MANASQUAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–POINT PLESANT, NJ (OCEAN)–On May 19, 2021, Bureau of Marine Fisheries staff expanded the State’s artificial reef network with another deployment on Manasquan Inlet Reef, marking the sixth on that site since 2017.
The F/V CARTERS CREEK, formerly known as “Absecon”, is a 140′ decommissioned bunker boat. The vessel now rests in 75′ of water, with a vertical relief of 28′, at the following coordinates: 40* 05.010 x 073* 59.632. OR 40 05.010 -073 59.632
Sponsorship for this this project is provided by the Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association and The Sportfishing Fund.
Vessels and structures such as these, after being emptied of all machinery and fluids and thoroughly cleaned, are inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and DEP before sinking. Due to the thickness and quality of steel used in their construction, staff expect the service life of this artificial reef to last over 75 years.
Artificial reefs are typically made up of concrete, steel, decommissioned ships and barges and provide habitat for a variety of marine life, fishing grounds for anglers and underwater structures for scuba divers to enjoy.
For more information, please visit the Artificial Reef Program page or contact NJ Reef Program Coordinator Peter Clarke at 609-748-2020.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Four shots rang out near 1210 Stuyvesant Avenue at 6:09 p.m. as picked up on the ShotSpotter, Trenton Police responded to the scene according to Detective Lieutenant Bethesda Stokes. Upon arrival at 26-year-old male was located with a gunshot to the back.
Trenton Fire, TEMS and Captial Health Paramedics responded to the scene.
EMS worked on the patient at the scene and transported the person to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, a trauma alert was called during transport.
Trenton Police reported that the man is in critical condition.
Trenton Police were on scene gathering evidence from the shooting. Spent shell casings could be seen on the ground. No further details are available at this time. Further details to follow.
June 8, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department, Trenton EMS responded to Bridge and Centre Streets for reports of an accident with multiple injuries. It was unclear the condition of the occupants or the exact number of injuries. Trenton Police Department is investigating the crash.
Mercer County Prosecutors Office Tells MidJersey.News that the fire is being investigated as “suspicious” at this time.
July 4, 2021 — 12:15 p.m. Update
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—Around 4:30 a.m. the Trenton Fire Department was sent to the 500 Block of Second Street for a reported house fire. During a search a victim was found and a 2nd alarm was called.
Acting Director Fire and Emergency Services, Chief, Christopher Maziarz said, upon arrival we found heavy fire on the second floor, a search was initiated and a victim found. A second alarm was called at approximately 4:35 a.m.
Acting Director Maziarz said that the victim was a female in her mid 30s, the cause is under investigation. There was one knee injury to a fire officer on scene and was being treated.
As of 12:15 p.m. the Mercer County Prosecutors Office spokesperson Casey DeBlasio told MidJersey.News that the fire “is being investigated as suspicious at this time.”
No further details are available.
Video and photos below not for broadcast or other media without permission from MidJersey.news
MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Monroe Township Police, EMS and Monroe Township Fire Departments responded to Route 33 West Bound at Bentley Road for a serious motor vehicle crash with entrapment around 1:30 p.m. It was unclear the seriousness of the injuries or who was transported to the hospital. The roadway was shut down at Prodelin Way-Perrineville Road intersection with Route 33 West. The detour westbound was though Monroe Township. As of 4:00 p.m. the roadway is still shut down for the accident investigation. No further details are available at this time.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–John Paff from Transparency NJ says that in response to an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request, he received today, an Excel spreadsheet identifying 2,171 Local Government Officers (LGOs), including mayors, municipal council members, zoning board members, etc., who were assessed $100 fines for allegedly failing to file Financial Disclosure Statements (FDS) by the April 30, 2022 deadline.
The decision to issue the NOVs and fines was made by Local Finance Board (LFB), the agency that primarily enforces the New Jersey Local Government Ethics Law (LGEL), at its June 8, 2022 meeting. The LFB enforces the LGEL against LGOs in all municipalities and counties except those that have their own ethics boards. In addition to counties and municipalities, the LFB also enforces the LGEL against LGOs serving regional authorities, county colleges, regional boards of health, joint insurance funds and other agencies.
The Microsoft Excel file, in exactly the form received, is on-line here. There are seven tabs across the bottom–one for each type of agency within the LFB’s jurisdiction. Within each tab, the name of the LGO who received the NOV is listed under the columns headed “Roster_FName” and “Roster_LName.”
Note that any LGO on the Excel spreadsheet has a right to appeal the LFB’s determination and its assessment of the fine. Anyone wishing to check on whether the a particular LGO has filed his or her FDS before or after the NOV’s issuance can perform a search here.
You can also down load at this link:
2022-fds-novs-listDownload
Midjersey.News converted the Excel file to a 31 page PDF file and that is below for easier reading for some viewers:
2022-fds-novs-listDownload
Note that Trenton, which has a large number of non-filers (link below), is not on the list because the city has its own ethics board and is thus outside the Local Finance Board’s jurisdiction. Trenton officials, it appears, pretty much are given a pass, according to Paff.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police report that on January 4, 2023 at 5:36 p.m. Patrol & Traffic Units responded to the Valero (Princeton Hightstown Road/Southfield Road) on a report of an active physical altercation. K9 Officer Pollini arrived at the scene where all parties were separated and the following was determined: a male, identified as Kishan Patel, of East Windsor, NJ, had stopped with a friend to buy gasoline for his vehicle. A dispute started with the attendant when Patel felt he had been incorrectly provided $1 less of gasoline than he paid for and that the attendant owed him $1. The dispute began as verbal and escalated when Patel exited his vehicle and punched the victim twice in the face causing minor injuries. Patel was determined to have brandished a folding knife during the encounter. The knife was located at the scene by Traffic Officer McQuade in nearby empty garbage can.
West Windsor Division of Fire & Emergency Services arrived at the scene to attend to the victim who sustained cuts to his forehead and nose area. The victim declined to be transported to a hospital by WWDFES.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey State Police and the East Windsor Township Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a man who allegedly broke into three Sea Box freight storage containers and stole several items.
On Sunday, April 11, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the suspect cut the padlocks on three storage containers located in the township and removed a pallet of LED parking lot lights. The suspect also stole a Honda generator, two jumping jack power tools, a rotary laser, a concrete saw, two rolls of copper, a trash pump, an impact drill, and a plastic blower.
Prior to departing, the suspect removed a security camera from the scene and placed it in his vehicle while it was still recording. He then fled in a Ford van, pickup truck, or box truck with a circular-shaped sticker in the driver’s side corner of the windshield.
Detectives with the State Police Forensic Imaging Unit completed a detailed sketch of the suspect based on surveillance images.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective McCandrew of the East Windsor Police Department at 609-448-5678, ext. 230 or email [email protected].
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April 21, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags remain at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities until sunset on the day of interment, consistent with federal law and directives, to honor the life and work of former Vice President Walter Mondale.
“In a remarkable career in public service that spanned more than a half-century, Walter Mondale brought good humor, dignity, kindness, and honesty to our politics – and most of that during times when our civil discourse sorely needed all four,” said Governor Murphy. “Walter Mondale is no footnote in American history. He left an indelible mark. He single-handedly changed the role of the vice-presidency from that of merely president-in-waiting to one of presidential advisor and confidant. His choice of Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate in the 1984 presidential campaign signaled a watershed moment for women in national politics. In his honor, and in accordance with the directive by President Biden – who served alongside Senator Mondale – our flags will remain at half-staff through the late Vice-President’s interment.”
Copy of Executive Order #236
Photo by Aaron Schwartz on Pexels.com
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April 21, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Today, Governor Phil Murphy signed A5405, which will direct $10 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established under the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. This funding will be distributed to seven New Jersey food banks in order to continue providing families with food assistance during the pandemic.
“Our food banks have been a critical resource for thousands of families impacted by the pandemic,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s necessary funding will help organizations to continue supporting New Jerseyans to put food on the table for their families. I want to thank our Congressional Delegation for their commitment to secure this funding.”
The funding will be distributed to the following organizations:
Community Food Bank of New Jersey, $5,200,000;
The Food Bank of South Jersey, $1,500,000;
Fulfill Monmouth & Ocean, $1,500,000;
Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, $1,100,000;
Norwescap, $300,000;
Southern Regional Food Distribution Center, $300,000; and
Farmers Against Hunger, $100,000.
“Food banks carry out a crucial and valuable role in serving the food insecure for all communities throughout New Jersey,” NJDA Secretary Douglas Fisher said. “This funding will help ensure access to meals and the necessary assistance for those who may find themselves in need of a helping hand during a time of stress.”
“Food insecurity is a quiet crisis that has been made worse by the pandemic,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “The economic fallout has made it tragically hard for a growing number of families to put food on their tables. No one in America should be allowed to go hungry and no family should be forced to live with the fear of not knowing where the next meal is coming from. These food banks are a lifeline for those in need during a time of difficult challenges.”
“Over 1.2 million people in this state now suffer from food insecurity, a staggering number that has increased substantially because of COVID-19,” said Senator Steven Oroho. “By lending a helping hand to large food banks, this law will help address the hunger crisis in New Jersey head-on.”
“Far too many families are struggling to put food on the table right now because of the financial impact of COVID-19,” said Speaker Craig Coughlin, Assemblywoman Angela Speight, and Assemblyman John Armato, in a joint statement. “Throughout this crisis, food banks have been providing critical support to community members in need – ensuring no one who seeks their help goes home hungry. Allocating funds to New Jersey’s food banks will help these organizations continue their important mission of helping residents get through challenging times.”
Photo provided by: Governor Murphy’s Office
April 21, 2021
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–On Tuesday April 20, 2021 a township resident responded to police headquarters with what was reported to be a suspicious package containing a white powder substance.
After the resident made contact with the watch commander and produced the package and powder, which was contained in a plastic grocery bag, the bag was immediately relocated outside headquarters and notification was made to the Cassville Fire Department, Berkeley and Joint Base MDL Hazmat Units to respond. The headquarters lobby was closed off as a precaution until the substance could be identified. After the package was inspected and tested, the substance was determined to be baking soda and not hazardous. The area was opened again at that time.
The investigation into the origin of the package and why it is was sent to the resident is ongoing at this time. Any residents who receive or come into contact with any packages or substances which they consider to be suspicious are asked to leave the package in place and contact the department at 732-928-1111. As a safety precaution, they should not attempt to handle or transport the package.
The project is part of an effort to plant 25,000 trees in areas where ShopRite stores operate.
April 21, 2021
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP – PENNINGTON, NJ (MERCER)–Volunteers from ShopRite and One Tree Planted branched out across Rosedale Park in Pennington, NJ on April 19 to help create a more sustainable future by planting 125 saplings as part of ShopRite’s ongoing efforts to plant 25,000 trees in areas where our stores operate.
Equipped with gloves, shovels and an array of other tools, volunteers dug holes, planted trees and erected deer fencing to ensure the saplings would have the best chance to take root and thrive. The tree planting initiative, now in its third year, will result in 75,000 trees being planted in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland by the end of the year.
“Our annual tree planting event is a highlight of our sustainability efforts that are designed to promote a greener, cleaner and more beautiful environment for future generations,” said Robert Zuehlke, Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility for ShopRite. “We are proud to partner with One Tree Planted to help bring 75,000 trees to states across the mid-Atlantic.”
The benefits of trees include moderating climate, improving air quality, reducing storm water runoff, and harboring wildlife. They also serve as a windbreak, provide protection from rainfall, and act as a filter for the air we breathe by removing dust and releasing oxygen. Trees also have social benefits that include having a calming effect that reduces stress and fatigue, while also promoting healing.
“We’re proud of our continued partnership with ShopRite,” said Matt Hill, Chief Environmental Evangelist at One Tree Planted. “Thanks to our shared commitment to the environment we’re able to plant trees across the US, protect biodiversity and water quality, and get the local community involved.”
For more than four decades, Wakefern Food Corp., the retailer owned cooperative that includes nearly 280 ShopRite stores, has worked to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and assist communities where our stores operate. Last year alone, Wakefern donated 5,000 tons of food to local food banks, composted more than 8,200 tons of food waste, and since the late 1970’s has recycled more than 2.6 million tons of materials.
For more information on how ShopRite is celebrating Earth Day, and our ongoing sustainability efforts, please visit: www.shoprite.com/earthmonth2021, and https://shop.shoprite.com/sustainability
Volunteers from ShopRite and One Tree Planted branched out across Rosedale Park in Pennington, NJ on April 19 to help create a more sustainable future by planting 125 saplings as part of ShopRite’s ongoing efforts to plant 25,000 trees in areas where our stores operate.
April 21, 2021
ALLENTOWN – UPPER FREEHOLD TWP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On April 19th, 2021 Upper Freehold Township held a very small ceremony where 3 New Firefighters were sworn in by Business Administrator Dana Tyler at the fire station. After the new personnel were sworn in each Firefighter was “Pinned” by a close family member. The “Pinning” is the placing of the Firefighter’s Official Badge of Service on their uniform for the first time, as they begin their service for our community. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the event was limited to immediate family of the 3 Firefighters, co-workers, and representatives from local fire departments.
Firefighter Scott Royle took the position of Captain, charged with oversight of the Fire & Emergency Services for Upper Freehold Township and The Borough of Allentown under the direction of The Township Committee. Captain Royle comes to us with 18 years of experience at various agencies in Monmouth County. He is a US Navy Veteran and worked in the private fire investigation industry prior to coming to us. He continues to volunteer with the Matawan Fire Department and is a great asset to the town.
Firefighter Nick Brown a resident of Eatontown, NJ. He volunteered with Eatontown Fire Department, Tinton Falls Fire Department, & Eatontown Emergency Medical Services before coming to Upper Freehold Township. He has been a firefighter since 2015. He worked Per-Diem for South Wall Fire Rescue since 2019 and with us since early 2020, before being offered a spot as a full-time firefighter.
Firefighter Blake Nebbia grew up in the Upper Freehold Twp. and Allentown area. He has lived here for 17 years. He joined Hope Fire Company 9 years ago and has work extremely hard to get to this spot. Firefighter Nebbia is a graduate of Allentown High School and worked for Upper Freehold School District till he was offered a full-time position. He also worked Per Diem with Ewing Township as a firefighter.
Fire Service Representatives present: (L to R): Hamilton Battalion Chief Ferdinand Mather, Hope FC Chief Joe Petrella, UFT Firefighter Nebbia, Robbinsville Firefighter Ryan Frank, UFT Firefighter Brown, UFT Firefighter Jakob, Captain Royle, & Hope FC President Alex Nebbia (Children Sadie Royle & Kevin O’Donnell 3rd) Firefighters (L to R) Ryan Frank (Robbinsville Fire Department), Blake Nebbia, Kevin O’Donnell (child), Nick Brown, Matthew Jakob, Scott Royle, & daughter Sadie Royle Firefighter Blake Nebbia being “pinned” by his Girlfriend Madison Mather (L to R) Madison Mather (Girlfriend), Firefighter Blake Nebbia, Valerie Nebbia (Mother), Todd Nebbia (Father), HFC President Alex Nebbia (Brother) (L to R) Firefighter Nicholas Brown, Sabrina Perez, Kevin O’Donnell, Kevin O’Donnell 3rd, & Dana Tyler, Upper Freehold Township Administrator (L to R) Ms. Sabrina Perez (FF Brown’s Fiancé) Firefighter Nicholas Brown, Kevin O’Donnell 3rd, & Kevin O’Donnell (brother in-law) Captain Royle being “Pinned” with Family. Captain Scott Royle with his wife Tracey & daughter Sadie
April 21, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Shooting Response Team are investigating a shooting that occurred in Trenton Tuesday night that left one victim dead and another injured, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 10:15 p.m. on April 20, 2021, Trenton police responded to a ShotSpotter activation at Oakland Street and Hoffman Avenue. Responding officers located two victims with gunshot wounds. Both were transported to the hospital and a short time later, Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, was pronounced dead. The second victim, a 30-year-old Trenton man, sustained non-life threatening injuries to his leg and buttocks.
Anyone with information is asked to call (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to [email protected]
See last night’s breaking news story here: BREAKING: 2 Shot on Oakland Street
See additional update here: UPDATE: One Man Has Died, One In Hospital From Last Night’s Shooting
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April 21, 2021
UPDATE: Victim Of Last Night’s Shooting Identified
Follow MidJersey.news for updates this is still a developing story.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department Detective Captain Peter Weremijenko has confirmed that two people were shot in the area of Oakland Street and Hoffmann Avenue last night. One adult male has passed away from his injures that was shot in the back. Another victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his legs and buttocks. Both men are Trenton residents. Further information will be coming from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office later today, this is still a developing story please follow MidJersey.news for more information.
See last night’s breaking news story here: BREAKING: 2 Shot on Oakland Street
ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department responded to what appeared to be a single vehicle accident at Mile Marker 62.4 South Bound Outer Roadway (Trucks) on the New Jersey Turnpike tonight around 8:40 pm. One person was taken to Capital Health Medical Center in Trenton. New Jersey State Police were on scene investigating.
Robbinsville Township Fire Department on scene of a vehicle accident on the NJ Turnpike 2/3/2020
FBI began investigating Christopher Jensen, 68, for assuming the identity of a 17-year-old boy in order to entice and solicit an underage girl to send nude and sexually explicit images over the internet.
November 29, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Monmouth County, New Jersey man, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for knowingly receiving child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Herman Christopher Jensen, 68, of Union Beach, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to a one-count information charging him with knowingly receiving child pornography. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
FBI began investigating Jensen for assuming the identity of a 17-year-old boy in order to entice and solicit an underage girl to send nude and sexually explicit images over the internet. Jensen did this by creating a fake Facebook account, purporting to be a teenaged boy named “Kevin Bennett.” From January 2018 through about August 2018, Jensen used the “Kevin Bennett” Facebook account to communicate with the minor victim frequently, causing her to believe that she was involved in a romantic relationship with “Kevin Bennett.”
Jensen requested nude and semi-nude photographs from the victim minor through Facebook’s messenger service. As time went on, Jensen received increasingly explicit videos depicting the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit activity. In August of 2018, Jensen revealed to the minor victim that he was not, in fact, the 17 year-old teenager he purported to be, but instead an adult named Chris Jenson. The victim continued to communicate with Jensen via the “Chris Jensen” Facebook account. In December 2018, the minor victim traveled to New Jersey to live with Jensen.
On Dec. 19, 2018, local authorities became involved in the matter causing the removal of the victim from Jensen’s residence.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Jensen to lifetime supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers of the FBI and the Red Bank Resident Agency’s Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked the Union Beach Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Michael J. Woodrow, for its assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Perry Farhat of the Government Frauds Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
21-545
Defense counsel: John C. Feggeler Esq., Matawan, New Jersey
Garden State Outdoor Sports Show Moves to August 11 – 14, 2022
Postponed Show Dates – January 2021:Garden State Outdoor Sports ShowNew Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison, NJJanuary 6-9, 2022 – POSTPONED
http://www.gsoss.com
December 22, 2021
EDISON, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The Outdoor Sports Group (OSG) each January is proud to produce The Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, bringing together the outdoor community to experience a fishing & hunting spectacular.
We assemble at this annual show to celebrate the outdoor industry and provide a platform for the outdoor enthusiast to shop for amazing deals, meet the experts and create enjoyable family memories. We are passionate about delivering sports shows that showcase the latest products, services, travel destination, ATV’s, RV’s, boats, powersports, fishing tackle, outfitters, wildlife art, hunting supplies, charters, paddle boards, knives and much more.
While we would prefer to be giving you an update today on joining us at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in Edison, NJ; set to take place in January 2022, the show will be postponed and is now schedule, to take place August 11-14, 2022. Outdoor Sports Group in conjunction with its show partners have made the decision to postpone the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show due to coronavirus related health and safety concerns for its exhibitors, speakers, staff, and the many outdoor enthusiasts that passionately attend these events each year.
Postponing this event is incredibly disappointing for everyone involved but based on the current health and safety guidelines we are unable to hold our traditional sports show that showcases 150-200 + exhibitor booths and delivers 10,000-15,000 + attendees. More importantly the decision was made to ensure the continued health and safety of our community.
The Outdoor Sports Group staff will be connecting directly with exhibiting companies with more information regarding the postponing of the event, including options to receive a full refund or apply booth deposit to the scheduled 2022 or 2023 events.
The outdoor industry does not stop for the COVID-19 pandemic, we are happy to announce we will be holding a summer edition of the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, August 11-14, 2022. The summer show will feature the New Jersey Deer Classic, the 9th Annual Garden State 3D Archery Tournament Summer Classic and co-locate with Safe Con, New Jersey 2nd Amendment Firearms Education Conference. Outdoor enthusiast will have the opportunity to book last minute summer and fall fishing trips, buy a boat or RV and gear up for hunting season, plus much more.
Our exhibitor profiles, guest speaker announcements and other information will be available at www.gsoss.com Outdoor Sports Group is schedule to hold these future events:
Northern Illinois Sports Show, January 13-16, 2022
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, March 10-13, 2022
Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, Summer Show August 11-14,2022
Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, Winter Show January 12-15, 2023
Northern Illinois Sports Show, January 19-22, 2023
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, March 9-12, 2023