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Norman W. Cathers, on December 19, 2016, of Mt. Ephraim. Age 53. Son of the late Norman and Kathleen (nee Davis) Cathers. Survived by his sister, Marleen Oetzel (nee Cathers) and many cousins. Services and interment are private. Gardner Funeral Home, Runnemede, NJ Read more →

Related: ARTIST Dave Wolfe Vol. 3 No. 27 (December 25 , 2016) Editor's Note: Each Sunday morning we will post a weekly comic strip provided by cartoonist Dave Wolfe, age 15. Dave has been drawing since he was 5 years old, he knew he wanted to be a cartoonist at the age of 8. He’s been distributing his comics in school since 3rd grade. (click image to enlarge) Related articles CNB Comics: JEROME by Dave Wolfe CNB Comics: JEROME by Dave Wolfe Here's The Book I Hope A Future Civilization Finds In The Smoking Ruins Of Ours Sevdaliza Recruits A$AP Ferg For The Menacing "That Damaged Girl" [Eugene Volokh] O masterful cartoonist, we are in awe of your soothsaying powers Read more →

WILMINGTON (Dec. 23, 2016) – The Brandywine Zoo’s Amur tiger, Zhanna, is scheduled to be transferred to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo in New York early in January 2017, according to DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation in partnership with zoo officials and the Delaware Zoological Society. The relocation is prompted by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan – a robust and scientific endeavor to manage the genetic diversity of captive species. Zhanna’s genetic profile and age make her a good candidate for breeding and consequently, for transfer to a zoo with a successful tiger breeding program. “As an AZA Accredited institution, the Brandywine Zoo is committed to species conservation,” said Brandywine Zoo General Curator Lynn Klein. “We rely on the cooperation among zoos to ensure a healthy, genetically diverse population.” Amur tigers are an endangered species, with fewer than 500 living in small populations in... Read more →

Employees reenact Charlie Brown dance in holiday card LAMBERTVILLE, N.J., Dec. 23, 2016 - Equipped with a dog, a miniature piano and blue blankie, a small group of New Jersey employees reproduced the iconic dance scene from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” for their company’s annual holiday card. The dance video was uploaded to the company’s social media sites this Wednesday and has since gained thousands of views. The holiday dance video was produced by Lambertville-based Oxford Communications to showcase the company’s creative culture. Nine employees and their dog, Ripley, were filmed dancing on a green screen and then placed on the animated background. About Oxford Communications Oxford Communications is a full-service strategic, creative and communications agency located in Lambertville, NJ. From its perch on legendary Music Mountain, the former home of the Lambertville Music Circus where greats like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Liberace once graced the stage, Brilliance and... Read more →

John J. Weston Jr., of Bellmawr NJ BELLMAWR NJ December 24, 2016 (CNBNewsnet)--John J. Weston, Jr., “Jack”, of Bellmawr, a retired Bellmawr Police Captain died on Friday, December 23, 2016, at the age of 69. John proudly served in the US Navy during Vietnam. He was a member of the Bellmawr Park Volunteer Fire Company for 50 years, where he served as past Chief, President, and Trustee. He was also a member of the VFW Post 7410 Men’s Auxiliary, the Bellmawr Dart Association, the Elks Club of Wildwood, and the Fisherman’s Club of Wildwood. Beloved husband of Nancy (nee Pfannenschlag). Devoted father of Dawn Ewing (Joe) and Jack Weston III (Karlee). Loving grandfather of Shane, Kacy, Luke, Erin, and Trevor. Dear brother of Marie Pino. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be a viewing from 7 to 9 pm Wednesday evening and from 8:15 to 9:15... Read more →

Dolores J. Chojnowski (nee Kawczynski), on December 19, 2016, of Cape May Court House; formerly of Runnemede. Age 83. Devoted mother of Donna Chojnowski, Christine Herman (Daniel), and Cynthia Kurz (Donald Jr.). Loving grandmother of Darlene, Corinne, Billy, Nicole, Michele, Danny, Ricky, Katie, and the late Donny and great grandmother of Olivia, Julianna, Nicholas, and James. Dear sister of Dorothy Novelli and Pearl Vennell. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Dolores was a member of the Red Hat Society. There will be a viewing from 7 to 9pm Monday evening, December 26th and from 9:15 to 10:15am Tuesday morning, December 27th at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Mass 11am Tuesday, December 27th at Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Agnes RC Church, Coles & Little Gloucester Rds., Blackwood. Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Chews Landing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America, PO... Read more →

Wetland, Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve, Susquehanna County. The preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, protects a large tract of old-growth hemlock and northern hardwoods. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) By Kathy Hoekstra / December 21, 2016 / WATCHDOG.ORG Gordon Tomb pays about $40 per month to heat his home in central Pennsylvania. And he wants to keep it that way. “I’ve lived in Pennsylvania for more than 60 years and have never paid so little for my home heating,” Tomb, a senior fellow with the free market Commonwealth Foundation, told Watchdog.org in an interview. He credits his low heating bills to the boom in natural gas production brought on by hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), which enables energy companies to tap into the state’s gas-rich Marcellus Shale formation. “The natural gas industry has been the brightest spot in the Pennsylvania economy for the past decade and it’s likely to be for a long... Read more →

image provided CHICAGO- The Hon. Aurelia Pucinski and culture patron Henrietta Nowakowski have jointly announced an extension for applications for the Jamestown Polish Research grant until December 31, 2016. Historical records indicate that the Jamestown Colony included immigrants from England, but not much history is known about some of the first residents known as “Polonians.” Research on these Polonians is limited and this project hopes to expand scholarly research on the Polonians themselves. What was their role in the Jamestown Colony? How did they come to be in Jamestown, and the work they did there? Also, it is expected the focus would include their role in the work stoppage in 1619. Mission statement: To obtain proposals and encourage serious research on the Poles of Jamestown Objective: The purpose of this project is: (1) To establish through independent research the nature of the work the Polonians of the Jamestown Colony performed,... Read more →

posted Monday, February 11, 2008 Bill Bates NEWS Correspondent BROOKLAWN (February 7, 2016)- At 7:02 am as this correspondent was just pulling into the local WaWa (less than a quarter mile away) the Task Force 33 (Bellmawr Park) tones were dropped for a reported dwelling fire across from the Red Carpet Inn on Route 130. Brooklawn Police arrived to confirm heavy fire from the front of the dwelling on the corner of Route 130 South and Haakon Road in Brooklawn. Heavy fire was visible from the first floor and was quickly spreading to the second floor. Bellmawr's Squirt 32 was first due followed by Mount Ephraim's Rescue 45 and then Bellmawr Park's Ladder 33. All units quickly went to work. Command 3440, Camden County Fire Marshall Robert Medlar quickly utilized all hands as the fire was quickly spreading. Command struck the second alarm as the fire was through the roof... Read more →

Santander Bank Regional Director of Commercial Banking Jim Wujcik and Director of Community Partnerships Julie Vetack presented $100,000 donation to bank holiday charitable partner Habitat for Humanity at Thursday’s Eagles game. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Executive Director Frank Monaghan and Associate Executive Director Corinne O’Connell, along with the Martinez-Wright family, owners of the 200th home built in Philadelphia, accepted the donation. PHILADELPHIA, December 23, 2016 – During the pre-game festivities at Thursday night’s Philadelphia Eagles home game, Santander Bank awarded a $100,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity, the bank’s 2016 holiday charitable partner. The Martinez-Wright family of North Philadelphia joined the on-field celebration to accept the check on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. The Martinez-Wrights are the owners of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s milestone 200th home, dedicated to the family on Saturday, December 17, just in time for the holidays. As the Official Bank of the Philadelphia Eagles and the... Read more →

Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico is a federal aid program of the US Department of Agriculture. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2016 – Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukah all fall within three days of each other this year. As friends and families gather together this season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service has four food safety tips to ensure a healthy and safe holiday. Even on Holidays, Always Follow the Four Steps to Food Safety Clean hands before food preparation by following these simple steps: wet hands, lather with soap, scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse with clean warm water and dry hands with a clean towel. Always serve food on clean plates and avoid reusing plates that previously held raw meat and poultry. Separate raw and cooked foods to avoid cross contamination, which is transferring bacteria from raw food onto ready-to-eat food. For example,... Read more →

Kellyanne Conway with President-Elect Trump (photo courtesy of the Wall Street Journal) TRENTON -- Kellyanne Conway, the New Jersey native who helped engineer Donald Trump's stunning election to the presidency, has now landed a job in the White House. Trump announced Thursday that he has selected Conway, his former campaign manager, to serve as "counselor to the president" after he is sworn in next month. Conway, 49, the… Read more →

WILKES-BARRE , PA(December 23, 2016)- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Timothy Fenster, age 31, of Plains Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Richard A. Caputo in Wilkes-Barre, to 92 months’ imprisonment for committing five bank robberies, and one robbery of a store. The sentence imposed credited Fenster with 23 months already spent in prison while facing other state charges. The Court ordered the remaining 92 months’ imprisonment term to commence today. According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Fenster pleaded guilty today prior to his sentencing and admitted to committing the following armed robberies: Community Bank, Laceyville, Pennsylvania, on December 17, 2014; M&T Bank, Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, on December 22, 2014; FNCB, Plains Township, Pennsylvania, on January 14, 2015; M&T Bank, Coal Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on January 22, 2015; Community Bank, Meshoppen, Pennsylvania, on January 26,... Read more →

December 20, 2016 The FBI Boston Division is warning of a dramatic rise in business e-mail compromise scams or BECs, which target businesses of all sizes and types and have resulted in massive financial losses in Boston and other cities. Globally, since October 2013, more than $3.1 billion in actual and attempted losses have been reported. Here in the Boston Division, approximately 370 victims from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island have reported losses totaling approximately $33 million. Those losses range from $500 to $5.9 million, with the average loss per scam being $90,000. The dDivision has successfully facilitated the return of approximately $13 million, with millions more frozen and in the process of being returned. “The BEC scam is one of the fastest growing schemes we’ve seen over the past few years. The perpetrators leave a long wake of financial and emotional damage, stealing money from small businesses—leaving... Read more →

Austin Darrow The NFL MVP race is heating up and it’s going to come down to the final game of Week 17. While we know the usual candidates (Brady, Elliott, Prescott, Carr) there’s one player who has slipped through the cracks. That player is David Johnson. Johnson is the running back for the Arizona Cardinals for the people who don’t know. Johnson has the fourth most rushing yards in the league. And tied for second most TD’s. He is leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage. If you listen to the media, they’ll only fill your brain up with Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott is a frontrunner with Tom Brady for the MVP. There’s a reason for Elliott to be the RB being talked about, because “Americas Team” is finally having a good season. They even have two young rising stars to go along with it. So the NFL loves that the... Read more →

published Monday, February 04, 2008 CNBNews Point of View: It is apparent for some time the Gloucester City Board of Education has held back televising the video recordings of controversial meetings. In other words, they censor what you and I can see. Don’t believe the excuse that the equipment the school uses is not compatible with Channel 19’s equipment. With today’s technology that is untrue and the board members/administration are well aware of that fact. You would have thought the Board would have learned something from the Gorman and Kilcourse administrations who also concealed information from the public by not televising council meetings. It is obvious they did not. Following the January school board meeting a letter was posted onClearysNoteBook from a “Concerned Gloucester City School Board member”. The first paragraph read, “This Gloucester City Board of Education member would like to set the record straight. The Board of Education... Read more →

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2016 – Pork Rinds & Snacks, LLC, a Spartanburg, S.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 7,629 pounds of pork skin products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The ready-to-eat pork skin items were produced on various dates between Sept. 27, 2016 and Dec. 13, 2016. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)] 4022 lbs. of 9/16 oz. plastic packages containing “WALLACE’S OLD FASHIONED FRIED PORK SKINS FLAVORED WITH Salsa & Sour Cream SEASONING CHICHARRONES” with Best By dates ranging from “JAN 05 17” to “MAR 23 17.” 3208-lbs. of 1.5 oz. plastic packages containing “WALLACE’S OLD FASHIONED FRIED PORK SKINS FLAVORED WITH SALSA & SOUR CREAM SEASONING CHICHARRONES” with Best By dates ranging from “JAN 05 17” to “MAR 23 17.” 399-lbs. of 9/16 oz. plastic packages containing “COUNTRY TIME Old... Read more →

MOUNT LAUREL TWP. -- A recently-approved settlement with the Fair Share Housing Center tasked with enforcing affordable housing means Mount Laurel will see nearly 900 units built. According to the Courier-Post, Mount Laurel will create 879 homes in two periods of construction and that some have already been built. Both sides expressed gratitude for coming to… Read more →

According to a recent survey of Canadian animal shelters in 2015, adoption rates have risen while euthanasia has dropped. The report, conducted by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, surveyed 89 different shelters across the country. A ‘shelter' in this survey is described as "humane society and SPCA operating facilities for transitional housing of homeless animals."… Read more →

EAST BRUNSWICK -- Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday announced the first ongoing national effort by a retailer to offer safe medication disposal kiosks, and also praised Walgreens' decision this week to sell the emergency narcotic overdose medication Naloxone without a prescription in New Jersey. Perched between diabetic socks and gummy prenatal vitamins at the end of… Related articles Second Warning: 32 Heroin Overdoses, 3 Fatal N.J. heroin overdose death rate is triple the soaring U.S. rate Lawmakers greenlight bill to give Christie a book deal Report: Chris Christie turned down multiple Cabinet job offers from Trump MoreMonmouthMusings " Blog Archive " Christie turned down several jobs in Trump administration, sources say All 27 police agencies in Essex receive heroin overdose-fighting drug 49 overdoses in Camden County due to 'Batman' heroin, police say Chris Christie has the lowest approval rating of any governor in the last 20 years Read more →

SCRANTON PA- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Stephen Morrison, age 28, was indicted on December 20, 2016, by a federal image Pinterest grand jury for possession of AB-Pinaca, a Schedule I controlled substance, and a sharpened weapon, commonly called a “shank,” while an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (“FCI”) at Allenwood, Pennsylvania. According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Morrison was discovered with the synthetic cannabinoid and weapon on his person at FCI Allenwood in September 2016. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at FCI Allenwood. Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable... Read more →

Courtesy: Brian David Solomon (Rider University) LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University Baseball Head Coach Barry Davis has announced three additional commitments to the 2017-18 incoming class. Joining prior commitments Jake Barbiere (Randolph, NJ/Randolph), Elias Gross (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty), Ray Pacella (Stony Point, NY/North Rockland), Lou Priolo (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern) and Vincent Vitacco (Staten Island, NY/Monsignor Farrell) will be Dominic Caraballo (Colts Neck, NJ/Red Bank Catholic), Zac Gakeler (Jobstown, NJ/Northern Burlington [Mercer County C.C.]) and Timmy Stephan (Culpeper VA/Highland School). “In a critical recruiting year, acquiring as much talent continues to be imperative and with the addition of these three, we have met this on-going objective,” said Davis. Caraballo is a left-handed hitting outfielder out of Red Bank Catholic High School. He was a First Team All-Division performer last season after hitting .327 with 19 runs scored, seven doubles, nine RBI’s and 10 stolen bases for a 22-8 RBC team. Caraballo possesses plus... Read more →

December 22, 2016 Weekly Wastebasket Volume: XXI No. 51 The 114th Congress is over. So we’ll take this moment to ask the members of the 115thCongress to agree to one simple but important request: Have an honest budget. While there are many reasons for our nation’s nearly $20 trillion debt, using budget gimmicks to find imaginary savings is a perennial problem. Whether it’s rosy revenue projections, tax extenders, “off-budget” spending, or using distant savings to pay for spending today, Congress has a menu of tricks it uses to spend money it doesn’t have. But the end of year deficits don’t count gimmicks, they are based on real numbers that pile on more debt. For this last Weekly Wastebasket of 2016, here are some do’s and don’ts the next Congress can refer to as it grapples with some harsh budgetary math. These are just a few of the favorite tactics of... Read more →

NJ Sierra Club The “Road to Nowhere” also known as the Cape May Expressway or Rt. 55 is environmentally destructive and will cause more traffic in the area. The New Jersey Sierra Club has been fighting this project for years. The proposed 20-mile road would link the terminus of Route 55 in Maurice River Township, Cumberland County, with the Garden State Parkway in Dennis Township, Cape May County. The project would cut through significant wetlands, open spaces, internationally recognized bird habitat, and the Pinelands National Reserve, increasing traffic and pollution in an environmentally sensitive region of the state. The highway was proposed to ease traffic between Philadelphia and the beaches of Cape May. However, we believe this will actually cause more congestion, inappropriate development, and destruction of environmental sensitive lands. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club released the following statement: “Rt. 55 should never be extended, which... Read more →

NEW YORK, NY – Yachad, the Orthodox Union's National Jewish Council for Disabilities, raised over $1 million in its first crowd-funding campaign yesterday. At 1pm on December 20, Yachad kicked off its 24-hour campaign with a goal of $1 million, and within 24 hours, reached $1,053,008. "I want to express my deep gratitude to all of our donors who supported this incredible endeavor," said Ken Saibel, Associate Director of Yachad. "Through your generosity you enabled us to surpass our National goal of $1,000,000. Along with an incredibly dedicated staff team, hundreds of community members throughout each of our regions answered our call of #YesToInclusion. Through your support, we will be able to provide more services to our members and their families. On behalf of our entire staff, I want to extend a tremendous thank you our incredibly generous matchers and to the rest of the community for their overwhelming response."... Read more →

December 22, 2016 President Obama made the following remarks in a recent NPR interview: "I've had to live through controversies like the notion that I was trying to kill Christmas. Right? Well, where'd that come from? Well, I bet, you know, well, he said Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. So, that, you know, that must be evidence of him either not being a Christian or not caring about Christmas. It—it sounds funny now, but you'll have entire debates in conservative circles around that." Bill Donohue comments as follows: Well, you know, there is evidence of Obama not caring about Christmas, and it didn't emanate from conservative circles. Here it is. The cover story of the July 23, 2008 edition of People magazine featured a picture of Barack and Michelle Obama, and their two daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7. People reported that "The kids receive no birthday or Christmas... Read more →

December 22, 2016 Harrisburg, PA –Governor Tom Wolf today announced a $1 million grant to Novolipetsk Steel for rail improvements at its Farrell, Mercer County steel plant that will help the operation remain competitive and preserve more than 700 family sustaining jobs. “This investment furthers my administration’s goal of creating an environment for ensuring the people of Pennsylvania have jobs that pay,” Governor Wolf said. “This grant will help NLMK make much needed upgrades to tracks and equipment used to ship its products to market.” The grant will allow rehabilitation of 8,300 feet of track, crossties and ballast and improve grade crossings in its 13-mile rail network at the plant. The company also will replace locomotives and install additional loading docks and modify some docks. The grant application was submitted by Penn Northwest Development Corporation on behalf of NLMK. NLMK was first known as Duferco Farrell Corporation. The scrap salvage... Read more →

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2016 – Ruiz Food Products, Inc., a Denison, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 23,544 pounds of beef and cheese tortilla products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically brittle clear plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The beef and cheese tortilla products were produced on Nov. 18, 2016. The following products are subject to recall: [View Label (PDF only)] 4.5-lb. cases containing 24 pieces of “RANCHERO COOKED BEEF & CHEESE WRAPPED IN A BATTERED FLOUR TORTILLA,” with a production date of “16 323” and a product code of “86-390.” The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 17523A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutions in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints. There have... Read more →

NJ Sierra Club/ press release (December 22, 2016)--The small town of Carney’s Point has filed a lawsuit against DuPont against the failure to clean up more that $1 billion of pollution at one of New Jersey’s top greenhouse gas emitters. Chambers Works, where a chemical used in the non-stick coating Teflon was made, released over 100 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the water and ground from the late 1800s until the early 1970s, impacting surrounding residents within a two mile radius. Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also served a violation to the Complex saying it violated the Clean Air Act. DuPont is not only one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the country, their generating station in Carney’s Point was listed the seventh highest polluter of carbon dioxide in 2014 (998,157 metric tons of CO2). Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club released the following... Read more →

Phillip J. Campbell, of Gloucester City died on December 19, 2016 at the age of 43. Born in Camden, he was the son of the late Samuel H. Campbell, Jr. and Marie A. (nee Weitzel) Campbell. Beloved brother of Robin Morgan (Haymond), Veronica Allen, Frank Burns (Patti), Paul Burns, Sr. (Sherry) and Glen Campbell. Beloved Godfather of Andrew Morgan and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Katherine (nee Ketler) Campbell in April 2003. Phil was employed by J & J Snack Foods in Bellmawr. He also delivered pizza for many area pizzerias, and was lovingly known as “Phil the Pizza Man.” Visitation Tuesday, December 27th from 12 Noon to 2 PM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Service 2 PM. Inurnment Cedar Grove Cemetery, Gloucester City. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Phillip J.... Read more →

Lawrenceville,NJ (PR MediaRelease) December 20, 2016 --MDAdvantage Insurance Company, a leading provider of medical professional liability insurance, today announced the 2017 Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine award recipients. The Excellence in Medicine Awards are named after Edward J. Ill, MD, a New Jersey physician who was a pioneer in promoting continuing education in ways that set the national standard. This annual event that dates back to 1939 has been sponsored by MDAdvantage Insurance Company since 2003. Patricia A. Costante, Chairman and CEO of MDAdvantage, stated, “MDAdvantage is proud to again sponsor the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Awards®. Being able to recognize all the progress that has been made in healthcare since the awards were first bestowed in 1939 is an honor and a privilege for all of us involved. My hope is that by highlighting these advances, we are able to inspire the healthcare providers and leaders... Read more →

The faces above and the stories below are a snapshot of the devastating opioid epidemic sweeping across the United States. Publicly acknowledging that a family member suffered from an addiction to drugs, or died of an overdose, has long been a taboo subject - one best kept secret among family and a few knowing friends. That… Read more →

Water Tower in Stone Harbor, NJ (Photo credit: Wikipedia) TRENTON - The Christie Administration today announced that Stone Harbor has been awarded a $2.7 million grant to fund a stormwater and storm-surge mitigation project that will protect the flood-prone downtown area as well as the major evacuation route for the Cape May County shore community. The funding from the Department of Environmental Protection's Flood Hazard Risk Reduction and Resiliency Grant Program will be used to protect businesses and homes in the downtown area between 88th and 99th streets. This area sustains repetitive flooding that impedes evacuations via the 96th Street Bridge. The project entails installation of remotely operated tide-control valves at existing bayside stormwater discharge pipes that can be closed to prevent storm surge from overwhelming the stormwater collection system in the area. In addition, streets will be elevated to improve collection of rainwater, which will be diverted to a... Read more →

EVENT MARKS 240th ANNIVERSARY OF PIVOTAL MOMENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY (16/P125) TRENTON - Visitors can relive a crucial turning point in American history with the annual re-enactment of General George Washington's Crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day, the 240th anniversary of the iconic crossing that helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War at a time when the fledgling nation's prospects seemed hopeless. Visitors to the park, located in Titusville, Mercer County, will be able to see the restored Johnson Ferry House, the only original structure on the park property that dates to the crossing. The river crossing, beginning in the early hours of Christmas Day 1776, is considered a pivotal event in the War for Independence, leading to strategic victories in Trenton the next day, followed by victories at Assunpink Creek on January 2, 1777 and at Princeton the day after that. This stunning string of victories... Read more →

photo provided press release December 21, 2016 By: Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources What are your New Year’s resolutions? Stay healthy, reduce stress, spend more time with family? We can help with all these things starting January 1 on a First Day Hike. Held in 28 Pennsylvania state parks, the guided hikes are free, and are part of a national effort to promote both healthy lifestyles and get people outdoors for year-round recreation at state parks. An invigorating walk or hike in a beautiful state park helps burn off holiday calories, cure cabin fever and spend time together with friends and family. State involvement has grown to the point where all 50 states sponsor First Day Hikes. Pennsylvanians are fortunate to have a state park within 25 miles, as well as 2.2 million acres of state forest land that they can explore. In addition to improving... Read more →

Arrests: On 12.07.2016, Kaitlin M. Hesser, 18, of West Deptford was arrested on Red Bank Avenue for possession of drug paraphernalia. She was issued a summons and released pending further court action. On 12.09.2016, Diane R. Roberts, 25, of Logan Township was arrested on Harvest Drive for possession of CDS and possession of marijuana. She was issued summonses and released pending further court action. On 12.09.2016, Nereida Cruz, 19, of Sewell was arrested on Route 45 for outstanding warrants, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana. She satisfied bail requirements and was released pending further court action. On 12.10.2016, Richard W. Breeden III, 41, of Pennsville, NJ was arrested for hindering apprehension and outstanding warrants. He was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility. On 12.11.2016, Andrea L. Purvenas, 36, of West Deptford was arrested on Crown Point Road for obstruction of justice... Read more →

Cathedral-Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) PHILADELPHIA PA --Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the main celebrant and homilist at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2016. The Holy Day of Christmas is a most special occasion for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as we celebrate the Birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. All are welcome to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord at the mother church of the Archdiocese, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103 Saturday, December 24, 2016: - Christmas Eve Masses will be celebrated in the Cathedral Basilica at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Music for the 5:00 p.m. Mass will be provided by the Cathedral Schola and Instruments. Music for the 7:30 p.m. Mass will... Read more →

UPDATE: The missing woman has been found. Tegan Vauhn WINSLOW TOWNSHIP NJ (December 21, 2016)--Tegan Vauhn was reported missing on December 19 by her biological father who resides in Winslow Township. Tegan has been staying in the Atlantic City area for over a year and is reported to be homeless and engaged in prostitution. She is reported to have a heroin addiction and may be living somewhere under the Atlantic City Boardwalk. According to police her family is concerned for her well-being because she posts to Facebook daily, but has not been heard from or has not posted anything since December 3, 2016. Investigative information is limited from the family because they only speak to Vauhn through Social Media. The Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD)were contacted. The ACPD advised that they had not had contact with Vauhn. Vauhn has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Anyone having... Read more →

English: Skyline of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) from the New Jersey-Site of the Delaware River. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) December 21, 2016 Harrisburg, PA — Governor Tom Wolf today joined Senator Bob Casey, elected officials and stakeholders to tout a comprehensive Capital Investment Program at the Port of Philadelphia announced in November that will create thousands of jobs by investing more than $300 million in the Port’s infrastructure, warehousing, and equipment. This initiative will double container capacity, position the Port for future growth, improve efficiency, and increase tax revenues when it begins next year and continues through 2020, “My number one priority is to continue to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy to support the middle class and this capital investment program will give the Port of Philadelphia the tools it needs to improve its competitive position and create thousands of family-sustaining jobs while increasing state revenues,” said Governor Wolf. “With its major economic impacts throughout... Read more →

New York City health officials are warning the public after a strain of bird flu was detected in cats housed at a city-controlled animal shelter in East Harlem. This is the first time the H7N2 virus has been found in felines, the agency reported. Most of the cats suffered mild symptoms and are expected to recover,… Read more →

Clay Buchholz (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Press Release | December 20th, 2016 The Phillies have acquired right-hander Clay Buchholz from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league second baseman Josh Tobias, Vice President & General Manager Matt Klentak announced today. Buchholz, 32, went 8-10 with a 4.78 ERA in a career-high 37 games (21 starts) for the Red Sox last season. In his final 16 appearances of the season (eight starts), he posted a 5-1 record with a 2.80 ERA and held opposing hitters to a .212 batting average. "We are excited to welcome Clay Buchholz to Philadelphia," said Klentak. "Clay had a very productive tenure with the Red Sox, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in a Phillies uniform. He is a welcome addition to our young starting rotation." A two-time American League All-Star (2010 & 2013), Buchholz pitched a 9.0-inning no-hitter in his... Read more →

English: Robbins Reef Lighthouse, Bayonne, NJ, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia) BAYONNE -- Officials broke ground on a $56 million ship-to-rail facility Monday morning, which they say will take nearly 400,000 trucks off crowded roadways each year. The new rail facility will connect GCT Bayonne, also known as Global Terminal, with the existing CSX and Norfolk Southern railroad that spans the Newark Bay. "The ExpressRail Port Jersey… Read more →

Gerard van Honthorst Adoration of the Shepherds, still influenced by St. Bridget (Photo credit: Wikipedia) PHILADELPHIA PA (December 21, 2016)--Christmas ranks second among the three greatest feasts of the Christian year, the first being Easter, the third being Pentecost. No one knows the time of year when Jesus was actually born. Since the early Fourth Century, the Western Church has commemorated the Nativity in late December, possibly to replace pagan festivals of the time. But over the millennia, the beauty of the Gospel account of Christ’s birth has left a lasting mark on the human soul. For families especially, Christmas can be magic and an intimate joy. It resonates with the renewal of hope that comes with each new infant family member. Christians -- in other words, followers of Jesus Christ – celebrate December 25 not as just another secular holiday, but as the birthday of the messiah; the birthday,... Read more →

Sunset over Georgetown University School of Medicine (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Newswise — WASHINGTON — Sunlight allows us to make vitamin D, credited with healthier living, but a surprise research finding could reveal another powerful benefit of getting some sun. Georgetown University Medical Center researchers have found that sunlight, through a mechanism separate than vitamin D production, energizes T cells that play a central role in human immunity. Their findings, published today in Scientific Reports, suggest how the skin, the body’s largest organ, stays alert to the many microbes that can nest there. “We all know sunlight provides vitamin D, which is suggested to have an impact on immunity, among other things. But what we found is a completely separate role of sunlight on immunity,” says the study’s senior investigator, Gerard Ahern, PhD, associate professor in the Georgetown’s Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. “Some of the roles attributed to vitamin D... Read more →

The New Jersey Department of Health would like to remind residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure during cold weather and winter storms. Carbon monoxide (often referred to as CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. High levels of carbon monoxide can cause brain damage and death. It cannot be seen, heard or smelt which is why it has been nicknamed the "silent killer." “Generators should never be used indoors or in enclosed environments because of the potential for undetected buildup of poisonous carbon monoxide gas,” Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett said. “Residents living in homes with gas-powered appliances and fireplaces should be sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly.” Carbon monoxide can be produced by improperly vented household appliances, such as furnaces, stoves, hot water heaters and gas-powered generators. Emergency generators should be located at least 30 feet from buildings and should... Read more →

Release Date: December 20, 2016 U. S. Customs and Border Protection Catches Cocaine in Spandex Shorts NEWARK, N.J. — A passenger arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport had some extra packages in his shorts, fortunately U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers were there to stop him. On December 14, CBP officers intercepted passenger Mr. Rowald Thomas Tromp, a citizen of the Netherlands, arriving from Oranjestad, Aruba. During his examination, CBP officers found in his backpack a pair of spandex shorts. The shorts contained two packages that when probed produced a white powder that tested positive for cocaine. In total, CBP discovered approximately 5 lbs. of cocaine with an estimated street value of $78,000. “This latest seizure demonstrates the steadfastness of the CBP officers on the ground to detect and deter those who would try to import these illegal substances,” said Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations New York. “CBP... Read more →

WASHINGTON -- Two New Jersey residents were among the 231 individuals granted clemency Monday by President Barack Obama, who is using the final weeks of his presidency to reduce the criminal penalties imposed on nonviolent offenders. Obama pardoned Edward John Hartman of Westampton Township, who in 1986 was convicted of conspiracy for submitting false and fraudulent… Read more →

CLEMENTON -- Camden County authorities are still searching for a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours of duty in the Middle East and hasn't been seen since early December. Lance James, who turned 29 earlier this month, was last seen at his Clementon apartment on Dec. 2, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.… Read more →

The search warrant that gave FBI agents access to a cache of Hillary Clinton emails just nine days before the recent presidential election was unsealed Tuesday. It shows that FBI agents obtained the warrant by telling a federal judge they believed the emails contained classified information that broke the law. “There is probable cause to believe… Read more →

Receiving commutations from the president were: • Milton DeJesus-Bones of Philadelphia, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine in the Southern District of Florida. He was sentenced on January 30, 2001 to life imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release. His prison sentence has been commuted to 360 months' imprisonment. • Kareem Myers of Philadelphia was convicted on two counts of distribution of five or more grams of cocaine base in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He was sentenced March 16, 2007 to 262 months' imprisonment, eight years of supervised release and a $1,200 fine. His prison sentence was commuted to expire on December 19, 2018, with payment of an unpaid balance of $1,200 at the time of his release and conditional enrollment in a residential drug treatment. • Tyrone Trader of Chester, Delaware County, was... Read more →