As we come to the end of 2025 and look forward to the new year, here’s a look back at Delran’s top stories.
K-9 Ron with his handler, officer Tyler Malia, and Delran High senior Tyler Grose, whose design was selected for the animal’s police patch.
Welcome, K-9 Ron
His tongue was out, his breathing was hard and his tail was wagging.
With his handler officer Tyler Malia by his side, K-9 Ron was excited. He raised his right paw – or tried to – as township Mayor Barnes Hutchins administered his oath of office at an Oct. 28 council meeting.
“I, K-9 Ron, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully, impartially, without fear, favor or affection, justly perform my duties as Police K-9 officer for the Township of Delran,” Hutchins – as Ron – announced. “… I further swear and affirm that I will protect and serve the citizens of Delran, assist my handler in enforcing the law, find illegal drugs and be a goodwill ambassador for the Delran Township Police Department to the best of my ability.
“So help me God.”
The department introduced K-9 Ron to the public in a Facebook post on Sept. 24. The animal – the force’s narcotics detection and community policing canine – was a rescue from the Minneapolis Animal Care Center and donated to police.
“As NJ Transit assumes full operation of the River LINE, we felt it was necessary to bring leadership back before the public to share its improvement plan and outline any progress made since our last meeting,” said state Sen. Troy Singleton, who hosted a meeting on the line.
River LINE service update
In an effort to “strengthen and enhance the future” of the River LINE light rail system, NJ Transit assumed all responsibility for the operation of the service near the end of the year.
NJ Transit and Alstom – the current River LINE operator – released a joint statement about changes that began on Sept. 3.
“NJ Transit and Alstom are committed to providing safe and reliable service for our customers on the River LINE,” the statement noted, adding that the two agencies have worked closely together to assess the line’s conditions.
“This mutually agreed decision reflects the evolving investment needs of the service,” the statement added, “which have grown beyond the current scope of Alstom’s contract covering River LINE operations and maintenance.
“This transition will enable NJ Transit to be best positioned to shape and implement the next steps that will strengthen and enhance the future of the service.”
There are 11 River LINE stations in the county that run along Bordentown City, Bordentown Township, Florence, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Beverly, Delanco, Edgewater Park, Delran, Riverside, Riverton, Cinnaminson and Palmyra.
A second public meeting hosted by state Sen. Troy Singleton on Nov. 13 focused on River LINE service reliability, accountability, communication and safety. NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri was there.
Inside Dooney’s Pub in Delran two months ago, contestants belted out songs for the township’s first 08075 Can Sing.
08075 Can Sing
Inside Dooney’s Pub in May, contestants belted out songs for Delran’s first 08075 Can Sing.
Participants were scored on vocals, stage presence, costume and audience appreciation.
“For the first 08075 Can Sing, we had some of the most incredible talent you’ve ever seen and the judges had a really tough time, but we were able to select three of the finest, most amazing singers we’ve seen,” Mayor Barnes Hutchins said.
Chase Mailhiot, 12, of Moorestown, came out on top, and two runners up, Nathalia Teixeira, 17, and Nygel Wells, 25, took second and third, respectively.
Hutchins and members of township council presented the top singers with an award of achievement at a meeting in June. And they took center stage and opened Delran’s Night Out on Aug. 5. Teixeira and Wells, both township residents, performed one song each and Mailhiot performed a 20-minute set.
The American Red Cross cut the ribbon on its fourth donation center in Delran on March 11, with state Sen. Troy Singleton, Assemblyman Roy Frieman, donors and Red Cross volunteers and employees on hand.
Donation of life
The statistics are jarring: Every two seconds, somebody in the U.S. needs blood.
“Donated blood is perishable,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO of American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets only five days, so they must constantly be replenished.”
Now interested donors have a new fixed site to donate: The Red Cross cut the ribbon on its fourth donation center in Delran, on March 11. State Sen. Troy Singleton, Assemblyman Roy Frieman, donors and Red Cross volunteers and employees on hand.
The new site joins Pennsauken, Princeton and Fairfield donation centers in the state. It is collecting blood and platelet donations for patients, such as those battling cancer, accident victims, transplant recipients and those with sickle cell disease.
