Sentinel of Gloucester County Newspaper

04/24/2025

JOINT STATEMENT: WARETOWN MAN CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ARSON AND ARSON IN CONNECTION WITH JONES ROAD WILDFIRE

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and Ocean Township Chief of Police Michal Rogalski announced that on April 23, 2025, Joseph Kling, 19, of Ocean Township (Waretown), was charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson in connection with a wildfire that started in Waretown on April 22, 2025, and continued to spread throughout the southern Ocean County area.

On April 22, 2025, at approximately 9:45 a.m., the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower located a column of smoke coming from the area of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township. Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a fire within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust’s Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, which is on the east side of Jones Road.

As of April 24, 2025, the fire has burned approximately 15,000 acres in Waretown and Lacey Townships, and has destroyed a commercial building.

A thorough and extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, plotted the origin of the fire via Global Positioning System (GPS). The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary by an improperly extinguished bonfire.

Further investigation has revealed that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire - and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished. Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Headquarters; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Commissioner LaTourette acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Department Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ship Bottom Police Department, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

04/24/2025

19 YEAR OLD CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ARSON

JOINT STATEMENT: WARETOWN MAN CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ARSON AND ARSON IN CONNECTION WITH JONES ROAD WILDFIRE

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and Ocean Township Chief of Police Michal Rogalski announced that on April 23, 2025, Joseph Kling, 19, of Ocean Township (Waretown), was charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson in connection with a wildfire that started in Waretown on April 22, 2025, and continued to spread throughout the southern Ocean County area.

On April 22, 2025, at approximately 9:45 a.m., the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower located a column of smoke coming from the area of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township. Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a fire within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust’s Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, which is on the east side of Jones Road.

As of April 24, 2025, the fire has burned approximately 15,000 acres in Waretown and Lacey Townships, and has destroyed a commercial building.

A thorough and extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, plotted the origin of the fire via Global Positioning System (GPS). The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary by an improperly extinguished bonfire.

Further investigation has revealed that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire - and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished. Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Headquarters; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Commissioner LaTourette acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Department Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ship Bottom Police Department, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

04/24/2025

https://thenjsentinel.com/terry-marie-downs-obituary/

Terry Marie Downs (née Armstrong), age 80, on April 22, 2025, in Washington Township, NJ. She was the devoted wife of 62 years to the late Samuel Weldon Downs, whom she married in March 1962. Terry…

04/17/2025

https://thenjsentinel.com/gregory-anthony-iacobacci-obituary/

Gregory Anthony Iacobacci, age 64, of Newfield, New Jersey, on April 15, 2025. Devoted father to Lauren Livingston and Jennifer Livingston. Proud grandfather to Michael, Brian, Katie, and Henry. Lo…

04/14/2025

UPDATE TO CRASH IN LOGAN TWP - Center Square Road

04/08/2025

https://thenjsentinel.com/francis-christopher-lolli-obituary/

Francis Christopher Lolli, a prominent resident of Clayton, NJ, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 92. Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandf…

04/07/2025

TRAFFIC ADVISORY -
Route 42 northbound and I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve lane closures this week for traffic shift in Bellmawr, Camden County

I-76 eastbound Exit 1A to be closed Thursday night



(Trenton) – A series of lane closures are planned this week on Route 42 northbound, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, and I-76 eastbound Exit 1A in order to shift traffic onto a new ramp as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. All work is weather sensitive and subject to change depending on overnight weather conditions.



Tonight, Monday, April 7

Beginning at 9 p.m. tonight, Monday, April 7 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, the right lane on Route 42 northbound is scheduled to be closed after Exit 14B/Benigo Boulevard to repair a damaged drum array. Motorists are advised to use caution, slow down and move over if possible.



Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9

Beginning at 9 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, April 8 until 5 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, and again Wednesday, April 9 at the same time, the right lane on I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed. The ramps to I-295 southbound and Route 42 southbound will remain open. The closure is necessary to prepare for an upcoming traffic shift. Motorists are advised to use caution, slow down and expect delays.



Thursday, April 10

Beginning at 10 p.m. Thursday, April 10 until 6 a.m., Friday, April 11, the left lane on I-76 eastbound before the Browning Road Bridge and the I-76 eastbound Exit 1A ramp to I-295 southbound are scheduled to be closed. The closures are necessary for an upcoming traffic shift. The following detour will be in place:



I-76 eastbound Exit 1A ramp to I-295 southbound Detour:

Motorists traveling on I-76 eastbound to I-295 southbound will be directed to take Exit 1B to I-295 northbound, which is before Exit 1A
Take Exit 28/Route 168
Turn left at the end of the ramp onto Route 168
Take the ramp to I-295 southbound

Friday, April 11

Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, April 11 until 6 a.m. Saturday, April 12, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. The closures are necessary to shift traffic onto a new ramp. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The following detour will be in place:



I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound/I-295 southbound Detour:

Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound wishing to continue onto Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound
Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound
Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue
Turn right onto Collings Avenue
Turn left onto I-676 southbound, which becomes I-76 eastbound
Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound


By 6 a.m. Saturday, Aprill 12, traffic using the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve will be shifted onto a new ramp to I-295 southbound. The two right lanes will continue onto I-295 southbound, and the left lane will follow the current configuration and go to Route 42 southbound.



The work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42.

04/03/2025

https://thenjsentinel.com/first-robotic-surgery-performed-at-jefferson-cherry-hill-hospital/

April 3, 2025, Cherry Hill, NJ — The first robotic surgery took place at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital on April 2nd. Roy Sandau, DO, Chief of Surgery at Jefferson Health in New Jer…

04/03/2025

https://thenjsentinel.com/marlene-lorraine-aikens-obituary/

Marlene Lorraine Aikens (née Jones), a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished Nana, and selfless community servant, peacefully departed this life on March 29, 2025, surrounded by family, friends, a…

04/02/2025

NJ Health Department Alerts Residents of New Potential Exposures from a Non-NJ Measles Case, Urges Individuals to Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is alerting residents about potential exposures associated with a newly identified case of measles in a non-NJ resident who visited NJ while infectious. Individuals – especially parents, guardians, health care providers, and caregivers – are urged to be aware of the symptoms of this highly contagious virus and to stay up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots.



Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin. The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. Measles can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and can lead to miscarriage in pregnant people, premature birth, or a low-birth-weight baby.



NJDOH recommends that anyone who visited the following locations only during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles. Anyone who suspects an exposure or suspects illness is urged to call a health care provider BEFORE going to a medical office or emergency department. Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead.



Location: Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal A
Date & Time: March 25, 2025, between 3:45 PM and 6:15 PM
Date & Time: March 27, 2025, between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM (waited in Starbucks prior to departure)

Location: Marriott Park Ridge, 300 Brae Blvd, Park Ridge, NJ
Date & Time: March 25, 2025, 5:00 PM through March 27, 2025, 3:15 PM

Location: Starbucks, 191 Kinderkamack Rd, Park Ridge, NJ
Date & Time: March 26, 2025, between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM

Location: Sean O'Casey's Irish Pub, Located in Marriott Park Ridge, 300 Brae Blvd, Park Ridge, NJ
Date & Time: March 26, 2025, between 5:00 PM and 7:15 PM

Location: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, 230 E. Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, NJ
Emergency Department
Date & Time: March 27, 2025, between 6:45 AM and 12:15 PM

Radiology/Laboratory Department
Date & Time: March 27, 2025, between 8:30 AM and 11:00 PM


Potentially exposed individuals, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as April 17, 2025.



As of the time of this release on April 2, no additional associated cases in New Jersey have been identified.



NJDOH is working in collaboration with local health officials to identify and notify potential contacts.



The virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.



Individuals at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.



MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, is safe and the most effective way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine is also effective at preventing complications caused by these highly contagious diseases.



NJDOH encourages all residents to stay up-to-date on routine vaccinations including MMR shots. Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6–11 months old should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get two more doses after their first birthday.



NJDOH is also requesting that health care providers use every opportunity to assess for immunizations to ensure all patients are current on routine immunizations. More guidance for health care providers regarding vigilance against measles can be found in the resources below:

04/02/2025

TRAFFIC ADVISORY -I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve to be closed
tonight in Bellmawr, Camden County

I-76 eastbound Exit 1A to be closed Friday night



(Trenton) – The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured tonight as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. In addition, lane closures on I-295 northbound and I-76 westbound are scheduled for Thursday night, April 3, and the I-76 eastbound Exit 1A is scheduled to be closed on Friday night, April 4. All of this work was moved back one day from the original schedule due to weather.



Tonight, Wednesday, April 2

Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, April 2 until 5 a.m. Thursday, April 3, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. The closures are necessary for work to prepare for an upcoming traffic shift. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The following detour will be in place:



I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound/I-295 southbound Detour:

Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound wishing to continue onto Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound
Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound
Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue
Turn right onto Collings Avenue
Turn left onto I-676 southbound, which becomes I-76 eastbound
Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound


Tomorrow, Thursday, April 3

Beginning at 10 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, April 3 until 5 a.m., Friday, April 4, the left lane on I-295 northbound is scheduled to be closed after Creek Road through the Browning Road Bridge. In addition, beginning at 10 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, April 3 until 6 a.m., Friday, April 4, the two right lanes on I-76 westbound before the Browning Road Bridge are scheduled to be closed. The closures are necessary to remove construction barrier and drums for an upcoming traffic shift.



Friday, April 4

Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, April 4 until 6 a.m., Saturday, April 5, the left lane on I-76 eastbound before the Browning Road Bridge and the I-76 eastbound Exit 1A ramp to I-295 southbound are scheduled to be closed. The closures are necessary to restripe the roadway for an upcoming traffic shift. The following detour will be in place:



I-76 eastbound Exit 1A ramp to I-295 southbound Detour:

Motorists traveling on I-76 eastbound to I-295 southbound will be directed to take Exit 1B to I-295 northbound, which is before Exit 1A
Take Exit 28/Route 168
Turn left at the end of the ramp onto Route 168
Take the ramp to I-295 southbound


The work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42.

03/31/2025

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve to be closed
Tuesday night in Bellmawr, Camden County

I-76 eastbound Exit 1A to be closed Thursday night



(Trenton) – The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured Tuesday night as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. In addition, lane closures on I-295 northbound and I-76 westbound are scheduled for Wednesday night, April 2, and the I-76 eastbound Exit 1A is scheduled to be closed on Thursday night, April 3.



Tuesday, April 1

Beginning at 10 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1 until 5 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. The closures are necessary for work to prepare for an upcoming traffic shift. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The following detour will be in place:



I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound/I-295 southbound Detour:

Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound wishing to continue onto Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound
Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound
Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue
Turn right onto Collings Avenue
Turn left onto I-676 southbound, which becomes I-76 eastbound
Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound


Wednesday, April 2

Beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 until 5 a.m., Thursday, April 3, the left lane on I-295 northbound is scheduled to be closed after Creek Road through the Browning Road Bridge. In addition, beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 until 6 a.m., Thursday, April 3, the two right lanes on I-76 westbound before the Browning Road Bridge are scheduled to be closed. The closures are necessary to remove construction barrier and drums for an upcoming traffic shift.



Thursday, April 3

Beginning at 10 p.m. Thursday, April 3 until 6 a.m., Friday, April 4, the left lane on I-76 eastbound before the Browning Road Bridge and the I-76 eastbound Exit 1A ramp to I-295 southbound are scheduled to be closed. The closures are necessary to restripe the roadway for an upcoming traffic shift. The following detour will be in place:



I-76 eastbound Exit 1A ramp to I-295 southbound Detour:

Motorists traveling on I-76 eastbound to I-295 southbound will be directed to take Exit 1B to I-295 northbound, which is before Exit 1A
Take Exit 28/Route 168
Turn left at the end of the ramp onto Route 168
Take the ramp to I-295 southbound


The work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. To sign up for I-295 Direct Connect project updates go to 295DirectConnect.com or text CONNECT to 1-844-844-3681.



Portable variable message signs are being used to provide advance notification of traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

03/26/2025

https://thenjsentinel.com/beatrice-jane-frazier/

Beatrice Jane Frazier (née Field), affectionately known as Bea, on March 24, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by her children, in Harrison Township, NJ. Born on February 1, 1928, in Richwood, NJ,…

03/26/2025

Members of the South Jersey Vietnam Veterans Association (SJVVA) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 80 in Glassboro deliver St. Patrick’s Day goodies to the residents of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland. (left to right: Tom Monahan, Adjutant/Treasurer, SJVVA/DAV; Jay Lapp, Commander, DAV Chapter 80; Jack Haas, President, SJVVA; and RJ Morrison and Gabriella Gilbert, Veterans Home staff.

03/25/2025

📣 Spring 2025 Household Special Waste Collection Days ♻️🌎
📍 Saturday, March 29th - Solid Waste Complex
📍 Saturday, May 10th - Clayton Complex

✅ Upcoming events open to all Gloucester County residents.
🏡 Use these opportunities to organize your properties and storage areas, while properly disposing of hazardous waste.

03/25/2025

https://thenjsentinel.com/bill-to-fund-critical-dam-repair-passes-assembly-2-85-million-bond-for-lake-garrison-elk-gloucester-county-3-4-million-bond-for-camp-crocket-pilesgrove-twpnj/

LAKE GARRISON (ELK TWP) DAM REPAIR FUNDING UPDATE

Trenton, NJ – Assembly Dave Bailey, Jr.’s bill appropriating funds for restoration and repair of 17 dams throughout the state of New Jersey, passed the General Assembly on Monday, March 24. As…

03/25/2025

https://thenjsentinel.com/agnes-h-considine-obituary/

Agnes H. (née Hoppe) Considine, age 91, passed peacefully on March 21, 2025, in Pitman, NJ. She was the devoted wife for 47 years to the late Malvern D. Considine. Loving mother of Dr. Robert V. (E…

03/23/2025

NJ FOREST FIRE SERVICE UPDATE ON WHARTON STATE FOREST FIRE 3/23/2025

WILDFIRE UPDATE: California Branch Wildfire - Wharton State Forest - Waterford, Camden County

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to make significant process containing a wildfire burning in the area of Raritan Ave and Old Atsion Rd in Wharton State Forest.

SIZE & CONTAINMENT
🔥 2,300 acres
🔥 80% contained

STRUCTURES THREATENED & EVACUATIONS
⚠️ 18 structures are in close proximity to the fire, however the fire is moving away from the homes
⚠️ Goshen Pond Campground has been evacuated
⚠️ Atsion Family Campground has been evacuated
✅ 0 structures evacuated

ROADS AFFECTED
⚠️ Raritan Ave closed within Wharton State Forest
⚠️ Old Atsion Rd closed within Wharton State Forest
⚠️ 5 Mile Crossing closed within Wharton State Forest
⚠️ Goshen Bridge Rd closed within Wharton State Forest

RESOURCES DEPLOYED
🚒 The Forest Fire Service remains on scene with fire engines, bulldozers and ground crews.

FIRE CAUSE
🔥 Under investigation

NEXT UPDATE
⏰ Approximately 8 a.m. on Monday, March 24

-----------------------
Helpful Wildfire Terminology
🔥 Wildfire - An uncontrolled fire burning the different types of vegetation that cover the land. A wildfire is considered a “major wildfire” after it exceeds 100 acres in size.
🔥 Containment - When reporting on a wildfire a percentage of containment will be given, which will state how much of the fireline has been completed.
🔥 Backfire - A fire intentionally set along the interior edge of a fireline by Forest Fire Service staff to consume fuel in the path of a wildfire and/or to change the direction of force of a fire’s convection column.
🔥 Fireline - The part of a containment or control line that is scraped or dug to mineral soil.
🔥 Threatened - Critical infrastructure, roads, homes and commercial buildings that are in the vicinity of a wildfire.