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Community Service

'Dream Come True': This Lawyer Just Became One Of New Jersey's Youngest Judges 'Dream Come True': This Lawyer Just Became One Of New Jersey's Youngest Judges
'Dream Come True': This Lawyer Just Became One Of New Jersey's Youngest Judges An Edison woman has reached her lifelong dream of being appointed a judge and she's one of the youngest in New Jersey's history. Malia Reichmann was sworn in as an Edison municipal court judge on Monday, Sept. 30, the township said in a news release. The 32-year-old is a lawyer who graduated from Columbia Law School. Reichmann said it's a "dream come true" to be a judge in her hometown. "Thank you to Mayor Sam Joshi and the Edison Township Council for entrusting me with upholding laws that make our community safe, beautiful, and a welcoming place for everyone," said Reichman…
Grieving Family Of Former Rutgers Dean Dead By Suicide Raises Staggering Amount Of Money Grieving Family Of Former Rutgers Dean Dead By Suicide Raises Staggering Amount Of Money
Grieving Family Of Former Rutgers Dean Dead By Suicide Raises Staggering Amount Of Money An accomplished lawyer who was "beacon of kindness and generosity" has passed away, but where his light once shone, his community has started a fire. More than $21,000 had been raised in less than 24 hours on a GoFundMe for the family of William "Bill" J. Zee, 50, who was born in New Jersey and had been living in Lititz. A UPenn PhD candidate and former assistant dean at Rutgers University, and a beloved father, Bill was found dead in the PA Game Land located near US 322 and Pumping Station Road in Elizabeth Township, according to Chief Deputy Coroner Eric Bieber as Daily Voi…
CNN News Anchor From NJ Announces Husband's Death In Heartbreaking Post CNN News Anchor From NJ Announces Husband's Death In Heartbreaking Post
CNN News Anchor From NJ Announces Husband's Death In Heartbreaking Post Alisyn Camerota, A CNN anchor from Fairfield County, CT and with New Jersey roots is mourning the loss of her husband, she announced in a heartbreaking post on social media. Camerota, who was born in Shrewsbury, NJ said on Friday, Sept. 20 on Instagram that her husband, Tim Lewis, died on July 27, 2024 — two years after being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Lewis' obituary on the Harding Funeral Home website says that he and Camerota live in Westport, CT. "I cannot imagine any human being soldiering through a devastating diagnosis with more humor, humility and bravery than Tim," …
Realtor Michael Kravchak Killed In South Jersey Crash Realtor Michael Kravchak Killed In South Jersey Crash
Realtor Michael Kravchak Killed In South Jersey Crash A prominent New Jersey realtor was killed in a crash Thursday, Sept. 5, authorities said. Michael Kravchak, 47, of Egg Harbor City, died in the wreck on Thursday, Sept. 5, the Mansfield Township Police Department said in a news release. Officers responded to the crash on Route 206 North near the intersection with Route 68 at around 11:03 a.m. Investigators said Kravchak's vehicle hit a traffic light pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Kravchak was an agent for Montclair-based eXp Realty and referred to himself as "not your average realtor." The most expensive home posted on his webs…
Longtime Edison Firefighter Ray Tobik Dies Suddenly, 58 Longtime Edison Firefighter Ray Tobik Dies Suddenly, 58
Longtime Edison Firefighter Ray Tobik Dies Suddenly, 58 A family was rallying for support after a former Edison firefighter died, according to a fundraising campaign. Ray Tibok, 58, died suddenly on Thursday, Aug. 8, a GoFundMe page said. He had served as a firefighter for the Edison Township Fire Department for 30 years before retiring in May 2022. The GoFundMe had raised more than $1,400 from at least 11 donations as of Thursday, Aug. 22. "His commitment to his community and his family was unwavering," wrote Tibok's nephew Joseph Schmidig in the memorial fundraiser. "Whenever you needed something Ray would be there." Tibok was reme…
Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend
Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend Akhtar Farzaie needed one more person to bring to a charity golf outing at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster last month.  Naturally, retired NY Knicks power forward Charles Oakley was the first person to come to mind. Farzaie, 41, who owns Bella Pizza in Hillsborough, met the 60-year-old NBA legend when he said he was elbowed by him during a pickup game at a local YMCA in 2002. The two were later acquainted by mutual friends, and have kept in touch ever since. Oakley agreed to make a special trip out to Somerset County for Farzie last month, and was treated to seared Bronzino, si…
'Crazy Rescue Ladies' Plead Guilty After 170+ Pets Saved From Disgusting NJ Home: Prosecutors 'Crazy Rescue Ladies' Plead Guilty After 170+ Pets Saved From Disgusting NJ Home: Prosecutors
'Crazy Rescue Ladies' Plead Guilty After 170+ Pets Saved From Disgusting NJ Home: Prosecutors Two Brick Township women who called themselves the "Crazy Rescue Ladies" admitted to having more than 170 pets in deplorable conditions, authorities said. Michele Nycz, 60, pleaded guilty on Monday, June 24 to two counts of animal cruelty, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Aimee Lonczak, 51, also pleaded guilty on the same day to two counts of animal cruelty, along with child neglect. Brick police responded to a complaint of a suspected puppy mill run at a home on Arrowhead Park Drive on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. Officers smelled a strong odor…
Family Affair: Father, Son Serve Together At This New Jersey Fire Department Family Affair: Father, Son Serve Together At This New Jersey Fire Department
Family Affair: Father, Son Serve Together At This New Jersey Fire Department Helping others runs in the Rice family’s blood.  Matthew Rice, 23, grew up surrounded by it.  His grandmother was an ICU nurse, his grandfather a police officer, and his dad, Dave, 47, is an EMT and firefighter. Matthew himself just graduated with his master’s degree in fire science: Explosion & investigation. One of the best ways for father and son, Dave and Matthew, to spend time together is volunteering with Toms River Fire Co. No. 2 in the Toms River Fire Department. “It can be a challenge at times volunteering together,” Dave laughed, “but it’s a lot of fun, a lot of ca…
Jersey Shore Native Crowned Miss New Jersey 2024 Jersey Shore Native Crowned Miss New Jersey 2024
Jersey Shore Native Crowned Miss New Jersey 2024 A Cape May County woman was crowned Miss New Jersey in the fourth straight year the title has gone to a South Jersey native. Elizabeth Mendel of Cape May Court House won the competition at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City on Saturday, June 8. She qualified for the final competition after she was named Miss South Jersey. The Middle Township High School graduate said she's "immensely grateful" to represent the Garden State. "My passion, drive, commitment, and dedication throughout my time as a local titleholder has given me the tools to become the young woman I am today and now your sta…
Bergen Grade Schoolers Accused Of Sodomizing Boy With Sex Toy Bergen Grade Schoolers Accused Of Sodomizing Boy With Sex Toy
Bergen Grade Schoolers Accused Of Sodomizing Boy With Sex Toy A group of young boys from Old Tappan are accused of sodomizing another with a sex toy. According to multiple parents, the 8th graders pooled their money to buy the penis-shaped sex aid from a popular gift company. One apparently turned it on another at a local residence while at least two others helped with the horrific assault, they said. Video of the penetration and what the parents said was an equally disgusting subsequent act was apparently recorded and shared. It wasn't immediately clear what physical injuries the victim may have suffered or what medical treatment was needed.  …
Melinda Schriver Of Galloway Dies, 45 Melinda Schriver Of Galloway Dies, 45
Melinda Schriver Of Galloway Dies, 45 The family of an Atlantic County mother and former restaurant owner is mourning her death. Melinda Schriver of Galloway died on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 45 years old, according to her obituary. The cause of her death was not mentioned. Schriver was born on Friday, Sept. 8, 1978, in Vineland, and she was a lifelong resident of Galloway. She was an Absegami High School graduate and studied business administration at Atlantic Cape Community College. Schriver was once the owner of Naomi's Cafe, a now-closed restaurant in Northfield that shared the name of one of her daughters. "Naomi’s was a family…
NJ's Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Mourned As Trailblazer NJ's Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Mourned As Trailblazer
NJ's Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Mourned As Trailblazer Sheila Oliver, the lieutenant governor of New Jersey, died on Tuesday, Aug. 1, her family announced. She was 71 years old. Oliver, who was born and raised in Newark and lived in East Orange, had been serving as acting governor while Gov. Phil Murphy was vacationing in Italy. She was taken to a hospital on Monday, July 31 for an undisclosed medical issue. In a statement, Murphy said he and his family were "incredibly saddened and distraught" to hear of her passing. "When I selected her to be my running mate in 2017, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was already a trailblazer in every sense of…
NJ Beach Town Looks To Close Beaches Early Due To Wild Teens, New Curfew Enacted NJ Beach Town Looks To Close Beaches Early Due To Wild Teens, New Curfew Enacted
NJ Beach Town Looks To Close Beaches Early Due To Wild Teens, New Curfew Enacted Those under 18 years old will need adult supervision after midnight in one New Jersey beach town. Wildwood this week passed a new ordinance that requires juveniles to be accompanied by a parent or guardian between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they're going to or coming from work or a local business. A proposed ordinance suggests closing beaches from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for everyone, in the interest of public safety. According to the ordinance, it's all because of the rowdy teens that gathered in the city on the Fourth of July Weekend. The teens were rioting, engaging in "criminal mischief," and…
Princeton Girl, 10, Who Died After Brain Injury, Seizure Memorialized With Fundraiser Princeton Girl, 10, Who Died After Brain Injury, Seizure Memorialized With Fundraiser
Princeton Girl, 10, Who Died After Brain Injury, Seizure Memorialized With Fundraiser A 10-year-old girl from Princeton, who suffered a fatal brain seizure, is being remembered for her community service. Her family has organized a GoFundMe in memory of Kelsey Morand to expand children's services at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Kelsey died unexpectedly on July 3 after suffering a brain injury brought on by the seizure, her father said. "Kelsey was our community-building, cat-loving, art-commissioning, creative-baking, and stuffed animal-sewing little girl and we want to continue to celebrate all the things she loved and cherished," the GoFundMe page says. "We are raising m…
Longtime Coach, Athlete Nicknamed 'Flash' Memorialized With Perth Amboy Scholarship Longtime Coach, Athlete Nicknamed 'Flash' Memorialized With Perth Amboy Scholarship
Longtime Coach, Athlete Nicknamed 'Flash' Memorialized With Perth Amboy Scholarship A longtime area coach and athlete is being remembered with the creation of a local scholarship. The late Tyrone Fashaw, 68, attended Perth Amboy High School where he excelled as a three-sport student-athlete. He was a natural at most sports, so much so that he was given the nickname, "Flash" for his above-average speed, according to Kenneth Ortiz, who organized this GoFundMe page. After graduating from Perth Amboy High School in 1972, Tyrone attended Bloomfield College, where he was a member of the football and baseball teams. A few years after graduating college, Tyrone was hired as a bil…
Teens Sentenced In Arson Fire Along Garden State Parkway: Prosecutor Teens Sentenced In Arson Fire Along Garden State Parkway: Prosecutor
Teens Sentenced In Arson Fire Along Garden State Parkway: Prosecutor Two juveniles from Brick Township have been sentenced in connection with an arson fire along the Garden State Parkway, authorities said. Both I.J. and A.R. were sentenced to 60 days in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center as a condition of three years probation. They've already served the detention center time, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. Additionally, the Court ordered $15,000 in restitution to be split evenly between the juveniles. Finally, both juveniles were ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and attend and complete a firesetter’s education pr…
EMS Volunteer Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Route 9 Jersey Shore EMS Volunteer Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Route 9 Jersey Shore
EMS Volunteer Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Route 9 Jersey Shore A volunteer member of the Bayville First Aid Squad was killed when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle turning from Route 9 into a shopping center parking lot in Forked River, authorities said. Michael McCabe, 49, was riding north on Route 9 and the southbound vehicle driven by 55-year-old Anne Danza of Forked River was turning left into Sunset Plaza at 5:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, Lacey police said. McCabe, a life member of the Bayville First Aid Squad, died of the injuries he suffered in the crash, police said. Lacey Township EMS and RWJ Paramedics responded to the scene.  “Mike w…
NJ Fire Chief, 54, Dies Of Complications From COVID-19 In Central Jersey NJ Fire Chief, 54, Dies Of Complications From COVID-19 In Central Jersey
NJ Fire Chief, 54, Dies Of Complications From Covid-19 In Central Jersey Devoted New Jersey fire chief and beloved father Thomas Marvits died from complications of COVID-19 on Sunday, Jan. 15 aged 54. Thomas was a dedicated member of Hillsborough Fire Company #3 (Station 38) for over a decade and eventually earned the rank of Chief, his obituary says. Meanwhile, he worked successfully in the finance industry, holding positions at Deutsche Bank, Neuberger Berman, and Thrivent Financial Services throughout his career. Thomas also served on the Congregation Council and Property Committee at Faith Lutheran Church and dutifully as an Assistant Scoutmaster for the B…
Violent NJ Ex-Con Who Once Made Headlines Hangs Himself At Bergen Jail Violent NJ Ex-Con Who Once Made Headlines Hangs Himself At Bergen Jail
Violent NJ Ex-Con Who Once Made Headlines Hangs Himself At Bergen Jail A disgraced former police officer who'd served time for threatening to kill his then-wife more than 10 years ago was found hanged in his cell at the Bergen County Jail over the weekend, authorities confirmed. Keith C. Reilly, 42, was pronounced dead from suicide at Hackensack University Medical Center at 5:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, Sheriff Anthony Cureton said. Officers assigned to the secure housing unit were conducting routine checks when they found Reilly suspended from the HVAC system by a bedsheet, the sheriff said. He'd strangled himself, Cureton said, adding that an investigation was…
Newark's Ironbound Grieves Loss Of Beloved Young Police Officer Newark's Ironbound Grieves Loss Of Beloved Young Police Officer
Newark's Ironbound Grieves Loss Of Beloved Young Police Officer TRIBUTE: Portuguese Americans in Newark's Ironbound are reeling from the death of a beloved community police officer who devoted a great deal of his life to helping children. Ricardo Barbosa, 29, of Belleville was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Bell Street home off White Oak Terrace shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday, according to multiple reports. Belleville officers conducted CPR on Barbosa, who responders said died a short time later. "What can you say about an overall great guy whose love for his community showed in his actions every day?" the Portuguese American Police A…
South Jersey Man Sentenced For Killing Girlfriend's Yorkie Puppy South Jersey Man Sentenced For Killing Girlfriend's Yorkie Puppy
South Jersey Man Sentenced For Killing Girlfriend's Yorkie Puppy A 39-year-old Camden man was sentenced for killing his girlfriend's Yorkshire Terrier puppy, authorities said. Gary Moore was sentenced to three years in state prison on Friday, Aug. 26, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office. In his guilty plea, Moore admitted to intentionally killing his then girlfriend’s dog when he was angry with her. The case began as a joint investigation between the Atlantic City Police Department and the Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. Moore was ordered to pay restitution to the Prosecutor’s Office for the f…
NJ Hooters Girls Bring Joy To School Children In Bahamas (PHOTOS) NJ Hooters Girls Bring Joy To School Children In Bahamas (PHOTOS)
NJ Hooters Girls Bring Joy To School Children In Bahamas (Photos) Hooters Girls brought school supplies and lots of joy to schoolchildren during a recent trip to the Bahamas. The eight girls — who hailed from Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island — distributed coloring books, crayons, sunglasses and toiletries to students at Gateway Christian Academy in Bimini. Hooters Girls interacting with students at Gateway Christian Academy in BiminiCourtesy of Ilona Wolpin The girls spent time with the kids while on location for their 2023 Hooters Calendar shoot. The girls said they enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the community. “Bringing …
'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies 'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies
'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies Vincent Doffont spent much of his life serving and protecting his country as a U.S. Marine and, later, his community in Hudson County as a sheriff's officer, police officer and firefighter. Doffont, 37, died suddenly this weekend, leaving those who knew him in shock and profound grief. "He was one of the hardest men I have ever met," wrote friend Blake Upton. "I always thought of him as invincible." Doffont, indeed, seemed indestructible as a football running back, defensive back and placekicked for the St. Mary's High School Gaels from 1999 through 2002. He was praised for his "speed, s…
'Even In Death,' Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder Will Continue To Save Lives 'Even In Death,' Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder Will Continue To Save Lives
'Even In Death,' Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder Will Continue To Save Lives The Stars & Stripes were raised and then lowered to half-staff in honor of a tow truck-driving first responder from Bergen County who was taken off life support this weekend after being gravely injured while responding to a call. Robert Thornton, 31, of Ridgefield Park, was officially pronounced dead at Hackensack University Medical Center at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, loved ones said. Even in death, Thornton "will now save many lives," Moonachie First Aid & Rescue Squad Lt. Chris Yuhasz said. Thornton's organs were harvested following a solemn ceremony Sunday that drew a large cr…
Trio Charged With Murdering College-Bound Paterson Honor Student, 18 Trio Charged With Murdering College-Bound Paterson Honor Student, 18
Trio Charged With Murdering College-Bound Paterson Honor Student, 18 Three men were each charged with murder in a street shooting that killed an innocent college-bound honor student from Paterson as he carried in his grandmother’s groceries. Jaquin Williams and Jahed Jones, both 19 of Paterson, and Kahaz D. Heron, 18, of Clifton remained held in the Passaic County Jail following an intense and furious investigation into the slaying of 18-year-old Robert Cuadra. Cuadra was struck by a bullet that was among no fewer than 16 rounds that authorities said were fired on Godwin Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Responding officers found the mortally wounded teen o…
Retired PA Police Lieutenant Killed In Hunting Accident, Report Says Retired PA Police Lieutenant Killed In Hunting Accident, Report Says
Retired PA Police Lieutenant Killed In Hunting Accident, Report Says A man was fatally shot while bear hunting on Saturday, according to a report by Erie News Now citing the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The shooting, which was initially called into authorities as a cardiac arrest, happened on Pennsylvania State Game Lands 197 property in Columbus Township, Warren County, just afternoon, according to the outlet.  Gary R. Hunt, 64, of Corry, was pronounced dead at the scene, the outlet says. Hunt's 42-year-old hunting partner was crossing a creek when he fell on his .270 rifle shooting Hunt in the abdomen, according to the report. Hunt was a police lieu…
Animal Cruelty Suspect Escapes Jail Sentence: Gets Lifetime Ban On Owning Pets: Prosecutor Says Animal Cruelty Suspect Escapes Jail Sentence: Gets Lifetime Ban On Owning Pets: Prosecutor Says
Animal Cruelty Suspect Escapes Jail Sentence: Gets Lifetime Ban On Owning Pets: Prosecutor Says Over objections from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, a 30 year-old woman from Toms River will not get any jail time on an animal cruelty charge in which three dogs died.  Instead, Alyssa DeStefano was sentenced on Friday to 60 hours of community service, probation and a lifetime ban on owning animals, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. DeStefano was sentenced by the Superior Court Judge Rochelle Gizinski to a two- year term of probation as a result of a previously entered guilty plea in July to animal cruelty, the prosecutor said. Gizinski  …
Springsteen's Federal DWI Hearing Streams Live For Reporters This Week Springsteen's Federal DWI Hearing Streams Live For Reporters This Week
Springsteen's Federal DWI Hearing Streams Live For Reporters This Week Bruce Springsteen’s federal court appearance on DWI charges Wednesday will be streamed live via Zoom for the news media. A part-time U.S. magistrate judge based in Newark will handle the case in what is known as enclave court because the arrest was made on federal property at Sandy Hook. Members of the media must follows U.S. District Court rules that strictly prohibit "broadcasting, photographing, recording or otherwise transmitting court proceedings," including live streaming and rebroadcasting. Violators could face contempt of court charges in addition to losing federal court privileges…
Ex-AC Mayor Who Spent $86,000 In Youth Sports Donations On Himself Gets 30 Days In Fed Pen Ex-AC Mayor Who Spent $86,000 In Youth Sports Donations On Himself Gets 30 Days In Fed Pen
Ex-AC Mayor Who Spent $86,000 In Youth Sports Donations On Himself Gets 30 Days In Fed Pen UPDATE: Former Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam was sentenced Thursday to a plea-bargained 30 days in federal prison, 11 months of house arrest and 200 hours of community for scamming donors out of $86,000 that he told them was going to a youth basketball team. Frank Gilliam, 49, used the money on fancy clothes, expensive meals, and trips that were “completely unrelated to the operation of a youth basketball team,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachel A. Honig said. “I stand before this court a fractured human being,” Gilliam told U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez via videoconference in Camde…
Prosecutor: Freehold Man Faces 5 Years In State Prison For Killing Stolen Puppies Prosecutor: Freehold Man Faces 5 Years In State Prison For Killing Stolen Puppies
Prosecutor: Freehold Man Faces 5 Years In State Prison For Killing Stolen Puppies A man from Monmouth County has admitted to causing the deaths of four stolen German Shepherd puppies, authorities said. Daniel McDonald, 26, of Freehold, pleaded guilty on Thursday to four counts of animal cruelty before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr., according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. A co-defendant from Howell, Tricia Jaccoma, 24, was caught by U.S. Marshals after evading law enforcement as a fugitive for nearly three months as reported here on Sept.. 5 The puppies were found dead in May on a property where …
Ocean Prosecutor: Little League Treasurer Returns Stolen $63K Ocean Prosecutor: Little League Treasurer Returns Stolen $63K
Ocean Prosecutor: Little League Treasurer Returns Stolen $63K A 57-year-old man from Jackson Township has returned money stolen from an Ocean County Little League and been sentenced to community service, authorities said. In addition to returning about $63,085 to the Holbrook Little League, John Lehman was sentenced on Friday to one-year probation and 100 hours of community service,  Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Lehman previously pleaded guilty to theft by unlawful taking on Dec. 2, 2019, before Superior Court Judge Rochelle Gizinski along with a co-defendant, Anthony Del Vecchio, according to Billhimer. Del Vecch…