New Jersey News

Roof ripped off building in Long Branch

Long Branch Fire Depart reported: Tour 4 clearing up from the scene of storm damage to a beachfront building. The buildings roof membrane separated from the structure. No injuries were reported. Photo: James Quinn.

Joint Base MDL tankers assisted in B2 bomber missions against Libya

By Master Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher | 18th Air Force Public Affairs

KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender crews from five bases on three continents provided aerial refueling support during the B-2 bomber mission which struck two Daesh training camps in Libya Jan. 18, 2017.

Two B-2 Spirit bombers dropped 500-pound GPS-guided bombs on the camps, which were being used to plan and train for attacks against U.S. and allied interests in North Africa and Europe.

A total of 15 tankers participated in the operation, enabling the B-2s to fly the more than 30 hours round-trip to the target from their home base at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. Planners at 18th Air Force and the 618th Air Operations Center at Scott AFB coordinated the tanker mission, ensuring the refueling aircraft were at the right place at the right time to get the bombers to and from the Daesh training camps.

“Our goal was to find the aircraft to do the mission,” said Lt. Col. James Hadley, 18th AF Operations Planner. “The mobility enterprise flexed to put tankers from the U.S., U.S. European and U.S. Central Commands toward this effort. Everybody had a part in making this work, and it was very successful.”

The 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, was one of the units that contributed tankers to the refueling mission. Col. Darren Cole, the 305th AMW commander, said several units had to come together from different locations and commands and function together as a team to make this mission happen.

“It’s a big team that has to execute things on time to make it work right,” he said. “It’s pretty impressive to be able to hit a target globally at a moment’s notice with so many people participating.”

Making sure the tankers and bombers meet at the right place and time is like choreographing a Broadway production, Hadley said.

“When you get the request, you have to look at the whole enterprise,” he said. “Some tankers may already be in the right spot, some may have to be moved. The speed of the aircraft are completely different, so they won’t all take off at the same time, and it takes several mid-air refuelings to make an air bridge. If one person is off, the whole mission can go awry.”

Col. Clint Zumbrunnen, 305th Operations Group commander, said the 305th AMW keeps two aircraft on continuous alert just in case such a mission should come up. He said that, coupled with an efficient operations team, made sure the 305th would fly on time.

“The crews grow up here being conditioned for short-notice missions, to show up, plan and get the fuel to the fight,” Zumbrunnen explained. “Our Current Operations team is also particularly skilled at making operations happen on short notice. It makes us particularly well-equipped to do this sort of mission.”

Hadley said the stakes can be high.

“If a tanker fell out you might have seen on the news how a couple of bombers had to land somewhere in Europe,” he said. “Or even worse, you might have seen a news report about two bombers lost in the North Atlantic. Our tanker fleet enables them to do what they do.”

Using tankers sends a message to friend and foe alike, said Hadley.

“They affect things on a global scale,” he said. “They tell our forces that we can support them where ever they are, and it tells our adversaries that we can find you and touch you on a moment’s notice.”

Cole said he’s proud of the role his Airmen played in this mission.

“As always, they do an outstanding job when their nation calls upon them to do the tough tasks,” he said. “And it came off extremely well. It’s air refueling that puts the ‘global’ in ‘global strike.’”

The Libya strike is just one example of how the command facilitates the tanker war against Daesh, said Brig. Gen. Lenny Richoux, 18th AF vice commander.

“The air bridge our planners and tanker crews create enable U.S. and allied strike aircraft to continuously hit Daesh, or any enemy, no matter where they hide,” Richoux said.

“Missions like this one are merely one of many executed every day,” he added.  “The mobility enterprise conducts a massive amount of planning every single day, and we coordinate with customers around the globe for each mission. America’s air refueling tanker capability are one of the key missions that set us apart from every other Air Force in the world.  Everyone needs air refueling and we deliver it.”

N.J. Women's March organizers: 'Turn this into a movement'

TRENTON — After a Saturday that drew thousands of people across the state to rally for women’s rights in the face of a political administration they deem hostile, leaders of these marches said they hoped the resistance was just beginning. “This isn’t going to be an isolated moment in time,” said Elizabeth Meyer, the founder and…

Nasty nor'easter bearing down on N.J. with heavy rain, damaging winds, snow, ice

If you thought Monday was going to be an ordinary start to the work week, think again. A nasty nor’easter is heading in our direction and is expected to strengthen during the late morning and afternoon, unleashing batches of heavy rain that could flood streets across New Jersey, and wind gusts as strong as 50 to…

NJ State Police Chief Condemns Obama's Cuban Law Enforcement Pact

New Jersey State Police Superintendent, Colonel Rick Fuentes’ issued a response to the signing of the US-Cuban Law Enforcement Pact by then President Barack Obama.  The measure was one of many 11th hour actions by the former President before the transition of power to President Donald Trump.

Fuentes said:

On Monday, January 16, 2017, the White House signed a law enforcement pact with the government of Cuba that included the sharing of national security information on matters related to fighting terrorism and the scourge of the international narcotics trade. I have read this pact with great interest, as any aspect of the continued negotiations to normalize relations with Cuba impacts our continued advocacy to seek the return of Joanne Chesimard. Chesimard executed New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster in 1973 and fled to Cuba after escaping a New Jersey prison in 1979. She is most prominent among a rogue’s gallery of cop killers and domestic terrorists that have been given sanctuary by the Castro regime these past thirty years.

With a continued sense of bewilderment and confusion not uncommon to the course of these negotiations, the pact does not address the return of: Joanne Chesimard; Victor Manuel Gerena, a member of Los Macheteros who was removed from the FBI Top Ten list one month ago; Charlie Hill, a member of the Republic of New Afrika, alleged to have killed a New Mexico state trooper in 1971; or, William Guillermo Morales, the murderous bomb-maker for the Puerto Rican separatist group, FALN.

Their omission from this agreement and from the negotiations-at-large is so glaring as to signal a clear intent by the Obama Administration to ignore these fugitives. By burning the last bridge to this Administration’s opportunity to gain their negotiated return, families who have long suffered the consequences of their terrorist acts and law enforcement everywhere in this country have been shown the back of the hand. An ignominious torch has been passed to the next president.

We are not deterred. I can say, unequivocally, that Governor Chris Christie, State Attorney General Chris Porrino and I remain resolute in our efforts to follow every political course leading to the return of Joanne Chesimard and the other remaining terrorist fugitives. We approach the next presidential administration with a renewed sense of optimism and moral superiority that justice will prevail.

Campbell's Makes Soup from 100 Year Old Recipe Using New Jersey Beefsteak Tomatoes

 

https://www.facebook.com/campbells/videos/10154357490829506/

Campbell’s soup is taking customers back 100 years and deep into their archives. In the back of the vault we discovered they discovered their founder’s original New Jersey based beefsteak tomato soup recipe and decided to not only make the original recipe once again, but package and share a limited batch with consumers.

“We made a limited supply of 10,000 jars using seasonal New Jersey beefsteak tomatoes from southern New Jersey farms,” the company said.  “The original Beefsteak Tomato Soup features a perfect balance of texture and sweet and tart flavors — making it just as good as it was 100 years ago.”

 

Man Arrested for Neptune Machete Attack

NEPTUNE-The Neptune Township Police Department responded to the 1100 Block of Heck Ave. at 8:28 pm on 1/19/17 for a reported large fight involving approximately 20 people. Police arrived on scene and were unable to locate any actors. At the same time, two adult males arrived at Jersey Shore University Medical Center with serious but non-life threatening wounds. It was discovered by police that the wounds were a result of the fight at the aforementioned location by a subject who wielded a machete. The first victim was stabbed in the leg and back, while the second subject suffered a large avulsion to the upper arm. Both victims remained at the JSUMC in stable condition.

Through further investigation, Neptune Township Police identified the accused as Nico Durant, 18 years old of Neptune.

At approximately 2:00 am, Neptune Township Police Officer Lay located Durant operating a vehicle on W. Lake Ave. Durant was taken into custody at that time.

Did Joint Base Fire Operations Contaminate Jackson Drinking Water? Base Officials Seeking Private Well Samples

JACKSON-Fire suppression chemicals used for decades in fire training exercises and emergencies at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has been found in quantities far exceeding EPA health advisory levels and base officials are asking Jackson residents to send in water samples for testing to determine how much those chemicals spread into the local water supplies.

The Air Force is currently sampling drinking water on base and in other surrounding towns for the presence of perfluoroctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) after base Health Advisory Levels (HAL) were exceeded.

A May 2016 report by The Intelligencer said the foam has been used to put out fuel fires on the base during training exercises and emergencies for decades and has now been detected in base drinking water.   An investigation found those chemicals may have reached Jackson water sources.

The EPA said PFOA and PFOS are fluorinated organic chemicals that are part of a larger group of chemicals referred to as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of these chemicals. They have been used to make carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food and other materials (e.g., cookware) that are resistant to water, grease or stains. They are also used for firefighting at airfields and in a number of industrial processes.

The chemicals were phased out by their primary manufacturer in the United States between 2000 and 2002.  Eight major companies have also voluntarily agreed to stop using the chemicals in their products.

“While consumer products and food are a large source of exposure to these chemicals for most people, drinking water can be an additional source in the small percentage of communities where these chemicals have contaminated water supplies,” the EPA said of the chemicals.  “Such contamination is typically localized and associated with a specific facility, for example, an industrial facility where these chemicals were produced or used to manufacture other products or an airfield at which they were used for firefighting.”

The EPA suggests levels over 70 parts per trillion (.2 per billion) are acceptable. Testing at the base found PFOA and PFOS levels in the drinking water as high as 580 parts per billion according to tests performed in 2015 by SES Construction and Fuel Services, of Tennessee.

That level is 2,900 times higher than the EPA guidance level, according to the 2016 Independent report.

According to The Intelligencer, the military, in 2015, found 30 possible sites around the base including streams and aquifers that could be transporting the chemicals to water sources outside of the base.  A test of those supplies was performed in August of 2016, which led to the notice published by the base this week, calling for voluntary sampling in Jackson and other towns surrounding the base.

“The preliminary assessment did not identify any immediate threats that would warrant sampling off base,” Staff Sgt. Caitlin Jones, a public affairs officer with the joint base, said in an email to The Intelligencer last spring.

Now, those samples are being requested by base officials.

How does PFOA, PFOS affect humans?  Studies indicate that exposure to them over certain levels may result in adverse health effects, including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy or to breastfed infants (e.g., low birth weight, accelerated puberty, skeletal variations), cancer (e.g., testicular, kidney), liver effects (e.g., tissue damage), immune effects (e.g., antibody production and immunity), thyroid effects and other effects (e.g., cholesterol changes).

You can read the full 2016 report at the Intelligencer.

The township this week sent out an “Important message for residents with private drinking wells”, offering free sample testing by the Joint Base. You can find out more on the Jackson Township website at www.jacksontwpnj.net.

Is Jackson’s MUA water safe?  According to Jackson MUA Executive Director David Harpell, the water is safe and was recently tested.

“The Joint Bases’ groundwater issues have not and will not affect the public water supply in Jackson,” Harpell said.  “Fortunately, due to location and depth of impact, there is no risk to the Jackson Township MUA’s public water supply wells from this problem.”

The Jackson Township MUA was required to test for PFOA and PFOS as part of the USEPA’s Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) and all 28 samples (14 for PFOA and 14 for PFOS) were below detection limits, according to Harpell.

“With that being said, JTMUA is concerned with the impact to private wells in the area and we have recommended to the Joint Base that they consider extending our water infrastructure to this area if a problem is found during the testing,” He added.

“We are very proud of the water system in Jackson,” Harpell said. “We have spent $30 million in capital improvements in the past 10 years and have major improvements being bid in 2017 (primarily a new water treatment plant and water main extension near Six Flags).  These efforts have made our system very robust and resilient even though we have been able to keep rates stable.”

New Jersey Tries to Collect 25 Year Old $106 Debt from Ex-Resident

The long arm of New Jersey’s tax collectors can extend across time and state boundaries.

A former Howell Township resident this week received a notice from the New Jersey Department of Labor seeking to collect a $106 unemployment benefits overpayment. In 1991, the man, who wishes to remain anonymous was a 19 year old working in New Jersey, collecting unemployment after being laid off from his job.

Today, he lives in sunny Florida and thought he had left all of New Jersey’s dysfunctions behind.  He left New Jersey in 1994 and doesn’t even remember which job he was laid off from, as so much time has passed.

He didn’t know at the time, but the state paid him a few dollars too much in unemployment that year.

Twenty-five years later, now 44, he received a notice from the state demanding that he returned the $106 paid to him during his teen years to the state. If he did not pay, the state threatened to turn the matter over to the Internal Revenue Service under the Treasury Offset Program, the debt collection arm of the federal government.

Although debtors of private entities in New Jersey are protected by a six year statute of limitations, there is no statute of limitations in the state when it comes to overpayment of unemployment benefits.

This form of debt collection is very common in New Jersey.  A simple Google search turned up dozens of others who received the same letter.

It turns out New Jersey can be relentless in collecting these debts, chasing debtors across state lines in a vigorous attempt to return the money back to the state.

What most people don’t realize is that you don’t necessarily have to pay that debt and the state sometimes settles for less.  Residents also can file an appeal with the Department of Labor if they can prove the overpayment was entitled to them.

In this case, the debt was settled for just $31.08, the cost a few nails to help pay for the $300 million state house renovation project, perhaps.

 

Howell Republican Club Swears in 2017 Executive Board

“United Republican Club of Howell” new executive board members get sworn into office by Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon. Tommy Russo (President) Billy Stahnten (Vice President) Carol Chirico (Rec Sec) Rich Mertens (Treasurer) Irene Boyle (Corr Sec) Tommy Campagna (Sergeant at Arms) Congratulations to them all. Other elected officials in attendance were Sen. Bob Singer, Assm. Dave Rible, Sheriff Shaun Golden, Frhldr. Tom Arnone, Dep. Mayor Rob Nicastro and Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell.

Scholarship yanked from NJ football player weeks before signing day

Ryan Dickens beamed for the crowd Sunday night, his mind racing over all he had accomplished and the future he was ready to tackle. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior linebacker from Raritan High School had just been honored with a 2016 Mini Max Award for his football excellence, strong academics and devotion to community service, which includes…

Can Kim Guadagno win over New Jersey Trump Supporters?

Kim Guadagno is about to launch her campaign to be the next governor of New Jersey, hoping to succeed her boss, Chris Christie, but can she win over die-hard Trump fans in sections of the state where President-elect won major victories, such as red-county, Ocean County?

She will need those supporters in June, but hosting a campaign launch at the business of a notable Trump critic probably isn’t the way to begin winning over the hearts and minds of a base that may have already abandoned her.

SaveJersey reports:

Host for Guadagno’s campaign launch is a noted Trump critic

Kim Guadagno (R-Monmouth) made no apology for saying “no” to Donald Trump back during the 2016 general election. She told NJ Advance Media back in October that she ” can’t support Hillary Clinton, and I won’t vote for Donald Trump.” The Republican Lieutenant Governor has a kindred spirit in her supporter Leo Cervantes, the owner of…

Gates Removed at Fort Monmouth; Route 537 through former base opens to traffic

The front gates which have been closed at Fort Monmouth since September of 2011 are opening again today.  Route 537 through the base will be open for public traffic at noon. The plan is part of an overall project to repurpose now defunct U.S. Army base.

Route 537 which connected Fort Monmouth from the Eatontown gate to Camden is the state’s third longest county road.

 

Police in standoff with man at Point Pleasant Beach house

UPDATED: From Point Pleasant Beach Police Department:

On January 16th, 2017 at 1038 AM, SGT Gerald Quaglia, CPL Brian Spader and PFC Scott Nase responded to 617 Atlantic Ave to check on the welfare of a male subject.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the male, who stated he was armed with a weapon and did not want to speak with officers. Officers immediately backed out of the residence and secured the scene. Several neighboring towns were requested to respond as well as members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT team.

Phone contact was made with the subject who after a few hours, voluntarily surrendered to members of the SWAT team. He was taken into custody without further incident and subsequently transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation.
Neighboring homes were evacuated as a precaution as well as members of the Point Pleasant Emergency Squad being put on standby.
All Officers cleared the scene at 1500hrs. This is still an active investigation and criminal charges are pending at this time.

POINT PLEASANT BEACH — The Ocean County SWAT team is on the scene of a borough home where a resident has barricaded himself inside. Authorities at the Atlantic Avenue home are negotiating with a man Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardi described as “despondent.” The man has no hostages and is alone in the house, the…

Man dead in crash in Egg Harbor Twp.

Egg Harbor, Atlantic County-On Saturday, January 14th, 2017 at approximately 3:16 pm, the Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to 323 Zion Road, in the Scullville section of the Township, for a motor vehicle crash.
A 1997 Ford F150 Pickup Truck operated by Ronald Hurless,70 years of age of Egg Harbor Township, was traveling west on Zion Road when it is believed Mr. Hurless suffered a medical emergency. As a result, Mr. Hurless’s vehicle crossed over the east bound lane of Zion Road and struck a tree located in front of 323 Zion Road. The vehicle sustained heavy front end damage and Mr. Hurless was extricated from the vehicle by the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company.


The Egg Harbor Township Ambulance Squad and Atlanticare Paramedics treated Mr. Hurless at the scene. Mr. Hurless was transported by to Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, where he was later pronounced deceased.


Zion Road was shut down for approximately two and a half hours. The crash is being investigated by Sgt. Cherie Burgan, Ptlm. Kevin Devlin, and Ptlm. Joseph Griffiths of the EHT Police Traffic Safety Unit.

Port Authority wants to go after your license, registration if you cheat tolls

Port Authority officials will ask New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission to suspend the registration privilege of chronic toll violators, similar to what is now done in New York State, as the agency moves to cashless toll collection. Officials at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reached an agreement with New York State’s Department…

The Greatest Show on Earth Comes to an End in 2017

Since the 1800’s the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus has wowed audiences across America.  The two joined forces in 1919 as one and for nearly 100 more years continued their traveling circus.

In 1967, the circus was bought by what is now Feld Entertainment.

On Saturday, the company, which also manages Monster Jam and Disney on Ice announce the end of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus this spring.

“After much evaluation and deliberation, my family and I have made the difficult business decision that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will hold its final performances in May of this year,” Ken Feld said.  “Ringling Bros. ticket sales have been declining, but following the transition of the elephants off the road, we saw an even more dramatic drop. This, coupled with high operating costs, made the circus an unsustainable business for the company.”

“Nearly 50 years ago, my father founded our company with the acquisition of Ringling Bros. The circus and its people have continually been a source of inspiration and joy to my family and me, which is why this was such a tough business decision to make,” he added. “The decision was even more difficult because of the amazing fans that have become part of our extended circus family over the years, and we are extremely grateful to the millions of families who have made Ringling Bros. part of their lives for generations. We know Ringling Bros. isn’t only our family business, but also your family tradition.”

 

Foster Rescue Saves Pregnant Dog From Kill Shelter; Broadcasts Birth Live on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/itsaruffliferescue/videos/633732776813051/

When It’s a Ruff Life Rescue, a dog fostering network in New Jersey which has many canine foster homes in Ocean County found out about Little Miss Sunshine waiting on death row at a North Carolina kill shelter, the group sprung into action.

Little did they know just last week, that the dog they rescued was pregnant.  They also didn’t know until she was taken in for x-rays that she had been used as target practice in North Carolina. Doctors found several bb’s lodged under her skin.

After asking for donations, the community responded and food, toys, training pads and other items started pouring in.  There were also supplies for the babies.

Within a few days, a foster home was found for Little Miss Sunshine.   Then, she gave birth to her puppies which was broadcast live on Facebook.  Over 50,000 people watched the birth live.

Now named Abigail, she birthed 8 puppies, one did not make it.  She gave birth to 6 boys and 2 girls.

If you would like to get involved and help, visit It’s A Ruff Life’s Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

Roadway fatalities in Ocean County increased in 2016

In 2015, 38 died in roadway fatalities in Ocean County.  In 2016, that number rose by four to 42.  Below is a list of roadway fatalities reports by the New Jersey State Police.

Municipality Date Time Location Fatalities
Toms River 12/25/2016 1038 State Highway 166 (Alternate) 1
Plumsted Twsp 12/17/2016 0546 County 528 1
Toms River 12/12/2016 1757 State Highway 9 1
Lakewood Twsp 12/09/2016 1325 River Ave 1
Lacey Twsp 11/29/2016 1439 County 614 at Newark Ave 1
Toms River 11/22/2016 2310 State Highway 70 1
Manchester Twsp 11/09/2016 0839 County 571 at Bacon St 1
Plumsted Twsp 11/07/2016 1810 County 640 W MP 5.2 1
Beachwood Boro 11/06/2016 1816 State/Interstate Authority 444 N MP 78.9 1
Lakewood Twsp 11/03/2016 1217 State/Interstate Authority 444 N MP 88.3 1
Brick Twsp 10/06/2016 0246 State/Interstate Authority 444 N MP 93.7 1
Stafford Twsp 10/05/2016 1316 State/Interstate Authority 444 N MP 63.8 1
Lakewood Twsp 10/01/2016 2104 Williams St 1
Berkeley Twsp 09/28/2016 0744 State Highway 9 S MP 89 1
Little Egg Harbor T 09/17/2016 2053 County 539 N MP 5.4 3
Ocean Twsp 09/07/2016 2008 State Highway 9 S MP 77.9 1
Little Egg Harbor T 08/21/2016 0125 County 601 S MP 2.4 1
Barnegat Twsp 08/08/2016 0752 Ridgeway St N MP 0 1
Toms River 08/04/2016 2214 Wave Way E MP 0 at Harbor View Lane 1
Brick Twsp 08/03/2016 0010 State/Interstate Authority 444 N MP 93.3 1
Berkeley Twsp 08/01/2016 1543 County 618 E MP 6.3 1
Toms River 07/14/2016 0656 County 527 1
Jackson Twsp 07/03/2016 1852 County 526 E MP 22.9 at County Route 26 1
Manchester Twsp 06/24/2016 1035 State Highway 70 1
Lakewood Twsp 06/19/2016 2207 County 526 W MP 32.5 1
Toms River 05/28/2016 2033 State/Interstate Authority 444 S MP 82.2 1
Jackson Twsp 05/11/2016 0511 County 571 N MP 20.2 1
Little Egg Harbor T 04/16/2016 1428 Hamble Road E MP 0 1
Lakehurst Boro 04/16/2016 1313 State Highway 70 E MP 43.5 at County Route 12 1
Manchester Twsp 04/15/2016 0709 State Highway 70 E MP 37.6 1
Brick Twsp 04/13/2016 0505 State/Interstate Authority 444 S MP 92 1
Long Beach Twsp 03/22/2016 0838 County 607 S MP 15.8 1
Lakewood Twsp 03/19/2016 2140 County 526 E MP 32.2 1
Manchester Twsp 03/17/2016 1631 County 530 1
Toms River 03/09/2016 1116 County 623 S MP 5.1 1
Ship Bottom Boro 02/10/2016 1540 State Highway 72 W MP 26.4 at Barnegat Ave 1
Plumsted Twsp 02/06/2016 1846 County 640 E MP 1.7 1
Toms River 02/02/2016 1125 County 622 W MP 1.65 at County Route 86 1
Barnegat Twsp 02/01/2016 1201 State Highway 72 E MP 16.3 1
Manchester Twsp 01/22/2016 0918 County 530 E MP 22.9 1
Accident Count: 40 County Totals: 42

Ocean County Beach Replenishment Project Awarded to Weeks Marine

by Debra Hoover, NJDEP

TRENTON-The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, has awarded a contract to construct long-awaited engineered beaches and dunes for the northern Ocean County peninsula, one of the areas hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy, Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.

The Army Corps awarded a base contract of $92 million to Cranford-based Weeks Marine to conduct the first phase of construction. The total contract amount is expected to reach about $128 million as work progresses to additional areas of the peninsula where the state is continuing to work to secure access easements from property owners.

The overall project will cover some 14 miles of coastline along the Barnegat Peninsula and will protect the communities of Bay Head, Berkeley, Brick, Lavallette, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park and Toms River.

This is the last major stretch of beaches in New Jersey to be awarded a contract for construction of engineered systems of beaches and dunes. These systems are proven to protect lives, property and infrastructure, a major goal of the Christie Administration in the aftermath of Sandy.

“We are very pleased that this crucial project is moving forward,” Commissioner Martin said. “When completed, all of New Jersey’s coastal communities will be afforded the level of protection that comes with beach and dune systems that meet Army Corps’ engineering standards. The Christie Administration has remained steadfast – even in the face of challenges from some property owners over providing easements – in its commitment to building a full coastal system of engineered beaches that, in addition to providing protection, are vital to the state’s economy and identity.”

Work will begin in the spring and will progress in 1,000-foot sections to minimize impacts to residents and visitors.

“This represents one of the largest beach-fill contracts in the history of the United States Army Corps of Engineers,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Michael Bliss. “The engineered dune and berm system will serve the vital purposes of reducing risk and helping to protect people and property.”

The Barnegat Peninsula was hit especially hard when Sandy slammed the state in October 2012. The ocean breached the peninsula in Mantoloking. Record storm surge caused significant damage to Brick, Lavallette. Mantoloking, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park and the Ortley Beach section of Toms River. Homes, businesses, piers, boardwalks and infrastructure – including State Route 35 – were destroyed or severely damaged.

These areas did not have properly engineered beached and dunes when Sandy hit. Engineered beaches and dunes block and absorb the impact of storm surge, mitigating property damage.

A key component of the project is the construction of dunes and beaches along a four-mile stretch of sea wall in Mantoloking and Brick that the DEP teamed up with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to build as added protection for Route 35. This is the main artery and coastal evacuation route through a particularly vulnerable stretch of the peninsula that was severely damaged during Sandy.

This highway, since reconstructed to modern design standards with extensive flood controls, was the scene of a major breach at the Mantoloking Bridge during Sandy. The four-mile-long protective wall is comprised of steel sheet pilings driven deep into the sand that will serve as emergency backup protection, with the beach and dune system providing primary protection to the roadway.

Work will begin with beach and dune construction in southern Mantoloking, as well as all of Lavallette, Toms River, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. Work in Bay Head, Berkeley, northern Mantoloking and Point Pleasant Beach will begin after all necessary easements have been obtained.

A total of 545 easements are needed for the project. An easement is a legal right of access to private or municipally owned property the Army Corps and DEP need to perform construction. Nearly 350 easements – or 64 percent – had been provided voluntarily. The state also obtained 54 additional easements through condemnation proceedings under the Eminent Domain Act and is pursuing additional condemnation proceedings.

“The Governor and I are grateful to the majority of property owners who voluntarily provided their easements because they recognize that this is the right thing to do for their neighbors and their communities,” Commissioner Martin said.

Over the course of the project, some 11 million cubic yards of sand will be pumped from offshore to build dunes and beaches. For most of the project area, dunes will be built 22 feet above sea level. Beaches will be constructed from 100 feet to 300 feet wide and 8.5 feet above sea level. The project area will receive periodic replenishment projects over the course of 50 years to replace sand lost through normal erosion.

The federal government will be paying for 65 percent of the project using money approved under the 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, which funds projects that Congress had previously authorized but had not been completed by the time Sandy hit in October 2012. New Jersey will pay for 35 percent of the project from the state’s Shore Protection Fund.

Chief Welcomes New K-9 Unit

by Andrew Kudrick, Chief, Howell PD

HOWELL-Congratulations to Patrolman Jesse Moore #617 and his partner Opus on becoming a certified Police K-9 Patrol Team.

For the past 16 weeks, he and his partner were trained by Long Branch Police Sgt. Bobby Shamrock in obedience, tracking, building searches, agility, articles, building/area searches and criminal apprehension and handler protection. This is a tough, extensive training and certification obtained by very few officers.

A sincere thank you to Sgt Shamrock and Long Branch Police Director Jason Roebuck. You did an outstanding job!

Congratulations to Long Branch K9 Officer Omar Akel and his partner Hades who also graduated. Stay safe!!!

Monmouth County is now safer for both residents and the officers. It’s also more dangerous for the criminals!

Next up, 12 weeks of scent training to become certified in narcotics detection.

I’m very proud of Officer Moore. As a former K9 handler, I realize the inherent dedication and commitment and responsibility required to be a handler. I wish you a very safe tour. It will be the most rewarding years of your career. No doubt, you will proudly and honorably represent the Howell Police as well as the small police K9 community.

DEA, Local Police Discover Heroin Lab at Ocean County Apartment Complex

During the closing months of 2016 the Toms River Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Special Operations Group, and Lavallette Police Department, concluded a month long investigation into the distribution of heroin.  On December 22, 2016, Kevin Porter, 27, of Newark NJ was arrested and charged by the investigative team.  The arrest of Porter led to the seizure of 250 wax folds of heroin, 50 grams of powder heroin, and $750.00 in U.S. currency.

Further investigation led to the execution of a search warrant in Winteringham Village as well as a search of a residence on the 100 block of Philadelphia Avenue in Lavallette.  Detectives uncovered a full manufacturing facility where heroin was being mixed, packaged and stamped by Porter for resale.  Items included empty wax folds ready to be packaged, stamps, sifters, and several other items used to package and distribute heroin.

Porter was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin over one half ounce with the intent to distribute (2nd degree) and maintaining a heroin manufacturing facility (1st degree).  Bail was set at $75,000.00 no ten percent.

Watch out NJ! Phil Murphy is coming for you guns…

…and he’s armed with misleading data.

Phil Murphy, a Democratic candidate for Governor of New Jersey is coming after guns in the Garden State.    Murphy, leaning heavily on the national media narrative that guns kill people is pushing an anti-gun platform in his campaign for Governor.

“The gun violence epidemic continues to plague our state and our nation. Tragically, guns remain a leading cause of death in our country,” Murphy’s campaign website says.

Gun violence is a public health crisis and Governor Chris Christie is part of the epidemic for vetoing over-the-top gun legislation.

“The gun violence epidemic is nothing short of a public health crisis. And yet, Governor Christie continues to stand in the way of sensible reforms. He has vetoed bills that had universal support from New Jerseyans,” Murphy said.  “These bipartisan measures would have kept guns out of the hands of gang members and individuals convicted of making terroristic threats, restricted the size of gun magazines, and prohibited the sale of a powerful .50-caliber rifle — a ban Governor Christie himself proposed in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy.”

Avoiding the whole Chicago thing, Murphy cites 5 liberal strongholds with strict gun laws.

“The evidence is clear: the five states with the lowest rates of gun violence — Hawaii, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut — all have among the strictest gun safety regulations in the nation,” his campaign site reads. “Conversely, the states with the highest rates of gun violence all have weak gun safety regulations.”

In reality, New Jersey has a lower per capita murder rate and a lower gun ownership rate than New York.    People in New York kill each other more than New Jersey, perhaps after all, it’s not the guns.

Murphy represents everything America rejected in November of 2016 and should also be rejected by New Jersey residents in 2017.

When he points to Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut having lower gun violence, it’s nothing more than another liberal slight of hand.

New Jersey had 2.7 gun murder per 100,000 residents.  Massachusetts had 1.8, Rhode Island 1.5, but Connecticut had the same 2.7 rate as New Jersey.  That is 1 person per 100,000 residents.  Not exactly the epidemic this liberal gun control pusher claimed.

Photo: Phil Murphy with his friend, President Barack Obama where he was appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Germany by the outgoing commander-in-chief.  Photo by Phil Murphy for Governor.

Security guard stole $200k in cash after being fired from Casino sentenced

Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a former security guard at the Caesars Casino in Atlantic City was sentenced to prison today for committing an armed robbery at the casino in 2014 after he was fired from his job.

Izyiah Plummer, 22, of Atlantic City, was sentenced to 11 years in state prison, including nine years and four months of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr. in Atlantic County. Plummer pleaded guilty on Aug. 22, 2016, to all of the charges filed against him in an Aug. 20, 2015 indictment, including first-degree armed robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Deputy Attorney General Kerry DiJoseph prosecuted Plummer and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau-Casino Prosecutions Unit.

Three other defendants who were indicted with Plummer have pleaded guilty and face prison sentences in connection with the robbery. Aaron Evans, 26, of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty on Dec. 12 to second-degree theft and faces a recommended sentence of eight years in state prison. Nathaniel Greenlee, 23, of Bear, Delaware, and Donavon Jackson, 22, of Wilmington, Delaware, each pleaded guilty in June 2016 to second-degree theft. The state will recommend that each of those two men be sentenced to seven years in state prison. Evans, Greenlee and Jackson are scheduled to be sentenced on March 17.

The men were charged in an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau and the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau-Casino Prosecutions Unit. They were charged in connection with an armed robbery of a security guard and a second casino employee who were removing cash from a kiosk inside Caesars Casino on July 21, 2014.

“Plummer planned and executed a violent armed robbery that put lives at risk,” said Attorney General Porrino. “With this sentence, we’re protecting the public by keeping a dangerous criminal behind bars for many years.”

“Plummer thought he could evade capture by wearing a mask and using his inside knowledge of casino security to commit this heist, but the State Police quickly identified Plummer and his accomplices,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Together we built a strong case that now has resulted in lengthy prison sentences.”

“Many people have dreams of getting lucky and walking away from a casino with the big jackpot, but unfortunately Izyiah Plummer chose to rely on robbery and violence to make his dream come true,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Thanks to some great work by the lead State Police detectives and our partners, Plummer won’t be planning heists in the near future.”

The investigation revealed that at about 6:18 a.m. on July 21, 2014, Plummer and Evans arrived at Caesars Casino in a car driven by Greenlee, with Jackson in the passenger seat. Plummer and Evans entered the casino wearing masks and gloves and approached a security guard and another casino employee who were loading full cash boxes onto a trolley from a self-redemption terminal at a kiosk. Plummer pointed a handgun at the two employees. Plummer pointed the gun at the security guard’s head while Evans removed three cash boxes from the trolley. As the two robbers were fleeing the casino, one of them dropped one of the cash boxes and left it behind. Plummer and Evans escaped from the casino with two cash boxes containing approximately $181,200 and entered Greenlee’s vehicle.

Greenlee drove to Plummer’s apartment in the Venice Park section of Atlantic City. There proceeds of the robbery were divided among Plummer, Evans, Greenlee and Jackson. A search warrant was executed at Plummer’s apartment, where a black ski mask, bullets for a .38 special handgun and $43,900 in cash were found. A search warrant also was executed at Evans’ home, where $4,300 in cash was seized. Detectives found a handle from one of the cash boxes in the street in front of Evans’ home.

The lead detectives on the case for the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau were Detective Michael Nelson and Detective Sgt. Charles Vicente. The Atlantic City Police Department, Pleasantville Police Department, Delaware State Police and Pennsylvania State Police provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

Defense Attorney: Andrew Butchko, Esq., Of Counsel at Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., Wildwood, N.J.

State Morgue Technician Charged for Stealing Money from Man Killed in Crash

technician at the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office in Newark has been charged with stealing cash from the body of a man who was killed in a car crash in December in Newark.

Darryl L. Green, 48, of Piscataway, N.J., who was employed as a forensic morgue technician by the Office of the State Medical Examiner, was charged yesterday by complaint-summons with third-degree theft by unlawful taking. Green is being terminated from his state position in connection with the charge. As an autopsy photographer for the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, Green produced photographic records for death investigations.

Green allegedly stole U.S. currency totaling approximately $1,120 from the body of a 28-year-old man who was killed in a single-car crash that occurred before 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, in the 300 block of Sherman Avenue in Newark.

Members of law enforcement and personnel from the Medical Examiner’s Office observed and documented that there was cash in the victim’s pocket at the scene of the accident, where he was pronounced dead and placed in a body bag. However, the cash was missing when the man’s body was removed from the body bag the following day, Dec. 19, for an autopsy. Green allegedly opened the body bag at the morgue at some point in time prior to the autopsy and took the cash from the victim’s clothing.

The case is being investigated and prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.

Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Because the charge is an indictable offense, it will be presented to a grand jury for potential indictment.

The Division of Criminal Justice has established a toll-free Corruption Tipline 1-866-TIPS-4CJ for the public to confidentially report corruption, financial crime and other illegal activities. The public also can log on to the Division’s web page at www.njdcj.org to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially.

Bamboozled: Employee says A.J. Perri scammed a senior. Here's what happened next.

Consumers are often at the mercy of specialists: contractors, electricians, plumbers and the like. Unless you’re super handy, you rely on them to diagnose and fix problems in your home. Even if you get multiple estimates, how do you know they’re not misrepresenting a situation to make a small job into a bigger, more expensive one?…

Ocean County Drug Deaths Soared by 43% in 2016

Despite best efforts to combat the drug epidemic that plagues Ocean County, drug overdoses soared in 2016 to 205 possible cases by the end of the year.   According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, there were 195 confirmed deaths caused by drug overdoses with 10 additional cases pending autopsy reports.

In 2015, there were 118 deaths linked to drug overdoses, representing a 43% spike in deaths.

Those numbers could have been much higher.   In 2016, the Prosecutor’s Office said the opiate reversing drug Narcan was used in 502 cases countywide by local law enforcement agencies and first responders.

In neighboring Monmouth County, 154 died from drug overdoses in 2016, a spike of 32 over the 2015’s total of 122, a jump of nearly 21%.  There were 415 deployments of Narcan in the county.

 

Jackson, Howell Firefighters Fight the Elements, Truck Fire on 195

On Saturday morning, firefighters from Jackson’s Station 54 and Howell’s Freewood Acres and Southard Fire Department No. 1 braved the elements to put out a truck fire on Interstate 195 near the Howell-Jackson border.  Photo by Freewood Acres Fire Departmetn.

 

How much snow did we get? New Jersey Snowfall Totals

The winter coastal storm that swept across New Jersey on Saturday has turned a large swath of the region into a winter wonderland, while leaving only a trace of snow in the normally snowy northwestern region. As of 6:30 p.m., almost 9 inches of snow has fallen in Estell Manor in Atlantic County, almost 8 inches…

Christian Brothers gets back to winning wins in victory over Hackettstown

RANDOLPH–After losing a tight game to Toms River North on Saturday, Christian Brothers wanted to jump on Hackettstown early when the two faced off in the Hoops to Help Showcase at the County College of Morris on Sunday. That is exactly what CBA did. It took a nine point first quarter lead and never trailed on…

Monmouth man charged with attempted murder of Eatontown cops in court today

by Charles Webster, MCPO

FREEHOLD-An Eatontown man charged with the attempted murder of Eatontown police officers, during an armed robbery last month will have a first appearance in court today, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Aaron Riley, 31 of Wedgewood Circle in Eatontown, is charged with two counts of first degree Attempted Murder, and one count each of first degree Armed Robbery, second degree Certain Persons not to have a Weapon and second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose after Riley fired at Eatontown police officers, one of whom returned fired during an armed robbery in progress on December 20, 2016.

Eatontown police responded to a pair of 911 calls around 6:43 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016, reporting an armed robbery in progress at the AllTown Pharmacy on Wyckoff Road.  While the officers were responding, Riley was inside the pharmacy demanding prescription narcotics from an employee.  Eatontown police arrived on scene with the suspect inside the pharmacy, but he soon after fled the scene out a rear door without any narcotics.

While Riley was fleeing the scene on foot, he fired at Eatontown police officers, one of whom returned fired.  Riley then ran to a vehicle in the Michael’s Plaza parking lot and was seen fleeing the scene on Route 36 West.  During the investigation, police located the vehicle, a gray four-door 2007 Nissan Altima in the rear parking lot of Stony Hill Apartments with damage consistent with projectile strikes from a gun.

Monmouth County detectives subsequently received information from the New York Police Department that Riley was in their jurisdiction with a gunshot injury to his leg. The investigation continued in New York City, where Riley was eventually taken into custody by New York City police officers and where he currently remains in custody.   Bail was set at $1.45 million with no 10 percent and Riley was also ordered to have no victim contact and not to return to the scene by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge David F. Bauman, P.J.Cr.

Riley’s first appearance is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., January 6, 2017, before Judge Bauman.

Vicari named Freeholder Director; Kelly, Haines sworn in

TOMS RIVER-On Wednesday, Joe Vicari became the 2017 Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders Director while Jack Kelly and Virginia Haines were sworn in again after winning their November election.

“I have said it many times, Ocean County is the premiere County,” said Haines who was sworn into her first three-year term on the Board. “We have the best county park system, library system, educational opportunities at Ocean County College and the list goes on and on.

Vicari noted there is a number of priorities for 2017 that will be addressed include providing the best programs possible for the county’s growing senior population, lobbying for important transportation projects and improvements and promoting more business development and tourism for Ocean County.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board to provide quality services and programs to our residents, in keeping the County affordable and to make certain Ocean County continues to be the great place it is to live, work, visit, raise a family and retire,” Vicari said.

Gerry Little was named Deputy Director of the 5 member board.

 

NJ Transit bus catches fire on Route 23

PEQUANNOCK — Officials say no one was injured when a New Jersey Transit bus blew out a rear tire and then caught fire while traveling along state Route 23. New Jersey Department of Transportation officials say friction from the flat tire caused the bus to catch fire along a stretch of the roadway in Pequannock Township…

Rare Whale Beached at Island Beach State Park

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP — A rare whale washed up dead along a section of the northern Ocean County barrier island, marine mammal rescue officials said Wednesday. Staff from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine were called out last week to retrieve the Blainesville’s beaked whale that washed up on Island Beach State Park, said Bob Schoelkopf,…

Kmart shutting down 4 New Jersey locations

Four Kmart stores in New Jersey will close as part of larger downsizing across the country, the big box retailer’s parent company announced Wednesday. Kmart stores in Clementon, East Brunswick, Pleasantville and Rio Grande are set to shut down, according to Sears Holdings. Liquidation sales were planned as early as Friday. The locations are among 150…

Macy's to shut down three New Jersey stores; Cut jobs

Macy’s said Wednesday it would close more than 60 stores and slash thousands of jobs this spring — including at three locations in New Jersey — as the chain faces slowing sales. Stores in Moorestown, at the Voorhees Town Center and Preakness Shopping Center in Wayne are set to close, the company announced. The three locations…

Jersey Wife Killer Found Hiding in Woods Near Black Horse Pike

Folsom Borough, Atlantic County – Troopers from the Buena Vista Barracks arrested Jeremiah Monell earlier today after a two-week manhunt. Monell had previously been charged with Murder and other related offenses in the December 18, 2016 homicide of his estranged wife, Tara O’Shea-Watson.

At approximately 2:45 p.m., a witness contacted the New Jersey State Police Buena Vista Barracks after recognizing Monell in Folsom Borough.

Troopers arrived on scene shortly thereafter and discovered Monell hiding in a wooded area off US Highway 322. He was placed under arrest and taken into custody without incident.

Monell was transported to an area hospital for a medical evaluation. He will be lodged in jail thereafter.

A $1,000 reward was offered for Monell, but it was not said whether or not the witness will receive the reward.

Video: Man Stoned to Death; Dumped in Trash Can at Jersey Shore

YouTube video

An Atlantic City man has been charged with the murder of a man whose body was discovered this morning in Atlantic City, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton announced.

Atlantic City Police responded on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 8:43 a.m., to the 1200 block of Adriatic Avenue, Atlantic City, for a report that a dead man’s body had been discovered in a trashcan. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene.

The victim, identified as Ricky L. Ward, 52, of the 400 block of Delta Avenue, Atlantic City, was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene. Investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department led to the location and detention at approximately 5:15 p.m. of Thomas Green, 64, of the 1300 block of Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, who was subsequently charged with Murder, for purposely and knowingly causing the death of the victim “by hitting him in the head multiple times with stones,” and with Possession of a Weapon For an Unlawful Purpose (stones), and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (stones). Green was processed for the arrest and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility on 1,000,000 full cash bail set by Superior Court Judge John C. Porto.

A conviction for murder carries a potential sentence of incarceration in New Jersey State Prison for a period of 30 years to life.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department continue the investigation.

Breaking/AC was on scene and posted the above video to YouTube. For more on Breaking/AC, visit their website.

Family of Missing New Jersey Teen: We're at a loss

NEPTUNE — It’s been four weeks since the disappearance of a Neptune City teen after her car was found unoccupied on a Belmar bridge on Dec. 2. Sarah Stern, 19, left her family’s home in Neptune City at 11:45 p.m. driving her grandmother’s 1994 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight Royal, according to her father Michael Stern. The car was…

Jackson K-9 Valor Charity Helps Fire Department After Thief Stole Christmas Tree Funds

by Phil Stilton

SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS-This weekend, a thief walked off with $1,000 of Christmas Tree sales raised through a tree sale fundraiser by the Independent Fire Company.  Today, there has been an outpouring of support all along the Jersey Shore for the firefighters.

“We have been the victim of a real life grinch,” the fire company said Saturday morning when they found out their cash register had been stolen.

This morning, Sue DesMarais and Jennifer Gallagher visited the Independent Fire Company and donated $500 to them from money the charity raised last month at a Jackson Township fundraiser held at Cornerstone Kitchen and Tap.

DesMarais is a former police officer and has been the victim of two home fires said she read the story and felt compelled to make the donation.

” I read that the someone stole $1000.00 dollars from the Independent Fire Company in Spring Lakes Christmas Tree Fundraiser. So Jennifer Gallagher and I went down there with a $500.00 donation from K-9 Valor Task Force.”

She said she was interviewed by Channel 7 News, New York and spoke about her own ordeal where firefighters rescued her pets from her burning home in Jackson.

“I’m sorry this happened, I like to pay things forward,” she said.

“Any donations can be either mailed to Independent Fire Co #1 at 700 6th Ave, spring lake heights NJ 07762. Or can be directly dropped off at our station,” the department said to those who have offered support on their Facebook page.

N.J. cop was subject of internal investigation before fatal crash, police say

DEAL — In light of a toxicology report that shows one of their captains was impaired by drugs and alcohol when he fatally crashed his car in January, Deal police said Friday they are investigating the circumstances leading up to the death of the off-duty officer, who was the subject of an internal affairs investigation. The…

Middletown Porch Poacher Caught and Released

The Middletown Police department announced that they have arrested the women who was caught on video stealing a package from the porch of a Statesir Place home last week. Lauren Miller, 51, of West Front Street in the Township was arrested this morning by Detectives Daniel Sullivan and Keith Hirschbein. Miller was charged with three counts…