March 5, 2020

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 5:33 pm, March 4, 1010, Police Dispatch advised all available Units that an 29 year old, Autistic adult male had run away from his caregiver in the parking lot of Wegmans.  Further information was relayed via the Communications Center that the adult male had a disagreement with his caregiver and ran away in the direction of the Target store.  K9 Officer Zicha arrived on scene and met with the caregiver who advised him that the victim commonly runs away after an argument, but usually this occurs when they are in Hamilton Township.  Therefore, the male was unfamiliar with the area of Nassau Park (including the surrounding wooded area/waterways with sundown approaching at 5:52 pm).  In addition, the adult male would sometimes not return until the next day.      Multiple units arrived and began a systematic search of the nearby stores and the walking paths in & around the Nassau Park Pavilion.  Traffic Officer/Drone Pilot McQuade deployed his Drone while K9 Officer Zicha & his partner K9 Hodge began a search along the wooded areas surrounding Nassau Park Pavilion including the area of the D&R Canal (*see attached photo, using thermal imaging, of K9 Officer Zicha & K9 Hodge as provided by Drone Pilot McQuade*).              The Communications Center advised Princeton PD and Lawrence Twp. of the unfolding incident and requested they check their areas that abut the Nassau Park border.  As the WWPD continued their arduous store to store search for the missing man, Ptl. Pollini and Ptl. LaForge were advised by staff at Michael’s that there was a subject fitting the description of the individual.  Ptl. LaForge subsequently located the male at the rear of the store.  The male was ultimately reunited with the Program Manager without any further incident.  

     Chief Garofalo wanted to thank our partners at Princeton PD and Lawrence Twp. PD for their assistance.  In addition, Chief Garofalo wanted to praise the actions  of our Communications Center & our Officers who worked together seamlessly and with all of our resources to locate the man.  Chief Garofalo is fully aware how this situation could have easily had a much different and tragic ending.

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Wrestling Tournament was held today at Robbinsville High School. Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) received the 2020 Most Outstanding Wrestler award. (more to follow on Joey). Hopewell Valley High School was first place team.

126 Pounds Drake Torrington (Robbinsville) 26-1, Jr. over Allen Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 19-8, So. (Fall 0:41)

126 Pounds Drake Torrington (Robbinsville) 26-1, Jr. over Allen Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 19-8, So. (Fall 0:41)

126 Pounds Drake Torrington (Robbinsville) 26-1, Jr. over Allen Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 19-8, So. (Fall 0:41)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

138 Pounds Aaron Munford (Princeton) 24-3, So. over Alejandro Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 16-11, So. (Dec 10-5)

138 Pounds Aaron Munford (Princeton) 24-3, So. over Alejandro Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 16-11, So. (Dec 10-5)

138 Pounds Aaron Munford (Princeton) 24-3, So. over Alejandro Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 16-11, So. (Dec 10-5)

138 Pounds Aaron Munford (Princeton) 24-3, So. over Alejandro Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 16-11, So. (Dec 10-5)

145 Pounds Dominic Riendeau-Krause (Princeton) 19-7, Sr. over Careem Frost (Lawrence) 15-4, Jr. (Fall 3:00)

145 Pounds Dominic Riendeau-Krause (Princeton) 19-7, Sr. over Careem Frost (Lawrence) 15-4, Jr. (Fall 3:00)

145 Pounds Dominic Riendeau-Krause (Princeton) 19-7, Sr. over Careem Frost (Lawrence) 15-4, Jr. (Fall 3:00)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

160 Pounds Nicholas Golden (Allentown) 29-1, Sr. over Alex Stavrou (Hightstown) 23-4, Sr. (MD 10-0)

160 Pounds Nicholas Golden (Allentown) 29-1, Sr. over Alex Stavrou (Hightstown) 23-4, Sr. (MD 10-0)

160 Pounds Nicholas Golden (Allentown) 29-1, Sr. over Alex Stavrou (Hightstown) 23-4, Sr. (MD 10-0)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

182 Pounds Josh Beigman (Hopewell Valley) 24-3, Jr. over Connor Verga (Lawrence) 22-4, Sr. (Dec 8-5)

182 Pounds Josh Beigman (Hopewell Valley) 24-3, Jr. over Connor Verga (Lawrence) 22-4, Sr. (Dec 8-5)

195 Pounds Chris Stavrou (Hightstown) 25-2, So. over Brian LaCross (Hopewell Valley) 20-7, Jr. (Dec 13-8)

195 Pounds Chris Stavrou (Hightstown) 25-2, So. over Brian LaCross (Hopewell Valley) 20-7, Jr. (Dec 13-8)

220 Pounds Bryan Bonilla (Hightstown) 27-0, Jr. over Christian Cacciabaudo (Hopewell Valley) 21-6, Sr. (Dec 5-0)

220 Pounds Bryan Bonilla (Hightstown) 27-0, Jr. over Christian Cacciabaudo (Hopewell Valley) 21-6, Sr. (Dec 5-0)

Heavyweight Brenden Hansen (Hightstown) 25-1, So. over Matthew Moore (West Windsor-Plainsboro North) 18-6, Sr. (Dec 2-0)

Heavyweight Brenden Hansen (Hightstown) 25-1, So. over Matthew Moore (West Windsor-Plainsboro North) 18-6, Sr. (Dec 2-0)

106 Pounds Shailen Savur (Robbinsville) 23-2, Jr. over Robert Fattore (Hightstown) 17-9, Jr. (TF-1.5 3:35 (16-0))

106 Pounds Shailen Savur (Robbinsville) 23-2, Jr. over Robert Fattore (Hightstown) 17-9, Jr. (TF-1.5 3:35 (16-0))

113 Pounds Sudesh Gurung (Nottingham) 17-6, Sr. over Christian Micikas (Hopewell Valley) 19-6, Sr. (Dec 7-4)

113 Pounds Sudesh Gurung (Nottingham) 17-6, Sr. over Christian Micikas (Hopewell Valley) 19-6, Sr. (Dec 7-4)

113 Pounds Sudesh Gurung (Nottingham) 17-6, Sr. over Christian Micikas (Hopewell Valley) 19-6, Sr. (Dec 7-4)

113 Pounds Sudesh Gurung (Nottingham) 17-6, Sr. over Christian Micikas (Hopewell Valley) 19-6, Sr. (Dec 7-4)

120 Pounds Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) 31-0, Sr. over Jacob Venezia (Hopewell Valley) 23-2, Jr. (Dec 8-3)

120 Pounds Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) 31-0, Sr. over Jacob Venezia (Hopewell Valley) 23-2, Jr. (Dec 8-3)

120 Pounds Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) 31-0, Sr. over Jacob Venezia (Hopewell Valley) 23-2, Jr. (Dec 8-3)

120 Pounds Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) 31-0, Sr. over Jacob Venezia (Hopewell Valley) 23-2, Jr. (Dec 8-3)

ALLENTOWN, NJ–This holiday season, members of Hope Fire Company will be partnering with 92.5 WXTU Radio Station and other fire companies in the area to bring joy to families in need this holiday season.

NEW and UNWRAPPED toys collected will be loaded onto one of our decorated trucks and paraded to a designated location where they will then be handed off to representatives of the Military USO and members of The Boys & Girls Clubs.

Hope Fire Company will be taking donations from NOW until SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30th. There will be donation bins located outside of our main doors leading to our main parking lot. Whatever you can donate, no matter how big or small is always appreciated. Should you have any questions, you can message our Facebook Page or email [email protected].

As always, we thank you for your support.

February 17, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Some sports had the weekend off so here is a flash back to December 29, 1988, almost 32 years ago. Allentown HS held what appeared to be at least a dual wrestling meet at home. No IDs on the photos but there were enough negatives from this match to put a gallery together.

For more photo galleries follow MidJersey.news on Facebook

January 29, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters from Robbinsville Fire Department, Bordentown Township, and Chesterfield (tanker) extinguished a truck fire just prior to the Woodrow Wilson/6N Service Area on the NJ Turnpike at 3:50 pm today. The fire was near Yardville-Allentown Road/Route 524.

January 15, 2020

The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force concluded a week-long investigation on Monday with the seizure of more than $9,000 in drugs, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Onofri stated that, on Monday evening, January 13, 2020, detectives with the MCNTF initiated surveillance of the investigation’s target, Jeffrey Stewart, as well as his Trenton residence on Morris Avenue.  A motor vehicle stop of Stewart was conducted at the intersection of Bridge and Warren streets and he was taken into custody without incident.  Detectives proceeded to execute the search warrant, and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Sergeant Joe Angarone utilized his K9 partner Bela to conduct a narcotics search.  During the search, detectives located 87 grams of cocaine, 108 bags of heroin, one ounce of marijuana and $1,220 in cash.

Onofri stated that the total amount of cocaine seized has an approximate street value of $8,700.  The heroin and marijuana have approximate street values of $450 and $300, respectively.

Stewart, 54, was charged with second-degree narcotics offenses.  He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center pending a detention hearing.

Officers with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hamilton and Trenton police, under the command of the prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit, assisted with the investigation.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Jeffrey Stewart

February 11, 2020

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Hightstown boys basketball team are the 2019-2020 Colonial Division Champions after their win against Notre Dame tonight at home. Final Score Hightstown 67 Notre Dame 64 in overtime.

Photo gallery:

January 15, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township, Bordentown Township and Chesterfield Fire Departments are on scene of a truck fire. The fire is located on the NJ Turnpike North Bound outer lanes also called the “truck lanes” by the Yardville-Allentown Road overpass.

NJ Turnpike north bound outer lanes were temporarily closed until the incident was completed. Traffic was shifted to the inner car lanes. A tanker was called to the scene from Allentown but was turned around once the fire was under control.

February 27, 2020

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Ranking Member of the House global health subcommittee, said today that the growing threat of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, requires Congress to immediately and adequately provide emergency funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies already working to protect US citizens.   

“This week, the Trump administration is requesting at least $2.5 billion in additional funding to combat the coronavirus,” said Smith.  “The President, Secretary Azar, and others have moved swiftly to identify comprehensive ways to protect US citizens and prepare for a potential pandemic.” 

Smith recommended the CDC website for its background on the coronavirus and its guide on actions people can take to slow the spread of a pandemic virus and protect family and friends. 

The CDC reports, as of Feb. 25, that 14 cases have been diagnosed in the United States, plus 39 cases among repatriated persons from high-risk settings (such as the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan), for a current total of 53 cases within the United States.  

“We cannot afford to underestimate the potential risk to Americans across the country,” Smith said. “We must bring to bear the full expertise, weight and resources of the federal government to help mitigate the dangers and foster real protection going forward,” he said.

MidJersey.news update: (this is not from Chris Smith’s office but wanted to add to the same topic without starting another article). The CDC and several other health organizations have stated to “Prepare for the virus” and there are a number of ways that can help spread the flu, germs and the coronavirus. Download the CDC document on how to prepare and get ready here.

Read about: Cell Phones and Acinetobacter Transmission

Show Me the Science – Why Wash Your Hands?

Some tips on items you may want to keep clean to protect yourself and others:

1. Wash your hands, scrub with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. Do this after using the bathroom and several times per day.
2. Clean your cell phone. I personally use an alchol based wipe to clean my phone and accessories.
3. Computer key board, clean the keys on the board every day.
4. Land line phones clean at least daily and possibly after every use with a antiseptic wipe.
5. Door knobs, and other items frequently touched clean with a disinfectant.
6. Vehicle steering wheels, knobs, door handles.

Some experts also say to stock up on food, diapers, medicines, and other items. One of the main reasons they say to stock up on those items is because the supply chain could be interrupted so it would be a good idea to have a couple week supply of essentials handy just in case.

January 24, 2020

Dennis Symons, Jr of Dennis Symons Photographic Arts and MidJersey.news was recognized for superior image making and photographic service with a Master of Photography degree from Professional Photographers of America.

The degree was presented to Dennis Symons, Jr. by PPA President  Audrey L. Wancket, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, at the association’s annual convention, Imaging USA, held January 19-21, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The master of photography degree is not merely a piece of paper. It means that Symons has met the standards of excellence set by PPA. He has been awarded this degree in recognition of his superior photographic competence demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education and service to the profession. Symons’s degrees—and all the expertise they require—illustrate his accomplishments and talent as one of a select few.

Dennis Symons, Jr. is the publisher of Midjersey.news and provides most of the photographs as seen on this website. Symons has been a photojournalist since 1987 and also provides photographic services for weddings and commercial photography.

About PPA: Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international nonprofit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA’s roots date back to 1869. The nonprofit assists 30,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at PPA.com.

Left to right: PPA President  Audrey L. Wancket, M.Photog. Cr., CPP, Dennis Symons, Jr., M.Photog, CPP, Ivan Domazet, M.Photog, Cr., CPP. at Imaging USA in Nashville, TN Jan 20, 2020

All 2020 PPA Degree Recipients