February 10, 2022
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Annie Elizabeth Lema Lewis Merrick was possibly drawn to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas facility, by fate. Born in Hamilton, Bermuda, Annie moved to Hamilton Square, NJ at 18 years old with her husband at the time where they started their family. And as fate would have it, she then began her long and wonderful career with RWJUH Hamilton at what was then called Hamilton Hospital.
Annie Merrick, a member of the hospital’s Environmental Services team, started at RWJUH Hamilton part-time in environmental services back in 1972. She recalls years ago the hospital was only one floor, served about 30 patients, and the emergency department was one room with the beds lined up in a circle. Annie, who is turning 80 years old on June 29th of this year, says her secret to her longevity of service was because of the people she worked with. Everyone gets along with everyone. The staff was like family, and the hospital was her second home. “There are lots of good people here, and I am going to miss them all,” said Annie.
A healthcare hero, Annie knows that by being a part of the team at the hospital she has contributed to the facility’s overall quality care and service and touched the lives of many people in the Hamilton community who have walked through the doors of the institution.
Annie was honored at a luncheon on campus where colleagues wrote personal messages of good luck and shared stories about working together. At the luncheon, Richard Freeman, President & CEO of RWJUH Hamilton, presented her with a special membership to RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center where Annie is looking forward to swimming in the pool.
One memorable moment for Annie in her 50 years at the hospital was when actor and producer Christian Slater came by to visit a patient about 10 years ago.
The first thing Annie plans to do in her retirement is visit her hometown of Hamilton, Bermuda where she has not been back to visit in eight years.
Left to right Diane Grillo, VP Health Promotions, Lisa Breza, SVP Chief Nursing Officer, Joan Bercari, VP Quality, Annie Merrick, Robert Field, AVP Support Services & Richard Freeman, President & CEO.
Man had also been arrested 187 times and has 16 felony convictions.
February 10, 2022
Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 63-year-old man who was found guilty of causing the deaths of his elderly mother and her companion in a 2018 Browns Mills house fire was sentenced today to 11 years in New Jersey state prison.
The Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., handed down the sentence against Kurt Smith in Superior Court in Mount Holly. Smith must serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Smith, who lived at the residence in the 500 block of Willow Boulevard, was convicted in October 2021 on two counts of Reckless Manslaughter (Second Degree). Judge Garrenger sentenced Smith to 11 years on each count, to run concurrently.
The verdict was returned following approximately 10 hours of deliberation over two days. The jury was unable to come to a verdict on an arson charge against Smith.
Smith is accused of igniting flammable material with a cigarette lighter in the garage of the residence on October 16, 2018, then unsuccessfully attempting to extinguish the blaze.
The fire killed his mother, Lore Smith, and her companion, George Pikunis, both 92.
Autopsies performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood concluded the cause of death in each instance was smoke and soot inhalation, along with thermal burns.
It was noted during today’s proceeding that Smith has been arrested 187 times and has 16 felony convictions.
Smith was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Remy, supervisor of the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BCPO Major Crimes Unit. The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the Pemberton Township Police Department, and the Burlington County Fire Marshal’s Office. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Sergeant Erica Ridge and Pemberton Township Sergeant Tom Lucas.
2022-24 Pemberton House Fire Homicide Sentencing
Kurt Smith, 63 Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 63-year-old man who was found guilty of causing the deaths of his elderly mother and her companion in a 2018 Browns Mills house fire was sentenced today to 11 years in New Jersey state prison. Smith is accused of igniting flammable material with a cigarette lighter in the garage of the residence on October 16, 2018, then unsuccessfully attempting to extinguish the blaze. The fire killed his mother, Lore Smith, and her companion, George Pikunis, both 92. It was noted during today’s proceeding that Smith has been arrested 187 times and has 16 felony convictions.
February 10, 2022
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ –Today February 10, the New Jersey National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion / 150th Aviation Regiment AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion) are completing training for the “Combat Lifesaver Course” located at the Fort Dix MSTC. The Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics.
Yesterday, February 9, Air Force Soldiers from the 321st CRS (Contingency Response Team) are completing pre-mobilization training on Range 7 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. Training on the M240/M249 is part of an emphasis on preparing airmen for deployment into areas of potential combat.
The New Jersey National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion / 150th Aviation Regiment AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion) are completing training for the “Combat Lifesaver Course” located at the Fort Dix MSTC. The Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. 
The New Jersey National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion / 150th Aviation Regiment AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion) are completing training for the “Combat Lifesaver Course” located at the Fort Dix MSTC. The Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. 
The New Jersey National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion / 150th Aviation Regiment AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion) are completing training for the “Combat Lifesaver Course” located at the Fort Dix MSTC. The Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. 
The New Jersey National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion / 150th Aviation Regiment AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion) are completing training for the “Combat Lifesaver Course” located at the Fort Dix MSTC. The Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. 
The New Jersey National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion / 150th Aviation Regiment AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion) are completing training for the “Combat Lifesaver Course” located at the Fort Dix MSTC. The Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. 
The New Jersey National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion / 150th Aviation Regiment AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion) are completing training for the “Combat Lifesaver Course” located at the Fort Dix MSTC. The Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. 
The New Jersey National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion / 150th Aviation Regiment AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion) are completing training for the “Combat Lifesaver Course” located at the Fort Dix MSTC. The Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. 
The New Jersey National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion / 150th Aviation Regiment AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion) are completing training for the “Combat Lifesaver Course” located at the Fort Dix MSTC. The Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. Photos: Kevin C Mcdevitt | USASA, Fort Dix | Date Taken: 02/10/2022 
These Air Force Soldiers from the 321st CRS (Contingency Response Team) are completing pre-mobilization training on Range 7 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. Training on the M240/M249 is part of an emphasis on preparing airmen for deployment into areas of potential combat. 
These Air Force Soldiers from the 321st CRS (Contingency Response Team) are completing pre-mobilization training on Range 7 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. Training on the M240/M249 is part of an emphasis on preparing airmen for deployment into areas of potential combat. 
These Air Force Soldiers from the 321st CRS (Contingency Response Team) are completing pre-mobilization training on Range 7 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. Training on the M240/M249 is part of an emphasis on preparing airmen for deployment into areas of potential combat. 
These Air Force Soldiers from the 321st CRS (Contingency Response Team) are completing pre-mobilization training on Range 7 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. Training on the M240/M249 is part of an emphasis on preparing airmen for deployment into areas of potential combat. 
These Air Force Soldiers from the 321st CRS (Contingency Response Team) are completing pre-mobilization training on Range 7 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. Training on the M240/M249 is part of an emphasis on preparing airmen for deployment into areas of potential combat. 
These Air Force Soldiers from the 321st CRS (Contingency Response Team) are completing pre-mobilization training on Range 7 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. Training on the M240/M249 is part of an emphasis on preparing airmen for deployment into areas of potential combat. 
These Air Force Soldiers from the 321st CRS (Contingency Response Team) are completing pre-mobilization training on Range 7 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. Training on the M240/M249 is part of an emphasis on preparing airmen for deployment into areas of potential combat. Fort Dix – 321st CRS (Contingency Response Team), by Kevin C Mcdevitt, USASA, FORT DIX
Wawa Celebrates Grand Opening of New Chesterfield, NJ Store as Part of 2022 Day Brighteners Tour
New Store Reflects Wawa’s Commitment to Brighten More Lives in More Ways through New Jobs, New Growth and New Reasons to Celebrate Community Day Brighteners with a Call for Nominations
February 10, 2022
CHESTERFIELD, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Wawa, Inc. today announced the grand opening of its newest store located at 210 Monmouth Road, Chesterfield, NJ 08515 on Thursday, February 10. To mark the occasion, Wawa is hosting an exciting grand opening celebration and outdoor ribbon cutting beginning at 9:00a.m. Prior to the celebration, the new store will open at 8:00 a.m., when Wawa will begin distributing limited-edition, Wawa “Goose Vibes Only,” t-shirts for the first 100 customers who walk through the door, while supplies last! Wawa will also provide free coffee to toast the community and brighten days from Thursday, February 10 to Sunday, February 13.
Store is located at: 210 Monmouth Road, Chesterfield, NJ 08515
About Wawa’s 2022 Day Brighteners Tour With officials, charity partners, customers and Associates in attendance, Wawa’s grand opening celebration will introduce the community to the new store team and celebrate the role they play in making their communities a better place. Throughout the year, each grand opening celebration will be part of Wawa’s 2022 Day Brighteners Tour, an initiative designed to celebrate the customers, Associates, local heroes and community organizations that brighten our days. The tour will also mark Wawa’s ongoing commitment to growth, with plans to open 54 new stores and create more than 2,500 new jobs through the year.
During each grand opening, Wawa will have a special Day Brightener ceremony which will include:
- Associate Day Brighteners: Wawa will recognize associates who go above and beyond in creating positive moments for customers
- Community Day Brighteners: Wawa will celebrate a local individual or organization making a bright impact in the community
- Local Hero Day Brighteners: Wawa will acknowledge local everyday heroes who brighten the community through protecting and serving and host a signature Hoagies for Heroes acknowledgement and check presentation to each department’s charity
The grand opening of the Chesterfield location is the second store to open this year out of the 54 total stores projected to open across Wawa’s operating area in 2022.
“At Wawa, our core purpose is fulfilling lives every day and since our first store opened, we’ve believed that we all have a role in making this world a better place,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s President and CEO. “Our store teams and Associates deliver experiences and emotional connections with customers that go beyond what traditionally happens in a retail environment. Simply put, they help make their communities happier and more connected. This year, we’re excited to toast all the incredible Day Brighteners and kick off this one-of-a-kind tour with a stop at each new store to show our “Goose Gratitude” to associates and customers whose little acts of kindness make a big difference in our communities.”
February 10, 2022
UPPER FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–As of 10:00 p.m. tonight, utility workers continue to make repairs to damaged utility poles on County Road 524, also known as New Canton-Stone Tavern Road. Over 24 hours ago at 7:40 p.m. February 10, a vehicle ran off the roadway overturned on its side and damaged the pole and at least one adjacent pole and equipment. Power was knocked out in the area and was restored within a few minutes. Alarms were triggered at several nearby warehouses and a smoke condition was reported at a warehouse on Montgomery Way in Robbinsville due to the power issue. Several area fire departments responded to the warehouses and were clear in about 40 minutes as firefighters investigated the smoke condition.
Utility workers from Jersey Central Power and Light – JCP&L, worked through the night to replace at least two poles and damaged equipment. Verizon was seen this afternoon repairing their equipment and Cablevision Optimum is also making repairs.
As of 10:00 p.m. NJ State Police still had the roadway shut down and utility workers could still be seen working in the area.
See last night’s story below:
Around 7:49 p.m. February 9, 2022, the Hope Fire Company of Allentown and Allentown EMS – Capital Health were dispatched to County Road 524 also known as New Canton -Stone Tavern Road for a vehicle into a utility pole. While responding firefighters were notified that the vehicle was on its side and had someone trapped inside. Upon arrival the driver was able to self-extricate on their own power and did not appear to have any serious injuries.
UPDATE:
Trenton Man Arrested in Hamilton Gas Sation Shooting
February 10, 2022
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–About 7:38 p.m. Hamilton Township Police, Hamilton Township Fire Department, RWJ EMS and Capital Paramedics were dispatched to 2101 South Broad Street for a shooting at the gas station. Reports indicate that a woman was shot and transported by EMS to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. A “Trauma Alert” was called by EMS en route to the hospital. Hamilton Township Police were securing the scene and checking for shell casings.
This is a breaking news report. Once official information is available the story will be updated, and any corrections made.
February 10, 2022
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–In Allentown “Speed Enforcement Zones” have started, and signs are posted on both North and South Main Street. According to Allentown Mayor Fritts in a post this afternoon stated, “Anyone caught violating our speed limits, will be required to appear in court which will mandate additional fines above the speeding violation.”
Do not speed in Allentown, NJ. According to the post additional measures will be announced in the coming days.
June 1, 2021 Allentown Meeting Minutes 
Meeting Agenda from June 1, 2021 Allentown
Message from Allentown Mayor Fritts:
Good afternoon Allentown residents,
It has been a long time coming but our speed enforcement zones have started. Our first two signs are installed on North and South Main Street. Additional signs will be installed on Church and Waker.
Speed enforcement signs are permanent and renewed annually through resolution. Anyone caught violating our speed limits, will be required to appear in court which will mandate additional fines above the speeding violation.
We are working hand and hand with the Allentown Police department and will proactively be tracking metrics that we will share with the community. Please tell your family members, neighbors and visiting guests. Our priority is to take care of our families, children walking to and from school and visiting guests to our community. Additional measures will be announced in the coming days.
Sincerely
Thomas
Mayor Fritts
