Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick and the township council have hired a law firm to fight the State of New Jersey and BASF Chemical Corp, the current owner of the Ciba-Geigy federal Superfund site, in court.
The township chose the Law Firm Of Donald F. Burke as special counsel to prevent the state plan to allow the company to build on 250 acres of the Superfund site responsible for water pollution and cancer-related deaths and illnesses throughout the township.
“We need a law firm highly skilled in litigation,” said Mayor Rodrick. “The last administration wanted to use our in-house attorney, but we need a firm that can concentrate fully on this matter because it is that important to make sure we continue to fight for the rights of those affected by generations of sickness and death caused by the complete negligence of the Ciba-Geigy plant over the past 50 plus years.”
Rodrick noted the cancer cluster, which made Toms River a household name nationwide, second only to the Flint, Michigan water crisis.
“Residents died. Residents got sick. They are still dealing with lost loved ones and illnesses, and the state wants to reward BASF by allowing them to build homes and playgrounds on a site that everyone in Toms River knows caused nothing but problems and sickness for our community,” Rodrick said. “We need to stop all development on the site, and it should be turned over to the state as a Wildlife Management Area. These greedy corporations destroyed our water supply and negligently dumped deadly chemical waste in pits in barrels. We owe it to allow this site to return to its original natural state.”
The mayor said the state and the current owner want to simply turn the page on the site’s ugly history and move on, without any consideration for the damages caused.
Rodrick received opposition to the hire by Councilmembers James Quinlisk and Tom Nivison, who refused to vote in favor of the resolution to hire an outside lawyer to fight the state.
Toms River has joined forces with Save Barnegat Bay. Rodrick said the case, under the former administration, was nearly tossed out of court under the previously appointed lawyer but was allowed back in after an appeal.
“We don’t want to mess this up,” Rodrick said. “We almost lost our right to fight this, and it’s too important to lose on a technicality. We need to stop the development of Ciba Geigy, and we chose a law firm that has a reputation for being a competent, successful, and fierce litigator.”
- Ohio Woman Kills Son Shortly After She Regained Custody
In a tragic and heart-wrenching case out of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Timmeka Eggleton, 31, has pleaded guilty to the murder of her three-year-old son, Curtis Witcher, alongside other charges including felonious assault and endangering children. The plea was entered in court this Tuesday, marking a significant development in a case that has captured local attention due to its particularly distressing circumstances.
Curtis Witcher had been in foster care for over two years before a judge's decision three months ago led to his return to his biological mother’s custody. Sadly, shortly after this transition, on June 14, 2023, the young boy suffered fatal injuries. According to medical examiners, he died from blunt force trauma. Prosecutors revealed that Witcher was found unresponsive in his stroller at a Family Dollar store in Cleveland, from where he was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead.
Eggleton's mental competence to stand trial had been a point of legal contention. Initially deemed incompetent last year, she underwent court-ordered treatment, and a subsequent reevaluation in November determined she was fit to face charges. As part of her plea agreement this week, a charge of aggravated murder was dropped.
The court has scheduled Eggleton's sentencing for July 22, where she faces the possibility of life imprisonment. This case not only highlights the grave responsibilities of child welfare and judicial systems but also the dire consequences of their decisions.
- Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 28 Years to Life for Fatal Shooting in Fort Greene
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced that Earl Morgan, a 54-year-old resident of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, has been sentenced to 28 years to life in prison. This sentence comes following Morgan's conviction for the murder of Jo’heem Hamilton, a young father, and the assault of another man.
The tragic incident, which unfolded on May 30, 2020, near 24 Monument Walk in the Ingersoll Houses area of Fort Greene, began as a minor verbal dispute. According to trial evidence, after the altercation, Morgan retrieved a loaded firearm, waited in a stairwell for the victims to return, and then shot them in the back at point-blank range as they were walking away. Hamilton, 25, succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind an infant daughter. The second victim, aged 36, survived but suffered serious injuries.
Morgan was arrested on June 16, 2020, and later convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree assault on April 26, 2024, following a jury trial. The sentencing was carried out by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Laura Johnson.
District Attorney Gonzalez commented on the sentencing, expressing his hope that it brings some closure to the friends and family of the victims. He described the shootings as a violent response to a trivial dispute, highlighting the senselessness of the act.
- Police Arrest Maryland Driver Wanted for Deadly December Hit and Run
TOWSON, MD — Baltimore County Police have made a breakthrough in a fatal hit-and-run case that occurred last December, leading to the arrest of 21-year-old Michael Eggleston. The incident, which resulted in the death of a 92-year-old man, took place at the intersection of Liberty Road and Patterson Avenue.
On the morning of December 14, 2023, police responded to a collision involving multiple vehicles. According to crash team detectives, a 2007 Dodge Challenger driven by Eggleston was traveling westbound on Liberty Road when it collided with a 2013 Volkswagen Passat at the intersection. The impact caused the Challenger to veer into the eastbound lanes, where it struck a 2013 Toyota Avalon.
The occupants of the Toyota Avalon were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Tragically, the driver, William Lewis, aged 92, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on December 17, 2023.
After a thorough investigation, Eggleston was apprehended on June 8, 2024. He faces charges of Failure to Return & Remain at the Scene of an Accident Involving Bodily Injury, among other traffic-related offenses. Following his arrest, Eggleston was held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center.
- Interstate Burglary Suspects Captured in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania Rampage
GALLOWAY, NJ — In a significant crackdown on commercial burglaries spanning New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Galloway Township Police, in conjunction with multiple law enforcement agencies, have successfully apprehended two key suspects. The arrests occurred early this morning as part of a coordinated multi-jurisdictional operation.
Devin J. Arnold, 22, was arrested at his residence in Galloway Township after a brief attempt to flee from police. Laqua A. Tucker, 20, was taken into custody at his home in Pleasantville, NJ, where he surrendered without incident. The police action followed extensive inter-agency investigations that identified the duo as suspects in a series of commercial burglaries across the three states.
Chief Richard D. Barber highlighted the operation's success, stating, "Today’s operation is a prime example of how multi-agency efforts and cooperation can lead to successful outcomes. Galloway is proud to work with our fellow law enforcement partners to investigate and solve crime that affects the public throughout New Jersey."
Both Arnold and Tucker were processed on outstanding warrants from various jurisdictions and are currently held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility, awaiting future court proceedings. This arrest marks a pivotal moment in ongoing efforts to combat commercial burglary and underscores the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement operations.
- New Jersey Pork Roll Egg and Cheese Brings a Taste of Home to Florida
PINE ISLAND, FL – For many former New Jersey residents now living in Florida, finding a taste of home can be a challenge. However, Stuff a Bagel is making that challenge a little easier, especially for those missing the iconic New Jersey pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich.
Stuff a Bagel’s specialty sandwich, the "Jersey Turnpike," has quickly become a favorite at their Pine Island location. Priced at $6, the sandwich features pork roll, two eggs, and cheese, providing a nostalgic meal for many transplants.
Customers have been eager to share their satisfaction with the sandwich. "I've been missing a good pork roll breakfast sandwich since moving from the northeast. This sandwich tastes like home!!" said one reviewer, Imanvt2009, who posted their thoughts 12 months ago.
Tracy, another enthusiastic customer, left a review about a year ago, saying, "O.M.G. As a SJ native, I was absolutely THRILLED to find a 'real' bagel place. Walking in felt like home. When I saw Taylor pork roll (not ham :) ) on the menu, well you just became my favorite place. While the Jersey Turnpike is delicious, so are the bagels with cream cheese. Soft, texture is NY perfect and chewy! Thank you and welcome to Orlando! See you soon."
John, reminiscing about his home deli in Paterson, NJ, said, "As good or better than I remember from my home deli in Paterson NJ. Their bagels are the best in Orlando by far, staff is beyond friendly, it's like being home. If you haven't tried it yet, you are missing out on the best bagel you have had outside of the tri-state area."
Another patron, Doug, shared his delight after visiting the bagel shop. "Omg... a taste of home!! It was perfect! I have been here in central Florida for 30+ years and this is the first bagel place with not good but GREAT bagels and breakfast sandwiches like home!" he said.
The sentiment is echoed by Angela R., who commented, "I get this breakfast at least once a week! I love going in and being welcomed like you're the only one in there! Amazing staff and atmosphere!"
Located at 704 Wales Rd NW in Massillon, Stuff a Bagel offers a variety of New Jersey-inspired breakfast options, ensuring that every bite brings a taste of home to Florida residents. With their warm welcome and nostalgic flavors, Stuff a Bagel is quickly becoming a beloved fixture in the local community.
For more information on Stuff a Bagel and their menu offerings, visit their website or follow them on social media.
- Not-So-Good Arsonist Sought in Newark as Police Seek Public Assistance to Identify
The Newark Public Safety Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé, is requesting the public's help in identifying a male suspect involved in an incident of criminal mischief. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 13, 2024, around 2:15 p.m., at a vacant building located in the 900 block of Broad Street.
Witnesses reported observing the suspect inside the building pouring a liquid on the floor and attempting to ignite it. Police arriving at the scene detected a chemical odor resembling lighter fluid, although no fire had been started and no injuries were reported.
The suspect is described as a male with a thin build and light complexion. He was last seen wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and white and gray sneakers. The Newark Police are actively investigating the incident and urge anyone with information about the suspect's identity or whereabouts to come forward.
The Newark Public Safety Department emphasizes the importance of community assistance in preventing and resolving incidents of this nature. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Newark Police or their local law enforcement agency.