Also, police investigations and arrests
The Board of Education adopted its 2017–18 school budget this week with a 2 percent tax increase. Also, resident Jake Smith organized a fundraiser to “smash away cancer,” allowing students, staff and community members to hit a junk car three times with a donation of $10. Check out some of the top stories from the past week in the Weekly Roundup.
Board of Education adopts budget with 2 percent tax increase
The Board of Education adopted a budget for the 2017–18 school year last week with a tax levy increase of 2 percent. The budget totals $149.6 million, a decrease from last year’s $149.9 million. The district will be receiving a flat rate of approximately $51 million in state aid for the 2017–18 school year. Residents with an average assessed home value of $210,000 can expect to pay approximately $4,207 in school taxes, an increase of $18.75 compared to last year.
Police seek suspect in armed robbery investigation
An attendant at the Gastrol Station, located on the Black Horse Pike, Turnersville, was approached by a man demanding money and waving a black handgun. The suspect, described as a white male, fled the scene on foot. The incident remains under investigation.
Students in the spotlight at NJ Junior Thespian Festival
Members of the Orchard Valley Middle School Drama Club participated in the New Jersey Junior Thespian Festival on April 22 at Toms River North High School. The students benefited from a variety of workshops and were selected to perform a showcase of scenes and musical numbers from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Students received a certificate of excellence for their efforts.
Speed limit changes introduced at council meeting
Council introduced two ordinances at last week’s meeting that may change the speed limits on two roads. The speed limit on Salina Road may increase from 25 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour while the speed on Stage Coach Road would be reduced from 40 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour. Mayor Joann Gattinelli also proclaimed May 2017 as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month to recognize and raise awareness for the rare genetic disorder.
Fundraiser helps ‘smash away cancer’
Washington Township resident and St. Augustine Prep student Jake Smith, inspired by his close friend Cole Fitzgerald, a cancer survivor, organized the car smash event to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer and cancer research. The car smash, held on Thursday, April 27, called for students, staff and community members to donate $10, allowing them three swings at a donated car symbolizing the theme of “smashing away cancer.” By purchasing the $10 ticket, participants were also entered into a raffle to win a donated Apple MacBook Pro and a GoPro camera.
