Last year the Kansas City (Kansas) Police Department lost two officers, both slain by gunmen. Today, Police Chief Robert McClarty says the fatalities have significantly impacted recruitment efforts. “It has limited our number of applicants,” he told The Hays Daily News on Tuesday. “I believe it has also made people question more whether they want to…
Community News
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,…
Fact Checking Tomi Lahren: Are Cattle Being Jam Packed into Ships and Imported to American Shelves Without Consumers Knowing?
Where does American beef come from? Most of us think we get those steaks on the kitchen table from the pristine American outback ranges in states like Texas, Nebraska and Kansas. On Tuesday, conservative voice Tomi Lahren told us a tale of American cattle ranchers being pushed out by beef supplies from overseas in her feature entitled, “Make the American Table Great Again”.
In her final thought, she spoke out for the American cattle rancher, who have been slammed by a 2015 bill pushed down the throats of the American public by the World Trade Organization.
“Cowboys and cattlemen have never had it easy, these last two years have been brutal” Lahren said. “The cost to operate has gone up, but the cost of cattle has gone down, alot.”
She noted this was due to Congress repealing the COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) on meat products, allowing other nations to import and sell their products alongside homegrown beef, and without letting the consumer know where it was coming from.
For a few years, manufacturers were required to stamp the country of origin on packages of meat and pork products, but the World Trade Organization complained, saying the U.S. law unfairly targeted international beef suppliers. In 2015, President Obama signed the $1.5 trillion omnibus bill, which effectively also repealed the COOL laws.
Lahren said beef today comes from South America, Canada, Japan and others, no longer just from the American rancher.
“That means your beef is transported in crates for God only knows how long,” she said. “Animal lovers, live cattle are smashed into shipping containers and shipped to this country to be slaughtered for a discount.”
“Would you have a family eat out of a dumpster, not knowing what’s on your table?” she asked. “Then why in the hell would you put foreign sketchy beef on your table?”
“Every American has the right to know where their beef is coming from,” She added. “If you want to eat that foreign crap, go for it.”
But, is she right? Are cattle jam packed into ships on long voyages enroute to the United States? It’s something many people don’t think about, but that’s exactly how it happens…and it isn’t a pleasant sight.
In October of 2015, a cattle ship in Brazil sunk in port, sending 5,000 cows into the water to die. The scene was caught on video and gives you a glimpse into how cattle are shipped from overseas.
A year before, one of the world’s largest cattle carrying ships burned in Australia, also while docked, but was luckily empty of cattle.
In conclusion, Lahren is right. For over a year, Americans have been in the dark about where their beef and pork comes from as the USDA and even your local grocery store is not allowed by law, to report your meat’s country of origin.
On the Sixth Day of Chanukah, Jackson Celebrated
by Linda Selznik
JACKSON-On the sixth night of Chanukah, hundreds of residents, of all generations, braving a light but warm winter rain, were greeted by Honey and Bob Greenberg in the lobby of town hall, and enjoyed kosher jelly donuts, chocolate gelt, beverages, and spinning dreidles.
The Festival of Chanukah is celebrated for eight days. It commemorates the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem, following the victory of a small band of Jewish Maccabees over their mighty oppressors. Only one pure vial of oil remained, miraculously burning for eight days, until it could be replenished. Hanukkah reminds us of the universal message of freedom from tyranny and the timeless belief that miracles are possible.
In the main meeting room, Helene Schlegel, Township Business Administrator, Sean Gertner, Township attorney for the Zoning Board, and members of the Board of Education Tom Colucci, Vicky Grasso, Scott Sargent, were introduced.
Rabbi Jan Rosenberg of Beth Zion Messianic Synagogue, Howell, and President of the Jackson Clergy Association was introduced again, with several of his congregants.
Linda Selznick, co-Chair, read a certificate of thankfulness, “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace… Where there is darkness, light“…written by Bat Shalom Hadassah, and presented to Mayor Michael Reina and the Township Council, in appreciation of their kind permission, and the unending assistance of the Department of Public Works with the Menorah Lighting.
Rabbi Emeritus Michael Klein and Annie Klein, of Congregation Ahavat Olam, Howell, New Jersey, shared “the true message of Chanukah, the right for people to believe as they choose, without coercion or fear.”
The Very Reverend Father John Bambrick, pastor of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, stated the need “…to be people of encounter, accompaniment, and dialogue and to walk with one another and our neighbors. May we reject the aimless paths of disagreement and closed-mindedness and work to build bridges of understanding, harmony and peace among people of all faiths.”
Chabad Rabbi Philip Lefkowtz, a newly welcomed resident of Westlake, accompanied by his grandson Eli, shared: “…there is a growing awareness in the US of the diversity of beliefs, however many people are not sure how to be inclusive of others. Today, it’s about using a time to be with friends and family to build understanding and awareness about others no matter what each person believes. Real unity in diversity is the new America.”
New Jersey State Senator Sam Thompson and Assemblyman Robert Clifton joined us again, reading a beautifully expressed ceremonial Joint Resolution to the President of Bat Shalom Hadassah, conveying the message of religious freedom in our beloved country.
Director Priscilla Baker and Master of Ceremonies Albert Vrancart led the vibrant chorus of the Four Seasons of Metedeconk Lakes, joining us for the first time, sharing the spirit of Chanukah through their beautifully presented songs, with unique introductions.
Drew Staffenberg, newly appointed Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, stated that: “in lighting the Chanukah Menorah, I hope that the lights of each candle will shine brightly for the entire year and challenge each of us to work together for peace and freedom for all.”
Ellen Keller, President of Bat Shalom Hadassah, addressed all gathered, proclaiming: “May all of our deeds continue to bring shared hope, light and healing to the many lives which we, in Bat Shalom Hadassah, are blessed to reach.”
We were blessed with a clearing sunset, as we then assembled on the lawn, to witness the Menorah Lighting, officially conducted by Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, Official Chabad lighting founder, and Executive Director of the Chabad of South and Central New Jersey.
Representatives of Bat Shalom Hadassah, the Yiddish Clubs of Westlake, Winding Ways, Metedeconk and South Knolls, and Jewish community leaders were honored by lighting a ceremonial chimney candle, as Rabbi Yosef Carlebach chanted the blessing of the candles and proclaimed: “This ancient miracle has lifted all of us, throughout the ages, out of the world of darkness, to ever increasing light and holiness.”
Rabbi Schmuel and Musi Naparstek, Co-Directors of the newly established Chabad of Jackson, shared, with their two young daughters: “No matter how many candles are lit from one candle, the original candle does not lose any light. Brightening up the lives of others with goodness and kindness will never take away from our own inner light; it will only enhance our lives”.
Cantor Emeritus Neil ben Isvy of Marlboro Jewish Center, concluded the lighting of the candles of the Hanukkah Menorah by introducing and leading the singing of Maoz Tzur, (Rock of Ages), a beautiful song of thankfulnes for our redemption.
Linda Selznick, Co-Chairwoman with Honey Greenberg, Bat Shalom Hadassah
11th Official Menorah Lighting of December 29, 2016, Jackson Township, New Jersey
Toms River Seeking Public Input on 2016 CDBG Grant
The Township of Toms River is now accepting applications for CDBG funding for 2017 and will seek public input and host a public meeting January 17, 2017 at 6:00pm in the L. Manuel Hirshborlond Meeting Room located on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Municipal Complex, 33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ.
Applications for FY 2017 funding will be distributed and questions concerning the application process will be answered. All non-profits and Toms River Township public members are welcome to apply.
Applications are available on the town website tomsrivertownship.com. Individuals requiring special assistance/or translation assistance should contact Kim Bauer at 732-341-1000 ext. 8351.
Today's Daily Dose: January 3, 2017
250 Earthquakes reported on New Year’s Eve near California-Mexico border
More than 250 small earthquakes have struck since New Year’s Eve near the California-Mexico border, causing unease among residents and attention from scientists.
Western Dress is Blame for Rapes
Over in India, a politician blamed a New Year’s Eve mass molestation on western style dress. Reacting to the incident, G Parameshwara, Karnataka’s state home minister, blamed the victims for dressing in Western clothing. “They try to copy westerners not only in mindset, but even the dressing … some girls are harassed, these kind of things do happen.”
Big headed Rosie O’Donnell calls Donald Trump mentally unstable
The new year may be off to a fresh start, but actress Rosie O’Donnell still going at it with her offensive tweets about President-elect Donald Trump. It looks like she’s back on Twitter after going incognito after being schooled on making fun of autistic children.
Nancy Pelosi: Dismantling Obamacare is cowardice
America’s least favorite talking bobblehead who wields absolutely no power in the country still voices an opinion. “You break it, you own it,” Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said of Obamacare. Pst, Nancy, it’s already broken.
8 new laws in NJ may be affecting you already
New tax breaks, a slight bump in the minimum wage and an opportunity for adopted people to obtain their original birth certificates await New Jerseyans as a plethora of high-impact laws take effect in 2017.
Iran received more than $10 billion in cash and gold
Iran has received more than $10 billion in sanctions relief from around the world in the form of cash and gold in the past three years, since it signed a preliminary nuclear deal with world powers, The Wall Street Journal has revealed.
Mariah Carey blames others for not knowing words to her songs on NYE
Mariah Carey’s team insist that she was sabotaged for ratings on Sunday night’s New Year’s Eve performance.
And now for the most pirated movie of 2016….
2016 wasn’t just a great year for movies, it was also a good year for illegal downloads. According to TorrentFreak, the most pirated movie of last year was none other than…
Some bedtime rituals that could help you lose weight
Between the kids, the laundry, the dust, and all the emails (and everything else) we haven’t answered, Americans appear lucky to sneak in a good six hours of sleep each night.
New Jersey Could Soon Require Background Checks for In-Home Day Care Providers
by Phil Stilton
TRENTON-Those running family day care centers out of their homes in New Jersey may soon be subjected to federal background checks if a law moving through the state assembly reaches the desk of Governor Christie and he signs it.
The New Jersey Assembly wrote today:
All family day care providers would be required to undergo state and federal background checks under bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Joe Pennacchio and Shirley Turner and approved by the New Jersey Senate.
Under current law, prospective and current providers only have to undergo a child abuse registry check administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF.) They are not, however, required to undergo standard state and federal criminal history record background checks.
“It is impossible to know how many child abusers are slipping through the cracks in the system without subjecting every day care employee to a criminal background check,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said. “Clearly, a child abuse record check is not sufficient enough to prevent predators from accessing our children. An innocent child who is cared for by a handful of people in a private residence is no less deserving of the State’s protection.”
A “family day care” is defined as a private residence in which child care services are provided for a fee to between three and five children at a time, for no less than 15 hours per week.
S-651 would mandate that all current and prospective family day care providers, as well as anyone who works at the day care, also submit to criminal background checks. 11 states currently have this law in place.
Under the bill, the New Jersey State Police would be required to notify DCF in the event that a current or prospective family day care provider is convicted of a crime or offense in this state after the background check has been performed. Additionally, anyone who refuses to submit to a background check would be denied an issuance or renewal certificate of registration as a family day care provider. Senator Pennacchio’s legislation is currently awaiting action in the Assembly.
“We cannot guarantee our children’s safety until we correct this unequitable, dangerous oversight in state law,” Senator Pennacchio added. “I thank Senator Turner for her leadership on this bill and I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to take up our cause as soon as possible.”
Bill to Protect Consumers from Post Disaster Price Gouging Passes Assembly
by Phil Stilton
TRENTON-After Superstorm Sandy, allegations over price gouging on items ranging from food to emergency essentials was prevalent around the county by unscrupulous business owners trying to cash in on the disaster.
If a bill passed by the assembly is signed into law by Governor Chris Christie, it was place a prohibition on post-disaster price gouging.
“The protections we put in place will deter businesses from taking advantage of consumers during a natural disaster by spiking prices for necessities, such as gasoline and groceries,” Senator Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) said. “This bill will ensure business won’t be put at a disadvantage because of the inflexibility of the current protocol, and still protect consumers from price gouging tactics that threaten their welfare and safety.”
The legislation, S-2321, amends existing law to provide that it would be unlawful for any person to sell any product at an excessive price for a 30-day period following the declaration of a state of emergency. It also allows for the Governor to extend the period during which the price gouging prohibition remains in force.
Under current law, excessive price increases are prohibited for a period that extends to 30 days after the termination of a state of emergency. An “excessive price” is defined as more than 10 percent above the price of the item or service as offered immediately before the state of emergency.
“Every disaster is different, and a rigid, 30-day period might not work for every one of them,” Senator Oroho said. “We need to tailor these protections to fit each unique situation that arises. I think this will help us strike a balance between protecting consumers during a natural disaster and supporting businesses once the emergency is over.”
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.
Berkeley Island Park Begins Rebuilding After Being Damaged During Sandy
by Phil Stilton
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP-More than four years after being critically damaged by Superstorm Sandy, the Berkeley Island County Park is finally being rebuilt. In November, the county announced a $6.9 million construction contract was approved by the Board of Chosen Freeholders. 
“To say we are excited about the bid award and ground breaking would be an understatement,” said Mayor Carmen Amato. “Berkeley Island County Park is enjoyed by so many Berkeley residents and we can’t wait for construction to begin.”
The park has been closed since Sandy, but the new plans unveiled to the community highlighted new amenities, including the first Ocean County run splash park for children.
“We have also added a unique and new feature sure to make children happy especially in the warm weather,” said Ocean County Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr., who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation. “Berkeley Island County Park will be home to the county’s first splash park.”
Bartlett said he traveled to Philadelphia to see firsthand how the splash pad operates and whether it would be a good fit for an Ocean County park. Bartlett said if the 2,300 square foot, nautically themed splash park is successful at Berkeley Island, Ocean County may consider installing them at other county parks.
“I want to thank the Ocean County Freeholders for providing the investment to not only repair, but to rebuild the entire park. In our early discussions with Freeholder Bartlett, a splash park was discussed, which we were very supportive of having,” Amato added. “We are extremely pleased that the Freeholders did include the splash park. Prior to Superstorm Sandy, Berkeley Island Park was showing its age. I’m looking forward to it’s opening very soon!”
The Freeholders on Nov. 2 awarded a contract for the park redevelopment project to Eagle Construction, of Burlington, in the amount of $6.9 million.
Ocean County expects about $1.2 million reimbursement for the work from the Federal Emergency Management Administration and about $200,000 from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Additional funding may be provided by FEMA from mitigation funds.
Engineers from T&M Associates and Barlo & Associates designed the park redevelopment and buildings, strengthening them to withstand future storms.
A living shoreline will be installed on the south side of the park, and shoreline protection has been fitted on the north side. All new infrastructures, a new parking area with ADA accommodations and improved lighting for easy access are just some of the features that improve the function, aesthetics and recreational opportunities available at this 25 acre park.