New Jersey Department of Corrections Welcomes Training Academy Graduates

On Tuesday, February 10, the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) welcomed Class 259 – 157 graduates of the Department’s Training Academy – into the Department’s ranks of Correctional Police Officers, the largest class since 2017. The graduation ceremony was held at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, where family and friends of the graduates were invited to attend the special event designed to honor Class 259’s hard work and accomplishments, as they begin their new careers at NJDOC.

“I am thrilled to congratulate this new cohort of correctional police officers on their graduation, and I wish them well as they enter the next stage of their careers,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “When I served as the Reentry Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I saw just how critical a role our correctional police officers play in the rehabilitation process. I commend these men and women for their dedication to creating a safe, stable environment for incarcerated individuals to pursue reentry.” “It is both a privilege and honor to welcome these exemplary officers of Class 259 to the New Jersey Department of Corrections,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “Today, each of you become part of one of the country’s leading law enforcement agencies, and the largest law enforcement agency in the state of New Jersey. Our correctional police officers are the foundation by which our Department was built and operates – playing a vital role in preserving public safety, supporting meaningful rehabilitation and protecting communities throughout New Jersey. Each one of you reflects the core values of our Department, and we are honored to welcome you into our ranks.”

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Five Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse Material in January 2026

Five individuals were arrested last month for crimes related tochild sexual abuse material (CSAM), reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.

Investigations conducted by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, including task force officers from the Gloucester Township Police Department and Camden County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Cherry Hill Police Department, Oaklyn Police Department, and Berlin Borough Police Department, led to the following defendants being arrested in January 2026:

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Funeral Services for Camden Firefighter Howard Bennett

Family, friends, officials, and first responders from throughout the region will be attending a Celebration of Life service for Camden Fire Department Firefighter Howard Bennett today at 12:30 p.m. at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

Firefighter Howard Bennett, 60, of Maple Shade, passed away on February 5, 2026, while serving on Fire Boat 1. Howard was many things to many people: a firefighter of 26 years, a husband, a father, a protector, a teammate, a brother, and a friend. But to his family, he was simply Howard — a steady presence whose love and care made life feel safer just by being there. His humor, kindness, and support will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

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Brush Fire Threatens Farm Structures in Wicomico County; 50 Firefighters Respond

According to the press release, the fire destroyed a garage structure (above the arrow pointing to the rubble). The damaged vehicle is to the right of the rubble. There were no injuries. (photo provided)

SALISBURY, MARYLAND (CNBNews)–The Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company responded to a one‑alarm fire this afternoon after flames broke out on a farm along Twilley Bridge Road in Salisbury, Wicomico County. The alarm was dispatched at 2:31 PM on February 10, drawing a multi‑unit response from area firefighters.

According to the official report, the fire began in a brush pile and quickly spread, threatening a 30‑by‑40‑foot garage, a vehicle, and approximately 1.5 acres of surrounding brush. A passerby spotted the flames and called 911, allowing crews to arrive before the fire reached the main structures.

Roughly 50 firefighters from Parsonsburg and neighboring companies responded to the scene. Crews worked aggressively to contain the blaze, bringing it under control within 20 minutes despite dry conditions that allowed the fire to spread rapidly.

Investigators determined the cause to be accidental, tracing the ignition to a brush pile that grew out of control and extended to nearby structures.

No injuries were reported, and firefighters remained on scene afterward to extinguish hot spots and ensure the fire did not rekindle.

John Michael Nolan, 83, of Haddon Township

John Michael Nolan, of Haddon Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026. John was 83 years old.

John had many names. His beloved mother and his sisters called him Michael, his children called him Dad, his friends and co-workers called him Mike, and his grandchildren called him Poppy. John lived life to the fullest and all of those who spent time with him will remember one crazy story after another. From burning his motorcycle through the streets of Woodlynne to his endless business ideas like the construction company he created with Uncle Dan called “U R Stuck Construction” each story got better and better. John loved spending time at the Jersey Shore, particularly in Strathmere and Sea Isle City which he referred to as his “little slice of heaven”. He was famous for telling stories about all the fish he caught—though, as his family will fondly point out, very few were ever actually seen. His favorite shore stops included the Deauville Inn, Springfield Inn, Mike’s Seafood, fishing the point, and renting boats at Frank’s Boats; places that became part of many cherished memories. He will forever be remembered sitting on the beach, having a beer, burnt to a crisp, working on what he referred to as “his golden bronze”.

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Camden County Certified Gardeners Education Series

Learn About Best Practices in Hydroponics!

Join us monthly, in person, for the Camden County Certified Gardeners Education Series! It’s a great chance to dive into exciting topics, connect with others, and boost your skills. Classes are held at the Sustainability Center.

Perfect for the winter season, the next part of the Education Series is about Hydroponics, on Wednesday, February25th from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM! Through hands-on instruction and expert guidance, participants will gain practical knowledge they can use at home, including tips on plant selection, system setup, and maintenance. To learn more, Click Here.

University of Hartford Students Named to Dean’s List and President’s List

The University of Hartford is pleased to announce that 2,327 students have been named to the Dean’s List and President’s List for the spring 2025 semester.

The Dean’s List recognizes students achieving superior academic standing. The requirement, with some exceptions, is a grade point average of at least 3.0 and no grade below C.

The President’s List recognizes a select group of students reaching the highest level of academic standing. To be placed on the President’s List, students must maintain a GPA of at least a 3.75 and receive grades of C or better.

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Asw. Quijano Condemns Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Immigrants

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano strongly condemned the Trump administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants, calling the move “dangerous, discriminatory, and deeply harmful to immigrant families and communities across New Jersey.”

TPS was established to protect individuals from deportation when their home countries face extraordinary conditions such as armed conflict or natural disaster. Haiti continues to experience extreme political instability, widespread violence, and humanitarian crises that make safe return impossible for many.

“Ending TPS for Haitians ignores reality and puts lives at risk,” said Assemblywoman Quijano. “This decision tears apart families and destabilizes communities for no reason other than political expediency. Haitian immigrants have done everything we’ve asked of them — they work, they pay taxes, they raise families, and they contribute to our state’s economy.”

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Going to Winterfest Cottage – LGBTQ+ Skate Night

Resources, Food & Refreshments, Live DJ, Free Admission & Skates

Camden County is a diverse community with people of all different backgrounds and lifestyles, and it’s important that everyone has access to the resources they need to live a happy, healthy life. Hosted at WinterFest, Cooper River Park near the corner of Cuthbert Blvd. and Park Ave., Cherry Hill. This free event on Monday, February 23rd from 6 PM to 8 PM, has been organized to provide support and community to our LGBTQ+ residents by highlighting programs, services, support groups, healthcare, financial aid, housing, and more. Please note, attendees must RSVP.

Thank you to our sponsors, Independence Business Alliance, Visit South Jersey, Collingswood Pride, Cooper University Health Care, and the Haddon Township Equity Initiative! To learn more and RSVP, Click Here.

Bridgeton Man Sentenced to 18 Years on Drug, Weapons charges

Chester Williams, 58, of Bridgeton, was sentenced Friday to 18 years in New Jersey State Prison for cocaine distribution and weapons offenses by the Honorable Kevin T. Smith pursuant to a plea agreement.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in open court: Williams sold cocaine and four firearms to undercover officers on several occasions. He was originally charged on 23 counts of a 44-count indictment, and in April 2025, pled guilty to first-degree distribution of cocaine and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

The charges stemmed from a multi-state narcotic trafficking investigation started by the New Jersey State Police in June 2021. The investigation, conducted from February through May 2022, ultimately led to the arrest of multiple individuals. In addition to Williams, the following defendants were previously sentenced in the case: