Camden County Office of Emergency Management issues “Code Blue”

The Camden County Office of Emergency Management declared that Camden County will be under a Code Blue Advisory from for the following dates and times due to projected dangerously low temperatures by the National Weather Service:

Wednesday February 4, 7:00 a.m. – Monday February 9, 7:00 a.m.

• Projected temperature: Below freezing throughout the timeframe.

Code Blue Advisories are declared when the National Weather Service predicts that the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or the wind chill temperature will be zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower for a period of two hours or more.

“As temperatures fall to dangerously low levels, it is critical that our residents have access to a safe place to stay warm,” said Commissioner Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Safety. “We urge everyone to check in on vulnerable neighbors, ensure heating systems are working properly, and bring pets indoors.”

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Washington Township High School Alumna Nominated for College Television Awards

Washington Township High School alumna Ava Scott has been nominated for the Television Academy Foundation’s 45 ^th College Television Awards. The annual awards show recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges nationwide. Winners in the competition will be announced by television stars at thered carpet awards ceremony on March 28, 2026, at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California.

Scott, along with classmates at Montclair State University, received a nomination in the News category for her work as a director, producer and writer on a project titled FOCUS: Our Mental Health.

FOCUS: Our Mental Health, a 30-minute special from Montclair’s FOCUS team, explores practical approaches to mental wellness, including music, physical activity and mindful eating. The project focused on how Gen Z is tackling mental health wellness on campus. The episode also highlights campus resources for students needing support. It premiered April 23, 2025, on Montclair State’s official streaming platform, Hawk Plus.

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Philadelphia Zoo Announces New Valentine’s Events, Date Experiences and Behind Scenes Tours

* Philadelphia Zoo launches new experiences and gifts to make this February at the Zoo unforgettable *

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W. Girard) invites couples, families and friends to the Zoo this February to celebrate the season of love and friendship with a brand-new lineup of limited-time experiences and special offers all month long. The Zoo has the perfect way for animal lovers to say “I love you” to those most dear to them. Bring your sweetheart (or bestie) to the Zoo Valentine’s Day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for the new Valentine’s Day Weekend Date Package with two admission tickets, two adult drinks plus a meet-and-greet with an ambassador animal and a takeaway gift created by one of them. On Saturday and Sunday of Valentine’s Weekend, enjoy special Valentine’s Day Animal Enrichment Around the Zoo. Sweeten your Valentine’s Day with Valentine’s Day itself with Cupcake Decorating with one large cupcake with icing, and a variety of toppings to choose from. Every weekend of February, take a romantic ride on the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, a new 110 feet tall ride with breathtaking scenes of the Zoo, city skyline, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia Art Museum and beyond. Enjoy 20% off all February Behind-the-Scenes Experiences for those wanting a truly once-in-a-lifetime memory together with your favorite animals. Plus, give the gift that makes an impact and will be remembered all year with adopting an animal, with packages that include a Valentine’s Plushy and adoption certificate. All packages, events and tickets are now on the Zoo website at philadelphiazoo.org/news/valentines-day-deals/
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Francis J. Firlein, 75, of Westville

On January 30th, 2026, at the age of 75. Of Westville. Formerly of Gloucester City. Loving and devoted husband of 53 years to Donna M. Firlein (nee Thomas). Loving father of Bryan Firlein and his wife Stacy, and the late Toni Renee Firlein. Cherished grandfather of Aiden, Ruby, Rory and Kelce. Dear brother of Joanne Renner (Matt) and Robert Firlein (Elizabeth).

Fran was raised in Gloucester City by his late parents, Francis and Myrtle Firlein (née Cunningham). He was a proud graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of 1969 and proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Fran retired as a lineman from Verizon after more than 40 years of dedicated service. He was a longtime coach and volunteer for Westville athletics, especially baseball, softball, and soccer, giving generously of his time to support local youth. A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, Fran also loved spending Father’s Day at Delaware Park enjoying the horse races and 17 years at the EHRRT Campground. He was happiest when surrounded by his grandchildren.

Our hearts are broken as we had to say goodbye to Fran. He was a kind, gentle soul and best friend. We will continue to reflect on all the wonderful memories of him as we grieve this tremendous loss.

At Fran’s request, services were held privately.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Francis J. Firlein. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Francis J. Firlein, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

GLOUCESTER CITY HOUSING/ZONING OFFICE CLOSED TEMPORARILY

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Housing/Zoning office is closed temporarily. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our team works diligently to reschedule all inspections and appointments as quickly as possible. We will keep all the community informed as soon as we have more information.

For emergent housing matters only: please email williamgallagher@cityofgloucester.org

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support of our Housing Department.

City Administrator and Chief Brian Morrell
Gloucester City Mayor and Council

Cooper University Health Care Launches a Mobile Unit for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Cooper University Health Care Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Support vehicle with Internal Medicine APN Kimberly Young (black scrubs) and Innovative Delivery Clinical Practices Specialist Jaclyn Cauley (blue scrubs) outside the Cooper Cherry Hill, NJ campus, September 5, 2025.

Cooper University Health Care has launched a Mobile Unit as part of its Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Program, designed to meet the unique health care needs of individuals with IDD. The innovative unit delivers high-quality, compassionate primary care directly to patients’ homes, community residences, and group homes across Southern New Jersey.

Developed in response to the growing demand for accessible, person-centered care, the Mobile Unit helps remove barriers that often make traditional office visits challenging for individuals with IDD. By bringing care directly to patients, the program ensures comprehensive primary care in a familiar, supportive environment.

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HOME COUNTRY: Don’t look at me … Steve started it.

Don’t look at me … Steve started it. Oh yes, it’s still us, the supreme court of coffee and anything ridiculous. And yes, we’re ensconced once again within the hallowed halls of the Mule Barn coffee shop. Just about like every morning. But today, Steve, our beloved ranch cowboy and fine-feathered farrier, broke into song to bring back memories of high remote camps, log-sitting around fires, and trips to town and whatever girls we might scare up.

From his end of the counter, Steve began, “Oh, you don’t know what lonesome is, ‘til you start herdin’ co-o-o-o-o-ws!”

And there has to be at least five o’s in cows or it doesn’t count. Yep, that lack of attention to detail would automatically brand this as coming from someone on the radio, but with a long-drawn out cows ….. most of us knew the source. Not Doc and Herb, as they didn’t share the same history of bunkhouse life the rest of us shared some 40 years back.

The rest of were laughing so hard at the memories that we couldn’t swallow coffee. Windy spilled his all over the sugar packets.

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Wanted: Suspect for Shooting Incident in the 15th District [VIDEO]

Burton E. Smith, 87, of Audubon

Burton E. Smith, 87, of Audubon, NJ and formerly of Haddon Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026.

Burton was the beloved husband of the late Elaine Smith, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He was a devoted father to Thomas B. Smith (Lisa) of Audubon, New Jersey, and a proud grandfather to Zach Smith (Katie) and Holly Schneider (Troy). He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Emilia Smith.

Burton is fondly remembered by his special niece, Barb Baumgartner (Marty), and her children, Mike and Jeannine, who held a close place in his heart, as well as by many other nieces and nephews.

Burton found joy in life’s simple pleasures—cheering on the Phillies, listening to 1950s doo-wop music, and spending hours immersed in word searches. He enjoyed casino trips trying his luck at the slot machines and never missed the importance of getting a lottery ticket every Sunday morning, a small tradition he looked forward to each week.

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Camden County Library System celebrates Black History Month

Every year, to celebrate Black History Month, the Camden County Library System hosts workshops, artistic activities, discussions and more, for both youth and adults to learn about the rich culture and history of Black people in America.

“Black History Month provides us with the opportunity to celebrate and recognize the impact that Black Americans have had on our society, and their contributions to our communities,” Commissioner Jonathan Young said. “Throughout February, the Camden County Library System offers a wide range of educational, artistic, and social programs for all ages that highlights the Black community and its rich history. I encourage everyone to join us for a month full of learning and honoring Black History Month at the Camden County Library.”

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