Heavy rain in July helped the drought situation in some areas of New Jersey, but others remain extremely dry.

A series of rain storms that drenched New Jersey during the last two weeks of July helped ease the drought conditions in some parts of the state, but other areas continue to be unusually dry, according to the federal agency that monitors drought conditions.

The latest map released by the U.S. Drought Monitor Thursday morning shows fewer areas of New Jersey with "abnormally dry" conditions and a slightly lower chunk of the state with "moderate drought" conditions.

Over the past seven days, the percentage of New Jersey that was considered to be abnormally dry dropped from 68 percent to 36.5 percent and the area designated as having moderate drought conditions dipped from 38 percent to 24.4 percent.

Areas of New Jersey shaded in tan have moderate drought conditions, and areas shaded in yellow are "abnormally dry." (U.S. Drought Monitor) 

Last Thursday, the state Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch for the northern half of New Jersey, urging residents to voluntarily conserve water. The watch covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.

The DEP has kept the drought watch intact this week, despite the recent rainfall and subsequent increase in stream flow and reservoir levels.

"The rainfall we experienced was a very big help, helping to reverse the downward trend in northern New Jersey's reservoirs," DEP spokesman Larry Hajna said Thursday morning. "But we still have to monitor the situation, as August and early fall can be be pretty dry, which could drive demand for water up again. So we're continuing to encourage residents to be mindful of their water use."

Fall weather outlook: Good for football, not foliage

Hajna noted the storms last weekend dumped torrential rain on some counties, such as Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon and Passaic, and very little rain on others, including Atlantic, Cumberland and Cape May. 

The DEP is asking residents in northern New Jersey to voluntarily conserve water and residents in the rest of the state to "practice wise water use." 

Water conservation tips

These are among the water conservation tips recommended by the state DEP, which says millions of gallons of water could be saved each day if everyone follows these practices. 

• Do not over-water lawns and landscaping. Two times per week for 30 minutes in the morning or late evening typically is sufficient.
• Use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs.
• Avoid watering lawns and plants during the heat of the day, since much of this water will evaporate without helping the lawn.
• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, instead of using a hose.
• To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and shaving.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers only when they are full.

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality or like him on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Joan Horn has heard gunfire in her neighborhood, but she's never been so close to a shooting.

HAMILTON -- Bromley resident Joan Horn heard the familiar popping sounds of gunfire as she watched television in her Victor Avenue home Wednesday night.

Moments later, she heard glass break and an unfamiliar cracking sound right next to her, and screamed. Then she called police.

Horn, a Bromley neighborhood resident her entire life, realized one of the shots had rocketed into her home.

"I was so shaken," Horn said Thursday morning. "I am still shaken."

The bullet shattered a front porch window, sailed through a screen inside and bounced off a wood table behind her, landing on the first step of her staircase. 

She shudders to think if she'd been getting up to answer the phone or get a drink of water. "It went right by here," she said, pointing to the bullet's path.

Then, on Thursday morning, she found a smashed bullet in front of her home while sweeping up her property. A detective told Horn he'd be by later in the day to collect it as evidence.

Police investigated the 10 p.m. shooting for hours Wednesday into Thursday, and Horn and other residents of the block say detectives placed several evidence markers on the ground as they investigated.

Two cars were struck by the gunfire, including Horn's, as well as the house across the street.

Male shot in Hamilton's Yardville area

Horn and witnesses, from talking with police Wednesday night, say an argument among two males in between two houses across from Horn's turned violent and a gunman opened fire on a man, who may have run right by Horn's home.

Hamilton police Lt. Jeffrey Martin said Thursday that detectives did not find any shooting victims, and nobody arrived at a local hospitals with gunshot injuries.

Martin also said witnesses reported two men talking near a home before the shots rang out, and witnesses reported two men running from the scene.

Detectives will be on the block Thursday evening again, looking for any video surveillance in the area.

Horn said her son and daughter have been suggesting for some time that she move out, but she's attached to the area.

"It's her home and residents look after her. "I don't believe they were targeting me," Horn said.

"I call this my hood," she said with a laugh.

Horn said police were quick to respond and they dug a bullet out of her car's passenger door, and she has no complaints with how they're investigating.

But she'd like to see more uniformed police in the neighborhood nightly.

"I'd just like to see more officers," Horn said.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

William Sutphin is charged with aggravated assault after allegedly punching his daughter in the face.

TRENTON -- Police charged a Trenton man with aggravated assault for allegedly punching and beating a 16-year-old girl and say he had a gun when they located and arrested him a short time later.

William Sutphin is charged with aggravated assault and weapons offenses.  (Police photo) 

William Sutphin, 42, saw the teen walking down the Lincoln Avenue bridge at 4 a.m. Wednesday on her way to pick up diapers for her child, police spokesman Lt. Rolando Ramos said.

Sutphin walked up to the girl, who he knows, and punched her in the face, threw her to the ground, kicked her in the face and left her, Ramos said.

The 16-year-old called her mom, who took her to a hospital, Ramos said.

Police arrived and spoke to the girl, who suffered a broken jaw, scrapes to her foot and her arms. 

Police did not locate Sutphin right away, Ramos said.

However, officers found him in his East State Street home Wednesday at about 8:45 a.m., in bed with a 9-millimeter pistol, Ramos said. He is also charged with unlawful firearm possession.

Sutphin is a convicted felon, records show, and cannot legally possess a firearm.

Thomas Regan may be reached at tregan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Thomas_P_Regan. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

Karr Andrews is charged with assault and weapons offenses after arguing with his passenger.

TRENTON -- A chauffeur and a Ewing man face assault, theft and weapons offenses after police say they dragged a woman out of a car following an argument.

Karr Andrews, 24, a local driver for profit, picked up the victim Wednesday night at about 10 p.m., police spokesman Lt. Rolando Ramos said.

On the way, Andrews picked up his friend David Wesley, 24, Ramos said. During the drive, the victim, a 21-year-old woman, began to talk bad about Andrews while she was on a phone call.

Andrews overheard the conversation, took offense and told her to get out of the car, Ramos said.

He then pulled over at Cadwalader Park in the West Ward, where he and Wesley allegedly pulled the victim out of the car, Ramos said.

Andrews and the victim began struggling, and the victim later told police that $160 fell out of her bra.

While the victim and Andrews continued to argue, Andrews allegedly passed a gun to Wesley, Ramos said.

Wesley then handed the gun back to Andrews, though neither pointed the weapon at the victim.

The victim told police that Wesley picked up her $160 and drove off with Andrews. The victim was able to flag down an officer, Ramos said.

Andrews and Wesley were arrested Thursday morning at 1 a.m. 

Both are charged with simple assault, theft and weapons offenses, and Andrews is also charged with criminal restraint.

Thomas Regan may be reached at tregan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Thomas_P_Regan. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

At the crux of the dispute is a law critics say was fast-tracked through the state legislature to benefit the Camden trauma center.

TRENTON -- Cooper University Hospital scored a significant victory Thursday after the state's appellate division released a decision that overturns a lower court's ruling on the the trauma center's takeover of paramedic services in Camden City.

Thursday's decision comes nearly eight months after a judge in Mercer County Superior Court ruled that a bill giving Level 1 trauma centers the exclusive right to handle advanced life support services in their home city and have the option of providing basic life support was "special legislation" and thus unconstitutional.

The law came under fire last summer after it was fast-tracked through the state legislature, a move that some criticized as a "power grab" by South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross, the chairman of Cooper's board of trustees. It does not name Cooper specifically in the legislation, but Cooper professional testified to their support of the bill in legislative committee hearings.

Virtua -- which operated paramedic services in the city for nearly 40 years before the law went into effect -- joined forces with Capital Health System to sue the state over the legislation, claiming it was designed to benefit specific parties.

Capital Health, which provides paramedic services to Hamilton Township, is impacted via a provision in the law that allows Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital the option to provide the services in the large township instead. RWJ currently operates basic life support, or EMT, service in Hamilton, but Capital Health provides paramedic service for all of Mercer County.

After the health systems filed suit last July, Mercer County Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd ruled in December that the legislation was in fact unconstitutional, arguing there was no distinction that Level 1 trauma centers provided better pre-hospitalization care than Level 2 facilities.

The state appealed the ruling, however, maintaining the argument that Cooper could provide better service to the community if its emergency medical services were fully integrated, allowing EMS workers to connect patients with the higher-level resources and follow-up care available at the trauma center.

Judge blocks EMS service law

In the appellate decision, the court states that it was "inappropriate for the [trial] court to second-guess the Legislature's judgement" and that "it is conceivable that ALS and BLS can be provided more efficiently if provided by a Level 1 trauma center, and having a Level 1 trauma center provide the services would facilitate high-quality prehospital care."

In the wake of Thursday's decision, Virtua released a written statement saying the health system administrators were disappointed Hurd's "thorough and well-reasoned decision" was overturned and that it is carefully reviewing the decision to determine its next move.

The health system also stuck by its claim the legislation circumvents the process already in place to designate ambulances and paramedic services. Such legislative power also "calls into question" the rest of the Department of Health's approval process, Virtua said. 

Cooper University Hospital's vice president of communications said in a written statement that the health system is pleased it can continue to provide basic and advanced life support services to the city, which it began providing on Jan. 3.

"We, again, thank the Governor and the members of the New Jersey Legislature who voted in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion to grant Cooper University Health Care the honor and privilege to provide the highest level of emergency care to the people of Camden."

Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

TRENTON- With the departure of Eastern League ERA leader Jordan Montgomery to Scranton Wilkes-Barre, the other pitchers in the Thunder rotation now have to pick up the slack. Ronald Herrera, who has been in the rotation for much of the year, may now be counted on to make a big start in a potential playoff series with Reading. But...

TRENTON- With the departure of Eastern League ERA leader Jordan Montgomery to Scranton Wilkes-Barre, the other pitchers in the Thunder rotation now have to pick up the slack.

Ronald Herrera, who has been in the rotation for much of the year, may now be counted on to make a big start in a potential playoff series with Reading.

But Trenton fans, who have watched on this year as Herrera threw the first eight innings of a no-hitter back on April 26, will have confidence that the young righty can get the job done.

It has been a bit of a split season for Herrera. He was so dominant early in the campaign, but a series of injuries set him back for more than a month. It is just recently that Herrera has found the form that carried him through the first month-plus of the year, and which earned him the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week in April.

With injuries to his finger and arm, which saw him put in the disabled list from June 24-July 6, it looked like there was a chance that his season could have gone south. But Herrera (8-7, 3.83 ERA), like his Thunder team, battled through, and both are now ready for the stretch run.

Ronald Herrera, Jonathan Holder combine for no-hitter

"It was a little bit hard for me with the strike zone, after the finger and after the shoulder" Herrera said. "But now I am working hard, and I feel pretty good now."

"I was trying to be quicker to home plate, and my arm was a little bit down," Herrera said. "I am trying to be on the top of the ball right now, and my pitches are pretty good."

The Thunder staff on a whole has been very good over the first four months. Obviously, a team does not get to 68-41 without some quality starters. But with Dietrich Enns, the Eastern League Player of the Month for April, Brady Lail, and Jordan Montgomery all at SWB, it is on the current staff to bring home a playoff berth over the next month. With the end of the regular season now a month away, each remaining series takes on added importance. 

Take Thursday night's rubber game with Hartford, for example. The Yard Goats trail Trenton by six games in the standings, but can cut it to five with a win. A Thunder victory pushes that lead up to seven games, which looks much better with just 31 games to play after Thursday.

"For us, it is awesome," Herrera said. "I think all the starters are doing a pretty good job, and it is awesome that we can help the club so much. We are excited for August. We are going to keep working hard, and do our best to get to the playoffs."

Herrera took the loss in Wednesday's 4-1 defeat to Hartford, but he was 2-0, with a 1.50 ERA in the three games prior. He was especially effective against Altoona on July 29, as Herrera went 6.1 innings of shutout baseball. He made some big pitches in tough spots with runners in scoring position, to stymie the Curve attack.

"I made an adjustment to work down in the zone," Herrera said. "It is really important, because if you miss up, they are going to hit it. Against Altoona, I was using all my pitches.

"I could throw my breaking ball behind in the count," Herrera said. "Now I am throwing my two-seam fastball, and it is hard to hit that pitch. I am going to keep working hard. I feel like I am doing a pretty good job this last four starts, and I am going to keep doing that."

This is Herrera's fifth season in professional baseball, and it is amazing to think that he threw the no-hitter at just 20-years-old. So he is developing at a nice pace, and looks to have a bright future.

"I am going to work hard in the off-season," Herrera said. "I will come back next year stronger than I am know."

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean

These seven questions are based on NJ.com's most popular stories of the past week. So basically you have no excuses.

Each week when it's time to create NJ.com's local news quiz, I look back at the past week to see what stories were the most popular with NJ.com readers. It just seems fair to use stories that most readers were likely to see. I weed out the stories that aren't local, stories that aren't appropriate for a quiz and stories that don't have enough details to make a good quiz question. Then I re-read the stories from the most popular on down and create the seven-question quiz. I try to use important information from each story to create the quiz questions.

Here are the stories that I used to create this week's quiz. Better study up now: I think this week's quiz is pretty tough.

• Iconic South Jersey diner abruptly shuts its doors
• Woman hurt on Six Flags King Cobra water slide reportedly sues for $3M
• Trump Taj Mahal to close after Labor Day due to casino workers' strike
• 'Please send the police, I've been shot,' said man mistakenly shot by police
• With one vote today, N.J. will make it harder to graduate high school
• Is your car a target? The 10 most stolen vehicles in N.J. in 2015
• Hero dog saves stricken owner by smashing window to summon help, cops say

John Shabe can be reached via jshabe@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter and find NJ.com on Facebook.

The addition of Allegiant Air at Trenton-Mercer Airport will help the airport continue to grow as a regional hub in New Jersey.

The skies over Trenton are looking a little friendlier with the addition of a second airline that will begin operating out of Trenton-Mercer Airport this November.

Allegiant Air, which bills itself as a low-cost alternative to larger carriers, will offer flights to three cities in Florida: Orlando, St. Petersburg and Punta Gorda, on the Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Fort Myers.

The planes will supplement routes already operated by Frontier Airlines, which has been the airport's sole commercial carrier since 2012, and which last April passed the one million-passenger mark.

Frontier recently beefed up its schedule out of the local regional airport, announcing nonstop flights to Punta Gorda beginning Oct. 31.

The increased options are good news for travelers, who stand to benefit from what Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes calls "healthy competition."

Allegiant Air had eye on N.J. airport for years

Based in Las Vegas, Allegiant follows an a la carte business model, offering rock-bottom fares, but charging for food, bags and reserved seats.

The arrangement allows passenger to pick and choose only those components of air travel they need, giving them the option to keep travel costs comparatively low.

"You can self-select everything you need and you don't have to select the things you don't," says Eric Fletcher, the airline's manager of airports. "None of those extras are baked into your fare to begin with."

Although some passengers gripe about the limited weekly schedule and what they see as its nickel-and-dime approach, Allegiant continues to be one of the most profitable carriers in the United States, with flights out of 11 operating bases including Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Phoenix.

Earlier this summer, the airline announced it would begin flying between Newark Liberty International Airport and Cincinnati, Savannah, Knoxville, Tenn., and Asheville, N.C.

The Tampa Bay Times reported last week that Allegiant is buying 12 new Airbus 320 planes, the first purchase of new aircraft in the company's 19-year history, and will retire some of its aging fleet in the coming years.

7 things to know about Allegiant Air

For travelers able and willing to tailor their schedules around Allegiant's and Frontier's, flying out of a smaller airport has multiple advantages.

They include proximity to home, more convenient parking, quicker check-in - and the pleasure of not having to fight the unmanageable crowds that clog security lines at Newark or Philadelphia airports.

In many instances, the base fares are also easier on the pocketbook. Allegiant was hawking $39 one-way tickets until last Saturday as a lure to new passengers.

It's refreshing to see these recent signs of robust activity at Trenton-Mercer, which has not always had the smoothest sailing as carriers came and went over the years.

We welcome the boon to the regional economy, and wish the newcomer happy landing.

Sen. Shirley Turner said the transportation funding package hits her constituents hard and cuts badly needed state revenue. Watch video

TRENTON -- Senate President Stephen Sweeney says he's just one vote shy in his quest to line up enough lawmakers to override Gov. Chris Christie's opposition to a road funding tax package -- something New Jersey's top lawmaker says would pave the way for a final vote on a constitutional amendment requiring the state to make payments for public worker pensions.  

And the Democratic leader of the Democratic-controlled Senate clarified that vote belongs to a Democrat. 

"I have enough Republicans," Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said on Thursday. "I don't have enough Democrats."

Sweeney: pension amendment may be doomed

Sen. Shirley Turner (D-Mercer) is one of a few Democrats said to oppose the transportation package's 23-cent increase in the gasoline tax in exchange for $900 million in tax cuts. Democrats hold 24 of 40 Senate seats and 27 votes are needed to override the governor. 

State Sen. Shirley Turner (D-Mercer) in an April 2016 file photo.Cristina Rojas | For NJ.com 

Turner said she's getting "the full court press" from lawmakers and union leaders to sign onto the plan but to change her mind "they've got to come up with something more than what I have been seeing so far."

"I think that 23 cents is too much for the working households to absorb at one time," Turner told NJ Advance Media. "I'm also concerned about the $900 million that we will be losing in revenue. I don't know how we're going to make that up. It does not sound responsible if we can't pay our bills now."

The proposal, the result of a deal struck between Senate and Assembly leadership, would eliminate the estate tax, raise the retirement income tax exclusion, increase the Earned Income Tax Credit and create tax credits for commuters and veterans.

Turner said she agrees with the need to cut taxes, but residents living paycheck to paycheck would benefit from property tax relief, not a change in the estate tax, which is paid by about 4 percent of estates statewide.

"My constituents are mainly concerned about the property tax," she said. "And when you raise the gas tax 23 cents, that's money coming directly out of their pockets every time they pull up to the pump. That translates into less money they're going to be able to bring home to pay their bills."

Her opposition to the transportation package lands her in a tough spot, though, as she said she's a strong advocate for the pension amendment, which would require the state to increase contributions into the public pension system.

"I'm committed to that, because we have made commitments to our employees and our retirees that we were going to provide them with a pension," she said. "I feel as though I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea."

Sweeney says solving the transportation crisis could come down to negotiating with the governor, who wants bigger tax cuts that could jeopardize funding for the pension amendment. He won't call a vote on the constitutional amendment on pensions until the transportation package passes, saying the state budget cannot afford higher pension payments and a more expensive road funding plan. 

Turner, like labor leaders pushing the amendment, said transportation funding and the pension amendment shouldn't be commingled.

"I do not understand why the pension bill is being held hostage to the Transportation Trust Fund bill," she said.

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

There will be a weekend of cultural appreciation and celebration in Trenton beginning on Aug. 6.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out these events in Trenton.

Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market -- Sunday

The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market will bring unique merchandise, from vinyl records and CDs to taxidermy and handmade jewelry, to the Historic Roebling Machine Shop. 

The market, which now opens three times a year, will have food and live music to keep visitors entertained and well fed as they peruse the tables of 200 punk rock and related vendors from eight states.

The market held its first event in 2013 has grown from its comparatively modest collection of 50 vendors. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Comedy and Jazz in Mill Hill Park -- Saturday

The Comedy and Jazz in the Park event is only part of this epic weekend in Trenton because its original date was rained out. However, this Saturday, people can enjoy food, live music and comedy in Mill Hill Park from 2 to 8 p.m.

The event will feature a comedy production "Laff Out Loud" by Nina and Landy and musical performances by the Renaissance Jazz Band, Bob Smith Trio, Tipico Latin Jam Group and DJ Say Whaat!!.

Jersey Fresh Jam 2016 -- Saturday

The Jersey Fresh Jam is a free celebration of Hip Hop culture. This festival, which began in 2005, features artists from all over coming to Trenton to decorate the walls of Terracycle Inc. with spray-paint masterpieces.

With live performances from emcees, bands and DJs, this event will be something Hip Hop and art enthusiasts won't want to miss. 

Jersey Fresh Jam 2014 held at Terracycle INC, August 9, 2014. Mary Iuvone/For The Times 

Levitt AMP Trenton Salsa show and lessons - Saturday

A Trenton native and his salsa ensemble will perform this weekend for Levitt AMP Trenton audiences this Saturday night.

Edwin Lebron y Su Orquesta will perform on the Capital Green at the Statehouse at 7:30 p.m. There will be a salsa dance lesson at 6:30 p.m. with an instructor from "Hot Salsa Hot."

Trenton Househeads Bar B Que and Festival -- Sunday

From 12 to 8 p.m., Mill Hill Park will be filled with family games, face painting, food, moon bounces, vendors and live music. 

The event will have music from DJs Naeem Johnson, Venus7, Algebra and Eddie Ed. There will also be performances from Koffee the Floatress and Kia Stewart.

Thomas Regan may be reached at tregan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Thomas_P_Regan. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

Police are looking for information related to an assault and robbery that left a Trenton man unconscious.

TRENTON -- A 60-year-old Trenton man was left unconscious on Lamberton Street Tuesday morning after apparently being assaulted and robbed, police said Friday.

The man was near his home in South Trenton at 2:50 a.m. when neighbors found him unconscious and called an ambulance, police spokesman Lt. Rolando Ramos said.

The man was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. He has since been stabilized, Ramos said. 

Ramos said investigators found the man's cell phone and money was taken.

Anyone who may have information about the crime is asked to call Detective Brian Jones at 609-989-4146.

Thomas Regan may be reached at tregan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Thomas_P_Regan. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

Ed "NJ Weedman" Forchion has two upcoming appearances scheduled to contest tickets and attend a probable cause hearing

TRENTON - The battle between New Jersey's marijuana advocate Ed "NJ Weedman" Forchion and the City of Trenton is going to court next week.

First, Forchion and city attorneys will appear for a probable cause hearing.

Two weeks later, they will meet again over the 50 tickets Forchion says he's been issued by police this year alone for various violations.

The legal battle goes back to a series of incidents starting in February, when police were called to the street outside Forchion's East State Street restaurant and "pot temple" for a 30-person street fight.

The call prompted police to start ordering Forchion to shut down his restaurant at 11 p.m., citing a city ordinance that mandates businesses must be closed at that time.

When Forchion didn't comply, they started issuing tickets - regularly, he says.

The tensions came to a head in April when police raided Forchion's business and neighboring "pot temple" and confiscated some of his items including his DVRs and computer hard drives, as well as quantities of marijuana.

The charges from the raid, conducted by the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, and Trenton police, allege he was dealing from the restaurant.

Weedman reflects on his year

Forchion and his attorney, Edward Heyburn are preparing to fight to get his equipment back at a probable cause hearing next week.

Heyburn filed a motion in June to return the DVR's and computer hard drives. He said Thursday that they believe the equipment could hold evidence that police were lying about the February street fight.

According to Forchion, there were not 30 people involved and it wasn't connected with his business. 

The next appearance is scheduled for August 25, when Heyburn and Forchion will go to court again to contest the 50 tickets Forchion has received since for not closing his business by 11 p.m.

Heyburn said he is compiling a list of the multiple other businesses in the city - including fast food restaurants - that don't close their doors by 11 p.m.

"I'm filing a motion to dismiss (the tickets) based on selective enforcement," Heyburn said, adding that if the city plans to shut Forchion's business in accordance with the city ordinance, then they must also close other restaurants within city limits. 

A representative for the city declined to comment on the pending cases Thursday. 

Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman  

Two of the four men who shot up a bodega in the middle of the day two years ago and injured two people were sentenced to prison

TRENTON -- Two of the four men who riddled a bodega with gunfire , wounding two on a fall afternoon two years ago committed a "depraved" act of violence, a prosecutor said Friday at their sentencings.

Raesean SutphinCourtesy Trenton Police Department 

The men, 21-year-old Raesean Sutphin and David Chavies, 20, were each sentenced to 10-year prison sentences Friday for aggravated assault following the October, 2014 shooting.

The other two men involved, Justin Hill and Semaj Conway, are scheduled to be sentenced later this year.

All four men played a part in the afternoon shooting at a bodega on the corner of St. Joe's and Girard Avenues in East Trenton on Oct. 20, 2014, prosecutors said.

Two shoppers were injured in the gunfire and were rushed to the hospital, but recovered from their wounds.

An attorney for Sutphin said Friday that the shooting was reckless and that the men had no malicious intent toward anyone in the store.

Mercer County Assistant Prosecutor Tim Ward agreed that the shooters weren't targeting anyone but he said that the incident was different from a "reckless act."

Man convicted in ex-cop's son's slaying

"They decided to fire into a grocery store, a bodega, that contained people who had nothing to do with anything the defendant was upset about," Ward said. He said most people do not need to worry about gunfire when they go grocery shopping.

"I don't know any word for that act but depraved," Ward said.

Prior to the sentencing, Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw recalled a letter he'd received from one of the two victims injured in the gunfire.

The woman said she had a hard time leaving her house and that she wanted to move out of Trenton just to feel safe again, Warshaw said in court.

He added that he's seen no remorse from the men involved and that he believes they're at risk of reoffending.

Both Sutphin and Chavies will have to serve 85 percent - or eight years and six months - of their sentences before they are eligible for parole. 

Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman 

The town also had numerous sighting in early July, in the Herrontown Woods and Autumn Hill Reserve areas.

PRINCETON -- The police department says they've received multiple reports of black bear sightings in the northern part of the township.

Police Lt. John Bucchere said one sighting put the bear on Mount Lucas Road near Herrontown Road.

A responding police officer spotted the animal entering a wooded area. He estimated the bear to be about juvenile, about 150 pounds, Bucchere said.

The calls started just before 11 a.m.

A short time later, police received a report of a bear on Montadale Drive, west of Route 206, meaning it crossed the highway, Bucchere said.

Police believe it's the same black bear, he said.

The town also had numerous sighting in early July, in the Herrontown Woods and Autumn Hill Reserve areas, in the northern part of town.

Robbinsville police reported a black bear sighting in mid July, on Perrineville Road.

The police reminds residents to: secure trash in bear-resistant garbage containers, make sure backyard grills are free of food scraps, do not leave pet food bowls outside and refrain from hanging bird feeders less than 10-feet in the air.

Residents can report bear damage, nuisance behavior or aggressive bears to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP ro contact local police.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Brandon Brantley and Deonte Noncent were arrested after victim of robbery finds them two hours after the incident.

TRENTON -- Two Trenton men were arrested after police say they attacked a man and took his phone and wallet late Thursday night. The suspects were later located by the vicitm.

Brandon Brantley and Deonte Noncent, both 19, allegedly started walking behind a 34-year-old man and woman at Division Street and Emory Avenue at about 11 p.m. after the couple left a bar, police spokesman Lt. Rolando Ramos said.

The suspects then attacked the man, punching him in the face and body, Ramos said.

Brantley and Noncent allegedly ran off with the man's phone and wallet, Ramos said.

The victim and the woman did not call police right away, Ramos said.

The two continued walking and saw Brantley and Noncent in the area of Whittaker and Roebling avenues. At that point, Ramos said the victim called police and described the suspects.

Police arrived and arrested Brantley and Noncent at 1:15 a.m. Friday on the corner of Whittaker and Roebling avenues.

Brantley and Noncent are both charged with strong arm robbery.

Thomas Regan may be reached at tregan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Thomas_P_Regan. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA- Flemington Post 159, the New Jersey American Legion baseball state champions, has got to where it is with the help of a mantra. Play for today. Through wins and losses this year, the Indians (34-5) have used that motto to keep an even keel. They lost a tough game to Brooklawn in the opening game of the...

PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA- Flemington Post 159, the New Jersey American Legion baseball state champions, has got to where it is with the help of a mantra.

Play for today.

Through wins and losses this year, the Indians (34-5) have used that motto to keep an even keel. They lost a tough game to Brooklawn in the opening game of the NJ Final Eight, but they came came back strong to win four straight, including a final- game 7-1 victory over Brooklawn.

Now, Flemington finds itself in much the same situation, although the circumstances at the Mid-Atlantic Regional are a little different. It is double-loss now, although in pool play it was de facto double loss as well, so not much has changed.

Flemington found itself in the losers bracket after a tough 4-0 loss to the Pennsylvania state champion Swoyersville Wednesday. But with the depth of pitching that Indians manager Steve Farsiou has at his disposal, it was not the worst thing in the world for his squad.

After a 4-1 win over a strong Delaware team Thursday, Flemington was back on the field Friday against Blackhawk, the Pennsylvania runner-up. Behind the strong pitching of Pat Clare, and an offensive outburst led by Shayne Fontana (3-for-4, two runs), Flemington won 11-1, to move into Saturday's 9:30 a.m. losers bracket semifinal. 

Clare, who has been one of an arsenal of arms for Flemington this year, was the latest to step onto the hill in a big game and throw a gem.

Hunterdon topples 6-time champs to win N.J. baseball title

"It felt great to be given the confidence by coach Farsiou in such a big game," Clare said." "Really focused on pounding the strike zone and mixing in a lot of off speed because this team was aggressive on first pitches. Also can't say enough about the defense because they were outstanding today."

"We are just trying to take it one game at a time," Clare said. "When you look at what it takes to win the tournament after coming off a loss, it  seems daunting. But if we just focus on one game at a time, we will be just fine. We have lots of pitching left and our offense is on fire."

Flemington Post 159 looks to do some damage at regional

Farsiou was quick to complement his starter, who went the distance in the seven-inning game shortened by the 10-run rule. But at this time of year, staying out of the bullpen and keeping those arms fresh for the coming days is imperative.

"Today, Pat was a bulldog out there," Farsiou said. He gave us seven good innings. We have started to hit as well know. If the lineup keeps hitting, we will be okay."

"I think it helps that this team is just focused on the game that day," Farsiou said. "These guys are just worried about the game in front of them. They have a great mindset. It is move on, focus, and worry about us."

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean

The postal service elaborated on the Robbinsville zip code issue Friday, a day after Mayor Dave Fried blasted the results.

ROBBINSVILLE -- A town that wants its own zip code must meet a pre-determined set of benchmarks in a survey sent to residents, and Robbinsville's response fell short, a U.S. Postal Service spokesman said Friday.

The postal service elaborated on the Robbinsville zip code issue Friday, a day after Mayor Dave Fried blasted the results of the town's survey.

File photo 

The town needed an 80 percent response, but the postal service only received 53 percent in return. If the town had met the 80 percent line, 75 percent of them would have to have been in favor of the change.

The town was seeking to have the zip code 08691 officially designated as Robbinsville.

Fried assailed the decision, saying it was a "veritable dog-and-pony show" that set up the town to fail, saying the postal service only gave the town 21 days, from mailing the surveys to the date they had to be sent back.

Fried also challenged the 80 percent line, saying postal service regulations show a majority, or 51 percent is needed.

Ray Daiutolo Sr., a spokesman for the postal service in New Jersey, said postal policies do call for a return of more than 50 percent of surveys, but most postal districts use higher percentages.

"Districts use a higher percentage to ensure that the action of the town meets the approval of the community as a whole," he said in a statement. "This gives the postal service confidence that the process gets the full community participation."

Postal service snubs N.J. town's zip code quest, mayor outraged

He said the the South Jersey district uses an 80 percent response rate with a 75 percent approval of returned surveys.

That information was provided to the town in an October 22, 2015 letter and the South Jersey district received a letter from Fried on May 19, 2016, consenting to the survey proposal, Daiutolo said.

Fried, in mid May 2016, acknowledged the 80 and 75 percent benchmarks, and urged all Robbinsville residents to respond to the survey.

Daiutolo said it's imoortant to note that the policy allows the use of higher percentages as well.

The postal service said Thursday that they mailed surveys to 5,263 addresses and received 2,897 responses, a 53 percent return.

On Thursday, Fried said the town will not give up in the quest and he vowed an appeal.

"We want another chance, a fair chance, to change to a unified zip code of 'Robbinsville, 08691.' I encourage every resident unhappy with this result to write the USPS and express their displeasure," Fried said Thursday.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Mack Williams had the charges against him in a 2014 shooting dropped during a court appearance Friday

TRENTON - A man accused of shooting at another man after an argument in Trenton had the charges against him dropped Friday, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office.

Mack Williams had the 2014 shooting charges dropped against him at a status conference on Friday, August 5, 2016 (Photo, Mercer County Prosecutor's Office) 

Mack Williams, 26, of Ewing, was initially charged with aggravated assault after an incident on August 18, 2014.

Police have said a man left a corner store on West Hanover and Camden Streets and got into an argument with Williams and another man outside.

Police said Williams shot at the man as he was getting into his car but missed him and shot the vehicle instead.

But on Friday all of those charges were dropped; prosecutors did not have enough evidence against Williams, the prosecutor's office said.

Williams also has a pending weapons case in Mercer County for charges related to a drive-by shooting of a Trenton house, records show. 

Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman 

The kids removed the sign from a lawn and stepped on it, police said.

MORRISVILLE, Pa. -- Two youths who removed a Donald Trump campaign sign from a resident's lawn and vandalized it Monday have been identified, Morrisville police said.

The perpetrators are two boys, ages 10 and 11.

The two boys took the sign from a West Trenton Avenue lawn and stepped on it, police said in a statement Friday.

Police said they will be meeting with the boys' parents in the near future and the boys will be assigned community service, police said

Police said they met with the sign owner, who agreed with the conditions, police said.

Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman 

The accuser is Janette Negron-Donini, a former fire department employee who works at City Hall.

TRENTON -- The city's fire director is being investigated for allegedly touching a female city employee's breast in 2012, officials said Friday.

The accuser is Janette Negron-Donini, a former fire department employee who last summer filed a sexual harassment claim against Fire Director Qareeb Bashir, officials said.

That sexual harassment claim was recently dismissed, officials said.

And Bashir said Friday he suspects the accuser, who did not get the results she wanted in the workplace claim, is trying another avenue and he will again be exonerated.

Mercer County First Assistant Prosecutor Doris Galuchie said an initial investigation of the breast-touching allegation against Bashir was brought to the office in June.

Investigating the allegation as a criminal sexual contact, the office was unable to substantiate it and did not pursue charges against Bashir, Galuchie said.

On Thursday, the victim, and her husband met with prosecutors and presented additional evidence and asked the office to reconsider, Galuchie said.

"And we're going to review that evidence," Galuchie said. She declined to elaborate on the evidence.

Trenton firefighters promoted at City Hall ceremony

Bashir said Friday the entire episode is a fabrication - then and now

"The charges are totally ridiculous and 100 percent false," Bashir said.

"I can only assume the person, since they did not get the results they were looking for, it's here we go again," Bashir said.

"I am confident that since I was exonerated before, that the exact same thing that will happen this time," Bashir said.

Negron-Donini is a 25-year city employee and transferred from a position in the fire department to City Hall last summer, following the harassment filing.

In July 2015, she gave an interview to NJ Advance Media, detailing how the director allegedly harassed her.

She could not be reached Friday evening.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.