June 30, 2024
Update from the National Park Service:
BUSHKILL, PA–Yesterday around 7:00 p.m., June 29, 2024, NPS and volunteer search crews recovered the body of 24-year-old Jeysson Ariel Osorio-Reyes from the waters of the Delaware River near Milford Beach within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
24-year-old Jeysson Ariel Osorio-Reyes of Jackson Township, New Jersey. Photo provided by family.
BUSHKILL, PA- National Park Service rangers and dive team members from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River and volunteers from the Milford Fire Department, Milford Ambulance, Port Jervis and Bushkill Dive Teams, and Dingman Township, Sparrowbush, and Huguenot Dive Rescue Teams are engaged in a search for a missing man who was last seen swimming in the Delaware River at Milford Beach on Saturday afternoon around 3:15 pm.
Witnesses on shore saw the 24-year-old Jackson Township, NJ man, Jeysson Ariel Osorio-Reyes, swimming mid-channel in the river, about 75 yards from the PA shoreline, before he disappeared under the water surface.
The combined search crews will continue to scour the Delaware River, both above and below the surface, employing surface searches, teams of divers, and side scan sonar until 7 pm this evening due to storms in the forecast that could affect the safety of rescuers. Search efforts will resume on Sunday morning, pending weather conditions.
Updates from the National Park Service will be provided when they are available.
File photos from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
June 30, 2024
NORTH HANOVER, NJ (BURLINGTON)–After nearly 74 years, the remains of U.S. Army Soldier Pfc. Anthony J. Lopa, Killed in Action in Korea, 1950, were brought to rest at NJDMAVA’s Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery on June 28, 2024.
The remains of U.S. Army Pfc. Anthony J. Lopa, Delta Battery, 82nd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, were presented in a ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey, June 28, 2024. Lopa, of North Arlington, New Jersey, was killed in action during the Korean War August 31, 1950. His remains were accounted for July 21, 2023.
-New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Remains of Korean War Soldier to be buried in Wrightstown, New Jersey
June 13, 2024
Story by: Fonda Bock, U.S. Army Human Resources Command
FORT KNOX, Ky. – The remains of Army Pfc. Anthony J. Lopa, a Soldier killed during the Korean War, will be interred June 28 at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey. Maxwell Funeral Home, Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, will perform graveside services preceding the interment.
A native of North Arlington, New Jersey, Lopa was a member of Delta Battery, 82nd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons (Self Propelled) Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. He was killed in action Aug. 31, 1950, while fighting the North Korean People’s Army along the Naktong River, near Yongsan-Myeon, South Korea. He was 17 years old.
Lopa was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency July 21, 2023, after the remains of Korean War unknowns were exhumed for identification July 2018 from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Past Conflict Repatriations Branch, under the Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division at U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, plays a key role in the process of locating Family members of missing Soldiers from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The process begins with locating the Family member most closely related to the missing Soldier, known as the primary next of kin, followed by a request for Family reference samples or DNA, which are used as a main source in identifying remains.
Once a Soldier has been identified by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, the PCRB notifies and briefs the Family about the results of historical, forensic and DNA reports, benefits and the mortuary process including burial with full military honors.
U.S. Army Pfc. Anthony J. Lopa, Delta Battery, 82nd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, remains were presented in a ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey, June 28, 2024. Lopa, of North Arlington, New Jersey, was killed in action during the Korean War on August 31, 1950, remains were accounted for July 21, 2023. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Michael Schwenk)
June 29, 2024
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–A multi-vehicle collision left one of the vehicles on its side and sent at least one person to a hospital Saturday morning (June 29, 2004).
The crash on Johnston Avenue at Tipton Street occurred shortly before 11:20 a.m. Multiple 911 calls were received by both Hamilton and Lawrence police. At first it was unclear which municipality the accident was in, so Lawrence police hurriedly started checking both Johnson Avenue and Johnson Road in their town before Hamilton’s emergency services arrived on Johnston Avenue and confirmed it was in Hamilton.
Hamilton firefighters reported that no one was trapped in the overturned vehicle. One person was, however, reported to have suffered serious injuries and required the services of paramedics. That person was transported by ambulance to hospital. There was also a report of a second person with minor injuries but it was unclear if that person was also taken to hospital.
Hamilton police were on scene investigating the crash and blocking Johnston Avenue until the wrecked vehicles were removed by tow trucks.
June 29, 2024
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)– A teacher at Freehold Intermediate School has been arrested and criminally charged for having a sexual relationship with a student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Saturday.
Allison Havemann-Niedrach, 43, of Jackson (Ocean County) is charged with one count of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
An investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and members of the Freehold Borough Police Department revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Havemann-Niedrach began earlier this year.
Havemann-Niedrach was arrested without incident earlier this week and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where she remains incarcerated pending a first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Anyone with information about Havemann-Niedrach’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Dawn Correia at 800-533-7443.
This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki, Director of the Special Victims Bureau. Havemann-Niedrach is being represented by Thomas Huth, Esq., with an office in Freehold.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Allison Havemann-Niedrach, 43, of Jackson (Ocean County) is charged with one count of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
June 28, 2024
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Thursday, June 27, 2024, at approximately 2:59 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of State Highway 70 and Beckerville Road, to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving three vehicles.
Upon arrival, officers observed a silver 2011 Saab 93 Aero, fully involved with flames with no occupants in the vehicle. The Saab was observed to be facing west in the eastbound lane of Beckerville Road with extensive front end damage. Additionally, officers observed a blue 2020 Ram ProMaster with front end damage facing north also in the eastbound lane of Beckerville Road. Officers also observed a 2012 Chrysler with front end damage in the westbound shoulder area of Beckerville Road. The investigation revealed that the Ram was traveling east on Beckerville Road and failed to yield to the right of way of the Saab while conducting a left turn into a driveway. After initial impact with the Ram, the Saab engulfed in flames and shortly thereafter was extinguished by several responding fire companies. The Ram then rotated approximately 90 degrees and impacted the Chrysler which was also traveling east on Beckerville Road.
The Ram was operated by 54-year-old Moussa Traore of Burlington, NJ who was transported to Jersey Shore University Hospital via ambulance for treatment and evaluation of his injuries. Mr. Traore is currently listed in stable condition.
The Saab was operated by 24-year-old Terry Cain III of Manchester, NJ who was transported to Community Medical Center via ambulance for treatment and evaluation of his injuries. The Chrysler was operated by 19-year-old Stine Eriksen of Plumsted, NJ who was uninjured as a result of the crash.
Assisting at the scene were Emergency Medical Technicians from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Manchester Township Fire Department, Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Joint Base Fire Department and Accurate Towing. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point it is believed that failure to yield to the right of way appears to be the primary contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
June 28, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora stated, It is with mixed emotions that I announce the resignation of Trenton’s Business Administrator, Adam Cruz. Adam has served our city with dedication and distinction over the last six years, and his contributions have been invaluable in our collective efforts to enhance the quality of life for all Trentonians. Adam has decided to accept an offer to work in another New Jersey municipality, Dover, and we wish him all the best in his new role.
During Adam’s tenure, Trenton has achieved numerous milestones. Under his leadership, we have successfully balanced our budget and maintained zero municipal tax increases over the last three years. We have made significant investments in public safety, Trenton Water Works, and the Department of Recreation. Additionally, we have enhanced our city’s parks and repaved a record number of streets, greatly improving our infrastructure.
State aid to Trenton has increased remarkably from $6 million in 2018 to a proposed $47 million in direct aid to the Capital City. This financial support has been critical in our efforts to provide essential services and maintain our city’s growth and development. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trenton was one of the few municipalities in the state that continued to provide in-person daily services to the public, ensuring that our community’s needs were met even during the most challenging times.
Furthermore, we have managed to reduce employee health insurance costs by millions of dollars while maintaining the same level of coverage for our employees, showcasing our commitment to both fiscal responsibility and the well-being of our workforce.
In the coming month, we will initiate a search for Adam’s replacement in conjunction with the NJ Department of Community Affairs, as our fiscal monitor. While Adam’s departure is undoubtedly a loss for Trenton, he leaves behind an administrative foundation that has put our city in a stronger, more resilient position.
On behalf of the City of Trenton, I extend my deepest gratitude to Adam Cruz for his exceptional service and dedication. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
June 28, 2024
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Thursday, June 27, 2024, at approximately 9:25am officers of the Manchester Township Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of State Highway 70 and Manchester Boulevard for the report of a two-car motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival officers observed a silver 2021 Hyundai Accent with extensive front end damage facing north in the westbound left turn lane of State Highway 70 and a blue 2014 Hyundai Elantra with extensive front end damage facing east on the eastbound dirt shoulder of State Highway 70. The driver of the Hyundai Accent, identified as 68-year-old Fredric Mohr of Manchester, NJ was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ with several internal injuries, where he is listed as critical but stable condition. The driver of the Hyundai Elantra identified as 37-year-old Michael C. Odom of Manchester, NJ sustained minor injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ.
The crash investigation revealed that the Hyundai Accent was in the left turn lane of westbound State Highway 70 and was attempting to make a left turn onto Manchester Blvd. The Hyundai Elantra was traveling eastbound on State Highway 70 as it approached the intersection. The Hyundai Accent began to initiate the left turn and entered the path of travel of the Hyundai Elantra. The Hyundai Elantra impacted the Hyundai Accent in the intersection causing the Hyundai Accent to rotate approximately 180 degrees and come to final rest facing north in the westbound turning lane of State Highway 70. The Hyundai Elantra after initial impact came to final rest facing east on the dirt shoulder of eastbound State Highway 70.
Assisting at the scene were Fire Fighters and EMT’s from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Medical Services, and Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, failure to yield to oncoming traffic is the primary contributing factor in the crash. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Conner Yatauro of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
June 28, 2024
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Manchester Township Chief of Police Antonio Ellis announced that on June 27, 2024, at approximately 4:55 p.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Ridgeway Road and Hope Chapel Road in reference to a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim. Responding Officers discovered a 25 year-old female with a gunshot wound to her stomach. The victim was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she succumbed to her injuries.
“This incident is currently under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit; there is no known danger to the public at this time,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer. “Additional information will be released when it becomes available,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
June 27, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention reports that on Wednesday June 26th, 2024 at approximately 11:37 a.m. units from Ocean Beach Fire Company No. 3 responded to Las Vegas Rd in the Monterey Beach section of Toms River for a reported fire involving an electric bike. First arriving units confirmed a fire involving the battery pack of an electric bike outside of the home. The fire was primarily extinguished by the homeowner prior to the fire department’s arrival. The fire was extinguished without incident and the nature of the damaged battery prompted a response from the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team. The scene was documented by Inspector Carlin and the damaged battery was packaged in a container for disposal.
After the battery was packed by the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team, the homeowner placed the container in his vehicle for disposal. Inspector Carlin was still on scene documenting the incident and observed the container on fire in the back of the vehicle. This prompted a second response from Ocean Beach Fire Company and the Berkeley Hazmat Team to repack the battery for a second time. Crews operated for several hours over the span of this incident.
The battery was original to the bike, not recently used, and only used with the manufacturer’s charger. The device was stored outside in direct sunlight at the time the fire occurred. Fires involving Lithium-Ion Batteries can be extremely dangerous to life and health.
The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about using safe practices in your home or business when utilizing Lithium-Ion batteries.
Visit www.batteryfiresafety.org for more information.
June 26, 2024
The Mercer County Association of School Administrators (MCASA) has recognized East Windsor Regional School District’s chief school administrator, Mark Daniels, as the 2024 Mercer County Superintendent of the Year.
Mr. Mark Daniels has served Mercer County and the East Windsor Regional School District proudly for the past five and a half years. Amongst Mr. Daniels numerous accomplishments is leading the EWRSD community through a 5-Strategic Planning process (2024-2029), engaging the EWRSD community through an identity rebrand process resulting in an updated brand narrative and district logo, successfully guiding the district through the 23-24 NJQSAC Review, leading the district related to all concerns and challenges related to COVID-19, and recently received the Best Communities for Music Education Award (5th time since 2019).
Under Mr. Daniels leadership EWRSD has completed a districtwide Equity Audit to identify programmatic barriers that may impede a student’s full participation, access, and opportunity for academic growth. Furthermore, in an effort to support the academic progress of our Multilingual Learners, supported the in-depth training of more than 100 EWRSD educators in the SIOP approach (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol). In addition, EWRSD has committed to training elementary special education teachers in the Orton Gillingham multisensory reading approach.
Mr. Daniels has served as the Mercer County Association of School Administrators President since 2023.
Dr. Aderhold, Superintendent of West Windsor – Plainsboro Regional School District shared, “Mr. Daniels is a highly respected district leader. His work and leadership during the past five school years is a testament to Mr. Daniels’ dedication to the students and staff of EWRSD. He is an outstanding selection as the 2024 Mercer County Superintendent of the Year and we offer him our thanks and congratulations on his recognition.”
The Mercer County Association of School Administrators (MCASA) has recognized East Windsor Regional School District’s chief school administrator, Mark Daniels, as the 2024 Mercer County Superintendent of the Year.
June 26, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer recently announced that on June 24, 2024, Michele Nycz, 60, of Brick Township, pled guilty to two counts of Animal Cruelty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., in connection with an investigation that began on December 2, 2022 in Brick Township. Yesterday, Aimee Lonczak, 51, also of Brick Township, pled guilty before Judge Ryan to Child Neglect, as well as two counts of Animal Cruelty, in connection with the same investigation. At the time of their sentencing on August 16, 2024, the State will be seeking 364 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation as to each defendant, a lifetime ban on owning animals, a ban on working with animals, and community service not involving animals.
On December 2, 2022, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on Arrowhead Park Drive in reference to an anonymous complaint that the residents at the address were running a puppy mill. While speaking with the residents – Lonczak and Nycz – in the driveway of the residence, responding Officers could detect a strong odor coming from the residence, and heard barking. Officers were subsequently permitted to enter the residence and immediately detected an intense odor and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the Officers observed animal crates containing dogs and cats stacked on top of one another. Due to the conditions existing in the home at that time, the Officers were forced to exit the residence and requested that a Hazmat team respond. Rescuers in Hazmat equipment subsequently removed approximately 129 dogs and 43 cats located in the residence, and the bodies of two deceased dogs. Lonczak and Nycz – who resided at the residence with Lonczak’s 16-year-old child – were both taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Ocean County Jail. They were both subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts in connection with this investigation leading to the defendants’ guilty pleas.
180 Animals Removed From Brick Township “Puppy Mill”
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
“It was further determined that the one-year-old victim had been stabbed, and that both children had been drowned. “
June 26, 2024
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 25, 2024, Naomi Elkins, 27, of Lakewood, was charged with two counts of Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, all in connection with the deaths of her two children on June 25, 2024.
On June 25, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a residence on Shenandoah Drive for a report of two children in cardiac arrest. Responding Officers found Hatzolah Medical Services attempting to render lifesaving aid to two minor children, ages one and three years-old; lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and both children were pronounced deceased at the scene. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that both victims were Elkins’ children. It was further determined that the one-year-old victim had been stabbed, and that both children had been drowned. Continuing investigation revealed that Elkins was responsible for the deaths of both of her children.
Elkins was taken into custody at the scene without incident. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
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).
June 26, 2024
EWING, N.J. — Ewing Township Mayor Bert H. Steinmann proudly announces that seven firefighter recruits from the Trenton/Ewing Fire Academy have successfully completed their mandatory N.J. Division of Fire Safety training and have started their new roles as firefighters with orientation sessions at Station 30 that began Monday, June 24, 2024. Mayor Steinmann expressed his pleasure that this group of eager recruits reflects the diversity of Ewing Township and emphasized that they will be an important part of the Ewing family, making the township proud.
“We wish all the recruits good luck, encourage them to stay safe, and extend our heartfelt congratulations,” Mayor Steinmann said. “We look forward to each of them becoming an integral part of our team.”
At the orientation sessions, recruits were issued their Probationary Training Packets and heard presentations from a variety of township department heads in the areas of Human Resources, Finance and Information Technology. Starting on Monday, July 1, the recruits will begin their formal in-service training and will be assigned to their respective Platoons and Stations.
Joining the ranks are firefighters Elizabeth Budge, William Person, Franklin Armstrong, Dade Rudzitis, DeAndre Santos, William Walker, Nykai Rambharan and William Sotovando.
“These recruits have received excellent training while attending the Trenton/Ewing Fire Academy and I am confident they all will be well prepared for their careers as firefighters,” said Ewing Fire Director Marc Strauss. “I thank Director Ken Douglas and his academy staff for the partnership we have developed, and I look forward to this partnership growing between these two great municipalities.”
The culmination of the recruits’ hard work and dedication will be celebrated at the Fire Academy Graduation on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the NJ State Museum.
Photo: From left, Ewing Fire Director Marc Strauss, Dade Rudzitis, William Sotovando, Franklin Armstrong, Elizabeth Budge, Nykai Rambharan, Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, DeAndre Santos, William Person, Ewing Fire Captain Kevin Wemple
June 23, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Amid the ongoing heat wave, city firefighters fought a two-alarm blaze involving several homes in the 400 block of Elmer Street, near Chestnut Avenue, Sunday evening (June 23, 2024).
The fire was reported about 6:35 p.m. It was declared under control an hour later.
Among those who fought the blaze were several “probationary” (rookie) firefighters working their first shift since completing their fire academy training.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Red Cross was contacted to assist several residents displaced by the fire.
June 22, 2024
Manchester Township NJ- A visit to a popular privately-owned 7000-acre tract of land in Manchester on Saturday morning ended tragically for a 33-year-old Howell Township man, Edwin Toro-Mejia, who unlawfully visited the Heritage Mineral property and attempted to swim in the lake with other individuals around 09:30 am. Toro-Mejia and a juvenile family member were attempting to cross Crystal Lake when Toro-Mejia appeared to suffer from a muscle cramp in his leg and went into distress approximately thirty yards from the shoreline. Family members went to the aid of Toro-Mejia who eventually submerged underwater and disappeared in the current.
The Manchester Township Police Department, with the assistance of the Manchester Township EMS, the Manchester, Ridgeway, Whiting, Lakehurst, Lacey, Toms River, and South Toms River Volunteer Fire Departments, the Lanoka Harbor and Ocean Beach Search and Rescue Squads, and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit responded to the scene were search and rescue operations were conducted for approximately an hour and a half before Toro-Mejia was located unresponsive. He was pulled from the water where he was pronounced deceased. The preliminary investigation indicates the drowning to be accidental.
Assisting with this investigation is the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. Anyone who may have been at “Crystal Lake” and witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Richard Jupinka of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Investigations Bureau at 732-657-2009 ext. 4206.
The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property. In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to substantial fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.
Photo: Whiting Fire Company Sta. 33, Facebook Page
Past stories related to this site:
Cliffside Park Man Drowned In “Crystal Lake” On ASARCO Site
Howell Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide