The Hammonton Gazette 01/13/16 | Page 2

New pastor at Presbyterian Church p. 21 Celebrating one of the founding fathers: Ben Franklin p. 23-30 All about the Biebs. Justin Bieber, that is p. 35 Wednesday, January 13, 2016 TOWN TRUCK KNOCKS OUT POWER Volume 20 • Issue 2 www.hammontongazette.com by Gabe Donio GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Police are investigating an accident involving a town trash truck that occurred at 7:27 a.m. on January 6, knocking out power to at least a three-block stretch of the downtown area, Hammonton Police Captain Nick Salvatore said. Salvatore said the accident occurred on Police investigating Jan. 6 accident Horton Street, just off of Bellevue Avenue. “We were called in regard to a 2016 Mack LEU sanitation vehicle owned by the town of Hammonton that had struck utility lines and had downed a pole and lines. The vehicle was operated by Bobby Bradbury, 51, of Hammonton,” Salvatore said. Police, fire and rescue responded, Salvatore said. Power outages and traffic delays ensued but were cleared up by early afternoon, Salvatore said. The accident is being investigated by Lt. Mark Fiorentino, Salvatore said. Salvatore said Bradbury was charged with careless driving. Mayor Stephen DiDonato said the truck, which was just purchased, sustained minimal damage. “The truck has some scrapes on it. It was checked over by the manufacturer and is back on the road,” DiDonato said. In other police business, a three-vehicle accident involving two cars and a New Jersey Farm-Rite Sacco begins term on board purchases Rodio Tractor by Gabe Donio GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Farm-Rite Inc. announced the acquisition of Rodio Tractor Sales, a Kubota and Massey Ferguson dealership, effective January 1, 2016 in a press release issued January 11. See POWER, Page 10 The Gazette interviewed members of the new management team at Farm-Rite on January 8, including General Manager Richard Iannaco and Dani Durante, who handles Marketing and Communications. “We were looking to expand our BOE welcomes new members by Brittany Mauro GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—The Hammonton Board of Education held their reorganization meeting January 7 to swear in board members Thomas Attanasi, Linda Sacco, Sal See FARM RITE, Page 12 Velardi and Folsom representative Lisa O’Toole. “I would just like to thank all my supporters. I hope I do a good job and I’m excited to get started,” Sacco said. “I just want to welcome Mrs. County holds re-org meeting Revitalization THG/Brittany Mauro. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Linda Sacco began her time on the Hammonton Board of Education January 7. She is pictured with her husband Joe See SCHOOL, Page 3 and daughter Lisa. For more pictures from the January 7 BOE reorganization meting, see Page 14. effort for clock by Kevin Troilo GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Located just in front of town hall, the Hammonton Town Clock is just one of a number of its kind still standing in the entire country. The rare, vintage Seth Thomas clock stands at 18 feet tall and was originally made in 1929. According to the Historical Society of Hammonton, the clock was originally owned by the People’s Bank and stood at their location at the corner of Bellevue and Central avenues. After being struck by a car and Green Committee making big strides by Kevin Troilo GAZETTE STAFF WRITER Courtesy Photo Atlantic County Government held its reorganization meeting January 5. Sworn in that day (l-r) was Freeholder James Bertino (from Hammonton), Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, Atlantic County Surrogate James Curcio (from Hammonton) and Freeholder Frank Formica. SUBSCRIBE TO The HAMMONTON—The Hammonton Green Committee has big plans for 2016 following an exciting 2015. One of their most successful ongoing projects is the Hammonton See CLOCK, Page 4 Community Garden. Located at 11th and Washington Streets, the garden offers residents plenty of space to maintain their own personal garden in a friendly and local environment. Their season stretches from May to November 1. The group is always accepting donations that include items such Gazette • $20 FOR 52 WEEKS • CALL 609-704-1939 See GREEN, Page 4