An inside look at an international ATM scheme targeting these Monmouth County banks

HOWELL – An international scheme to steal thousands of dollars from ATM customers by using a device that captures debit card information has infiltrated Monmouth County, police said. The two, unidentified suspects are responsible for cashing in on more than $70,000 in fraudulent ATM transactions in September at banks around Monmouth County and at least one… Read the rest of this entry »

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Fair Haven Councilman is first to announce for Assembly in LD 13

photo via twitter

Fair Haven Councilman Bob Marchese announced today that he is seeking the Republican nomination for State Assembly in the 13th Legislative District.  In a press release, Marchese said he is seeking the seat currently held by Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon.  O’Scanlon is running for the State Senate seat being vacated by the retirement of Senator Joe Kyrillos.

Marchese is the first candidate to announce for Assembly in the district which encompasses northern Monmouth County including the Two Rivers area (sans Red Bank which is in the 11th), Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach along the Atlantic Coast, the Bayshore, Middletown, Holmdel, Aberdeen and Marlboro.

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In Case You Missed It: Don’t Drink and Drive

NBC’s Today Show this morning replayed an anti-drunk driving segment filmed in Fair Haven three years ago featuring some of Monmouth County’s best drinkers and light weights.  Several MMM readers and your favorite blogger are featured.

If you’re going out this weekend, update your Uber or Lyft apps.

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19 Year Old Fireman Charged With Fair Haven Arson

Nicholas Joyce, 19, a volunteer Fair Haven firefighter, was charged with second degree Aggravated Arson on Saturday after an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Fair Haven Police Department indicated that he started a shed fire behind the United Methodist Church on Friday afternoon, according to an announcement by Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni.

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Halfacre named Executive Director of NJ Beer Wholesalers Association

Michael I. Halfacre

Michael I. Halfacre, the former Director of the NJ Division Alcoholic Beverage Control, has been named the Executive Director of the Beer Wholesalers Association of New Jersey, effective January 4, 2016.  He will remain Of Counsel to Genova Burns, the law firm he joined upon leaving the ABC last summer.  Halfacre is replacing Robert J. Pinard, who is retiring after directing the trade association since 1992.

“Michael Halfacre brings an outstanding record as a legal professional, as well as his regulatory background, that will be vital to leading the Beer Wholesalers Association of New Jersey,” said Mark Kramer, President of Kramer Beverage and Chairman of the associations Executive Committee.

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Halfacre Joins Genova Burns

Michael Halfacre

Michael Halfacre, the former Mayor of Fair Haven, and as of this morning the former Director of the New Jersey Division of Alcohol Beverage Control, has joined the prestigious law firm of Genova Burns as Counsel.

Working from the firm’s Red Bank office, Halfacre will be a member of the Commercial Real Estate & Redevelopment and Business Law & Commercial Transactions Practice Groups.  He will also be available for consultation to the Firm’s Craft Beer, Spirits & Alcohol Law Practice Group.

“Michael’s experience running the ABC these past three years makes him an excellent choice to offer counsel to the Firm’s newly formed Craft Beer, Spirits & Alcohol Law practice group,” said Managing Partner Brian W. Kronick. “Moreover, during his many years in private practice prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office he was highly regarded for his representation of clients in business transactional work and particularly in real estate leasing and transactions. He brings those skills and strategic abilities to the Firm as well.”

In his private practice, Halfacre specialized in transactions, including sales and refinance of commercial real estate and transfers of ABC licenses.

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The Arnone Report: Share the roads with cyclists and pedestrians

Setting  the record straight on proposed Two Rivers bike lanes

By Tom Arnone, Monmouth County Freeholder

Freeholder Tom Arone

Now that summer is here, the kids are out of school and the beaches are open. We know a few things are certain while living in our beautiful Monmouth County – sand will find its way into the house, barbeques will be plentiful and many of us will give in to ice cream cravings on the boardwalk. As residents we will also witness a significant increase to our population as our tourism season gets into full swing.  With this population surge, we will also see an increase in cyclists and pedestrians sharing the roads with motorists throughout the county.

I urge you to be aware of the statewide “rules of the road” and other specific rules in your municipality for whatever mode of transportation you choose. This is especially important when traveling on primary and secondary roads that are highly used, like those without designated bike lanes or sidewalks.  It is extremely important for all of us to be diligent when sharing roads so they are safe for all users– pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists – as safe travel for all is of the utmost importance.

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Halfacre Leaving The Christie Administration

Michael Halfacre

Michael Halfacre submitted his resignation as Director of the New Jersey Division of Alcohol Beverage Control to Acting Attorney General John Hoffman yesterday, effective June 30,2015.

Under Halfacre’s leadership since March of 2012, the ABC is credited with cracking down on underage drinking, the sale of alcohol to the already intoxicated, and penalizing establishments that were scamming consumers by “drink substitution,” i.e. charging customers for the “top shelf” drinks they ordered while actually serving cheaper booze.

During Halfacre’s tenure, new laws were implemented for the brewing and distilling industry which have lead to an emerging micro brewing industry.  Additionally, new rules were written to regulate the direct sale of wine to consumers by out-of-state wineries.

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Fair Haven Councilman Dies From Injuries Sustained In Bicycling Accident

Fair Haven Councilman Jerome Koch passed away Sunday from injuries sustained in a bicycling accident on Saturday.

Mayor Benjamin Lucarelli issue the following statement on facebook :

“On behalf of the entire Fair Haven Community, I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Councilman Jerome Koch, who passed away on Sunday evening from injuries he sustained after being struck by a car on River Road in Fair Haven late Saturday afternoon. Councilman Koch was a dedicated public servant who served the residents of Fair Haven for nine years as a member of our Borough Council. More importantly, Jerome was a husband, father, and grandfather, who was dearly loved his by his family. His passing is tragic and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We send our best thoughts, prayers, and support, to his family during this time of mourning.”

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FAIR HAVEN: SHOTS FIRED, TWO ARRESTED

FAIR HAVEN: SHOTS FIRED, TWO ARRESTED (via redbankgreen)

Two Rumson men were arrested Saturday following a predawn report of shots fired, police said. Matthew Robertson, 21, and Michael Robertson, 22, were stopped by police as they attempted to flee after shots were reported in the area of Tyson Drive and…

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