Commissioners Celebrate New Veterans Affairs Office Opening

The Board of Commissioners joined the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs and members of the local veteran community to celebrate the grand opening of the new Veterans Affairs office at the Camden County Lakeland Complex.

“This new space will help us continue our mission of serving and supporting Camden County veterans with greater reach and impact,” said Commissioner Colleen Bianco Bezich, liaison to Veterans Affairs. “We look forward to welcoming our veterans into this accessible location, where they can connect with the resources, services and support they need.”

To learn more about the Office of Veterans Affairs, please visit www.camdencounty.com/service/veterans-affairs/, or call (856) 374-5801.

South Jersey’s Port Boom Means More Trucks on Route 322 and I-295 — What Local Drivers Should Know

South Jersey’s rapid growth in port activity and logistics has put an increasing number of tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers on the roads of Gloucester City, Camden County, and Gloucester County. This shift brings new safety concerns to the daily commutes of local residents as freight traffic intensifies along key corridors like I-295 and Route 322. Understanding how this boom affects your risk as a driver, and what to do after a truck accident in NJ, has never been more important.

With the expanding network of container terminals and distribution centers in South Jersey, tractor-trailers are now a regular sight on highways and neighborhood roads alike. As a result, area drivers share space with larger, heavier vehicles carrying everything from standard cargo to hazardous materials. When accidents occur, the aftermath can be complicated and stressful, and an I-295 truck accident can trigger serious delays and long-term consequences for those involved. Because these cases move quickly and involve corporate insurers, many injured drivers consult New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyers before speaking with an adjuster. Knowing what to expect can help you protect your rights and safety in these complex situations.

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Upper Township Awarded Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant

New Jersey American Water presented Upper Township, N.J. with a $2,282.09 grant as part of the company’s 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, which awarded about $50,000 to 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments across its service areas. The township will use the funding to purchase four Motorola Monitor 7 Voice Pagers with extended warranties and programming for the units, helping first responders receive emergency notifications and communications more effectively.

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Philadelphia Police Report the Following Incidents


The following information is preliminary and subject to change. Updates will be shared as they become available. Current incidents will be shared as they are received throughout the day. 

16th District – Shooting

On August 29, 2026, at approximately 2:59 a.m., 16th District officers responded to a police radio assignment for a person with a gun/report of a shooting at 40th and Poplar Streets. Upon arrival, officers located a 45-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to his right leg. Police transported the victim to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. No arrest has been made, and the motive remains unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing with the Shooting Investigation Group.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY:Could It Be Brother George Recarnated?

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

Gloucester City, NJ (August 30, 2026)(CNBnews)-Our photo of the day is a butterfly. The butterfly that we saw is on the left. The image on the right was taken from the poster below, “Butterflys of New Jersey

Early Sunday morning around 7 AM I walked Sweetie to our backyard. As we were coming up our steps, I saw a funny shape that looked like it was alive. But it was hard to distinguish what it was. Walking slowly up the steps, I could see it was a butterfly as it spread its wings. The delicate movements of its wings caught my eye, creating a mesmerizing dance in the morning light. While I was filming it, Sweetie came running up the steps, filled with excitement, and the butterfly took off, landing gracefully on the side of our house. It stayed there for a minute, seemingly unbothered, allowing me to appreciate its beauty before it flew away into the vast sky. Doesn’t it look like it has two heads?

This encounter brought back a profound memory of my brother, George. He said on his deathbed in 2014 that he would be back one day as a butterfly. His words resonated with me, as they combined both humor and a sense of hope. He also mentioned that he buried his gold coin collection somewhere behind his old house on Broadway, a little secret he held close. Up until his last breath, he maintained his playful spirit, joking around as he drifted in and out of a deep sleep. I often reflect on those moments and hope I can do the same when my turn comes up, facing the end with laughter and grace.

Intrigued by the butterfly I had seen, I decided to conduct a Google search to try and find out what kind it was. A couple of images caught my attention, showcasing some of the same blue coloring that is shown in the butterfly we saw, which also had some orange coloring. But, they were not a perfect match. The reason for that could be that this butterfly wasn’t fully grown. The variety in butterfly species is astounding, and it felt like a small puzzle I wanted to solve. If anyone knows what type it is, please comment below; I’m eager to learn more about the beautiful creatures that share our world.

The closest that I found was the The spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) is a common black butterfly native to North America, famous for its unique caterpillar stages and mimicry defense mechanisms. [1, 2]

Appearance and Identification

Adults: Black or dark charcoal wings with a wingspan of 3 to 4 inches. The hind wings feature prominent pale blue or green patches and orange spots. Females often show a brighter blue wash on their upper wings.

Do you have a photo or video you would like to share with our readers? Forward it and a caption to wecleary@gmail.com.

Butterflies of New Jersey Poster Print/Field Guide

WildlifeArtbyRoger

Fatal MV Accident in Jackson Twp. Baby Pronounced Disease

JACKSON TOWNSHIP NJ(August 28, 2026)(CNBNews)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 28, 2026, Maria CobonGuzman, 20, of Trenton, was charged with Manslaughter, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Having Possessed or Been Issued a Valid Driver’s License While Involved in a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash, and two counts of Assault by Auto, all in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson Township on August 28, 2026.  Additionally, Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, of Toms River, was charged with Knowingly Engaging in Conduct Creating a Substantial Risk of Death to Another, in connection with the same incident.

On August 28, 2026, at approximately 11:55 a.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of the Jackson NPGS grocery store on West County Line Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving pedestrians.

Responding Officers discovered that a mother and her two minor children – a five-year-old female and a nine-month-old male – had been struck by a motor vehicle in the store’s parking lot.  All three victims were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries.  The mother and her five-year-old daughter remain hospitalized in stable condition; her nine-month-old son was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, Jackson Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that CobonGuzman was operating a Ford Fusion in the parking lot of the NPGS grocery store when she struck the mother and her baby carriage carrying both children.  Further investigation revealed that CobonGuzman did not possess, nor had she ever possessed, a valid driver’s license in this or any other state. Continuing investigation further revealed that Lazaro-Flores was aware of that fact, but nevertheless permitted CobonGuzman to operate the motor vehicle.

CobonGuzman and Lazaro-Flores were taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they are presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

The crash remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit- Vehicular Homicide Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, Jackson Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

Former U.S. Employee Pleads Guilty in Classified Info Case

Nathan Vilas Laatsch, 29, of Alexandria, Virginia, a former IT specialist for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), pleaded guilty yesterday to transmission of national defense information to a foreign government.

“U.S. government employees entrusted with our nation’s secrets must always protect our nation’s security, not cavalierly toss aside this responsibility out of disagreement, selfishness or greed,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Laatsch faces serious consequences for violating his position of trust. This case shows that if you unlawfully disclose national defense information, we will find you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent the law allows.”

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James T. McColligan, 58, of Gloucester City

Jimmy was the Beloved Son of Edward and Sandy (nee Fithian) McColligan. He is survived by his Brothers, Ed (Tracey), Steven (Kristen), and Dave (Maria) McColligan. He was a Loving Uncle, Nephew, & Cousin and had many lifelong Friends that he was close to. He was also very lucky to have his “Sister”/ Loving Neighbor” Arlene Batezel who spent countless hours at the house with him.

Jimmy, AKA “Jimbo”, “Bo”, and “Radar,” was a Graduate of the Gloucester City High School Class of ’85. He was a NASCAR Fan and an avid motorcycle enthusiast who later became a Harley Davidson Mechanic. He worked briefly at Barb’s Harley Davidson and was a long time employee at Salem County Harley. He was a fun loving guy who always made time for his family and friends. He enjoyed riding and camping and made lots of memories on many trips and adventures over the years. 

In Jimmy’s honor, please come out in your favorite Harley shirt or your favorite rock band T-Shirt and be comfortable as Jimmy would want. No need to dry clean the suits! He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is finally at peace and no longer in pain!

Relatives an friends may call on Tuesday morning, September 1st at McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment will be private.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org in memory of James McColligan.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Park Smart at Gloucester Township Community Park

Our Gloucester Township Police Park Patrols recently observed vehicles parking on the grass and in other non-designated areas at Gloucester Township Community Park, especially during busy games, practices, and events.

As a reminder, vehicles must be parked in designated and posted parking areas. This requirement applies throughout Gloucester Township parks and recreation areas.

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We The People: Freedom of Speech Podium

Under the First Amendment, we the people are given Freedom of Speech. This is a gift from our founding fathers. At Thursday night’s, August 26, Gloucester City Council meeting I proposed installing a CITIZENS

PODIUM equipped with a microphone in order for the public to express their concerns to our elected officials.

This podium will be dedicated in the memory of Theresa Graham. Theresa served as the president of the Gloucester City Board of Education for many years. She was also the president of the Gloucester City Senior Citizens Association. She was a watch dog for our community for many years. And, she attended many council meetings always expressing her opinion on matters pertaining to the operation of the City that she loved dearly.

She told like it was. I know this because she called me out a few times when I was the City’s mayor.

Donations for this citizens podium can be sent to : Theresa’s Freedom Podium, c/o Bob Bevan, 522 Jefferson Avenue, Gloucester City, NJ 08030

Sincerely,

Robert S. Bevan,

former Gloucester City Mayor