ROXBURY – Officials rescued Sunday morning a deer stuck in a frozen pond for nearly 24 hours in Roxbury. The deer is out of the water but is struggling to walk on its own. The deer had been stuck in the pond located in a residential neighborhood overnight. An attempt to rescue the deer Saturday was…
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Former Jackson Business Administrator Turns Himself in to State Police on Corruption Charges
TOTOWA-When Jackson Township hired former Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres in 2010 to succeed Phil Del Turco as business administrator, everyone in the township knew is it was a mistake, except for the governing body. Appointed by Mayor Michael Reina with a stunning referral from then township attorney George Gilmore, the township council approved the appointment, despite Torres being legally qualified for the position.
In the all-or-nothing effort to appoint Torres, notorious for political backroom wheeling and dealing, Councilman Scott Martin suggested the township change their legal code to allow Torres in. In Torres’ tumultuous time in Jackson, the township furloughed DPW workers, threatened police department layoffs and many other negative impacts to the township as Torres used the position simply as a holdover until he ran for mayor in Paterson in 2014, after being deposed in his hometown a year earlier.
One of Torres’ most damaging and notorious backroom deals was the agreement he made with a local landscaper, in which township resources were used to provide a political ally with with tons of leaves, free of charge, which the landscaper then was given authority by Torres to convert the leaves into mulch for commercial resale.
That agreement led to years of complaints from local residents and an eventual lawsuit in which the town was forced to sue the landscaper, costing taxpayers nearly $250,000 in legal and professional fees during the investigation and subsequent lawsuit.
Now, Torres, might finally be heading to jail as he was indicted on political corruption charges in Paterson. He turned himself into authorities earlier this week.
Earlier this month, federal authorities raided Torres’ offices as part of an unrelated investigation. Subpoenas were also sent to multiple Ocean County town halls, including Jackson related to that second investigation.
Below is a report from the Star Ledger:
TOTOWA – Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres turned himself in to the State Police on Monday after being indicted last week on corruption charges. Torres, 58 of Paterson, walked into the State Police barracks in Totowa to answer charges that he conspired to have work performed on a property connected to one of his family members.…
Under the Influence? You Decide: Pizza Delivery Driver Captures Video of St. Patrick's Day Crash
TOMS RIVER-A pizza delivery guy who never leaves the restaurant without his dashcam running captured a shocking video from Friday evening show what he felt was an impaired driver crashing into the median on Route 37.
The crash was caught on video just east of BJ’s Wholesale Club. As the driver weaved between lanes, he caught the attention of a Toms River policeman who got behind the vehicle. Seconds later the truck veers towards oncoming traffic and crashes into the median.
Police did not release any details on this incident. This case is now open to the internet’s online judge and jury. Leave your comment below.
More Toms River Mayhem: WOBM radio host’s crash moved to Atlantic County after conflict of interest issues.
Case Against Toms River Philanthropist Being Reviewed by Atlantic City Prosecutor
ATLANTIC COUNTY-Jay McKeen, a spokesperson for the Atlantic City Prosecutor’s Office said his office is now reviewing a case against local Ocean County philanthropist and WOBM radio host Jeremy Grunin.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the incident that occurred involving Grunin in Island Heights last July has been transferred to Atlantic County over a conflict of interest issue. Grunin’s foundation had previously awarded a $10,000 donation to Tina’s House, a charity promoted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
In July of 2016, Grunin was involved in a car crash and subsequent police chase in Island Heights, as reported by the Island Heights Police Department.
A source close to the case said Atlantic County may have a hard time trying the case against Grunin since the incident was not reported to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for nearly a month after it happened and a proper accident scene investigation was never conducted.
McKeen said at this time no trial date has been scheduled.
The incident was also never reported in the media.
According to the Island Heights Police Department, this is what happened that night:
On Sunday July 17, 2016 @ 12:23am, while on patrol, Patrolman Robert Sinnott observed what appeared to be a lot of smoke in the roadway on Central Ave. Upon arrival at the scene, there were two vehicles into a pole both with extensive damage.
The 2nd vehicle was occupied by a male who had blood running down his face. At this time, Ptl. Sinnott notified the county dispatch to dispatch fire & first aid.
Ptl. Sinnott quickly exited his vehicle to check on the driver of the vehicle, at which time, the driver backed his car up and began to drive away. Ptl. Sinnott was yelling to the driver to “stop” but he continued on his way. Ptl. Sinnott when returning to his vehicle, saw the vehicle lose control and crash into a parked car pushing it along the curb.
Ptl. Sinnott went over to the vehicle and spoke with the driver who did not realize he was just in two accidents and he stated to Ptl. Sinnott that everything was ok and he was going home. Ptl. Sinnott advised him to stay in his car while he checked the other vehicles. As Ptl. Sinnott walked away, he started up his vehicle and began to drive away. Ptl. Sinnott signaled him to stop and he did not acknowledge his order.
Ptl. Sinnott concerned for the driver’s safety and others, reached his hand in attempt to turn off the vehicle but he began to drive away while Ptl. Sinnott was ordering him to stop his vehicle. Ptl. Sinnott at this point stepped away from the vehicle and returned to his marked unit to follow and stop the vehicle in question. Ptl. Sinnott activated his lights & siren and the vehicle stopped. Ptl. Sinnott advised the driver to turn off his car and give him his keys and he did. As Ptl. Sinnott again attempted to check on the other vehicles, the car started up due to it having a key fob.
Ptl. Sinnott quickly opened the door and had the driver who was having trouble maintaining his balance get out of the vehicle. Ptl. Sinnott assisted him with sitting down on the side of the road. The Island Heights Fire Chief arrived along with Toms River CSO MED unit, MONOC paramedics and Toms River Police Department.
It was at this time, that the driver was identified as Jeremy Grunin, 42 years old of Toms River. Mr. Grunin refused medical attention several times but in the end did end up being transported to Community Medical Center for a head laceration. Due to his medical condition, Ptl. Sinnott was unable to conduct a field sobriety test. Mr. Grunin was charged with eluding police, failure to wear seatbelt, careless driving(2), leaving the scene of an accident(2), failure to report an accident(2), failure to maintain lane(2) and failure to observe police officers orders. A court date is pending. Lt. Kevin Arnold, Ptl. Paul Rutledge & Ptl. Michael Conrad assisted.
More than 650 Lakewood Kids Are Waiting for Access to Pre-K
Lakewood featured in new Pre-K Our Way Advertisement
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Lakewood was included in advertisements released this week by Pre-K Our Way, a nonprofit, statewide effort that helps New Jersey’s communities bring high-quality pre-k to their children. The online and television ads show the impact on local communities who were promised, but are still waiting for, access to the state’s high-quality preschool program. In Lakewood, more than 650 three- and four-year olds wait each year for access to preschool, with more than 3,600 kids waiting in nearly every other community in Ocean County.
When the school aid funding formula was adopted in 2008, it called for the expansion of New Jersey’s pre-k program to children in hundreds of communities across New Jersey, including Lakewood. Unfortunately, this provision of the law was never funded, leaving 50,000 kids statewide waiting each year for the opportunity to be prepared for school and ready for success.
“50,000 New Jersey children in nearly every school district across the state are waiting to have access to New Jersey’s high-quality pre-k program,” said Sam Crane of Pre-K Our Way. “There is no more important education investment we can make to ensure the long-term success of our children.”
Pre-K Our Way’s new advertising campaign is a call to community members and families for the state’s leaders to make pre-k expansion a priority in revisions to the school aid funding formula. In recent weeks, both the Legislature – through hearings – and Governor – in his Budget Message – have called for bipartisan discussion to address inequities in the state school aid funding formula. Those interested in getting involved can learn how to spread the word about Pre-K Our Way, tell their legislators why pre-k is important to them or share their stories about pre-k at www.prekourway.org.
You can view the advertisement including Lakewood online here: https://youtu.be/iCLix5JxVm0
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Pre-K Our Way, a nonpartisan and nonprofit community-based organization, coordinated through a diverse group of business leaders, parents, foundations, early childhood educators, community leaders interested citizens and elected officials, engages communities on expanding NJ’s existing high-quality public preschool for their children. Visit our website at www.prekourway.org for more information.
Ordinance to ban dormitories in Jackson to be heard Thursday evening
JACKSON-The Jackson Township clerk has announced the rescheduling of Tuesday night’s cancelled council meeting where the council was expected to vote on a controversial ordinance to ban dormitories within the township. The meeting will now be held Thursday night at 7:30pm at town hall. The meeting is open to the public. The ordinance is scheduled for a second and final reading and a public comment session will be afforded to the public.
RELATED NEWS: Is it too late for Jackson Township? Has the town already been sold to the highest bidder?
According to a statement released by the clerk:
Pursuant to the “Open Public Meetings Act”, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., the Jackson Township Council hereby gives notice of a change in date of a previously scheduled Township Council meeting. The Jackson Township Council previously noticed a regular public meeting for Tuesday, March 14, 2017 commencing at 7:30 p.m. Due to inclement weather, the meeting is hereby canceled and is rescheduled for Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Jackson Township Municipal Building, 95 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, New Jersey. Formal action will be taken. No change in items listed on the 3/14/17 agenda. There will be no executive session.
Prosecutor's Office: Police shoot, kill man in Toms River Apartment Complex
News release published by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office:
Today (3/14/17) the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit, along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI, were dispatched to the Silver Ridge Apartments located at 109 Edgewood Court in Toms River reference a reported police involved shooting.
OCPO’s investigating detectives preliminarily report that at approximately 12:30 pm, two members of the Toms River Police Department were following up on a prior report of a person believed to be in need of professional mental health intervention services. During the course of their investigation a physical altercation took place after making contact with the 56 year old white male subject. That altercation lead to the discharge of a service weapon(s). The male subject was subsequently pronounced deceased. An autopsy by the Ocean County Medical Examiners Office will be conducted and a full report regarding the cause and manner of death will be included in future investigative findings.
At this time the investigation and scene processing are the priority. When all the facts and circumstances surrounding the event are definitively confirmed a full account will be issued to the press by our office. This will not take place today. We ask for your patience and willingness to refrain from soliciting unofficial sources in an effort to rush to judgement.
Jackson Township Put on Notice by Lawyer for "Religious Gerrymandering" Over Dorm Ban
JACKSON-The Township of Jackson, in New Jersey has been put on notice by a lawyer representing the growing community of Orthodox Jewish families within its borders.
Robert L. Greene, a lawyer from D.C. based Storzer & Associates wrote a letter to the editor, originally published in the Asbury Park Press, but received today by the Shore News Network.
Greene described Jackson Township’s recent proposal to ban dorms township-wide as “religious gerrymandering” and eluded that a lawsuit is imminent against the township.
The Jackson Township council is expected to pass an ordinance that restricts building school dormitories, commonly identified with housing for Orthodox Yeshivas in neighboring Lakewood Township.
The township council has been silent on the matter in public, with only councilman Barry Calogero stating he was looking forward voting yes to the ban.
His letter reads:
Jackson should take little comfort from the opinions expressed in the Feb. 24 article “Jackson looks to ban dorms” regarding its proposed ordinances targeting schools and dormitories.
Contrary to the claims made in the article, the facial neutrality of a law is only the starting point for a court’s analysis of whether it discriminates against a protected class.
More relevant to Jackson’s ordinances is the question of whether, as the Supreme Court put it, “the design of these laws accomplishes instead a ‘religious gerrymander,’ … an impermissible attempt to target” a particular religious group “and their religious practices.”
Jackson should consider itself placed on notice that its heavy-handed attempt to target a particular population could very well be challenged in an appropriate venue. In this day and age of building walls against other people and cultures, fear and panic should not supplant our important constitutional values.
Robert L. Greene
Storzer & Associates
Washington
U.S. Attorney Fishman: You're Fired! says Donald Trump as he "Drains the Swamp"
WASHINGTON–All 46 U.S. attorneys serving as holdover appointments from the Obama administration were asked to resign by Attorney General Jeff Sessions Friday afternoon, Justice Department officials said. Among them include Paul Fishman, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey. A spokesman for his office said on Friday afternoon he could not be reached for comment. It is…
Lacrosse: Jackson's Kalmowitz Breaks OCC Single Game Scoring Record with 10 Goals
Originally published by OCC Viking News
TOMS RIVER-The Vikings of Ocean County College welcomed Region 19 opponent, The County College of Morris on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon (3/8). The team played in dominating fashion, defeating the Titans 30-2. The Vikings were led by freshman Tyler Kalmowitz (Jackson Liberty), who set an Ocean County College scoring record of 10 goals in the game, with 6 coming in the first half. The Vikings had 8 different scorers on the day. Sophomore John Novak scored 5 goals, and Chris Smith and Kiernan Quinn both added 4. Quinn and Smith each doled out 5 assists, as well.
Sophomores Kyle Leary and Chris Arocho, along with freshmen Joe Jinks and Dylan Simeon led the Vikings’ defense, allowing just 2 2nd half goals. Christian Pongracz dominated again at the face-off “X”, winning 21 of 22 face-offs, while Mike Trezza nabbed the win in goal with two saves.
The Vikings (2-0) are back in action this Wednesday as Union County College (0-2) comes to town for a 4pm face-off.
Visit http://occvikings.com/sports for daily OCC sports news.
The Little Mermaid Opens Tonight at Jackson Memorial High School
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”
Showtimes are Friday, March 10th at 6:30 pm, Saturday March 11th at 12:00 pm and 6:30 pm, and Sunday, March 12th at 2:00 pm. There will also be a Character Breakfast on Sunday at 11:30 am for children under the age of 12. Children can get autographs of their favorite characters, face painting and lunch prior to the Sunday matinee.
“This is truly a magical production that will thrill both children and adults,” said play director Bobbie Allaire. “I hope people will come out and see how hard our students have been working to bring this show to life in a fun, engaging and beautiful way.”
More than 200 students (including about 20 elementary students) are participating in this lavish production as performers, builders, backstage crew and musicians.
The role of Ariel is played by Amber Bialoglow, Prince Eric is played by Hunter Fink, Sebastian by John Gallagher. Rounding out the main principal cast are Matt Ebersole as King Triton, Madison Stephens as Ursula, Corinne Jones as Flounder, Jacob Rechel as Scuttle, Megan Rafferty and Kelly McNally as Flotsam and Jetsam, Tom Perucki as Grimsby and Katrina Zangrillo, Sejal Summers, Grace Burrows, Emily Elias, Marley Anders, and Jamilah Rosemond as Ariel’s sisters.
The powerhouse production team includes Asst-Director: Ms Cori Bott, Vocal Director: Mr Edmund Robertson, Conductor: Mr Jason Diaz, Choreography: Mrs. Alyssa Fisher, Set Design: Ms Jamie Allaire, Assistant Designer: Mrs Janice Casper and building construction by Mr Ryan Kirkirk. Lights will provided be by LIGHTSCENES and sound by Mark Keeler, MK PRODUCTIONS.
Show tickets are being pre-sold (up to the day of the performance) for $12 or at the performance for $15. Pre-sale and character-brunch tickets can purchased at Jackson Memorial High School’s Fine Arts Center from February 7th – March 5th on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 2:00pm – 5:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Requests for tickets can also be placed online by emailing jacksonmemorialmusical@gmail.com, attn: LM tickets, you will be notified via email as to their completion.
Online requests must be picked up within one week of being filled and any requests after March 1st must be picked up one day prior to the show of this request. Starting March 10th, tickets will ONLY be sold starting two hours prior to performance at the JMHS Fine Arts Center.
“Our hope is that families will come out together to see this beautifully orchestrated musical,” Allaire said. “It will fill your senses with pleasant memories and lift your hearts with it’s timeless melodies.’
Local Corruption: Jackson Man Admits He Stole $10,000 from Howell Township Land Use Permit Applications
An Ocean County man admitted in court today he stole over $10,000 in cash from the Howell Township municipal office where he served as director, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Christian Jackson, 45, of Jackson, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of third degree Theft by Unlawful Taking in front of Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Richard W. English. Jackson admitted he stole $10,639 in cash receipts between February 2014 and June 2016, while serving as the Director of Land Use for Howell Township. The stolen cash was money the township received for permit applications from residents and businesses.
As part of his plea agreement with the State, this Office will recommend a term of probation at the time of sentencing. Jackson will also be prohibited from holding any public office, position or employment in the future. Jackson will forfeit his retirement benefits under the state’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and pay restitution in the amount of $10,639. Sentencing is scheduled for May 26, 2017 before Judge English.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen.
Jackson is represented by Mitchell J. Ansell, Esq., of Ocean Township.
In November 2012, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Gramiccioni, launched a Corruption Tip Line designed to solicit the public’s assistance in identifying and targeting corruption, fraud and misconduct occurring in local governmental agencies.
Citizens may report concerns via the following: Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Corruption Tip Line – 855-7-UNJUST (855 786-5878); or E-mail at: corruption@co.monmouth.nj.us write “Corruption/Misconduct Tip” in the subject line.
NJ Legislators Scramble to Protect State from Dangerous Consequences of Bail Reform
JACKSON-When New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment that would give judges the ability to hold violent criminals behind bars until their trials without bail, nobody would have imagined the end result of that vote would lead to more violent criminals and sexual offenders released from jail before their trials.
Not even those Trenton politicians who supported and voted to keep New Jersey’s bail reform and speedy trial act alive and well were prepared for what came next.
Sexual offenders, domestic violence suspects, drug dealers and more are being released without bail just hours after police arrest them. They’re being released by judges against all logical advice from arresting agencies and prosecutors to keep these offenders behind bars.
One of those Trenton politicians who recently supported a $9.3 million refueling bill to further fund the flawed bail reform act was Assemblyman Ron Dancer, who represents Jackson Township here in Ocean County.
Dancer recently proposed a bill that is aimed at curbing the flow child sex offenders being set free by judges around the state, an unfortunate byproduct of the bail reform act he voted to expand funding for just weeks prior.
“Suspects of sex crimes against children will be kept in jail while waiting for trial under a bill introduced by Assemblyman Ron Dancer. The bill (A4637) amends the new bail reform law, allowing courts to order the pretrial release of some defendants,” Dancer said. “The decision to hold a suspect should be based on the danger to the public and the possibility that more children may be victimized,In the case of sexual attacks on children, it is imperative that we exercise extreme caution. For the sake of potential victims, it makes sense to keep attackers off the streets until the case is decided by the courts.
If approved, Dancer’s measure increases the likelihood a charged suspect would remain held by authorities, and creates an option under the bail reform law for prosecutors to argue for pretrial detention. Keywords here are “likelihood”, “could” and “argue”. In the end, the same judges letting out sex offenders today, would be the same ones looking at a computerized score, letting them out tomorrow.
Sexual offenders aren’t the only ones being sent back into the communities they prey upon. This week, in Manchester Township, a drug dealer caught with over $1 million in heroin was set free hours after he was arrested in a multijurisdictional law enforcement operation.
While criminals across New Jersey are being released by judges under New Jersey’s new bail reform and speedy trial process, the very legislators who facilitated the new system are now scrambling.
They’re scrambling to save face and plug up the holes before a violent criminal, sexual offender, rapist or drug dealer in their own voting district makes headlines prior to this November’s election.
Want to contact your local shore legislators to tell them how you feel about bail reform? Click here for a full list.
High Winds Increase Risk for Wildfires at the Shore
High winds and dry conditions have elevated the risk of forest fires today. Residents are warned against discarding smoking materials from their vehicles or in areas where conditions favor easily combustible material. A fire spread rapidly this afternoon on Cedarbridge Avenue in Lakewood. The high winds today can accelerate the spread of fire.
The National Weather Service issued the following statement today:
There is an elevated threat for the spread of wildfires today across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and eastern Maryland. The fire weather threat is due to a combination of gusty winds and dry conditions.
Westerly winds between 15 to 20 MPH today will gust frequently between 25 to 30 mph today. Relative humidity values are already at or below 30 percent early this morning. The relative humidity may fall into the lower 20s or even teens later this morning and afternoon. These conditions combined with dry fine fuels, such as dead leaves and grasses, will increase the risk for rapid fire spread. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged today.
For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state forestry or environmental protection website.
Brick Recognizes IHOP's CMNH Charitable Work
BRICK-For the past 12 years, International House of Pancakes (IHOP) has celebrated National Pancake Day by donating millions of dollars to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
This week, Brick Mayor John Ducey and the township council thanked IHOP for their contributions to the community.
On Tuesday, Mayor Ducey, along with Council President Halloran and Councilman Mummolo, presented a proclamation that recognized owners Lou & Toni Maschi for their exemplary service to the community and the long-standing support that Brick IHOP has given to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
As part of its celebration, IHOP has partnered with three inspiring charities – Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Shriners Hospitals for Children – with the goal of raising $3.5 million for finding cures and eradicating life-threatening diseases affecting children and families everywhere.
“IHOP and our franchisees are honored to partner with leading non-profit organizations like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Shriners Hospitals for Children for our National Pancake Day event and help fight serious childhood illnesses” said Darren Rebelez, President, IHOP Restaurants. “Year after year, we look forward to celebrating with our guests and fans, and are amazed by their generosity. Every pancake served on IHOP National Pancake Day has a purpose, and every penny raised goes a long way in making a meaningful, and lasting, impact on so many kids and families in our communities.”
Since launching in 2006, IHOP National Pancake Day has become a pop-culture phenomenon with millions of guests and communities helping IHOP and its franchisees raise $24 million to-date for youth health and wellness organizations. All of the money raised on IHOP National Pancake Day stays local and directly helps children in need.
Bring it On opens tonight at Toms River High School North
Toms River High School North’s musical opens Thursday night at 7:00 pm. This year’s production of “Bring It On” promises to be one of the all time best performances hosted by the Mariners. Additional shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm. Tickets will be available at the box office located in the main lobby at HSN.