Cleary’s Notebook Presents

APRIL CHEERS AND JEERS

Gloucester City Firefighter Settles Lawsuit for $45K

Written by William E. Cleary Sr.

JEER — To the ongoing dysfunction inside the Gloucester City Fire Department

A recently settled lawsuit revealed allegations of harassment, retaliation, and hostility toward an injured firefighter, ending in a $45,000 payout by the city. The details paint a picture of leadership problems that taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for.

The source for the $45,000 payout by Gloucester City is a March 27, 2026, report by Transparency NJ, written by open‑government advocate John Paff. The article details the settlement of a lawsuit filed by firefighter Kyle Jeffries, (photo) who alleged disability discrimination, harassment, and retaliation within the Gloucester City Fire Department. The city agreed to pay $45,000 to resolve the case — $23,804 to Jeffries for emotional distress and $21,196 for attorney fees.

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Key points from the documented settlement

The lawsuit stemmed from a June 2023 training injury and the firefighter’s subsequent treatment while on light duty. In his lawsuit, Kyle Jeffries, who began working for the department in 2014, alleged that he sustained a ruptured nerve in his spine leading to his left leg during a swift water training exercise in June 2023. He alleged that after reporting the injury and seeking medical treatment, he was placed on light-duty status but faced hostility from both supervisors and coworkers.

Allegations included hostility from supervisors, delayed workers’ comp paperwork, and retaliatory shift changes.

The settlement was finalized in August 2025, but publicly reported in March 2026.

The city did not admit wrongdoing, but paid the settlement to close the case. The mayor and council never said a word to the taxpayers who footed the bill for this case.

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Philadelphia Zoo Debuts ZooTopiaries, Tours, and Peak Bloom Season

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to share the exciting happenings in its 42-acre gardens as the region embraces spring, family and friends find ways to connect with nature outdoors, and the Zoo gears up for its busiest season. This includes the much-anticipated return of “ZooTopiaries: Nature’s Sculptures” featuring three new mosaic topiary animals that can only be seen exclusively at Philadelphia Zoo; brand new guided garden tours on Tuesdays and Saturdays starting April 18; new blooming flowerbeds designed by the experts at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; plus, an insider’s guide from the Zoo’s horticulture team to all the can’t miss spots for those trying to soak in every bit of spring.

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Road Closures and Detours

The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured Tuesday through Thursday nights this week as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. In addition, the right lane on I-76 eastbound is scheduled to be closed on the same nights. This is a continuation of work that began in January.

Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, April 7 until 5 a.m. Wednesday, April 8 and continuing Wednesday and Thursday nights at the same time, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168, and the right lane on I-76 eastbound is scheduled to be closed after Exit 1B through Exit 1A. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The closures are necessary for bridge steel installation and retaining wall construction. The following detour will be in place:

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Rosalyn M. Williams, 77, of Cherry Hill

On March 28, 2026, at the age of 77. Of Cherry Hill.

Survived by her children, siblings and a host of family and friends.

At her family’s request, services are private.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rosalyn M. Williams, please visit our flower store.

Ex-Camden Hospital Worker Charged in $2.5M Medical Supply Theft

A former surgical technician was charged with stealing roughly $2.5 million worth of medical supplies from a hospital in Camden and selling them for profit, announced Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.

Marci M. Staub, 44, of Galloway, NJ was charged on April 1, 2026, with 2nd-degree Theft, 2nd-degree Receiving Stolen Property, 2nd-degree Distribution of Prescription Legend Drugs and 2nd degree Impersonation of a Representative of a Medical Organization following a six-month investigation.

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Health Alert for Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Nuggets

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is retracting the public health alert issued on April 1, 2026, for Walmart Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets with “Best If Used By” date “Feb 10 2027” produced by Dorada Foods after confirming that the product does not pose a public health concern.

The public health alert was originally issued based on routine surveillance sampling conducted by the New York State Department of Public Health that indicated elevated trace levels of lead. Because this product is commonly consumed by children, FSIS issued the alert to inform consumers of a potential risk.

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Richard Wimmer, 95, of Gloucester City

Richard Wimmer, of Gloucester City, NJ, died on April 4, 2026. He was 95 years old. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan (nee Clayton), to whom he was married for 57 years. Loving father of Sharon L. Norman and husband Jim of Kissimmee, FL, and Richard A. Wimmer and wife Suzanne of Boothwyn, PA. Dick was the cherished Gramps of grandchildren Janine Young, husband Kyle; Katie Sarajian, husband Tim; Meghan Bistline, husband John; and Jimmy Norman. He also had 4 great-grandchildren: Zoey, Ashlyn, Jay, and Delainey. Dear brother of Dorothy Lynch, deceased, and Geraldine Furlong. Dick was the son of the late Howard D. and Kathryn C. Wimmer. Dick retired from the E.I. Dupont company with 34 years as an analytical technician.

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A police training exercise will be conducted from 8am until 4pm at the DeMasi School

Severity:
Minor – Minimal to no known threat to life or property

Urgency:
Expected – Responsive action SHOULD be taken soon (within next hour)

Certainty:
Observed – Determined to have occurred or to be ongoing

Category:
SAFETY: General emergency and Public Safety

Event Description:
Police Activity

Alert: A police training exercise will be conducted from 8am until 4pm at the DeMasi School. The school grounds are closed for the day. Thank you

Homicide Investigation

The following information is preliminary and subject to change. Updates will be provided as they become available.

On April 4, 2026, at approximately 4:42 p.m., officers from the 18th District responded to 4004 Market Street following reports of a shooting inside a grocery store. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was transported by University of Pennsylvania Police to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 5:13 p.m.

The investigation is currently ongoing with the Homicide Unit

Secure Garbage as Black Bears Emerge from Winter Dens

With the onset of spring, black bears are actively foraging for food and may wander into neighborhoods in search of an easy meal. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is reminding residents to be bear aware by securing garbage and other potential food sources that can attract them. Together, the bear safety resources and tips shared by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife are furthering the Sherrill Administration’s mission to deliver safer communities across the state.

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Rita’s Italian Ice Unveils New Gelati Sundae

A more indulgent, layered twist on the brand’s No. 1 fan-favorite arrives for a limited time

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, is giving its most-loved treat a delicious upgrade. Introducing the new Gelati Sundae, a limited-time lineup that transforms Rita’s iconic Gelati into a fully loaded, layered dessert experience—available at participating locations starting today, Monday, April 6.

Known as Rita’s most popular treat, the Gelati has long been a fan favorite for its refreshing combination of Italian Ice and creamy Frozen Custard. Now, Rita’s is taking it to the next level with three elevated, topping-packed creations designed to deliver even more flavor, texture, and desirability in every bite.