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
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