November 28, 2023
TRENTON – ROBBINSVILLE – ALLENTOWN, NJ — The National Weather Service forecast states a chance of snow showers between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 37F. Breezy, with a west wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tonight, will be mostly clear, with a low around 22F. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Snow falls in the Allentown – Robbinsville, New Jersey area the moring of November 28, 2023
Good morning! The cold air has arrived and some flakes of snow may soon follow! It will be a blustery day with highs mostly in the 30s but winds gusting 25 to 35 mph making it feel a good 10-15 degrees colder. Also, lake effect flurries and snow showers have been ongoing across portions of central and western PA and as we head into the day today, some of these are likely to make it into eastern PA beginning this morning. It’s even possible some of these could briefly be on the heavier side especially across portions of Chester County north through the Lehigh Valley into the southern Poconos. Be alert for rapidly changing visibility and slippery roads!
November 20, 2023
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Area firefighters were in Cranbury for a small fire at 61 Maplewood Ave at the Elms of Cranbury that was extinguished and just started to clear the scene as multiple 9-1-1 calls were received for a fire on Broad Street in Hightstown at 8:10 a.m. Firefighters confirmed a column of smoke in the air and called a 2nd-Alarm enroute to the scene. Upon arrival firefighters found a shed type structure at a moving and storage facility well involved in fire. At least four hose lines were used to knock down the fire and a 5″ supply line was used to connect to a hydrant near corner of Franklin and Broad Streets. The firefighters. At the time of this report firefighters have the fire extinguished but will remain on scene for extensive overhaul.
October 24, 2023
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Two serious accidents were reported in East Windsor Township this afternoon. The first accident around 3:30 p.m, was located at Route 33 and Milford Road with a two-vehicle crash. It appeared that two people were evaluated and transported from the scene to a local hospital for treatment.
An additional accident was reported about 15 minutes later at Twin Rivers Drive and Lake Drive with an unconcious victim. Two ambulances and a paramedic unit were dispatched to the scene. Two victims were transported to a local hosptial for treatment.
East Windsor Police Department is investigating both crashes and no further details are available at this time.
Route 33 and Milford Road. Photos by: Steven Kadir
Twin Rivers Drive and Lake Drive. Photos by: Steven Kadir
October 16, 2023
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters responded to the New Jersey Turnpike south bound exit ramp at Exit 8 for an overturned tractor trailer at 3:25 p.m. Initially it was reported that the driver was trapped in the vehicle but was able to escape on their own power prior to the fire department’s arrival. Hightstown Fire Company responded for spill control. Robbinsville and Cranbury firefighters were recalled from the rescue assignment. No further details are available. It was unclear if EMS transported the driver to a local hospital for treatment.
Overturned tractor trailer on New Jersey Turnpike southbound Exit ramp Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) right shoulder blocked https://t.co/HOwjkSrmha
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) October 16, 2023
Photos by: Steven Kadir
September 14, 2023
EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members Anthony Katawick and John Zoller joined Cinnaholic Franchise Co-Owners Jiggar Patel and Nauka Patel and staff, at the grand opening ribbon cutting event for Cinnaholic Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls, located in Town Center Plaza on Route 130 North adjacent to Jersey’s Mike’s and Great Clips.
Cinnaholic, is a 100% vegan bakery specializing in fresh baked dairy, lactose, egg and cholesterol free products. Cinnaholic’s “create your own” cinnamon rolls feature over 20 unique frosting flavors and a variety of fresh and decadent toppings. In addition to their signature fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, the menu features Baby Buns, cookies, brownies and raw, edible cookie dough.
Mayor Mironov stated, “We welcome and congratulate locally owned and operated Cinnaholic Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls as it expands its footprint into a major shopping center in East Windsor. Cinnaholic, which was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, brings a long history and reputation in its cinnamon roll concept and product, which is marked by serving fresh, made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls and other bakery products that meet the growing consumer demand for non-traditional food products.”
Since 2010, Cinnaholic has opened close to one hundred locations in the United States and Canada and was named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 © list in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Current hours of operation for Cinnaholic East Windsor are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For further information, call (609) 601-8839 or visit www.cinnaholic.com.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members join owners and family to celebrate thegrand opening of Cinnaholic Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls, located in East Windsor TownCenter Plaza on Route 130 North. Pictured (from left to right) are: Council MemberJohn Zoller; Council Member Anthony Katawick; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Jiggar
Patel, Co-Owner; Nauka Patel, Co-Owner; Prakash Patel, and Rasmika Patel.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members John Zoller and Anthony Katawick celebrate with co-owners Jiggar Patel and Nauka Patel, store staff and Christine Curnan, Vice President, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce the grand opening of Cinnaholic Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls, located in Town Center Plaza on Route 130 North.
August 15, 2023
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 11:37 p.m. last night August 14, 2023, Hightstown Fire Company and Robbinsville Fire Department responded to a fully engulfed van fire on the NJ Turnpike south bound inner roadway by mile post 65 near Old York Road, South of Exit 8. Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. The small work/utility type van that was said to be carrying HVAC Parts. The fire was completely extinguished in about 10 minutes. There was no information available about the cause of the fire. The New Jersey State Police is investigating.
July 7, 2023
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Fennelly Associates, one of New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s most experienced and successful independent full-service commercial real estate service providers, announces they have negotiated the sale of a single-tenant, long-term leased 10,000-square-foot medical office building located at 59 One Mile Road in East Windsor, N.J. for $2.95M. Fennelly Associates President Jerry Fennelly, SIOR, and Corporate Real Estate Specialist Patrick Dintrone, SIOR, represented the seller and Frank Gunsberg of Colliers International represented the buyer in the transaction.
Located just off Route 130 less than two miles from Exit 8 on the New Jersey Turnpike, 59 One Mile Road is a two-story medical office building featuring 47 parking spaces. The building’s ideal location and favorable local demographics make it a perfect home for an office of Schweiger Dermatology, the largest dermatology practice in the region, with over 90 offices and more than 300 healthcare providers throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Long-term leased to a credit-grade tenant, the buyer recognized 59 One Mile Road as a favorable long-term investment to satisfy a 1031 exchange requirement and worked closely with Fennelly Associates to negotiate a purchase.
“The opportunity to acquire a fully-leased medical office building in the heart of the dynamic Mercer County market is rare,” said Fennelly. “In such a competitive market, it’s critical for sellers to work with an experienced team who can seamlessly and efficiently bring a property to the market and secure the highest fair market value.”
July 7, 2023
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Member Peter Yeager, Coordinator of the East Windsor Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, surrounded by local Township liquor license holders, issued a Proclamation recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month and kicking off the East Windsor “We Check for 21” initiative aimed at deterring underage drinking. As part of the Township “We Check for 21” Campaign, liquor license holders are required to sign the “We Check for 21” Pledge as a condition of receiving their liquor license renewal. The Pledge affirms each liquor license holder’s strong support of East Windsor Township’s “We Check for 21” Program. Various resource and informational materials and paraphernalia were distributed for use at these establishments.
Mayor Mironov publicly praised the license holders in attendance for their demonstrated interest and concern for this important community goal: Bonnibel Burgess of TGI Friday’s; Adam Jahsag of Exit 8 Lounge; Rajvinder Nijjar of Ami & Sami, Inc.; Pat O’Brien of Hightstown Elk’s #1955 B.P.O.E.; Chintu Papaiya of East Windsor Bowl & Recreation Center; Brian Quigley of City Streets Café; Ranga Reddy of Windsor Liquors; Ryan Storrie of KRS License Holdings, LLC, and Amal Wright of Holiday Inn of East Windsor and Legends Bar and Grille.
Mayor Mironov stated, “The Township supports and is proud to promote the ‘We Check for 21’ Program, along with our licensed business partners, which is designed to heighten the awareness and prevention of underage drinking within all of our communities. There are many serious impacts to underage drinking, including many young drivers under 21 who are involved in automobile accidents have blood alcohol levels above the legal limit. The ‘We Check for 21’ Program is an excellent vehicle to bring together municipal government leaders, young people, parents, key community and school leaders, policy makers and local businesses toward a common positive community effort. We appreciate and call on all businesses and citizens to become more aware of and more involved in efforts to reduce underage drinking and enhance safety in our community.”
Mayor Janice S. Mironov issues Proclamation recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month and thanks local liquor license holders for their participation in the 2023 “We Check for 21” campaign. Pictured (from left to right) are: (front row) Chintu Papaiya, owner, East Windsor Bowl & Recreation Center; Pat O’Brien, Secretary, Hightstown Elk’s #1955 B.P.O.E.; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Amal Wright, manager, Holiday Inn of East Windsor and Legends Bar and Grille; Rajvinder Nijjar, owner, Ami & Sami Inc.; Bonnibel Burgess, manager, TGI Friday’s; (back row) Council Member John Zoller; Council Member Peter Yeager, Coordinator of the East Windsor Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse; Ranga Reddy, owner, Windsor Liquors; Brian Quigley, owner, City Streets Café; Ryan Storrie, KRS License Holdings, LLC, and Adam Jahsag, General Manager, Exit 8 Lounge.
July 7, 2023
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Captain Michelle Pilch, Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Piscataway Police Department announced today that a Hightstown man has been charged in connection with a home invasion that occurred on Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 1:24 P.M., authorities responded to a residence in Piscataway after receiving a 911 call reporting an assault. Upon their arrival the Piscataway Police Department located the victim, an adult female, who had sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
An initial investigation by the Piscataway Police Department revealed that the victim was sexually assaulted. Further investigation by Detective Sean Morelli of the Piscataway Police Department and Detective Daniela Castro of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit determined that Justin Surofsky, 26, of Hightstown was the assailant.
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Surofsky was arrested in East Windsor without incident and charged with two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, first- degree Criminal Attempt-Murder, second-degree Burglary, third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, second-degree Kidnapping, third-degree Criminal Restraint, second-degree Aggravated Assault, and first-degree Robbery. Surofsky presently is lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre- trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage is asked to call Detective Morelli of the Piscataway Police Department at (732) 562-2355 or Detective Castro of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3652.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Surofsky are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Justin Surofsky, 26, of Hightstown. On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Surofsky was arrested in East Windsor without incident and charged with two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, first- degree Criminal Attempt-Murder, second-degree Burglary, third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, second-degree Kidnapping, third-degree Criminal Restraint, second-degree Aggravated Assault, and first-degree Robbery. Surofsky presently is lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre- trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
July 6, 2023
NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today that a man charged with Aggravated Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, and Assault by Auto has been sentenced to 6 years in prison.
On June 28, 2022, at approximately 11:50 P.M., on Route 130 in North Brunswick Township a 2016 Toyota Highlander driven by Egrevel Vasquez-Garcia, 28, of Hightstown, struck a Jeep Patriot driven by Levelt Alexis, Jr. at a high rate of speed causing Mr. Alexis’ death. The Highlander then crossed into oncoming lanes of travel where it struck other vehicles. Investigation revealed that Vasquez-Garcia was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
On February 21, 2023, Vasquez-Garcia pled guilty to second-degree Vehicular Homicide and Driving While Intoxicated. Superior Court Judge Thomas
J. Buck, J.S.C., sentenced Vasquez-Garcia to 6 years in state prison pursuant to the No Early Release Act. Vasquez-Garcia must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole and his driver’s license will also be suspended for ten years upon his release from prison.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
June 26, 2023
UPDATE:
Hightstown Police Department, Lt. Benjamin L. Miller reports that the missing 14-Year-Old has been located safe.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Hightstown Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with locating a 14-year-old missing juvenile.
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at approximately 7:32 p.m., a parent reported that their daughter, 14-year-old Emily Montenegro-Ortiz, missing. Emily was last observed at Hightstown High School, on the same date, June 21, 2023, at 12 p.m. Emily was carrying a black, Nike backpack and wearing a gray sweatshirt, black/red checkered sweatpants, and white/black Converse shoes, at the time Emily went missing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the detective bureau at 609-448-1234 x 540 or may leave a tip on the department’s tip line at 609-448-1234 and press option #2. Anonymous tips are welcome, which may also be provided via the department’s website at: www.hightstownpolice.com under the “Information” tab. Thank you for any and all assistance.
June 21, 2023
EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP. NJ (MERCER)– Mayor Janice S. Mironov, joined by Deputy Mayor Marc Lippman and Council Members Peter Yeager and John Zoller and AJ Madison Owner Michael Gross and staff, held a grand opening of the national home and kitchen appliance retailer AJ Madison’s newly constructed 168,436 square foot distribution center at 30 Lake Drive, in East Windsor Township.
Founded in 2001, AJ Madison, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, is a family owned and operated leading national retailer of well known brands of home appliances, including ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, air conditioners, and washers and dryers. In addition to appliance sales, AJ Madison provides appliance installation services for most home and industry appliances and hosts several appliance showrooms in New York and Florida. AJ Madison has an extensive on-line website of products and services.
Mayor Mironov stated, “East Windsor is pleased to welcome AJ Madison, a national leader in home appliances to this new facility. The size and scope of this modern facility represents a significant investment in the economic vitality of East Windsor for business and employment. The project will generate substantial local tax dollars, as well as new patrons for our many stores and restaurants. AJ Madison’s decision to expand their operation in East Windsor underscores the Township’s attraction to business due to its strategic central location, excellent access to major transportation networks including the NJ Turnpike, highly skilled workforce and a business friendly hands-on local government environment that responds to the needs of the business community.”
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members join owners to celebrate the grand opening of AJ Madison newly constructed facility at 30 Lake Drive. Pictured (from left to right) are: Betty Gross; Irving Gross; Michael Gross, Owner, AJ Madison; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Council Member John Zoller; Deputy Mayor Marc Lippman, and Council Member Peter Yeager.
Author Cameran Sassman signing her book at Randy Now’s Man Cave in Hightstown on June 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
June 21, 2023
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–A graduate of Steinert High School (Class of 1990), Sassman grew up in Hamilton Square.
She recently published a book about her life as a teenager growing up during the 80s in centralsuburban NJ and framing the story around the punk rock/alternative music shows that she wentto while in high school. The book, In Between Shows, The A Sides, is semi-autobiographical,captures her love of the music scene as well many adventures and misadventures in love andfriendship.
“My book also pays loving homage to my hometown and beloved Garden State” saysSassman. “I included so many references to past and present-day New Jersey icons from LittleKing Deli, Rock Dreams Records, Golden Dawn Diner, Mastori’s Diner, Vito’s Pizza, ThomasSweet Ice Cream, The Princeton Record Exchange, Princeton Marketfair, Italian PeoplesBakery to the Seaside Boardwalk and Island Beach State Park and most importantly the iconic
City Gardens in Trenton.
My book is not only a love letter to the people in my life from those formative teenage years, buta love letter to my hometown and the place that shaped the person that I have become.”Soul food for people of a certain age, In Between Shows, The A Sides will speak to anyonetouched deeply by the intoxicating, enchanting world we enter when the venue doors swingopen. “Even though my experiences are from a different time, I truly believe my story is timelessand universal” says Sassman. “Being a teenager at any point in time is not for the faint of heart.It wasn’t easy to go back and relive some of the moments I wrote about, but I hope that sharingmy story may help some people feel less alone.” In a sweaty rock club, we shed the trappings ofworkaday life. There are no cliques, no politics. Just a sea of humanity, joined together by
shared euphoria.
Author Cameran Sassman signing her book In Between Shows, The A SidesSaturday, June 24 th2pm – 4pmRandy Now’s Man Cave
119 W Ward St, Hightstown, NJ 08520
June 14, 2023
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Rise, a nonprofit organization that assists local families and individuals in recovering from setbacks and achieving their full potential, has been named a 2023 Champion in Action® by Citizens in the category of Youth Summer Workforce Programming. The award includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding as well as significant promotional and volunteer support in recognition of the organization’s critical work.
“Congratulations to Rise on being selected as Citizens’ inaugural Champion in Action in New Jersey. Your exceptional summer workforce program provides local youth with valuable training and the necessary skills to be successful business leaders. We are proud to support Rise and its dedication to developing the workforce of the future,” said Domenick Cama, President, New York and New Jersey Metro Region, Citizens.
By teaching young people how to approach challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, entrepreneurship education at Rise helps them develop important life skills and increases their chances of success in whatever they choose to do. The Champions in Action funding will be used for summer youth entrepreneurship learning opportunities to help build business skills for local at-risk youth by providing salary for instructors and motivational speakers, trips to colleges and other special destinations, and supplies to keep the program running and activities interesting.
“We are incredibly grateful for Citizens generous contribution of $35,000 to support our Champions in Action project, focusing on youth entrepreneurship,” said Leslie Koppel, Executive Director of Rise. “I can’t wait to see this program’s positive impact on our students as they build confidence, develop their creativity, and learn essential business skills. Thank you for your support and helping us make a difference in our community by empowering and nurturing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.”
Citizens created the Champions in Action program in 2002 to address the unique social challenges faced by communities it serves. The initiative rewards established nonprofit organizations, to help them reach the next level. Citizens has expanded its signature Champions in Action program to include the New Jersey market, with Rise being the inaugural Champion this year. Over more than 20 years, the program has awarded upwards of $10 million in contributions and promotional support to more than 370 nonprofits across the bank’s footprint.
For more information about the Champions in Action program, visit www.citizensbank.com/champions
June 12, 2023
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ (CAPE MAY) – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland, and Chief Robert Regalbuto of the Wildwood Police Department announce the arrest of DaJohn L. Taylor, 18 years old from Hightstown, NJ for first degree murder charges.
On June 11, 2023, at approximately 2:23 a.m., the Wildwood Police Department received an emergency 911 telephone call for a disturbance in the area of Magnolia and Atlantic Avenue. Shortly thereafter, officers from the Wildwood Police Department responded to the scene and discovered Kaiden Braithwaite, 20 years old from Cliffwood, NJ deceased from numerous stab wounds.
On this same date, detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Wildwood Police Department responded to the scene and immediately initiated a homicide investigation. The initial investigation revealed that one (1) group of individuals were walking by 307 East Magnolia Avenue at approximately 2:15 a.m. and had a verbal argument with a 2nd group of individuals standing on the porch of the above-mentioned residence. The verbal dispute escalated to physical altercation at which time, DaJohn Taylor stabbed Braithwaite and two other individuals multiple times. Taylor then fled the scene.
Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and Wildwood Police Department with the assistance of the East Windsor and Hightstown Police Departments, continued this homicide investigation. On the evening of June 11, 2023, 1st degree murder charges, along with Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the 3rd degree and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the 4th degree were filed against Taylor.*
On the afternoon of June 12, 2023, DaJohn Taylor turned himself into the Wildwood Police Department at which time additional charges of Attempted Homicide, a crime of the 1st degree and (2) counts of Aggravated Assault, crimes of the 2nd degree were filed against Taylor. * Taylor was then processed and lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending Court proceedings.
According to Prosecutor Sutherland, an individual convicted of the crime of first-degree murder can be sentenced to 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison. Other first-degree crimes can carry a sentence between 10 and 20 years in State Prison and second-degree crimes can carry a sentence of between 5 and 10 years.
Prosecutor Sutherland commends the cooperation and the intensive investigative efforts of all the law enforcement agencies who assisted with this homicide investigation.
”This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be filed.” Prosecutor Sutherland urges anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Major Crimes Unit of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, the Wildwood Police Department at 609-522-0222, or anonymously on the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips. Information can also be anonymously sent to the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or though the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-889-3597.
