EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m. the East Windsor Police Department responded to a reported collision involving a vehicle and bicyclist in the area of Twin Rivers Drive North and Ithaca Place. Preliminary investigation revealed that 2013 Toyota Tacoma struck a 14-year-old bicyclist, as the bicyclist was crossing Twin Rivers Drive North. The bicyclist was thrown from the bike and sustained serious injuries and was transported to RWJ New Brunswick by New Jersey State Police Medevac and Capital Health Paramedics. The incident is under investigation by the East Windsor Police Department and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–With temperatures in the high 90s today and tomorrow, the City of Trenton is issuing an extreme heat advisory and opening our city cooling center at Sam Naples Community Center, on Monday, July 15, and Tuesday, July 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 611 Chestnut Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611.
Trenton public pools can also be accessed at the following locations:
Father Rocco Pool – 1501 New Willow Street
Hetzel Pool and Spray-Ground – 190 North Olden Avenue
Martin Luther King Pool – 347 Brunswick Avenue
Roberto Clemente Pool – 342 Academy Street
Pools will open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Senior Swim and Instructional Swim will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with Open Swim from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The extreme heat and high humidity significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. The City of Trenton advises residents to drink plenty of fluids, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, wear light-colored and/or loose-fitting clothing, and most importantly, check on relatives, friends, and elders. It is also crucial to never leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles, as car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.
The National Weather Service Philadelphia Mount Holly says we will remain stuck in a stormy and hot pattern for the next few days, so here are our concerns for today.
Excessive heat is once again a concern, with heat index values across much of the region in the 100s (the exception being right along the coast and in the higher terrain of the Southern Poconos).
We’ve already had one round of storms early this morning, but another round of storms is possible this afternoon and evening. Some of the storms could be severe. The primary hazards with any storms will be damaging winds and heavy downpours.
SFC Philip Curry of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Public Information told MidJersey.news that the crash occurred at 3:57 p.m. on the NJ Turnpike southbound on the inner roadway Mile Post 56.3 in Chesterfield. Preliminary information indicated that 4 vehicles were involved in a crash with multiple roll-overs. One minor non-life threatening injury was reported.
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–For the second time today there was a serious crash on the New Jersey Turnpike south bound this time involving both the inner and outer lanes in the area of mile post 56.3. The crash involving multiple vehicles happened around 4:00 p.m. about two miles north of Exit 7. The crash happened on the inner lanes and left two vehicles overturned and two other vehicles had severe damage.
Robbinsville Township, Bordentown Township, Chesterfield Township, NJ State Police and EMS all responded to mile post 56.3 south bound for a multiple vehicle crash with entrapment. The crash was found on the south bound side of the roadway, a small work type van and an overturned Jeep were in the left shoulder of the inner roadway. An SUV with heavy damage and an overturned pickup truck appeared to both break though the guiderails between the inner and outer roadways. There were no major injuries, and it was unclear if anyone was transported to the hospital.
The crash backed traffic up with a 5-mile delay all the way back to Exit 7A-Robbinsville-I-195.
Earlier this morning around 11:00 a.m. there was a serious truck crash on the right shoulder of the outer roadway.
It was unclear if there were additional vehicles involved in this afternoon’s crash. The New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash.
You can read the earlier story here:
Serious Crash On NJ Turnpike South Bound Just North Of Exit 7
Crash and Overturned vehicle on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway southbound North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 2 Left lanes and right shoulder of 3 lanes blocked https://t.co/kx30Jrsffp
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Crash and Overturned vehicle on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway southbound North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) All lanes and right shoulder blocked https://t.co/YyWphAvx8Z
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike inner and outer roadways southbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 3 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/gJ8sQ6q26u
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike both directions exiting at Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/o9DMf1kk68
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway southbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 3 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/QISjornomw
Use of $350 Million in State Debt Prevention Funds Will Save Taxpayers Millions
September 7, 2023
Trenton, NJ – Today the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) announced the approval of nearly $450 million in school construction funds to address critical facilities needs in 261 school districts throughout the state.
Of this $450 million in construction, $350 million will come from the State’s Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund, which was established two years ago to help pay down existing debt and avoid incurring new debt by funding projects outright rather than incurring new borrowing. This move is expected to save the State and taxpayers roughly $350 million in total as opposed to issuing 30-year bonds at current interest rates.
“This funding is part of a state and local partnership that will invest in hundreds of school projects while saving a significant amount of taxpayer dollars. Coupled with an infusion of local funding, this collaboration will generate more than $1 billion in important upgrades to schools throughout New Jersey,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Ensuring our students receive a world-class education in a first-rate learning environment while relieving the pressure on local taxpayers is a top priority of my Administration.”
“This funding demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing safe, modern learning environments,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “In addition, improving the physical and safety conditions of school buildings improves working conditions for teachers and elevates the pride and support of the school community as a whole. This funding will benefit countless students in hundreds of schools throughout New Jersey.”
“The advancement of these projects further ensures high-quality learning environments for students and staff, addressing issues that can affect health and safety including replacement of leaky roofs and inefficient boilers,” said Manuel Da Silva, SDA Chief Executive Officer. “This grant funding impacts hundreds of local communities around the state by helping districts leverage resources to pay for important school facility projects while continuing to bolster the State’s construction industry.”
The NJDOE determined the selection of school projects receiving grant funds, and the grants are administered by the Schools Development Authority. School projects were identified by need, such as essential building systems upgrades like the repair or replacement of structural components, mechanical/heating and cooling, and electrical systems; building roofs; and to resolve building code issues. The funding will provide for numerous high-priority upgrades including 320 HVAC systems, 79 boilers or water heaters, and 211 roofs.
Besides the $449.9 million in state funding, local contributions totaling $598.5 million are estimated to bring the total cost of construction to more than $1 billion. The state-funded grants represent at least 40 percent of eligible costs for projects in the Regular Operating Districts (RODs) to address health and safety issues and other critical needs.
Statewide Summary of 2023 ROD Grants
Districts
261
Projects
668
Total Cost of Projects
$1,044,599,377
State Share
$449,993,347
Funding for the school construction initiative was made possible through legislation signed in 2022 and grant funding from SDA allocations.
A list of districts receiving state construction funding is attached to the bottom of this news release.
“Where we invest taxpayer money reflects our priorities and we will always put our kids first,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. “Now, with the help of union workers, our schools will be safer, and more inviting for our children and teachers.”
“This critical funding is the latest investment we are making in New Jersey’s school districts,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “By providing financial support for these construction projects, our school districts can focus on investing in our children and our teachers, without worrying about allocating funds for costly building repairs. This is another example of how our prudent fiscal management is enabling us to give money back to local communities. This funding serves as local tax relief. Without it, the costs for these necessary repairs would otherwise come from local taxpayers.”
“With schools closing early all over the state this week due to the heat, it is clear our educational infrastructure is not only dated and deteriorating but also ill equipped to handle our changing climate,” said Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz. “While it is just a start, it is wonderful to see money getting out the door to allow districts to make much needed improvements to their facilities. I look forward to seeing the impact these projects have on the children of New Jersey.”
“This investment affirms our commitment to provide all New Jersey students with a high-quality education,” said Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald. “We know that a safe and comfortable learning environment is critical for student focus. These construction projects are essential for our school facilities to continue to live up to the high standards we have set for our best-in-the-nation public education system. I’m thrilled for the hundreds of communities across the state that will benefit from today’s announcement.”
“Schools are the centers of children’s lives and they deserve buildings and facilities that encourage progress during this critical time in their development,” said Senator Paul Sarlo, Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. “In collaboration with our local partners, we are making much needed investments in the classrooms and other physical spaces that will support their academic growth.”
“Many New Jersey schools are in need of serious improvements and repairs, whether it be a new roof or the installation of central air conditioning,” said Senator Gopal, Chair of the Senate Education Committee. “This funding will go a long way in ensuring our children can continue to receive the high quality education we’ve come to expect.”
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to working together with the Governor to advance school improvement projects throughout New Jersey,” said Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, Chair of the Assembly
Education Committee. “These funds are a result of collaborative efforts in the most recent budget and beyond. We look forward to seeing districts utilize this funding to help complete critical repairs so that administrators and teachers can focus on providing the best possible education for our children.”
Victim flown by helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center
September 4, 2023
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 11:00 a.m. first responders were detailed to an area north of the Route 72, Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge for a personal watercraft collision. Emergency services requested a landing zone for a medical helicopter at the Boatyard. There were reports of a 17-year-old male with a deep leg laceration and needed immediate transportation to a trauma center. There were also reports of two other injuries at the location.
No further details are available at this time.
Other area news:
Around 1:00 p.m. crews responded back to Island Beach State Park for a water rescue of three swimmers in distress in Area 19. Reports of people out of the water with the help of a surfer.
See yesterday’s story for some updates.
Swim only in areas where there are lifeguards. Stay out of the water if there are no lifeguards.
POINT PLESANT BEACH, NJ (OCEAN)–Point Plesant Beach Police reported that at approximately 3:05 p.m., yesterday, April 5, 2023, officers were dispatched to the area of Route 35 North and McLean Ave. for a truck that drove through a utility pole, then drove into a nearby residence. The operator of the truck, Ronald Bennett, 55, of Point Pleasant, was treated at the scene by The Point Pleasant First Aid & Rescue Squad and transported to the hospital. There were no other reported injuries and the residence was unoccupied at the time of the accident. Ocean Fire Company and Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company #2, were dispatched and responded to the scene. They assisted in checking the residence for occupants and securing the accident scene because of downed electrical lines. JCP&L responded and there was a brief power loss to the north end area surrounding Rt. 35 that affected several residences and businesses. Power was restored yesterday by JCP&L. NJ State DOT responded and assisted with diverting traffic from the area on Route 35 North near the accident scene. Route 35 North was opened back up last night, but due to ongoing work by utility companies, has only one lane of travel in the area where the accident occurred. South Wall Fire Rescue and the Brick Township RUST team responded with rescue teams to assist in the safe removal of the vehicle from the residence. Point Pleasant Beach DPW and the Ladies Auxiliary from both Point Pleasant Beach Fire Companies responded and assisted at the scene as well. The incident is being investigated by Point Plesant Beach Police Officer Bryan Benites and is ongoing at this time.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–They’re a trio of teenage techies.
Proof of their talent is “MyCrohnicles,” a new free mobile app they created, now available for Google Android and Apple iOS smartphones and tablets.
MyCrohnicles is the handiwork of Robbinsville High School senior Udhirna Krishnamurthy, 17; and her brother Svadrut, 13, an 8th-grader at Robbinsville’s Pond Road Middle School.
It’s the brainchild of their cousin, Shravan Rajagopal, a 17-year-old senior at East High School in West Chester, PA.
The purpose of MyCrohnicles: Help an estimated 3.1 million Americans with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to better manage their diets and lifestyles. “There are millions more people worldwide who may also benefit from our MyCrohnicles app,” Udhirna Krishnamurthy said.
Unlike most app-makers, these whiz kids aren’t in it for money.
“We want to help people; people like our family members afflicted with Crohn’s and colitis,” says Shravan Rajagopal, speaking for the trio. “We did not create this app to make money.”
Any profit the trio might make from their app “we would gladly donate to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation,” Udhirna adds, referring to a Manhattan-based volunteer-driven non-profit organization. “Our goal is to simply help others.”
A year in development, MyCrohnicles finally hit Google Play and Apple App stores this summer.
HOW IT WORKS
MyCrohnicles allows people afflicted with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to “track and monitor their diet, exercise regiment, and bowel movements, and share that data with their physicians,” Udhirna explained.
This allows users to “understand what foods and personal behaviors work best for them,” she said. “It enables people to better manage their diets, exercises and lifestyles.”
MyCrohnicles lets users to enter their daily breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks; the frequency of their workouts; their bowel movements; and answer questions about how their body reacts to various food; how they feel after meals, after exercise or other daily activities.
“In a short time, it builds a user’s guide for healthier living,” Svadrut said.
Sounds simple enough.
But, there were some design challenges along the way, the teenaged trio explained.
For instance, they wanted the design for MyCrohnicles to be easy for any potential user, yet sophisticated enough to build an individualized model for each person’s diet and exercise routine, Udhirna said.
As the app designer, Udhirna insisted it be visually appealing, intuitive and give users quick, easy access to their data, minimizing excessive button-clicking or complicated navigation.
In short, she says: “I wanted the user interface to be simple and streamlined, providing a holistic view of their well-being.”
Coding the app posed other challenges.
“Each of us is into computer science and coding,” Udhirna said, quickly crediting her younger brother for collaborating with her on the app’s coding.
Svadrut learned coding basics in school, modestly adding: “The rest of what I needed to know was self-taught.” Sometimes, he said, that happened by trial-and-error.
His toughest challenge was to code MyCrohnicles to smoothly conform with Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS operating systems. Android is the world’s most common smartphone platform, used by many phone manufacturers. iOS is used only on Apple devices, like its iPhone.
“They are very different from one another, and require different coding. We wanted our app to look and feel the same on each,” Svadrut said. “That was a challenge.”
Once those hurdles were cleared, the teens had to leap through a few legal hoops to get their app published and publicly available. Their proud parents stepped in to help with those aspects.
A FAMILY INSPIRATION
Not only is MyCrohnicles family-made, it is also family-inspired.
Shravan candidly explains he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age seven, and his father, Praveen Rajagopal, has been coping with ulcerative Colitis long before that.
Shravan is on medication, but his parents also encouraged him to consider alternative treatments and diets. At one point, “I was simultaneously vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and oil-free, basically only eating rice and vegetables,” he said.
He learned to be mindful about nutrition, and he used a number of diet-tracking apps, quickly realizing they were sadly insufficient. Shravan says he needed “a more personalized lifestyle app,” but said none were available.
Certain he wasn’t alone, Shravan spoke to his cousins. “With our combined expertise, we hit the ground running in July 2022 to develop MyCrohnicles,” noting that he also came up with the app’s catchy name.
Udhirna and Svadrut designed, developed, and brought the app to life, while Shravan handled the communications and marketing side.
ABOUT ITS CREATORS
Undoubtedly, Udhirna and Svadrut, and their cousin, Shravan, are brilliant kids and, perhaps, tomorrow’s technocrats. But, they say, there is much more to life.
They are outgoing, well-rounded and altruistic.
Udhirna is a member of Robbinsville High’s “Girls Who Code” club and its robotics team. She plays on the school’s tennis team, and has a true passion for music.
Since age five, Udhirna has been a classical Carnatic singer, performing traditional music of Southern India at Hindu temples across New Jersey. “Singing brings me joy,” she said.
Svadrut expects to pursue a tech career, but he also has many outside interests. Like his sister, Svadrut is a Carnatic singer and an avid tennis player. He plays alto saxophone for Robbinsville’s marching band, and plays guitar to relax.
Their cousin, Shravan, plays varsity tennis for East High School’s Vikings and competed in regional tennis playoffs for his school.
Shravan is a member of his high school’s business club, and is active in Eastern Pennsylvania’s regional DECA Inc., a national organization for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs interested in marketing, finance, and management.
Shravan Rajagopal (left), Svadrut Krishnamurthy (middle), and Udhirna Krishnamurthy (right) working on their app
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department, Detective Lieutenant, Nathan Bolognini told MidJersey.news that Trenton Police Communications received a 9-1-1 call at 5:51 a.m. reporting someone threatening to harm themself, with a knife at 214 Prospect Street. Trenton Police and Trenton EMS (TEMS) responded to the scene and found 3 victims. Two juveniles and one adult female sustained stab wounds and were transported to Captial Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. The condition of the victims is unknown at the time of this report. The Criminal Investigation Bureau was notified and is investigating.
Upon arrival, a large crowd of approximately 200 people were observed fighting in the street.
May 26, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating an incident that occurred early Sunday morning in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 2:10 a.m. on May 26, 2024, Trenton patrol units were dispatched to the Regal 1 Bar on N. Clinton Avenue in Trenton. Upon arrival, a large crowd of approximately 200 people were observed fighting in the street. Minutes later, responding officers heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of the bar and ShotSpotter activated for two separate shootings with multiple rounds in the 500 block of N. Clinton Avenue.
Three shooting victims were identified. Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Two additional adult males sustained gunshot wounds and are in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Ramon Santiago at (609) 508-6623 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
A forensic examination of the devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 1000 images of child pornography.
August 25, 2023
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 24, 2023, Edward Lynch, 52, of Toms River, was charged with Possession of Child Pornography.
This investigation was the result of a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC received cyber-tips that an individual was downloading images of child pornography from the internet; an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified an IP address associated with a residence in Toms River as the location from which the individual was downloading these images.
On August 24, 2023, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence. As a result, Detectives seized multiple electronic devices from the residence. A forensic examination of the devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 1000 images of child pornography. Further investigation revealed that Lynch was the individual responsible for downloading the child pornography in question. Lynch was taken into custody at his residence without incident; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Lynch’s arrest.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
