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Hughes announces investment program for small businesses

The American Rescue Plan Act permits counties to provide relief to small businesses, many of which were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

To address those losses, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes advanced a resolution to the Board of Commissioners that enables the county to hire a consultant to manage the county’s new ARPA-funded Small Business Investment Program. The resolution was approved by the board on Dec. 20.

The county has set aside up to a half-million dollars for the program, which is geared to provide direct aid to local small businesses that are likely to have experienced difficulties in obtaining capital through conventional methods, such as small business loans, revenue through creation of stock and traditional investors.

Read more.

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Local Events Sports & Gaming Travel & Leisure

WWE ‘Road to WrestleMania’ at Cure Arena offers sale tickets for event in March

In honor of Monday Night RAW’s 30th Anniversary, CURE Insurance Arena has an exclusive limited-time ticket offer available.

Save 30% on Select Tickets!*Use Code: RAW30

*Offer valid Monday, Jan. 23 at 12:00 am through Monday, Jan. 23 at 11:59 pm. Tickets must be purchased in increments of 2. Max purchase is 8 tickets. Online only. While supplies last. Valid on select price levels. Additional fees may apply.

CURE Insurance Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave., Trenton, NJ 08611

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Lifestyle Local News Travel & Leisure

Mercer County Clerk’s Passport Office receives award for service from National Passport Center

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello announced that the County Clerk’s Office was awarded a perfect score for its passport services for the third consecutive year in its Trenton office.

 

Each year, the U.S. Department of State reviews passport offices within the U.S. The Mercer County Clerk’s Office must pass an annual inspection and audit by the Federal government for its management of passport applications and renewals.

 

The County Clerk’s Passport Services Office received a perfect score with zero penalties or deductions for managing passport applications and renewals. The report from the U.S. Department of State National Passport Center noted that the facility’s audit was “impressive and compliant with the Passport Agent Reference Guide.”

 

Sollami Covello praised her Passport Services Office, which is headed by Chris Tozour and supported by Aida Borges.

 

“The staff members are to be commended for their dedicated service, daily commitment to excellence, and a job very well done,” she said.

 

Customers can renew their passports at the Mercer County Clerk’s Office, located at 209 South Broad Street in Trenton. The County Clerk’s passport office can be reached at 609-989-6473; for Spanish, call 609-989-6131 or 609-989-6122. To schedule an appointment at the County Clerk’s satellite passport location, the Mercer County Connection, located at 957 Route 33 in Hamilton, please contact the office at 609-890-9800.  All customers must have completed applications, money orders and checks along with documentation and copies prior to their appointment. Please note, the County Connection only serves first-time applicants, and you cannot renew your existing passport. Appointments are required.

 

If you plan to travel in the coming year, it is advised that you schedule an appointment now to renew your passport or passport card. The current wait time to receive a passport is 3-5 weeks for expedited services and 6-8 weeks from the time of submission for a regular application.

 

*Also, a note to those traveling to and from China. The U.S. CDC is requiring travelers from China to produce a negative COVID-19 test beginning Jan. 5, 2023. For more U.S. State Department advisories, you can visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html *

 

For more information regarding passports, please visit the Mercer County Clerk’s website at https://www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk-/office-services/passports or call the County Clerk’s passport office at 609-989-6473; for Spanish, call 609-989-6131 or 609-989-6122.

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Culture Local News

County Exec. Hughes honors memory and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mercer County proudly celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.

 

This holiday is a chance for us to think about our values and goals, and how we might honor the tremendous intellectual and spiritual legacy left by Dr. King.

 

Here in Mercer County, we’re still working hard to realize the dreams and visions of Dr. King. My administration has always committed itself not only to ethnic and racial diversity, but also to the celebration of that diversity. When I became County Executive, I made a promise that I would create a government that reflected the people we represent. Proudly, I kept that promise and among Mercer County government’s greatest strengths is its diverse makeup and inclusive spirit.

 

My Cabinet is the most diverse in Mercer County history, represented equally by men and women, and half who are people of color, and our day-to-day operations are led by a woman, also a first for Mercer County.

 

In addition to diversity, we’re working to provide people in Mercer County with the conflict resolution skills that Dr. King called on so often in his work. And we’re teaching our young people, regardless of racial or economic background, to become good leaders and role models in their communities.

 

We’re empowering young people to make positive choices in their educations, careers, and relationships; we are giving them the tools they need to have the life of their dreams; and we are giving a second chance to those who are down.

 

As we work to empower our young people to make positive choices, no tool can serve us better than our own love for one another. Even though the acts of goodwill that we perform on a daily basis can seem small, this simple spirit of kindness and outreach can foster tremendous progress.

 

Let’s work together to kindle the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – the spirit of tolerance and mutual respect that he envisioned for every citizen of this great world.

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Culture Lifestyle Local News Science

Bristol Myers-Squibb volunteers lead science program for kids

On a recent Saturday, County Executive Brian M. Hughes stopped by to say hello to Mercer County 4-H leaders and volunteers from Bristol Myers-Squibb, who since 2013, have partnered to engage more than 600 Trenton area youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities one Saturday per month throughout the school year.

The program, Tomorrow’s Innovators, builds awareness and interest in science and engineering while providing many opportunities for youth to develop and practice STEM skills alongside caring and supportive mentors.

Mercer County 4-H Program Associate, Rodrigo Sanchez Hernandez, is the day-to-day director of this initiative. He designs the curriculum and trains the BMS volunteers each month to prepare them for their role in working with the students.

The program is at the Mercer County Extension headquarters at 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing. To get involved in Mercer County 4-H Club as a participant or a volunteer, or to learn more about 4-H’s exciting programs and services, visit https://mercer.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/

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Culture Local News

Most Mercer County government offices to close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Ewing, Hickory Corner, Lawrence and West Windsor branches of the Mercer County Library System will be open for holiday hours, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other branches will be closed.

The following County offices and facilities will remain open: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except for administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Services Communication Center.

Mercer County Park Commission facilities will have the following hours on Jan. 16:

Ice Skating Center, 8:30 to 10 a.m. for senior skating (62+), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for public skating;

Tennis Center, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.;

Mercer Oaks East and Princeton Country Club golf courses, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting; Mercer County Stables, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.;

and Wildlife Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only.

Howell Living History Farm, Tulpehaking Nature Center and Park Commission administrative offices will be closed on Jan. 16.

In addition, the Mountain View, Mercer Oaks West and Hopewell Valley Country Club golf courses are closed for the month of January.

For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercounty.org/parks.

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Culture Lifestyle Local News Travel & Leisure Weather & Environment

Community Based Deer Management provides additional county benefits beyond NJ state standards

The Mercer County Park Commission has been issued a Community Based Deer Management permit from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The Community Based Deer Management (CBDM) permit allows for additional opportunities to improve forest habitat and the ecological condition of County-owned natural areas through deer reductions beyond standard state hunting regulations. Reducing deer overpopulation also improves public safety by reducing deer-vehicle collisions.

No CBDM hunting will occur in areas that participate in the County’s traditional deer management hunting program until after the regular season concludes. The additional measures permitted in the CBDM program will allow a professional culling firm to perform management activities during an extended season through March 31 at Baldpate Mountain, Howell Farm, County-owned golf courses including Mountain View, Hopewell Valley, Mercer Oaks East and West, and select regions of Mercer Meadows in Hopewell Township.

Management activities approved in the Park Commission’s permit include: deer harvest by crossbow and firearm, culling during evening hours, and periodic park closures for culling outside of the traditional State hunting season through March 31, 2023. As with the Park Commission’s traditional deer management program, there will be no culling permitted on Sundays under the CBDM permit.

At Mercer Meadows, CBDM deer management will be limited to the Curlis Woods region. Beginning February 20, these areas will allow for bow culling Monday through Saturday until 9 p.m. each day until March 31. These regions will remain open to the public during bow hunting. Park users are advised to remain on trails and wear bright colored clothing. All culling activity will take place from an elevated tree stand with a 75-foot safety buffer in place on either side of all County-recognized trails.

The Curlis Woods region will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 21 through March 30

At Baldpate Mountain, including Fiddler’s Creek Preserve, the permit allows for extended evening culling (until 9 p.m.)  February 20 through March 31, once the regular state hunting season ends. Beginning on Monday, February 20, bow culling may take place Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. These areas will remain open to the public on days when only bow is in use. The parks will be closed to the public during shotgun culling.

Baldpate Mountain, and Fiddler’s Creek Preserve will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:

  • Wednesdays from February 22 through March 29

At Belle Mountain, the permit allows for extended evening culling (until 9 p.m.), Beginning on Monday, February 20, bow culling may take place Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. The park will be closed to the public during shotgun culling.

Belle Mountain will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:

  • Mondays and Tuesdays from February 20 through March 31

At County golf courses including Mountain View, Hopewell Valley, the permit allows for evening culling (until 9 p.m.) January 1 through March 31. Beginning in January, bow culling may take place Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. At the Mercer Oaks East and West golf courses, culling with a bow may occur starting February 19 through March 31. The golf courses will be closed to the public during shotgun culling.

Golf courses will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling during the courses’ routine closure to the public. See below:

  • Mountain View and Hopewell Valley closed January 1 through January 31
  • Mercer Oaks East closed February 20 through February 28

At Howell Farm, the permit allows for extended evening culling (sunset through 9 p.m.) January 30 through March 31. Beginning in January, bow culling may take place Monday through Friday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. Shotgun culling may occur after daily operations cease at Howell Farm at 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Howell Farm will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling:

  • Mondays January 30 through March 31
  • Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. through 9 p.m. January 30 through March 31

The above dates do not include closures as part of the Park Commission’s existing deer management program. Please visit https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/park-commission for details on all closures for deer management.

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Culture Lifestyle Local News

Most Mercer County government offices to close for Christmas and New Year’s holidays

TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, in observance of Christmas, and Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, for New Year’s observance.

 

The Mercer County Clerk’s Office in Trenton and the County Connection office in Hamilton will be closed on both Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. County Connection, which is normally open Saturdays, also will be closed Dec. 24 and 31.

 

All branches of the Mercer County Library System was closed at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24, and will also be closed Saturday, Dec. 31. They will also be closed on Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2.

 

The following County offices and facilities will remain open: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except for administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Services Communication Center.

 

Mercer County Park Commission facilities will have the following holiday hours: The Tennis Center will be closed on Christmas Day but will be open Dec. 24 from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Dec. 31 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Jan. 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

The Skating Center will be closed Dec. 25 but will have public sessions Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 5 to 7 p.m. and 7:45 to 9:45 p.m., Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m., and Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

All five county golf courses will be closed Dec. 25 but will be open Dec. 26, and Jan. 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting.

 

Mercer County Stables will be open Dec. 24 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be closed Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2. The Wildlife Center will be open, by appointment only, Dec. 25 and 26 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Jan. 1 and 2 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

 

Howell Living History Farm is currently open Tuesday-Friday only, from 1 to 4 p.m., for gift shop sales and barnyard visits. (Milking demonstrations with Blizzard the cow will begin at 2 p.m.) The farm will close for the season at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, and reopen Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, for ice harvesting.

 

The Tulpehaking Nature Center and. Park Commission administrative offices will be closed Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2. For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.

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Lifestyle Local News Regulations & Security Travel & Leisure

County Clerk shares news that Real ID requirement is delayed

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello would like to inform Mercer residents that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline by two years for requiring citizens to have Real ID for domestic air travel and for entering federal buildings and facilities.

 

Starting May 7, 2025, you must have a Real ID-compliant driver license/ID to fly within the U.S. and regular driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to fly domestically.  You still will be able to use a U.S. passport or passport card for identification.

 

It must be noted that until the deadline, a standard New Jersey driver’s license remains valid for air travel within the U.S. This extension will give state motor vehicle departments and travelers more time to prepare to meet the Real ID deadline.

 

Real ID complies with federal standards that impose stronger requirements to prove U.S. residency. Real ID is a more secure, federally mandated document that will be accepted at airports as identification and to enter federal buildings. The intent of Real ID is to ultimately reduce identity theft and fraud, and to enhance the nation’s security.

 

Passport books and passport cards will also remain as valid proof of identification for international travel and are Real ID compliant for domestic flights. The Mercer County Clerk’s Office offers both at its Trenton location and the County Connection site in Hamilton.

 

For the County Clerk’s passport office, please call 609-989-6473. Appointments can also be made at the Mercer County Connection, located at 957 N.J. Rt. 33, Hamilton. To schedule an appointment at County Connection, please contact the office at 609-890-9800. Or visit the County Clerk’s website at https://www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk. Please note that while our office also offers County ID Cards and Veteran ID cards, these are not useful to meet Real ID requirements.

 

For more information about Real ID and the requirements and documents needed to obtain one, you can visit https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/realid/. To apply for Real ID, appointments can be scheduled online at https://www.nj.gov/mvc/.

Categories
Culture Lifestyle Local News

Most Mercer County government offices to close for Christmas and New Year’s holidays

TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, in observance of Christmas, and Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, for New Year’s observance.

 

 

The Mercer County Clerk’s Office in Trenton and the County Connection office in Hamilton will be closed on both Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. County Connection, which is normally open Saturdays, also will be closed Dec. 24 and 31.

 

All branches of the Mercer County Library System will close at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24, and Saturday, Dec. 31, and will be closed on Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2.

 

The following County offices and facilities will remain open: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except for administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Services Communication Center.

 

Mercer County Park Commission facilities will have the following holiday hours:

 

  • TheTennis Center will be closed on Christmas Day but will be open Dec. 24 from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Dec. 31 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Jan. 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • TheSkating Center will be closed Dec. 25 but will have public sessions Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 5 to 7 p.m. and 7:45 to 9:45 p.m., Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m., and Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • All fivecounty golf courses will be closed Dec. 25 but will be open Dec. 26, and Jan. 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting.
  • Mercer County Stableswill be open Dec. 24 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be closed Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2.
  • TheWildlife Center will be open, by appointment only, Dec. 25 and 26 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Jan. 1 and 2 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

 

Howell Living History Farm is currently open Tuesday-Friday only, from 1 to 4 p.m., for gift shop sales and barnyard visits. (Milking demonstrations with Blizzard the cow will begin at 2 p.m.)

The farm will close for the season at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, and reopen Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, for ice harvesting.

The Tulpehaking Nature Center and. Park Commission administrative offices will be closed Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2. For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercountyparks.org