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September 20, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced that Trenton Water Works (TWW) will replace approximately 1.8 miles of 16-inch water main in Ewing Township north of Princeton Avenue to Sutherland Road beginning in the fall of 2022.

“We measure TWW’s capital projects in the millions of dollars,” said Mayor Gusciora. “This is the level of investment, commitment, and leadership required to ensure that TWW continues to produce some of the highest quality drinking water in the United States for our customers and service-area consumers – drinking water that meets or exceeds rigorous federal and state standards.”

On Sept. 16, 2021, Trenton City Council approved the use of $4 million from the city’s allotment of American Rescue Plan funding to pay for the Ewing Township water main replacement project. When complete, the project will help maintain high water quality and improve water-distribution system reliability, increase water pressure in some areas, and maintain adequate flows throughout the TWW system. The scope of work includes replacing approximately 9,500 linear feet of 16-inch water main north of Princeton Avenue to Sutherland Road in Ewing Township. TWW has more than 10,000 customers in Ewing Township.

“We are very pleased that Trenton Water Works is making this investment in the Olden Avenue business district, a vital part of Ewing Township’s economy and quality of life,” said Bert H. Steinmann, Mayor of Ewing Township. “In recent years and months, the number of water main breaks on Olden Avenue has supported the argument that this project is fundamentally needed. Many thanks to Mayor Reed Gusciora and Trenton City Council for making it a priority.”

TWW has undertaken several capital projects since it announced its six-year, $405-million capital plan in 2019. The plan includes $150-million to remove lead infrastructure from its water-distribution system and at private residences; $20 million to replace water meters systemwide with smart meters; $30 million to construct two 8-million-gallon tanks across the street from the Pennington Avenue Reservoir to improve system resiliency; $5.5 million to rehabilitate the water-filtration plant’s raw-water intake; and $3 million to clean and line water mains in targeted areas of TWW’s 683-mile water-distribution system.

“With approved funding authorized by City Council, we can start the design phase of the project. We are immensely grateful for their support and Mayor Gusciora’s leadership,” said Mark A. Lavenberg, Director of the city’s Department of Water and Sewer, which operates Trenton Water Works. TWW serves nearly 250,000 consumers in its five-municipality service area. “We will prepare the specifications, put it out for public bid, evaluate proposals, and ultimately award the project to a vendor as part of our work to improve the performance of TWW’s water-distribution system.”

Purchased by the City of Trenton in 1859, Trenton Water Works (TWW) is one of the oldest and largest publicly owned water systems in the United States, supplying 28 million gallons of water per day to approximately a quarter-million consumers in a five-municipality service area in Mercer County, NJ: Trenton, Ewing Township, parts of Hamilton Township, Lawrence Township, and Hopewell Township. TWW operates a 60-million-gallon water-filtration plant and water-distribution system that includes a 100-million-gallon reservoir, 683 miles of water mains, three pump stations, nearly 8,000 valves, 3,517 fire hydrants, and six interconnections between TWW and other water suppliers. TWW has approximately 63,000 metered customers.

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September 17, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, TEMS, Capital Health Paramedics and Trenton Fire responded to the West Tower of the Kingsbury Corporation around 12:15 a.m. for a stabbing. After locating two stabbing victims, It was reported that one of the victims was found near 4 Kingsbury Square.

Trenton EMS transporting one victim called a trauma alert at 12:23 a.m. The second unit with another victim called a trauma alert at 12:31 a.m.

According to Trenton Police Sgt. Ponticiello, two individuals involved in an alteration both were transported to hospital for treatment one of them was the  suspect and subsequently arrested.

No further information is available at this time.

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September 22, 2021

SEA GIRT, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A borough police officer was not seriously injured when he struck a building with his patrol vehicle while on duty yesterday afternoon, and the cause of the collision is under investigation, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Wednesday.

Shortly after 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, the 27-year-old Class II officer was responding to a first-aid call originating from the 1000 block of Ocean Avenue when his 2019 Ford Explorer left the roadway and drove onto a property on the 100 block of Beacon Boulevard, according to the preliminary investigation.

The vehicle struck a cottage on the property and came to rest after striking a trailer. No one was home at the property at the time, and no civilians were injured.

The officer was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center Trauma Unit in Neptune City, where he agreed to provide a blood sample and turn over his cell phone to investigators with the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART). Monmouth County Fleet Services towed the vehicle back to the Monmouth County Central Motor Pool for further investigation.

The officer, who joined the Sea Girt Police Department in June, has since been discharged from the hospital.

Jersey Shore Fire Response

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September 18, 2021

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The visiting Nottingham North Stars were defeated by Allentown High School boys soccer team today with a final score of 4-0.

Photo gallery:

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September 21, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–During the course of an investigation conducted by Detectives from the Hamilton Police Division and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, a warrant was issued for the above individual for numerous counts of aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.  There were multiple juvenile victims.

The above-mentioned Detectives, along with assistance from the NY/NJ U.S. Marshals Service, arrested the Defendant in NYC on 9/3/21.  Upon waiving extradition, the defendant was transported to Hamilton Police Division for processing and then taken to the Mercer County Workhouse.   

Anyone with information regarding these incidents, or is aware of any similar incidents involving the defendant, is asked to contact Hamilton Police Detective Kevin Krall at (609) 689-5826 or via email at [email protected].  The public can also contact the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581- 4008.

Every defendant is presumed innocent until being found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Freddy Fernandez-Barrionuevo Freddy Fernandez-Barrionuevo

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September 18, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Unfortunately, most of the 2021 Robbinsville Community Day was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns about an outbreak of the virus in the Robbinsville School District. The planned fireworks were held on schedule shortly after 8:00 p.m.

See update below the photo gallery from Brian J. Betze, Superintendent of Robbinsville Schools about the latest COVID-19 information.

Photo gallery:

September 18, 2021

Dear Robbinsville Community,

I am providing an update on the COVID-19 outbreaks within our schools and the next steps we can take to slow the public health outbreak we are currently seeing in our schools.

As we began the school year, I stressed the importance of safety and health for all of our students, staff and faculty. I asked families/guardians to please follow the health safety guidelines. Our Board of Education and the administration want to have our students in the classroom. We are committed to providing quality education and focusing on the mental health of our students.

Currently we know that only 62% of our students in the 12-17 age category are vaccinated. This crosses our middle and high school students. The Department of Health has made us aware that the Delta variant is very different in being able to combat COVID-19.

The number of COVID-19 positive cases have increased significantly at our high school this past week. Working in partnership with the State of New Jersey Department of Health and local health department we have determined that it is in the best interest to temporarily close the high school for five school days. Conversations over the past few days have taken place with the State of NJ Epidemiologist, multiple infection disease doctors from the State of New Jersey and the local health department to determine where the outbreaks are coming from within the community. 

Robbinsville High School will be closed from September 20 – 24, 2021. Students may return on Monday, September 27th, as long as they do not exhibit symptoms, have a positive COVID test or are waiting on the results from a COVID test and the Department of Health does not require us to be closed for a longer period of time.

We do have a significant number of students at Pond Road who are quarantined and one class at Sharon Elementary that is quarantined, but based on current contract tracing and feedback from health officials, we feel that the precautions in place allow us to continue in person learning. We are continuing to monitor and work with families for contract tracing and parent notification at all of our schools. It is important that if you receive a call, please assist us in contract tracing efforts. If you have not received a call at this time your child has not been identified as being in close contact with an individual who is positive. If you have needs for technology or meals for a student that has been asked to quarantine, please contact your respective principal.

Remote instruction will begin on Monday, September 20th for all high school students. All students are expected to be at home for remote instruction.  This will give the state and local officials time to conduct contact tracing and the district the ability to do a deep cleaning of the high school.

If you receive special education services, your case manager will reach out to discuss how your IEP will be implemented during remote learning.

Additionally, it is important for the community to understand that none of the decisions that have been made about our sports teams, clubs and activities that had to be canceled were done lightly. These cancelations were done based on the guidance and direction from health officials and working in partnership to stop the spread we are seeing in our schools. Our goal is that we are only pausing for now and able to resume quickly. We understand the importance of these activities and are working to get special senior activities rescheduled or recognized at a separate date. Our goal is to keep everyone safe.

I remind families/guardians that if your child(ren) need counseling support that resources are available in the district. Please visit the counseling page for your respective school building – Robbinsville High School, Pond Road Middle School or Sharon Elementary School.

Our administration will continue to work in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health and the local health department. State and local health department officials along with the administration have been in constant communication about the outbreaks and what we can do to limit the spread. The decision to close the high school for five days was made in partnership and in an effort to best stop the spread of COVID-19 and control the public health outbreak we are seeing in Robbinsville.

We will continue to work in partnership with all health officials to get our students back in the classroom, but we need the community to work with us, as well. Please be honest in completing the COVID form, please work with school officials to assist with contact tracing. We appreciate the support of the Board of Education, Mayor Fried and other local leaders for also working in conjunction with the health department and canceling events in an effort to get in front of these outbreaks.  If we work together, we can get through this time and be stronger for it.

Thank you,

Brian J. Betze

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September 22, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, Trenton Fire, TEMS and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the area of 160 Oakland Street near Hoffman Avenue for a gun shot victim last night September 21, 2021 at 10:36 p.m. The person was quickly transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment arriving at the hospital trauma unit 10:51 p.m. Trenton Police report that the person was shot twice and listed in stable condition. No further details are available at this time.

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September 21, 2021

A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man today admitted falsely labeling as “Toys” a package containing 10 live rhinoceros iguanas that was destined for Hong Kong, Acting U.S Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Jason Ksepka, 44, of Farmingdale, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi in Trenton federal court to an information, charging him with one count of violating the Lacey Act by falsely labeling an international shipment of wildlife.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Nov. 7, 2017, Ksepka shipped a package via U.S. Priority Mail Express from the U.S. Post Office in Lambertville, New Jersey. The package contained 10 live rhinoceros iguanas and was destined for Hong Kong. Defendant Ksepka falsely described the contents of the package as “Toys” and the sender as “Luke Jacobs” on a U.S. Postal Service International Shipping Label and Customs Form that accompanied the package. On Nov. 8, 2017, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Inspectors intercepted the package at the mail facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport and recovered the rhinoceros iguanas from inside the package.

Ksepka was paid $500 by an individual to falsely label the package and ship it to Hong Kong. One year prior to the shipment, the same individual had paid Ksepka $500 to ship approximately 10 additional rhinoceros iguanas to Hong Kong.

Ksepka has agreed, as part of his plea agreement, to pay a fine of $1,000 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lacey Act Reward Fund.

The charge to which Ksepka pleaded guilty carries with it a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2022.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Sean Mann, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen P. O’Leary of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Government Fraud Unit in Newark.

21-423 

Defense counsel: Linda Foster Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

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At this time the families have asked to keep the matter private.

September 21, 2021–Update

From Gofundme organizer Charlie Pallitto, We would like to thank everyone for their generous support to the families involved in Monday’s accident. At this time the families have asked to keep the matter private. We would like to refund all donations and apologize for any inconvenience. You should expect a refund from GoFundMe within 7 days. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved.

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Gofundme has been set up for Celso Eurich, Mathew Eurich, Jordan Duffy and Charlie Duffy who were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident yesterday morning in East Windsor. All were seriously injured and remain in the hospital at the time of this posting. According to Allentown High School Principal Connie Embley in a letter sent out to parents earlier today, “At this time, the boys are still dealing with serious injuries and we all remain hopeful for the recovery process to begin soon.”

The Gofundme organized by, Charlie Pallitto of Millstone reads:

On Monday, September 20, 2021, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Celso Eurich, Mathew Eurich, Jordan Duffy & Charlie Duffy were found in a serious automobile accident. There is not much we can do in a tragic situation like this other than send our prayers to the families, and keep them in our thoughts. All of the donations will be equally split between both of the family’s caught in this terrible accident. Any donations would be extremely appreciated. these are great families and we are trying to do the most we can to help them, Thank you.

We ask for prayers and love tonight for the Allentown boys soccer program. #ALLIN

— Allentown High School Boys Soccer (@redbirdsoccer) September 20, 2021

Dear Parents,

On behalf of the Duffy’s and Eurich’s they appreciate your concern and prayers.  At this time, the boys are still dealing with serious injuries and we all remain hopeful for the recovery process to begin soon.  While the boys are in ICU, they cannot receive any visitors or any flowers, food or items.  While the thoughts are very much appreciated, please do not  allow your children to go to the hospital or send anything.    There will be time to shower them with things as they recover.  Luckily, there are no head injuries with any of the boys.

Please continue to pray, that is the most important thing at this time.  As soon as we know what we can do to help the families, I will let you know.

This is such a great community and your support is very much appreciated.  I will keep you updated.

Connie Embley

The Allentown High School Boys Varsity Team on Saturday 3 of the 4 are on the Varsity Team.

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September 27, 2021

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Monday afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., Emergency Responders answered a call of a house fire at 31 Bay Way in the Bay Harbor section of Brick. Upon arrival a heavy smoke and fire condition was observed. Strong winds helped to spread the fire quickly. The resident of 31 Bay Way, who was home at the time, was uninjured, but the home was completely destroyed.

The wind driven fire caused extensive damage to the upper portion of the house next door at 29 Bay Way. In addition spot fires on at least one area property were extinguished. The only injury was that of one of the fire fighters who suffered a minor burn that was treated by EMS on the scene.

The fire quickly reached a third alarm bringing Brick Township fire companies, Pioneer Hose, Breton Woods, Laurelton, and Herbertsville. In addition, the Point Pleasant Boro, Point Pleasant Beach, Silverton and East Dover fire companies also responded, along with the Police and the Brick Police EMS. Jackson and Lakewood covered the township’s fire houses while Brick Township’s fire and mutual aid companies worked to extinguish the fire.

The fire is being investigated by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Brick Police Detective Bureau and the Brick Fire Safety Bureau.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Brick Fire Safety Bureau Chief Kevin Batzel at 732-458-4100. No further information is being released at this time.