Good morning, South Jersey.
Local farmers are getting creative to recoup costs from lost crops after a devastating April freeze.
Read more Exploding lithium-ion batteries are blamed for fires in area junkyards and drop in port traffic
And scrapyard operators are saying the rise of lithium-ion batteries in appliances is the cause of recent fires.
Plus, Camden County experienced intense flooding and about 1,000 emergency calls because of Monday morning’s thunderstorms, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen ([email protected])
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How farmers are making it work
The freeze in April destroyed crops across the Northeast, with New Jersey’s estimated losses hitting at least $300 million. It’s why the state secured a disaster declaration that allows farmers in every county to be eligible for emergency federal loans.
Even with the help, farmers are finding creative ways to survive until next year. Their tactics include:
🫐 The promotion of frozen fruit
🍒 Higher prices
🌺 More reliance on U-pick cut flowers
“Everybody is kind of in the same boat,” said a Sewell farm owner who planted pumpkins early to make up for wiped-out peaches. “Just support your local farm. We’ll recover.”
Reporters Lacey Latch and Sarah Nicell have the story on how farmers are rushing to adapt.
Exploding lithium-ion batteries
Since Camden city officials halted operations at EMR recycling facility in June after its latest fire, scrap metal has been piling up in the area scrapyards.
To reopen, EMR CEO Joseph W. Balzano agreed to pay the city $4.5 million upfront and an additional $2.2 million over the next five years in a proposed settlement. City Council is set to review the proposal this evening.
Scrap dealers are pointing the finger at lithium-ion batteries, which are often found in lawn movers, construction tools, and household appliances as the cause of the fires.
“It’s the biggest issue all recyclers face,” Balzano said. “Regulations need to be put in place that keep these batteries out of commerce.”
Meanwhile, New Jersey lawmakers are pushing bills to track such batteries and regulate scrapyards.
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The Inquirer’s Joe DiStefano explains the impact on yards around the region.
What to know today
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The City of Camden received 90 service calls and the County had about 1,000 calls because of Monday morning’s intense rainfall. Much of the region also experienced extensive flooding. Despite the downpours, the region is still in a drought and all of New Jersey remains under a state-declared drought “warning.”
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Heavy rainfall on Monday also caused the partial roof collapse of a BJ’s in South Jersey. There were 27 people inside the store and two people were temporarily trapped, according to NBC News.
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Jersey officials say there have been at least 29 heat deaths in the state since last Tuesday, according to WHYY.
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Two women, Ayzia J. Toledo and Henrietta F. Carter, died in a late Sunday night crash on Route 55 in Deptford.
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The Fellowship Alliance Chapel in Medford is planning repairs after a Friday night fire. Although leaders believe a lightning strike sparked the fire, the local fire marshal had not determined an official cause by Monday afternoon.
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Camden, Cherry Hill, and Runnemede are set to have the most roadway projects this week in Camden County. Be mindful of road closures.
🗣️ Quote of the week
Sally Hopkinson learned she was a descendant of Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey, when she was in the fifth grade.
🧠Trivia time
Which New Jersey-based retailer opened its first store on Route 130 in 1972?
A) Spencer’s
B) Burlington
C) ShopRite
D) The Vitamin Shoppe
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
💭 Wondering: If you can name the players who played for both the Sixers and the Celtics.
🍰 Remembering: When renowned South Jersey cake decorator Al DiBartolo and pastry chef Manny Agigian won second place on TLC’s Next Great Baker.
🍴 Touring: Craig LaBan’s latest recommendations at the Shore this year.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Thanks for spending it with The Inquirer. ☀️
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