Almost five months without a homicide, the CCPD continues to make progress

(Camden, NJ) – As flowers begin to bloom and the temperatures start to rise, the Camden County Police Department has hit another unprecedented high point in its quest to reduce crime in the city. For the first time since the 1970s, the city recorded zero homicides for the official start and finish of the winter months. This milestone reflects the sustained decline in violent crime throughout the city, and underscores the historic reduction in crime achieved since Camden was once considered one of the most dangerous municipalities in the nation prior to May 1, 2013.

Philadelphia, PA – Spring is finally here and Evil Genius Beer Company is celebrating in Fishtown with a massive block party. Say goodbye to the long, dark winter and hello to sunshine, fresh brews, and good vibes at their “Sprung!” Block Party on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from Noon to 6:00pm. Whether you want to sip on something refreshing, soak up the Spring energy, or just enjoy some of the best food, beer and local vendors Philly has to offer this is the party to welcome the warmth in style. Check out the festivities at Evil Genius Beer Company, at 1700 block of N. Front St. outside of their taproom (1727 N. Front St). This is a no charge family and fido friendly event so be sure to bring the whole crew out for the day to enjoy the changing of seasons. For more information on Evil Genius Beer Company or to find their beer, visit their website at evilgeniusbeer.com or give them a shout on social media @evilgeniusbeer.

The GCFD is proud to announce the addition of two new probationary firefighters to the department.

Please join us in welcoming Mike Girgenti and Chris Dolson. Mike and Chris will be attending the Camden County Fire Academy for the next 12 weeks, followed by in-house training as they begin their careers with the GCFD.

We are excited to have them join our team and look forward to working alongside them as they begin their careers here with us.

My wife, Janet and I like to patronize local businesses in Gloucester City whenever we can. For example some years ago we hired an attorney to draw up our Will and our Living Will. Over time things have changed and we needed to update both documents. Our local lawyer recently retired; as such, we hired another lawyer from our community to amend both Wills. I should have asked him beforehand how much he would charge for his time. Thinking it couldn’t be that expensive, I didn’t pursue that thought. Plus, since he never mentioned how much it would be, that furthered my conviction that his charges would be minimal.

BUY HERE

A BIG MISTAKE.

My wife and I headed to his office several weeks later to sign the paperwork and retrieve the new Wills. Printed on the last page of the invoice he presented us was a charge of $3,000, less a special family and friends discount of $500. Balance owed, $2,500.

We have decided to appeal his fees with a District Fee Arbitration Committee.

According to my research on appealing an attorney’s fee in New Jersey, you can file a request for binding fee arbitration with a District Fee Arbitration Committee within 30 days of receiving the final bill or, if a lawsuit is filed, appeal the decision to the Appellate Division of Superior Court within 45 days.

BELOW IS SOME INFORMATION FOUND VIA AINJ Courts (.gov)
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Steps to Appeal (Fee Arbitration):
Attempt Resolution: First, discuss the fee directly with your attorney, who must inform you of your right to arbitration.
File for Arbitration: Complete the Fee Arbitration Notice of Appeal Form ( and mail it to the address listed on the form, typically with the Office of Attorney Ethics (P.O. Box 962, Trenton, NJ 08625), within 30 days of receiving the final invoice.
Committee Review: A local committee will review the case. Note that fee arbitration cannot decide claims of legal malpractice, only whether the fee is reasonable.
Appealing the Arbitration Decision: If you disagree with the arbitration result, a written appeal must be filed with the Disciplinary Review Board within 21 days of the written decision.

NJ Courts (.gov)
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Important Notes:
Fee arbitration proceedings are confidential.
If a judge ordered the fee, you must appeal to the Superior Court Appellate Division.
If you are appealing a court decision (not arbitration), you must file the appeal within 45 days.

NJ Courts (.gov)
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If you are facing a large fee dispute, you may wish to consult with a new attorney to review the billing records for reasonableness. SOURCE: Attorney Ethics and Discipline

Robert S. Bevan, former Gloucester City Mayor

Area School District Edition – January 1 to March 13, 2026

For more than 20 years, CNBNews has highlighted the people, institutions, and decisions that shape our local communities. Each week we recognize those who deserve applause — and call out those who fall short — in our continuing effort to keep residents informed and engaged. We welcome your input. If you like to submit a suggestion for our next School Districts Edition, or our regular Cheers and Jeers column, forward it to Editor William E. Cleary Sr., wecleary@gloucestercitynews.net

Surrounded by his loving family, Stephen B. “Pop” Heister, Sr., of Gloucester City, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the age of 75.

Steve will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lois D. Heister (née Devine) and children Stephen B. Heister, Jr. and his wife, Pam, and Jeanette Shoemaker and her husband Garrett. He was the cherished and proud grandfather of Braydon and Kayla Heister, and Rhya and Grayson Shoemaker, who brought him endless joy.

He was the beloved son of the late Benjamin and Gloria Heister and the dear brother of the late Benjamin E. Heister, Jr. (surviving Hortensia “Honey”). He is also survived by many loving members of the Heister and Devine families.

By Gus Ostrum 

Gloucester Catholic High School will host its 4th Annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Sapphire Grand Ballroom in Deptford, NJ, the Hall of Fame Executive Committee has announced.

Proceeds from the Hall of Fame Banquet benefit Gloucester Catholic High School.

Earlier Saturday morning, February 28, 2026the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran began. The Pentagon confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader was killed as a result of the bombing, along with 40 other high-ranking Iranian officials. Memories of the United States War with Iraq, come to mind. Since the 1980s, U.S. military involvement in the Middle East has focused on maintaining regional stability, securing oil reserves, and combating terrorism, shifting from direct interventions—like the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq War—to, more recently, proxy warfare, drone strikes, and countering Iranian-backed forces. (Wilson Center +3)