Feds Put South Jersey Illegal Dumper in Jail

Last Thursday, Judge Renee Bumb in U.S. District Court in Camden sentenced Thomas Toy of Elmer to 30 days in prison and ordered him to pay $4.2 million in restitution for illegally storing hazardous materials. Thomas Toy ran the Superior Barrel and Drum Company, a company that cleaned and processed industrial drums before reselling them. The facility was located on the border of Elk Township and Glassboro.

“There should be no tolerance for illegal dumping. What Thomas Toy did in Glassboro was a disgrace and he belongs in jail. It’s important that he is being held accountable for his illegal dumping in South Jersey. This will serve as a deterrent for others because when you break the law you should go to jail. For too long, illegal dumpers have been getting away with poisoning our communities,”  said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “The federal government is making polluters accountable. Polluters need to clean up their mess and pay for it, too. Making sure this site is completely cleaned up is important for the health and safety of this community.”

Thomas Toy was indicted for storing hazardous waste in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in January 2018. Superior Barrel and Drum Company imported many drums that contained hazardous waste, which included toxic chemicals like benzene and lead. However, the company did not have permits to store these toxic materials.

“Toy needs to be held accountable for illegally dumping waste and endangering the health of the people of Glassboro and Elk. DEP should also be held accountable for their failure to address this.  These toxic chemicals have been poisoning the community for far too long, and DEP has been looking the other way and failing to enforce this site. Exposure to lead can cause kidney and brain damage, especially in young children. Benzenes are carcinogens that can cause anemia and affect the immune system, increasing risks for infections,” said Tittel. “The governor recently signed a law that will help protect New Jersey from illegal dumping by requiring more scrutiny for those involved in these industries. This will help protect New Jersey from future dumpers, but DEP still needs to do their job to enforce illegal dumping.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency removed approximately 1,800 of these drums of waste from September 2013 through September 2014. The total cost of this removal was $4.2 million, the amount that Toy has been fined as restitution.

“While the Judge’s ruling today is a win for Glassboro and Elk, the state still needs tighter regulations and restrictions on how our waste is handled. We have a long history of contaminated materials coming into our state, in part because DEP chooses not to regulate these chemicals. DEP needs to set and enforce standards for toxic materials to prevent any more possible dumping,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “It is good that the U.S. District Court is holding Thomas Toy accountable. Now the DEP has to step up and make sure there will be a full cleanup at this site.”

Route 47 Traffic Shift Required at 47 Bridge Over I-295 on Thursday

I-295 southbound Exit 25B to remain closed for another month

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced daytime lane

closures with alternating traffic on Route 47 as the Bridge over I-295 replacement project nears completion in Deptford, Gloucester County.

Beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, January 16, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, is scheduled to close one lane on the Route 47 Bridge over I-295 and set up alternating traffic to facilitate a traffic shift.  In addition, the ramp from I-295 southbound to Route 47 southbound will be closed temporarily while alternating traffic is in effect.  The following signed detour will be in place until approximately 3 p.m.:

I-295 southbound Exit 25A to Route 47 southbound detour:

(Thursday, January 16 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Motorists on I-295 southbound wishing to take Exit 25A to Route 47 southbound will be directed to take Exit

24B/CR 551 (Westville/Woodbury Heights)

Bear left onto CR 551 South/Woodbury Heights

Continue on CR 551 South which becomes North Evergreen Avenue

Turn left onto CR 642/Red Bank Avenue, which becomes Tacoma Avenue to Route 47

By 3 p.m., traffic on the bridge will be shifted into the final configuration, with one lane open in each direction.  The I-295 southbound Exit 25A ramp to Route 47 southbound will reopen.

The I-295 southbound Exit 25B ramp to Route 47 northbound will remain closed to allow for overhead sign installation.

The following detour will remain in place for approximately one month:

I-295 southbound Exit 25B to Route 47 northbound detour:

(Will remain in place for approximately one month)

Motorists on I-295 southbound wishing to take Exit 25B to Route 47 northbound will be directed to take Exit 24B to CR 551/Broadway (Westville/Woodbury Heights)

Keep right at the fork onto CR 551 north/Broadway toward Westville

Continue on CR 551 north which becomes Broadway

Turn left onto Route 47 northbound

The $7.7 million federally-funded project will replaced the existing concrete bridge deck, parapets and superstructure, which were in poor condition.  It also increased the vertical clearance of the bridge up from 14 feet 4 inches, to meet current standards of 16 feet 6 inches.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT\’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates follow us on the

NJDOT Facebook page

or on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

.

Robert W. J. Kain, 92, WW II Navy Veteran, KofC Council 674, GCHS Alum

Robert W.J. Kain (Bob/Beans) of Deptford, NJ died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 9, 2020. Age 92. Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Brill). Loving father of Maureen Underwood (Harry) of W. Deptford, Theresa Kain-Henry (Tom) of W. Deptford, Vincent Kain (Beth) of Glassboro, Julie McHenry (Pat) of Gloucester, Ronnie Kain-Beckett (Pat) of Deptford, Edward Kain (Cathy) of Somerdale, Marie Poloney (Adam) of Pitman and the late Robert J. Kain. Robert was blessed with fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Robert was a 1945 graduate of Gloucester Catholic H.S. where he was captain of the basketball team. He was a WWII Navy Veteran and a 1952 graduate and “Golden Hawk” of St. Joseph’s University. He was an Honorary Life member of Gloucester City Knights of Columbus Council #674. Robert worked at Koppens Beer Distributor for 25 years as an accountant and general manager before starting his own business – RJ Kain Fundraising. Robert loved his business and continued working well into his 90’s.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing Wednesday, January 15, 10am to 11:45am at St. Mary’s Church, 426 Monmouth St. Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Mass of Christian Burial 12pm at the church. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gloucester Catholic Alumni Association, 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

Arrangements by BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, Deptford.

www.boucherfuneralhome.com

Kristi Lee Smith, age 46, of West Deptford

WEST DEPTFORD NJ–On December 21, 2019.

Age 46, of West Deptford. Born in Woodbury, she was the daughter of the late Roy L. and Patricia L. (Daugherty) Rogers. Kristi is survived by her beloved sons, Daryn Reed Smith (Karen) and Levi Mason Sparks; her brothers, Anthony J.

Monahon, Charles E. Monahon, Jimmy M. Monahan; sisters, Cheryl Ginipro (Mike), Patty Monahan and her step-father, Edward Tilton. Kristi also was predeceased by her sister, Robin Monahan.

Celebration of Life and Sharing of Memories will be held on Saturday, December 28

th

from 4 to 8 pm at the Elks Lodge, 57 West Main Street, Penns Grove.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Kristi to the Robins Nest, 42 South Delsea Drive, Glassboro, NJ 08028. Please write: Kristi L. Smith in memo.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Kristi Lee Smith. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME

:

Ph: 856-456-1142

Maple Shade PD Seeking Officers through the Intergovernmental Transfer Program.

(Maple Shade NJ)(Dec. 13, 2019)–The Maple Shade Police Department announces our recent acceptance and participation in the New Jersey Civil Service Commission Intergovernmental Transfer Program (ITP).  In order to be considered, an officer MUST be a member in good standing of a Civil Service police department who participates in the ITP with a valid certification from the Police Training Commission as a full-time Municipal Police Officer.

If you are looking to join a progressive agency that offers superior training, opportunity, job growth and a supportive work environment, and who has been recognized by the Attorney General’s Office for their ground breaking work in the area of Officer Mental Health and Wellness (Resiliency), then we invite you to apply for a position at the Maple Shade Police Department.  Job specifications call for a High School Diploma or equivalent GED, and you must be a resident of New Jersey with a valid New Jersey Driver’s License to be considered.

Interested candidates should send their resume and a cover letter to the Appropriate Authority –

Township Manager Susan Danson, 200 Stiles Avenue Maple Shade, NJ 08052

as soon as possible, but no later than

Friday, December 20, 2019

.

Applicants will undergo an interview process with our command staff.  Those who are moved beyond that point will then be subjected to a thorough background investigation to include an Early Warning System and Internal Affairs File check in accordance with the Attorney General Guidelines.  Selected candidates who successfully pass the background process will be moved into the next phase of hiring, which will include a physical and psychological examination.  Those who pass that phase will be offered positions based upon their ranking amongst the command staff during the above process.  The starting salary is negotiable within a defined range based upon an officer’s level of experience as notated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  The officers who work in Maple Shade are represented by PBA Local #267.

Any eligible officers with questions or inquiries should contact Lt. Jeffrey Hoch at

jhoch@mapleshadepd.com

, or at 856-382-1205, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Camden County and Gloucester County Republicans Gather Toys for Tots

DEPTFORD – Recently the Camden County and Gloucester County Republican organizations came together for their third annual joint collection event for Toys for Tots at Adelphia Restaurant.

“Our two organizations work well together,” Gloucester County Republican Chairwoman Jacci Vigilante said. “We share parts of two congressional districts, two state legislative districts and office space. While our two organizations often work together to try to win elections, this particular event is without a doubt a favorite of the rank-and-file. Everyone is happy to come together for this good cause.”

The two organizations combined to collect more than 500 toys for children that might otherwise have little to celebrate at Christmas.

“Our joint Toys for Tots collection has quickly become a tradition for our organizations,” Camden County Republican Chairman Rich Ambrosino said. “Many members of our organizations are considered community leaders, as such, it is important we are active within the community. This is to us, one great way of giving a little back and we’re all happy to do it.”

# # #

Gloucester County Sheriff\’s Office nabs #10

on Sheriff Morina’s most wanted list

(Woodbury, NJ) – Gloucester County Sheriff Carmel Morina announced that Daquan Stratton, of Glassboro, #10 on the Sheriff’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, was located and arrested on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Stratton was arrested by the Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit in Glassboro.  He was wanted for seven Violations of Probation warrants with the original charges being the following: Four counts of Burglary, three counts of Theft and Criminal Attempt. He also had a Child Support Warrant for $8701.  He was arrested without incident and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Sheriff Morina stated, \”All of the detectives and investigators from our Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit do a great job every day,\” Morina added, “They are putting their lives on the line every time they pursue one of these fugitives, you just never know what people will do in a desperate situation.”

Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, liaison to the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, said, \”Our sheriff\’s officers work tirelessly to keep Gloucester County safe for our residents. We are very proud of the professionalism and dedication our Sheriff\’s Office displays every day.\”

To date the Sheriff’s Office has apprehended 192 off the Sheriff’s Top Ten Most Wanted List.

To view the Top Ten Fugitives on Sheriff Morina’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, go to

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/s/sheriff/mostwanted/default.asp

If you know the whereabouts of a fugitive, please call Lt. Jen Ridinger at 856-384-4625.   All calls are kept confidential.

Mental Health board member recognized for 20 years of service

(West Deptford, NJ) Gloucester County Freeholder Jim Jefferson recognized Elaine Vets for her 20 years of service to the Gloucester County Mental Health Board.

Elaine has made it a priority to learn about the community mental health services, promote education and advocate for individuals experiencing mental illness.  She has been an appointed member on the Mental Health Board for 20 years, 15 of which she has served as chairperson.

Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, \”The Mental Health Board promotes understanding and education towards those experiencing and those affected by mental illness.  Gloucester County is fortunate to have Elaine on their team.\”

Freeholder Jefferson, liaison to the Mental Health Board said, “Elaine works hard to provide our community with the tools necessary to effectively deal with and advocate for their loved ones who are living with mental health conditions.  Her abilities and contributions are an important key to the success of the Mental Health Board.”

For resources and contact numbers for those suffering from mental health issues or those who know someone who may be suffering, visit

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/h/hserv/mhs/resources.asp.

Gloucester County Sheriff\’s Office nabs #10

on Sheriff Morina’s most wanted list

(Woodbury, NJ) – Gloucester County Sheriff Carmel Morina announced that Daquan Stratton, of Glassboro, #10 on the Sheriff’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, was located and arrested on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Stratton was arrested by the Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit in Glassboro.  He was wanted for seven Violations of Probation warrants with the original charges being the following: Four counts of Burglary, three counts of Theft and Criminal Attempt. He also had a Child Support Warrant for $8701.  He was arrested without incident and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Sheriff Morina stated, \”All of the detectives and investigators from our Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit do a great job every day,\” Morina added, “They are putting their lives on the line every time they pursue one of these fugitives, you just never know what people will do in a desperate situation.”

Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, liaison to the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, said, \”Our sheriff\’s officers work tirelessly to keep Gloucester County safe for our residents. We are very proud of the professionalism and dedication our Sheriff\’s Office displays every day.\”

To date the Sheriff’s Office has apprehended 192 off the Sheriff’s Top Ten Most Wanted List.

To view the Top Ten Fugitives on Sheriff Morina’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, go to

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/s/sheriff/mostwanted/default.asp

If you know the whereabouts of a fugitive, please call Lt. Jen Ridinger at 856-384-4625.   All calls are kept confidential.

Obituary: Dolores Budesa (nee Devine) of Deptford, formerly of Gloucester City

Dolores Budesa Deptford, N.J. Dolores Budesa (nee Devine) on November 14, 2019 of Deptford. Age 90.

Wife of the late Samuel Budesa. Predeceased by her parents Mark and Frances Devine and grandson Sean Bunting. Loving mother of Elaine Hill (Ray) of Deptford, Dolores Bunting of Glendora, Sam Budesa (Debbie) of Gloucester, Trisha Flynn (Pat) of Gloucester, Theresa Murphy (Pat) of Gloucester, Christine DiGiacomo (Joe) of Brooklawn and Michael Budesa (the late Sally) of Deptford. Beloved sister of Paul Devine of Deptford, Tom Devine of Washington Township and the late Mark Devine. Devoted grandmother of twenty and great-grandmother of thirty-four.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Dolores was so proud of having an extremely large family. Her day wasn\’t complete without spending time with one of her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Her favorite pastime was celebrating holidays and family events. During these times, she enjoyed sharing family conversations and entertaining by playing the piano. Her favorite stories to tell were about fond memories with her husband, and the perfect life that they shared together.

Funeral services under the direction of the BOUCHER FUNERALHOME, 1757 Delsea Dr., Deptford, NJ 08096.  Entombment New St. Mary\’s Cemetery & Mausoleum, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. John of God Community Services, 11545 Delsea Dr., Westville, NJ 08093.