August 2016

EDISON, NJ–On August 2, retired Edison Police Department (EPD) Captain Natale Fresco pled guilty to a third-degree charge of theft by unlawful taking in connection with charges he was working a private job while using up his remaining sick days before quitting the police job.

They are two things that many police officers do–working side jobs, and using up weeks or months worth of sick time on their way out the door.  But when the two practices are simultaneous, it's illegal, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office (MCPO).

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Recreation Park, located between Pine and Sandford Streets, and Nichol and Reservoir Avenues, hosted its grand opening on July 28, and is now open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The opening of the park celebrates a long process of planning to refurbish the park, instigated by the Civic League of Greater New Brunswick, which began in 2013.

At the ribbon-cutting event, Mayor Jim Cahill and Civic League President C. Roy Epps spoke to residents and summer camp program members.

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ–Amidst the rides, carnival faire, and live music, it might be easy to miss the central theme of the Middlesex County Fair, which began August 1 and runs through August 7.

But in a quieter corner of the fairgrounds, the 78th annual countywide celebration turns into an homage to local agriculture and the people behind the food production.

HIGHLAND PARK, NJ—A 20-year-old resident of South Adelaide Avenue was arrested and charged with starting the fire that damaged the three-floor rooming house where he lived.

One resident told NBToday that Michael Henderson, the young man charged with starting the blaze, had moved into the home about two months prior.

According to a statement from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, Henderson was charged with a second degree count of aggravated arson.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Middlesex County’s homeless rate has decreased nearly 24% over the last year, according to a recently released report on homelessness statewide.

The Point in Time County (PITC) survey, conducted annually across the state by Monarch Housing Associates, reported that overall New Jersey’s homeless rate has decreased 12% since 2015.

According to this year’s report, the number of homeless reported in Middlesex County reached a five-year low of 457.