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