Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Southern Area Trophy Fishery

FISHERY: Angling Category Southern Area Trophy Bluefin Tuna (the southern area is defined as the area south of 39°18’N. lat. (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ), outside of the Gulf of America). More information on this area can be found in the Amendment 13 Compliance Guide. Please note, that the Angling category fishery for school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73”) remains open in all areas except for the Gulf of America, which is designated as bluefin tuna spawning grounds and where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.

The Angling category bluefin tuna trophy fisheries for the Gulf of America, Southern New England, and Gulf of Maine areas remain open. CLOSED: January 13, 2026, 11:30 pm – December 31, 2026 REASON FOR CLOSURE: Based on the best available landings information, the southern area trophy subquota has been reached and exceeded. PERMITS AFFECTED: Highly Migratory Species Angling category permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally in the southern area (defined above). Recreational fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Angling category or Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit (while fishing recreationally) may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (i.e., measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater) in the southern area from 11:30 p.m. January 13, 2026, through December 31, 2026. COMMERCIAL: Not affected by this closure. Learn More

Gov. Murphy signs bill to ban cellphones in classrooms

Gov. Phil Murphy speaking at Ramsey High School on Jan. 8, 2026, before signing a bill that will ban cellphones in K-12 classrooms beginning next school year. (Photo by Jake Hirsch/Governor’s Office.)

By :Sophie Nieto-Munoz

New Jersey public school districts will be required to bar their students from using cellphones and other smart devices during school hours under a bill signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy Thursday.

Murphy, a Democrat whose second term ends on Jan. 20, had made banning phones during class a priority of his final year in office. He signed the bill during a ceremony in Ramsey High School, where classrooms have been phone-free for a year already.

Murphy said that within four months of Ramsey High School’s cellphone ban, nearly 80% of teachers reported increased engagement in class and a majority of the faculty observed greater student-to-student interaction, fewer classroom distractions, and more attentive students.

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Gloucester County Warming Center Donation Drive

Gloucester County’s Warming Center is seeking the community’s help to keep our unhoused residents warm and safe this winter. We are collecting NEW and UNUSED items, including:

• Men’s underwear (all sizes), Women’s underwear (all sizes), Gloves, Hats, Scarves, Socks.

Drop-Off Locations

(Available during regular operating hours)

Gloucester County Department of Health – 204 E Holly Ave, Sewell, NJ 08080

GCLS Mullica Hill Library – 389 Wolfert Station Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

Prefer to donate online?

Scan the QR code on the flyer to access the Amazon Wishlist.

Thank you for helping us support the most vulnerable members of our community this winter.

Cape May County Prosecutor Announces Arrest for Possession of CSAM

Middle Township, New Jersey – Cape May County Prosecutor, Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Tracey Super of the Middle Township Police Department announce the arrest of Thomas L. Stitt II, a 62-year-old male of the Green Creek section of Middle Township, New Jersey for the charge of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This investigation stemmed from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (N.C.M.E.C.) Cyber-Tip that revealed an unidentified subject, subsequently identified as Thomas L. Stitt II, downloaded/uploaded various images of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

On January 8, 2026, a Court-authorized search warrant was executed on Stitt’s residence located in the Green Creek section of Middle Township, New Jersey. This search warrant was executed by members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office High – Tech Crimes Unit & Internet Crimes Against Children (I.C.A.C.) Task Force, the Middle Township Police Department – Detective’s Division, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (HSI) and the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office – K9 Unit. At the time of the search, several noteworthy evidentiary items were seized. As the result of the investigation, Thomas L. Stitt II was charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), a crime of the second (2 nd) degree. Stitt lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center, pending court proceedings. Individuals charged with second (2nd) degree crimes are subject to a term of imprisonment of five (5) to ten (10) years in New Jersey State Prison.

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John “Jack” G. Eberle, Jr., 85 of Gloucester City

On January 3, 2026. Age 85. Of Gloucester City, NJ. Born in Camden, NJ, he was the son of the late John G. Eberle, Sr. and Laura (McCormick) Eberle. Beloved husband of the late Mary Ann L. (Hyk) Eberle (March 18, 2016). Jack is survived by his loving children, Jean M. Eberle, Karen L. Tomlin, Robert S. Eberle, Jacqueline Heuermann; cherished grandchildren, Jeremy, Joshua, Danielle, Rachel, Sadie, Peyton; great grandchildren, Aubrey, Harper, Cole, Jace, Kinsley, Jordan, Savanna, and Jeremiah, beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and later worked as an Assistant Container Terminal Manager for the Delaware River Stevedore Corp., in Philadelphia, PA.

Relatives and friends are invited to Jack’s viewing on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Friday, January 16th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the McCANN – HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, where funeral services will be celebrated promptly at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in the BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ.

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Catherine E. Riley, age 103 formerly of Gloucester City, Saint Mary’s Grammar School Alumni

On February 18, 2010. Age 103. (nee McQuaid) Of Manahawkin. Formerly of Gloucester City. Loving wife of the late Vic Riley. Dear sister of the late Francis (Elizabeth) McQuaid. Loving aunt of Margaret (Stephen) Cook.

Catherine attended St. Mary’s Grammar School in Gloucester City and was a graduate of Camden Catholic High School. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court Giese #439 in Gloucester City.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11 am at St. Mary’s R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth St. Gloucester City, NJ. Catholic Daughters prayer service will begin at 10:45 am in the church. Interment New Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. There will be no viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Catherine’s memory to Southern Ocean Home Health and Hospice: 1140 Route 72 West, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 or American Cancer Society: 1035 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753.

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Apartment Leasing Office Destroyed In Overnight Fire in Gloucester Township

On Saturday, January 10, 2026 at approximately 2:26 am Officers from the Gloucester Township Police Department were dispatched to the Lakeview Apartments, Leasing / Management Office, to investigate a combination fire alarm and burglar alarm activation.

Arriving Firefighters from Chews Landing observed heavy fire conditions from the unoccupied apartment complex leasing office and requested additional fire suppression assets, initiating a 2nd Alarm. Officers from the GTPD initiated road closures on Lakeviews Drive and Pine Run to support fire suppression efforts. A unified command post was established with Police, Fire, EMS and Camden County Communications. Along with Chews Landing, the following FD’s also assisted: Blackwood, Blenheim, Glendora, Erial, Magnolia, Bellmawr, Runnemede, Lindenwold, Somerdale and Cherry Hill.

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Little League Sign-ups

3rd Annual King Worship Service

Jan. 19, Noon – 2 p.m.
Grace Temple Baptist Church
15 E. Charleston Ave., Lawnside

HOST
Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church

HIGHLIGHTS
Dr. David Latimore
Keynote Speaker
Princeton Theological Seminary

PRESENTATIONS

Morris L. Smith Social Justice Award, Grace Temple CDC Scholarship, Followed by Poor Man’s Lunch

George W. Merryfield, Jr., of Woodbury, formerly of Gloucester City

On January 7, 2026, one day shy of his 72nd birthday, George passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in Woodbury, NJ. Formerly of Gloucester City.

He was predeceased by his parents, George W. Merryfield, Sr. and Jane Merryfield (née Harris). George is survived by his sons, George W. Merryfield, III (Megan) and Lewis Merryfield (Rachael); his grandchildren, Kyle, George IV, Josie, Nate, Annabelle, Olivia, and Lewie; and his siblings, Anna Champion (Jim), Robyn Merryfield (Joe), Jane “Tina” Klein (Murray), Floyd Merryfield, Mary Merryfield, Susan Stilley, and Lori DeLaurentis. George is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and friends who were like family—too numerous to measure.

George was the former owner and operator of Master Flooring and Remodeling in Norristown, PA. He enjoyed trips to the casino and trying his luck with scratch-off lottery tickets. His cell phone was his constant companion, and he was always happy to answer calls from family and friends. George enjoyed visiting his favorite local gathering places—often stopping in simply to say hello and spend time with those he cared about. A devoted sports fan, he never missed watching the Eagles or the Phillies. He also found joy in listening to music, fishing, and taking pride in his well-loved collection of hats.

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