The events taking place around the country have forced us as a nation to take a hard look at ourselves against a backdrop of violent acts of extremism and bigotry.

As a community, we are a part of a nation founded upon the principles of life, liberty and equality for all. Our nation remains great because of our willingness to stand up for these principles wherever and whenever they are threatened. We have fought two world wars when the forces of hate have threatened to engulf our way of life, and we have stood in opposition to these attempts at dominance.

In light of what has happened in places like Charlottesville, Va., it is time for us to once again stand for what is right and bear witness to our American creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness... ."

Although the Founding Fathers, in their practices, did not originally extend this creed to all racial and ethnic groups for a number of reasons, the die had been cast in the direction of equality. Our civil rights subsequently were won by those willing to risk, and in some cases, lose their lives to ensure that this was so. 

While we hold and champion different ideologies, perspectives and faiths, we must remember that all have the right do this precisely because we are Americans bound together not by race or ethnicity, but by our equality and our abiding belief in our American creed. 

We should not feel threatened in standing up for our respective beliefs, unless, of course, those beliefs have a foundation of hatred and discrimination that  seeks to undermine the idea of equality because of others' skin color, nationality, religion or sexual orientation.

The events taking place around the country over the last several weeks have forced us as a nation to take a hard look at ourselves against the backdrop of violent acts of extremism and bigotry that have shocked, revolted and troubled us. With this in mind, I asked myself what I might do as an elected official to reaffirm our core belief in equality and justice in these turbulent times.

Now more than ever, we cannot stand silent and allow the dark forces of hatred to perpetuate themselves or go unchallenged within our neighborhoods, homes and communities. We cannot simply wish this all away. We also cannot allow it to fester like an open sore or a viral infection, leaving us nothing but a legacy of hopelessness that we, in turn, leave for the next generation to deal with. 

Far too often we've kicked this can down the road. But the time for action is now. Elected officials must stand united in upholding the principles for which we took oaths to represent our constituents.  

Let no one doubt that I stand against racism and hatred in all its forms. That's why I support tearing down certain monuments of a bygone era that symbolize and celebrate those who espoused racial conquest and subjugation. At the same time, I stand ready to engage others on how we can celebrate our individuality and equality. 

I believe that elected officials, civic leaders and faith-based leadership must come together and stand shoulder to shoulder as a display of trust and solidarity. We need to challenge racially motivated biases that masquerade as policy, culture or governance that tear the fabric of our communities.  

Someone once asked, "If not you, who; if not now, when?" I say now is the time for those who believe in the American ideals of justice and equality to stand together and bear witness to the better angels of our American nature.

With that in mind, I am inviting every elected official of Bridgeton and Cumberland County to join me and others on the steps of the Cumberland County Courthouse for a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 to honor the memory of Heather Heyer, the anti-hate demonstrator who was killed by a motorist in Charlottesville, and others like her. They sacrificed themselves standing against hate.  

As Heather Heyer once stood, let us now stand together against those same forces of darkness that took her life.

Albert B. Kelly is mayor of Bridgeton. Contact him by phone at 856-455-3230 Ext. 200.

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Deanna J. Joseph called 911 around 9:45 p.m. from her Alloway Township home to report her child was unresponsive. The cause of death is still pending

SALEM -- A woman who allegedly was high on heroin and left her 2-year-old daughter unattended in a car seat until the child died faces her first court hearing Monday, authorities said.

Deanna J. Joseph, 39, of Alloway Township, is scheduled to be in Superior Court in Salem to face a charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

Joseph was arrested by New Jersey State Police after calling 911 Saturday night around 9:45 p.m. seeking aid for her daughter.

Joseph took heroin and then drove around Alloway Township with her 2-year-old in her car, authorities said. Joseph then parked the vehicle "for an unspecified amount of time" and then returned to find the child inside unresponsive, police said.

Man gets 6 years for child endangerment

"It appeared the child was confined in a car seat for an extended period of time while the mother was under the influence of drugs, and may have injured herself in the car seat," Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan said Sunday.

This is Joseph's third arrest in nine years on charges related to neglect of a child, according to court records.

She is being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility, Mannington Township.

Carol Rhodes writes that the George Norcross III influence even extends to who might be appointed as New Jersey's next U.S. senator.

I found Tom Moran's Aug. 27 column, "Odds are against Menendez's political survival," about the possible outcomes of the corruption trial of U.S. Sen. Menendez (D-N.J.), to be disheartening.

In the column, Moran predicts that if Menendez is convicted, and the seat is vacant after front-running Democrat Philip Murphy becomes governor in January -- Murphy will appoint U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1st Dist.) to the Senate seat.

Moran bases this prediction on part, the columnist states, because George Norcross III -- Rep. Norcross' brother and South Jersey "political boss" --  controls the voted at least seven state senators and 16 Assembly members.

To me, that means there are at least 23 lawmakers whose main responsibility is to use their public offices to benefit their political boss, not the people of New Jersey. This number doesn't include any other elected officials, such as 

county freeholders and municipal officeholders, who seemingly serve at the pleasure of the Norcross team.

How about, if before the next election, the South Jersey Times prints the names of the representatives whom I believe place Norcross' interests ahead of what's in the best interest of all their constituents.  

Let the voters decide if they want our elected officials continue to use our resources for the financial benefit of businesses linked to Geogre Norcross. Maybe South Jersey voters will elect people who aren't "controlled" by the Norcross team, to use Moran's word.

Carol Rhodes, Barnsboro 

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Deanna J. Joseph is charged with endangering the welfare of a child after her daughter was found dead Saturday night.

SALEM -- A woman accused of getting high on heroin before her 2-year-old daughter was found dead in a car seat will remain in jail until at least later this week, a judge has ordered.

Deanna J. Joseph, 39, of Alloway Township is facing a second-degree charge of endangering the welfare of a child after the incident Saturday night.

In a Monday afternoon court video appearance in Salem before Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson, county Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Goodwin asked that Joseph not be released.

Allen-Jackson granted that request and ordered Joseph held in the Salem County Correctional Facility until a formal detention hearing on Thursday. Joseph appeared Monday via video from the jail along with her defense attorney, Joseph Neal.

Throughout the hearing, Joseph answered the judge's questions with a simple "yes."

The Salem County Prosecutor's Office said Monday it is still awaiting results of an autopsy to determine how the girl died and piecing together exactly what happened leading up to her death.

Injured infant's dad gets 5 years

According to the complaint filed against Joseph by New Jersey State Police, she allegedly took heroin and then drove around Alloway Township with her 2-year-old in her car.

Joseph then, the complaint said, parked the vehicle "for an unspecified amount of time." The child, identified only as K.F., was later found dead in the vehicle in her car seat at their Timbeman Road home, authorities said.

Rescue crews were called to the home around 9:45 p.m. Saturday, but they found the child dead.

According to reports Joseph has had past interactions with New Jersey child welfare agencies.

State authorities Monday would not provide any information about Joseph's past contacts.  

However, according to other reports, Joseph was convicted in 2014 of cruelty and neglect of a child after authorities reportedly found her unconscious while her son, then an infant, bathed in several inches of water in a South Amboy apartment. She was sentenced to a year in jail and was released a year ago this month, records show.

If convicted, Joseph faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $150,000 fine.

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

A concerted effort to reduce the number of students who face out-of-school disciplinary suspensions is paying off.

There's an insidious form of discrimination that has been overlooked in many New Jersey school districts. It's how administrators and teachers deal with students' disciplinary infractions and rule violations.

Ironically, perhaps, it is one of the region's largest school districts with a non-white majority that seems to be best getting a handle on reducing public-school suspensions -- which are disproportionally imposed on black and other minority students. National data show that separation -- out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, "alternative school" placement -- is applied to black students at rates far higher than to white ones.

The Camden school district says that it has effectively cut suspensions in half by going first to a menu of strategies that can produce behavior control without removing students from the general population. 

Suspension has always been an odd "punishment" to some because it lets an offending child skip school, often in districts with existing truancy problems and few stay-at-home parents to monitor suspended youngsters.

There will always be a need to remove repeat offenders who  cause violence or continuously disrupt teachers and students. Yet, students are suspended/expelled for a variety of lesser reasons, and it most often happens to black males. 

In March, the Brookings Institution's Brown Center on American Education released new data on the phenomenon, studying California public schools in (2015), the first year after the state Legislature banned exclusion-from-school penalties for "willful defiance" -- a catch-all that includes such non-violent infractions as shouting obscenities at a teacher or forgetting to bring a pencil.

The law was a follow-up to a stunning U.S. Department of Education report that stated that black students nationwide were suspended or expelled at three times the rate of white students.

The Brookings think-tank found that suspensions of white and black students were both reduced by 28.5 percent after the law, but the African-American suspension rate was still 178 per 1,000 students, while the white rate was just 44 per 1,000.

The Camden effort applies some of the California law's elements more informally. A matrix of infractions now subject to non-suspension corrective action includes: uniform/dress code violations, lateness, unauthorized cell phone use, and disrespecting teachers or guests.

Some of the recommended approaches could be too touchy-feely or naive ("provide praise to other students in the area") for the situation. But how could it not make sense to provide a "loaner uniform" to a 9-year-old who arrived without one, instead of sending him or her back to an empty house? And, those old stand-bys, in-school detention and confiscation of prohibited items (think electronic devices, not drugs) are still authorized.

Camden educators say the modified policies reduced high school suspensions  from 916 in 2015-2016 to just 246 in 2016-2017; Grade K-8 suspensions declined from 545 to 412.

What's even more important, the administration says, is that students spent a collective 6,642 additional days in class under the modified suspension policy. Isn't that what it's all about?

It would be smart for other New Jersey districts -- especially white-majority ones where race-based discipline disparity can go undetected -- to look at the strategies that Camden has employed successfully.  

It's not yet clear that New Jersey needs a law like California's to reduce overuse of suspensions. Meanwhile, all schools should operate under the belief that it's better to correct a discipline issue within the school setting than by simply tossing out the student.

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

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Marriage rates in New Jersey plummeted over an 11 year period from 1990 to 2011, but have made a slight comeback over the past few years.

Disha Raychaudhuri | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com 

Which teams are the favorites to reach sectional finals come early December?

Sadly, of the 50 U.S. states, a poll ranked the citizens of New Jersey last in terms of patriotism.

By Ted Frett

Being raised by parents of the "Greatest Generation" made it quite routine for me to be patriotic. However, throughout the last several decades it has been easy to see that patriotism in general is fading. 

According to a 2016 Gallup Poll, all major age groups have shown a decline since 2003 in the percentage saying they are extremely proud to be an American. The largest decline has been in young adults, whose "extremely proud" responses declined from 60 percent in 2003 to 34 percent in 2016.

Nowadays, we witness some people burning the American flag, trampling on it or flying it upside down. This is protected under our freedom of speech and expression. In some countries, such activities would land you in jail. 

Some people ignore when the national anthem is played by continuing to hold conversations, not taking off hats or hoods, or not standing still. It seems that to some, it is "not cool" to be patriotic. In a recent article by Richie Bernardo on WalletHub.com titled "2017's Most Patriotic States in America," the website surveyed people in all 50 states and found those in Virginia to be the most patriotic. Sadly, of the 50 states the citizens of New Jersey were ranked last.

Recently, I got a shot of patriotic adrenaline when I visited part of Audubon in Camden County. As I traveled along Lafayette and Yale avenues, I was amazed at how many residences were flying the American flag. Surely, not everyone living in those homes is a patriotic Baby Boomer like me. 

We all know that our country is not perfect. We all have our own special problems and concerns. We are still the world's "melting pot." Even with the recent tightening of our immigration policy, the United States still accepts more permanent immigrants than any other country in the world. 

We are still the top destination where immigrants want to settle. Our many cultures, religions and other beliefs should all be respected as long as they exist under the guidelines of our laws. The important thing is that we are all Americans and are in this life together.

The neighbors of this small section of Audubon should be commended. Seeing all the flags was an uplifting event for me. 

If you ever need a larger shot of patriotic adrenaline, try Sunset Beach in Cape May right before sunset. Since the tragedy of 9/11, our family has flown a flag in front of our shore home every day. The idea has rubbed off on some of our neighbors, which has been great. 

Try it. You may start something.

Thanks again to those residents of Audubon who made my day.

Ted Frett writes from West Deptford Township.

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Warren Wallace praises the state senator during his bid for Senate re-election.

I have written only a handful of letters to the editor during my lifetime. They are limited to subjects that I feel merit an honest perspective. 

State Sen. Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) is a candidate for re-election to his 3rd Legislative District seat in November. He is someone with whom I share an unwavering commitment to public service. 

To cite the late U.S. congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, "(Public) service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth." 

As Sweeney often says, everyone should participate in service to others. 

I have never had reason to question his commitment of service to the  people who he represents. Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments was his vision during the time that he was the county freeholder director in developing the Gloucester County Educational Campus. 

This plan included expanding special education programs, including the county-run Bankbridge School; turning the county vocational-technical high school into a full-day program; and expanding facilities and programs at Rowan College at Gloucester County, formerly Gloucester County College. 

The single area in Deptford Township where these facilities are located is perceived as a contemporary model envied by other counties throughout our state. Sweeney is truly a visionary, and an advocate and friend of education.

This reminds me of a quote from Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady: "A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be."

Steve Sweeney has consistently demonstrated that he is a great leader and committed to serving the residents of New Jersey. He is, without question deserving of re-election.

Warren S. Wallace, Washington Township 

Editor's note: The writer, with a doctorate in education, has a counseling practice. 

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White was found guilty of death by auto in the case earlier this year, but a judge ordered a new trial and then she struck a plea deal

SALEM -- A woman who was found guilty of death by auto in a 2015 crash, but had the conviction tossed, has reached a deal so she won't spend any time in jail.

Paulette R. White was sentenced to five years of probation and one year of electronic monitoring for her role in a crash which killed a motorcycle driver, court authorities say.

The Salem County Prosecutor's Office agreed to let White, 68, of Bridgeton, plead guilty to a lesser charge of assault by auto, instead of the more serious death by auto in the July 17, 2015 crash in Salem County.

White was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Linda Lawhun on Friday.

The sentence called for the probation and 364 days in the county jail, but that time is allowed to be served with White on electronic monitoring, so she actually won't be behind bars.

The deal came as White appeared headed for a retrial in the case.

In April, White had been found guilty of death by auto, but at her scheduled sentencing in late June Superior Court Benjamin Telsey ordered a retrial after saying the instructions the jury had received from him were flawed.

Death-by-auto charge in bicyclist's death

The case dates back to July 17, 2015 when White was driving a BMW northbound on Route 77 in Upper Pittsgrove Township.

White was attempting to pass slow-moving vehicles, when her car collided with a southbound motorcycle operated by Isaac Rivera-Alfonso, of Bridgeton.

Rivera-Alfonso, 29, was thrown from his motorcycle and died shortly afterward at a local hospital.

White was originally charged with reckless driving, making an unsafe lane change, improper passing and obstructing passage of other vehicles, but the death by auto charge was added after Rivera-Alfonso died.

At her original sentencing date, White's defense attorney David C. Branco argued she should be kept out of jail as her case was appealed.

Salem County Assistant Prosecutor Michael J. Forte had opposed the request and asked for the sentencing to move forward.

But Telsey, who had presided over her April trial, said the jury had not been properly instructed in what it should consider in determining White's fate.

"If I can't ensure the fairness of a trial then this whole system breaks down," Telsey said.

Officials said Deanna Joseph, 39, was high in the car when her daughter died in her car seat.

A look at where New Jersey alums are stating the 2017 season.

An Alloway Township man was killed when his motorcycle collided with a car in Quinton Township.

QUINTON TWP. -- The man who died in a motorcycle crash Saturday in Salem County has been identified as a 60-year-old Alloway Township resident.

Roger Harmon was killed in the crash at the intersection of Route 49, also known as Quinton-Marlboro Road, and Telegraph Road, according to Trooper Lawrence Peele, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police.

Harmon was driving eastbound on Route 49 on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and collided with a Nissan Altima driven by 25-year-old Salem resident at the intersection with Telegraph Road.

The Nissan was traveling southbound on Telegraph Road.

Harmon was thrown from the motorcycle when it struck the passenger front side of the Nissan, Peele said.

He was taken to Inspira Medical Center, Vineland, where he was pronounced dead, according to Peele.

The driver of the Nissan and his two passengers did not require medical treatment, Peele said.

No charges had been filed as of late Tuesday and the crash remains under investigation, Peele said.

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

This will mark the 46th year of the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival organized by the Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music.

PILESGROVE TWP. -- Bluegrass is often described as true American music by those who love, perform and work keep the sound alive.

"It's the kind of music you have to hear, especially live, to fully appreciate it," said Carl Goldstein, a founder and chairman of the Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music.

On Labor Day Weekend music lovers converge Sept. 1 through 3 at the Salem Country Fairgrounds for the 46^th annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival.

Goldstein, who is also director of the festival now in its 46^th year, says over the three-day event some 6,000 music enthusiasts are expected to visit.

The interest in bluegrass and other traditional American music is growing, Goldstein said.

As for the appeal of bluegrass, Goldstein believes "the earthiness" is a big draw. "It has a sound that is very unique to people on different levels."

Founded by the Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music, the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival was first held in 1972 in Bear, Del., before moving to the Salem County Fairgrounds in 1990.

With its long history of featuring some of the most important performers in bluegrass, the festival was recognized as the International Bluegrass Music Association's Event of the Year in 2016. Organizers were especially honored with the award, they say, because the festival is produced by all volunteers.

This year's headliners are the Del McCoury Band and Asleep at the Wheel, presenting two different, but unique sounds, organizers say.

Del McCoury represents the very traditional branch of bluegrass music, providing some very high-energy performances. The band has been a regular at the festival for years.

Asleep at the Wheel, although not a bluegrass band, performs Western Swing music, sort of a Big Band sound, which was developed in the Southwestern United States in the 1930s and 1940s, according to Goldstein. Asleep at the Wheel is one of the few bands touring and performing the music.

Best of bluegrass found in South Jersey

While the focus of the event is on bluegrass and "old time" music, Goldstein says the festival organizers are sure to present different forms of music, such as that fro Asleep at the Wheel.

In the past, Goldstein noted, there have been traditional country music performances along with performances of Cajun music and French Canadian music at the festival.

"We really like to put variety in our programs and include other forms of traditional music," Goldstein said.

Among the other acts scheduled to perform this year on the main stage include The Becky Buller Band, Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass, Charm City Junction, The Grascals, the Tuesday Mountain Boys, Bob Amos & Catamount Crossing, Big Country Bluegrass, Foghorn Stringband, Blue Highway, Flatt Lonesome, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, April Verch Band and the Gibson Brothers,

The festival not only presents acts on stage, but there are many other activities including music workshops and even classes on clogging.

A children's academy held during the weekend teaches participants to play instruments. The attendees take the main stage Sunday to show off what they have learned.

Many of the music lovers camp at the fairgrounds for the entire three-day event, often holding impromptu jam sessions.

Tickets are available for single day or full event admission and prices are listed on the event's website at www.delawarevalleybluegrass.org.

The fairgrounds are located at 735 U.S. Route 40 in Pilesgrove Township, just west of Cowtown.

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

Three of the fires early Tuesday involved vehicles in Carneys Point Township neighborhoods.

CARNEYS POINT TWP. -- Authorities are investigating four suspicious fires -- three involving vehicles -- that took place within a half hour early Tuesday.

All of the fires in the same area were the work of an arsonist say police who are asking for the public's help in solving the case.

According to Carneys Point police, the first fire involved a vehicle on Regional Drive at 1:56 a.m. 

The second call came at 2:14 a.m. for a trash bin fire next to a house on Wisteria Lane, authorities said. Also around 2:14 a.m. a vehicle fire was discovered on Dixie Drive.

Then came a call at 2:23 a.m. for a vehicle fire on Harold Street, police said.

Man charged in market armed robbery

In the first two vehicle fires, the blaze was started in the area of the gas caps. In the last, the fire was set at the rear of the vehicle.

In all cases, the fires damaged the vehicles, according to Carneys Point Chief of Police Gerald Krivda.

The chief said Wednesday police have leads in the case, but are asking for help from anyone who saw someone suspicious or has surveillance video which may show something in the areas where the fires took place.

Anyone having information should contact Det. Matthew Petrutz at 856-299-1356. Those providing tips will remain anonymous, the chief said.

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

In appreciation of the people who work hard.

The first job I had that involved a paycheck and time clock was at the Holiday Inn in Vineland.

I started in housekeeping, which involved a lot of vacuuming, trash emptying and window cleaning. The motel had a bar/nightclub, which was quite popular on Friday and Saturday nights. And, I was charged with cleaning up assorted messes left by folks after their night on the town.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

The bathrooms in the nightclub were, well, let's just say "interesting." The aftereffects of a night out could be found in and around the commodes, sinks and stalls. Lipstick messages, I found, were particularly difficult to clean off a mirror, especially when the chief housekeeper was expecting squeaky clean. And, the chief housekeeper always demanded squeaky clean bathroom facilities. Oh, and back then, we weren't issued protective gloves or facemasks.

I must say that that job was a valuable one. I gained a weekly paycheck, yes, but more importantly, I gained an appreciation for the people who work hard to make sure places we visit are clean and well-maintained.

Here's a gallery of working people in New Jersey, with a particular shout-out to those folks who have to work when everyone else is relaxing. And here are some more galleries of people at work in New Jersey from the past.

Vintage photos of jobs and workers in N.J.

Vintage photos of working people in N.J.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Here's a roundup of recent home sales in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties.

 

ALLOWAY TWP.

-- 50 Holly Trail, Harold W. Snyder by attorney and Lee P. Snyder to Justin Cardinal for $210,000.

CARNEYS POINT TWP.

-- 418 Erie Ave., Robert H. and Dorothy M. Morgan to Richard Dixon III for $175,000.

-- 246 G St., Department of Veteran Affairs to Jesse Sinigaglio for $13,750.

-- 102 W. Main St., Castle 2016 LLC to Wayne L. Hileman for $12,900.

DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 803 Bridgeton Ave., Janice L. and Myron K. Shumate to Tyler S. Shumate for $175,000.

DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 226 Sal Corma Place, Fernmoor Homes at Deptford LLC to Collette Branco for $207,000.

EAST GREENWICH TWP.

-- 178 Greenview Court, Scott R. and Loreen Hilton Sr. to Frank A. and Michelle M. Rossetti for $489,000.

-- 561 Hereford Lane, Valerie A. Harchuck to Jane F. Bowen for $385,000.

ELK TWP.

-- 234 Hollywood Ave., Fannie Mae to Estrella Rowan for $160,000.

-- 710 Webster Dr., Althea and Larry Pretlow to Timothy R. King for $227,000.

FAIRFIELD TWP.

-- 13 George St., Joshua L. Harrington to Amy L. Criss for $161,000.

FRANKLIN TWP.

-- 1628 Fries Mill Road, John P. Yetman, administrator to Melissa Goyette for $200,000.

-- 110 Lewis Court, Deutsche Bank National Trust Company to Gino Atencio for $184,219.

GLASSBORO

-- 182 Field Loop, D.R. Horton Inc. to Helen A. Bickett for $307,710.

HARRISON TWP.

-- Edwin E. and Wanda D. Gibson to Rocco P. Aquino and Kaitlyn M. Cisero for $377,500.

Vineland property sells for $2.8M

MANTUA TWP.

-- 113 Horseshoe Dr., Lori A. Schaeffer to Steven and Kathleen Maloney to $280,000.

MILLVILLE

-- 241 Burns Road, Sharron L. Farish, attorney to Mark Hayhurst for $115,000.

-- 123 Cottage St., Harold N. and Mollie E. Germain to Marie J. Andrews for $208,000.

MONROE TWP.

-- Jackson Road, The Township of Monroe to Coles Mill Land LLC for $125,000.

-- 949 Mannington Dr., Samuel and Carmen Castro to Brooke and Eric Albohn for $314,000.

OLDMANS TWP.

-- 28 Pedricktown Road, Shemini Real Estate Inc. to JPB Properties LLC for $74,000.

-- 7 Pennsville-Pedricktown Road, Lion Property Management Inc. to JPB Properties LLC for $41,000.

-- 150 Pennsville-Pedricktown Road, Martin M. and Trudy P. Hulse to Gerald B. and Hilary L. Salyards Jr. for $320,000.

-- 114 N. Railroad Ave., Gerald B. and Hilary L. Salyards to Matthew Perrine for $170,000.

-- 49 Pennsville-Pedricktown Road, Lisa A. Talarico, executrix, Judith E. Kille, William K. Kille and Edwin D. Kille to Francis and Lisa A. Talarico for $100,000.

PENNS GROVE

-- 189 S. Broad St., Bayview Loan Servicing LLC to Ciro Sanchez-Martinez for $14,000.

PENNSVILLE TWP.

-- 209 Highland Ave., Curry and Sons Construction LLC to Jonathan S. and Laura J. Phillips for $145,000.

-- 62 Benson Ave., Albert C. and Kathleen J. Graeber to Jimmy Morales for $187,000.

-- 65 E. Pittsfield St., Gene K. Cagle to Curry and Sons Construction LLC for $15,000.

PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- 704 Buck Road, Brian and Megan Wasilewski to Shane D. and Ashley D. Morgan for $205,000.

UPPER DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 778 Landis Av., Mand LLC to Bridgeton DG LLC for $230,000.

-- 78 Orillia Dr., Joseph and Kimberly Chambers to Katherine S. and Richard A. Bond for $249,300.

VINELAND

-- 56 W. Birch St., Edward L. Gatier, attorney to Tiffany Davis and Jarius Pernell for $138,900.

-- 1694 W. Walnut Road, Federal Home Loan Mortgage to Cynthia D. Bluitt for $150,000.

-- 41 W. Montrose St., T-Ray Investments LLC to Jessica Gonzalez for $145,000.

-- 82 Arcadia Place, B&B LLC to Shaun P. Land for $147,500.

-- 1319 W. Cornell St., Eriberto Cruz, attorney, to Daniel Gonzalez for $125,000.

-- 1427 N. Main Road, Mildred L. Crescenzo by attorney to Olga Soto Cruz and Cristino Morales Ramos for $147,000.

-- 2102 E. Oak Road, Landmark Development No. 2 LLC to Christopher Lara for $165,900.

-- 2899 Oslo Court, CDDB Properties LLC to Nathan L. Boone II and Shamyra S. Ware for $161,000.

-- 2114 W. Garden Road, 2114 Garden Road LLC to Z&D Realty LLC for $225,000.

-- 902 Bradford Dr., Chaplin Clarke to Kaishanta Gowie for $123,000.

-- 1320 N. West Ave., Aida L. Maldonado and Rolando Valdez to Joseph W. Phillips for $157,000.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- 5 Pembrook Road, Timothy and Diane Kaisnger to Michael T. Truszkowski for $250,000.

-- 7 Kim Court, John L and Sharon L. Winter to Robert and Amy Pavone for $284,000.

-- 12 Saddlebrook Dr., John C. and Jean M. Fleming to James and Sandra Reuling for $285,100.

-- 41 Ptolemy Court, Nancy P. and James Ronga to David M. Breen for $100,000.

WEST DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 110 Lionheart Lane, Daniel and Theresa Nichols to Oscar A. Parra for $145,000.

WOODSTOWN

-- 277 Bailey St., U.S. Bank National Association to T&S Matteo Properties LLC for $47,324.

WOOLWICH TWP.

-- Russell Mill Road and Swedesboro-Harrisonville Road, Woolwich Investors LLC to Bryan Tamm for $168,750.

-- 15 Longleaf Lane, NVR Inc. to Samraat Reddy Chelamacherla Anand and Ashalata L. Reddy for $356,850.

-- 105 Maple Hill Dr., Joseph A. and Rebecca A. Sigado to Jon and Kristin Marie Reagan for $362,000.

South Jersey Times may be reached at sjnews@njadvancemedia.com. Follow us on Twitter @theSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Are you ready for kickoff?

Deanna J. Joseph was allegedly high while her 2-year-old daughter, secured in a car seat, died Saturday night.

SALEM -- The mom accused of being high on heroin and passed out while her daughter died in a car seat is now facing numerous drug and weapons charges, authorities said Thursday.

Deanna J. Joseph, 39, was originally charged with endangering the welfare of a child after her 2-year-old daughter was found dead, still secured in a car seat, on Timberman Road in Alloway Township late Saturday.

The child somehow injured herself in the car seat, though police are still investigating how she died, authorities said.

"It appeared the child was confined in a car seat for an extended period of time while the mother was under the influence of drugs, and may have injured herself in the car seat," Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan said after Joseph's arrest.

A history of drug use, child abuse

New charges against Joseph include multiple weapons and heroin and crack cocaine possession counts.

The new complaints filed against Joseph say investigators found a Sterling Arms Mark II .380-caliber handgun in the trunk of her car. The handgun had a defaced serial number, the complaint said.

Investigators also found heroin in the vehicle and crack cocaine in Joseph's purse, according to the new complaints. She also had drug paraphernalia, the court papers said.

The items were located after search warrants were executed by authorities. Several of the new charges are second-degree offenses.

A past conviction of endangering the welfare of a child disqualified Joseph from legally possessing a weapon, authorities said. Joseph's drug and child neglect convictions date back to 1997.

Authorities have said Joseph went to purchase heroin, used the drug and then drove around Saturday in her white Mercedes with the 2-year-old strapped in her car seat.

Joseph then parked the vehicle "for an unspecified amount of time," authorities said. The toddler was later found dead in the car with her mother, authorities said.

Officials said Thursday they were still waiting for the results of an autopsy to determine the girl's cause of death. The girl so far has only been identified by authorities by her initials, K.F.

Joseph remains in the Salem County jail.

She appeared via video from the jail for her initial appearance in Superior Court on Monday. The judge ordered she remain behind bars until a formal detention hearing.

Originally set for Thursday, that hearing has now been rescheduled at the request of prosecutors for Sept. 6, court officials said.

Prosecutors are expected to ask she remain jailed until trial.

Salem County officials denied a request by NJ Advance Media to release the call or calls made to the county 911 center asking for help for the little girl the night she died.

The 911 call was made from the Timberman Road property which Joseph owns, authorities said. Emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene at 9:42 p.m. Saturday for the report of an infant in cardiac arrest.

CPR was performed on the child, but she was delcared dead at 10:02 p.m.

Both the prosecutor's office and New Jersey State Police are investigating the case.

"This is an active and ongoing investigation," Lenahan said Thursday. "The state police are devoting a tremendous amount of resources to this case." 

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

The Cooper Health system will include Cooper University Hospital, Lourdes Health Care's two hospitals and St. Francis in Trenton.

TRENTON -- Cooper University Health announced Thursday it plans to acquire three Catholic hospitals in central and south Jersey, creating the fourth largest healthcare chain in a state in which mergers have become routine business.

Cooper Board Chairman George Norcross said the planned acquisition will create a $2 billion entity stretching from Mercer to Atlantic counties, employing 12,000, not including a network of 875 doctors. 

The takeover of Trinity Health hospitals -- Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, Lourdes Medical Center at Burlington in Willingboro and St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton -- cements Cooper's dominance in the south Jersey health care market, Norcross said. Together with Cooper's 635-bed flagship hospital in Camden, the chain would operate 1,382 beds. 

Cooper's footprint has been growing in earnest in recent years, with the creation of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in 2012, and the partnership with renowned cancer hospital MD Anderson in 2013.

 "This agreement will bring together health care providers from across south and central New Jersey, allowing us to dramatically expand access to the high quality of care for thousands of new patients," according to a statement from Norcross, who is also known as one of the most influential political power brokers in the state.

"Since its founding 130 years ago, Cooper has always been committed to providing the best care possible for its community," Norcross's statement state. "With this announcement, the size of our community may expand, but the high quality of care will remain the same."

Another N.J. hospital merger is complete as JFK joins large chain

In New Jersey and across the country, the Affordable Care Act has driven mergers and acquisitions because the landmark health care law requires hospitals and doctors to focus on outpatient treatment and to curb long hospital stays.

Mergers also give cover to smaller hospitals, shoring up their negotiating power with insurance companies, and giving them access to money to make building and other capital improvements, New Jersey Hospital Association spokeswoman Kerry McKean Kelly said.

Ben Carter, executive vice president of Trinity Health said in a statement that the merger ensures "Lourdes and St. Francis will remain in good hands."

"In today's health care environment in New Jersey, continuing success for Lourdes and St. Francis depends on being part of a growing regional network with a strong presence in local communities," Carter added. 

In the last two years, Robert Wood Johnson University Health and Barnabas Health merged, creating the largest hospital and medical provider chain in New Jersey. Hackensack and Meridian also partnered up, creating the second largest hospital system. 

"It is probably inevitable that Cooper would make some acquisitions, the trend toward consolidation is ongoing throughout the region," said Katherine Hempstead, a senior advisor and health care expert at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "It is in particular very difficult for small independent hospitals to stay afloat without becoming part of a system."

The Virtua Health system, with three hospitals and many outpatient facilities, is Cooper biggest rival, although Kennedy University Hospital's three facilities in Cherry Hill, Washington Township and Stratford and Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills also share the market, Hempstead said.

Cooper's "combined system will have a lot of market share in Camden and Burlington counties," she added. "I wonder whether there will be some regulatory pushback."

The merger must be approved by the Christie administration and may be reviewed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Linda Schwimmer, president and CEO of the Health Care Quality Institute of New Jersey, said she saw the merger as a great deal for Trenton residents who have little local access to obstetrical care.

"I think it presents a really good opportunity for the Trenton community. You have an inquiring entity that has a lot of experience serving the needs of a city with serious economic challenges," said Schwimmer said, referring to Cooper's involvement in Camden. 

The deal, if consummated, will preserve the hospitals Trinity operates, Schwimmer added.

"It's been a not-so-well-kept secret Trinity has been talking to various entities about selling or some other arrangement," she said. "I think it's good they are committed to putting resources" into the hospitals, especially Trenton.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.