The team, consisting of  Emily Golembiski of Little Egg Harbor, Jillian Hubbard of Toms River, Gillian Schriever of West Creek, Michael Signorelli of Toms River and Megan Tumpey of  Brick, will represent New Jersey in the 2013 North American Envirothon at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana in August.

The Ocean County students competed against 33 other teams on knowledge of natural resources-related topics, including soils, forestry, aquatics, wildlife ecology and a current environmental issue. This year’s theme was “Sustainable Rangeland Management: Achieving a Balance Between Traditional Agricultural Uses with Non-Agricultural Uses on Montana Rangelands.”

“For 20 years, New Jersey high school students have had the opportunity to participate in this valuable competition and learn more about the environment, natural resources and science,” said Secretary Fisher. “We hope they take advantage of the skills they learned and consider careers in agriculture and natural resources-related fields.”

Each of the MATES team members received $1,000 scholarships from the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts, $2,000 scholarships from Richard Stockton State College and $1,000 scholarships from Applied and Health Sciences at Kean University.

Two 5-member teams of MATES students competed in last year’s Envirothon with all but one of those students graduating. The two MATES teams placed first and second in 2012. An almost entirely new set of 10 students made up this year’s two teams.

“I am very proud of the hard work and dedication put forth by our members,” said MATES Advisor Adam Sprague.  “It was quite an accomplishment considering it was the first year competing for nine out of the 10 team members. We now turn our attention to Montana which offers an exciting variety of challenges in terms of preparation for our students.”

The second-place team in this year’s Envirothon was West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North and third place was taken by High Tech High School, North Bergen.

The Envirothon is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, State Soil Conservation Committee; New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts; the 15 Soil Conservation Districts; United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; and Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

The 15 Soil Conservation Districts in New Jersey follow county boundaries and implement the New Jersey Soil and Sediment Control Act, which governs certain aspects of new development.  These semi-autonomous bodies are locally governed and play a strong role in the protection of New Jersey’s natural resources.

The indictment stems from the culmination of a 12 month investigation and the subsequent March 21, 2013 arrest of Pena during a motor vehicle stop in the Manahawkin Route 72 Wal-Mart parking lot.  On the evening of the arrest, the execution of search warrants on his vehicle and residence led to the discovery of over two pounds of marijuana, two loaded handguns with defaced serial numbers, hollow point ammunition, and several thousand dollars in cash.

The nine page indictment charges Pena with employing five juveniles in a drug distribution scheme, as well as, weapon offenses.  The full lists of charges in the indictment are as follow:

Five counts – Second degree – Employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme.

Three counts – Third degree – Terroristic Threats.

One count – First degree – Leader of a narcotics trafficking network.

One count – Third degree – Possession with intent to distribute CDS.

Two counts – Third degree – Conspiracy to distribute CDS.

One count – Fourth degree – Possession of CDS.

Two counts – Second degree – Possession of a firearm while engaged in certain drug activity.

Two counts – Second degree – Possession of a firearm for unlawful purpose.

One count – Second degree – Unlawful possession of a firearm.

Two counts – Forth degree – Possession of a defaced firearm.

One count – Fourth degree – Unlawful possession of hollow-nose bullets.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael Weatherstone and Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron are prosecuting the case.  Pena is currently being held in the Ocean County Jail in default of $250,000 cash bail.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The following individual was arrested and charged:

Frank De Santo age 35 of 6C Walnut Road, Manahawkin NJ. Mr. De Santo was charged with Possession of CDS (Oxycodone), Possession of CDS (Oxycodone) with intent to distribute, Distribution of CDS (Oxycodone), Possession of an imitation CDS (Anabolic Steroids), Possession with intent to distribute an imitation CDS (Anabolic Steroids) and Distribution of an Imitation CDS (Anabolic Steroids). The Honorable Superior Court Judge Francis R. Hodgson Jr. JSC set a bail on Mr. De Santo at $25,000 with the ten percent option.

The charges stem from an investigation that began on Friday, April 19, at 2:15 pm when Barnegat Police responded to the Starboard Avenue area of Barnegat, in reference to an unresponsive male inside a car. Upon their arrival, a white male, later identified as Steven Janson (DOB: 1-18-87), was found dead inside his red Hyundai Genesis parked across the street from 26 Starboard Avenue. The victim was pronounced dead at 2:45 pm. The victim is a resident of Stafford Township. A search of the car produced 4 bags used for heroin with the stamp “Boom”.

A canvass at the scene produced a male identified as Kenneth Ebinger (DOB: 6-4-86), a resident of 26 Starboard Avenue, who advised that he and the victim had drove to Atlantic City on Thursday, April 18 and bought heroin from an unidentified male. Kenneth was charged with possession of CDS and released with a complaint summons.

With this added information and the help of Atlantic City Vice Squad, detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Special Operations Group, the High Tech Crimes Unit along with members of the Barnegat Police Department set up a cooperative undercover operation to arrest those who may have dealt heroin to the victim. The operation resulted in the arrest of an individual know as “Money” He was later identified as Rasan S. McGee (DOB: 3-8-91) of Atlantic City. Detectives recovered 50 bags of heroin stamped stingray from McGee (Heroin is typically sold for $6-$20 per bag depending on the dealer). McGee is logged in the Atlantic County jail.

Al Della Fave, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said the death may have been caused by a drug overdose.

Ptl. Armstrong was conducting a motor vehicle stop on Barnegat Blvd near West Bay Avenue and was outside of his vehicle when it was struck from behind by Pinto who was driving south on Barnegat Blvd.

Ptl. Armstrong’s K9 partner bullet was in the patrol vehicle when it was struck, however, he was uninjured.

Pinto, who was also uninjured, was processed and released with summonses for DWI, reckless driving, failure to move over (change lanes) for a stationary emergency vehicle, and use of a cell phone in a moving motor vehicle. Her vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law.

113: #9 Chris Crane (Southern) md. #8 Connor Maliff (Brick Mem)  11-0
113: #5 Ben Mrozinski (Lacey) d. #12 Zack Baker (Jackson Mem)  4-0
113: #3 Nick DePierro (Freehold Twp) md. #14 Tommy Flannigan (Long Branch)  12-0
113: #7 Nasiyr Brown (Neptune) d. #10 Costa Poniros (Ocean Twp)  9-2

120: #8 Joseph Santamarco (Manalapan) d. #9 Connor Garrity (Lacey)  8-3
120: #4 Matt Russo (Jackson Liberty) d. Andy Hernandez (Long Branch)  3-1
120: #7 Dylan Seidenberg (Raritan) d. #10 Josh Glantzman (Wall)  2-1 2OT
120: #2 Dan Nobbs (Pt Boro) p. #15 Yospeh Boral (TR East)  2:57

126: #5 Anthony Scarcella (Raritan) md. #12 Khalil Haskins (Matawan)  13-1
126: #4 Marcus Iwama (Rumson) p. #13 Isaiah Haymon (Neptune)  4:21
126: #7 Andrew Tonneson (Southern) p. #10 Pete Powell (Marlboro)  5:50
126: #2 Jared Staub (Brick Mem) d. #15 Thomas Poklikuha (Pinelands)  5-2

132: #9 Dan Saraiva (Marlboro) d. #8 William Rodriguez (Matawan)  7-2
132: #4 Zach Hertling (Ocean Twp) d. #13 Joe Mandara (Barnegat)  6-0
132: #6 Ryan Harter (Pt Boro) d. #11 Nick Menkin (Long Branch)  5-4
132: #2 Kyle Wojtaszek (Brick Twp) d. #15 Ryan Davis (TR North)  9-2

138: #9 Christian Casselli (CBA) d. #8 Tim Leo (Matawan)  7-6
138: #5 Jake Camapana (Southern) p. #12 Carlos Fontanez (Keansburg)  1:29
138: #4 Steve Cimmino (Brick Twp) p. #13 Andrew Garrity (Lacey)  1:25
138: #10 Dan Kinsella (Wall) d. #7 Jack Rada (Howell)

145: #9 Nick Racanelli (Southern) d. #8 Sam Koenig (Shore)  3-0
145: #12 Matt Best (Middletown South) p. #5 Orion Rovegno (Ocean Twp)  5:45
145: #3 Spencer Young (Jackson Mem) p. #14 Steve Knapp (Lacey)  2:22
145: #10 Terrence Davis (St John Vianney) d. #7 Nick Pollara (Brick Twp)  7-5

152: #8 Dylan DaSilva (TR North) d. #9 Garrett Applegate (TR South)  6-4
152: #5 Jake George (Long Branch) tf. #12 Evan Brown (Red Bank)  15-0
152: #7 William Scott (Brick Twp) d. #10 Jake Kaminsky (Manalapan)  5-4
152: #2 Cliff Ruggiero (Brick Mem) p. #15 Jeff Goldrosen (Marlboro)  5:20

160: #8 Joe Beverly (Brick Mem) d. #9 Sean Rembach (Manchester)  8-4
160: #5 Antres Clagon (TR South) tf. #12 Steven Chandler (Manalapan)  16-1
160: #3 Anthony Ferraro (St John Vianney) d. #14 Jason Lawhon (Ocean Twp)  5-2
160: #7 Connor Sheehan (Raritan) d. #10 Jose Caraballo (Neptune)  7-4

170: #1 Tyler Richardson (Brick Mem) p. #16 Chris Cruz (Jackson Liberty)  2:45
170: #9 Ryan Kirk (Barnegat) d. #8 Anthony Benedetti (Manalapan)  7-3
170: #6 Kyle Lynch (Raritan) d. #11 Dan Baillie (Shore)  5-0
170: #7 Tyler Wilton (Middletown North) d. #10 Tyler MacLaine (TR North)

182: #8 Tommy Lyster (Ocean Twp) md. Quentin DeCarlo (TR South)  10-2
182: #6 Drew Donner (Wall) p. #11 Spencer Govel (Manasquan)  3:05
182: #7 Anthony Fabiano (Middletown North) p. #10 Muhab Elgamal (Manalapan)  1:42
182: #2 Glenn Cross (Matawan) tf. #15 Greg Schmalz (Barnegat)  18-3

195: #5 Chad Freshnock (Middletown North) d. #12 Tyler Romanelli (Wall)  2-1
195: #4 Shawn McCord (RBC) md. #13 Nick Dzuna (Pt Boro)  11-3
195: #6 Dan Hwang (Marlboro) p. #11 Josh Foca (Central)  1:49
195: #7 Ben Aquilina (Manalapan) d. #10 Armando Leonor (TR East)  6-3

220: #5 Jesse Bauta (Southern) p. #12 Mike McKenzie (Jackson Liberty)  2:30
220: #3 John Seidle (Neptune) p. #14 Tyler Tomanek (Middletown South)  3:42
220: #6 Matt Frigon (Barnegat) d. #11 Luke Becker (Manalapan)  5-3
220: #7 Joey Guidetti (Long Branch) d. #10 Anthony Dzugan (Brick Twp)  8-4 2OT

Hwt: #8 Ezra Figueroa (Brick Mem) d. #9 Thomas D’Amore (Pt Beach)  3-2
Hwt: #5 Hunter Gellman (Freehold Twp) d. #12 Dan Arias (Ocean Twp)  5-1
Hwt: #3 Anthony Fernicola (Holmdel) d. #14 Zach Andrews (Barnegat)  1-0
Hwt: #15 Atanacio Carrillo (Central) d. #2 Pat Toal (Raritan)  5-2

Photo by the Lakewood Scoop.

Going into Thursday night’s action, five Ocean County high school basketball teams were in the running in the NJSIAA state tournament.    By the time the last buzzer sounded, only 2 remained.

In Central Jersey Group IV, North Brunswick (#4) eliminated Jackson Memorial (#5) after defeating the Jaguars 50-43.

In Central Jersey Group II action, SCT Champions Lakewood (#1) knocked off Point Boro (#8) 69-36.

In Southern Jersey Group IV, OCT champions Toms River North (#4) squeaked past Eastern (#5), 57-56. The Mariners will advance to play Atlantic City (#1), who defeated Southern Regional (#8) 61-56.

Toms River North and Lakewood are the only two teams still in the running for a state title this year.

Photo by www.thelakewoodscoop.com.

TOWNSHIP OF BARNEGAT, NEW JERSEY

FEMA Public Information Meeting Announcement

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be conducting a public information session for residents of both Barnegat and Ocean Townships on various assistance programs that can help residents with their Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.

The meeting will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at the Barnegat High School Auditorium starting at 10:00am. Topics to be discussed at the meeting include the following:

1. Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps
2. National Flood Insurance Program
3. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
4. Small Business Administration Financing Programs.

Also at this meeting, residents will have an opportunity to meet with Federal and State Officials “one on one” to discuss any concerns or issues regarding their individual storm recovery work.

NEPTUNE – The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties launched a free income tax assistance program aimed at helping low and moderate income workers maximize their tax benefits.

The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) will be offered at six sites, three in Monmouth County and three in Ocean County, throughout the tax season. IRS-certified tax professionals will help filers complete their state and federal returns.

“The FoodBank’s mission is to build food secure communities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties,” says Carlos M. Rodriguez, executive director of the organization. “As The FoodBank works toward more comprehensive solutions to hunger in our communities, connecting  low-income families with tax credits, SNAP and other benefits  will provide an opportunity to save and strengthen their families financial health. Ultimately, The FoodBank wants people to shop in our local stores for the food they need and make the purchasing decisions that are right for their families.”

To qualify for free tax assistance, households with dependents must earn $51,000 or less, and households with no dependents must earn $30,000 or less.

FoodBank representatives and volunteers will ensure that filers who are eligible will receive important tax credits that they are entitled to, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). In addition, The FoodBank team will connect people with other critical benefits such as SNAP (food stamps), legal assistance, Hurricane Sandy-related aid and emergency food, if needed.

“The EITC is one of the largest and most successful anti-poverty programs in history,” says Mr. Rodriguez. “EITC has a proven track record of lifting families out of poverty, putting as much as $5,000 back into the pockets of working families who are living on the edges of poverty. This will not only help families, it will put money back into the local economy at a time when businesses are struggling to recover after Hurricane Sandy.”

The FoodBank’s VITA program is run in partnership with the IRS, Cowan, Gunteski & Co, PA, and the host sites, and is supported by the Robin Hood Foundation and Singlestop USA.

VITA is available at the following sites beginning in late January through April 15:

Ocean County:

• Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Toms River (Monday & Wednesday 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Berkeley Head Start, 264 First St., South Toms River (Tuesday 4 – 8 p.m.)
• Lakewood Library, 301 Lexington Ave., Lakewood (Tuesday & Thursday 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Monmouth County:

• SCAN Adult Education Center, Monmouth Mall, Eatontown (Monday & Thursday 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Lunch Break, 103 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Red Bank (Tuesday & Thursday 1- 4 p.m.)
• Hispanic Affairs, 913 Sewall Ave., Asbury Park (Monday & Wednesday 4 – 8 p.m.)

Filers should bring all required documents including a valid photo ID; copies of previous returns; all income statements including W-2, Social Security and unemployment income; 1099 forms, birth dates and Social Security numbers for all dependents and a check showing a Bank Routing Number for direct deposit, if applicable.

For more information, call The FoodBank, 732-918-2600 or visit www.foodbankmoc.org.

About The Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
The FoodBank’s mission is to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties distributes approximately 7 million pounds annually through a network of 260 feeding programs, such as soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters. One out of every ten people living in Monmouth and Ocean Counties receives food from the FoodBank. Since Super Storm Sandy struck the Jersey Shore on October 29, 2012 The FoodBank has been actively involved in the work to bring relief and comfort to the communities it serves. Working with relief agencies, government programs and others involved in the recovery effort The FoodBank distributed food for approximately 1 million meals in the first month following the storm. For more information, visit www.foodbankmoc.org.