Stites was the only cowboy to complete the required eight-second ride in the saddle bronc competition.

PILESGROVE TWP. -- Will Stites was the top money-winning cowboy at Cowtown Rodeo Saturday night.

Stites, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, was the only cowboy to stay complete the required eight-second ride in the saddle bronc riding competition. His prize money for the evening totaled $893.

Here are the standings from Saturday night's performance. The results include the contestant's name, score or time, and winnings:

Bareback Bronc Riding: First, Tim Kent, 73 score, $485.04; Andy Carter, 71, $323.36.

Saddle Bronc Riding: First, Will Stites, 65 score, $893. (Stites' winnings include $535.80 in ground money.)

Bull Riding: First, Connor Garcia, 70 score, $641.08; Scott Sellers, 34, $524.52. (Each cowboy's winnings include $174.84 in ground money.)

Steer Wrestling: First, Clay Harp Jr, 8.4 seconds time, $439.92; Bryan Tamm,13.6, $338.40; Big Country Connors, 15.4, $236.88. (Each cowboy's winnings include $33.84 in ground money.)

At Cowtown, a Jersey tradition lives on

Tie Down Roping: First, Troy Roberto, 15.1 seconds time, $407.33; Ned Kilgus, 17.7, $313.33; Tim Naylor, 19.1, $219.33. (Each cowboy's winnings include $31.33 in ground money.)

Team Roping: First, Ross Clatterbuck and J.R. Myers, 6.2 seconds time, $714.40 each; Kirk Trumpower and Tim Naylor, 8.5, $535.80 each; Brian Frattaroli and Joe Williams, $357.20 each; Jose Mota and Chris Soto, 11.5, $178.60 each.

Barrel Racing: First, Karly Stoltzfus, 17.53 seconds time, $464.83; Joyce Stoltzfus, 17.74, $404.20; Jaime Fowler, 17.86, $343.57; Liz Turhune, 17.90, $282.94; Kristin Weber, 17.93, $222.31; (tie for sixth and seventh) Nicole Chaffey, 18.21, $131.36; Amanda Lloyd, 18.21, $131.36; Wilhemina Horzepa, 18.22, $40.42.

The rodeo continues every Saturday, rain or shine, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cowtown Rodeo arena, on U.S. Route 40 through Sept. 24.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Hollywood Vampires, featuring Alice Cooper, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and actor Johnny Depp, performs at Borgata's Event Center in Atlantic City.

ATLANTIC CITY -- Actor Johnny Depp led the Hollywood Vampires on stage but it was 68-year-old front man Alice Cooper who stole the show Sunday night at Borgata's Event Center.

The rock supergroup, featuring Cooper, Depp and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, flawlessly rocked their way through a 21-song, 90-minute set in support of their self-titled debut album.

Cooper's strong voice and stage theatrics were backed by the exceptional guitar playing of Perry, who showed off his style early on in the Jimi Hendrix cover "Manic Depression."

Depp played wingman most of the night to Cooper's vocals and Perry's guitar. Any skills that he might have, other than a few guitar solos, were mostly lost in the mix of the six other musicians on stage. 

Those musicians included Stone Temple Pilots bassist Robert DeLeo, drummer Matt Sorum (the Cult, Guns N' Roses), guitarist Tommy Henriksen (Alice Cooper's band) and pianist, percussionist and guitarist Bruce Witkin (Johnny Depp's band The Kids).

Happy 25th anniversary, Dave: DMB rocks Camden (PHOTOS)

"Hollywood Vampires started as a drinking club," Cooper explained about halfway through the show. "All are dead except me." He then dedicated the next song, "Dead Drunk Friends" to all of his drunk friends.

Cooper then traded in lead vocals for the harmonica in the Fleetwood Mac cover "Stop Messin' Around." Perry sang and shared guitar solos with Depp. 

"I quit drinking whiskey," said Cooper when remembering a conversation he had with Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister, who died in December. "I'm drinking vodka now."

The band then rocked their way through a cover of Kilmisters' "Ace of Spades."

"Thank you New Jersey," said Cooper as the band gathered together after playing "Sweet Emotion," the last song of the set.

"If we did not do one of your favorite covers they probably aren't dead yet."

The band returned to the stage to close out the show with Tiny Bradshaw's Train Kept a Rollin' and Cooper's "School's Out," which was arguably the fan favorite of the night.

But before leaving the stage, Cooper couldn't help but tease the audience by saying, "I know some of you girls have been asking about Johnny's room number."

"It's 20 something."

THE SET LIST

• Raise the Dead (original) 
• I Got a Line on You (Spirit cover)
• 7 and 7 Is (Arthur Lee, Love cover)
• Suffragette City (David Bowie cover)
• Manic Depression (Jimi Hendrix)
• Five to One/Break on Through (Doors cover)
• As Bad as I am (original)
• 20th Century Boy (T. Rex cover)
• Bang a Gong (T Rex cover)
• Come Together (The Beatles cover)
• Cold Turkey (John Lennon cover)
• Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin cover)
• Dead Drunk Friends (original)
• Stop Messin' Around (Fleetwood Mac cover)
• Ace of Spades (Motorhead cover)
• Pinball Wizard (The Who cover)
• My Generation (The Who cover)
• I'm Eighteen (Alice Cooper cover)
• Sweet Emotion (Aerosmith cover)

ENCORE

• Train Kept a Rollin' (Tiny Bradshaw cover)
• School's Out (Alice Cooper cover)

Hollywood Vampires will perform in the area next on Sunday July 10 at the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York.  

Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @photogthawk. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

SEPTA is expected to provide schedule updates Monday afternoon

PHILADELPHIA --The structural problems that have taken one-third of SEPTA's railcar fleet out of service could mean a commuting headache for thousands of New Jersey residents who depend on mass transit around Philadelphia.

SEPTA announced the problem with its Regional Rail fleet due to fatigue cracks on equalizer beams at a press conference on Sunday and warned people that the Tuesday morning commute could be challenging. 

An update on train schedule changes is expected to be announced Monday afternoon during a 2:30 p.m. press conference. Those changes should reveal how New Jersey commuters who rely on SEPTA regional rail from Trenton and West Trenton will be affected.

Residents should also be prepared for additional traffic on roads and bridges into Philadelphia as some people opt to drive instead of taking SEPTA.

Here's what you should know: 

• Traffic may be especially heavy on 95 South into Philadelphia and the Delaware River bridges. Additional parking is available for those driving into the city. 
• Commuters can take PATCO, which runs regularly between City Center and southern New Jersey. It's a subsidiary of the Delaware River Port Authority, and trains run regularly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for 9th/10th and Locust, which runs between 4:15 a.m. until 12:07 a.m. 
• Officials say the changes wouldn't affect the holiday weekend, but commuters should see changes starting Tuesday, July 5, including early and rush hour trains. 
• The Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line and Norristown Line of the subway are helping with overflow by running regularly 
• The upcoming Trolley Tunnel Blitz, a nine-day tunnel closure for maintenance and construction, has been postponed. It was due to start Friday, July 8.

Kate Mishkin may be reached at kmishkin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KateMishkin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The annual event will be held at the Moose Lodge in Woodstown on By-Pass Road beginning at 6 p.m.

WOODSTOWN -- In lieu of our regular monthly meeting, each July the Faith & Freedom Coalition of New Jersey hosts the annual "Red, White and Blue Picnic."

The Faith & Freedom Coalition will hold its picnic Tuesday. (File Photo) 

The picnic will be held rain or shine at the Woodstown Moose Lodge Pavilion, 13 By-Pass Road, Woodstown, New Jersey starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5.

Faith & Freedom will supply the burgers, hot dogs, fixings, drinks and desserts. All those who attend are asked to supply a favorite side dish or salad to share.

We are pleased to have a very special speaker, Army Reserve Ambassador Colonel Sherman Reed, for the evenings festivities. 

Reed has a special message specifically for our veterans who will be our honored guests.

For more information about the organization, visit http://www.faithandfreedomnewjersey.org/

The article was provided by the Faith and Freedom Coalition of New Jersey.

The annual parade drew thousands of spectators to Woodstown. The event is the only Fourth of July parade in Salem County.

WOODSTOWN -- Just as the organizers have long described it, the Woodstown Fourth of July Parade is like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting come to life.

American flags and red, white and blue bunting adorn homes and businesses. Parade spectators young and old arrived dressed in patriotic colors carrying small flags to wave.

And so it was again Monday morning throughout the borough on this Independence Day 2016. Thousands turned out to see the parade, the only Fourth of July Parade in Salem County.

Despite a threatening forecast, the weather turned out perfect for the march. A mix of clouds and sun -- and no raindrops.

There were bands (including a string band), bagpipers, dance groups ad church groups. Elected leaders and pageant title holders were there, too, taking part in the parade which last for nearly an hour and 45 minutes.

And don't forget the fire and rescue squads from throughout Salem County and beyond whose shiny vehicles glided up Main Street. Tractors, old and new and large and small were there, too, as were numerous beautiful vintage automobiles.

Fall Festival has also become a Woodstown tradition

Kids were delighted by the candy generously tossed from passing vehicles of all types.

The parade stepped off at 10 a.m. at Memorial Lake and wound its way up Main Street, through the center of town and then onto Marlton Road where it ended at Marlton Park.

The winners of the float competition were as follows, according to the parade's Facebook page: First, Habitat For Humanity; second, Sharptown United Methodist Church and third, Harvest Community Bank.

The parade committee gave special thanks to all of the volunteers who helped organize and take part in the event and the members of the Woodstown Police Department for their work in helping the event run so smoothly.

Authorities are investigating the theft of a self-propelled lawnmower.

CARNEYS POINT TWP. -- Authorities in Carneys Point are investigating a garage burglary that occurred Friday.

Carney Point Police responded at 6:20 p.m. to a residence on Penns Grove-Auburn Road for reports of a burglary and theft.

The suspect entered the garage on the property and stole a Craftsman self-propelled lawnmower valued at $300, according to authorities.

The incident is still under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Carneys Point Police Department at 856-299-1212.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Salem County Rewind offers a unique look back at the county's history through photos and news items from a century ago.

In this feature, which appears each week, we share a vintage photo from Salem County (along with a large number of other historic local photos in an earlier gallery) and Salem County history tidbits taken from newspapers from a century ago.

SALEM COUNTY PICTURE FROM THE PAST

This vintage photo from Salem County is actually just over the Delaware River in New Castle, Delaware. It's the toll booth that was near the administration on the approach to the Delaware Memorial Bridge from Delaware. From the vehic.es we're guessing it's the late 1960s or early 1970s? Note the toll posted on the exact change lanes to the left -- 50 cents. The Delaware River and Bay Authority eventually followed other transportation authorities and established one-way only tolls which are now collected on the Delaware-bound bridge. The toll booth seen here near the base of the New Jersey-bound bridge was eliminated. (Times File Photo)

SALEM COUNTY HISTORY

Looking back 100 years ago in Salem County for this week in 1916, these news items were included in the Salem Sunbeam.

*

The Deep Water Improvement Company has laid out a new town on the north side of the canal and is expecting to begin land business in a short time.

--

Bids for the new Penn's Neck Bridge span will be opened at the courthouse in Salem this morning.

--

Lance Jaquett had the misfortune to lose a valuable horse last week. The horse was put out to pasture and upset a bee hive. It was stung so badly that blood poison set in and it died.

Celebrating the Fourth in grand style

Sturgeon fishermen are said to have made good catches last week. They receive 14 cents per pound for "buck" meat which will make an average fish worth $20 to $25.A roe sturgeon brings about $200 depending on roe.

--

At their meeting Monday night, Salem City Council awarded the contact for painting the North Bend Fire House. The contract went to Robert Smith who submitted a bid of $123. The other bid for the work came from Frank Johnson for $129.

--

The Ladies Auxiliary of St. Paul's M.E. Church in Penns Grove cleared over $50 from the strawberry festival held at the Odd Fellows Hall during June.

--

Liberty Fire Co. of Penns Grove received a silver cup as a momento of their participation in the parade at Collingswood when a new pumping engine was housed there last month.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitte @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Outdoor walks and indoor chair yoga for Salem County residents

SALEM -- The Salem County Department of Health & Human Services announces the New Move Yourself! Salem County schedule for the outdoor walk and indoor chair yoga program. The July 2016 Walk and Talks will take place on selected dates at various parks throughout the county. The indoor chair yoga class will take place in the Stage Room at The Ware Building, 51 Cheney Road in Woodstown. The Ware Building is located two miles south of Woodstown off Route 45 behind the Salem County Vo-Tech School. 

The Office of Aging is offering a free box lunch to participating seniors on July 12 and July 21. To receive the free boxed lunch, the participant must be over 60 years of age, fill out a small registration form, and RSVP by 8 a.m. the day before. Seniors must call 856-339-8622 to register for the boxed lunch. The box lunch is prepared by the Italian Kitchen of Pennsville and meets the nutrition requirements of the State Office of Aging. 

The exercise schedule is part of the We Can! campaign to encourage residents with special needs to participate. We Can! walks are on July 7, 12 and 21. Caregivers and support staff are welcome to attend. If a special needs resident requires transportation, contact the Salem County Office of Aging at 856-339-8622 in advance. 

Below is the list of dates and locations for July 2016 -- Walk and Talks start at 10 a.m. 

Tuesday, July 5 - Riverview Beach Park Route 49, Pennsville - Talk: Intro to tick borne disease.

Thursday, July 7 - Salem County Recreation Park Corner of Route 130 and Perkintown Road, Oldmans Township. Talk: Lyme Disease. We Can! walk.

Tuesday, July 12 - Marlton Recreation Park, 123 Marlton Road in Woodstown.  Talk: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Free lunch, must register. We Can! walk.

Thursday, July 14 - Fort Mott State Park Fort Mott Road in Pennsville. Talk: Babesiosis 

Thursday, July 21 - Carney's Point Recreation Park Penns Grove-Auburn Rd., Carney's Point -Talk: How to protect yourself from tick bites. Free lunch, must register. We Can! walk.

Indoor Chair Yoga starts at 10 a.m.

Thursday, July 28 - The Ware Building 51 Cheney Road, Woodstown.

In the event of severe weather, the exercise class may be cancelled, contact the Health Department at 856-935-7510, Ext. 8302. 

For more information about Move Yourself! Salem County, visit health.salemcountynj.gov. Also, get regular updates and walk dates and times on Facebook, www.facebook.com/SalemCountyHealth. 

This item submitted by Salem County Dept. of Health & Human Services.

The early-morning fire caused several lanes to be closed for a time near the bridge.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- A tractor-trailer fire snarled traffic for a time near the base of the Delaware Memorial Bridge early Tuesday, an official said.

At mid-morning the right lane between the base of the New Jersey-bound span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge and the Pennsville exit off the roadway was still closed for an investigation of a tractor-trailer fire, as seen from still image from Delaware Memorial Bridge traffic cameras. (Delaware River and Bay Authority)Bill Gallo Jr. | For NJ.com 

The incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on the New Jersey-bound span, according to Jim Salmon, spokesman for the Delaware River and Bay Authority, operator of the bridge.

The cab of a tractor-trailer caught fire and was completely destroyed.

The trailer was also damaged, according to Salmon.

It was not clear what sparked the fire or what the truck was carrying or where it was traveling from or to.

No injuries were reported.

Painting the bridge a major project

Three lanes of traffic were closed for a while as emergency personnel attended to the fire.

One things were under control, one right lane remained closed between the base of the bridge and the Pennsville exit for further investigation. At mid-morning the lane remained closed.

The charred truck cab could be seen by passing motorists there.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The winning ticket matched at six numbers in Monday's Pick-6 drawing.

ELK TWP. -- Someone who bought a lottery ticket in South Jersey is a new millionaire.

 

A winning Pick-6 ticket sold at a Gloucester County convenience store matched all six numbers drawn Monday and is worth $8.3 million.

The store where the ticket was sold is Buck Road Mini-Mart in Monroeville.

"I'm very excited," said store manager Ravi Wadhwa. "It helps the business a lot."

An official with the New Jersey Lottery stopped by the store Tuesday to report the winning ticket sale.

The winning numbers for the Monday drawing were 02, 12, 16, 17, 29 and 34.

Wadhwa hasn't heard from any customers claiming to hold the winning ticket. "Nobody has said anything yet," he chuckled.

Mega Millions jackpot jumps to $449M

Stores that sell major winning tickets receive a check for a few thousand dollars, but Wadhwa hadn't heard as of mid-day Tuesday just how much the store may get.

All of this is a new experience for Wadhwa, since this is the first time the store has sold a million-dollar winner. He has worked for the business since it opened in 2001.

Wadhwa posted signs about the winning ticket at his store on Tuesday morning and hopes this news will drive sales for the next big jackpot. The MegaMillions drawing is tonight at 11 p.m. and the jackpot is worth $454 million.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

The dramatic incident took place Tuesday morning on the New Jersey-bound span of the bridge.

NEW CASTLE, Del. -- A woman who was seen sitting on a ledge of the Delaware Memorial Bridge Tuesday morning was apparently successfully talked out of jumping.

A spokesman for the Delaware River and Bay Authority, operator of the bridge declined any comment on the incident despite repeated requests.

The DRBA sent out a message on Twitter around 7:50 a.m. saying there was "police activity" on the Jersey-bound span and the two right lanes of the bridge were closed.

A passerby posted photos on Facebook of a woman sitting on the bridge ledge on the river side of the railing facing south.

In one photo it appears she is talking on a cell phone. A DRBA police officer is standing nearby. To the left is a red vehicle with what appears to be New Jersey tags.

From the picture it looks like the location may be near mid-span of the bridge which is about 200 feet above the Delaware River below.

About an hour after its first message on Twitter, the DRBA sent out another tweet saying the police activity had been "successfully completed." 

Asked if that message meant the woman had been talked down, a DRBA spokesperson again declined confirm that was the case.

Mid-span, or the center of the bridge, it is about 200 feet from the roadway to the waters of the Delaware River below.

DRBA police officers receive training on how to aid those who are contemplating suicide.  

One of the longest-known negotiation incidents in recent years between a potential jumper and bridge authorities occurred on Aug. 1, 2012. After more than seven hours of negotiations, a man who threatened to jump from the New Jersey-bound span was persuaded by DRBA police officers to come down.

Drones tested for bridge inspections

That drama began in the late morning and was not over until early evening. The man sat most of the time on the bridge's outer ledge.

The last known suicide on the bridge was on the morning of March 22 this year when an Edison man jumped to his death from the New Jersey-bound span.

His body was not immediately recovered. It was found along the Delaware River south of the bridge on April 8 near the shore of Battery Park in Old New Castle, Delaware.

His name was not released by the DRBA.

Earlier in the morning Tuesday there had been a tractor-trailer fire that had impacted traffic on the New Jersey-bound span.

If rain kept you from checking out the fireworks displays on the fourth, here are some places you can still go to see a show.

While thousands of people gathered at their local parks, parade paths, and recreation centers to watch the night sky light up with fireworks this weekend, the rain on Monday night caused numerous towns to postpone the Fourth of July shows.

If rain stopped you from seeing the show, here is a list of rescheduled fireworks shows:

Atlantic Highlands -- Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. on July 8 at municipal harbor.

Bordentown -- Fireworks will be July 8 at dusk at Veteran's Park, Joe Lawrence Recreation Area.

Collingswood - Fireworks will be held July 5 at 9:15 at the high school stadium.

Cranbury -- Fireworks will begin at dusk on July 5 at Village Park.

Egg Harbor City -- Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. on July 16 at Egg Harbor City Lake.

Maplewood -- Fireworks have been scheduled for 9 p.m. on July 5 at the Memorial Park. 

Margate -- Fireworks will be on July 9 at Huntington Ave Beach at dark 

Monroe Township  -- Fireworks at Owens Park at dusk on July 5.

Plumstead -- Fireworks will be held at the New Egypt High School at dusk on July 9.

Sea Isle City -- Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. on July 5 at the 50th Street beach.

Southampton -- Fireworks will be at 8:45 p.m. on July 9.

Vineland -- Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. on July 5 at Vineland High School at 2880 E. Chestnut Ave.

Wildwood -- Fireworks have been postponed until July 9 at 10 p.m. at the beach at Pine Ave.

Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Connie M. Girtain of Pennsville worked at the Pennsville National Bank for nine years, officials said. The incident involved two customers.

SALEM -- A former bank employee has been indicted on a charge she stole money from two customers, according to court records.

Connie M. Girtain has been indicted on a charge of theft by deception. (Pennsville Police Department) 

Connie M. Girtain, 47, of Pennsville is alleged to have taken $50,000, officials said.

A Salem County grand jury indicted her on a single third-degree charge of theft by deception in connection with the incident which is alleged to have taken place while she worked at the Pennsville National Bank's home office.

According to the indictment, "on diverse dates between August 2015 and February 2016" Girtain obtained the money from two customers "by deception, that is, by creating or reinforcing the false impression that the victims' money was going to be deposited in their accounts, when it fact it was not ..."

Officials said Girtain had worked at the bank for nine years.

Salem man indicted in toddler's death

She was a customer service representative at the time discrepancies were found in several of her transactions, authorities said.

Bank officials contacted police after making the discoveries.

She was terminated in Feburary.

Girtain was arrested on March 14 at her Pennsville home following an investigation by the Pennsville Police Department and Salem County Prosecutor's Office.

A bank official described the incident at the time of her arrest as "an isolated, unfortunate event."

Caltabiano is a graduate of Woodstown High School

VOORHEES , Accounting and management consultants Bowman & Company LLP announces the election of Fred S. Caltabiano to Partner effective July 1. 

Fred S. CaltabianoCOURTESY PHOTO 

Caltabiano began employment with Bowman & Company in March, 2001. A graduate of Woodstown High School, Caltabiano attended Gloucester County College and graduated in 1998. Fred then attended Rowan University and graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in accounting.

Caltabiano is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA), Public School Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Municipal Finance Officer.

Caltabiano's areas of expertise include audits of municipal and county governments, school districts, county colleges, student financial aid, fire districts, federal and state grants, and non-profit organizations. Fred is a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the New Jersey Registered Municipal Accountants' Association.

He resides in West Deptford Township with his wife Heather and their two children. 

Bowman & Company LLP is the largest Southern New Jersey accounting and management consulting firm. The Bowman team is comprised of dedicated professionals, including over 50 certified public accountants, 25 registered municipal accountants and numerous public school accountants.

This item submitted by Bowman & Company LLP.

Ending a reciprocal agreement could hit South Jersey residents who work in Philadelphia with a higher income-tax bill.

South Jersey elected officials should make a strong stand against a broadside from Gov. Chris Christie that could force thousands of people who live in New Jersey but work in Pennsylvania to pay hundreds of dollars more in income taxes.

When the governor OK'd the no-drama 2016-2017 state budget in the late hours of June 30, he also signed an executive order directing state officials to examine ending a 38-year-old reciprocal agreement allowing state-to-state commuters to pay income taxes only to their home state.

The practical effect for middle-class New Jerseyans working in Philadelphia or surrounding Pa. counties is that they pay lower New Jersey income taxes instead of Pennsylvania's flat 3.07 percent tax. With New Jersey's graduated tax, rates start at 1.4 percent on the first $20,000, and climb to 8.97 percent for any income above $500,000. 

A Jersey resident who makes a tenth of that $500,000 figure -- $50,000 -- has an effective New Jersey tax rate of just 2.54 percent. Lose the agreement, and commuting workers could have to pay some income taxes to both states. A former state treasurer estimates that New Jersey would gain $180 million in revenue, mostly from high-wage Pennsylvania-to-New Jersey reverse commuters.

No wonder several New Jersey administrations have looked at axing the reciprocal agreement. State officials salivate at more income tax receipts from thousands of the well-paid who live in Bucks County, Pa., but work in the Garden State. 

Thus, Christie's proposal strikes fear not just in the hearts of South Jersey- Philadelphia commuters, but among the executive class working in the medical, financial, etc., offices along the U.S. Route 1 corridor. 

Here's the rub, though: Kill the reciprocal, and the Pennsylvania families still escape the extraordinarily high local property taxes they'd be assessed if their mini-mansions were in New Jersey. Modest split-level owners in Washington and Gloucester townships who commute over the Walt Whitman Bridge enjoy no such property tax benefit, and could see their income taxes rise significantly.

The last governor to make a serious run at killing the reciprocal was Jim McGreevey. In 2002, he ran into a wall of over-our-dead-bodies criticism from South Jersey lawmakers. Christie's new gambit has met with disturbingly tepid reaction. Although he didn't endorse the idea, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney said he'd consider the exit plan if it didn't hurt New Jersey residents.

Folks, you need to get worked up about this like you did 14 years ago.

The plan could be a Christie bargaining chip. Sweeney -- whose South Jersey constituents have the most to lose -- has been holding up a Christie-backed plan to reduce general sales taxes in exchange for a 23-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax boost.

Just in case it's not leverage, but added levies, that Christie desires, tell him this: Don't inflict collateral damage on the middle class in Gloucester, Camden and Burlington counties just so New Jersey can wring a few more dollars from wealthier folk who make that Yardley-to-West Windsor trek every morning.

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

A 30-year-old man was arrested in Pennsville Township on multiple charges, police say.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- A fugitive from Florida was arrested by police in Salem County Tuesday on multiple charges including resisting arrest and interfering with police, authorities said.

John Daniels II, 30, of Woodstown

John Daniels II, 30, of Woodstown, was arrested at roughly 4 a.m. at a residence off Broad Street in Deepwater after Pennsville Police responded to a disorderly person complaint.

Police found Daniels under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance during the investigating and he had to be physically subdued during his arrest, according to authorities.

Daniels was wanted as a fugitive from Florida for sexual assault and was charged with resisting arrest, interfering with an officer and fugitive from justice, police said.

Police transported Daniels to The Memorial Hospital of Salem County for evaluation and he was later transferred to the Salem County Correctional Facility with no bail pending extradition to Florida.

Dairy producers can enroll now for coverage best suited for their operation

WOODSTOWN -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in New Jersey has announced that dairy producers can enroll for 2017 coverage in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) starting July 1. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin - the difference between the price of milk and feed costs - falls below the coverage level selected by the producer. 

The Margin Protection Program gives participating dairy producers the flexibility to select coverage levels best suited for their operation. Enrollment begins July 1 and ends on Sept. 30, 2016, for coverage in calendar year 2017. Participating farmers will remain in the program through 2018 and pay a minimum $100 administrative fee each year. Producers have the option of selecting a different coverage level during open enrollment each year.    

USDA has a web tool to help producers determine the level of coverage under the Margin Protection Program that will provide them with the strongest safety net under a variety of conditions. The online resource, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool, allows dairy farmers to quickly and easily combine unique operation data and other key variables to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections. Producers can also review historical data or estimate future coverage needs, based on data projections. The secure site can be accessed via computer, Smartphone or tablet 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To complete enrollment, producers must make coverage elections during the enrollment period and pay the annual $100 administrative fee that provides basic catastrophic protection that covers 90 percent of milk production at a $4 margin coverage level. For additional premiums, operations can protect 25 to 90 percent of production history with margin coverage levels from $4.50 to $8, in 50 cent increments. Once enrolled, dairy operations are required to participate through 2018 by making coverage elections each year. Producers can mail the appropriate form to the producer's administrative county FSA office, along with applicable fees without necessitating a trip to the local FSA office. If electing higher coverage for 2017, dairy producers can either pay the premium in full at the time of enrollment or pay 100 percent of the premium by Sept. 1, 2017. Premium fees may be paid directly to FSA or producers can work with their milk handlers to remit premiums on their behalf.

Also beginning July 1, FSA will begin accepting applications for intergenerational transfers, allowing program participants who added an adult child, grandchild or spouse to the operation during calendar year 2014 or 2015, or between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2016, to increase production history by the new cows bought into the operation by the new family members. For intergenerational transfers occurring on or after July 1, 2016, notification to FSA must be made within 60 days of purchasing the additional cows.

Dairy operations enrolling in the new program must meet conservation compliance provisions and cannot participate in the Livestock Gross Margin Dairy Insurance Program. 

For more information, visit FSA online at www.fsa.usda.gov/dairy or stop by the local Farm Service Agency for Salem and Gloucester Counties County, 51 Cheney Road, Woodstown, 856-769-1126 to learn more about the Margin Protection Program. 

This item submitted by the Farm Service Agency, Woodstown.

S. Petresky writes that he's unable to open his windows because of the open-pit cooking fires.

To the Editor:

I have two neighbors who are obsessed with building smoky fires in their fire pits for barbecuing most evenings. 

On a rare cool evening in South Jersey, I would love to open all my windows and air out my stale, air-conditioned house. Because of the smoke-loving neighbors, I am unable to do this.  

Why someone would like to build fires and sit around them in 80-to 90-degree weather escapes me. Propane-powered fire pits are available as an alternative. Using them would solve two problems: satisfying the pit users' fascination with fire, and providing a non-stinky neighborhood for the rest of us.  

Hopefully, my neighbors will read this and do the right thing.

S. Petresky

Pennsville

Wrong to shut down Salem Co. boat ramp

To the Editor:

The concept of "utilitarian ethics" implies that the common good should be foremost in decisions affecting large numbers of individuals, as opposed to one individual getting his or her way over the majority. 

Apparently, this is not the case with the public-access boat launching ramp on Sinnickson Landing Road on the Salem River in Elsinboro Township.

Superior Court Judge Anne McDonnell, sitting in Gloucester County, recently ruled in favor of a petitioner who lives across from the ramp and claimed that its use, especially after designated hours, was a nuisance and adversely affected his quality of life. (McDonnell did not order the ramp closed, but its owner, PSEG Nuclear, chose to close it indefinitely because the judge ruled that more supervision is needed at the site.)

Keep in mind that the ramp has served hundreds of boaters every season. The U.S. Coast Guard also launched its small craft at this location, along with municipal fire departments when called upon to respond to emergencies occurring on the Salem and Delaware rivers. 

The ramp has also served as relief for overcrowded conditions that occur at other boat ramps within 10 miles of the Elsinboro ramp. Let's not forget that the ramp is rarely utilized between October and the beginning of May, and is supposed be to closed via a gate at 9 p.m. 

Access to the ramp was provided through the generosity of PSEG. 

But none of his matters. A judge listening to one lawyer and one squeaky wheel felt that she knew what is best for the many.

It's time to take our country back.

Robert Lanard

Salem

More excuses for the rich in Clinton email saga

To the Editor:

The FBI just recommended that no charges be filed against Hillary Clinton for using non-secure, private email servers to send and receive thousands of confidential and secret messages -- and some classified ones -- while she was secretary of state.

Does this also mean that any other individuals who were disciplined or fired for a similar single mistake can receive forgiveness and/or get their jobs back? 

Nothing has changed. The rich could get away with murder, and now they can send secret information over open email servers.

Larry Lueder

Mantua Township

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com 

Police in Pennsville arrested a man who was charged with theft, authorities say.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- A Delaware man has been arrested in connection to the theft of car parts from an auto shop in Salem County, authorities said.

Matthew J. Palese, 46, of Wilmington, was allegedly removing car parts from Cowan's Auto, located off Ferry Road.

Palese then fled the area in his vehicle until he was later located by authorities.

Pennsville Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on North Hook Road at roughly 4:25 p.m. Saturday and arrested Palese who was charged with theft.

The vehicle parts were recovered and returned to the auto shop owner, police said.

Palese was processed and released pending court.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Pennsville Police are advising all residents to contact authorities if they get suspicious calls.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- Police are investigating an IRS scam after a Salem County resident claims she was scammed out of $500.

Pennsville Township Police responded at 2 p.m. Friday when a resident of Penn Terrace Apartments reported she received a phone call from a suspect identifying himself as an IRS employee.

The victim was told that she needed to purchase an iTunes gift card in the amount of $500 and provide the caller with a redemption code or she would be arrested, according to authorities.

Police said the woman then followed instructions and purchased the gift card in the amount of $500.

Pennsville Police are advising residents to inform police before sending any money to someone by phone.

Police will advise residents of any scams.

Pennsville Township Police can be reached at 856-678-3089.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find NJ.com on Facebook.