Category: LegacyImport2

Increase in Calls to U.S. Poison Control Centers for Natural Psychoactive Substances, Driven by Marijuana Exposures

Newswise — (COLUMBUS, Ohio)

– Natural substances with psychoactive effects have been used by people for religious, medicinal and recreational purposes for millennia. Lack of regulation has led to an increase in their availability, especially online. Some psychoactive substances may be appealing to recreational users because of the

Gloucestercitynews.net blog files

perception they are safer because they’re “natural.” However, these substances can produce psychedelic, stimulant, sedative, euphoric and anticholinergic symptoms, which are cause for concern.

A new study conducted by the

Center for Injury Research and Policy

and the

Central Ohio Poison Center

at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found there were more than 67,300 calls to U.S. Poison Control Centers regarding exposures to natural psychoactive substances. The study looked at calls from January 2000 through December 2017, which totaled an average of 3,743 exposures each year, or approximately 10 calls every day.

“These substances have been associated with a variety of serious medical outcomes including seizures and coma in adults and children,” said

Henry Spiller, MS, D.ABAT

, co-author of this study and director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s. The increasing rate of exposures to marijuana accounted for almost half of all natural psychoactive substance exposures and can be attributed, in part, to the increasing number of states that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. “As more states continue to legalize marijuana in various forms, parents and health care providers should treat it like any other medication: locked up, away, and out of sight of children,” said Spiller. “With edibles and infused products especially, curious children are mistaking them for kid-friendly candy or food, and that poses a very real risk for harm.”

The study, published online today in the journal

Clinical Toxicology,

found that most exposures occurred among individuals older than 19 years of age (41%) and 13-19-year-olds (35%). The majority (64%) of cases occurred among males, and 91% occurred at a residence. The substances most commonly involved were marijuana (47%), anticholinergic plants such as jimson weed (21%), and hallucinogenic mushrooms (16%). Kratom, khat, anticholinergic plants, and hallucinogenic mushrooms were the substances with the highest percentages of hospital admission and serious medical outcomes.

Despite an increase in the overall rate of exposure to natural psychoactive substances, most substances showed a significant decrease in exposure rate from 2000-2017, except for marijuana (150% increase), nutmeg (64% increase), and kratom. Kratom demonstrated a nearly 5,000% increase from 2011-2017 and accounted for eight of the 42 deaths identified in this study. These findings support the need for increased efforts to prevent kratom-associated morbidity and mortality.

Of the 42 deaths identified in this study, seven were among children. Five of the deaths were to 13-19-year-olds and involved anticholinergic plants, hallucinogenic mushrooms, kava kava and marijuana. Both deaths among children 12 years and younger involved marijuana. Similar to previous studies, almost all cases among children younger than 6 years old were primarily exposures associated with exploratory behaviors. Children in this age group are mobile, curious and generally unaware of the potential danger of poisoning. Children younger than 6 years accounted for one-fifth of natural psychoactive substance cases, of which, the majority involved anticholinergic plants and marijuana.

Data for this study were obtained from the National Poison Data System, which is maintained by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). The AAPCC receives data about calls to poison control centers that serve the U.S. and its territories. Poison control centers receive phone calls through the Poison Help Line and document information about the product, route of exposure, individual exposed, exposure scenario, and other data.

The Central Ohio Poison Center

provides state-of-the-art poison prevention, assessment and treatment to residents in 64 of Ohio’s 88 counties. The center services are available to the public, medical professionals, industry, and human service agencies. The Poison Center handles more than 42,000 poison exposure calls annually, and confidential, free emergency poisoning treatment advice is available 24/7. To learn more about the Poison Center, visit

www.bepoisonsmart.org

.

The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) of The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

works globally to reduce injury-related pediatric death and disabilities. With innovative research at its core, CIRP works to continually improve the scientific understanding of the epidemiology, biomechanics, prevention, acute treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries. CIRP serves as a pioneer by translating cutting edge injury research into education, policy, and advances in clinical care. For related injury prevention materials or to learn more about CIRP, visit

www.injurycenter.org

.

Owner Of Empire Pharmacy In Hudson County Admits Role In Multi-Million Dollar Conspiracies

TRENTON, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man today admitted participating in conspiracies to commit health care fraud and to bribe a doctor, U.S. Attorney Craig

Carpenito announced.

Eduard “Eddy” Shtindler, 36, of Paramus, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks to a doctor.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From 2012 through at least 2017, Shtindler owned and operated the now-defunct Empire Pharmacy in West New York, New Jersey. Starting in 2015, Empire began filling prescriptions for expensive specialty medication that required “prior authorization” before being approved for reimbursement payment by Medical, Medicaid, and some private insurance providers. To entice doctors to use Empire to fill such medications, Shtindler planned to have Empire receive prior authorization approval more successfully than any other pharmacies. He directed Empire employees, including two pharmacists, to repeatedly falsify prior authorization forms for medications for different conditions, including psoriasis and Hepatitis C. Shtindler was captured on recorded conversations admitting to his and Empire’s practice of falsifying prior authorization forms in order to receive approval for medication that would not have otherwise been approved.

From 2012 through early 2017, Shtindler participated in a conspiracy to pay bribes to a psychiatrist in Hudson County, New Jersey, to induce the doctor to send prescriptions to Empire. Shtindler sent Empire employees to deliver some of the bribe payments to the doctor. On occasion, Shtindler secreted cash bribes, in $100 denominations, in pill bottles that were delivered to the doctor. In exchange for these bribes, the doctor steered patients to use Empire pharmacy, even though the patients used other pharmacies closer to their homes for all of their other prescriptions. In one recorded conversation between Shtindler and a concerned former Empire employee who had delivered a bribe to the doctor on Shtindler’s behalf, Shtindler was captured stating, “You think [the doctor]’s going to go to the FBI and rat himself out?” In another conversation with the same former employee regarding the same topic of bribe payment Shtindler had the employee deliver to the doctor, Shtindler was captured saying, “First off, I didn’t make you do it. I didn’t put a gun to your head. We all made money together.” Shtindler concluded, “It is business.”

As part of his plea agreement, Shtindler agreed to loss amounts between $1.5 million and $3.5 million for each of the charged conspiracies to which he pleaded guilty.

The count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and the count of conspiring to pay illegal kickbacks is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. Both offenses are punishable by a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; and the N.J. Office of the State Comptroller, under the direction of Comptroller Philip James Degnan, with the ongoing investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua L. Haber of the Health Care & Government Fraud Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

Defense counsel: Albert Y. Dayan. Esq., Queens, New York

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Base Salary $88,610

The Center Square

Nov 25, 201

State lawmakers in Pennsylvania now draw a base annual salary of $88,610, in addition to mileage or travel outlays of 58 cents per mile, according to

a recent study by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Gloucester City News blog files

Pennsylvania legislators receive per-diem payments consisting of $177 per day during sessions.

Lawmakers’ salaries can be set by statute, legislatures or compensation commissions, according to the NCSL, which collects information yearly on state lawmaker pay and per diems in the 50 states.

In addition to this compensation, legislators may also receive insurance and retirement benefits, as well as office and staffing allowances.

Legislator Salaries by State in 2019

State

Base Salary

Mileage in Cents per Mile

Session Per Diem Rate

Alabama

$48,123

58/mile

Up to $100/day depending on length of trip.

Alaska

$50,400

58/mile

$322/day

Arizona

$24,000

58/mile

$35/day for the first 120 days of the regular session and for special sessions and $10/day thereafter. Members living outside Maricopa County get additional compensation.

Arkansas

$41,394

58/mile

Current per diem rate for legislators who live more than 50 miles from the capitol in Little Rock is $149. Members who live within 50 miles of the Capitol are eligible to receive a reduced per diem (meals and incidentals, no lodging) of $55.

California

$110,459

53/mile

$201/day for each day in session.

Colorado

$40,242 for members whose terms began in January 2019; $30,000 for others.

52/mile

Up to $171 for members who live more than 50 miles from the capitol; $45/day for members who live 50 or fewer miles from the capitol.

Connecticut

$28,000

58/mile

No per diem is paid.

Delaware

$46,291

40/mile

No per diem is paid.

Florida

$29,697

44.5/mile

$163/day based on the number of days in Tallahassee (V).

Georgia

$17,342

58/mile

$173/day (U). Set by the Legislative Services Committee.

Hawaii

$62,604

Varies depending on distances and circumstances.

$225/day for members who don\’t live on Oahu.

Idaho

$17,879

58/mile; one round trip per week.

$139/day for members whose primary residence is over 50 miles from the statehouse; $55/day for members whose primary residence is less than 50 miles from the statehouse. (U)

Illinois

$65,836

39/mile

$111/session day.

Indiana

$26,490

58/mile

$181/day (U).

Iowa

$25,000

39/mile

$169/day; $126.75/day for Polk County lawmakers.

Kansas

$88.66/day (C)

58/mile

$149/day.

Kentucky

$188.22/day (C)

58/mile

$163.90/day.

Louisiana

$16,800 Senate; $22,800 House

58/mile

$161/day.

Maine

$10,131

44/mile

$38/day lodging (or mileage and tolls up to $38/day in lieu of housing). $32/day for meals. Set by statute.

Maryland

$50,330

58/mile

$47/day, meals. $106/day, lodging.

Massachusetts

$66,257

Members receive stipends based on distance.

No per diem is paid.

Michigan

$71,685

58/mile

$10,800/year expense allowance for session and interim (V). Set by the compensation commission.

Minnesota

$45,000

58/mile

$86/d for senators; $66/d for representatives.

Mississippi

$23,500

58/mile

$149/day.

Missouri

$35,915

37.5/mile

$119/day.

Montana

$92.46/day (L)

58/mile

$120.11/day.

Nebraska

$12,000

58/mile

$149/day for members residing 50 miles or more from the capitol; $55/day for members residing inside the 50-mile radius.

Nevada

$150.71/day for legislators elected in 2016, $146.29/day for midterm legislators

Travel allowances vary

$149/day.

New Hampshire

$200/2-year term.

Varies depending on distances.

No per diem is paid.

New Jersey

$49,000

None

No per diem is paid.

New Mexico

None

58/mile

$161/day or $184/day depending on month.

New York

$110,000

58/mile

$174/day (including overnight) or $61/day (no overnight).

North Carolina

$13,951

29/mile

$104/day (U). Set by statute.

North Dakota

$495/month

54/mile; one round trip per week.

$177/day.

Ohio

$63,007

52/mile

No per diem is paid.

Oklahoma

$35,021

58/mile

$156/day.

Oregon

$31,200

58/mile

$149/day.

Pennsylvania

$88,610

58/mile

$177/day.

Rhode Island

$15,959

54.5/mile

No per diem is paid.

South Carolina

$10,400

58/mile

$170/day.

South Dakota

$11,379

up to 42/mile

$149/day (L) (U).

Tennessee

$24,316

47/mile

$240/day for members residing more than 50 miles from capitol.

Texas

$7,200

58/mile

$221/day. Set by ethics commission.

Utah

$285/day (C)

54/mile

Up to $100 plus tax/day for members who live more than 100 miles round trip from capitol.

Vermont

733.04/week during session.

58/mile

$126/day lodging (including overnight) or $69/day (no overnight).

Virginia

$18,000/year Senate; $17,640/year House.

58/mile

$213/day.

Washington

$52,766/ year as of July 1, 2019.

58/mile

$120/day.

West Virginia

$20,000

48.5/mile

$131/day (U). Set by compensation commission.

Wisconsin

$52,999

51/mile

Senate: up to $115/day; Assembly: up to $162/day. The maximum number of days per year that per diem

can be claimed is 153 days.

Wyoming

$150/day

58/mile

$109/day (V). Set by legislature.

Abbreviations: C – Calendar day; L – Legislative day; (U) – Unvouchered; (V) – Vouchered

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

published here with permission

Pennsylvania Senator Wants to End Practice of Changing Clocks within the State

Pennsylvania senator calls for end to Daylight Saving Time

By Dave Fidlin |

The Center Square

Nov 25, 2019

Pennsylvania Sen. Scott Martin is on a quest to end the twice-annual practice of changing clocks – not just within the state, but across all of the U.S.

Martin, R-Lancaster, went before the Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee recently and discussed why he was introducing

Senate Resolution 179

. At its core, the document calls on federal lawmakers to abolish the long-running practice of Daylight Saving Time.

“I think it’s a process that’s well past its time,” Martin said. “I think we can do better.”

In his recent remarks to the Senate panel, Martin described the practice of changing clocks back an hour in November and ahead in March as an “archaic tradition.”  Many believe Daylight Saving Time began to help farmers, but this is a misconception,” Martin wrote in a

co-sponsorship memorandum

outlining the rationale for the resolution.

“The practice began temporarily during World War I as a fuel-saving measure and was reinstated briefly during World War II,” Martin said. “It was made a permanent fixture for most American states and territories in 1966 when President [Lyndon] Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act.”

Martin said there were other reasons he drafted the resolution and is asking his Senate colleagues to forward the call on to federal lawmakers for a vote.

“Some studies show that the twice-a-year change actually leads to an increase of car accidents, work-related injuries, risk of stroke and heart attacks and a loss of productivity, costing the United States economy over $400 million a year,” Martin wrote in the memo.

During his testimony before the Senate panel, Martin laid out other reasons he believes Daylight Saving Time should end, including concerns of student performance from time shifts and interference with family activities in the evening.

“I think, in general, from a family perspective – who wouldn\’t like to see a little more daylight?” Martin said.

The Senate State Government Committee voted unanimously in favor of forwarding Martin’s resolution on to the full legislative body.

“Thank you for bringing this forward,” said state Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Greene Township, who serves on the panel. “It needs to go away.”

While most Americans routinely change their clocks twice annually, there are exceptions. Arizona, for example, has not recognized Daylight Saving Time since 1968. Hawaii is another state that currently maintains a standard time throughout the year

Pennsylvania lawmakers are not the only ones who have discussed ending Daylight Saving Time. Similar state-specific proposals have been considered in the past in Maine and Massachusetts.

Also, Florida lawmakers last year passed the so-called Sunshine Protection Act, which calls for an end to Daylight Saving Time in the state, though federal approval is required since the proposal also includes a call to shift time zones.

published here with permission

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice Hosted Special Educational Conference

on Moral Injury and Veteran-Centric Care with Local Experts

Marlton, NJ

–

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice

, in collaboration with New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, HeroCare Connect and the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA), recently hosted the

Moral Injury and Veteran-Centric Care Conference

at The Samaritan Center in Voorhees.

VetConference– Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice, in collaboration with New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, HeroCare Connect and the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA), recently hosted the Moral Injury and Veteran-Centric Care Conference at The Samaritan Center in Voorhees. Pictured here, from left: Mary Ann Boccolini, President and CEO, Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice; Reverend Chris J. Antal, Staff Chaplain, Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia and Keynote Speaker of the conference; and Kim Rumaker, Manager of Social Work, Spiritual Support & Center of Grief Support, Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice.

“The purpose of this conference was to bring together local experts in order to educate and, ultimately, improve quality care for our veterans across the healthcare continuum,” explained Mary Ann Boccolini, president and CEO of Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice. “Samaritan is proud to host a conference highlighting the unique needs of those who have served our country. By openly discussing topics such as moral injury and PTSD, we are breaking down barriers and raising awareness of how we can best serve our growing veteran population.”

The keynote address was delivered by Reverend Chris J. Antal, staff chaplain at the Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia where he co-leads a group for veterans experiencing moral injury. Accompanied by fellow veterans who shared their own personal experiences, Reverend Antal, who served in the Army Chaplain Corps from 2008-2016 and is a veteran of the United States’ war in Afghanistan, presented the concept of moral injury and then led conference attendees through a series of exercises to bring the concept to life.

The conference also included presentations from local experts on a variety of topics pertaining to veteran-centric care:

The Importance of Veteran-Centric Care

Presented by Dr. Stephen Goldfine, Chief Medical Director of Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice

The Evolution of Caring for Our Military – A Case Study

Presented by Christine Carlson-Glazer, MPH, Government and Community Relations Liaison of Deborah Heart and Lung Center and HeroCare Connect™ and Louis Bezich, MPP, Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances of Cooper University Hospital and HeroCare Connect™

Navigating Moral Injury – Stats and Stories

Presented by Dr. Mary Ditri, Vice President of Community Health of the New Jersey Hospital Association and Dr. Michael Mimms, Veteran Mental Health Care Navigator of the New Jersey Hospital Association

Connecting Veterans to Services in NJ

Presented by Christopher Wambach, State Supervisor of Veteran Service Offices of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice is a four-star provider of the

We Honor Veterans

and

Hospice Veterans Partnership (HVP) of New Jersey

.

We Honor Veterans

is a joint program of the Veterans Administration and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that focuses on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful recognition for those who served our country.

HVP of New Jersey

, an affiliate of the Homecare & Hospice Association of New Jersey, establishes a network of hospice and VA professionals in efforts to provide outstanding end-of-life care for New Jersey’s veterans and their families.

To learn more about the services Samaritan provides to members of the veteran community, visit

www.SamaritanNJ.org/hospice-care/veteran-hospice/

.

Old American Water Co. Building in Voorhees Township Destroyed by Vandals ; Suspects Arrested

VOORHEES TOWNSHIP (Nov. 27, 2019)–On Monday, November 4th, 2019 at approximately 6:44 pm, Voorhees Patrol Officers were dispatched to 1025 Laurel Oak Road, formerly known as the American Water Company for a fire

alarm activation. Upon arrival, officers found evidence of criminal activity afoot within the recently vacated commercial facility. The on-scene investigation was turned over to Detectives from our Criminal Investigation Bureau.

This incident subsequently developed into a multi-jurisdictional effort between Voorhees Police Department and the Gloucester Twp. Police Department. As a result of this joint investigation, individuals were identified, arrested and charged accordingly.

The Voorhees Police Department announces the arrest of Miranda Ulmer (28yoa) 500 block of Erial Road, Sicklerville, NJ, Leon Dandy (35yoa) 800 block of Blackwood-Clementon Road, Pine Hill, NJ and Rahjahn Waters (24yoa) 2600 block of Kenwood Drive, Pine Hill, NJ. All were charged with 3rd-degree crimes consisting of (2) counts each of burglary, theft and criminal mischief. The estimated damage is at one million dollars. Residents are reminded to be vigilant and report ALL suspicious activity.

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(Nov. 27, 2019)–With the expansion and debatable success of the European Union, the supranational state has become evident that it’s possible to successfully coordinate policies across multiple jurisdictions. Trade wars and tax competition has always eroded the notion of collective behavior, but the E.U. proves this is not the case. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), though not strictly the E.U., is evidence that coordinated policy can work too.

On September 5th, 2018, The European Council passed a regulation that would better control European borders. This system was designed to mitigate security threats to European countries by making sure Europe as a collective can identify who, when visiting or moving, may pose as a security threat. If this is the case, they can deny such people the authorization to travel.

So, what does this mean for visitors?

The systems mean that all visa-exempt countries are required to go through ETIAS –

https://www.etias.info/

. For a small fee, you can apply online, meaning the application is processed quickly. This isn’t exactly like a visa, it’s separate – as well as being faster and cheaper. In fact, it\’s a visa waiver program. In this sense, the E.U. is being generous here, maintaining an accessible system as well as high-level security.

Who needs an ETIAS visa waiver?

All in all, there are 60 nationalities that need an ETIAS visa waiver. That’s good news, as 60 countries need not apply for a visa. For a quick example, 7 of these origin countries include:

Australia

Hong Kong

USA

Canada

Argentina

Singapore

UAB

The link above shares the remaining 53 origin countries. So, if you’re from one of those and are looking to visit a European ETIAS country, then your life just got easier with a 5-minute application. It’s important to note that not every country in Europe or the E.U. uses ETIAS. For example, Monaco, Sweden, and Vatican City all use ETIAS, along with most European Union States, but not the UK.

It is known as the Schengen Area – the area in which 26 countries are a part of the ETIAS program. This is 22 out of the 24 EU countries, along with the inclusion of four non-EU countries. The Schengen Agreement was signed over 30 years ago in 1985 (at that point it was just 10 countries).

The entire process is designed to be hassle-free, with no necessity to go to a consulate or embassy. You can visit 400 million KM^2 with very little friction. Of course, you will need a valid passport – ideally with at least 6 months left on it. These details will be required to fulfill the ETIAS application.

Europe is a hugely popular holiday destination, with an extremely rich history and interesting economic developments. Not only is a great holiday, but a great blueprint of how to work in unison towards common goals, such as national security, green energy and taxation. Now it’s not just EU citizens that get to freely move about without a visa, but much of the rest of the world too. It’s important to keep an eye on the eligible origin countries for the ETIAS, as the list will continue to grow.

350 Coast Guard Recruits to Enjoy Thanksgiving with South Jersey Families

CAPE MAY, N.J. (Nov. 27, 2019)– U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May and the American Red Cross will place more than 350 Coast Guard recruits with South Jersey families for Thanksgiving as part of Operation Fireside,

Thursday.

Operation Fireside has placed recruits with South Jersey families during the holiday season since 1981. It allows recruits to celebrate the holiday with a host family while they’re separated from their loved ones during the rigorous basic training program.

Operation Fireside has been coordinated annually by the American Red Cross Southern Shore Chapter in Cape May Court House, N.J., since the program started more than three decades ago. The Red Cross solicits and tracks volunteers and host families, while Training Center Cape May pairs each recruit with a family on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The families and the recruits will meet at Training Center Cape May’s Flores Gymnasium before departing the training center. While the recruits are off base, they will be allowed to eat as much as they want, call home, and relax before beginning training again the next day.

Training Center Cape May is the Coast Guard’s only enlisted basic training program, and more than 80 percent of the service’s workforce receives basic instruction here to become Coast Guardsmen. The recruits are trained in everything from fire arm

PATCO RECEIVES CEREMONIAL LIBERTY BELL

IN RECOGNITION OF 50 YEARS OF PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney commemorated PATCO’s Golden Anniversary during Customer Appreciation Event at 15/16th & Locust Street Station

To commemorate PATCO’s 50 years of connecting people through public transit, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney presented PATCO with a Ceremonial Liberty Bell on behalf of the City of Philadelphia last month.

On February 15, 1969, PATCO made its first trip from Lindenwold, New Jersey, to Center City Philadelphia.

“Congratulations to PATCO on its 50th Anniversary. It’s a real connection between Philadelphia and New Jersey,” said Kenney. “PATCO is really important. It brings thousands of passengers across the bridge into Philadelphia. It keeps cars off the highways, keeps emissions down and really does a good job for our environment.”

PATCO General Manager John D. Rink and DRPA Deputy CEO Maria J. Wing accepted the Ceremonial Liberty Bell on behalf of PATCO at its 15/16th & Locust Street Station.

“We have a saying at the DRPA and PATCO that we connect people. We connect people to their jobs. We connect people to their homes. We connect people to cross river events,” said Wing. “Currently more than 10.8 million people every year ride PATCO. We look forward to another 50 years of serving the region with the reopening of the Franklin Square Station in 2023.”

Kenney echoed the shared excitement for the reopening of Franklin Square.

“The opening of the PATCO Station at Franklin Square will be wonderful because people from New Jersey will be able to bring their kids over to Franklin Square and not have to bring their car and have a good time with their kids and enjoy Philadelphia,” added Kenney. “It makes us even closer states than we already are.”

After the Liberty Bell presentation, PATCO held a 50th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Event at the station. The event featured food, music, giveaways and a prize wheel where customers could win items such as a $50 FREEDOM Card and round-trip tickets.

“We are very proud to be part of the Philadelphia community,” said Rink. “Without our customers each and every day, we would not be here, so thank you.”

(L to R) Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, DRPA Deputy CEO Maria J. Wing and PATCO General Manager John D. Rink.

Drug Raid in Cape May County Nets Meth and Heroin

Cape May Court House, New Jersey (Nov. 27, 2019)–– Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland, and Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana announce the arrest of Jennifer R. Pagano, a 48 year old resident of Seagrove Avenue in

Lower Township, N.J. on drug possession and distribution charges.

On November 8, 2019, detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutors Office Gangs, Gun’s and Narcotics Task Force and the Lower Township Police Department concluded a two month long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics by Pagano in Cape May County.

On November 8, 2019, the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team executed a Court authorized search warrant in the 600 block of Seagrove Avenue in Lower Township. As a result of this search warrant, distribution amounts of suspected heroin and methamphetamine were seized from Pagano’s residence along with drug paraphernalia.

Pagano was charged with possession of heroin, a crime of the third degree; possession of methamphetamine, a crime of the third degree; distribution of heroin, a crime of the third degree; distribution of methamphetamine, a crime of the third degree; and possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, a crime of the fourth degree. Pagano was processed and released with summonses pending Court proceedings. *

Prosecutor Sutherland stated that his office will continue to work hand in hand with the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to target anyone selling illegal controlled dangerous substances. Prosecutor Sutherland continues to urge the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding illegal drug activity and or any criminal activity within the community and that this information can be reported anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriffs Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800, or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135.

* Any charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless she is proven guilty.