The Hammonton Gazette 08/17/16 Edition | страница 2

Lots happening in downtown p. 16-17 The ultimate guide for picking your fantasy football team p. 21-32 Contemporary art exhibit at museum p. 39 Wednesday, August 17, 2016 MAN CHARGED WITH SEX ASSAULT Volume 20 • Issue 33 by Gabe Donio Gazette StaFF Writer HaMMONtON—Jose Valencia, 41, of Hammonton, was charged at 8 a.m. on august 11 with sexual assault of an eightyear-old girl, whose name was not www.hammontongazette.com Chief Jones: Victim was 8-year-old girl released due to her status as a minor, Hammonton Police Chief robert Jones said. “this has been an ongoing investigation for quite some time,” Jones said. bail was set at $75,000 full cash by atlantic County Superior Court Judge Patricia Wild, Jones said. Valencia was placed in the atlantic County Jail in lieu of bail, Jones said. Det. Sgt. edward Slimm was the investigating officer, Jones said. in other police news, police made several arrests last week, including the following: • On august 8 at 11:30 p.m., Jose alvarez, 38, of Marlton, was stopped in the area of the White Horse Pike (route 30) and Fairview avenue for a motor vehicle violation and found to be driving under the influence, Jones said. alvarez was charged with DWi, reckless driving, no lamps required, driving while suspended, failure to exhibit documents and Council promotes Hot days? Head to the swim club several officers by Kevin Troilo Gazette StaFF Writer HaMMONtON—Several officers of the Hammonton Police Department were sworn into new positions during the august 15 meeting of town council, including the promotion of Lt. Mark See POLICE, Page 10 Mark Fiorentino named captain Fiorentino to the position of captain. Chief robert Jones presented the officers, who were all in attendance, to the council for promotion and a swearing-in ceremony for each officer. Board OKs Hawks lease at HMS field by Tania Rivera Gazette StaFF Writer HaMMONtON—at the august 11 meeting of the Hammonton board of education, the board approved a Shared Services agree- See COUNCIL, Page 14 ment between the town of Hammonton and the Hammonton board of education for the provision of lighting fixtures at Capella field and a Lease agreement between the Hammonton board of education and the Hammonton Hawks inc. See BOARD, Page 10 End of season for blueberry growers THG/MarySusan Hoffman. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. The hot summer days have lead to fun times at the Hammonton Swim Club. Check out pictures from the Swim Club on Page 33. Above: Lyn Fusco gives lessons to Elizabeth Nees. by Franki Rudnesky Gazette CONtributiNG Writer HaMMONtON—With the month of July over and august now underway, the blueberry Capital of the World has said farewell to yet another blueberry season. Hammonton is known as the blueberry Capital because New Jersey is one of the leading producers of blueberries, and approximately 80 percent of New Jersey’s blueberries come from the more than 50 farms in atlantic County, specifically in Hammonton. Hammonton is situated in the Pine barrens, and its sandy soil is ideal for the growth of blueberry plants. Dog park supporters seek project funds by Kevin Troilo Gazette StaFF Writer THG/Franki Rudnesky. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Anthony Vaccarella Jr. on forklift and Anthony Vaccarella Sr. (standing) at Vaccarella Farms. SUBSCRIBE TO The HaMMONtON—the Hammonton environmental Commission gathered at town hall on august 10 for their monthly meeting. Chairman robert reitmeyer approved the minutes from their July meeting before beginning the See BERRY, Page 2 meeting’s agenda. terri Caruso-Cafiso updated the commission about the latest happenings with the Hammonton Parks and recreation Commission. “all the parks are in good shape. the biggest thing is the dog park moving forward and looking for $18,000. they’re looking for a Gazette • $20 FOR 52 WEEKS • CALL 609-704-1939 See COMMISSION, Page 4