As we approach the end of 2022, we take a look back at the memorable stories that made it to the pages of Suburban.
New Jersey Supreme Court Uses Rarely Used Power to Overturn Michelle Lodzinski’s Conviction for Her Son’s 1991 Murder – https://centraljersey.com/2021/12/29/new-jersey-supreme-court-uses-rarely-invoked-power-to-overturn-michelle-lodzinskis-conviction-of-murdering-her-young-son -1991/
In 2016, a jury found Michelle Lodzinski guilty of murdering her 5-year-old son Timothy Wiltsey in 1991. In a surprising turn of events, the New Jersey Supreme Court exercised a “rarely exercised” power and overturned Lodzinski’s ruling 4-3 on December 28, 2021.
Now she is a free woman.
Ukrainian refugees found “refuge” in Stary Most; residents of the district are organizing a humanitarian action – https://centraljersey.com/2022/04/01/ukrainian-refugees-find-refuge-in-old-bridge-residents-organize-humanitarian-effort/?amp
The words “get together quickly, we’re going” shook sisters Lena and Marina Barsukova in the morning of February 26.
Two days earlier, Russia invaded Ukraine, which has since driven millions of Ukrainians from their homes.
It was their father Zhenya who called his daughters to meet him at the Polish border. He was traveling when the war started.
The sisters, along with Lena’s two-year-old son, fled their home in central Ukraine with only the essentials in the direction of the western part of the country towards Poland, a 500-mile journey. Others were with them, including Zhanna Stetsun.
In March, Lena, Marina and Zhanna shared their story with Prigorodny, who stayed with Stetsun’s son Misha and his family in Stary Most.
Middlesex County DA: Sayreville Democratic Party Chairman Allegedly Accepted Bribes From Business – https://centraljersey.com/2022/09/01/middlesex-county-prosecutor-sayreville-borough-democratic-chairman-allegedly-accepted-cash-bribes-from-business/
Thomas W. Poland, a veteran of Sayreville politics and former chairman of the Sayreville District Democratic Organization, was charged with allegedly accepting “several thousand dollars” in bribes, according to Middlesex County District Attorney Yolanda Ciccone.
He was charged with receiving an illegal benefit by a public official in the second degree.
Previously serving as president of the Sayreville County Council, Palando is currently vice chairman of the Middlesex County Planning Board and longtime president of the Sayreville Athletic Association.
He also holds a seat on the Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Authority and currently works for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
Palanda has since retired from his many roles in the community.
