Day: January 4, 2020

NJBIA: IRS Figures Show Continued Outmigration of NJ\’s Adjusted Gross Income

According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data released last week, New Jersey experienced an outflow of nearly $3.2 billion in Individual Income Tax Return Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for tax year 2017-2018.

With this added net loss of AGI, New Jersey\’s total net loss is $28.1 billion over a 13-year period, dating back to 2004-2005.

\”This continuing outflow of income tax returns speaks to our declining competitiveness in the region and the nation,\” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. \”We need to improve our state\’s economy through comprehensive planning and reform, rather than excessive taxation, which serves as the trigger for people to want to leave our great state.\”

In 2017-2018, New Jersey recorded an inflow of $8.3 billion in income tax returns, compared to $11.5 billion in income tax return outflow.

Data shows that New Jersey\’s regional competitors – New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware and Connecticut – received 41% of New Jersey\’s outmigrated AGI in 2017-2018.

NJBIA has historically tracked this data and will have further updates on the latest IRS findings in the coming weeks.

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec.16-29

Reminder for the week: Renew your boat registration and purchase your 2020 fishing license

DOVER (Jan. 3, 2020) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 16-29 made 1,459 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 48 citations. Officers responded to 58 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

On Dec. 19, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Daniel L. Wilson, 40, of Dover, for one count of theft under $1,500 following an investigation into theft of a trail camera near Little Creek. Wilson was arraigned through Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance, pending a future court appearance.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation:

Hunting migratory waterfowl before/after established shooting hours (1), hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (1), hunting migratory waterfowl with illegal toxic shot (1), hunting migratory waterfowl over illegal bait (9), possession of unlawfully taken game – Canada geese (3), possession of over the limit Canada geese (1), removing antlerless deer parts prior to checking (1), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), and trespass to hunt (1).

Fisheries Conservation:

Unlicensed fishing (1) and trespass to fish (2).

Boating & Boating Safety:

Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), no navigation lights (1), and no boating safety certificate in possession (2).

Public Safety:

Striking an occupied dwelling with shot discharged from a firearm (1), possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vessel (2), operating a motor vehicle at unreasonable speed (1), passing on a shoulder (1), possession of marijuana – civil (1), and possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

Other:

Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (6)*, trespassing in a closed area on Division lands (2)*, target shooting on a state wildlife area (2)*, operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (3), driving with a suspended or revoked license (1), and theft under $1,500 (1).

*

Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters, and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting, and boating laws and regulations. The Public are encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to

http://de.gov/ogt

, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.

Are you AWARE?

Boaters

– Delaware boat registrations expired Dec. 31, and must be renewed before taking boats out on the water in 2020. Boat owners can register their boats or renew their registrations online, through DNREC’s boat registration office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or through private boat registration agents statewide. To find a participating agent or to register your boat online, visit

Delaware Boat Registration Information

. For additional information on boat registration, call 302-739-9916.

Anglers

– It’s time to purchase your 2020 Delaware fishing licenses, as 2019 licenses expired Dec. 31. A valid fishing license is required by most individuals for fishing, crabbing, and clamming in Delaware in both tidal and non-tidal waters. Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at DNREC’s licensing desk at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by private license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit

Delaware licenses

. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

January Happenings at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Atlantic City, N.J. (

January 2, 2020)

– Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is kicking off 2020 by extending their “Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge,” launching a new menu in Hard Rock Cafe, offering Dim Sum for the Chinese New Year and introducing

NuFace

and

NuBody

products in Rock Spa

®

& Salon. Entertainment continues to hit a high note with the return of boxing and Latin-music icon Marc Anthony taking center stage among many others performing at the resort destination.

Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will offer a chart-topping

“Winter Escape Package”

starting at $79, which includes an overnight stay (Monday through Thursday), a $60 dining credit to be used at Fresh Harvest Buffet and two tickets to Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club® Monday through Thursday. Book your stay today at

hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

.

Casino

“Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge”

– The $500,000 Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge continues through the playoffs ending on January 21 with $25,000 in weekly prizes. Wild Card Members can select their picks every day, each week for up to seven entries per week (1 entry per day) for the Sunday and Monday games at the Pro Football Pick\’em Kiosks. The winning teams can be viewed on Tuesdays at Wild Card Services or online at

HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com

. Weekly winners can receive up to $10,000 cash for the most correct picks and 600 random winners will receive $25 in Free Play.

2X Tier Points

– Play your favorite slots or table games on January 4 and January 20 from noon until 8 p.m. and earn 2x Tier Points. You must be a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Wild Card Reward Member to qualify, and you must be 21-years and older with valid proof of age to participate.

Food & Beverage

Hard Rock Cafe

–

The legendary Hard Rock Cafe will be launching their new menu on January 29. Some of the new items on the menu include One Night In Bangkok Spicy Shrimp™, Buffalo Style Sliders, the Hot Fudge Mini Milkshake and the 24-Karat Gold Leaf Steak Burger™. Through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a portion of all proceeds from the 24-Karat Gold Leaf Steak Burger™ will benefit Action Against Hunger to assist in the fight against world hunger.

Chinese New Year’s Dim Sum at Song

– To celebrate Chinese New Year’s, Hard Rock Atlantic City will be re-opening SONG for a traditional Dim Sum menu on Sunday afternoon, January 26. Chinese Dim Sum is prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on a small plate and usually served with tea.

Rock Spa® & Salon Specials

A “Nu” Day has come to Rock Spa® & Salon as they introduce

NuFace

and

NuBody

for a “Nu” you in 2020.

“Forever Young” Facial – 50 minutes – $95

Introducing the i-Genesis ritual with Derm Young products and NuFace microcurrent technology. Designed to help promote optimal cell to cell communication to bring out the radiance from within. These natural proprietary Derm Young ingredients will activate your inner repair system to correct existing damage and prevent future problems as well as microcurrent to lift and tone leaving a rejuvenated more youthful appearance.

“The Shape of You” Body Contour Treatment – 50 minutes – $95 or a Series of three – $255 ($85 value)

Remodel your silhouette with firmer contours. The plant-based shaping complex, with notes of orange and mimosa helps to improve skin tone and elasticity. This service now features the added benefits of NuBody microcurrent technology which is clinically shown to improve the appearance of body skin while smoothing away the look of dimples. Tone, smooth and firm the “Shape of You.”

Renewal Massage – 50 minutes – $90, 80 minutes – $150

Classic light to medium pressure massage offering the perfect escape from daily stress. Long gliding strokes relax the body and ease the mind. The perfect way to start the new year.

Celebrate your feet with Bubbly – 50 minutes – $55

Pop the cork and celebrate your feet with our Champagne pedicure. Champagne oil is high in

antioxidants and helps make the skin glow.

Book your treatment today by calling (609) 449-5380.

Entertainment

1/6 – 1/9 – Chris Franjola & Richie Holliday – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/11 – Top Rank Boxing:  Hart Vs Smith – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

1/13 – 1/14 & 1/16 – Tom Cotter & Kerri Louise – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/18 – Sounds of Philadelphia featuring Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes and The Manhattans – Sound Waves

1/20 – 1/23 – Keifer Thompson & Dale Jones – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/25 – Marc Anthony Opus Tour – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

1/29 & 1/30 – JF Harris & Greg Warren – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/31 – Classic Albums Live Performs: Tom Petty Damn The Torpedoes – Sound Waves

Nightlife

DAER Nightclub

1/3 – Nico Oso

1/4 – DJ FIVE

1/10 – BEAT BREAKER

1/11- DJ Clue with Tory Lanez

1/17 – IKON

1/18 – NGHTMRE

1/24 – Nicky Rizz

1/25 – Chase B

1/31 – DJ Dainjazone

Pick Six Increases to $5.7 Million for Jan. 6

TRENTON (Jan. 3, 2020) – The Pick-6 drawing on January 2 produced seven winners of $3,776 for matching five out of six white balls drawn. One of those tickets was purchased with XTRA, multiplying the prize to $15,104. The $5.7 million drawing will be held Monday, January 6, 2020.

The winning numbers for the Thursday, January 2, drawing were: 08, 14, 16, 22, 38 and 44. The XTRA Multiplier was: 04. By adding XTRA for an additional $1.00 per play, winners are able to multiply their non-jackpot prizes by the XTRA number drawn.

Acting Executive Director James Carey announced that there were 528,697 tickets purchased for the drawing and of those sold, thousands were prizewinners! For correctly matching four numbers, 438 ticketholders won $59 each and 52 others won $236 each with the addition of XTRA. Moreover, for correctly matching three numbers 7,820 ticketholders won $3.00 each and 1,252 others won $12 each with the addition of XTRA. 9,074 ticketholders each won $2.00 for correctly matching two numbers with the addition of XTRA on their purchase.

Tips to Keep Your Outdoor Power Equipment Operating

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Winter weather is unpredictable. Home and business owners rely on outdoor power equipment to keep the power on, clear obstructions from yards and driveways, and keep their families and businesses safe. Do you know how to correctly fuel and maintain equipment so it runs well all season?

The

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)

offers tips to help users protect their equipment and get the most from it when it’s needed during the winter.

“By its very nature, winter weather is unpredictable. Trees can fall due to ice, snow, or wind and cause power outages. You need your generator to keep the lights and heat on, and your chainsaw and snow thrower to help you clear the way,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. When deciding on a portable generator to buy, consider the

advantages of an inverter

generator, with less noise being a great feature.

“Whether you’re using battery, gasoline, propane, diesel or hybrid powered equipment, there is a product to meet your needs. But you have to know how to fuel it correctly,” said Kiser.

If using gasoline-powered equipment, OPEI reminds everyone to protect their power and choose the right fuel for the equipment they are using. Most outdoor power equipment is warranted to run on gasoline containing E10 (10 percent ethanol) or less. But many higher ethanol fuel blends, such as E15, E30 and E85, are available in the marketplace.

“As government policies continue to bring uncertainty into the gasoline retail marketplace, especially regarding ethanol content levels in gasoline, the consumer has to make sure the right fuel is chosen for the right product. Protect your power with proper fueling,” says Kiser.

He adds, “Avoid mis-fueling. Use ten percent ethanol (E10) fuel blends or less in your chain saw, portable generator, snow thrower, trimmer, blower and other outdoor power equipment.”

Here are safety tips to help home and business owners:

Tip #1: Consult the equipment’s owner’s manual and follow all fueling guidelines for your outdoor power equipment.

Familiarize yourself with the controls. If you have lost your manual, look it up online.

Tip #2: Inspect equipment.

Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative.

Tip #3: Clean equipment.

Remove any dirt or debris. A clean machine will run more efficiently and last longer.

Tip #4: Drain old fuel.

Fuel sitting in the tank for more than 30 days (without a fuel stabilizer) can deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system.

Tip #5: Only use E10 or less fuel.

Some gas stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or higher ethanol fuel blends, but fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol can damage–and is illegal to use — in small engine equipment not designed for it.

Tip #6: Label your fuel can with the date of purchase and ethanol content of the fuel.

Never put “old” gas in your outdoor power equipment. If you don’t know the date of purchase, safely dispose of fuel and buy fresh gas.

Tip #7: Safely store your fuel in an approved container and away from flames or heat sources.

Keep fuel out of the reach of children and pets.

Tip #8: Never add fuel to a hot engine.

Wait for it to cool before fueling.

Visit

www.opei.org

for more tips and go to

www.LookBeforeYouPump.com

for safe fueling information.

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual international trade show, and the creative force behind the environmental education program,

TurfMutt.com

. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces. For more information, visit

www.OPEI.org

.

Lewes WWTP Malfunction, Discharge of partially-treated effluent into Lewes-Rehoboth Canal

DOVER (Jan. 2, 2020) – DNREC staff were dispatched today to the Lewes wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) after Tidewater Utilities notified the Department that the facility was once again forced to bypass stages of its treatment and discharge partially-treated effluent into the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal late Wednesday evening. The bypass lasted two hours while Tidewater operators worked to find a solution for problems with new treatment membranes. By 11:45 p.m.

Wednesday Tidewater was able to end the bypass and resume normal treatment of effluent at the wastewater treatment plant.

DNREC today monitored the WWTP’s operations and Tidewater Utilities’ continued efforts to mitigate recent system malfunctions at the plant. The Lewes WWTP discharged partially-treated effluent from Dec. 18-28, 2019 after a system malfunction caused contamination of the plant’s treatment membranes that filter flow. New membranes were installed Dec. 28, enabling full treatment to resume at that time, but Tidewater reported today that pressure build-up behind the new membranes required a bypass to avoid compromising their use. Tidewater, in consult with the membrane manufacturer, has instituted new operational protocols to minimize pressure build-up moving forward, with no further bypass events expected by plant operators. Tidewater also informed DNREC earlier today that an additional set of refurbished membranes are ready to be put back into service later today to help alleviate strain on the new treatment unit.

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin confirmed Monday that an environmental violation had occurred when the Lewes WWTP bypassed normal treatment operations between Dec. 18-28 because of the plant’s system malfunction, and that DNREC is currently gathering pertinent information before determining appropriate action. Department staff will continue to monitor the situation at the plant daily as Tidewater Utilities works toward maintaining consistent treatment of effluent without further system malfunctions.

Although the plant is currently back online and has resumed normal treatment of effluent, DNREC also encourages the public who depend on the Lewes WWTP plant to handle their wastewater to continue practicing water conservation while corrective measures continue at the plant.

PA Turnpike Toll Hikes Drag on Economy

By Dave Lemery |

The Center Square

Pity the commuter or trucker who must steer his or her vehicle onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike to get to work each day – the toll rates that critics say are already exorbitant are about to get even worse.

Reeling under massive debt payments that were supposed to be covered by tolls on Interstate 80, the ailing Turnpike administration is set to roll out even higher toll rates starting Sunday, Jan. 5.

For a passenger vehicle traveling from the westernmost toll plaza in Warrendale, just outside Pittsburgh, all the way across the state to the easternmost ticketing plaza in North Wales, just outside Philadelphia, a motorist today can expect to pay $36.20. But by next week, that price will rise to $38.40.

In 2016, the same trip cost $30.32 in tolls.

The source of the Turnpike’s financial distress is

a 2007 law

that diverted $450 million annually from Turnpike coffers to PennDOT to fund other efforts. When the federal government refused to allow the state to put tolls on I-80, the annual payments became unsustainable and have led to annual toll hikes; in the preceding 64 years, the Turnpike averaged less than one toll hike per decade.

Lawmakers later approved a smaller payment from the Turnpike to PennDOT – starting in 2022, the obligation will drop from $450 million a year to $50 million through 2057. But in the meantime, the Turnpike has accumulated about $13 billion in debt, and climbing.

In November, Rep. Lori Mizgorski, R-Allison Park,

said more action needs to be taken

beyond the scheduled drop in PennDOT payments in two years.

“The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) has been forced by law to raise tolls for 11 straight years, while causing the turnpike to reduce its rebuilding program by 13 [percent], forcing their debt levels to more than $13 billion,” Mizgorski said. “The turnpike commission needs to make critical investments to power economic growth across the Commonwealth and provide relief to its customers from excessive toll increases.”

In a news conference last year to call attention to the Turnpike’s financial issues, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale noted that the effects of the rising tolls radiate throughout the state’s economy, raising prices even for those who never drive a single mile on the highway.

“For those that think, ‘Well, I don\’t drive the Turnpike, why should I care about this? I don\’t pay that?’ News flash. Those truckers that are driving on that, they\’re hauling fruit, they\’re hauling food,” DePasquale said. “They\’re hauling goods and services that you\’re buying in Pennsylvania. Yes, you are paying that, because that is being passed along to the consumers.”

Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton said last year that about half of the turnpikes $1.2 billion in revenue each year is going toward paying $600 million in debt, preventing the commission from taking on needed large-scale improvement projects.

Rev. James Dabrowsk, Pastor of Many South Jersey Catholic Parishes Dies; Services Thursday & Friday

Rev. James Dabrowsk

Rev. James Dabrowski, died on January 1, 2020. He was 63. Rev. Dabrowski was born on November 14, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA and prepared for the Priesthood at the University of Scranton and St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, MD. He was ordained for the Priesthood on May 26, 1984 at St. Cecilia’s RC Church in Pennsauken. He served as Parochial Vicar at Saint John of God, North Cape May; St, Joseph, Somers Point; Sacred Heart, Mount Ephraim; and St. Thomas, Brigantine. He then went on to serve as Pastor at Annunciation BVM, Bellmawr, St. Simon Stock, Berlin, and St. Thomas More, Cherry Hill.

Beloved son of the late Benjamin L. and Kathleen M. (nee McCrossan) Dabrowski. Devoted brother of Lawrence J. Dabrowski and late Kathleen (nee Dabrowski) Yanzuk. He is also survived by 8 nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Reception of the Body will take place at 4:00 PM on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Saint Simon Stock Parish, 178 West White Horse Pike, Berlin. The viewing will follow until 8:00 PM. The viewing will continue on Friday, January 10 at 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM. Reverend Robert E. Hughes will celebrate the Mass of the Christian Burial immediately following the viewing at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073 (

www.foodforthepoor.org

) or to the Missionaries of the Poor, P.O Box 8525, Kingston, Jamaica, WI (

www.missionariesofthepoor.org

).

Gloucester Township Police Use PepperBalls to Arrest Armed Man

SICKLERVILLE, NJ –On Thursday January 2, 2020 the Gloucester Township Police Department responded to a home on the 30 block of Santalina Drive in Sicklerville, NJ 08081 to attempt a warrant service on a Mehal Rockefeller. Mr. Rockefeller was observed in the back yard of the property when officers

began to approach he fled into the home.

At this time a command post was established and phone contact was attempted with Mr. Rockefeller by members of our Investigations Bureau and Crisis Negotiation Team. There were numerous phone conversations with Mr. Rockefeller by phone who refused to come outside. In between the phone conversations Mr. Rockefeller had contacted a local police department and threatened to kill officers if they came into the house. Mr. Rockefeller told officers he was armed with a knife and would exit the home. Mr. Rockefeller then repeatedly exited and entered the home holding a knife in his hand while ignoring officers. He was given commands to drop the knife but Mr. Rockefeller refused to comply. An officer with a less lethal Pepperball Launching System was able to deploy several pepperball projectiles causing Mr. Rockefeller to immediately drop the knife allowing officers to approach and safely take him into custody.

There were no injuries to the suspect or any police officer.

Mehal Rockefeller was charged with Hindering Apprehension (DP Offense), Resisting Arrest (4th Degree), Possession of a Weapon (4th Degree), Possession of a Weapon For Unlawful Purpose (3rd Degree), Terroristic Threats (3rd Degree). He was remanded to the Camden County Corrections Facility pending a Central First Appearance in accordance with the New Jersey Criminal Justice Reform Act.

Arrested: Mehal Rockefeller 37 year old male. 30 Block Santalina Drive Sicklerville, NJ 08081