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October 24, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora, North Ward District 5 Committeewoman Crystal Feliciano, and Bernard McMullan, President of the Trenton Council of Civic Associations, will host the “Trenton’s March to the Ballot Box” on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at noon.

The march is meant to motivate Trenton residents to complete their mail-in ballot and return it to one of the four secured drop box locations in the city. In a call for unity and increased voter turnout, Mayor Gusciora, Mercer County Clerk Paul Sollami Covello, County Commissioner Samuel Frisby and other Trenton residents and community leaders will deliver opening remarks for the occasion.

“During the July 2020 primary election, there was only one secure drop box in the entire Capital City,” said Mayor Gusciora. “Now we have four in advance of the upcoming general election on November 3, making it easier than ever for our residents to express their right to vote by proactively completing and returning their ballots.”

Organizers and participants will meet at the Trenton War Memorial for a brief program and then begin to march to the secured drop box location at City Hall. Everyone is encouraged to participate, even if they have already voted.

“Given everything that has been taking place around us in the City as well as the nation, this is a positive step for everyone to come together and stand united for a common cause” said Crystal Feliciano.

The drop boxes are located at the following locations:

• County Clerk’s Office – Courthouse Annex – 209 S. Broad Street, Trenton N.J., 08608 (in front)
• Trenton City Hall – 319 E. State Street, Trenton N.J., 08608 (in back / near Municipal Clerk’s Office)
• Henry J. Austin Center – 321 N. Warren St, Trenton N.J., 08618 (Corner of Tucker)
• Trenton Central High School – 400 Chambers Street, Trenton N.J., 08609 (across from McDonald’s)

Participating organizations include Trenton Council of Civic Associations, Project M.O.V.E, Top Ladies of Distinction – Trenton Chapter, Operation Rebuild Trenton, Trenton Democratic Committee, The Blue Wave Committee, Moms Demand Action – Mercer County, and NAACP – Trenton Branch.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

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October 9, 2020

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The alarm sounded at 4:00 am and after only a few hours of sleep it was time to make the trek to the Bakers Basin, NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Office to renew a CDL. Those with Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL) have to renew in person at a MVC office. There are also many others than need to do an in person transaction at MVC offices to receive their drivers license depending on specific situations.

Pulling into the parking lot a little after 5:00 am there were already a good amount of cars in parking spaces. I removed my camping chair from my vehicle and placed it in a line of about 100 or more already waiting that had already wrapped around the building. I took a seat and waited in line until I started to feel cold and took a walk around to warm up.

There is a portable restroom or “porta potty” but that is locked until about 7:30 am and there is no where for people to go until that time. Many go in the bushes behind the line near Route 1 since the porta potty is locked. So if you happen to make this adventure go easy on the coffee and liquids until you give your number for text messages.

Around 7:30 a security guard came out and explained what would happen. New Drivers got a ticket right away and go to the front of the line to be processed while the rest of us have to wait. A little after 8:00 am the line started to move as they handed out tickets to get inside to put your name in a computer that will text you when they are ready to bring you inside to process your paperwork.

I was number 87 in line (after all the new drivers already went) and I was checked in by 8:55 am. At 10:10 am I received my first text that they were almost ready for me and about 10 minutes later I had to wait in another line to start the process of 6 points of ID and other processing. At 11:05 I was finished processing and walking out of the MVC with a new Commercial Driver License that was Real ID compliant.

After my experience today comparing it to years past, all MVC employees were very friendly and helpful. The employees have to deal with this never ending back log during a pandemic and have to wear masks, and take other precautions. Even with all that, employees were seen busy at desks and handling paperwork inside. MVC employees should be commended for all they are doing during the pandemic to process all these licenses.

The problem is that if you don’t go early enough in the morning and get a good spot in line you may not make the cut off of how many licenses one MVC location can process that day. There is currently no reservation system other than waking up in the early morning hours and waiting it out trying to get a decent spot in line.

It is no secret that winter is coming and it was already cold this morning during the wait that will only get worse as winter approaches.

Here are some ideas maybe the Governor and MVC Commissioner can think about implementing:

1. More portable restrooms that are unlocked so you don’t have to use the bushes.
2. Cold, wind, ice and snow will be here soon. Plan on having multiple large tents in the parking lot or grassy areas for shelter.
3. Create an online reservation system with the similar text messaging feature that is similar to the one that is in place now. Just that you can register online the day before to reserve a space in line and the system can give you notice before processing. How hard can it be to have 3/4 of the technology already in place and add an online reservation system?
4. Hire more employees, add additional processing stations, new equipment and portable MVC units, extend hours until the backlog is worked though. This will still take months there is no end in site for the pandemic.
5. There are special considerations for new drivers. There should be a special line and reservation system for Commercial Drivers who drive for a living.
6. Paper forms, why should we have to use paper forms? Everything should be computerized and digitized because that is what you are doing anyway. Users should be able to go online and start the process of forms, capture a digital signature the night before while making an appointment the day before. The only reason to show up to the MVC is to scan and verify documents, make any final corrections to the already filled out online document, capture a real signature on a pad, and take a photo ID. This old system of paper forms is broken, time to modernize and streamline the operation. This technology does exist, the Federal Government uses it all the time, why can’t the State?

If the MVC implemented those simple 6 things the MVC experience and wait could be more palatable. Yes, we are in a pandemic but MVC was already having issues with Real ID for years and previous administrations, way before the pandemic. The pandemic just made this situation a lot worse and being used as an excuse for an already broken neglected system. It is time to step up, invest in MVC and make MVC great.

MidJersey.News Related stories on the NJ MVC here:

NJ MVC FAILURE: 1,000s Wait In Extreme Long Lines At NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Buildings, Complete Chaos as Fights Reported In Trenton and Edison

NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Disaster Day 2 After Reopening

NJ MVC Failure Day 3: South Brunswick Line Shut Down Before Even Opening Doors Today

Continuing Coverage: NJ MVC Failure Day 4, Hundreds Brave Tropical Storm Fay At MVC Agencies Around The State

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Troopers Seize Guns, Drugs, Fraudulent Credit Cards, and Cash

October 8, 2020

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested Rikelvin Rodriguez-Reyes, 19, of New Brunswick N.J., for allegedly operating a narcotics processing mill out of a residence in New Brunswick that was allegedly producing heroin and cocaine.

During a two-month cooperative investigation with the New Brunswick Police Department, State Police detectives with the Gangs and Organized Crime Central Unit were able to determine that Rodriguez-Reyes was distributing drugs from a Sanford Street residence. On Monday, October 5, troopers from the State Police Gangs and Organized Crime Unit, T.E.A.M.S. Unit, K-9 Unit, and members of the New Brunswick Police Department executed search warrants at the Sanford Street residence and a residence in North Brunswick.

As a result of the searches, detectives seized a .380 caliber handgun, a .22 caliber handgun, hollow point ammunition, 60 grams of cocaine, 100 individual doses of heroin, 1 ounce of marijuana, 18 prescription legend drugs, 20 fraudulent credit cards with a reader/writer device, $3,821 cash, various distribution and packaging accessories, and tools consistent with a drug production facility. Rodriguez-Reyes was arrested at the North Brunswick residence without incident.

Rikelvin Rodriguez-Reyes was charged with maintaining and operating a CDS facility, possession and distribution of cocaine, possession and distribution of heroin, possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon during commission of a CDS offense, identity theft, possession and distribution of paraphernalia, and money laundering. He was lodged at the Middlesex County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.

This case is being prosecuted by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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September 25, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A small gathering of about 20 or so protested in front of Trenton Police Headquarters on North Clinton Avenue tonight at 6 pm. The protest was called “Say Their Names”

OnScene News Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

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October 9, 2020

Many law enforcement agencies across the state participated in the 2020 NJ Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics this morning.

On Friday, October 9th, more than 3,000 officers will take to the streets of their local communities on one of 26 separate routes to help carry the “Flame of Hope” a distance of nearly 750 miles throughout the Garden state to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey.

In 1982, the late Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officer Steven Vitale was asked to take photos at a local Special Olympics competition in New Jersey. He was so moved by the determination exhibited by the athletes that he asked other police officers to volunteer at the Summer Games. In 1984, the first New Jersey Torch Run was conceived to raise funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics New Jersey program. The course ran from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick, through eight towns, covering 43 miles and raising $7,000. In each succeeding year, the dollar amount became greater and the number of volunteers increased substantially.

Driven by the willingness of the New Jersey Law Enforcement officers to do more, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began to expand over the years. New fundraising events and initiatives were created and held throughout the Garden State to promote the Special Olympics movement. With over $4 million raised annually by more than 3,000 officers through local and statewide events, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been recognized in the world for many years as one of the top grassroots fundraising organizations for Special Olympics. Fundraising events that are conducted year-round in New Jersey include an Adopt-a-Cop campaign for the annual Torch Run, three Polar Bear Plunges, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the United Airlines Plane Pull and golf outings to name a few. In addition to fundraising, Law Enforcement officers volunteer at athlete competitions and events year-round, while serving as ambassadors in local communities.

Below are photos from Bordentown Township, (Burlington) and South Brunswick, (Middlesex)

MidJersey.News will post more as they are sent in:

Bordentown Township Police Department photos:

South Brunswick Photos:

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Related recent MidJersey.News story here: “Sami’s Law” Passes The House

September 26, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Hundreds turned out for the #WHATSMYNAME 5K Run/ 1M Walk in honor of, Samantha Josephson. The run/walk supports the What’s My Name Foundation’s efforts regarding Ride Share Safety education. 

The 5K run kicked off a little after 9 am and the 1 mile walk started about the same time this morning.

Samantha grew up in Robbinsville and was Robbinsville High School graduate and was attending University of South Carolina when a rideshare tragedy happened.

On March 29, 2019, Samantha Josephson, a 21 year-old senior at the University of South Carolina, was kidnapped and murdered when she was targeted by a person posing as a rideshare driver.  Immediately following this unfathomable tragedy,  Samantha’s parents, Seymour and Marci Josephson, set out to educate others on the importance of ride share safety so that no other family would have to suffer this kind of loss.   

“Sami’s Law” was authored by Rep. Chris Smith and passed the house in July by a unanimous read more about it here: “Sami’s Law” Passes The House

Sydney, Seymour and Marci Josephson, with Rep. Chris Smith who has authored “Sami’s Law” on a Federal level and has passed the House in July, at the run/walk this morning.

The #WHATSMYNAME Foundation was established in honor of, Samantha Josephson.  Our mission is to educate the world on ride share safety, supporting charitable organizations and providing college scholarships to selected high school seniors.  Samantha may be gone but our goal for the rest of our time on earth is to share her story and make a lasting change.

Before you get in a ride share ask

“What’s my name?” and remember hers.

Link to #WHATSMYNAME FOUNDATION HERE

Tammy Murphy with Seymour Josephson after the 5K

An email was sent to MCPO for an official statement but nothing back as of 10:21 am.

November 13, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—Early this morning in a live video shared on Facebook, Ed Forchion the NJ Weedman was going to a bank ATM  a few blocks from NJ Weedman’s Joint in “Unit 420” in the area of E. State and S. Warren when he noticed a man at a bus stop not moving.

Once finished at the ATM on his way back Forchion stated that he noticed the man still had not moved and was in the exact same spot and Forchion called 9-1-1 to report the man down. He also stated he seen a whole bunch of people riding by and turned around because it was bothering him that that the man was just laying out there.

The police turned the man over in the video and Forchion noticed a lot of blood in the area of his stomach. A Trenton EMS ambulance arrived a short time later and started CPR. NJ Weedman before ending the video thought the man had been stabbed and that the wound was fatal.

Another source told MidJersey.News last night that the person was shot multiple times in the stomach. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force was on scene investigating.

An email was sent to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office at 2:48 am but as of 10:21 am MidJersey.News has not received a reply.

TPD file photo

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October 1, 2020

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond J. Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department said today that a fourteen-year old juvenile pedestrian was killed last night, September 30, 2020 after being struck by a vehicle.

The initial investigation conducted by Traffic Safety Officer William Beard of the South Brunswick Police Department and Detective Mark Morris of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined the collision occurred at approximately 9:25 p.m. as the juvenile was crossing Route 1 after having climbed over the center divider.  At the time of the collision, the vehicle – a Land Rover – was traveling northbound on Route 1 in the area of New Street.  The juvenile was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The motorist stopped, rendered aid to the juvenile, and remained on scene to cooperate with law enforcement.  The investigation is active and continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Traffic Safety Officer William Beard of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732)745-4000 ext. 7432 or Detective Mark Morris of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3927.

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October 1, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is reminding residents that assistance is available for energy costs for those who qualify beginning Oct. 1, but that applicants must adhere to certain COVID-19 restrictions. The County’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), offered in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, is designed to help low-income families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.This year, the LIHEAP application period is Oct. 1, 2020, to July 31, 2021. Mercer County will continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program throughout the year. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions also may be eligible to receive cooling assistance. An eligibility chart can be found on the Mercer County website.

“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have created financial hardships for many households that now have to worry about the cost of heating and other energy bills,” Mr. Hughes said. “I urge our low-income residents to visit our website or contact the County housing office to determine their eligibility to apply for energy assistance.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the public may visit the Mercer County Office of Housing and Community Development, located at 640 South Broad St., Trenton, by appointment only. If an in-person visit is necessary, clients can call 609-337-0933 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

Beginning Oct. 1, the County will temporarily begin operating an outdoor informational center adjacent to the 640 South Broad St. building. Clients will be able to drop off applications and access information from LIHEAP staff. 

The County will continue to accept applications by regular mail, fax and email until July 31, 2021. Applications, forms and information are available on the Mercer County website.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

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July 31, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Since the Trenton Puerto Rican Parade and its associated events have been canceled for 2020 the Parade’s Executive Board held a flag raising ceremony today at City Hall.

The Puerto Rican flag was raised over city hall to show that the community is united to support those in the city who are struggling during the pandemic.

The Trenton Puerto Rican Parade will return next year, bigger, stronger and better than ever.

Visit: https://trentonprparade.com/