Kool & the Gang co-founder dies at 68
Former Jersey City resident and co-founder of the band Kool & the Gang Ronald Khalis Bell died at his home in the Virgin Islands on Sept. 9.
In 1964, Bell and his brother Robert “Kool” Bell joined other Jersey City friends to form the band, winning fame with songs like “Celebration” and “Cherish.”
“Kool and the Gang never forgot where they grew up – #JerseyCity,” tweeted Mayor Steven Fulop.
Blood Drive in Secaucus
The Knights of Columbus Council 12769 will host a blood drive at Immaculate Conception Church at 780 Post Pl. on Sept. 29 from 1 to 7 p.m. Make an appointment at nybc.org using group code 70877.
Donors must eat before donating, bring a photo ID, wear a mask, and be 14 days symptom free if recovered from COVID-19.
For more information, call Rosana Tabakci at 917 699-9073.
Man pleads guilty to Death by Auto in 2019 crash
According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Jonathan Ortiz-Guananga, 27, recently pleaded guilty to charges of Death By Auto and Assault by Auto related to the fatal crash on May 5, 2019, on Paterson Plank Road in Jersey City which killed North Bergen resident Adriana Riano, 32.
His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 29.
North Bergen Library launches web series
The 30-minute student-success sessions are Fridays at noon: Sept. 18, Goal Setting and Decision-Making; Sept. 25, Study Skills; Oct. 2, Stress Management; and Oct. 9, Critical Thinking and Research Skills
Hoboken teen charged in Union City shooting
Terrence Torres, 19, of Hoboken, has been arrested in relation to a shooting on Third Street and Bergenline Avenue in Union City on Aug. 26.
A victim reported that he was shot at while riding a bicycle but was not injured.
During a search of a Hoboken apartment, officers allegedly recovered a firearm.
Torres is accused with Attempted Murder, Receiving Stolen Property, and various weapons charges.
Torres is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
North Bergen pool opens weekends
The municipal pool is open September weekends: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., seniors only; 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., all ages; 5 – 8 p.m., all ages.
Residents must register in advance and pay each visit.
Suspicious Jersey City death
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the suspicious death of Francis Villa, 22, who was found with a fatal gunshot wound in a Forrest Street apartment between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Ocean Avenue in Jersey City.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the HCPO at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.
All information will be kept confidential.
NJ Transit introduces PPE vending machines
NJ Transit is introducing pilot vending machines to dispense Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Machines, which will remain through the end of the year, supply face masks, hand sanitizer, sanitizer wipes, and disposable gloves at Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal and will also be installed at Secaucus Junction, among other stations.
Undocumented immigrants eligible for licenses
On Sept. 1, a bill was signed into law that would extend licensure eligibility to undocumented immigrants. It will expand access to skilled jobs requiring licenses. Bill sponsors included NJ Assembly member Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson).
‘Scoop and Run’ bill approved by Assembly
Legislation, approved by the NJ Assembly, would allow police officers trained as first responders to transport victims of gun violence to hospitals before the arrival of ambulances.
It now heads to the Senate for approval.
Eliminating mandatory minimum sentences
A bill passed by the NJ Senate would remove mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenses and property crimes and reduce minimums for second-degree robbery and burglary.
A second bill would consider the age of a youthful defendant as a mitigating factor. A third bill would release inmates suffering from grave medical conditions. A fourth would require a study to determine the cost savings of mandatory minimums and compassionate release.
