NEWS, SPORTS, COMMENTARY, POLITICS for Gloucester City and the Surrounding Areas of South Jersey and Philadelphia

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December 2009

College Sports Saturday Report for Rutgers, Rowan, TCNJ, Kean, Holy Family

December 19, 2009 Scarlet Knights Game Preview - St. Petersburg Bowl RUTGERS (8-4, 3-4 BIG EAST) vs. UCF (8-4, 6-2 C-USA) Saturday, December 19 8:00 p.m. Tropicana Field St. Petersburg, Fla. GAME NOTES Television: ESPN Mark Jones- Play-by-Play, Bob Davie- Color Analyst, Rob Stone - Sideline Reporter Internet: ESPN360.com Radio: Rutgers Football Radio Network Affiliates: WOR 710-AM (New York City); WCTC 1450-AM (Central Jersey); 97.5 FM "The Fanatic” (Philadelphia and South Jersey) Student Radio: WRSU 88.7 FM Satellite Radio: Sirius/XM National Radio: ESPN Radio . For the first time in school history, Rutgers will appear in a bowl game for... Read more →


SEND IN YOUR SNOW PHOTOS

PHOTO A beautiful silent night December 2009 snow storm submitted by Jess and Harriet Torres, Bergen Street, Gloucester City On the left is a photo of the snow in Gloucester Heights. Submitted by Ray DeVoe. Below: The Fairway Apartments maintenance crew clearing the snow off the sidewalks. Photo submitted by Laura Hirshorn Power, a former City resident. How about a photo of the snow in your backyard. Share your photo of the kids on their sled or making a snowman. Your pets playing in the snow. How deep is the white stuff in your area. How about a picture of... Read more →


Sister Mary Ryan, O.P., Dedicated Her Life to Helping Those in Need; Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Recipient of Kelly Award

Funeral Services Monday evening and Tuesday morning at St. Mary Church, Gloucester City On December 18, 2009, Age 70. Of Gloucester City. Formerly of Woodbury. In the loving and devoted care, surrounded by her family, Priests and Dominican Sisters, Sister Mary peacefully went home to the loving arms of Jesus and her parents, the late Anna E. (nee Kennedy) and George J. Ryan. Sr. Mary was raised in Woodbury, NJ where she attended St. Patrick’s School. She graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School, Gloucester City in 1957 where she excelled in basketball, field hockey and softball. Sr. Mary remained an... Read more →


Pet Tip of the Week: The Importance of Nutrition for your Dog

By Dawn Watson Dogs are carnivores. This means that protein is an important food group in their diets. Some folks swear by a raw diet of vegetables, fruit, and raw meat and fish. It seems to work out just fine for healthy dogs but an older dog may have problems chewing and/or digesting this type of diet. I personally don’t care for this way of providing nutrition to my own dogs because it encourages coprophagia (consumption of fecal matter) and a host of other diseases if the fecal matter is left on the ground. When it’s feeding time at my... Read more →


Forever a Paper Tiger, Never a Golden Bear

Thursday, December 17, 2009 By Doug Patton My son was 14 when he and I started playing golf together. He is the same age as Tiger Woods, and since he has watched Tiger dominate the game all his adult life, you might imagine him to be a fan. If so, you would be wrong. Like most recreational duffers, I was always in awe of Tiger’s prowess on the golf course. Not so my son. He was so put off by Woods’ ego, foul language and arrogant attitude on the course that he could not enjoy the man’s amazing ability to... Read more →


Get Your NJ Hunting Licenses and Permits Online!

2010 Licenses Now Available The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife issues licenses, stamps and permits for hunting, fishing and trapping. The first license, a non-resident hunting license for $10.50, was introduced in 1902. The first resident hunting license was required in 1909, hunting license at a cost of $1.15. In 1915 the first fishing license was required, enabling law enforcement to be adequately funded. Today the revenues derived from these sales support, in whole or in part, the operations of the agency. This work includes the operation of two fish hatcheries and associated stocking programs, a pheasant farm,... Read more →


Fish and Wildlife DIGEST is now available

The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's 2010 Freshwater Fishing Issue of the Fish and Wildlife DIGEST is now available on the division's website in PDF format. The Digest contains management and regulation information, as well as "Feature Articles" of interest to freshwater anglers. The print version of the Digest will be available at division offices and license agents the week of December 21; the online version is available at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/digfsh10.htm . Related articles by Zemanta Hey, New Jersey trout anglers (gloucestercitynews.net) Status of Waterfowl Video Available Online (gloucestercitynews.net) A Guide to Fishing and Diving New Jersey's Reefs (gloucestercitynews.net)... Read more →


Accepting Nominations for Conserve Wildlife Foundation Awards

Do you have a friend or colleague in wildlife conservation whose dedication makes her stand out from the rest? Is her passion for wildlife contagious? Does she inspire other young women in her field and take the time to encourage them? You can help her receive the recognition she deserves by nominating her for the Conserve Wildlife Foundation's 2010 Women & Wildlife Awards. In March, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey will honor two dedicated women for their roles in wildlife and natural resource conservation. Two Women & Wildlife Awards will be presented: one for Leadership and another for Inspiration.... Read more →


High Speed Chase ends in Crash; Occupants in Critical Condition

PHOTO BY STEVE SKIPTON Thursday, December 17th Time 2:15am Mt Ephraim NJ (Kings Highway and Hill Street ) A high speed chase early this morning (Thursday) that began in Bellmawr ended in a crash in Mount Ephraim near the intersection of Kings Highway and Hill Street when the driver lost control and hit a park car. The two occupants of the car were taken to Cooper Hospital in Camden in very critical condition. Action News reported that Gloucester City Police were involved in the chase. However, Police Chief George Berglund said that isn't correct. "Members of the City Police Department... Read more →


Mt. Ephraim Swears In Officer and Announces Drunk Driving Crackdown

by Leigh Anne Hubbs NEWS Correspondent On December 3rd Sean Atkinson with his parents in attendance was sworn in by Commissioner Andrew Gilmore (photo, right) as a Class II Special Officer for the Borough of Mount Ephraim, Atkinson of Atco has experience as a Class II Special Officer in Wildwood Crest. Mayor Joe Wolk was proud to announce Mount Ephraim’s support of the statewide “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” 2009 Year End crackdown running from December 7th until January 3rd helping to reduce drunk driving and as a result save lives, Mount Ephraim was one of five towns in Camden... Read more →


Give Back to our Military Families

December 15, 2009 Lutzkanin Family "Everytime my husband is deployed, I am naturally more concerned about how the stress can affect the health and well being of our kids and our family as a whole. I feel these tools will be invaluable for military families, giving them a place to turn to for help and to let them know people care." Military duty affects not only service men and women but their entire family -- particularly children. Adolescence is hard enough but coping with the added stresses of having one or both parents deployed, or even worse, dealing with the... Read more →


Lindenwold Police Report Woman Robbed At Gunpoint

POLICE BLOTTER 12-08-09 TO 12-12/09 13 December, 2009 by lpd A female reported on December 10 that she was robbed at gunpoint while in the parking lot in front of the 400 Building of Stonington Court Apartments. The female described the suspect as a black male in his early twenties approximately 5’8” and 160 pounds wearing a black and red flannel shirt and black and red nike sneakers. He had a tattoo on his neck, both hands and a tattoo of tear drops under his eye. The male was armed with a handgun. In other matters, Police report on 12/08/09... Read more →


Gloucester Township House Fire; No Injuries Reported

Gloucester Township NJ Blackwood Section 205 East Church Street Command 840 reported a 1 and 1/2 story occupied dwelling fully involved with exposure problems, all hands were placed in service,no injuries were reported, the Red Cross was called to the scene for a family of 4 displaced. The Camden County Fire Marshal is investigating. ~Steve Skipton Photography Read more →


Clara A. Bispels, Gloucester City Democrat Club Member, GCHS Alumni Class of ‘63

On December 12, 2009 of Ocean City, NJ and Fort Pierce, FL. Age 64. Beloved wife of Michael J. Bispels. Dear mother of Donald Ferito, Mary Elizabeth Williams, Michael Bispels, Patricia Strien, Eileen Cush, Mark Bispels, Karl Bispels, Jean Ferito. Loving grandmother of 16, and great-grandmother of 5. Dear sister of Linda (Jim) Garro of Haddon Twp., NJ and Julia (Frank) Marciante of Cherry Hill, NJ. Also surviving are her many nieces and nephews. Prior to retirement, Clara was in property management with Kingsway Realty of Cherry Hill, NJ. Born and raised in Gloucester City NJ, Clara enjoyed her retirement... Read more →


N.J. FFs Save Home From Collapse | Firehouse.com

Lucas K. Murray - Gloucester County Times (New Jersey) Posted: Wed, 12/16/2009 - 01:17 WASHINGTON TWP. - It could have been disaster for the owners of a home in the 300 block of Westminster Boulevard Sunday if it weren't for the fast action of the Washington Township Fire Department and a specialized unit of county firefighters. Crews were called out just after 5 p.m. to investigate a structural collapse of a building. Once on the scene, responders found the entire side wall of the basement of the residence had been pushed in.The Gloucester County Technical Rescue Task Force, a consortium... Read more →


Mary Ellen Waters of Gloucester City Devoted Parishioner of St. Mary Church

On December 14, 2009. Age 85. (nee Florich). Of Gloucester City. Loving wife of the late Raymond J. Waters. Loving mother of James R. Waters of Gloucester City. Loving grandmother Devon Waters. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mary Ellen was a devoted parishioner of Saint Mary’s R.C. Church in Gloucester City. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her Memorial Mass on Friday morning at 11 am at St. Mary’s R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Inurnment New Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. There will be no visitation. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations... Read more →


Helen A. TRINKNER age 85, former Gloucester City Resident

On December 14, 2009. Age 85. (nee Larm). Formerly of Gloucester City. Loving wife of over 50 years to the late James A. Trinkner. Loving and devoted mother of Geoffrey (Maryann), Bradley J. (Nancy) and Joan Trinkner. Predeceased by her son; Bradley D. Trinkner. Loving grandmother of Geoffrey, Jr., Bradley, II and Danielle. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her viewing on Friday evening from 6 to 7 pm at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, (at Brown Street) Gloucester City. Catholic Funeral Service will begin at 7 pm in the funeral home. Cremation will be private.... Read more →


Obits: Ellen Keenan, of Mt. Ephraim, Wm. McGinley of Bellmawr, George Osborne of Bellmawr, Wm. Reeves of Bellmawr

ELLEN P. KEENAN A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, Mount Ephraim, for Ellen P. Keenan, 79, of Mount Ephraim, who died November 27, 2009. Mrs. Keenan was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, Mount Ephraim. Beloved wife of the late Francis E. “Frank.” Devoted mother of Sharon James and son-in-law Jack of Mount Ephraim. Loving grandmother of Lindsey James and James Murphy. Dear sister of Bridget (Richard) Cuthrell of Hawaii. Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Longtime and loving friend of Marie Griffith, Catherine Wilke, Charles Keenan and Thomas Gavin. Interment was in... Read more →


TOYS FOR TOTS IN HONOR OF ROBERT DORNBACH A HUGE SUCCESS

The toys for tots in honor of Robert Dornbach was held at Caps Café on November 20. We were able to raise $650 in cash, $70 in gift cards and six large boxes of toys. Everything was given to Mrs. Cleary to be distributed to all local less fortunate families of Gloucester City for Christmas. We had a nice turnout this year and hope next year will be bigger. For those who were unable to attend we will still be collecting till the last week of Christmas. There are over 500 children in need. You can still drop off a... Read more →


Frank J. Spellman Jr., Retired News Journalist, WW II Army Veteran, Bronze Star Medal Recipient

Francis J. Spellman, Sr. of National Park passed away on December 13, 2009. Frank was 86 years old. A honest and humble man, Frank possessed a great sense of humor and was fiercely devoted to his family. Frank's thirst for knowledge was satisfied by reading countless history and non-fiction books and solving endless crossword puzzles. Providing for his family as a news journalist, Frank enjoyed employment with the Philadelphia Inquirer, The Gloucester County Times and The Catholic Star Herald. A US Army Veteran of WWII, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished service. A long time, devout member... Read more →


Gloucester City News Headlines for Dec. 17th Issue

Mayor And Council Fires Gloucester City Clerk Paul Kain State Says New Gloucester City Middle School Should Open By September 2014 Brooklawn United Methodist Church Will Host Living Nativity Scene Last Call For Letters To Santa Santa Claus Is Coming To Gloucester City Some Gloucester City Employees Get Large Benefit Payouts At Retirement Related articles by Zemanta Trenton's War On Taxpayers Continues Today (savejersey.com) Gloucester City's Ward System: A "PRO" & "CON" Debate (gloucestercitynews.net) Gloucester City Sail Looking for Volunteers (gloucestercitynews.net) New Jersey man ejected from car in I-676 crash (gloucestercitynews.net) Where Are the Monuments? (gloucestercitynews.net) UEZ Spotlight on Cooks... Read more →


CHERRY HILL-Horrible MV Crash Kills Driver and Pedestrian

420 W Rt 70 Cherry Hill NJ December 14, 2009 Time 10:00 am A horrible crash killed a pedestrian and a driver this morning in Cherry Hill's Erlton Section, there is a power outage in the area and RT is closed. Cherry Hill Police and Camden County Prosecutor's Office is investigating. Witnesses told police a red car traveling on Route 70 westbound sped off the roadway and hit a man and then a utility pole near New Hampshire Avenue, according to a statement released by Cherry Hill Police. The male driver and pedestrian were pronounced dead shortly after the incident,... Read more →


College Sports Monday Report…Rowan, DeSales, TCNJ, Holy Cross, Rutgers

Rowan Wins Heritage's Dairy Stores Classic, 92-80 Over Delaware Valley Berkeley 71, Penn State Brandywine 65 Delaware Valley - Box Score GLASSBORO, NJ – The Rowan University men’s basketball team defeated Delaware Valley College, 92-80 in the Heritage’s Dairy Stores Classic championship on Saturday. Rowan improves to 7-2 overall, while Delaware Valley has a 5-4 record. Earlier on Saturday, Berkeley College (3-7) beat Penn State Brandywine (0-8), 71-65 in the consolation game. In the first round on Friday, Rowan had an 82-60 victory over Berkeley, while Delaware Valley topped Penn State Brandywine, 79-44. The Profs had six players score in... Read more →


ONLY IN NJ:The Gravy Train Continues to Roll for Select Groups of Public Employees

Retiring Gloucester City Employees share in benefit payouts ranging from from $500 to $100,000...Firemen and Police receive the most By Bill Cleary A 100 plus page report titled The Beat Goes On looks at the abuse in public employees benefit programs in 75 municipalities across the State of New Jersey.The report was released earlier this month by the State Commission of Investigation. Members include: W. Gary Edwards, Joseph R Mariniello Jr., Patrick E. Hobbs and Robert J. Martins. Although Gloucester City was not cited in the report 19 retiring employees in that community received payouts for sick leave and vacation... Read more →


GAME COMMISSION URGES PARTICIPATION IN CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Image via Wikipedia HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are urging wildlife enthusiasts to join the tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the United States in the Audubon Society’s 110th Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC), which will take place Dec. 14, through Jan. 5. “Bird enthusiasts, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists, will head out on an annual mission - often before dawn - to make a difference and to experience the beauty of creation,” said Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Section supervisor. “Each year, volunteers brave snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird... Read more →


College Sports Sunday Report…Rutgers, Rowan, Rider

Rutgers Women's Basketball Faces Rival Tennessee In Maggie Dixon Classic Today at 3 PM Teams Meet For Eighth Time in Seven Seasons and 19th Time Overall NEW YORK, N.Y. (Dec. 9, 2009) – Rutgers women’s basketball will square off with SEC rival No. 4/3 Tennessee in the Maggie Dixon Classic this Sunday, Dec. 13 at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is set for approximately 3:00 p.m. Prior to the match-up, No. 6/6 Baylor and Boston College will square off at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU. Cara Capuano and LaChina Robinson have the call along with Melissa... Read more →


Wendy's High School Heisman National Winners Named

CAPTION: Two-time collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy winner Archie Griffin joins the 2009 Wendy's High School Heisman national finalists for a Heisman pose prior to the award ceremony in New York City on December 11, 2009. (PRNewsFoto/Wendy's) Two Seniors, Selected From Nearly 55,000 Applicants, Honored at 16th Annual Awards Ceremony NEW YORK, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Two celebrated high school student athletes from Louisiana and Colorado went for the gold this evening at the Wendy's High School Heisman awards ceremony in New York City. Malia Cali and Kyle Pollock were named national winners of the prestigious award, which honors exceptional students... Read more →


Spouse Describes Impact of Post-traumatic Stress

By Elaine Wilson American Forces Press Service BETHESDA, Dec. 11, 2009 - Sheri Hall knew her husband, Army Maj. Jeff Hall, was having emotional issues after two tours in Iraq, but she didn't grasp just how bad it was until one day when he went for a run. Sheri Hall talks about the impact her husband's post-traumatic stress disorder had on her family at the Trauma Spectrum Disorders Conference at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., Dec. 10, 2009. DoD photo by Elaine Wilson He was about 10 miles away when he called and asked for a ride... Read more →


New Jersey Senate Passes Three Bills Related to the Second Amendment!

On Thursday, December 10, the New Jersey Senate passed three bills of interest to New Jersey gun owners. Two bills, S3068/A4304 and S3076/A4301 both head to Governor Corzine’s desk for his consideration and S3104 moves to the Assembly for consideration in January. Since the introduction of “one-gun-a-month” legislation, we have argued that the bill was poorly drafted, ill conceived and relied upon the false premise that law-abiding New Jersey gun owners are the cause of crime. The truth of the matter is that New Jersey residents are already some of the most heavily regulated in the nation and New Jersey's... Read more →


Hill: Symbols 'worth preserving' | The American Legion |

Sandy Huffaker Jr. National Commander Clarence Hill is in California this week, while a battle rages in San Diego over a case that resembles one that went before the Supreme Court in October and is awaiting a ruling. The Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial near San Diego features a 29-foot Latin cross that was erected in 1954 to honor U.S. veterans. The American Civil Liberties Union wants the cross taken down because it stands on public land; the case currently is awaiting a ruling in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is still deciding whether the Sunrise... Read more →


College Sports Saturday PM Report for Holy Family, DeSales, Rowan

Holy Family University Men’s Basketball Loses to California (Pa.), 93-56 (12/12/2009) CALIFORNIA, Pa. – The Holy Family University men’s basketball team dropped a non-conference match-up to host California (Pa.) University, 93-56, at Hamer Hall on Saturday afternoon. Forward Justin Swidowski (so. Cinnaminson, N.J./Holy Cross) paced Holy Family (0-7) with a team-high 17 points. Forward Rickie Crews (jr. Westville, N.J./Deptford) recorded his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, both career highs. Guard Khiry Hankins (fr. Cincinnati, Ohio/Summit Country) contributed eight points. . California (6-1) received 21 points and 12 rebounds, both game highs, from forward Kelsey Williams. Guard... Read more →


William J. “Bill” Stone, GHS Alumni Class of '51, Member of the I.L.L.U Union 1242 & Memorial AA

On December 10, 2009. Age 76. Lifelong resident of Gloucester City. In the loving care of his cherished wife of 50 years, Mary Lou (nee Stief). Loving father of Susan (Michael) Costello, Billy (Susan) Stone and Chuck (Margie) Stone. Devoted grandfather of Kevin, Katie, Eric, Tommy, Danny, Jessica, Bruce and Chad. Predeceased by his siblings; Emma LaGreco, Vera Eberle and Bob Stone. Bill was born and raised in Gloucester City. He graduated from Gloucester High School class of 1951. Bill proudly served our country in the 101st Airborne in the U.S. Army. He was a member and employed 35 years... Read more →


College Sports Saturday Report for TCNJ, Rutgers, Rowan, Stevens

Lions set school records at New Year's Invite 12/12/2009 2:24:42 PM Priscilla Senyah set a school record in the 60-meter hurdles. Complete Results Princeton, NJ... The College of New Jersey’s men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams kicked off the 2009-10 season at the New Year’s Invitational hosted by Princeton University with some solid efforts. Senior Priscilla Senyah (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) started the new season in impressive fashion winning the 60-meter hurdles in a school-record time of 8.94 seconds. That time also met a NCAA provisional cut. The Lion wasn’t done with her big meet as she placed... Read more →


Margaret May Holland Succumbs at the age of 90, of Brooklawn and Blackwood

On December 10, 2009. (nee Johnson) Age 90. Of Brooklawn and Blackwood. Loving and devoted wife of the late John Holland. Cherished mother of the late John Holland, II. Survived by many beloved friends and caregivers. Margaret’s burial and services are private. Expressions of sympathy www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of Margaret May Holland. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. PH: 856-456-1142 Related articles by Zemanta Edward W. Thomas, age 95 of Brooklawn, WW II Army Veteran, St. Maurice Parishioner (gloucestercitynews.net) Anna Marie "Bunny" Stiles, age 93, of Gloucester... Read more →


A Soldier's Wish Part II | The American Legion |

Brendan Marrocco's Bronze Star nomination includes a handwritten note from the battalion's executive officer. It describes how the 23-year-old U.S. Army soldier from New York "... embodies the attributes of sacrifice, selfless service and discipline. Always ready to perform any mission in combat." These are some of the attributes that also prompted Lt. Rich Kilcoyne, leader of the 2nd Platoon, to honor Marrocco - then a private first class - as a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle driver last April. Related Story Read part 1 of the Brendan Marrocco series. The 2nd Battalion of the 27th Infantry Regiment was... Read more →


Stop the Madness!Tips for bowhunters that fly to hunting destinations

- By Bowsite.com In November I traveled to Saskatchewan to hunt trophy whitetails with Rob Nye of Canadian Trophy Quest. A group of Christian rifle hunters overlapped me by one day. They had all tagged out with deer racks and headed down to Saskatoon to board a United Airlines flight back to the US. When they checked in the ticket agent informed them that United had changed their policy a few days earlier and their antlers were no longer allowed as either checked, or carry-on luggage. The surprised group of hunters scurried around to find a hotel to take their... Read more →


Phila. region jointly seeking $40M in stimulus funds

- by Athena D. Merritt Staff Writer Philadelphia will submit a joint application with its suburban ring of counties on Monday for $40 million in federal stimulus funds to establish a revolving loan fund for green projects. The application is the latest example of the city’s desire and effort to work together as a region, Mayor Michael Nutter told attendees at the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce’s general membership meeting and Percolator program. Philadelphia will serve as the lead applicant for the competitive Energy Conservation Block Grant that will include Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. The grant, if... Read more →


Gloucester City Resident Appointed Chief of Haddonfield Police Department

A 26-year veteran of the Haddonfield Police Department has been appointed the Borough's new Chief of Police. John J. Banning, who joined the department as a patrol officer in 1983 and rose steadily through the ranks, will succeed Richard W. Tsonis, who retired in July. Banning has served as captain, the second-highest rank, since 2000, and as acting chief for the past four months. The appointment was announced December 1 by Commissioner Ed Borden, the Borough's Director of Public Safety. The new chief was sworned in during the Board of Commissioners' meeting on Tuesday, December 8. A graduate of Gloucester... Read more →


Army Suicide Rate Increases Five Straight Years

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2009 - The rate of soldier suicides this year exceeded the 2008 total with 147 reports through November, marking the fifth consecutive year the service's suicide rate has increased. In November, 12 potential suicides were reported among the active-duty Army, all of which still are under investigation. In addition, two potential suicides were reported for November among reserve-component soldiers not serving on active duty. For October, three of the 16 active-duty suicides reported now are confirmed, according to a statement released by the Army yesterday.... Read more →


Pet Tip of the Week: Adopting a Special Needs Pet

RELATED CATEGORY PETS ARE THE BEST By Dawn Watson Nobody’s perfect. Humans are accepted with their flaws and handicaps (usually) and are held in high regard for the things they are able to accomplish. However, in the animal kingdom the less-than-perfect critter is at risk throughout his life and may ultimately become part of the food chain. Photo: Erica catching some Z's If you’ve ever looked at Petfinder.org you’re bound to notice the section on special needs dogs, cats, and other animals. If you have your heart set on adopting a dog this holiday season don’t skip the special needs... Read more →


Road rules - South Philly Review

by Amanda Snyder Following the deaths of two pedestrians, Council has gotten some heat for bills that aim to heighten fines and require registration for bicyclists. Two councilmen introduced legislation last month to crack down on reckless bike riding that was meant to start a conversation about sharing space on the roads and sidewalks. Oct. 8, a cyclist on a mountain bike struck Tom Archie, of the 1600 block of South Camac Street, as he crossed between two parked cars on the 1700 block of East Passyunk Avenue, Officer Christine O’Brien of the Police Public Affairs said. The man was... Read more →


College Sports Friday PM Report for Rutgers, Kean, Holy Family, Rowan, DeSales, Gwynedd-Mercy

December 11, 2009 Rutgers Football Earns AFCA Academic Honor Scarlet Knights One of the Nation’s Best Programs Academically Posted on 12/11/2009 8:49:56 AM PISCATAWAY, N.J. (December 11, 2009) — The Rutgers football program is one of 41 schools to earn the 2009 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Academic Achievement Honorable Mention Award. The 2009 award reflects the academic success of the class that entered in the Fall of 2002. This year’s award marks the second time the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) formula has been used to select the winner. From 1981 to 2007, the award was presented based on... Read more →


Native Fish Art and Writing Contest

Students in grades 4 through 7 are invited to learn about New Jersey's native fish by participating in the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's 2010 Native Fish Art and Writing Contest. The purpose of this annual contest is to encourage children to learn about New Jersey's native fish species and their biological requirements, including the habitats they need to survive. Participants must write an original short story about a year in the life of a native New Jersey fish of their choice and draw a scene from their story. The story must include accurate biological and ecological information about... Read more →


Florence A. Messenger, of Bellmawr, age 95; Active Member of the Bellmawr Senior Citizens

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 15, at the Gardner Funeral Home, 126 South Black Horse Pike, Runnemede for Florence A. Messenger (nee Tucker), who passed away on December 8, 2009 at the age of 95. She resided in Bellmawr for 40 years and was a member of the Bellmawr Senior Citizens. Florence was born and raised in Gloucester City. Mrs. Messenger was one of the speakers at the dedication ceremony of the Bellmawr Senior Citizens complex at Bell and Browning roads in March 2008. In the photo taken at that ceremony Senator Rob Andrews and Bellmawr Boro... Read more →


Gloucester City’s Municipal Clerk Is Fired; A Turbulent Three Years Comes to an End

By Bill Cleary Category City of Gloucester City Gloucester City Mayor and Council passed a resolution at its December 7th work session to terminate the employment of Municipal Clerk Paul Kain. Kain has been absent from his position since July 10, 2009. He is no longer being paid his annual salary of $65, 000 however he continues to receive his health benefits until the end of the year. John Kearney city solicitor said because Kain has job tenure the matter now goes to the State Department of Community Affairs for a ruling. Kearney said, “A hearing will be held, and... Read more →


Pa. Firefighter Dies Following Fire Call | Firehouse.com

Pa. Firefighter Dies Following Fire Call RELATED CATEGORY FIRE Firehouse.com News Posted: Thu, 12/10/2009 - 08:48 A Mount Carmel firefighter died at the hospital on Dec. 4, only two hours after responding to a fire call, according to the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Firefighter Gary F. Neidig Jr. was pronounced after being transported to Shamokin Area Community Hospital. An autopsy is being conducted. The 36-year-old firefighter is survived by his wife, Michelle, three daughters, Stephanie, Brenda and Chrystal and a son Bradley. Funeral services were held today, Thursday under the direction of the C.J. Lucas Funeral Home... Read more →


DRPA Board of Commissioners Postpone Toll Increase

CAMDEN, NJ – The Delaware River Port Authority Board of Commissioners today cast two very important votes that will save money for the traveling public and reduce the Delaware River Port Authority’s debt. In an effort to reduce the burden on toll payers during a time of financial hardship, the Board voted to postpone the September 2010 toll increase. The tolls on DRPA’s four bridges – the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross will remain $4 until July 2011. To adjust for a portion of the revenue lost due to the postponement, DRPA Commissioners voted to reallocate... Read more →


WILKES-BARRE MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY KILLING LARGEST BEAR OF 2009 SEASON OVER BAIT

Image via Wikipedia HARRISBURG – When is the largest bear killed in Pennsylvania’s bear season not the largest bear harvested? When it is the largest bear killed over bait, which equals poaching. That’s what happened when Charles W. Olsen Jr., of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, decided that it’d be easier to kill a bear over a pile of pastries, rather than the method used by ethical hunters. Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Cory Bentzoni became suspicious when he saw a truck loaded with pastries from a local store driving along Route 309 in Dallas, Luzerne County. “As we were... Read more →