MORRISTOWN — A 64-year-old town man was indicted on Thursday on charges of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in March, the Daily Record reported. Antonio Velasquez faces charges of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault and child endangerment, according to the report. Velasquez has denied the charges, the report said. Last year, Velasquez was…
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Ex-firefighter gets 3 years for criminal sexual contact with girl, 15
NEWTON — A 28-year-old former volunteer firefighter was sentenced to three years in prison for child endangerment and criminal sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl, authorities said. Kile Burke, of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., was previously indicted on charges of sexual assault, criminal sexual contact and child endangerment. As part of a plea deal, the most serious…
School Mourns Girl Who Drowned at Jersey Shore Beach
BELMAR — The 12-year-old girl who drowned in Belmar Thursday night and her 11-year-old cousin who remains on life support after being pulled from the ocean would have attended their last day of elementary school Friday. Instead, Belmar Elementary School is gripped with grief by the tragedy, school Superintendent David R. Hallman said Friday morning. “They’re…
NASA to Light Up Skies Over Atlantic Coast Tonight
After seven aborted missions, NASA is going to try again to launch a rocket that will generate colorful artificial clouds in the night sky over the Atlantic coast as part of a study on how air moves in the upper atmosphere. The launch is planned for Friday night, sometime between 9:05 p.m. and 9:20 p.m., weather…
Good or Bad? Former Dominatrix Seeking Work at a County Jail
A former dominatrix wanted to change her life and start a career as a sheriff’s officer in Hudson County. She was days away from graduating the police academy when officials found out about her prior life. She was quickly suspended. The sheriff’s office said her conduct was unbecoming a public employee. They said that “the proliferation…
Police: Brick Teen Killed, Mutilated Rabbit While Other Kids Recorded Incident
BRICK — Authorities are investigating a teenage boy accused of killing and dismembering a rabbit while others watched and recorded it on video, according to a report. The boy, a resident of the Maple Leaf Park condo complex, allegedly hit the rabbit with a brick and then smashed the animal’s head on June 8, the report…
Wall HS Yearbooks to be Republished After Trump Censorship
WALL — Wall Township High School will reprint corrected yearbooks for every student after a photo was intentionally manipulated to cover up a junior’s Donald Trump T-shirt, according to the district. Superintendent Cheryl Dyer announced the decision in a letter to parents on Thursday, a week after the district was first alerted to the altered photo.…
Ocean County Contractor Facing Charges for $1.5m Sandy Scheme
Federal authorities on Thursday arrested a contractor accused of bilking victims of Hurricane Sandy out of more than $1.5 million by skipping out on repair jobs after taking their money. Jamie Lynn Lawson, 42, was arrested early Thursday morning at an extended stay hotel in Florence, SC, by U.S. Marshals in that area, said Michael Schroeder,…
New Justice League Ride Unveiled at Great Adventure
JACKSON – Metropolis is under attack and the Justice League team of superheroes needs help. That is the scenario that riders of Six Flags Great Adventure’s new 4D ride Justice League: Battle for Metropolis – which opened for season pass holders on Thursday – are faced with as they don 3D glasses and head into a…
REPORT: New Jersey is Arresting More People for Weed Than Ever Before
TRENTON — If you lined up every person who had been arrested on marijuana charges in the Garden State since 2000, according to a new report from the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, they would stretch the entire length of the New Jersey Turnpike — and into Maryland. The advocacy group found marijuana…
Letting Go Of A Balloon Could Soon be a $500 Fine in NJ
TRENTON-Imagine the scenario… You’re walking along the boardwalk with your child and she accidentally lets go of the big pink balloon she just received from a stand or vendor. Then a police officer walks up to you and issues you a $500 fine.
Sounds unlikely, but it could be a possibility if a new bill proposed in the New Jersey legislation becomes law.
As New Jersey reels from a pension funding crisis, some legislators are busy tackling another problem the plagues the Garden State, loose balloons.
New legislation introduced by State Senator Jeff Van Drew (D) and Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D) seek to impose fines up to $500 for the “illegal release of balloons”. That is by anyone but government employees.
Senate bill 3288, if passed will permit municipalities, by ordinance, to prohibit the release of balloons.
“A municipality, by ordinance, may prohibit any person, organization, firm, or corporation from intentionally releasing, organizing the release of, or intentionally causing the release of, balloons, including latex and Mylar balloons, that are inflated with helium, or other gas that is lighter than air, within the municipality’s borders. The ordinance may impose a penalty, not to exceed $500, for the violation of such an ordinance,” the bill reads.
Of course, like many government restrictions, the state will allow the government to continue to release balloons.
“The provisions of this section shall not apply to a balloon released by a person on behalf of a government agency,” the bill states.
Here at the Jersey Shore one local freeholder last week raised his own concerns about the release of balloons, citing several concerns.
“If these metallic-covered balloons strike power cables, they can cause widespread electrical outages,” said Ocean County Freeholder Joe Vicari. “We are getting more and more reports of deflated or shredded Mylar balloons found floating in the bay and in the ocean.”
Vicari said he discussed the Mylar balloon problem with representatives from the state Department of Environmental Protection and local environmentalists at the annual Barnegat Bay Blitz.
“We spoke of the importance of educating people about unseen dangers of these balloons,” he said.
Vicari did not mention the new proposed bill that would allow municipalities to fine those who release balloons intentionally.
No Takers for Jackson's $375,000 Liquor License
JACKSON-Jackson Township’s plan to sell liquor licenses to generate additional revenue fell flat after there were no interested bidders on a new liquor license approved earlier this year.
The township hoped to raise at least $375,000 in revenue with the sale of an additional plenary retail distribution license, a hot commodity in most surrounding towns, but had a frigid reception here.
Township Clerk Ann Marie Eden removed the discussion of the license from June 13th’s meeting agenda.
“There’s no reason to discuss it,” Eden said. “We did not get a pre-qualification, it’s unfortunately not happening.”
BREAKING: Republican U.S. Congressmen Shot at During Baseball Practice, 5 wounded
ALEXANDRIA,VA-Dozens of gunshots rang out from behind a dugout at a DC area baseball field at 7 am this morning, hitting Congressman Steve Scalise, of Louisiana and injuring Congressman Roger Williams, of Texas.
A female Capitol Police Department officer was shot in the foot, according to Rand Paul.
Williams was injured while running and diving into the dugout, seeking cover, injuring his leg.
Three others were shot, but not identified at this point. Witnesses reported a man asking if the softball players were Republicans or Democrats and returned a short time later, firing what they said were between 50 to 100 shots.
Congressman Brad Wenstrup, an Ohio Republican, said he felt like he was in Iraq, but with a weapon. He said Scalise was on second base and dropped to the ground after being shot.
Congressman Jeff Flake of Arizona said people were running in every direction after the shooting started.
“He had a lot ammo,” Flake said, adding the gunman was sheltered behind the third base dugout, shooting onto the field.
“We were doing practice and a number of people were batting and fielding and all the sudden we heard a very loud shot, the gunman was by the third base dugout and had a clear view of the field,” Flake said.
Flake said one staffer was shot in the leg and was administered first aid in the dugout.
Scalise dragged himself from second base further into the field to put distance between himself and the gunman, then was motionless according to witnesses.
Once capitol police officer subdued the shooter, Hart and others ran out to administer first aid, including Wenstrup, an U.S. Army Iraq war veteran and doctor. Alexandria police also responded quickly to the scene.
“He was firing rounds all over the place,” Wenstrup said. He said the shooter, who was wearing jeans and blue shirt was moving from position to position shooting into the field with his rifle, eventually switching to a handgun.
Two Capitol Police Department officers were on hand as part of Steve Scalise’s security detail.
“If Scalise wasn’t here, the Capitol Police officers would not have been there,” Wenstrup said. “It would have been a lot worse.”
The Republican congressmen were practicing for a Thursday charity softball game against Democrats, raising $650,000 for underprivileged kids in DC.
25 members of congress were on the field at the time. Scalise suffered a serious injury, but is now in stable condition.
Chief Michael Brown of the Alexandria Police Department said within three minutes his department had three officers on scene to engage the shooter. Brown said five individuals were transported to the hospital.
Matt Vederosa, Chief of the Capitol Police Department said two officers were on scene for a security detail and were able to immediately engage the suspect and said it is too early to release any further details.
The shooter was apprehended and the extent of his injuries are unknown.
Hart said an African American Capitol Police Department officer was shot in the leg, but continued to engage the shooter.
“The Vice President and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely,” President Donald J. Trump said. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected.”
Helicopter arrives on scene where GOP Rep. Steve Scalise was shot at congressional baseball practice https://t.co/NfEnFaJMJr pic.twitter.com/UFP2hmsWwY
— CNN (@CNN) June 14, 2017
Police Officers Surprise Boy Fighting Cancer with New Motorcycle
HOWELL-Police here gave 7 year old Jake the ride of his life, a motorcycle.
“I am honored to introduce to you Jake “The Tank” Honig. Jake is a 7 year old resident of Howell. This brave young man has courageously fought cancer since he was 2. Jake came to visit us at the PD last year where he was given a tour and a ride-along with Detective Corporal Mike Pavlick. He’s a huge fan of the police,” Chief Andrew Kudrick said. “This year, we decided to visit him.”
Kudrick said a police department job is waiting for him when he gets older.
https://www.facebook.com/CBSNewYork/videos/10154966571574024/
“He truly is an inspiration to all of us. I’m sure he has positively impacted more people in the past 5 years than most adults do in their entire life,” Kudrick said. “Recognition to Det. Cpl. Mike Pavlick who organized and coordinated the entire event. He arranged the purchase of the motorcycle through the PBA, assembled it and arranged for the delivery. He rallied the officers and made the presentation to Jake. He is truly “committed to community.”
Where to Drop off Hazardous Waste, Paint Cans, Pool Chemicals and Gasoline in Ocean County
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County will hold five more free household hazardous waste collection dates this year.
“We are currently completing our first three collections of 2017 with the next scheduled for June 3 at the Manchester Township Public Works Garage, at 1360 Route 70,” said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management. “We have now put into place the summer/fall schedule which will run from July through October.
“So far we have collected 121,576 pounds of household hazardous waste during our first two collections this year,” Little said. “This program provides benefits to not just our citizens but it also protects the environment.”
The additional dates, times and locations for the 2017 disposal program are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 15, Little Egg Harbor Township Recycling Center, 1363 County Road 539; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 5, Jackson Township Municipal Building, 95 West Veterans Highway; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 27, Lakewood Public Works Yard, 1 America Ave.; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 23, Long Beach Township Public Works Garage, 7910 Long Beach Boulevard, Beach Haven Crest, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 7, Point Pleasant Municipal Building, 2233 Bridge Avenue.
While the program is free registration is required.
To register for the Little Egg Harbor and Long Beach townships collection sites call 609-978-0913; for the Lakewood call 732-506-5047 and for the Jackson Township and Point Pleasant collection site call 732-367-0802.
Last year, the County collected 290,602 pounds of household hazardous waste, up about 20,000 pounds, at a cost of $123,688. The program is funded in part by the State Recycling Enhancement Act Tax Fund.
“This free program, which got started in 1989, provides an avenue to get rid of items like paints, paint thinner, and cleaners, properly and safely, keeping the material from entering our waterways and our preserved lands,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “The Department of Solid Waste Management has done a great job in implementing this program for almost three decades.”
The program runs at least once a month from April to October and is held at different collection sites throughout the County. Residents can register for any of the sites.
“We work to make certain this program is accessible to our residents,” Little said. “It is held in towns, both large and small, and citizens in any Ocean County town can attend any site. Our residents can attend any location.”
Municipal recycling centers and the county’s recycling centers also allow for drop off of a host of materials including used paint, motor oil and car batteries.
“Our residents should check with us or their local recycling center to determine what is accepted year-round eliminating the need to store potentially hazardous items in their home,” Little said.
Residents can drop off a maximum of 200 pounds of dry material and 20 gallons of liquid at the County’s household hazardous waste collection sites. No containers over five gallons will be accepted.
Materials accepted at the household hazardous waste collection sites are: paints, thinners, boat paints, solvents, pool chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, aerosol cans, auto products, toilet and drain cleaners, silver polishes, oven cleaners, photographic chemicals, rug and upholstery cleaners, polishes and bleaches, waste oil and used gasoline.
The five summer/fall dates also will be serviced by Radiac Environmental Services at a cost of about 44 cents a pound.
Program information also can be found on the county website at www.co.ocean.nj.us or by calling 1-800-55-RECYCLE.
“We encourage our residents to use this free program to make certain chemicals, cleaners, solvents and other items we use around the house are disposed of properly,” Little said.
Freeholder Tries to Get Grip on Loose Mylar Balloons
by Ocean County, NJ
MYLAR BALLOONS, those metallic covered novelty decorations that come in a host of shapes and sizes, may be fine for parties or graduation celebrations, but they can be deadly to wildlife that thrive in Ocean County’s bays and other waterways.
“We are getting more and more reports of deflated or shredded Mylar balloons found floating in the bay and in the ocean,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “Some wildlife can mistake the balloons for food and try to consume them.”
While all balloons can pose a threat to fish, birds, reptiles and mammals, Vicari said the popularity of the Mylar balloons is adding to the problem.
“People like them because of the bright colors and various designs. You can find a Mylar balloon to celebrate just about any occasion,” he said.
Vicari asked that anyone using Mylar balloons keep them carefully tethered and do not let the helium-filled balloons escape. Afterwards, they should be disposed of properly in the trash.
Loose balloons that rise high enough and are caught in the wind can travel for hundreds of miles.
“Part of the problem we are seeing is the prevailing winds are bringing these balloons in from other states,” Vicari said. “Let’s set an example in Ocean County not release balloons.”
According to reports from across the nation, Mylar balloons also pose another threat.
“If these metallic-covered balloons strike power cables, they can cause widespread electrical outages,” he said.
California utility companies reported that Mylar balloons were responsible for more than 1,900 outages in that state in 2015.
“For everyone’s safety, please keep all balloons tethered,” he said.
Vicari said he discussed the Mylar balloon problem with representatives from the state Department of Environmental Protection and local environmentalists at Wednesday’s Barnegat Bay Blitz at the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices in Toms River.
“We spoke of the importance of educating people about unseen dangers of these balloons,” he said.
Vicari said plastics, including plastic bags and ringed six-pack can holders are also a growing problem in the bay.
“We ask everyone to please properly dispose of their plastics so they don’t threaten our wildlife,” he said.
Many supermarkets accept old plastic bags for recycling, Vicari added.
“The bags are used to make composite plastic decking for boardwalks and backyard decks,” he said. “Park benches are also made from the material.”
Manahawkin butcher wins $1M in World Series of Poker event
A butcher from New Jersey outlasted 18,053 other players to win $1 million at a World Series of Poker event on Wednesday. Thomas Pomponio topped the field at the “Colossus” No-limit Hold’em tournament in Las Vegas, ReviewJournal.com said. N.J. man makes final table at WSOP Pomponio, who lives in the Manahawkin section of Stafford, started the…
Dangerous clinging jellyfish found in N.J. river
The jellyfish with a dangerous sting that caused a scare on the Jersey Shore last summer, prompting the cancellation of several events, have reappeared in a Monmouth County river, researchers say. Clinging jellyfish – whose sting can cause “excruciating pain”, muscle weakness and serious medical problems, including kidney failure – were observed and recorded in New…
N.J. cop accused of beating teen after chase placed on paid leave
CARTERET — A borough police officer under investigation over allegations that he beat and bloodied a 16-year-old after a brief car chase last week has been placed on administrative leave, officials confirmed. Hours after NJ Advance Media published an article Wednesday detailing the teen’s allegations from the early morning of May 31, a spokesman for the…
Pro BMX, Scooter Riders Will Be At Berkeley Skate Park Grand Opening
BERKELEY TWP-Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato has announced the grand opening of the township’s new skate park and said a handful of professional BMX and scooter riders will be in attendance showing off their moves and signing autographs.
Pro riders Garret Byrnes, Dom Simoncini, Mike Shimak and JonMarco Gaydos are just a few of the dozen riders who will be there.
The event is free to the public and kicks off at 11am. The skatepark is located at Veterans Park, 489 Forest Hills Parkway, Berkeley Township.