Sentinel of Gloucester County Newspaper

01/12/2026

https://thenjsentinel.com/jessie-n-wesley-obituary/

Jessie N. (née Nichols) Wesley, age 97, on January 9, 2026, in Franklinville. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Willard Bramell, with whom she shared 13 years of marriage, and Robert Wesle…

01/12/2026

AG & NJDEP File Suit Against Major Scrap Metal Recycler for Hazardous Fires at Its Facilities

TRENTON — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today 1/12/26 that they have filed a public-nuisance lawsuit against a major scrap metal recycler that seeks to put an end to the hazardous conditions that have led to numerous fires at their facilities since 2020.

The complaint, filed today in Superior Court, alleges that there have been at least 12 hazardous fires in the last five years at facilities in Camden that are owned and operated by defendants EMR Advanced Recycling, LLC, EMR USA Holdings, Inc., EMR Eastern, and Camden Iron & Metal (collectively known as EMR). The fires have filled nearby streets with smoke and air pollution, creating an ongoing public nuisance that has severely harmed the health and well-being of Camden’s residents.

“It is outrageous that EMR has failed to correct the dangerous conditions at its facilities in Camden—conditions that have resulted in over a dozen hazardous fires in recent years that threaten the lives and health of Camden residents. We’re taking action today to hold EMR accountable for its reprehensible conduct and to protect Camden residents,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Companies should never be allowed to turn a quick buck at the expense of their communities—but that’s exactly what EMR has been doing for years in Camden. It’s time to put an end to this unacceptable conduct.”

“Neighbors of EMR should not have to live in fear of the industrial business next door to them, wondering whether the air is safe to breathe and the company values its role in the community as much as its profits,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “The DEP is grateful to Attorney General Platkin and his team for pursuing justice on behalf of the residents of Camden.”

EMR owns and operates metal recycling facilities that collect, process, and recycle scrap metal. It has facilities in the Camden Waterfront South neighborhood, which is an area characterized as an environmentally overburdened community under New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law. These communities have significant low-income, minority, and/or limited English proficiency populations.

One of the most extensive fires at an EMR facility happened in February 2025, when a four-alarm fire started at EMR’s facility located at 1400 South Front Street in Camden. The fire originated from a two-story tall pile of scrap metal material that was waiting to be torn apart into smaller pieces. The fire burned for approximately eight hours before Camden firefighters brought it under control, and it took 12 hours to fully extinguish it.

Altogether, firefighters were on the scene for about 19 hours. Approximately one hundred residents evacuated, and people living nearby reported illnesses and acute symptoms from smoke inhalation, including nausea, headaches, difficulty breathing, burning eyes, and throat irritation.

Another significant fire occurred in the early morning of January 29, 2021. Residents evacuated and a school temporarily closed due to smoke and metallic odors. Five firefighters needed treatment for smoke inhalation, and one firefighter and two residents were hospitalized. Residents complained of odors and smoke in their homes, and they heard explosions coming from the facility.

As the complaint alleges, these fires are the direct result of EMR’s conduct. EMR has maintained hazardous conditions at its facilities, including by maintaining stories-high piles of plastic, glass, dirt, and other discarded material that create a high risk of fires. Even though EMR has known about the risks stemming from its practices, it has failed to take appropriate corrective action—and as a result, there continue to be regular fires at EMR’s facilities, including several fires in recent months.

The complaint explains that EMR has a long history of fires at its facilities across the state. There were at least three fires at another EMR facility previously located in Newark, and at least two fires in scrap metal piles at an EMR Bayonne facility. Similarly, a fire occurred on May 23, 2022, on a barge in the Delaware Bay carrying scrap metal between Defendants’ then facility in Newark and their facility in Camden.

Today’s public nuisance complaint asks the court to order EMR to immediately take action to end the conditions that have led to these fires and that continue to persist, creating chaos and severe health hazards for nearby Camden residents. The complaint asks the court to require EMR to immediately take effective measures to control the risk of fire at its Camden facilities—measures EMR has failed to take.

The State is represented in this matter by Deputy Attorneys General Lisa J. Morelli and Alana V. Paccione in the Environmental Enforcement and Environmental Justice Section within the Division of Law’s Environment and Clean Energy Practice Group under the supervision of Assistant Section Chief Kevin Fleming, Section Chief Gary Wolf, and Deputy Director Paul Stofa.

01/10/2026

https://thenjsentinel.com/abigail-ann-herman-obituary/

Abigail Ann Herman, age 85, on January 9, 2026, in Elmer, New Jersey. She is survived by her nephews, Walter (RoseMarie) Herman and George (Patty) Herman; her sister-in-law, Mildred Herman; several…

01/09/2026

Press Release From GC Prosecutors Office

Sheriff’s Officer Indicted on Official Misconduct, Endangering Charges

Woodbury, NJ – Charles P. Rudolph, 51, of Franklinville, was indicted on one count of second-degree official misconduct and one count of second-degree endangering, abusing, or neglecting a child on Wednesday.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in state prison.

According to documents filed in this case:

On Dec. 19, 2024, Rudolph, while employed as a School Resource Officer with the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, forcefully pushed a juvenile’s neck, face, and chest onto a table while the juvenile was handcuffed.

Rudolph is represented by the Law Office of Stuart J. Alterman, Esq.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

01/09/2026

TRAFFIC ADVISORY-
I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve overnight closure to
continue next week in Bellmawr, Camden County. Closure necessary for pipe installation



(Trenton) – The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured overnight next week as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. This is a continuation of work that began on Monday, January 5.



Beginning at 10 p.m. Monday, January 12 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, and continuing each night through Thursday, January 15 at the same time, and from 10 p.m. Friday, January 16 until 8 a.m. Saturday, January 17, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The closures are necessary for pipe installation and removal of the temporary Browning Road Bridge west abutment. The following detour will be in place:



I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound/I-295 southbound Detour:

Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound wishing to continue onto Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound
Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound
Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue
Turn right onto Collings Avenue
Turn left onto I-676 southbound, which becomes I-76 eastbound
Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound


The work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. To sign up for I-295 Direct Connect project updates go to 295DirectConnect.com or text CONNECT to 1-844-844-3681.



Portable variable message signs are being used to provide advance notification of traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

01/07/2026

*Franklin Township Residents

UPDATE - Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
FRANKLIN ZONING BOARD MEMBERS VOTE 7-0 TO DENY COPART, INC. APPLICATION

Copart, Inc. filed an Application with the Zoning Board of the Township of Franklin, County of Gloucester, State of New Jersey for Use Variance and Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval to permit an Auto Auction Yard with associated parking on Shea Avenue and Delsea Drive (designated as Block 2102, Lot 13 on the Franklin Township Tax Map) A public hearing was held tonight starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Court Room. The board listened to several representatives from Copart Inc. who made a presentation about their plans to store 5,000 cars on 75 acres in a RA (residential/agriculture zone). During the public portion there were many objections made by residents who shared their concerns of added traffic of 50-100 car deliveries each day and the enviormental impact this would have to Little Ease Run and Franklinville Lake as well as the private wells of homes and businesses. Residents applauded the Boards unanimous decision to not allow Copart to set up their auto facility in Franklin Township.

01/06/2026

DR. DAN JURMAN
UNITED WAY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The United Way of Gloucester County (UWGC) is excited to announce the hiring of a new Executive Director, Dr.
Dan Jurman! Dan was born right here in Gloucester County at Underwood Hospital. He attended Clayton Elementary School (now
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School - Herma Simmons was actually his Principal) and graduated from Clayton High School, Gloucester County College (now Rowan College of South Jersey), and Rowan University, where he studied English Literature and Creative Writing. During High School, he worked as a camp counselor for the Gloucester County Girl Scouts' "Vantastic" mobile summer camp. After he graduated from Rowan, he worked as the
Program Director for The Arc Gloucester, NJ's Camp Sun 'N Fun.
In 1998, Dan moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary with his
Master of Arts in Religion in 2003 and his Doctor of Ministry in 2021. He went on to work at two Federally Qualified
Health Centers and led a Community Development Corporation, a Community Action Agency, and the Office of
Advocacy and Reform created by former PA Governor Tom Wolf. Most recently, he led one of Paul Newman's camps
for children with serious illnesses in Central Florida. In addition to his work with United Way, Dan also preaches some
Sundays at the First Presbyterian Church of Clayton, New Jersey.
Throughout Dan’s career serving vulnerable populations, he has had several major accomplishments. He has won
multiple community service awards, been awarded a National Conference of Mayors’ Community WINS Award for
innovation, co-authored and helped implement plan that cut poverty by 9% in the City of Lancaster in one year (the
largest drop in recorded history), and was invited to speak to the Congressional Subcommittee on Education and the
Workforce about innovation in eliminating poverty.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be the new leader of United Way of Gloucester County,” Jurman said. “I can’t tell
you what it means to me to have the opportunity to serve the community where I was born, where my mother received
support to try and raise her children as a single mother living in poverty, and where I live with my wife and children
today. I intend to bring all of my experiences to the table to help Gloucester County’s most vulnerable children and
families reach the lives they want for themselves.”
Jurman has replaced former Executive Director Michael Gower, who served UWGC for 11 years.

01/05/2026

https://thenjsentinel.com/anna-theresa-drawdy-obituary/

Anna Theresa Drawdy, age 77, on January 4, 2026, in Franklinville, NJ. Mother of Raymond Drawdy of Franklinville and Wayne Drawdy of Erial. Grandmother of Larissa Drawdy and Matthew Drawdy, both of…

01/05/2026

I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve to be closed
overnight this week in Bellmawr, Camden County

Closure necessary for pipe installation



(Trenton) – The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured overnight this week as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County.



Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, Monday, January 5 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, and continuing each night through Friday, January 9 at the same time, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo's Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The closures are necessary for pipe installation and removal of the temporary Browning Road Bridge west abutment. The following detour will be in place:



TRAFFIC ADVISORY
I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound/I-295 southbound Detour: Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound wishing to continue onto Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound
Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound
Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue
Turn right onto Collings Avenue
Turn left onto I-676 southbound, which becomes I-76 eastbound
Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound

The work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. To sign up for I-295 Direct Connect project updates go to 295DirectConnect.com or text CONNECT to 1-844-844-3681.

Portable variable message signs are being used to provide advance notification of traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

01/01/2026

Franklin Township Committeemen Jon Keen and Mike Marsh were sworn in this morning on New Years Day at 10AM. Mayor Jake Bruno and Deputy Mayor Mike Marsh were administered the Oath of Office by Gloucester County Commissioner Nicholas DeSilvio. The list of professionals and residents appointed to various boards/committees and commissions was announced. (Photo's by FT Administrator Matt Finley)

12/29/2025

https://thenjsentinel.com/charles-ronald-glocker-obituary/

Charles Ronald “Ronnie” Glocker, 82, of Clayton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Inspira Medical Center in Mullica Hill, NJ, surrounded by his loving fami…

12/28/2025

*Franklin Township Residents

PUBLIC NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Copart, Inc. has filed an Application with the Zoning Board of the Township of Franklin, County of Gloucester, State of New Jersey for Use Variance and Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval so as to permit an Auto Auction Yard with associated parking on the premises on Delsea Drive and designated as Block 2102, Lot 13 on the Franklin Township Tax Map, together with any other waivers and variances that may develop during the processing of the Application. A public hearing has been scheduled for January 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Township of Franklin in the Court Room located at 1571 Delsea Drive, Franklinville, New Jersey, 08322, and when the Application is called any interested party may appear either in person, or by agent or attorney, and present any objections which they may have to the granting of the relief sought in the Application. The Application, plans and all documents related to the proposed project are on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Daniel Markind, Esquire Flaster/Greenberg P.C. Attorney for Copart, Inc. 1810 Chapel Avenue West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 [email protected] Attorneys for Copart, Inc. Cost $62.37 12/21/25 1T (11054721)

*This was published on another website - we are posting it for those in the Franklinville Lake area who may be interested in attending this upcoming public hearing for this application.