Here in New Jersey, 781 people lost their lives to heroin in 2014, marking the fourth straight year the total has increased, state data shows.

Heroin-related deaths in the United States and particularly in New Jersey have reached alarming proportions.

Consider these stark figures: Nationally, more than 8,000 people died from heroin use in 2013, a nearly four-fold increase since 2002, according to a tally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here in New Jersey, 781 people lost their lives to heroin in 2014, marking the fourth straight year the total has increased, state data shows.

If you factor in overdose deaths from other drugs, the toll is much higher.

But the scourge of heroin is rightfully gaining more attention because its use has exploded and the fallout touches not only those who become slaves to the drug but those who witness its destructive nature.

The war on drugs, heralded with great fanfare by President Richard Nixon in 1971, has largely been a bust. It has become patently obvious that we can't "arrest" our way out of this problem.

Thankfully, prevention and treatment are now playing a bigger role.

RELATED: N.J. towns with highest rates of heroin treatment

Earlier this year, Christie signed three bills into law dealing with heroin and opioids, the first of a package of 21 introduced by legislators led by state Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex) last fall.

Last month, the White House announced a new strategy proposed by the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program that calls for pairing law enforcement officials with public health workers. The program also touts treatment over jail.

Unfortunately, the demand for treatment greatly exceeds the services available.

Many treatment facilities in New Jersey have waiting lists dozens of people long, frustrating many seeking help. Worse yet, very few addicts ultimately have the means or insurance to pay for treatment, according to substance abuse experts.
Private insurance was used to cover just 10 percent of all treatment admissions in New Jersey in 2014, down from 22 percent the year before.

There clearly needs to be a greater financial commitment to match the rhetoric for treatment.

One of the bright spots in the prevention of heroin overdose deaths has been the opiate antidote naloxone, commonly known by the trade name Narcan.

It proved to be very effective in a pilot program started in April 2014 in Ocean and Monmouth counties, where law enforcement agencies were equipped with Narcan.

Officials reported a 90 percent success rate with Narcan. Two months later, Christie announced he would be expanding the program statewide.

But the price of Narcan has doubled due to rising demand. So a special shout-out of thanks needs to go to Barnabas Health-affiliated hospitals, CentraState Medical Center and Meridian Health-affiliated hospitals that have agreed to replenish Narcan free of charge for law enforcement officers in Ocean and Monmouth counties.

Officials, however, are quick to point out that while Narcan is a lifesaver it does not cure addiction. That's where we still need treatment that is accessible.

Hamilton and Robbinsville police blotter for Aug. 25-31

HAMILTON

Aug. 25

Criminal Mischief - 100 block Irvington Place
Theft/Auto - 1200 block Route 33 
Theft - 1400 block Cedar Lane
Theft - 2200 block Nottingham Way
Burglary/Auto - 100 block Parkinson Ave.
Burglary - 300 block Newkirk Ave.
Burglary - 100 block Francis Ave.
Burglary - 1600 block Klockner Rd.

 

Aug. 26

Theft - Blairemore Drive
Aug. 26 -Theft - 2000 block Nottingham Way
Burglary - Edinburg Road
Burglary - 100 block Alberta Ave.
Burglary - 2000 block South Clinton Ave.
Burglary - 1500 block Genesee St.

Aug. 27

Criminal Mischief - Mae Drive
Criminal Mischief - Juniper Way
Graffiti - Crosswicks Hamilton Square Road/Marketplace Boulevard
Theft - Wharian Court
Theft - Fairgrounds Road
Burglary/Auto - 800 block Nottingham Way
Shoplifting - 2500block Whitehorse/Mercerville Rd. - Arrested: Terri A. Saxton

Aug. 28

Criminal Mischief - 2000 block South Broad St.
Criminal Mischief - 100 block Van Kannel Ave.
Theft - Cheverny Ct.
Theft - Hamilton Health Place
Burglary - 1500 block Hamilton Ave.
Burglary - 400 block Redfern St. - Arrested: Jermaine M. Nixongibson, Sabannoh Yawson
Burglary - 200 block Concord Ave.
Burglary - 100 block D'Arcy Ave.
Burglary - 1000 block Norway Ave.
Burglary - Bismark Avenue
Burglary - Tudor Drive
Burglary - 100 block New Cedar Lane
Burglary - 600 Pacific Ave.

Aug. 29

Criminal Mischief - 1600 block Greenwood Ave.
Criminal Mischief - Mae Drive
Theft/Auto - 100 block Dewey Ave.
Theft - 700 block South Olden Ave.
Theft - 500 block Marketplace Blvd.
Burglary/Autos (6) - Carl Sandbur Drive
Burglary/Auto - Silver Spruce Way
Burglary/Auto - Farmbrook Drive
Burglary/Autos (2) - Limewood Drive
Burglary/Autos (2) - Mint Leaf Drive
Burglary - 3700 block Quakerbridge Rd.
Burglary - 2900 block East State St.
Criminal Mischief - 3100 block Quakerbridge Rd.
Agg. Assault - 1700 block E. State St. - Arrested: Twanda Johnson
Burglary/Autos (2) - Carl Sandburg Drive
Burglary/Auto - 1700 block West McGalliard Ave.
Burglary/Auto - Mint Leaf Dr.

Aug. 31

Criminal Mischief - 3100 block Quakerbridge Rd.
Burglary - 400 block Lynwood Ave.
Shoplifting - 200 block Route 33 - Arrested: Darren L. Wardlaw
Shoplifting - 2000 block Nottingham Way

ROBBINSVILLE

Aug. 24

Burglary/Theft -- New Canton Way

Aug. 27

DWI -- Hutchinson Road - Arrested: Jessica Peterson
Narcotics -- I-195 -- Kaitlyn Glovich

Aug. 28

DWI/Narcotics/Possession of Fictitious Government Document -- Yard Street -- Arrested: Michael Oshel
Narcotics -- Andover Place -- Arrested: Christopher Ash
DWI/Narcotics -- I-195 -- Arrested: Lorraine Fanelli

Aug. 30

Narcotics - Route 33 -- Arrested: Tara Salinas    
DWI -- Route 130 South - Arrested: Angel Tenecela-Yunga

Aug. 31

DWI/Narcotics -- Lake Drive - Arrested: Eric Zoda   

Keith Brown may be reached at kbrown@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBrownTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

 

Lovely James, 34, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and weapons charges after she hit a 32-year-old woman in the head and arm with a baseball bat

TRENTON - A Trenton woman was arrested and charged after she beat another woman with a baseball bat over a year-old family argument, police said.

(Martin Griff/The Times) 

Lovely James, 34, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and weapons charges after she hit a 32-year-old woman in the head and arm with a baseball bat while she was shopping for jewelry at a store on the 100 block of East State St. around 4 p.m. Tuesday, Lt. Stephen Varn said.

The two had previously argued over a family matter about a year ago, Varn said.

The 32-year-old woman was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton where she received numerous stitches to her forehead, Varn said.

James ran from the scene but was arrested on Carver Lane about 8:30 p.m., Varn said.

James' bail was set at $75,000, according to police records.

Keith Brown may be reached at kbrown@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBrownTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

 

The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office issued a statement Wednesday saying the state Attorney General on Aug. 25 agreed that the 2013 shooting was justified.

TRENTON - A Trenton police detective was justified when he shot and killed Eric McNeil two years ago during a gun battle that started when McNeil open fired on him and another detective outside a Hobart Avenue house, authorities said Wednesday.

The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office issued a statement Wednesday saying the state Attorney General's office on Aug. 25 agreed with the prosecutor's finding that the 2013 shooting was justified, in accordance with new statewide guidelines surrounding police-involved shootings.

The Attorney General's ruling allows the case to bypass a grand jury, according to the statement.

Without naming the officers, the Attorney General's Office determined that the officers' actions were necessary and reasonable during the Aug. 15, 2013, shootout on Hobart Avenue.

"After analyzing all of the facts and circumstances of this incident within the context of the use-of-force policy promulgated by the New Jersey Attorney General, it is the conclusion of the office that Detective 1 used an acceptable level of force in unholstering, pointing and firing his weapon at McNeil,'' the statement said.

RELATED: Trenton cops shot in line of duty honored by President Obama

Detective 1 appears to be Detective James Letts and Detective 2 Edgar Rios, based on prior reports.

Rios and Letts each were shot and rushed into emergency surgery at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton following the shooting that killed McNeil, 23.

McNeil had beaten and kicked his girlfriend and stabbed her 3-week-old puppy to death during a domestic violence incident that occurred inside her home on the first block of Hobart Avenue around 2:30 a.m. that day.

McNeil, who three months before was released from state prison where he served more than four years on robbery and weapons charges, also destroyed property in the woman's house, prosecutors said.

Letts and Rios returned the house with a Mercer County sheriff's office crime scene detective and the victim around 8:43 a.m. McNeil unexpectedly emerged from the house and fired at least three times with a .38-caliber revolver, striking the officers.

In the statement, Detective 1 is described as shooting McNeil while wounded.

"Detective 1 was knocked to the ground after being shot, but he was able to return gunfire from the ground, striking the suspect as he stood on the sidewalk pointing his gun at Detective 1," the report says. "As Detective 1 was attempting to stand, he observed the suspect still holding the gun and attempting to stand up. Detective 1 again fired his weapon, striking and killing the suspect."

Detective 1 was then able to stand and handcuff McNeil, the report says.

During the gunfight, Detective 2 was able to get to the detectives' police car and call for help. 

RELATED: Two Trenton officers shot in ambush that leaves gunman dead

The investigation into the shooting also revealed that McNeil had sent a text message to a family member earlier that morning that read: "I might not be alive this whole day so ima tell you now dat I love you," prosecutors said.

Rios and Lettscwere honored at the White House in 2014 by President Barack Obama for their actions that day. Also honored was Mercer County Sheriff's Officer William Miller, who was with Rios and Letts during the shooting, but not wounded.

Letts has returned to work full time.

Rios, who was more seriously injured, was in a medically-induced coma following the shooting and endured multiple surgeries during his extended hospital stay. He never returned to the force, and retired in 2014.

"They ran toward the danger -- not away from it," Obama said during the White House ceremony on May 12, 2014. "And they risked their lives to save the lives of others." 

Keith Brown may be reached at kbrown@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBrownTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

The township will not be getting the $639,633 it sought, but potential housing credits.

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP - Hopewell Township has claimed victory in their suit against the state of New Jersey seeking reimbursement of $639,633 they refunded to a hospital company over affordable housing.

The township will not be getting the money, but potential housing credits. The number of credits is a separate issue pending in court, Mayor Harvey Lester said.

"Upon being sworn in as mayor in January, one of my first priorities was to pursue this long-neglected case," Lester said in a statement. "It is gratifying that the Court agreed with our analysis that the taxpayers of Hopewell Township were entitled to compensation and has crafted a way to do so that benefits the Township in our current litigation over affordable housing."

The township sued the state earlier this year, demanding it be reimbursed $639,633.75 for money it refunded to Capital Health in 2010.

RELATED: Hopewell Township plans to sue N.J. over housing fees

In 2008, state law required that Capital Health, as a developer of new, nonresidential construction for the hospital it built in the township, contribute to the township's affordable housing fund.

But the following year, the New Jersey Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 imposed a moratorium on the fees, entitling developers to a refund.

Lester said the township's case was found to meet prerequisites for "alternative relief" since the state did not have the money for reimbursement.

Mercer County Superior Court Judge Mary C. Jacobson also ruled that the number of affordable housing credits related to the case will be folded into the township's Affordable Housing Declaratory Judgment case, which is still pending, Lester said.

Jacobson said the exact number of credited affordable housing units would be determined at a later date, Lester's statement said.

Lindsay Rittenhouse may be reached at lrittenhouse@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

Brian Fletcher was arrested in Hamilton in June for having a handgun his vehicle, a situation that was legal in his home state.

HAMILTON - The lawyer for a North Carolina man arrested on a gun possession charge in Mercer County in June is finalizing a clemency application and hopes Gov. Chris Christie follows through on public comments that he would pardon his client.

Brian Fletcher was arrested in Hamilton in June for having a handgun in his vehicle, a situation that was legal in his home state.

Fletcher, co-owner of a company that upgrades and repairs cell towers, was in New Jersey doing emergency, storm-related repairs and volunteered to police he had a gun in his truck.

In August, Christie said on the presidential campaign trail he'd pardon people packing guns who were legally permitted to carry their firearms in their home states but snared by New Jersey's tough gun laws.

"We need to be smarter about the way we do this," Christie said during a campaign stop in Iowa. "What I don't want is for folks to feel like they can't come into our state, and be able to travel through it, or visit it, and have to make sure they go on the Internet and look up exactly how you're supposed to be dealing with the gun laws."

New Jersey has no reciprocity for other state's gun laws, something Fletcher said he was totally unaware of when he headed north to help the Garden State recover from thunderstorm damage.

"We have this gentleman who we're considering right now for pardon, from North Carolina who was up here, helping New Jersey after the storm to repair cell towers," Christie said of Fletcher. "This is just not the right way to do these things. This was not a guy who was a threat to anybody."

Fletcher's lawyer Les Hartman said he's currently working on his client's clemency application and hopes to have it to state parole authorities - who handle clemency - by Friday.

Hartman said the governor was clear on his comments that Fletcher was genuinely mistaken and did not realize he was breaking New Jersey law.

RELATED: Christie: I'll pardon legal gun owners arrested in N.J.

"I expect that he is going to follow suit in this case," Hartman said. "He's made that perfectly clear on the campaign trail and I hope that he follows though on that."

Hartman said a pardon before conviction is rare, but would obviously be the best outcome for Fletcher.

It would allow the married father to avoid having to return to New Jersey for court or apply to the pre-trial intervention program (PTI), which is still an option if clemency is not granted.

The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office has said it would support Fletcher's case being referred to PTI, the diversionary program for first-time offenders.

Fletcher, however, remains concerned because the charge does carry a presumption of jail time.

"He's worried; this is a serious allegation," Hartman said. "But I do think he's cautiously optimistic, that the governor understands that this is not the type of offense that should be punished this way."

Christie's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

They have cleared away weeds, sticks and other trash and planted flower beds to help beautify the entrances

TRENTON -- For so long, the sight of overgrown weeds and litter was the first view of Trenton for many visitors. But the city's gateways are now being spruced up, one eyesore at a time, thanks to a group of young people.

They have cleared away weeds, sticks and other trash and planted flower beds to help beautify the entrances at Market and Barlow streets near the Trenton Transit Center, the "Five Points" intersection near the Battle Monument and Martin Luther King Boulevard and Calhoun Street.

At the gateway near the train station, rocks and stones now spell out "TRENTON."

"When you come into Trenton, it catches your attention, it impresses you," said city activist Darren "Freedom" Green, who helped coordinate the projects. "It makes impressions on visitors and the people living here to take pride in their area."

The work was done by a dozen residents ages 16 to 22 who are part of Shiloh Community Development Corporation. A grant from the state Department of Transportation's Youth Corps' Urban Gateway Enhancement program paid for their salaries, equipment and supplies.

PLUS: Trenton native to turn closed library into community center

Green said projects like these get residents to take more pride in their city.

"It gets them working on projects that empower them, educate them and allow them to become better people while rebuilding our city," he said.

Too many people, he said, do nothing but sit around and complain.

"Let's take a vested interest for making things better ourselves," he said.

Over the course of the program, the teens and young adults learned life skills and financial literacy as well as how to draw up designs and landscaping, Green said.

It taught them responsibility, he said, but also gave them an opportunity to get paid.

"When you work hard, when you do a good job, you'll be rewarded," he said.

He said he hopes the entrances will inspire others to follow suit and spruce up their own homes.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

 

One thing he isn't doing this season is going to the Eastern League playoffs. The Trenton Thunder were eliminated Wednesday night when they lost 6-5 in 12 innings to the New Britain Rock Cats.

TRENTON - When it comes to the New York Yankees minor league season, Dan Fiorito has pretty much done it all.  

One thing he isn't doing this season is going to the Eastern League playoffs. The Trenton Thunder were eliminated Wednesday night when they lost 6-5 in 12 innings to the New Britain Rock Cats.  

Combined with a Binghamton Mets win over Reading, Trenton's season will now end on Labor Day. Their record is 69-67 and will likely leave them in third place in the East Division when it's all over.  

Since signing out of Manhattanville College three years ago, the 25-year-old has played at Single-A Tampa, Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. 

In his first year of professional ball, in 2013, Fiorito spent time at all three levels. Last year he started in Trenton and again finished the season in Triple-A for a few games. 

This season he started here, was moved up to Scranton, returned here, was then sent to Tampa, and came back here Tuesday.  

He was in the lineup again Wednesday, playing third base and batting ninth at Arm & Hammer Park. Announced attendance was 3,473.  

Mark Payton's grand slam had given Trenton a 5-3 lead in the sixth inning, but the Rock Cats tied the score in the eighth on a double and two singles. New Britain won it on a two-out triple  

The teams combined for 27 hits, with the game taking 3:31. The four-game series concludes tonight.  

As if Fiorito's travels haven't been varied enough, the Yonkers resident has played all infield positions and even pitched in relief three times.  

What he has not done is move through the system and thrown away the key from his previous residence. And that, especially in his third year in the organization, has been frustrating.  

For Fiorito, who will continue working on his Master's in Physical Education this off season, the see-saw ride is just part of playing in the park.  

"It's part of the business,'' said Fiorito, a graduate of Fordham Prep and resident of Yonkers. "Obviously when you're first sent down it's never a great feeling, but you look for the good, and I think I did that. The team did well and I have a good time.''  

The right-hander hit .318 in six games at Triple-A in early July, but was 4-for-40 before being demoted to Tampa in early August. He batted .368 there in 16 games. 

"You learn early on to become a professional, and being a true professional is going about your business day in and day out no matter where you're at or what position you're playing. The goal is to be the best player you can be. From day one I've had the same mind set.  

"There are only two things you can really control in this game, and that's your attitude and effort. You put those forth and good things will come.''  

He has had the benefit of three different managers and three different hitting coaches, and, he added, has played a lot of games.  

"That's been a blessing,'' he said about his at-bats. "And I've been healthy. All in all I've had a great time.''  

Between classes this semester Fiorito will also work with kids in his hometown. "I really enjoy that. Trying to mold young kids' futures in the game is a huge passion of mine,'' he said. "But most important is getting ready for next spring.''  

Today's letters: the importance of the drone bill & N.J.'s energy future is at risk

Drones are a fascinating technology, with the potential to radically streamline the way we do business, improve the way we protect our communities, and redefine the way we approach countless tasks. However, drones pose clear and major risks -- and as multiple incidents have shown us, they pose a serious threat to security.

As noted in the August 26 editorial, "Drones, laser pointers can make the skies less friendly," our skies present one prominent example of the potential danger of these devices. The possibility of collision with these devices is deeply concerning -- but even more troublesome is the potential to arm drones, and cause complete chaos.

Sitting on the House Homeland Security Committee, I've heard hours of testimony on the yet-unmanaged challenge of drones. That's why the very first bill I introduced addressed small and medium-sized commercially-available drones - drones that can be easily bought by any consumers in stores or online. My bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to study the potential for a drone attack, lead all other agencies in developing policies to prevent such an attack, and develop guidance for state and local law enforcement officials on preventing and handling a drone attack. I'm pleased that this legislation, the Homeland Security Drone Assessment and Analysis Act, has won approval in the House with strong bipartisan support, and now awaits passage in the Senate.

These devices have great potential for good, but like most technology, there's also the potential that those with the intent to do harm will use them to destructive ends. With appropriate scrutiny and preparation, drones can alter our future for good, without disrupting our security.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

Trenton

New Jersey's energy future is at risk and the impacts of climate change are already threatening our state. Currently, we are at a crossroads, as the NJ Board of Public Utilities prepares the state's Energy Master Plan. It is up to the BPU to listen to the public and develop an EMP that is in the best interest of all.

I believe that our energy choices drive our economic future. We need to move from dirty fuel sources to clean energy and invest more in energy efficiency.

All around the nation, we see how clean energy is taking us forward: it reduces air pollution, improves health outcomes, it's affordable and it creates jobs.

NJ's EMP can provide us with the opportunity to make clean energy a priority - as well as energy efficiency. Adopting binding and ambitious energy savings standards will have the biggest impact on reducing carbon pollution while strengthening our economy and saving money for families and businesses. 

I encourage BPU to create a forward-looking plan that incorporates moving from coal to clean energy and investing in energy efficiency solutions, so that New Jersey can position itself as a leader. 

Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson

Hamilton

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Jorge Ramos, the nightly news co-anchor on Spanish-language TV station Univisión who was thrown out of Donald Trump's press conference in Dubuque, Iowa on August 25, 2015 and was then allowed back in, asked Trump how he would deport 11 million undocumented. Trump responded: "Humanely. I have a bigger heart than you."

By Dave Schraeger

Jorge Ramos, the nightly news co-anchor on Spanish-language TV station Univision who was thrown out of Donald Trump's press conference in Dubuque, Iowa on August 25, 2015 and was then allowed back in, asked Trump how he would deport 11 million undocumented.  Trump responded: "Humanely.  I have a bigger heart than you."  

As an activist with an immigrant-rights organization who has personally known a number of immigrants in deportation proceedings, I can safely say that deportations may be many things, but "humane" is not one of them.  

However, Ramos's question goes to the heart of something even deeper.  What type of country will we become if we expend the money and resources for such a massive undertaking?  Conservative columnist and TV personality George Will estimates that this would be about 94 times as large an undertaking as the rounding up of the 117,000 Japanese Americans at Manzanares during WWII.  Will we sacrifice all of the other things that demand the nation's attention such as crumbling schools and infrastructure?  Will we officially become a dictatorship?  And, while I do not like this type of hyperbole, will we become like Nazi Germany when it was rounding up Jews, Gypsies and other groups in disfavor with the regime?  

In addition to the fact that it will not be done "humanely," as Trump maintains, with such a large undertaking, it is all but guaranteed that people who are not intended targets will get caught up in the web.  If history offers any lessons it will also be done not only with intimidation and threats of violence, but with actual violence.  

Another lesson of history is that Trump's type of nativist, anti-immigrant rhetoric leads to violent attacks on "the other" or the preceived "other," promotes the so-called "security State" and destroys all remnants of "democracy."  One need not look too far to see this.  

After being told of a homeless immigrant being beaten up in Boston on or about August 20, 2015 by a couple of men who invoked his name, Trump initially replied that he hadn't heard about it but that (if it were true) it would "be a shame."  He then hastened to add: "I will say, the people that are following me are very passionate.  They love this country.  They want this country to be great again."  Coupled with his demand in 2011 to see President Obama's birth certificate and his not-so-subtle insult of Jorge Ramos for being Latino, telling him to go back to Univision, Trump may be the most racist candidate for President of the USA since Strom Thurmond ran as a Dixiecrat in 1948.  

Even Ronald Reagan, of whom Trump was an early supporter, and who was the first major-party candidate to be openly endorsed by both the KKK and the Nazis, was a little more subtle.  As bad as Reagan's appeals to racism were, and they were pretty terrible, did he ever say how much people who engaged in racist violence "love this country" or "want it to be great again?"  

Trump's appeals to racism, not to mention his sexism, and his willingness to waste precious financial and human resources on deporting 11 million undocumented immigrants while ignoring the country's actual needs indicate that Trump is sending all of the wrong messages.  Ramos said in an interview on CNN that reporters are only thrown out of press conferences in dictatorships.  Not very "humane."  That is something worth pondering.  

Dave Schraeger is a longterm labor, peace, and immigrant rights activist.

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Traffic will be restricted to a single lane from 8 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday with access controlled by flaggers at each end of the bridge.

TRENTON - Traffic will be down to one lane on the "Trenton Makes" bridge overnight Thursday into Friday as workers finish improvements to the span, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission said.

Traffic will be restricted to a single lane from 8 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday with access controlled by flaggers at each end of the bridge, the commission said.

Motorists could experience traffic delays during the work, the commission said.

Work crews will be installing electronic traffic-counting loops along the bridge's Pennsylvania approach roadway.

The work is a final element of a project that made a series of repairs and improvements to the approach roadways, various intersections, curbs, and sidewalks in the vicinity of the bridge, the commission said. 

RELATED: $2.7 million repair job for 'Trenton Makes' bridge to start in March

The project addressed worn pavements, safety deficiencies, and other issues at the approach roadways, intersections and walkways that provide vehicular and pedestrian access to the bridge, the commission said in a statement.

Most of the work ended in early August.

Thursday night's alternating travel pattern is subject to change due to weather, emergency, and traffic considerations.

The commission said bridge motorists should be prepared to reduce speeds when passing through work zones.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

 

The New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra's Chamber Ensemble will be performing three of the most popular works of the Baroque and Classic Periods: Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" and Bach's "Concerto for Two Violins."

The Trenton Downtown Association announced that the New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra's Chamber Ensemble will perform in a free concert at the Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Capital Green, 201 Barrack St., Trenton.

"We are honored to welcome the Chamber Ensemble of the New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra to our summer stage," said Christian Martin, executive director of the association. "Classical music under the stars sounds like the perfect way to say farewell to a beautiful summer."

RELATED: The full schedule of the Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series

The New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra's Chamber Ensemble will be performing three of the most popular works of the Baroque and Classic Periods: Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" and Bach's "Concerto for Two Violins."

Featured soloists for the program will be Vladimir Dyo, the NJCPO concertmaster and Yeseul Ann, principal second violin.

The orchestra was founded in 2013 under the visionary leadership of internationally acclaimed conductor, Daniel Spalding. After living in Trenton for 25 years, Spalding teamed up with a group of passionate local musicians and dedicated civic leaders to bring this new orchestra and organization to life.

With a deep love for classical music and a belief that music has the power to improve the lives of individuals and their communities, Spalding and his team have taken on the ambitious mission of returning classical music to Central Jersey in hopes that it will infuse new life into the capital's business center, strengthen the cultural fabric, and engage and inspire its diverse communities.

In future years, the orchestra looks to further its mission by partnering with public schools in the region to enhance their music education programs.

This show is seventh in a series of 10 free family-friendly concerts running each Saturday at 7 p.m. through Sept. 26 at Capital Green. The series is made possible through a grant awarded by Levitt Pavilions, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of America through the power of free, live music.

By creating a vibrant recreational and performance space downtown, the series provides an opportunity for the community to experience the arts.

The diverse series lineup features high caliber talent spanning genres like salsa, jazz, classical, soul, indie rock, electronic and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and their favorite foods to dine under the stars on the open-lawn setting.

The Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series is presented by NJM Insurance Group of West Trenton, and is also supported in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Trenton Downtown Association, the Times of Trenton, the County of Mercer, the City of Trenton, Wells Fargo, Capital Health, Thomas Edison State College, Amerigroup and New Jersey Natural Gas.

The facility was on lockdown overnight Thursday as a precaution because of an inmate illness

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP - The Mercer County jail began normal operations Friday morning after an inmate who came down with a mysterious illness forced a lockdown of the facility, officials said.

The jail, in Hopewell Township, resumed normal operations around 9:30 a.m. Friday. The facility was on lockdown overnight Thursday as a precaution because of an inmate illness, said Donna Leusner, spokeswoman for the state Department of Health.

Leusner declined to be more specific. A spokesman for Mercer County could not be immediately reached Friday.

ALSO: Former investigator says county jail is mismanaged

6abc.com reported that at around 2 a.m. Thursday, the inmate developed a fever and was taken to a Trenton hospital.

There were early concerns about Ebola because the inmate flew in from Liberia on Aug. 28, but one Ebola test has come back negative, according to 6abc.com.

The World Health Organization on Thursday declared Liberia free from Ebola, but the organization is watching the West African country closely because new cases of the disease have surfaced following a previous announcement that Liberia was Eboal-free, according to NBCNews.com.

Keith Brown may be reached at kbrown@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBrownTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

 

 

 

Share your favorite photos from this Labor Day weekend, and we'll feature them on NJ.com.

The final days of summer are here and we're thinking about how we're going to cap the season this holiday weekend. We're guessing you are too.

We also have a hunch that whatever you do this Labor Day weekend you're going to produce some great photos - and we want to see them.

RELATED: Earth Day 2015: Photos of N.J.'s most unspoiled places

You can post your Labor Day weekend pictures in comments here or tweet them to @njdotcom with the #LaborDayNJ hashtag. We'll collect the best and show them here on NJ.com.

Let's give summer 2015 the send-off it deserves.

Adya Beasley may be reached at abeasley@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @adyabeasley. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

Last year saw the launch of the Capital City Food Truck Battle, which drew thousands of hungry area residents and out-of-towners.

Dueling food trucks?

A dispute between two event promoters is leaving Trenton residents and visitors with an abundance of eating options during the weekend of Sept. 19 and 20 - a hassle for the businessmen involved, for sure, but Heaven for the city's gourmands.

Last year saw the launch of the Capital City Food Truck Battle, which drew thousands of hungry area residents and out-of-towners.

TC Nelson, owner of the bar/restaurant Trenton Social, teamed up with Joseph Kuzemka, founder of the Trenton Punk Flea Market, to get things rolling for that inaugural event last September, at which 10 trucks from the tri-state area offered their tasty wares.

Visitors chowed down on weiners from Philadelphia's Dapper Dog, sweets from Princeton's Cupcake Carnival and sandwiches from Hunterdon County's Fired Up Flatbread, among other goodies.

They also crowned a winner: El Lechon de Negron, purveyors of authentic Puerto Rican fare.

RELATED: Last year's Capital City Food Truck Battle

The two men are parting ways this year, after Kuzema opted to change venues, moving the event from Trenton Social to Rho Waterfront at Riverview Plaza in order to spread out and provide room for more trucks.

Although he says his former partner's decision caught him unawares, Nelson was determined to forge ahead on his own.

Thus: The Trenton Food Truck Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, noon to 8 p.m. at Trenton Social, and the Capital City Food Truck Battle will follow the next day, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Rho Waterfront.

And what a weekend it promises to be.

El Lechon de Negron will be back again, for those who missed out last year. Over the course of the two days, adventurous palates will also have the chance to sample Korean fusion, peanut butter-inspired items, hallal chicken, Texas barbecue, shrimp po' boys and gourmet tater tots.

Gourmet tater tots?

MORE: Trenton hosts 3 pork roll festivals

The explosion in food-truck popularity is a relatively recent phenomenon, finding traction in cities like Manhattan, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco. Yesterday's street food, once the ugly stepchild of the culinary world, has become today's chic.

We're sorry that it took a business dispute to bring this embarrassment of riches to Trenton, but just as you can never be too thin or too rich, you can never have too many food trucks - or food truck festivals.

To their credit, Nelson and Kuzema have come to an understanding, wishing each other well for next weekend and agreeing that mutual success can only bring better ink and a more positive image for the city they both love.

James Gaines said he wants to replicate the success he found in Tampa, Florida

TRENTON -- For the last couple of years, the city's libraries have sat empty and unused. But a Trenton native is returning to his hometown with a vision to turn one of the shuttered branches into a viable part of the community -- once again.

File photo of the Cadwalader Branch of the Trenton library system on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008.Martin Griff | Times of Trenton 

Bishop James Gaines, who became pastor of Trenton's El Bethel Baptist Church following the retirement of his father, the late Rev. John Gaines, moved to Tampa, Florida, in 2010 to open Better Life Church.

What started as a free after-school performing arts program for kids who couldn't afford to go elsewhere has since become an all-purpose community center for children and their families.

Gaines, 50, said he wants to replicate that success here.

"My heart has always been with the city," he said. "I feel there's a great need and a great opportunity for me to come back and give back to that city."

The nonprofit started with between 20 and 25 kids and grew to 300-plus students after only a couple of months, he said.

Better Life now offers everything from tutoring and mentoring to life skills, job training and GED classes to help people find work.

"We found that by serving the kids, there was a need for the parents as well," he said.

Gaines said he had been looking at a number of possible locations, but when he heard about the city's decision to lease out the library's satellite branches, he thought that they would be a great fit.

RELATED: Trenton plans to lease shuttered library branches

City Council approved a resolution in July allowing the city to accept bids for the Skelton branch.

But after its Skelton offer came up short, Better Life decided to move ahead with leasing the Cadwalader branch, which did not require public bidding because it is in a redevelopment zone.

The Amistad Commission, a division of the state Department of Education, was Skelton's highest bidder and had proposed opening a center similar to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. Concerns about cost, however, prompted the group to rescind its offer.

"It was a great opportunity but the costs and timeline was not something that we're physically able to do as a commission," executive director Stephanie James Wilson said this week.

Amistad's withdrawal now puts Better Life in line to lease the property.

"Now we need to go back to them tomorrow and give them the option of deciding whether they want to proceed with the Cadwalader library or whether they want to go back to looking at Skelton," said Monique King-Viehland, the city's Director of Housing and Economic Development.

Gaines said Wednesday morning that he had not yet heard about the bid, but said Cadwalader would still be his first preference.

City council is set to vote on the lease Thursday. Better Life would make all necessary repairs and proposed paying $500 a month in rent the first year up to $900 a month by the end of the five-year lease.

Gaines said the group already has contractors lined up and would like to move in as soon as possible.

"We're there to be able to empower and impact people's lives," he said. "If we better their lives, then the city will be a better place."

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

Washington left the car in drive and bailed out, running onto Route 29, crossing the highway, where police lost site of him

TRENTON - A Trenton man who has been arrested three other times this year led police on a chase in a stolen car that he later ditched before officers found him hiding under a porch on School Lane, police said Thursday.

(Martin Griff/The Times)Keith Brown | For NJ.com 

Tybree Washington, 19, was spotted by Trenton officers from the warrant unit driving a Honda Civic at Sanhican Drive and Route 29 around 10 a.m. Wednesday, Lt. Stephen Varn said.

Washington was known by the officers to be unlicensed, Varn said.

Officers stopped the Civic on the 2000 block of Riverside Drive. As officers got out of the car, Washington sped off, Varn said.

The police chased ended on Columbia Avenue, a dead end street, Varn said.

Washington left the car in drive and bailed out, running onto Route 29, crossing the highway, where police lost site of him, Varn said.

RELATED: Five Trenton men charged with weapons possession

Police set up a perimeter in the area and eventually found Washington under a porch on School Lane. After a brief struggle, he was arrested, Varn said.

Washington was charged with eluding, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, obstruction and an outstanding warrant for his arrest, Varn said.

Washington's bail was set at $35,000, according to police records.

Washington was arrested in Trenton in March on weapons possession charges. He was arrested in Washington Township on minor marijuana possession charges and on weapons and burglary charges in Trenton in January, according to police.

Keith Brown may be reached at kbrown@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBrownTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

 

Police said Thursday the fire was intentionally set and detectives recently charged Terrance L. Pierce, 33, with allegedly starting it.

HAMILTON - Authorities have charged a Trenton man with setting fire to a house in the Bromley neighborhood in June, Hamilton police said Thursday.

The June 8 fire grew to two alarms and gutted the structure on Waverly Place, officials said. Nobody was hurt during the blaze.

Terrance L. Pierce 

Police said Thursday the fire was intentionally set and detectives recently charged Terrance L. Pierce, 33, with allegedly starting it.

Pierce, 33, of Race Street in North Trenton, was apprehended Wednesday at 4 p.m. while on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton by members of the U.S. Marshals' Regional Fugitive Task Force, Trenton office.

Pierce is charged with aggravated arson, burglary and theft, Hamilton police said. His bail was set at $150,000 Thursday.

RELATED: 2-alarm fire in Hamilton guts home, no injuries

Hamilton police did not elaborate on how or why Pierce allegedly burned the house down. 

Pierce has two prior theft-related convictions in Mercer County in 2013, records show.

Hamilton Detective Leonard Gadsby, Mercer County Prosecutor's Office Detective Marc Masseroni and Fire Marshal Scott McCormick investigated the crime.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

 

Joseph V. Durelli allegedly robbed the Quick Chek gas station in the 1000 block of Olden Avenue on Aug. 15 and the 7 Eleven on Arena Drive on July 6.

HAMILTON - A 24-year-old Hamilton man held up two convenience stores in July and August, Hamilton police allege.

Joseph V. Durelli, of the 400 block of Newkirk Avenue, allegedly robbed the Quick Chek gas station in the 1000 block of Olden Avenue on Aug. 15 and the 7 Eleven on Arena Drive on July 6.

Joseph V. Durelli
 

He is charged with robbery and weapon possession violations for each crime, Hamilton police said.

Hamilton Detective Matt Bagley's investigation's into both crimes led to Durelli, police said. The department did not elaborate on what exactly that was.

Durelli was arrested late Wednesday at the corner of Olden and Atkins avenues by officers Chester Embley and Patrick Quick, of the police's Anti-Crime Unit.

Durelli was being held Thursday on $250,000 bail.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

 

The device injects naloxone into the body, reversing the effects of opiates, or heroin. Watch video

HAMILTON - Amy Inman pulled a red protective cap off the top of a plastic box the size of a pack of cigarettes and the device started to announce instructions.

"To inject place black end against outer thigh, then press firmly and hold in place for five seconds," the device announced through a little speaker.

"You can do this against clothing," Inman said, as she forcefully pressed it against her right leg.

"We just saved a life," Inman said as she pulled it away. 

The device injects naloxone into the body, reversing the effects of opiates, or heroin. It's the kind of devices police officers in Mercer County have used since last fall to treat heroin overdose victims.

Inman was using a training device -- without needles or the antidote -- but the Democratic candidate for Hamilton mayor publicly displayed how to use it Thursday at a press event she organized to keep heroin a topic of discussion.

"Heroin is one of the reasons I chose to run for municipal office," Inman said.

She said municipal government has a social obligation to keep the public informed and to implement ideas that will keep children safe.

Inman suggested that beyond government, every parent, administrator, school nurse, addict and teenager get certified and obtain a prescription for the antidote.

Inman said she attended a short class Wednesday to become certified in using the antidote, which she carries in her purse. The hardest thing about administering naloxone is pronouncing the name, she said. (It is often referred to by its brand name Narcan.)

"Issues that affect our community are not political," Inman said. "I am going to continue throughout this election to talk about the issues that we face in this township."

Inman said if elected, she'd instantly start a comprehensive program to combat heroin called Project SAVE (Substance Abuse Victimization Effort), which she learned about from the Gloucester Township police, which started it last summer.

The multi-faceted program attacks heroin from all possible public angles, including putting drug counselors in municipal court rooms.

ALSO: Mercer County police departments to get heroin overdose antidote

Joining Inman at the event at the Raymond Dwier community building in Groveville, was Joanne Bruno, a democrat running for township council. She displayed a bag of hypodermic needles she said she found in Apollo Park in Yardville Thursday, while walking her dog.

Inman did not make any allegations against Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede at the event, but she and other Democrats and Yaede critics say the mayor is not talking, nor doing enough about the scourge of heroin in Hamilton.

Inman pointed to a story in mercerspace.com that shows Hamilton police lead all Mercer towns in the number of times they used the Narcan antidote from Nov. 1, 2014 -- when police were issued the drug --  to July 15 of this year.

Hamilton officers used it 19 uses in that time, while Trenton, Ewing and Lawrence combined have used it 15 times and the other county towns combined also have 15 uses.

Inman said later Thursday that she believes Yaede "lacks ideas, and she's not being transparent with the community. It's not a fun subject to talk about."

But like a marriage, Inman said, one must address the good with the bad, and she believes the mayor should be more on topic with heroin.

Hamilton council candidate Joanne Bruno displays hypodermic needles she said she found in Apollo Park in Hamilton while walking her dog. (Kevin Shea | For NJ.com)
 

Thursday afternoon, Yaede angrily said she has done plenty to combat drug use in Hamilton and while Inman gives press conferences, "I am addressing it."

On Monday, Yaede issued a statement in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day and said the township, as children prepare to return to school, will continue to combat substance abuse with programs like the Hamilton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (HAASA) and the police's L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs).

"Our children are our most precious asset; and that is why beginning as early as first grade, our Municipal Government works along with our schools to help keep our children safe by promoting healthy lifestyles," Yaede said in the statement.

On Thursday, Yaede said Inman is being political, Hamilton is suffering like the rest of the country, and the candidate did not mention that Hamilton's crime rate is the lowest in decades.

"Although they want to paint the picture that Hamilton is the only municipality with heroin deaths, it is a national issue," Yaede said. "Without question, the Democrats have chosen to denigrate their campaign by injecting politics into public safety."

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.