June 30, 2023
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–About 6:35 p.m. yesterday June 29, 2023, a vehicle ran off the roadway, struck a utility pole head on and ended up on the opposite side of roadway and burned on CR 524 in front of Keris Tree Farm. Hope Fire Company of Allentown/Upper Freehold responded to the scene and found a fully involved vehicle and extinguished the flames. The occupants were lucky to escape the crash and flames on their own power and were treated by Captial Health EMS/Allentown. It was unclear if anyone was transported to the hospital from the scene. New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash. Jersey Central Power and Light will need to replace the damaged utility pole. No other information is available.
June 26, 2023
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 7:20 p.m. the Hope Fire Company/Upper Freehold Firefighters and Capitol Health EMS responded to a head-on collision on County Road 524/New Canton-Stone Tavern Road, west of Sharon Station Road. Upon arrival firefighters and EMS treated victims and an additional ambulance was called from Robbinsville Township EMS to the scene. Two people were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Firefighters controlled a fluid spill from the vehicles. New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash. The roadway was closed a short time for cleanup. No further details are available at this time.
Secured $840k home with bogus documents
June 8, 2023
BORDENTOWN CITY, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Bordentown City Police Chief Shaun Lafferty announced that an Allentown, New Jersey woman has been charged with providing fraudulent documents to obtain a mortgage, and attempting to use a fraudulent $76,000 check to cover the closing costs of the real estate transaction.
Sydne Phillips, 32, was charged with two counts of Theft by Deception (Second Degree), Identity Crime – Impersonation (Second Degree) and two counts of Forgery (Third Degree).
She was taken into custody June 1 and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility in Mays Landing pending a detention hearing in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began in January after a representative of a Bordentown City title company approached police with a fraudulent check in the amount of $76,652.79 that had been provided at closing by Phillips.
The investigation, which is continuing, revealed that the check was part of a scheme that allowed Phillips to secure a mortgage on an $840,000 house on Cannonball Court in Allentown, (UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP) New Jersey. She is also accused of forging multiple documents, using the identity of a relative, providing fraudulent tax income forms for that relative, and providing fraudulent bank account statements. She was taken into custody at the residence she is accused of illegally obtaining.
The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Bordentown City Police Department, with assistance from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators are BCPD Detective Justin Lewandowski and BCPO Detective Michele Ragone.
Phillips is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Assistant Prosecutor Andrew R. McDonnell, supervisor of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit.
All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Note: The Allentown mailing address provides service in parts of Upper Freehold Township.
Burlington Prosecutor’s Office Press Release
Sydne Phillips, 32, was charged with two counts of Theft by Deception (Second Degree), Identity Crime – Impersonation (Second Degree) and two counts of Forgery (Third Degree).
Sydne Phillips, 32, was charged with two counts of Theft by Deception (Second Degree), Identity Crime – Impersonation (Second Degree) and two counts of Forgery (Third Degree).
June 6, 2023
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — The National Weather Service Philadelphia Mount Holly reported hazy, smoky skies across the Northeast today that are having impacts on air quality. But where did all of this thick, heavy smoke come from? Raging wildfires in Quebec, Canada are generating large smoke plumes to the north and ALL of the smoke is being funneled right into the Northeast thanks to steering currents from a stationary low off the coast of Maine and a strong high over the Great Lakes and Ontario. Additional smoke and haze is expected to arrive around sunset tonight and continue into the day tomorrow, bringing air quality concerns along with it.
McGuire Airforce Base – KWRI METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Reports) data indicated 3 miles visibility CLR with haze late this afternoon. Since that report the visibility has increased to 5 miles with haze and broken clouds tonight. Haze could be seen throughout the area and with a smell of smoke. Trenton Mercer Airport KTTN reports 3 miles visibility and overcast skies tonight.
Photos from the Allentown – Upper Freehold Township areas showing hazy smoky skies.
Where did all of this thick, heavy smoke across the Northeast come from? Raging wildfires in Quebec are generating large smoke plumes to the north and ALL of the smoke is being funneled right into the Northeast. Unfortunately, more smoke is on the way for tonight and Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/TCFkOJZOb0
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 6, 2023
Here is a look at the current surface visibility restrictions due to the Canadian wildfire smoke across the area. The smoke and haze should slowly improve overnight, however an additional plume of smoke is expected to arrive Wednesday afternoon and evening
Haze and smoke will continue tonight through Wednesday. Temps will be near normal. Some isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible to the north Wed afternoon, but most areas will remain dry.
For air quality in your area, check https://www.airnow.gov/
June 3, 2023
ALLENTOWN – UPPER FREEHOLD TWP., NJ (MONMOUTH)–The New Jersey Fallen Firefighters Memorial and Fire Equipment Museum held the 2023 annual Memorial Service this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. This is a special tribute to Our Fallen Firefighters. “Those brave and courageous heroes who un-selflessly dedicated their lives, fighting to protect the lives and property of people, some of them they knew and many of them they would never meet. Their memory lives in our hearts and with the families left behind.”
Those who have died in the Line-of-Duty in New Jersey in 2022:
Harrison Fire Department – Vincent Doffont
Keyport Fire Department – Timothy Pfleger
Saddle Brook Fire Department – Basil Pizzuto
Upper Saddle River Fire Department – Alex Moss
Westwood Fire Department – Kevin May
According to The U.S. Fire Administration statistics there have been 30 firefighter fatalities in the United States in 2023 as of June 3, 2023.
Subscribe to the new Mid-Jersey.New YouTube Channel (still double posted on the old channel but needed its own account)
Photos: Anthony Greco
NJ Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Held
5th Annual NJ Fire Museum Open House & Firefighters Memorial Services
May 19, 2023
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Sgt. Philip Curry of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Public Information told MidJersey.News that a crash occurred at 8:58 p.m. last night on Miers Road near Burlington Path Road in Upper Freehold Township. Based on initial information, an unknown Ford F-250 struck a vehicle and a pedestrian and fled the scene. The pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The F-250 operator has not been identified and this crash is still under investigation.
ED Note: This information was supplied directly from Allentown Borough’s Newsletter. For the latest information see the Allentown Borough website and check the Announcements page on the website.
May 5, 2023
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Allentown Borough Officials, Allentown and Upper Freehold residents have come together to oppose two warehouses with applications to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for a flood hazard area Individual Permit and Freshwater Wetlands GP-6, GP-7, GP-11, and Transition Area Waiver – Averaging Plan. The site is proposed to construct two proposed warehouses and ancillary parking, sidewalks, driveways, loading docks, stormwater and utility improvements. The complete permit application package can be reviewed at the municipal clerks’ office or by appointment at the Department of Environmental Protection Trenton Office.
According to an email sent by Allentown Borough on May 2, 2023, The Borough has assembled a professional team that includes Borough Engineer Carmela Roberts, PE, CME; Land-Use Attorney Michele R. Donato; and Environmental Consultant Attorney Stuart J. Lieberman. These professionals are working with the Governing Body on a response statement and template letter that residents can use to oppose this development on our borders. It will be posted as soon as it is received.
Take action by Thursday, May 11th to oppose the proposed Stein warehouse development on Old York Road
Below are all of the documents the Borough has received relating to the proposed development of the Stein property on Old York Road. This property is also known as Block 26, Lots 1 & 3 in Upper Freehold Township and Block 41.01, Lots 3 & 4 in Robbinsville Township. There is an application before the Monmouth County Planning Board and we expect that one will be before the Upper Freehold Township Planning Board.
The Borough has assembled a professional team that includes Borough Engineer Carmela Roberts, PE, CME and Environmental Consultant Attorney Stuart J. Lieberman to represent the Borough as the applications move forward, but we still need your help to voice opposition to this development.
Use the template below to respond to the NJDEP in writing by Thursday, May 11th. If you are a resident of Indian Run, we also ask you to include any information about flooding on or around your property with supporting photographs or videos. Letters can be sent to the NJDEP directly. Copies of letters, photographs or videos sent can be dropped off at Borough Hall or sent to [email protected].
Bohler’s Letter to the Borough- April 26, 2023
Bohler’s Letter to the Borough- April 27, 2023
Ecolsciences Freshwater Wetlands Environmental Report- April 28, 2023
Mapping and photographs- March 24, 2023
David Steinberg’s Letter to the NJDEP- January 24, 2023
Template Letter Word
Template Letter PDF
ED Note: This information was supplied directly from Allentown Borough’s Newsletter. For the latest information see the Allentown Borough website and check the Announcements page on the website.
Residents have started a petition that can be viewed here:
https://www.change.org/p/say-no-to-500-000-sq-ft-of-warehouses-next-to-valero-in-upper-freehold-twp?redirect=false
Overdevelopment is once again threatening our rural environment and quality of life. This time, the literal foundations of our towns are at stake.
Active Acquisitions Upper Freehold LLC has applied to build two large warehouses on Block 26, Lots 1, 2, & 3 in Upper Freehold Township (UFT). The builder would pave over 23 acres of UFT farmland on scenic Old York Road! This farmland has been in use for over 200 years!
The plan may require a separate wastewater mitigation system or sewer, potentially leading to MORE WAREHOUSE DEVELOPMENT, affordable housing developments, and HIGHER TAXES from increased school district enrollments. This is how chasing ratables actually ends up INCREASING taxes!
Tell the Upper Freehold Township Committee at [email protected] to say NO to:
- ANY new VARIANCES tied to this proposal
- MORE TRUCK TRAFFIC from over 100 truck loading docks
- INCREASED COSTS for police, fire & first aid services resulting in HIGHER TAXES
- Required amendments for the construction of new SEWERS
- Associated HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
- POORER AIR quality and LIGHT POLLUTION
- Higher CRIME without a local police force to promptly respond
- FLOODING due to increases in stormwater
- DESTRUCTION of the UFT Township, Monmouth County and NJDOT approved Scenic Byway and loss of open space
- INCREASED TRAFFIC, CONGESTION, AND EMISSIONS with more than 600 additional cars on our roads
- IRREVESABLE HARM TO WILDLIFE that use this land as their only home
- This MEGA WAREHOUSE will degrade the quality of life for residents of Upper Freehold Township, the historic village of Allentown Borough, and everyone in the region.
Your opinions matter! The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) wants your comments.
Tell the NJDEP to deny the builder’s application for a wetland’s waiver and flood hazard permit. That will only happen if they hear from YOU.
Click HERE for a template a letter of opposition to the NJDEP. The deadline to submit letters is Thursday, May 11
WRITE A LETTER, SIGN THIS PETITION, AND SHARE https://chng.it/XLwvGSqR4R
Documents below provided by Allentown Borough:
ED Note: This information was supplied directly from Allentown Borough’s Newsletter. For the latest information see the Allentown Borough website and check the Announcements page on the website.
ecolsciences_reportDownload
April 3, 2023
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The National Weather Service Mount Holly has determined that tornadoes hit the Crosswicks, Allentown-Cream Ridge areas during the storms of April 1, 2023. The National Weather Service determined them to be in the EF-1 range with an estimated maximum of 90 MPH. Further details will be are yet to be determined such as path and width of the tornados. Check back for updates.
Allentown-Cream Ridge Tornado…
Rating: EF-1Estimated Peak Wind: 110 mphPath Length /statute/: 4.0 milesPath Width /maximum/: 550 yardsFatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: April 1, 2023Start Time: 7:14 PM EDTStart Location: Allentown / Monmouth County / NJ
Start Lat/Lon: 40.1541 / -74.5715
End Date: April 1, 2023End Time: 7:17 PM EDTEnd Location: Upper Freehold Twp / Monmouth County / NJ
End Lat/Lon: 40.1484 / -74.4965
A new QLCS tornado developed just west of a neighborhood on Walnford Road southeast of Allentown. The most significant damage from the tornado occurred to properties within the neighborhood, especially those along an open field to the southeast. The tornadowas also near its widest point in this area. Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped within the neighborhood. A few homes sustainedremoval of roofing material, siding removal, windows blown out, and a couple garage doors blown out. Damage in this area was consistent with wind speeds estimated to be near 110 mph. An irrigation pivot was blown into a fence separating the neighborhood and the field where it was toppled over, partially
into some residential yards.
The tornado continued eastward across the field toward Allentown Davis Station Road where another shorter irrigation pivot was overturned. Along the road, several trees were snapped or uprootednear and northwest of the intersection with Polhemustown Road andHolmesmill Road. A wooden power pole was also leaning in the direction of the tornado’s motion. The tornado continued east along Allentown Davis Station Road where more mainly minor tree damage occurred. At the traffic circle intersection with Sharon Station Road, several road signs were blown down in various directions. The tornado moved east-southeastward into a field justsouth of a farmstead and north of Davis Station Road. The tornadoentered another wooded residential area near the intersection of Davis Station Road ans Harvey Road where more significant tree damage occurred and the tornadic circulation widened. The tornado moved east across Meirs Road where numerous trees were snapped or uprooted on residential properties, once of which fell onto power
lines.
The tornado moved east toward a residential neighborhood along Long Acre Drive where some additional tree damage occurred. The tornado moved east of the residential area across a tree line and then dissipated in an open field along Emleys Hill-Prospertown
Road.
Crosswicks-Hamilton Twp NJ Tornado…
Rating: EF-1Estimated Peak Wind: 100 mphPath Length /statute/: 2.8 milesPath Width /maximum/: 300 yardsFatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: April 1, 2023Start Time: 7:08 PM EDTStart Location: Crosswicks / Burlington County / NJ
Start Lat/Lon: 40.1525 / -74.6461
End Date: April 1, 2023End Time: 7:11 PM EDTEnd Location: Upper Freehold Twp / Monmouth County / NJ
End Lat/Lon: 40.1550 / -74.5945
After a straight line wind event upstream toward Bordentown alongWard Avenue, a QLCS tornado developed in the village of Crosswicks around 7:08 PM EDT. Much of the damage in Crosswicks was primarily tree damage with numerous trees uprooted or snapped.Additional straight line wind damage occurred south of the village that was not directly related to the tornadic circulation.The tornado moved east out of the village just north of EllisdaleRoad where fairly significant tree damage continued on residential properties. The tornado moved into an inaccessible wooded area along Crosswicks Creek where it crossed into Hamilton Twp in Mercer County. It emerged along a tree line near the back of the Sawmill YMCA property where it continued east toward the intersection of Sawmill Road and Iron Bridge Road. Near this
intersection, several trees were uprooted.
The tornado continued east along Sawmill Road toward Extonville Road Where additional trees were uprooted. The tornado dissipated in a field around 7:11 PM EDT east of Extonville Road where it crossed just over the Monmouth County boarder into Upper Freehold Twp. No additional tornadic damage was observed east of this fieldacross Ellisdale Road until the next tornado began near Walnford
Road.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=600762875409814&set=a.244139287738843
8:30 PM Monday: We have confirmed two more tornadoes in NJ from 4/1. One in Crosswicks and another one from Allentown to Cream Ridge. Both rated a preliminary EF-1 with estimated winds to 90 mph. More details available on Tuesday. #pawx #njwx #dewx #mdwx pic.twitter.com/OraRBgxfen
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) April 4, 2023
Storm damage from the April 1, 2023 storm as seen on April 2, 2023.
April 3, 2023
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Police have identified the victim of the fatal crash on Friday March 31, 2023, on Old York Road at Montgomery Way as Jake Schreck, 22, of Upper Freehold Township, NJ.
Police say that on March 31, 2023, at 5:40 p.m. Police, Fire and EMS responded to the area of Old York Road (CR Route 539) and Montgomery Way for a motor vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival police found two vehicles, a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and a Toyota Camry. The operator of the motorcycle was treated and transported to RWJ at Hamilton Hospital where he was later pronounced.
The Robbinsville Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit along with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team investigated the crash. The roadway was closed for approximately three hours for the investigation.
Today Robbinsville Police reported that they have charged Ketan Kabaria, 47, of Yardley, Pennsylvania who was driving a Toyota Camry with the following offenses. Death By Auto (2nd Degree), Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving and Failure to yield right of way at an intersection. Kabaria, was placed under arrest and was later transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility.
Anyone with pertinent information related to this case is asked to contact the Robbinsville Township Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 609-259-3900
April 3, 2023 Update:
The National Weather Service will be conducting storm surveys in the area of Crosswicks/Hamilton and Cream Ridge, NJ
April 2, 2023
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)-UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The National Weather Service has not issued a tornado damage report for the areas damaged by yesterday’s storms for Hamilton and Upper Freehold Township. The line of damage starts prior to the Sawmill YMCA Day Camp and Miracle Filed for the Miracle League of Mercer County and continues a path of destruction for about 5 miles though Upper Freehold Township near the Cream Ridge Winery and past County Road 539 just north of the golf course. See map below designed by Brian K. from Twitter in regards to Midjersey.news post on the NWS Mount Holly Twitter.
So far there have been four confirmed tornados in New Jerey, Jackson Township, Sea Girt, Howell Township, and Cinnaminson. The damage in Hamilton and Upper Freehold Township has not been listed as of 8:00 p.m. April, 2.
The Miracle League of Mercer County, NJ was supposed to have an Opening Day and Easter Egg Hunt but had to be cancelled due to the storm damage at the Sawmill Road Facility.
Week 2 games originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 5 and Thursday, April 6 will also – unfortunately – be cancelled.
We will provide updates via email, text alert, and social media throughout the week.
Graphic from Twitter posted by Brian K 
PSE&G workers replace a pole this morning, April 2, 2023, that was damaged by yesterday’s storm (April 1, 2023) on Groveville – Allentown Road.
Storm damage in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, NJ at the Sawmill YMCA Day Camp and Recreation Center, Miracle Filed, on Sawmill Road.
Storm damage in Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County in the area of Walnford Road, Quaker Hill Road, Tyler Court, and Polhemustown Roads this afternoon. Many trees were damaged, trees on houses, and farm irrigation equipment damage.
April 1, 2023
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department is urging the public in Jackson Township to stay off the roads this evening due to multiple trees, poles, and wires down!
Jackson Mills Fire Company posted Jackson Twp has multiple trees and power lines down throughout the town. It is dark and you may not see many hazards that emergency services have not gotten to yet. Please stay home tonight and stay safe.
There are also numerous trees and wires down throughout Upper Freehold Township. Upper Freehold Township Emergency Management sent out a notice asking people to stay off the roads tonight around 8:33 p.m. not long after severe thunderstorms with possible tornados moved though the area. Wires poles down in the area of County Road 539, County Road 537, Ellisdale Road
The Wall Township Police Department along with Fire and EMS are responding to numerous calls for service. We have received numerous calls in reference wires down and trees down blocking the roadways. Please do not approach down wires. Please do not travel on roadways unless absolutely necessary
There are poles and wires down in the Crosswicks Hamilton Township area near South Broad Street. There were reports of numerous locations. If traveling in that area be careful tonight.
MidJersey.news has a reporter in Jackson and will be sending in updates. Check back for further details and photos.
UPDATE from Jackson Police Department
First and foremost we hope everyone is safe! There are ALOT of reports of damage throughout the entire town. We are aware of power outages and the power companies along with DPW and county are doing all they can to clean everything up and restore power.
All emergency services are working diligently to get this accomplished.
The following roads are closed at the moment:
– West Commodore Boulevard between Cedar Swamp Road and Diamond Road
– North Cooksbridge Road between Rose Dr and Willow Drive along with parts of South Cooksbridge Road.
We ASK that everyone please stay in doors and off the roads so clean up can be completed safely. Please don’t venture out to assess the damage, we will take care of that.
As always do not hesitate to call us if you need our assistance or emergency services! Please refrain from calling us about power outages as we are aware and our dispatchers are fielding a high volume of calls.
Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe!!!
Jackson Township, New Jersey after the storms tonight. Photo from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.
Photos below by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response
Hail that fell in Robbinsville – Allentown – Upper Freehold Township area.
Updated: February 27, 2023
Update from the New Jersey State Police Public Information Unit.
Tpr. II Charles Marchan told MidJersey.News that Troopers responded to an motor vehicle crash on Saturday at 4:54 p.m. at the intersection of County Road 524 and Sharon Station Road, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County.
Based on a preliminary investigation a vehicle was traveling on 524 and another vehicle was traveling on Sharon Station Road. The vehicles were involved in a collision in the intersection causing one of the vehicles to overturn. The occupants were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
February 25, 2023
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–At 4:54 p.m. Hope Fire Company of Allentown and Millstone Township Fire Department was dispatched to County Road 524 & Sharon Station Road for an overturned into a utility pole with entrapment. Enroute Chief 82-66 requested the rescue from Millstone and additional BLS from Robbinsville due to confirmed report of multiple trapped. Upon arrival there was a two-vehicle crash with two trapped patients in the overturn both requiring ALS-Advance Life Support care sending a second medic to the scene. Upon arrival of first due ALS unit, a medevac helicopter was requested to fly. The first victim extricated around the 25-minute mark and second around the 40-minute mark. Robbinsville Ambulance 40 transported first patient by ground to Captial Health System Trauma Center in Trenton. RWJ Barnabas medevac landed in field adjacent to the scene and transported the second patient to RWJUH New Brunswick with serious injuries. No further details about the crash are available. (See Update Above from NJSP)
Photos sent into MidJesey.news
February 17, 2023
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Sgt. Philip Curry of the New Jersey State Police Public Information Unit stated that a crash occurred at 7:46 a.m. on County Route 539 northbound at mile post 37.72 in Upper Freehold Twp. The preliminary investigation revealed that a Kia Soul was traveling north on CR-539 when it struck a 16-year-old pedestrian. After impacting the pedestrian, the Kia crossed the center line and traveled up a grass embankment. As a result of the crash the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
Letter sent to Staff, Parents, and Students this afternoon from Mark Guterl Superintendent of Schools:
February 17, 2023
Dear UFRSD Family,
It is with great sadness that I must inform you about the tragic loss of one of our students. This morning we learned that a student from Allentown High School was struck by a car while jogging. Having gone through the UFRSD school system, this passing has deeply impacted our entire school community.
The UFRSD staff at each of our schools was informed of the student’s passing during the school day. Counseling support services were and continue to be available. Members of our Crisis Team have been working with our counselors and other staff members to help students and staff deal with this difficult news.
We encourage and invite any student or staff member who needs support during this difficult time to come to Allentown High School tomorrow, Saturday, February 18 between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. where our school counselors will be available for support.
Please realize that reactions to death are varied and can depend upon such factors as age, personality, previous losses, and relationship to the victim. If you feel your child has been affected by this situation, you can assist your child by doing the following:
- Take time to listen to and talk with your child about what has happened.
- Reassure your child that you will be available to help them through this difficult time.
- Help your child verbalize some of the feelings they might be feeling but are unable to express.
- Reassure your child that you will do all you can to keep them safe. Providing specific examples may help to reduce some of the fear and anxiety.
- Discuss some of the things you and your child might do to express your concern for the family.
As it is a long weekend, don’t hesitate to reach out at any time if you are in need of support in any way.
Mark Guterl
Superintendent of Schools
Traffic Alert: County Road 539 In Upper Freehold Closed Due To Crash
16-Year-Old Pedestrian Killed On Route 539 In Upper Freehold Township
February 17, 2023
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 7:45 a.m. Upper Freehold Firefighters/ Hope Fire Company of Allentown was dispatched to County Road 539 near Arneytown Hornerstown Road for a pedestrian accident just north of County Road 537 / Monmouth Road.
Hope Fire Company reports: Crews are operating at a serious incident at the intersection of 539 & 537. Due to the severity of the incident the intersection is shut down. Please avoid at all costs and use caution in the area.
Allentown Captial Heath EMS is also on scene and requested a second ambulance.
New Jersey State Police are on scene investigating.
When further details become available the story will be updated.
February 15, 2023
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Last night, February 14, 2023, the Robbinsville-Allentown Ravens put on quite the show when they played none other than… the Robbinsville-Allentown Ravens! At an intra-squad game to remember, the Cancer Crushers took on the Red Blood Cells in the fight against sarcoma in honor of Nathan Ugi, a 12-year old 7th grader from Stonebridge Middle School in Allentown.
Nate was on-hand to drop the ceremonial puck under an honor guard of sticks and was presented a magic jersey signed by all the players and coaches. “We know that sometimes going through health issues can be a tough go, so we want you to know when things get a little bit tough and you feel a little down, you put on this magic jersey and it makes things a little bit better for you”, Coach Dan Bergan shared.
Team Nate bracelets and keychains were sold at the event and over $1,200 has been raised to offset Nate’s medical expenses and “more has been coming in all day. The love our community and hockey family has shared for Nate is so spectacular”, Amy Weltner shared.
After a grueling hour-long scrimmage, with a few antics thrown in for good measure and some light-hearted laughs – the Cancer Crushers took the game in an 11-7 win over the Red Blood Cells.
As the night wrapped up with a fist bump line with Nate as the players carrying yellow taped sticks with helmet stickers that proclaimed, “We Skate for Nate” exited the ice, Nate’s smile was ear-to-ear and that was the best part of it all. Bergan expressed that “Nate inspired us all to remember what is most important in life. The good in the world lies quiet at times but know that it is there and will rise to the occasion. This is such an occasion.”
