Somerset County expands Raritan River Greenway with new land acquisition

Somerset county expands raritan river greenway with new land acquisition

Somerset County expands Raritan River Greenway with new land acquisition

SOMERSET, NJ – Somerset County announced the acquisition of an additional 0.23 acres of vacant, wooded land along the Raritan River in Bridgewater Township. This acquisition is part of the county’s ongoing effort to expand the Raritan River Greenway.

The Raritan River Greenway is a linear park that extends along the Raritan River from the convergence of the North and South Branches to the Middlesex County boundary. The park runs through several municipalities in Somerset County, including Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Somerville, Raritan, Manville, Bound Brook, and South Bound Brook.

County officials noted that the expansion and preservation of the greenway will provide major benefits, such as protecting environmentally sensitive areas and allowing for recreational development. It also aims to preserve local character and manage development effectively.

According to the county, greenway expansion plays a crucial role in preventing the development of sensitive areas, offering both floodplain and aquifer recharge protection. The Raritan River Greenway now includes Duke Island Park’s 351 acres, bringing the total to 842 acres.

In the last decade, more than 22 acres have been added to the greenway through the county’s Open Space Preservation program. Approximately 20 additional acres in the same geographical area are currently under consideration for acquisition.

The greenway is anticipated to be an essential part of the future open space network in Somerset County. It will connect with the county’s award-winning Park System.

Somerset County’s efforts to enhance public space are ongoing as officials focus on sustainable developments. The greenway aims to maintain ecological integrity and promote community engagement while preserving natural resources.

Somerset County continues to invest in expanding its green spaces, demonstrating a commitment to environmental conservation.

Mother charged with murder after drowning her infant son in Connecticut

A woman placed in handcuffs- file photo

Mother charged with murder after drowning her infant son in Connecticut

WASHINGTON, CT — A Connecticut woman has been charged with murder after her 1-month-old son was found drowned. Sadie Fleming, 27, is accused of killing her son, Hudson Fleming, in June. A Silver Alert was issued for the mother and child when they went missing.

An unnamed woman living with Fleming said she last saw Fleming and Hudson around midnight on June 8. The woman informed police that Fleming exhibited troubling symptoms the previous night, including paranoia.

According to the arrest warrant, police were alerted when a witness reported seeing someone resembling Fleming walking alone in a neighborhood. State troopers located Fleming on Blackville Road, where she was wet and appeared disoriented, questioning her about her baby, to which she responded, “What baby?”

As authorities searched for Hudson, his body was discovered in a small body of water, alongside an infant carrier and a vape pen. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as drowning.

While at the hospital, Fleming divulged details about her mental state, telling officers she had hidden in a closet with Hudson due to her belief that “people were after her.” Her comments included feelings of paranoia related to “Illuminati people.”

Fleming’s mental health history was indicated in police reports, noting she sought medical help for paranoia shortly before the incident. Following the autopsy’s verdict of homicide, police obtained an arrest warrant.

Fleming was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in court the same day. She faces charges of murder and risk of injury to a child, with her bond set at $5 million. Her next court date is scheduled for November 7.

A mother’s love turned tragic as a life is lost in a drowning incident.

New York District Attorney announces conviction in animal neglect case

New york district attorney announces conviction in animal neglect case

District attorney announces conviction in animal neglect case

MONROE, NY – A jury has convicted Hannah Rose, 33, of Monroe, on two counts of failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal. The verdict was announced by Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler on Friday.

The incident dates back to December 7, when a concerned neighbor reported loud barking from Rose’s residence, indicating the presence of dogs inside. Following this, the Village of Monroe Police Department attempted to make contact with Rose but could not locate her.

On December 13, the police returned to the residence again and reported seeing dogs living in unsanitary conditions. They executed a search warrant and rescued two dogs, a German Shepherd and a Husky, who were found hungry and thirsty.

Following the arrest, Rose admitted the dogs were hers, but the home showed no signs of occupancy. The animals were found surrounded by excrement and without access to food or water.

The dogs have been seized and are now in the care of the Hudson Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Rose is scheduled for sentencing on December 17.

Hoovler expressed gratitude toward the Village of Monroe Police Department for their role in the investigation and thanked the HVSPCA for assistance. “Animals are loving companions who never deserve to be neglected or abused,” he stated.

The charges against Rose are allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt, as all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Hannah Rose faces a December sentencing after being convicted of animal neglect.

Jet ski racing incident injures two children in Florida

Jet ski racing incident injures two children in florida

Jet ski racing incident injures two children in Florida

MADEIRA BEACH, FL — A man from New York faces charges after allegedly injuring two children while racing a jet ski on Sunday afternoon. Daniel Grubert, 48, is charged with two counts of boating under the influence causing serious bodily injury and one count of reckless operation of a vessel.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. while Grubert was operating a rented 2024 Yamaha WaveRunner near Johns Pass. Grubert reportedly claimed to have consumed only one alcoholic beverage, a can of Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea, prior to the crash. He admitted to drinking a single Twisted Tea, according to his arrest affidavit.

Grubert is accused of crashing into another Yamaha WaveRunner operated by 45-year-old Walter Wodzien, who had two children, aged 7 and 8, riding with him. All three were ejected from the jet ski during the collision. The sheriff’s office stated that Grubert was racing another jet ski and “took his eyes off his direction of travel.”

When Grubert realized a crash was imminent, he reportedly jumped off the WaveRunner, allowing it to move unmanned into Wodzien’s jet ski. The Madeira Beach Fire Department recovered the children from the water and transported them to a local hospital. One child suffered life-threatening injuries, while the other sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators noted signs of impairment in Grubert, including an odor of alcohol on his breath and red eyes. He performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was arrested on the scene. Grubert remains in custody at the Pinellas County Jail.

The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of reckless boating behavior.

A New York man faces serious charges after his jet ski racing led to injuries of two children in Florida.

State police seek assistance in fishing gear theft investigation

State police seek assistance in fishing gear theft investigation

State police seek assistance in fishing gear theft investigation

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey State Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in a string of fishing equipment thefts from boats at various marinas in the southern region of the state.

The thefts reportedly occurred between May 5 and September 22. Surveillance footage displayed unknown individuals stealing fishing gear from multiple locations before fleeing the scenes.

The affected marinas include Stone Harbor Marina, Light House Point Marina, Schooner Island Marina, Off the Hook Bait and Tackle Marina, Saltwater Outpost, and Two Mile Landing Marina. Investigators have urged anyone with information or who has been a victim of these incidents to come forward.

Individuals can contact the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau at the Atlantic City Station by calling (609) 441-3586. The police stated that anonymous tips are welcome.

The investigation proceeds as authorities gather evidence and seek assistance from the community. The public has been encouraged to review surveillance tapes and report any suspicious activity.

Law enforcement is committed to resolving this case and apprehending those involved in the thefts. Ongoing updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.

As the summer season approaches, the safety of local waterways becomes paramount amid the rising number of fishing equipment thefts.

Ocean City couple hits $50,000 jackpot playing scratch-off lottery game

Ocean city couple hits $50,000 jackpot playing scratch-off lottery game

Ocean City couple hits $50,000 jackpot playing scratch-off lottery game

BALTIMORE, MD — A couple from Ocean City won $50,000 while playing the Maryland Lottery Deluxe Crossword 10th Edition scratch-off. The husband claimed the prize on Monday, Oct. 9, at the Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.

The couple follows a specific system for playing the Lottery, with the husband purchasing the tickets and the wife scratching them. He bought the $5 crossword game at the Royal Farms in Berlin, and his wife discovered that they had won a top prize.

“She smiled, and then she gave it back to me,” the husband said. His responsibility was to claim the prize as he works in construction.

The couple enjoyed dinner at Waterman’s Seafood in West Ocean City to celebrate their win. The Royal Farms store in Berlin will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning scratch-off ticket.

The Deluxe Crossword 10th Edition was released less than a month ago, featuring eight top prizes at the $50,000 level. After the couple’s win, seven top prizes remain, along with numerous others in the range of $5 to $10,000.

The couple’s method of playing appears effective, regardless of their winnings.

With a big winner under their belt, the couple’s routine of playing the Lottery continues.

Police officers take the plunge for Special Olympics

Police officers take the plunge for special olympics

Police officers take the plunge for Special Olympics

BOSTON, MA – Officers from Districts B-2 (Roxbury), B-3 (Mattapan), C-6 (South Boston), and C-11 (Dorchester), along with recruits from Boston Police Academy Class 66-25, participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. The event occurred in chilly waters in the Seaport.

The officers joined the plunge in support of Special Olympics, which promotes inclusion, awareness, and unity through sports. Some officers participated in full uniform.

This event fostered camaraderie among officers and recruits, as well as the athletes of the Special Olympics. A spokesperson expressed gratitude to Special Olympics for hosting the event and recognized the partnership with police officers citywide.

Video from the event can be viewed at https://police.boston.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Polar-Plunge-FINAL.mp4.

The Special Olympics Polar Plunge highlighted the commitment of the Boston police to community engagement and support for athletes.

Boston officers aren’t just enforcing the law; they are also diving into action for a worthy cause.

State of emergency declared as northeastern storm approaches

State of emergency declared as northeastern storm approaches

State of emergency declared as northeastern storm approaches

LINDEN, NJ – On Friday, a state of emergency was declared across the state in preparation for a northeastern storm expected to affect the region today. Meteorologists forecast 3-5 inches of rain, beginning with showers this afternoon, evolving to steady rainfall overnight, and continuing through Sunday into Monday morning.

Strong winds reaching 40-50 mph gusts are predicted, potentially causing downed trees and power outages. The forecast also includes a significant risk of coastal flooding, prompting a Coastal Flood Watch for several counties, including Linden.

The tidal surge is expected to extend through four tide cycles, with high tides occurring at 12:32 a.m. and 12:58 p.m. on Sunday, followed by 1:39 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Monday. Residents should be alert for possible variations in the storm track that could intensify rainfall and wind conditions.

Residents are advised to keep abreast of weather updates. The Linden Police Department urges the community to sign up for Emergency Alerts and stay connected via social media for updates.

For non-emergency utility issues or outages, residents should contact the following: PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734, Elizabethtown Gas at 1-800-242-5830, New Jersey American Water at 1-800-272-1325, Comcast at 1-800-2662278, Verizon FiOS at 1-888-438-3467, and Verizon at 1-800-827-4966.

The public is reminded to reserve 9-1-1 for emergency situations only. A quote from the notice states, “Non-emergency utility problems or outages should be reported directly using the contact points below.”

Linden braces for potential havoc as the northeastern storm nears, with eyes on the skies and ears tuned to alerts.

Somers Point Police Issue Tidal Flooding Warning to Residents

Cooper bridge, egg harbor, new jersey, usa. Dolores g. Cooper bridge on new jersey route 152 connects somers point and longport in egg harbor township, new jersey nj, usa. This bridge is on longport somers point boulevard.

Major weather event threatens Somers Point with tidal flooding

SOMERS POINT, NJ – The Somers Point Police Department has issued a warning about a significant weather event forecasted to impact the area from Sunday through Monday evening. Residents and motorists are advised to anticipate substantial tidal flooding.

With flooding expected to impact travel, especially during high tide cycles, the police department stressed the potential danger to local roadways, cautioning that “flooding conditions may make some roadways impassable and dangerous for motorists.”

The authorities are urging locals to exercise caution and avoid driving through floodwaters. Residents should consider planning alternative routes and moving vehicles from vulnerable areas.

The Somers Point Police Department advises those affected to stay updated through official weather channels to ensure safety. It’s important to remain informed during this pending weather event.

Motorists and residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and adjust their travel plans accordingly, reinforcing a heightened state of awareness during the upcoming weather challenges.

In what promises to be a challenging weather period early in the week, community safety remains the priority for local police and emergency services.