have been diagnosed in the United States, plus 39 cases among repatriated persons from high-risk settings (such as the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan), for a current total of 53 cases within the United States.  

“We cannot afford to underestimate the potential risk to Americans across the country,” Smith said. “We must bring to bear the full expertise, weight and resources of the federal government to help mitigate the dangers and foster real protection going forward,” he said.

MidJersey.news update: (this is not from Chris Smith’s office but wanted to add to the same topic without starting another article). The CDC and several other health organizations have stated to “Prepare for the virus” and there are a number of ways that can help spread the flu, germs and the coronavirus. Download the CDC document on how to prepare and get ready here.

Read about: Cell Phones and Acinetobacter Transmission

Show Me the Science – Why Wash Your Hands?

Some tips on items you may want to keep clean to protect yourself and others:

1. Wash your hands, scrub with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. Do this after using the bathroom and several times per day.
2. Clean your cell phone. I personally use an alchol based wipe to clean my phone and accessories.
3. Computer key board, clean the keys on the board every day.
4. Land line phones clean at least daily and possibly after every use with a antiseptic wipe.
5. Door knobs, and other items frequently touched clean with a disinfectant.
6. Vehicle steering wheels, knobs, door handles.

Some experts also say to stock up on food, diapers, medicines, and other items. One of the main reasons they say to stock up on those items is because the supply chain could be interrupted so it would be a good idea to have a couple week supply of essentials handy just in case.

January 24, 2020

Dennis Symons, Jr of Dennis Symons Photographic Arts and MidJersey.news was recognized for superior image making and photographic service with a Master of Photography degree from Professional Photographers of America.

The degree was presented to Dennis Symons, Jr. by PPA President  Audrey L. Wancket, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, at the association’s annual convention, Imaging USA, held January 19-21, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The master of photography degree is not merely a piece of paper. It means that Symons has met the standards of excellence set by PPA. He has been awarded this degree in recognition of his superior photographic competence demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education and service to the profession. Symons’s degrees—and all the expertise they require—illustrate his accomplishments and talent as one of a select few.

Dennis Symons, Jr. is the publisher of Midjersey.news and provides most of the photographs as seen on this website. Symons has been a photojournalist since 1987 and also provides photographic services for weddings and commercial photography.

About PPA: Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international nonprofit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA’s roots date back to 1869. The nonprofit assists 30,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at PPA.com.

Left to right: PPA President  Audrey L. Wancket, M.Photog. Cr., CPP, Dennis Symons, Jr., M.Photog, CPP, Ivan Domazet, M.Photog, Cr., CPP. at Imaging USA in Nashville, TN Jan 20, 2020

All 2020 PPA Degree Recipients

December 20, 2019

The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force concluded a month-long investigation recently withthe seizure of more than $100,000 in heroin, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofrireported.Onofri stated that, on Wednesday morning, December 18, 2019, detectives with the MCNTFinitiated surveillance of the investigation’s target, Bryan Capellan, as well as two residences heutilizes in Hamilton. Detectives proceeded to execute search warrants at both locations, andMercer County Prosecutor’s Sergeant Joe Angarone utilized his K9 partner Bela to conductdrug searches. Bela gave positive indications for the presence of a narcotics in a 2007 CrownVictoria located at the residence in the 100 block of Marshall Avenue. During the search,detectives located 11,650 bags of heroin, 400 grams of raw heroin, 50 grams of fentanyl, threegrams of marijuana and $19,291 in cash.Onofri stated that the total amount of heroin seized has an approximate street value of$107,000. The fentanyl has an approximate street value of $800.Capellan, 31, was arrested at his residence on Deutz Avenue, Hamilton, and charged withfirst-degree narcotics offenses. He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center.Officers with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, U.S.Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hamilton, Princeton and Trenton police, under thecommand of the prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit, assisted with the investigation.Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond

a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Febuary 14, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC–Bipartisan legislation recognizing February as American Heart Month was introduced in the House of Representatives today.

   Congressman Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Heart & Stroke Coalition, along with fellow Co-Chair Joyce Beatty (D-OH), authored the resolution, HRes. 860, in honor of the approximately 647,000 Americans who die from some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

   “Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, and more women die from heart disease than all cancers combined,” said Smith.  “In my home state of New Jersey alone, there are approximately 420,000 cases of coronary heart disease—the most common type of CVD—according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH); that is unacceptable. We must continue to work together to know and understand the risks of CVD, and the small steps we can take to prevent it.”

   “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition and a stroke survivor, I have long championed the need for men and women to get ‘heart healthy,’” said Beatty. “To that effect, according to the American Heart Association, there are many steps that you can take right now to decrease your risk of heart disease, including exercising, eating a balanced diet, and knowing the early warning signs. That’s why I urge all Central Ohioans and all Americans to ‘Go Red’ and help spread the word this Heart Month.”

   The resolution is support by two of the leading organizations committed to promoting American heart health: the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. 

   “Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the world’s leading cause of preventable death and disability. After decades of a steady decline in the U.S., CVD death rates are on the rise, which points to the urgent need for more research, prevention and early detection programs,” saidNancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.  “Now, more than ever, we need support from Members of Congress to address the health and economic crisis that CVD poses to our nation. We are grateful to Representatives Joyce Beatty and Chris Smith, our Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition Co-Chairs, for introducing this year’s Heart Month Resolution and for their ongoing advocacy in the fight against heart disease and stroke.”

   “Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death worldwide. While awareness of heart disease prevention is increasing, it is not nearly fast enough to curb the spread of this deadly disease, which is largely preventable in many cases,” said American College of Cardiology President Richard Kovacs, MD, FACC. “The ACC thanks Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition Co-Chairs Reps. Joyce Beatty and Chris Smith for their continued advocacy to end the global health crisis of heart disease. The ACC is committed to working with Congress to continue raising awareness of heart disease prevention and to increase funding for cardiovascular research this Heart Month and every month.”

   Though Heart Month will be celebrated around the nation throughout February at awareness events, galas and free medical screenings, all Americans should work to live healthier lives all year long.

March 5, 2020

Church Street is closed from Main Street to Johnson Drive. 

Allentown, NJ (Monmouth)–There is sewer line maintenance work going on today. As such, Church Street is closed between Main Street and Johnson Drive. Traffic is being redirected onto Johnson Drive, to Mechanic Street,  to Broad Street, and back onto Main Street. It is estimated that this work will continue until 3PM today. If work needs to continue tomorrow, the same closures will be in effect. There will be traffic delays in the area. Please plan accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. 

February 4, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The visiting Allentown Redbirds with a strong comeback in the 4th period defeated the West Windsor Plainsboro South Pirates 72-71 with seconds left in the game.

Photo gallery:

January 25, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)—Allentown High School wrestler Nick Golden reached his 100^th career win milestone on Saturday January 25, 2020 at a quad meet in New Brunswick, NJ. Golden is the 5^th Allentown High School wrestler to reach the 100-win milestone. The match was against Jazzarell Bull from New Brunswick with a fall at 1:32 of the first period to get the 100.

Nick, 17 years old is a senior and wrestling in the 170-pound weight class and began wrestling in the 5^th grade. Currently Golden is 100-26 with 65 pins and so far this season 23-1 and is looking for a strong finish this season.

When asking Nick how he sees the rest of the season he says he is continuing to do the right thing with proper nutrition, wrestling club and spending time in the weight room. He is looking forward to the upcoming county, districts and regions in preparation for the state tournament in Atlantic City.

Next year Nick will wrestling at The College of New Jersey next year and has signed a commitment. Nick’s major at TCNJ will be math and looking for a career as an actuary working for an insurance company or major corporation in the future.

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Steinert wresting team held their Senior Day at a tri meet at home today. During the first meet Steinert won their match against West Windsor Plainsboro South with a team score of 45-19, individual scores below:

132lbs. Steinert: Anthony Verdi (w: Pin 1:00) WWPS: Jason Carrol138lbs. Steinert: Dan Fernandez WWPS: Paranav Anil (w )145lbs. Steinert: Josh Muller WWPS: Alex Yu (w )152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine160lbs. Steinert: Dante Hawkins (w: Pin 0:24) WWPS: Shyam Kumar170lbs. Steinert: FFT WWPS: Murali Thirumalai (w )182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene220lbs. Steinert: Yousef Yaakoub WWPS: FFT285lbs. Steinert: Larry Premah (w ) WWPS: FFT106lbs. Steinert: Anthony Lapiana WWPS: FFT113lbs. Steinert: FFT WWPS: FFT120lbs. Steinert: FFT WWPS: FFT

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

132lbs. Steinert: Anthony Verdi (w: Pin 1:00) WWPS: Jason Carrol

132lbs. Steinert: Anthony Verdi (w: Pin 1:00) WWPS: Jason Carrol

132lbs. Steinert: Anthony Verdi (w: Pin 1:00) WWPS: Jason Carrol

138lbs. Steinert: Dan Fernandez WWPS: Paranav Anil

138lbs. Steinert: Dan Fernandez WWPS: Paranav Anil

138lbs. Steinert: Dan Fernandez WWPS: Paranav Anil

145lbs. Steinert: Josh Muller WWPS: Alex Yu

145lbs. Steinert: Josh Muller WWPS: Alex Yu

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

160lbs. Steinert: Dante Hawkins (w: Pin 0:24) WWPS: Shyam Kumar

160lbs. Steinert: Dante Hawkins (w: Pin 0:24) WWPS: Shyam Kumar

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene

195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene

195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene

195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene