NEWARK, NJ-New Jersey Senator Cory “Spartacus” Booker has announced his plan to create a national firearms identification system similar to the Republican’s call for a national voter ID registration system.

“My plan to address gun violence is simple – we will make it harder for people who should not have a gun to get one,” Booker said.

When President Donald Trump called for national voter registration and voter ID system, Spartacus flipped out, along with the rest of the Democrats in Washington, D.C.

“Voter ID laws targeted people of color,” Booker rebuked when a national voter registration system was proposed.

So why would a national voter identification process target people of color, but a national firearms system not?    Minorities across America are more at risk than Caucasians nationwide.  In Booker’s own crime-ridden home town, gang violence surged, but people of color, living in those communities are already at a disadvantage when it comes to legally purchasing a firearm to protect their homes and families.

Many gun advocates across New Jersey have since lashed out against Booker’s federal firearm plan as New Jersey Democrats’ latest gun grab.

Hirsh Singh, Booker’s Republican challenger for U.S. Senate in 2020 also disagrees with Booker’s plan to federalize firearms ownership.

“CoryBooker says the next President must be personally motivated to end gun violence, but when Newark endured 10 murders in 10 days, he campaigned for cash in Hollywood,” Singh said, criticizing Booker’s lack of ability to curb gun violence even in his home town where he served as mayor prior to becoming a U.S. Senator. “US Senator Cory Booker doesn’t understand State Sovereignty, 10th amendment rights, or the 2nd amendment rights that he swore to uphold.”

Hirsh said Booker’s hostility towards legal gun owners not only highlights the Democrat party’s national intent to take away guns from American citizens but is a direct assault on the Second Amendment.

“Remember, the 2nd Amendment is not like a drivers license,” Singh added. “It is a fundamental right protected by the US Constitution directly by our founders. We may have a screwed up set of regulations in NJ right now, but we will one day, in the not too distant future, get our day in the Supreme Court. The supporters of the 2nd Amendment will win that day, because the constitution clearly says, “Shall not be infringed!” and I am dedicated to helping make that happen.”

After Booker announced his plans, his supporters proposed everything from federal taxes on gun and ammunition sales to gun owners having to lock their guns up at all time with a double locking system that requires gun owners to notify police every time the system is unlocked or whenever the guns are transported to a range, hunting, etc.

In the end, according to Spartacus logic, if a national voter ID system would hinder the ability for minorities to vote, wouldn’t a similar firearms ID system likewise hinder those same minorities from exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms?

 

 

 

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NEW YORK CITY-The liberal media is beyond repair.  Walter Cronkite is rolling in his grave as the New York Times earlier this week blamed airplanes for 9/11.  In a tweet by the flailing newspaper, the Times said, “18 years have passed since airplanes took aim and brought down the World Trade Center. Today families will once again gather and grieve at the site where more than 2000 people died.”

Airplanes took aim and brought down the World Trade Center.

Not Islamic terrorists directed by Osama Bin Laden’s Al Qaeda terrorist network?

Did planes also just crash in Washington D.C. and in a field in Pennsylvania?

The problem with the liberal media is they shield blame towards inanimate objects when the issues don’t fit their narrative.  Planes were responsible for 9/11.  Guns are responsible for crime.  McDonalds is responsible for obesity.

Later, the New York Times removed its ill-crafted tweet, but still did not touch the baseline problem of fundamental Islamic terrorism.

“We’ve deleted an earlier tweet to this story and have edited for clarity. The story has also been updated.”

Clarity?

The new tweet read, “18 years after nearly 3,000 people were lost, families of those killed in the terror attacks will gather at the 9/11 memorial. There will be a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., then the names of the dead — one by one — will be recited.”

 

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Brick Township’s official Christmas tree isn’t doing that well these days, so Mayor John Ducey and the town council said it was time to retire it for a new one.

“On Tuesday, the Township Council voted to replace the spruce tree located along Chambers Bridge Road at the Municipal Complex. This tree has served as the Township’s official Christmas Tree for many years. Unfortunately, due to its age and its appearance, it was determined that the best solution was to replace the tree with a mature tree that would better serve as our official Christmas Tree,” Ducey said. ““Several local businesses have graciously volunteered to make donations to a Christmas Tree Fund that will completely pay for the cost of replacing the tree. This means that there will be zero cost to Brick taxpayers for the new tree because the privately donated funds will cover the entire cost.”

“Over the past several years, the existing tree has degraded. While the tree is not diseased, several branches had died and others had begun to sag. As such, we were receiving complaints about the tree’s appearance. We made several attempts to revitalize the tree and we trimmed dead and sagging branches in hope of improving the tree’s appearance. Those efforts unfortunately were not successful,” Ducey said. ““Once we determined that this tree should no longer be the township’s official Christmas tree, we explored several options including accepting a donated tree and moving this tree to another location. The most economically feasible solution was to replace this tree with a mature tree that will serve as a more vibrant representative of our community during the holiday season.”

Ducey thanked the local businesses, including some of the township’s professional appointees who gave back to the town.

“We are grateful for the generosity of our Christmas Tree sponsors including Adams Rehmann & Heggan Associates; CME Associates; Rainone Coughlin Minchello; Starkey, Kelly, Kenneally, Cunningham & Turnbach, and Weiner Law Group LLP, who will help our community enjoy our holiday traditions without spending tax money.”

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After meeting with N.J. Department of Education Commissioner on behalf of the students and taxpayers of Brick Township, Mayor John G. Ducey is asking Governor Phil Murphy to identify a new school funding formula to replace the formula currently being used to justify devastating cuts to Brick Township and school districts throughout the state. A resolution calling on the formula to be changed will be included on the agenda at the September 10th Township Council Meeting.

Mayor Ducey says the current funding formula is clearly flawed and has not even been disclosed, which shields it from legitimate scrutiny.

Mayor Ducey states, “the fact that the formula is being kept a secret leads one to believe that there must be flaws, it’s time to start from scratch with a fair formula for all”.

Since the formula has not been disclosed the Mayor believes that the current formula does not take into account the impact of the loss of tax ratables as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The township is still down over $300 million in ratables. Also, there is no certainty that the number of students on free and reduced lunch programs or the number of students with special needs is being considered.

Council President Andrea Zapcic supports the resolution as well, adding that “School districts like Brick Township, which have conducted themselves responsibly, are losing consequential funds and a new formula can address these inequities.”

Back in March, Mayor Ducey joined officials and students from the Brick Township School District in a “March on Trenton” protesting the anticipated loss of $23 million dollars in state aid that the new funding formula will result in. Mayor Ducey added, “The severe impact these cuts will have on our schools and our community include higher taxes, staff cuts and larger class sizes, devastating to our great town”

The Mayor is requesting that Governor Murphy and the Department of Education Commissioner scrap the flawed formula, create a new formula and release the formula so that there is no mystery as to what is being considered.

“The students and residents of Brick Township deserve a school funding formula that is fair to all, not just a select few school districts,” said Mayor Ducey.

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JACKSON-The rift between township Republican party members behind closed doors in Jackson spilled out into the open public hearing on September 10th.   After what some political insiders describe as a public hit job to settle political scores within the Jackson Republican Club against Mayor Reina’s top political allies, Richard Egan, Dr. Sheldon Hoffstein and Joseph Sullivan, the trio were forced to resign by the council faction aligned with Jackson Township Republican County Committee Chairwoman Clara Glory, according to a statement made earlier by Sullivan.

In doing so, the Jackson Township Council effectively ousted Mayor Reina’s top political enforcers and campaign volunteers that led him to a nearly 3 to 1 victory last November against Phil Murphy Democrats who made a play for power in the township.

Hoffstein said his forced resignation by the council was unfair.

“It’s my opinion that the council acted hastily in requesting resignations without fully discussing the situation with the two zoning board members,” Hoffstein said. “Instead they bypassed the concept of fundamental fairness.”

He then launched an attack into council member Ken Bressi over an interview Bressi did for the group Lakewood Neighbors.

“This group plans to influence the future development of Jackson, Brick, Toms River, and Howell,” Hoffestein said. “Lakewood Neighbors is overwhelmingly Lakewood centric. It consists of leaders of the BMG Yeshiva, the VAAD, members of the Lakewood planning and zoning board, Lakewood civic leaders, Lakewood business leaders, Lakewood builders and other big shots, just a couple of outsiders.”

According to Lakewood Neighbors’ website, Jackson Mayor Michael Reina is one of the charter signees of the movement.

Hoffstein blamed the leadership of Lakewood Neighbors for the financial, social and political misfortunes of neighboring Lakewood Township.

“These Lakewood leaders have destroyed their town,” Hoffstein said. “Overcrowding, terrible traffic, lack of open space and the failed public schools that this leadership brings.”

Hoffstein, a member of the Jewish faith himself said many of the new Jackson residents involved in the mass exodus from Lakewood, Brooklyn and other heavily Orthodox communities have come to Jackson to escape from the overdevelopment and conditions in their former towns.

“Most of the new neighbors here in Jackson have the same feeling, they moved here because they want to get away from the overcrowding, the terrible traffic and they want open space for their family and friends,” he said.

He then accused Bressi of acting behind the backs of Jackson residents.

“What is Mr. Bressi planning to accomplish behind the backs of Jackson residents?” Hoffstein asked. Hoffstein called for the resignation of Councilman Bressi.  “Is he Jackson Bressi or is he Lakewood Bressi?”

Richard Egan, known as one of Reina’s top enforcers and allies also lashed out at Bressi.

“We have a mess here, how did things get so far?” Asked former board member Richard Egan who blamed Bressi for his forced resignation. “He was demanding that we all resign.”

“How did my letter of resignation end up on the Lakewood Scoop Monday morning after being submitted to the township clerk on Friday?” Egan asked.  “Dr. Hoffstein’s resignation ended up on the Lakewood Scoop an hour later…how did it get there?”

Egan claimed there was a “mole” in town hall feeding documents to the public after his resignation and those of Hoffstein and Joseph Sullivan were released shortly after being submitted.

Township clerk Janice Kisty notified Egan that an Open Public Records Act request was submitted to her office by a member of the public.

“We need a full council administration along with the business administrator to find out how these got to the Lakewood Scoop in two hours,” Egan said. “We can’t run a government like this?”

“Excuse me, but there was an OPRA request to my office,” Kisty said. Kisty added that she fulfilled the requests.

“That’s utterly incredible,” Egan said.

The three ousted board members claimed wrongdoings with the township council and township clerk and said any employee, volunteer or elected official found guilty of leaking information to the Lakewood Scoop should be fired or forced to resign.

Councilman Rob Nixon disagreed with the assessment but said he understood Egan’s opinion.

 

“They are public documents, there is no rule that you have to have an OPRA request,” Robert Nixon said.

Sullivan was visibly upset over his letter of resignation being delivered to the Lakewood Scoop soon after it was submitted to town hall.

“Is it normal procedure f0r an OPRA request to be responded to in one hour and thirty minutes?” Joseph Sullivan asked.

“If I have the information, I would respond right away,” Kisty said.  “If the information is there, if not I have to research it.”

Sullivan, who serves on the Jackson Republican Club executive board also accused his fellow Republicans of allowing a scandal in the Lakewood Scoop to be used against him by the Township Council for his resignation but blamed Councilman Bressi for his resignation.   He then alleged that Bressi leaked his resignation to the Lakewood Scoop for political retribution.

“In volunteering my service to Jackson, I did not give up my right to due process,” Sullivan said of his forced resignation.  He then called for the resignation of Councilman Bressi and for the reinstatement of Hoffstein and Egan.

Earlier in the month, Sullivan blamed Jackson Township County Republican Committee Chairwoman Clara Glory for orchestrating the ousting of the trio, but later rescinded his comments, instead, he later blamed Bressi.   Over the years Glory and Reina had not always seen eye to eye in politics in Jackson.  In June, Glory and Reina were both split on their support for the next chairman of the Ocean County Republican Party.   Glory, favoring the winner, Frank Holman, Reina initially backing his opponent Frank Sadeghi.

The outbursts at the council meeting echoed a growing fracture within the township’s Republican establishment after a former councilwoman, Anne Updegrave was quoted in court testimony as describing Reina, Nixon and Barry Calogero as “Anti-Semitic”.

Bressi today said that he would not respond to comments made by the three men, but said that he was contacted by the organization, along with other prominent elected officials across Ocean County and answered questions that were more about the social issues of the two communities moving together peacefully and there were no questions about development, specific developments, land use or other questions that could compromise his position on the planning board.

Lakewood Neighbors also interview former Ocean County GOP Chairman Joseph Buckelew, Freeholders Virginia Haines and Jack Kelly, chiefs of police and many other high ranking community officials outside of Lakewood and saw no problem in his duty as an elected official communicating with the media representative that reached out to him.

Photo by Lakewood Scoop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On Saturday morning, September 21, Deborah Heart and Lung Center will host its annual Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, Screening event, in recognition of September as PAD Awareness Month.

Peripheral Arterial Disease affects approximately 17 million Americans. This common and potentially serious vascular disease occurs when arteries in the legs become clogged with fatty cholesterol deposits, reducing blood flow to the legs. Typical symptoms include leg muscle pain and cramping when walking. However, typical symptoms occur in only about 1/3 of patients with PAD. One third will have atypical symptoms such as heaviness or easy fatigability. Finally, 1/3 of patients, particularly diabetics, will have no symptoms at all. In addition to amputation, patients with PAD are also at much higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death, as opposed to those without PAD.

The good news is that PAD can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, and many types of non-surgical procedures. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to living well with PAD.

Deborah urges anyone who is at risk to register for this free screening event. Risks include:

o Smoking, both present and former smokers
o Diabetes
o High blood pressure
o Abnormal cholesterol levels
o African-American ethnicity
o Previous heart disease, heart attack, stroke or family history

Deborah’s PAD screening event includes a test called the ankle-brachial index, a painless, noninvasive test that compares the blood pressure in the ankles with the blood pressure in the arms, and can indicate if you have PAD. If needed, additional noninvasive testing might be performed.

“PAD is a devastating disease that is often undiagnosed,” says Richard Kovach, MD, Division Director, Interventional Cardiology and Medical Director of the Adult Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. “It is vitally important for those at risk to get screened for PAD. This screening event increases awareness of PAD and improves our community’s vascular health”.

The PAD event will be held at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, 200 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015 on September 21, 2019, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, or to register for this free screening, please call 609/621-2080, Option #2, or click www.demanddeborah.org

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Neptune, NJ – September 12, 2019 – The Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation is pleased to announce a gift of $1.25 million from Charles Adell to create The Charles & Jackie Adell Endowed Chair in Surgical Oncology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. This is the first endowed chair to be created at the medical center and will support the work of Ronald Matteotti, M.D., medical director of the Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Program and chief of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, in the areas of pancreatic and liver cancer.

Prior to his passing on August 30, 2019, Adell said: “It is my hope that through this endowment, Jersey Shore University Medical Center will remain on the forefront of surgical oncology. This gift will ensure that patients receive the best treatment available and quality of life possible. Over the years, Jackie and I developed a very strong bond with Dr. Matteotti. His personality, bedside manner and medical expertise are top notch. I am very happy to show my gratitude to him through this endowment and I am certain he will carry on my legacy.”

Adell and his late wife, Jackie, were both under the care of Dr. Matteotti. Double board certified in surgical oncology, specializing in liver and pancreatic cancer treatment, Dr. Matteotti has been practicing at Jersey Shore University Medical Center for five-and-a-half years. He was instrumental in helping the hospital become the first in New Jersey to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Center of Excellence for Pancreas, Liver and Bile Duct Cancer Certification. The seal is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

“It was my honor to care for Charlie and Jackie throughout the years,” says Dr. Matteotti. “I am humbled by their generous bequest that will allow my team and me the ability to continue treating individuals living with pancreatic and liver cancers. I am grateful for their belief in me and will do everything I can to provide those impacted by these diseases with the best, most advanced care possible.”

Not only will the gift by Adell benefit Jersey Shore University Medical Center and those impacted by hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers, but it brings Hackensack Meridian Health Meridian Health Foundation, to which the Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation belongs, one step closer to reaching its fundraising goal of $150 million as part of the organization’s Giving Heals campaign. The campaign supports four important initiatives: strengthening oncology services, improving clinical outcomes, enhancing the patient experience and broadening clinical research and academic programs. More than $96 million has been raised so far to benefit eight Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals, including Jersey Shore University Medical Center, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, Bayshore Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, Riverview Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude to Charlie,” says Joseph Stampe, president and chief development officer, Meridian Health Foundation. “Bequests have the ability to leave a lasting legacy long after we’re gone, and this particular gift by Charlie and Jackie will certainly impact people throughout the state and beyond for a very long time.”

To learn more about gift planning options, supporting Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation, or the Giving Heals campaign, contact Paul Huegel, vice president of development, at 732-751-5109, [email protected], or by visiting www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/givingheals.

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FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA-Sanctuary state laws, and New Jersey’s Bail Reform act are about to get a serious test as a man accused of sexually assaulting a child, had fled justice earlier this month has been caught in Fairfax, Virginia and is awaiting extradition.

Lester Antonio Matamoros Garcia is accused of raping a juvenile female in Ship Bottom on September 2nd.

Had Garcia committed his crime in Virginia, there would be no pre-trial hearing and he could be held on trial or released on bail.  He could also be subject to action by United States Immigrations Customs Enforcement authorities.    There is no sanctuary state and there is no bail reform in Virginia.

In New Jersey, Garcia will be playing by a different set of rules.   The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, if inclined, would have to plead their case to a liberal New Jersey judge who could set Garcia free after a pretrial hearing.   If Garcia has violated any immigration laws, the federal government’s hands are tied because Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal prohibit the Ocean County Jail and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office from working with federal officials.

 

New Jersey officials are not permitted to release Garcia’s immigration status to the media.

All of the work Ship Bottom Police Officers performed to find and capture Garcia, along with those at the Fairfax County Police Department could be thrown out the window and he could be back on the streets hours after an interstate manhunt put him behind bars for his heinous crime.

According to Ship Bottom Police, On September 7th, 2019, LESTER ANTONIO MATAMOROS GARCIA (DOB: 1-12-1987) was arrested by the Fairfax County Police Department in Springfield, Virginia. The arrest was a result of an investigation conducted by the Ship Bottom Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Sex Crimes Unit.

On September 2, 2019, a report was made to Patrolman Brian Tretola of the Ship Bottom Police Department by an adult female that her juvenile daughter had been sexually assaulted by a family member which allegedly occurred within the borough of Ship Bottom.

Mr. Garcia had fled the area and all efforts to locate him in the Ocean County area proved negative. It was then learned that Mr. Garcia was in the Springfield, VA area.

Mr. Garcia was later located, taken into custody and interviewed where he stated that he had fled New Jersey because he knew the police were looking for him. Mr. Garcia was charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Mr. Garcia is awaiting extradition back to New Jersey.  As of Thursday morning, he is still being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

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Nature’s Corner Natural Market of Spring Lake Heights proudly opened the doors to its second location in West Long Branch this week. The full-service natural food market has been serving the Spring Lake Heights area for 25 years and takes great pride in bringing health and wellness to the Community.

The new location will have the same offerings as the Spring Lake Heights store, including 100% organic produce, an organic juice and smoothie bar, organic salad and hot bar, hot soups, gourmet deli-take out, Non-GMO, local, vegan, gluten-free and organic grocery items, fresh grass-fed, organic beef and poultry and local wild seafood, an impressive vitamin and supplement aisle and natural body care products. Nature’s Corner also supports many local organic farmers and artisan producers as well as donating to local non-profit organizations.

“It’s a real small-town, feel-good location”, said store owner Ed Levy. “We are all things local, all things healthy. We are going to bring an amazing positive vibe to West Long Branch. Our attention to small-town service is so important to us, especially with online shopping and big store mentality. We want our customers to feel welcome and comfortable here at The Corner. It’s all about Community.”

The store is located at 175 Locust Avenue. For more information, visit Nature’s Corner’s website: www.localhonestfood.com.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and South Toms River Police Chief William Kosh announced that on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, Shakem Hunley, age 24, of Freehold, surrendered himself to the Toms River Police Department. Hunley was wanted in connection with charges stemming from a shooting that took place in South Toms River on August 25, 2019.

“Shortly after our community meeting last night at Second Baptist Church in South Toms River, it is my understanding that Shakem Hunley turned himself in,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Hopefully the residents of South Toms River can rest a little easier today knowing Hunley is custody,” Prosecutor Billhimer added.

Hunley was charged on September 5, 2019, with three counts of Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1); one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1); and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1). A search warrant executed at a residence in Lakewood, on September 6, 2019, resulted in the arrest of Nagee Covington, age 19, of Lakewood. A warrant was issued for Hunley’s arrest. On September 10, 2019, Hunley surrendered himself at Toms River Township Police Headquarters. He was processed and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

On August 25, 2019, South Toms River Police were summoned to a residence by way of a 9-1-1 call reporting gunshots. At the scene, police found a male victim with a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was treated for his injuries. Two additional gunshot victims were transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment. A female victim located at the scene was determined to have been physically assaulted.

The public and media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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BRICK-Mayor John Ducey during his Facebook Live session today said street paving in the area of Herbertsville Road near the numbered streets has been delayed and told us why.   The streets were to be paved by the township, but because of an upcoming New Jersey Natural Gas Pipeline, Ducey and his administration put the paving on hold.

Ducey said the township didn’t want to pave the roads just yet because they will be torn up in the near future for the utility work.

Ducey added that even though the township passed an ordinance that required utilities to repave the entire road after construction, the new gas line permit was approved before the ordinance was adopted, so the town will commence paving after the utility lines are installed.

 

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Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Chief of Police James Riccio announced today that the victim of the homicide that occurred on Acorn Drive in Brick Township on Saturday, September 7, 2019, has been identified as Mark Richard Austin, age 55, of Brick Township. This investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who has any information on this incident should contact Detective John Murphy of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit at (732) 929-2027 or Detective Mark Byrne of the Brick Township Police Department at (732) 262-1117

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JACKSON-The Jackson Police Department is currently investigating a serious motor vehicle crash and is seeking any witnesses to the incident.

On September 8, 2019 at approximately 6:00 pm Jackson Police Officers and emergency personnel responded to a serious motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Cedar Swamp Road and W. Commodore Blvd. Responding officers discovered the crash involved a passenger car and a pickup truck.

The vehicles and occupants of both vehicles were identified as:

Vehicle #1:
2018 Kia Forte (Silver)
Driver-William Hearon, age 74, of Jackson

Vehicle #2:
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup (Orange)
Driver-James Miller, age 51, of Jackson
Front Seat Passenger-Barbara Miller, age 52, of Jackson
Rear Seat passenger-Name withheld, age 14

Preliminary investigation indicates Vehicle #1 was traveling west on Commodore Blvd. Driver #1 failed to stop for the red traffic signal at the intersection of Commodore Blvd. and Cedar Swamp Road. Vehicle #2, which was traveling south on Cedar Swamp Road, also entered the intersection and struck Vehicle #1 (Center of vehicle / Passenger side).

Driver #1 had suffered multiple injuries and was flown via MEDEVAC to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

All occupants of Vehicle #2 (Driver and two passengers) were checked and released at the scene.

In addition to Patrol Officers, Jackson Mills Firefighters, Quality EMS personnel and MONOC Paramedics also responded to the scene.

The crash is under investigation by P.O. Falzarano of the Jackson Township Police Dept. Traffic Safety Unit.

Any witnesses to the crash are asked to contact the Jackson Police Department at (732)928-1111.

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by Robbinsville Fire Department

ROBBINSVILLE-Today the RTFD received a visit from the 9/11 Memorial 100 Mile March. The event consists of a nonstop: 32+ hour walk totaling 100 miles with the U.S. flag from JBMDL to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. The flag being marched has been flown in combat missions over Afghanistan and upon arrival to Ground Zero is folded and presented to the staff who then fly it over the memorial.

Additionally, funds are being raised for the 9/11 museum in order to preserve the memory of the victims, responders, and military members.

Please consider donating. Link to donate found on 9/11 Memorial 100 Mile March.

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ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS-Resident in Atlantic Highlands were calling police officer about white vans driving around town in a suspicious manner.  It turns out, it wasn’t what they thought.

“We have recently received some inquiries’ regarding white vans with little to no markings on them traveling around town on side streets and stopping at random homes. We have found that many of these vehicles are private contractors that are making deliveries for Amazon and other on line retailers,” the police department said today. “Our officers have noted that we have had no problems with them, as always, if you are unsure or believe anything to be suspicious, please contact the Atlantic Highlands Police Department at (732) 291-1212. Our officers will be glad to check out the issue and will let you know the outcome.”

 

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LAKEWOOD-Local leaders including Ocean County Sheriff Mastronardy and Lakewood Township native Virginia Haines visited Lakewood today to meet with municipal and religious leaders to discuss rising anti-semitism.  Elan Carr, President Donald J. Trump’s Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating anti-Semitism was also on hand.

Carr is part Iraqi and part Jewish.  He grew up in New Jersey but now lives in Los Angeles.

Photos by Lakewood Police Department. 

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TOMS RIVER-One month after a report in the Asbury Park Press highlighting the dark roads in the North Dover section of Toms River, the township has announced it made several upgrades to faulty light fixtures.    The work order for these lights was submitted to JCP&L in March and now pedestrians who walk after dark in some sections of the town have new lights.

“There were a few dark spots on about 5 roads in town for which we requested JCP&L to install 13 new fixtures in various locations to bring those roads into compliance with township roadway standards,” said township public spokesperson Stacey Proebstle.  “The work was ordered 6 months ago and is being scheduled by JCP&L.”

Proebstle added that this was not part of the larger plan to upgrade the township’s street lights to LED fixtures, a long term cost-savings measure.  She said there is no schedule available on the larger project.

Photo by Heather Barone.

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EDISON-Edison, New Jersey’s Muslim Planning Board member Sam Khan is under fire this week after rallying his fellow Garden State Muslims for Jihad.

“Our duty as Pakistanis, as a Musalman, or all those Muslims living overseas, the faith instructs that, If you see evil (burai “evil”) happening, you must do jihad against it. If you can’t do jihad, then use your hands and your tongue to oppose it,” he said of relations with India and Pakistan.  Many here at home took offense to an American mayor calling for Muslim jihad and violence.

Hirsh Singh, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate  against Cory Booker in 2020 led the charge against Khan this week at a press conference.

Singh was joined by Tony Gallo, the Republican candidate for Sheriff in Middlesex County; Hemant Bhatt, founder of the South Asian Republican Coalition; Alahiji “Noah” Fofanah, who is running for office in Franklin Township and Jay Tulluri, President of  Telugu Association of North America.

The Republican leaders called for Khan’s immediate removal from office.

“We have come together to denounce the hateful comments by Sam Khan, planning board member, Democrat leader here in Edison and chairman of the American Muslim Council’s calls for jihad made in another language..at an American Muslim Council meeting,” Singh said. “It is dangerous and disturbing.”

Singh blamed the Democrat party leadership for its failures to control radicalism within its own party and to whitewash Islamic terrorism over the years but says he won’t allow that to go on in New Jersey.

“We have seen multiple occurrences of violent Islamic terrorist behavior across the world, forcing America to send its sons and daughters across the world to combat the radical Islamic terror,” Singh added. “How then can we sit by as the same hateful rhetoric blamed for atrocities across the world are spoken by elected Democrat officials in this state?”

Tony Gallo, also a Republican, who is running to become the county’s next sheriff condemned Khan’s call for Jihad.

“This is calling for a Religious war, A Jihad is a fight against enemies of Islam, There is no room in America or any of our society for this kind of speech that calls for this type of a religious war, I know many Muslim People and they are not Radical and want peace, there are only a few radical like this one, However we need to recognize this type of radicalization and cut it out immediately” Gallo said. “The Edison Leadership needs to stop giving a platform to anyone whom decides to speak Radically against any other members of our Community Mr. Kahn is inciting Violence, As Candidate for Middlesex County Sheriff I condemn anyone whom has that much hate in their heart. Where is the current Sheriff Mildred Scott on this issue of Hate speech? Edison Leaders need to wake up before someone like this compels violence against innocent Citizens in our community. Anti-Indian rants that call for ‘jihad’ at any political rally in this current climate should not be tolerated! and needs to be investigated by Law Enforcement, maybe even the FBI there’s no place for this in today’s politics and is completely uncalled for, Khan’s remarks should be condemned immediately and he should be removed from any and all boards he sits on. God bless America.”

Alahiji “Noah” Fofanah, who is running for office in Franklin Township strongly condemn Khan.

“As a Muslim American and African, I totally denounce what Sam Khan said, it’s wrong,” Fofanah said. “We are not supposed to endorse violence.  As a leader, our job is to make sure we bring everyone to the table, not to put one against the other and bring peace to our region.”

“If the Democrat party is serious about Americans,” Singh said. “They better make sure that they remove people like Sam Khan when they make these types of rhetorical statements.”

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/HirshSinghNJ/videos/474877370031728/

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TOMS RIVER-A plan to redevelop the former BASF/Ciba-Geigy Chemical Corporation property in Toms River is taking its first step.   On September 18th, at 6pm, a meeting will be held for the approval of a solar farm to be built on 117 acres of the property.

The application was submitted by Toms River Merchant Solar, LLC.  On May 28th, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities granted the LLC approvals.

“Staff received advisory recommendations from NJDEP for the application and recommended that the Board grant conditional certification to Toms River Merchant Solar, LLC for its
proposal to build a 28 MWdc solar facility project located at Ciba Specialty Chemical Corp in Toms River Township, New Jersey,” the BPU said.

Redevelopment of Ciba-Geigy has long been a difficult topic in Toms River.  During the 2019 Republican mayoral primary election, a plan by the township to redevelop the federal superfund site came under scrutiny by Toms River Councilman Daniel Rodrick.

Although township public information appointee Stacey Proebstle denied the township plans to redevelop the property, the 2017 township master plan calls for it.

“Promote redevelopment of the Ciba-Geigy property, portions of Downtown Toms River between Huddy Park and the Parkway, and Route 37 between Fischer Boulevard and the bridge. Explore additional revitalization of Downtown Toms River through one or more rehabilitation area designations, including the waterfront east of Huddy Park and the downtown core between the river, Main Street and Hooper Avenue north to Madison Avenue along Hooper and Lien Street along Main Street,” the plan reads.

In 2015, the Township engaged Together North Jersey to provide technical assistance in the form of a team of consultants to work with Toms River and Manchester to develop a vision plan for the Route 37 corridor between the Barnegat Bay and Lakehurst circle (interchange with Route 70) the Route 37 Corridor looked at the two major property holdings along the corridor, the 1200 acre former Ciba Giegy site in Toms River. (source Toms River Township).

After routine denials by officials, the property is now scheduled to hear its first application to redevelop the site.

Below is the official public notice published in the Asbury Park Press:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER PLANNING BOARD OCEAN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY Please take notice that the Planning Board (the “Board”) of the Township of Toms River (the “Township”) will, on September 18, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., in the L. Manuel Hirshblond Meeting Room, Toms River Township Municipal Complex, 33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753, or at such other time and place as the Board may adjourn thereafter, hold a public hearing (the “Hearing”) to consider the application for preliminary and final major site plan approval, “bulk” or “c” variance relief (if required), design waiver relief (if required), and such other approval, relief, authorization, or permission as the Board or its consultants may deem necessary (if required) (the “Application”) made by Toms River Merchant Solar, LLC (the “Applicant”) to permit the construction of an up to 35 megawatt (MW) DC ground-mounted solar photovoltaic power generation facility, together with ancillary equipment (including inverters, switch gears, electrical lines, and the like) (the “Project”) on a portion of that certain real property located within the Township commonly known as 227 Oak Ridge Parkway (also commonly known as 1298 Route 37 West) and more formally identified as Lots 6.01, 6.02, 6.03, and 9.03 in Block 411 on the Township’s tax map (the “Property”). The Property consists of approximately 1216 acres within the Township’s Industrial (I) Zoning District where the Project is a permitted use in accordance with the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A.40:55D-1, et. seq. (the “MLUL”), particularly N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.11. The Project is proposed to be developed on an approximately 117.68 acre portion of the Property limited to Lots 6.02 and 6.03 in Block 411. No development is proposed for Lot 6.01 or 9.03 in Block 411, other than, potentially, the Applicant utilizing an existing driveway that is located partially on Lot 6.01 in Block 411 for purposes of construction access. The owner of the Property also owns contiguous real property (or quasi-contiguous real property, i.e., separated by a road or other intervening property) that is identified on the Township’s tax map as Lot 62, Block 409; Lot 8, Block 411.32; and Lot 12, Block 411.34 on which no development is proposed with this Application. The Project is proposed to include up to three separate solar array configurations: a 28 MW grid-supply array, a 2 MW net-metered array, and a 5 MW community solar array. Although the Project has been designed to be fully-conforming with the use and bulk zoning regulations and design standards applicable to the Property, in addition to preliminary and final site plan approval, the Applicant will seek any variances, waivers, approvals, exceptions, authorizations, permissions, or other relief that the Board or its consultants may deem necessary, without additional public notice. This Notice is given in accordance with the MLUL. Any interested person may appear in person, through his attorney, or through his designated agent at the Hearing to be heard on the Application. A copy of the Application (and supporting documentation) is on file with the Board Secretary in the Board’s Office located at the Toms River Township Municipal Building in the Division of Planning, Zoning, and Community Development, 33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753. The Application and supporting documents are available for public inspection Monday through Friday (except regularly and locally observed holidays) during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Toms River Merchant Solar, LLC By: Michael J. Gross, Esq. Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. 125 Half Mile Road, Suite 300 Red Bank, NJ 07701 Attorney for the Applicant Dated: September 4, 2019 ($67.20)

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TOMS RIVER-Former Lacey Township Mayor John C. Parker was honored with a grand reception this weekend by the Southern Ocean County Conservative Republican PAC, a group of independent conservative Republicans working diligently to raise money for Ocean County Republican candidates in this year’s general election.

Berkeley Township Councilman John Bacchione served as master of ceremony for the event which drew over 200 supporters, friends and family of Parker.

Dignitaries in attendance at the ceremony included New Jersey State Senator Samuel Thompson (D-12), Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato and other leaders from the southern municipalities of Ocean County.

Parker served as police officer in Lacey Township and also served as councilman, but his biggest contribution came while he was elected 7 times to be mayor of the township.  He now serves on the Ocean County Municipal Utilities Authority.

“This event was about honoring a man who has dedicated 69 years of his life to Ocean County, John Parker,” Bacchione said. “I’m honored today to be honoring a man of such statute and we’re happy to have him. He’s made a name for himself in a good way.”

South Toms River Councilman Oscar Cradle started the morning breakfast off with a prayer.

Berkeley Council Mayor Carmen Amato presented Parker with a proclamation from the township honoring Parker’s service to the greater Ocean County community during his lifetime.  Amato praised Parker’s long career and service to the community.

Casey Parker, John’s son spoke of growing up in the home of a man who gave much of his life back to his community.

“We realized that dad was put on this earth to serve the community and we had to share him with the rest of the world,” Parker said of his dad.

The event, Organized by conservative Republicans in Ocean County was also focused on raising money to stop the Democrat “Blue Wave” that has swept the northern sections of the county including Brick Township and Toms River.  Over $40,000 was raised to support conservative Republican candidates in towns like Berkeley Township, South Toms River and Lacey.  Organizers said they will also be supporting the Ocean County Board of Freeholders candidates Jack Kelly and Virginia Haines, along with Sheriff Michael Mastronardy.

Despite a call from Ocean County GOP Chairman Frank Holman to boycott the event, the event was a resounding success for the growing conservative Republican caucus in Ocean County.

Photos by Joseph Rudy Rullo.

 

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LAKEWOOD-A report this weekend in the Lakewood Scoop could spell trouble for the embattled New Jersey Schools Development Authority and its chairman, PBA Lobbyist Robert Nixon, of Jackson.   Nixon oversaw the past year of corruption at the SDA that included rape allegations by Katie Brennan against Al Alvarez and dozens of illegal patronage jobs to friends and family of former CEO Lizette Delgado.   He is now named in a lawsuit that claims the chairman engaged in anti-semitic behavior as a municipal councilman in his hometown of Jackson Township.

A lawsuit filed against Nixon by Agudath Israel of America last Friday claims he targeted Orthodox Jewish Residents in his community.  The lawsuit alleges Nixon as saying it would be “reprehensible” and “not acceptable:” for Orthodox Jews to move into Jackson.

The lawsuit also claims that the township violated the rights of religious Jewish residents when it issued code enforcement violations for constructing Sukkahs, temporary tent-like structures used by many in the Jewish community during the holiday of Sukkos.   Township Code Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Purpuro testified that he was directed by township officials to investigate those complaints.

Nixon at one point told residents of the community, ” “the threat [of Orthodox Jews] can be eliminated if people held their ground and refused the offers being made on their properties and remain committed to Jackson Township and their neighbors.”

At a township council meeting in July of 2016, Nixon reaffirmed his stance of keeping Orthodox Jews out of Jackson by stating, “Everyone in this room is on the same page.”  Some residents in attendance had criticized the township council for not being tough enough on the rapidly growing community within Jackson.

Nixon also eventually sold his Jackson home two years later at 15 Jefferson Court for $539,000.

According to the lawsuit, former Jackson Township Councilwoman Anne Updegrave said she believed Nixon’s actions while serving on the Jackson Township Council were anti-semitic.

Nixon serves on the all-Republican Jackson Township Council and has served as chairman of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority since 2018, appointed to the position by Governor Phil Murphy.  Nixon was originally appointed to the board by former governor, Democrat Jon Corzine.  He also works as a PBA lobbyist for the New Jersey State Policeman’s Benevolent Association.

Photo by Lakewood Scoop

 

 

 

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TOMS RIVER-The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders have purchased a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2,700 square foot home on New Hampshire Avenue in Toms River’s North Dover section and have approved funding to purchase the home and its 9.77 acres of land for no more than $1,025,850.

“Accepting the recommendation of the OC Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee and the Ocean County Agriculture Development Board to participate in the fee-simple acquisition of property identified as Block 390, Lot 11, totaling approximately 9.77 acres, located on New Hampshire Avenue in Toms River Township, in a total amount not to exceed $1,025,850.00 plus up to $2,750.00 for property tax adjustments,” a resolution by the board read.

The property is in the rapidly developing North Dover section of town and was last assessed at $480,000 by the township.

Taxes for the property ar $11,320 per year.

1868 New Hampshire Avenue currently owned by Rosalie Fleischer, Etals-Trustee is a single-family home built in 1982. This property was last sold for $20,350 in 2000 and currently has an estimated value of $469,500.

Zillow estimates the home to be valued at $579,126.

Funding would be provided by the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust.  The Freeholders have recently announced they will seek a referendum vote to allow funding from that account in the future to be used on projects other than the acquisition of open space.  If approved by voters in November, Freeholders could have the authority to spend further open space investments to operate the farm and pay for necessary capital improvements on the property.

By purchasing the land and home, it would prevent the land from being sold to a developer and subdivided.  The freeholders did not say what they would do with the property once purchased.

It was also announced the group Fulfil, headed by former New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno (R) was interested in using the land to grow food for their non-profit entity.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and South Toms River Police Chief William Kosh announced today that two individuals have been charged in connection with the shootings that occurred in South Toms River in the early morning hours of August 25, 2019.

Nagee Covington, 19, of Lakewood, has been charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1); one count of Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(7); one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1); and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1). Covington was taken into custody and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Shakem Hunley, 24, of Freehold, has been charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1); one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1); and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1). A warrant has been issued for Hunley’s arrest and he remains at large.

On August 25, 2019, South Toms River Police were summoned to a residence by way of a 9-1-1 call reporting gunshots. At the scene, police found a male victim with a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was treated for his injuries. Two additional gunshot victims were transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment. A female victim located at the scene was determined to have been physically assaulted.

After a thorough investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, South Toms River Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, a Court ordered search warrant was executed at a residence in Lakewood with the assistance of the Lakewood Township Police Special Response Team. As a result, Covington was arrested; Hunley remains at large. Anyone with information concerning Hunley’s whereabouts should contact Detective Denis Mitchell of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit at (732) 929-2027, extension 2476, or Detective Timothy Meier of the South Toms River Police Department at (732) 349-2010.

Prosecutor Billhimer commended the diligent efforts of the many law enforcement officers and departments involved in this extensive investigation. Prosecutor Billhimer would like to thank the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, South Toms River Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Freehold Borough Police Department, Lakewood Police Department and the Lakewood Township Police Special Response Team. “The residents of South Toms River should not have to worry about their neighborhood turning into O.K. Corral; this wanton brutality will not be tolerated in any of our communities. I’m relieved that one individual is in custody, but our job is not done. We need to find Shakem Hunley and restore a sense of peace in South Toms River,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

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LAKEWOOD-The Lakewood Board of Education meeting this week was evacuated after a suspicious item was found in the parking lot during the meeting.

Last evening the Lakewood Police Department responded to investigate the report of a suspicious package that was found in the parking lot of the Lakewood Board of Education. Further investigation determined that a suitcase that was put out for the trash by a nearby resident and was relocated to the Board of Ed parking lot,” said Captain Greg Staffordsmith of the Lakewood Police Department. “Although we do not know who moved the trash, the suitcase was deemed to be safe nonetheless. Furthermore, there isn’t any indication that the relocation of the suitcase was meant to cause alarm.”

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LAKEWOOD-The Lakewood Fire Department, as well as Lakewood Emergency Medical Services also responded and the Fire Department was able to control and extinguish the blaze in a little over two hours.

During the incident, five Officers were treated and released at Monmouth Medical Southern Campus for smoke inhalation. In addition, it was learned that two adults and one child were severely injured and were transported to MMSC Hospital prior to emergency personnel’s arrival at the scene. Those victims have been transported to area burn centers. An update on their condition is not available.

At this time the incident is actively being investigated by the Lakewood Police Department Detective Bureau, The Ocean County Prosecutors Office and The Ocean County Fire Marshals Office.

Photo/Video by The Lakewood Scoop. Visit the Lakewood Scoop for more photos/video and relief efforts.

https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodScoop/videos/1098939880310483/

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