Kanas City Royals right-handed pitcher Yordano Ventura was killed in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic on Sunday. He was 25. “It is with a heavy and broken heart that we confirm the passing of Yordano Ventura,” Royals vice president of communications and broadcasting Mike Swanson wrote on Twitter. The hard-throwing Ventura came up…
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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.
8 arrested on drug charges in Jackson
On Thursday January 19, 2017 two separate incidents resulted in arrests and charges for multiple persons.
At 12:09 am, Police Officer Keith French was on patrol on Sixty Acre Boulevard when he conducted a motor vehicle stop with a 1999 Chevy after making observations of motor vehicle violations. As he approached the vehicle to speak with the driver of the vehicle, he detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside. It was determined that there was an outstanding arrest warrant for the female driver out of Wall Township and she was placed under arrest. A search of the vehicle then resulted in the seizure of marijuana packaged for sale in baggies, a scale, other items consistent with narcotics distribution and cash. The investigation determined that these items were the belongings of the male passenger of the vehicle.
Arrested:
Jahvonte Alexander, age 23 of Ocean Grove. She was processed on the outstanding arrest warrant out of Wall Township and later turned over to the Wall Township Police Department.
Hakeem Smith, age 27 of Freehold. He was processed and charged with possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute. He was later lodged in the Ocean County Jail after being processed.
Police Officers Wes Thomason and Mitch Kafton assisted with the investigation.
The second incident resulted in multiple arrests which were a result of an ongoing investigation of illegal narcotic distribution by the members of the Jackson Police Detective Bureau. The results of the investigation led to the service of a search warrant.
At approximately 5:00 am, detectives and officers, along with members of the Ocean County Special Response Team detained several persons and conducted a search of a residence located on West Commodore Boulevard. That search resulted in the seizure of marijuana, heroin, cash, drug paraphernalia related to narcotics use and distribution and a Taurus Judge 45/410 handgun. Six people were placed under arrest at the scene.
Arrested:
Ramel Andujar, age 23 of Jackson. He was charged with: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a weapon while committing certain controlled dangerous substance offenses (possession with intent). He was processed and later lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
Larry Crippen, age 18 of Jackson. He was charged with: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of CDS with the intent to distribute and receiving stolen property (for a stolen credit card which was recovered). He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Howell. He was processed and later lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
Jeremiah Hinze, age 19 of Jackson. He was charged with: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of CDS with the intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was processed and released on summons pending a court appearance.
Faysal Forbes, age 23 of Jackson. He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He was processed and released on summons pending a court appearance.
Rebecca Dynov, age 22 of Jackson. She was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance. She was processed and released on summons pending a court appearance.
Danielle Helms, age 19 of Jackson. She was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance. She was processed and released on summons pending a court appearance.
Berkeley "Meet the Mayor" Scheduled for Monday, January 23rd
BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr., is pleased to announce that he will continue his evening office hours. Mayor Amato’s evening office hours are in addition to his “Meet the Mayor” and “Town Hall” programs, which will also continue in 2017.
“My next two scheduled public evening office hours will be held Monday, January 23rd and Monday, February 13th at Berkeley Town Hall from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Elected officials have an obligation to be as accessible as possible to our constituents. During my time in office, I have held countless “Meet the Mayor” and “Town Hall” meetings, regularly meet with constituents outside of regular business hours, and have created additional avenues for residents to contact local government.” Mayor Amato said.
“Our Hot Line gives residents one-stop access to Township government, enabling the township to more effectively and efficiently respond to resident’s suggestions, concerns or complaints. The Hot Line number is 732-244-7400 Extension 203, and is available 24 hours a day.” Mayor Amato said.
Residents can also email the Mayor directly at: mayor@twp.berkeley.nj.us .
“In addition to the “Hot Line” and my email, residents are encouraged to visit www.berkeleytownship.org and click next to the Mayor’s message to provide suggestions or feedback online, with most residents receiving follow-up the next business day.” Mayor Amato said.
Our Township of Berkeley Facebook Page is new, and is constantly updated with information, and news on the Township.
If you haven’t signed up for our Nixle system, please visit our web site to register to receive important emails and text messages.
“I look forward to continuing my dialog and outreach to residents in 2017.” Mayor Amato said.
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.”
Brick High School: Wrestling match a lost opportunity to teach courage, acceptance
Brick Township High School defended itself against parents and adults who criticized the school and it’s wrestlers over the handling of an opportunity to showcase a wrestler with disabilities.
“During this year’s Brick vs Brick Memorial Wrestling match, there was a wonderful opportunity to showcase a very special young man, David Richards,” the district said. “Unfortunately, this opportunity was missed, due to the poor planning, communication and decision making on the part of adults from both schools and administration.”
What could have been a conversation about courage and acceptance turned into something negative, the district said.
“The students on both wrestling teams respect and admire the courage that David exhibits every day,” they added. “It is sad that misinformed adults on social media have questioned our wrestlers’ character and motives, for which they are completely wrong.”
Brick Township High School and its students have a long history of embracing exceptional students.
The Challenger league and many other fine organizations serving students with disabilities began at this school.
“Today, the entire Brick Township High School community celebrates David’s achievements and congratulates him on his Wrestler of the Week Honors,” the district said.
David got his shot to wrestle three days later against Middletown North.
Police: Megan's Law Registrant Offered Console for Sex to Minor
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Chief Richard Buzby today announced the arrest of Christopher Wilson, 20, of Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ, for 2nd degree Attempted Sexual Assault and 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The arrest stems from an investigation by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit Detective Stephanie Bayha and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Detective Joel Mahr. The partnering agencies’ investigation, which began in December of 2016, alleges that Wilson offered the victim a gaming system in return for sexual favors.
Yesterday (1/19), Sr. Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento approved the above charges and Christopher Wilson was arrested. Nicole’s Order (No contact with victim) was implemented by Judge Patricia B. Roe J.S.C. and Wilson was housed in the Ocean County Jail. As of 01-01-2017, under the new bail reform law there is no monetary bail. The defendant is being detained at Ocean County Jail pending further court action.
The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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.
Brick truck driver involved in fatal crash
HAMILTON TWP-On 1/17/2016 at 12:22 pm the Township of Hamilton Police Department responded to Route 40 and Cantillion Blvd for a motor vehicle crash.
Investigation revealed that a 2015 International tractor trailer operated by Frank Alibrando, age 56, of Brick, NJ was traveling eastbound on Route 40 approaching Cantillion Blvd. A Toyota sedan traveling westbound on Route 40 crossed the center line and struck the tractor trailer.
The driver of the sedan was killed, Alibrando was not injured. Identification of the deceased is pending notification of family members.
Assisting at the scene were the Township of Hamilton Rescue Squad, Mays Landing and Laureldale Fire Departments, NJ State Medical Examiner’s Officer and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation into the crash is continuing.
Lacey first responders recognized for saving woman from burning home
by Chief Michael DiBella, Lacey PD
LACEY-On Tuesday evening, January 17, 2017, the Lacey Township Board of Education honored Police Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, along with Forked River Firefighter Edward Barker, Jr., for saving an elderly woman from her burning home November 25, 2016. During the Lacey School Board meeting, High School Principal Greg Brandis spoke about the incident and honored all three alumni for their actions, providing each with a certificate. Several officers from the Lacey Township Police Department, along with members of the Forked River Fire Department, Mayor Peter Curatolo and Committeeman Gary Quinn were present. Officer Sarno graduated in 2003, Officer Meyler in 2007, and Edward Barker, Jr in 2010.
The incident occurred on Friday, November 25, 2016, at 12:09 a.m. Officers Christopher Meyler, Anthony Sarno, and Julie Barcalow responded to the 1800 block of Serpentine Drive in Forked River, in regard to a fire alarm. The fire alarm notification was followed by a second call, from a neighbor reporting heavy smoke coming from the residence. Upon Officer Meyler’s arrival, he observed a large concentration of flames coming from the rear of the ranch-style home. Officer Meyler located two adult female occupants (visitors from Massachusetts), who advised that they were able to exit from the fire, however, the 81-year-old female homeowner was still inside. Officer Meyler soon discovered the woman was trapped inside the attached garage. Officer Meyler broke an exterior garage window and entered inside in an attempt to reach the homeowner. Officers Julie Barcalow, Anthony Sarno, and Scott Keefe arrived on scene to assist. Officer Sarno entered the garage, along with two Forked River Volunteer Firemen, Rob Anderson and Edward Barker, Jr. The four of them were able to successfully transfer the woman homeowner outside through the garage window. The homeowner, and the two female visitors from Massachusetts, ages 64 and 35, were transported to Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation. Officers Meyler and Sarno were also taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
In addition to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, both Officers Julie Barcalow and Scott Keefe were recognized on December 9, 2016, by Chief Michael C. DiBella for their actions involving the November 25, 2016 fire. In addition, I would like to acknowledge that Forked River Firefighter Rob Anderson was as instrumental as all in saving the woman’s life. Furthermore, I need to acknowledge Forked River Fire Chief Raymond Brandmahl for his actions November 25, 2016.
I would like to thank the Lacey Township Board of Education for taking the time to honor the involved police officers and firefighters. Additionally, I would like to once again honor all of the involved police officers and firefighters who helped save this woman’s life back on November 25, 2017. In addition to our officers, our Emergency Services Personnel are truly an asset to Lacey Township and I thank them.
On the way out: Obama pardons last round of criminals, including Chelsea Manning
President Barack Obama issued what will likely be his final commutations and pardons as commander in chief on Tuesday afternoon. The commutations were for 200 people, including Chelsea Manning, the army private and analyst sent to prison for revealing secret U.S. military and government information that effectively gave birth to WikiLeaks, the whistleblowing website. Most of…