Multi‑Million‑Dollar Upgrade for Alice Costello Elementary School

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

BROOKLAWN, NJ (CNBNews) (June 13, 2026) — Groundbreaking ceremonies for the multi‑million‑dollar enhancement project at Alice Costello School were held Friday, June 12, on the school grounds at 301 Haakon Avenue. Dr. Samuel A. Rosetti, Superintendent of Schools, served as host for the event.

Dignitaries in attendance included State Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr., Camden County Commissioner Jonathan L. Young Sr., Mayor Jerry “Skip” Grandstrom, School Board President Michele Cecilio, and Architect Bob Garrison.

Two seventh‑grade students, Geoffrey Gettings and JJ Meehan, also participated in the program. Gettings led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Meehan delivered the student address. His comments are below.

The facilities improvement and modernization project is being funded through a strategic partnership utilizing the Camden County Improvement Authority’s Borough‑Guaranteed Lease Revenue Bonds (Series 2025).

“This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our students, families, and community,” Dr. Rosetti said. “The facility upgrades will allow our school to continue serving as a place of learning, growth, and opportunity for generations to come.”

The Brooklawn Borough School District has officially launched a $6,290,000 modernization initiative scheduled throughout 2026 at Alice Costello School. Supported through the CCIA financing program, the project reflects the district’s commitment to providing a safer, more sustainable, and high‑performance learning environment.

Critical infrastructure upgrades will address essential components of the school’s physical plant, including advanced building automation systems (BAS), comprehensive electrical improvements, and modern architectural design‑build enhancements. District officials say these improvements will deliver immediate benefits in environmental quality, operational efficiency, and updated safety protocol

Good afternoon, everyone! I’d like to welcome our school board members, teachers, parents, neighbors, and fellow classmates.

My name is J.J. Meehan, and I am a 7th grader here at Alice Costello School. It is an absolute honor to stand here today as we break ground on a massive upgrade for our school.

When you’re in 7th grade, you spend a lot of time thinking about the future—high school, sports, and what you want to be when you grow up. But today, our town is investing $6.3 million directly into our future right here in these classrooms.

We aren’t just getting a few cosmetic fixes. This project is bringing top-tier technology to ACES. We’re talking about smart building automation systems that control the climate, flat LED lighting that helps our planet save energy, and high-tech air purifiers in our classrooms to keep us all healthy and focused.

As students, our school is like a second home. When our community invests in making it safer, cleaner, and more modern, it tells us that our education matters. It inspires us to work harder.

Even though I’ll be graduating soon, I am so proud that this project will leave a lasting legacy for the younger grades and the future students of Brooklawn.

Thank you to the Brooklawn Board of Education, the Camden County Improvement Authority, Dr. Rosetti, ACES staff, and everyone in our community who made this historic day possible. Now let’s dig in!

Pine Hill Police Department is Seeking Public Assistance

Pine Hill Police Department are asking for assistance from the public in locating Brian Johnston who is wanted on Complaint-Warrant 0428-W-2026-000109 for Stalking.

Anyone with information or observing Brian Johnston are asked to contact Pine Hill Police Department.

Contact D/Sgt. Eric Davies #43 at 856-783-1549 x 443/ edavies@pinehillpd.com or at confidential@pinehillpd.com.

You can also text TIP PINEHILLPD followed by your tip to 88877.

Police Investigate Crash Involving Multiple Pedestrians

Five people, including four young children, were injured Thursday eveningafter being struck by a vehicle in Northeast Philadelphia. One person is currently in custody.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:04 p.m. in the 4700 block of Marple Street. During the incident, an adult female and four juveniles were hit by a burgundy Chrysler 300.

Four victims sustained minor injuries and are reportedly in stable condition. Emergency medical services responded to the scene and transported the victims to local hospitals:

Einstein Medical Center: An adult female and a 5-year-old girl.
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children: A 3-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl.
Jefferson Torresdale Hospital: A 4-year-old boy. Is currently listed critical condition.

One individual has been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The vehicle involved has been recovered and is being held by investigators.

The identity of the driver has not yet been released. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Secret Service Swarm Trump at Correspondents Dinner (AP Video)

An attempt on the life of the President of the United States happened tonight at the White House correspondence dinner being held at the Washington Hilton Hotel.

President Donald Trump said the suspect involved in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner security scare has been apprehended, praising Secret Service and law enforcement for their response.

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Wildfire Near Sunoco Tank Farm Sends Thick Smoke Across SJ (videos)

UPDATE

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

The smoke from the fire covered the South Jersey area. Image courtesy of Channel 6 Action News

NATIONAL PARK, NJ–Around 10:30 AM Saturday, April 11, 2026, black and dark gray smoke plumes were visible to the west. The smoke could be seen from far away, even from the Walt Whitman Bridge. “Lookie Lou’s” from all over South Jersey were driving toward the smoke, trying to find the source. CNBNews initially headed to Water Street, Gloucester City. Finding nothing, we drove to Old Crown Point Road, West Deptford, thinking the fire was at the Sunoco Refinery tank farm that faces The Piston Diner.

Not seeing anything at that location, we drove to the nearby community of National Park. Traffic was backed up from the 295 exit ramp to the Hessian Avenue traffic light. As Sweetie and I neared the fire, the smoke turned a dark black. Despite having my van windows closed and the AC on, my eyes began to tear, and I began to choke uncontrollably. Sweetie began to whimper. At that point, traffic was getting more congested. We abandoned our search for the fire’s location and headed home.

Continue reading “Wildfire Near Sunoco Tank Farm Sends Thick Smoke Across SJ (videos)” →

A Fond Farewell to Carr’s Hardware

William E. Cleary Sr. | Founder/Editor of Cleary’s Notebook News

Gloucester City News photo, August 29, 1974

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 24, 2026)--All good things come to an end, eventually — or so the saying goes. Gloucester City felt the weight of that truth this month when Jean Carr, owner of Carr’s Hardware, announced she was retiring and closing the family business on March 12. With that decision, a remarkable 58‑year chapter in the city’s history quietly came to a close.

The Carr family’s hardware legacy began in 1968, when the family patriarch, Franklin Carr Sr., opened the original store at 520 Monmouth Street in the heart of the Business District. At the time, Garwood’s Hardware stood directly across the street, and several other shops throughout town sold tools, lumber, and supplies. When the business moved to its new location, Frank Jr., owned the business. And, his brothers, Bill and Richard, worked there.

Among them were: Continue reading →

New Jersey State Police Issue Travel Restriction

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management under the Division of the New Jersey State Police have issued a mandatory travel restriction beginning 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and ending 7:00 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, in response to a major winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and strong winds across the state.Governor Sherrill declared a State of Emergency on Saturday, February 21, 2026, effective Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., to protect public safety and ensure timely snow removal and emergency response.Travel Restriction Details:

All non-exempt vehicles are prohibited from operating on state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways during this period.The New Jersey Turnpike is exempt from this restriction.Violators may face penalties under state law.

Exemptions:The travel restriction does not apply to:

Emergency and public safety vehicles and personnelPublic works and snow removal crewsPublic transportation vehicles and personnelGovernment officials conducting official businessUtility company vehicles and personnelHealthcare workers and urgent medical travelPersonnel supporting emergency shelter operations and human services facilitiesDelivery of critical medical supplies and services to healthcare facilitiesNews mediaPrivate snow removal contractorsPatients seeking urgent critical care and their escortsTravel necessary to maintain critical infrastructure and essential services, including energy, fuel, food, pharmacies, and hardware storesPersonnel supporting airline and airport operations

This measure is intended to safeguard lives and allow emergency and utility crews to clear roads and restore essential services as quickly as possible.For official updates and preparedness information, visit www.ready.nj.gov.Follow the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management online atFacebook @ReadyNewJerseyInstagram @ReadyNJX @ReadyNJ

Governor Sherrill Declares State of Emergency Effective at Noon on Sunday, February 22

A State of Emergency has been issued by Governor Sherrill for all counties in the State of New Jersey, effective at noon on Sunday, February 22 in anticipation of the upcoming dangerous winter weather.

A blizzard warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Blizzard conditions with snow accumulations totaling 14-20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

Travel will be extremely difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The lasted road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang – End of Watch: Sunday, February 1, 2026

Gwinnett County Police Department, Georgia

Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang, 25, was shot and killed responding to a fraud and forgery call at the Holiday Inn at the 1700 block of East Park Place Boulevard in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

When Officer Tamang and another officer arrived at the hotel around 7:30 a.m., the subject invited them into his hotel room. While inside, the subject pulled out a gun and fired at both officers. One of the officers returned fire, striking the shooter.

Additional officers arrived on scene and rendered aid to the officers and the shooter. One officer remains in critical but stable condition. Officer Tamnag was transported to Northside Gwinnett Hospital, where he died from his wounds.

The suspect, who has multiple felony convictions and active warrants, was initially taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds and is in custody.

Officer Tamang had served with the Gwinnett County Police Department for almost one year.

Continue reading “Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang – End of Watch: Sunday, February 1, 2026” →

Coast Guard Northeast District Investigating Cause of F/V Lily Jean Incident

BOSTON — Rear Adm. Michael Platt, commander of the Northeast District, has launched a district-level formal investigation concerning the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel LILY JEAN (O.N. 580932) and subsequent loss of seven lives on Jan. 30, 2026. 

The search was suspended on Jan. 31 after all reasonable search efforts for the missing crewmembers had been exhausted.

At 6:50 a.m., on Jan. 30, the Coast Guard responded to an emergency position-indicating radio beacon activation from a fishing vessel 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann. There were seven people onboard the LILY JEAN.

The seven crew members have been identified as follows: