Volume 27 • Issue 28

such as the library being housed in a former town jail being overrun by harassing teenagers , an intruding landlady , an anonymous reader leaving distressing messages on book stacks and an affair with a deli owner , according to the book ’ s blurb . Nethercott ’ s journey shows how her unorthodox solutions could combat the challenges she ’ s facing as she tries to embark on a new life .

HAMMONTON — The Hammonton Police Department reported four driving under the influence arrests , according to Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel .

Officer Travis Hoffman responded to a call relating to a motor vehicle crash and observed a vehicle impacted to a brick wall that damaged the front bumper on July 4 at 9:26 p . m . Witnesses stated that the vehicle entered the parking lot , failed to stop and impacted the retaining wall and continued driving until the vehicle became stuck , Friel said .

In speaking with Ervin Vasquez-Campos , 43 , of Ewing , N . J ., Hoffman detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath and person . Several open alcoholic beverages were found in the passenger compartment of the vehicle , Friel said .

Vasquez-Campos was placed under arrest with operating under the influence and was charged

Candice Atwell / THG

Luna , Felicia , Ryder and Matthew Harrison watch from Bellevue Avenue as the Hammonton Fourth of July parade

passes . More parade photos on Pages 10-16 .

by Mohammed Fuad GAZETTE EDITOR

Summer can be very dry and that could lead to concerns about fire safety , especially with the recent Canadian wildfires . Members of the Hammonton Independent Volunteer Fire Company Station 2 shared tips for residents to avoid fires both at home and in your yard during the summer .

Department Assistant Fire Chief Anthony J . Berenato stated that by referring to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service ’ s General Forest Fire Act , residents must contact your nearest forest fire service office to request a permit before having any fire in a forested area and that you may also need a permit from your local fire official . According to Berenato that by state law , residents may not burn yard waste such as their twigs branches and or lawn clippings and that forest fire wardens will only issue permits for clean wood . Once a resident obtains a permit to have recreational fires , it is important to comply with any burn restrictions that may be in place to prevent the spread of fire in dry conditions .

“ Fires for s ’ mores are okay once all permits , if required , are obtained from the New Jersey Forest Fire Warden . Always make sure fires are constantly attended to and a water source or ABC fire extinguisher is on site while conducting such activities ,” Berenato said .

It is Anderson ’ s first novel and she holds a Master of Library Science degree and worked as a librarian for small-town public libraries in South Jersey for 25 years . In addition to “ The New Town Librarian ,” Anderson is also the author of the short story collection “ Bull and Other Stories ,” according to Anderson ’ s biography .

See ANDERSON , Page 8

with DUI , careless and reckless driving , open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to possess an insurance card .

Vasquez-Campos was released , pending court appearance in Hammonton Joint Municipal Court .

Corporal Kyle Ambrozaitis was dispatched to a convenience store on the prime block of North White Horse Pike in reference to a check well-being on July 6 at 2:18 p . m ., Friel said .

Upon arrival , a white male wearing a white tanktop and jean shorts was operating a black Honda Civic . Ambrozaitis observed the vehicle and subject matching the description parked in a handicapped space in front of the business , Friel said .

While speaking to the accused , Michael Fernandez , 31 , of Brick Township , N . J ., appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic due to pinpointed pupils and watery eyes .

Fernandez was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle

See CRIME , Page 2

Courtesy Photo / Scott Rivera

by Mohammed Fuad GAZETTE EDITOR

by Mohammed Fuad GAZETTE EDITOR

The Town of Hammonton ’ s bulky waste curbside removal is scheduled for the first full week of the month . Bulky waste removal begins on a Monday and is for residential use only . Certified Public Works Manager and Department Head Scott Rivera shared some information on bulky waste removal as well as some tips and advice for residents to keep in mind .

This service consists of the Town of Hammonton ’ s staff removing items that residents may not have another way of disposing of or unable to transport to the Convenience Station , located on 966 Eighth Street . The items placed out for removal can consist of TV ’ s , mattresses , household items , electrical appliances and / or furniture , according to Rivera .

Rivera stated that once your curbside items are loaded into their two dump trailers , they transport the materials to the Conveniences Station . The process that goes into it is that metal , electronic and bulk

75 cents