Police: Most just facing hard times, but a few connected to drugs, violence

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – In the last five years, more people have used housing choice vouchers to stay at motels in Middle Township.

During that same period, Middle Township Police have responded to more severe calls at township motels. Incidents have involved narcotics and stabbings.

“We believe there’s somewhat of a connection,” said Middle Township Police Chief Chris Leusner.

But he said motel owners have been cooperative with police, and they have also been told to keep a lookout for criminal activity.

The mosquito, considered the most dangerous insect on earth by entomologists, lives in abundance in Cape May County. Of the 63 mosquito species found in New Jersey, 45 call Cape May County home, making it one of the most mosquito-dense counties in the state.

“The mosquito is the deadliest animal on the planet,” said Peter Bosak, superintendent of the Cape May County Department of Mosquito Control. “It is the most important insect in the world as far as disease transmission.”

AVALON – The focal point of the proposed Sept. 11 Memorial Plaza will be a 1,800 pound steel I-beam artifact recovered from the site of Ground Zero at the World Trade Center in New York City.

Avalon secured the artifact from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey last September. The Sept. 11 Memorial Plaza will be one block north of Veterans Plaza on Dune Drive in Avalon.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – Middle Township School District had 16 reports of violence from September through December, according to a report from the district.

There were also two cases of substance abuse, one act of vandalism and one incident involving a weapon.

Most of the incidents took place at the high school, with some happening at the middle school, according to Superintendent Michael Kopakowski.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – Four people were taken to the hospital, including a 2-year-old, following a three-vehicle crash Tuesday morning, May 15, in Middle Township.

Police say the accident happened at the intersection of Court House-South Dennis Road and Goshen-Swainton Road.