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Who is Scott Ruskan? NJ Coast Guard officer saves kids at Camp Mystic, Texas flooding

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Who is Scott Ruskan? NJ Coast Guard officer saves kids at Camp Mystic, Texas flooding


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New Jersey native and Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan was sent on his first mission to central Texas to assist with catastrophic flooding during July 4th weekend and is now being dubbed an “American hero.”

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Ruskan, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer from Oxford, New Jersey, is being credited with saving 165 kids and camp counselors from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp where around 200 children were trapped by rising flood waters.

The death toll reached over 100 on July 8 as search and rescue operations continued after heavy rainfall overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, which sent floodwaters through homes and summer camps. President Donald Trump said Monday he plans to visit the ravaged southern state this week.

Here’s what to know about Ruskan, his NJ connection and the latest on the devastating floods.

Who is Scott Ruskan?

Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan is a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer from Oxford Township in Warren County. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, with a minor in Homeland Security Policy, from Rider University in 2021, according to his LinkedIn page. He is a 2017 graduate of Warren Hills High School, who recognized their alumnus in a Facebook post.

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What did Ruskan do?

Scott Ruskan was on his first rescue mission in Texas during the catastrophic floods when he was credited with rescuing 165 people, mostly kids from Camp Mystic, as floodwaters burst through homes and campsites.

Ruskan told Good Morning America he had “about 200 kids all scared and terrified, cold, probably having the worst day of their life,” explaining that he relied on the high-level training he received as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer to bring victims to safety.

Ruskan has been stationed at US Coast Guard Station Corpus Christi, about 210 miles from Kerrville in central Texas, where the Guadalupe River flooded its banks. He told GMA it took nearly six hours to reach the flood zone due to the weather, and once he landed, he was the only certified rescue swimmer on scene at Camp Mystic.

Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, dubbed Ruskan an “American hero” in a post on the X platform, remarking that it was Ruskan’s “first rescue mission of his career and the only triage coordinator on scene.”

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“His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the USCG,” she added.

Where is Oxford NJ?

Oxford, New Jersey, is a township in Warren County and spans just six square miles. It is in the northwest portion of New Jersey and has a population of around 2,400, according to 2020 US Census data.

Camp Mystic updates today

Among those killed in the Texas floods are at least 27 children and counselors from the storied Camp Mystic, a Christian girls camp in Kerr County, Texas, where flooding hit hard during July 4th weekend, according to USA Today. Ten Mystic campers and one counselor remained unaccounted for as of Tuesday morning, July 8.

Texas flood death toll

The death toll in the Texas floods was at least 104 people, including at least 27 children and counselors from Camp Mystic, as of Tuesday morning, according to USA Today, where live updates are being provided.

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When is Trump going to Texas?

President Donald Trump said he would visit Texas on Friday, July 11 as the state reels from devastating floods that left 100 people dead over the July 4th weekend. Trump confirmed his trip with reporters during a White House dinner Monday night with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Texas was just so badly hurt by something that was a big surprise, late in the evening,” Trump said. “So, we’ll be working with the governor and all of the people of Texas. We’ll be going on Friday.”

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.



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New Jersey

Best places for sea glass at the Jersey Shore: Try these hotspots

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Best places for sea glass at the Jersey Shore: Try these hotspots


New Jersey offers some fantastic spots for sea glass hunting, particularly along the Delaware Bay and certain parts of the Atlantic coast.

Here are some of the best places to increase your chances of finding frosted treasures:

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Jersey Shore

  • Barnegat Light: Many sea glass enthusiasts recommend Barnegat Light, especially by the jetty. Look in the sand and around the jetty rocks.
  • Popamora Point Beach (Highlands): A free, clean state park beach with good potential, offering views of the Sandy Hook Bay.
  • Bay Head: This peaceful Ocean County beach has gained a reputation as a great sea glass destination and is often less crowded than other spots.
  • Sandy Hook (Bayside): While the ocean side might not be as fruitful, the bay side of Sandy Hook can yield good results.

South Jersey

  • East Point Beach (Heislerville, Maurice River Township): This hidden gem where the Delaware River and Maurice River meet the bay is excellent. The area has a rich history of glass production and shipwrecks, contributing to the sea glass supply.
  • Higbee Beach (Cape May): Another Delaware Bay gem, known for its rustic feel and good potential for sea glass, pottery shards and old bottles.
  • Sunset Beach (Cape May): This is perhaps the most famous spot in New Jersey for sea glass and for “Cape May Diamonds” (naturally tumbled quartz). The Delaware Bay beaches tend to yield more glass due to historical shipping activity and less intensive beach replenishment compared to some oceanfront areas.
  • Townbank (Cape May): Located on the Delaware Bay and often cited by local hunters for its good finds.

Where to look for sea glass

  • High tide wrack line: This is the line of debris left by the highest tide, often containing shells, driftwood and, yes, sea glass.
  • Rocky or pebbly beaches: Sea glass tumbles and smooths more effectively on beaches with a mix of sand and pebbles or rocks. Heavily raked sandy beaches are generally less productive.
  • Near inlets, bays and historic areas: Areas with historical shipping, fishing or even old dump sites can be great sources of old glass that has been tumbling for decades.
  • Near jetties: These structures can trap debris, including sea glass.

What is sea glass?

Sea glass is essentially nature’s polished gemstone, born from discarded glass that has been transformed by the persistent forces of the ocean. Imagine a broken bottle or piece of tableware tossed into the sea. Instead of remaining a sharp, dangerous shard, it embarks on a multi-decade journey of transformation.

Sea glass occurs in a spectrum of colors, reflecting its original source. Common hues include greens, browns and clear/white, primarily from bottles and jars. Rarer colors like blue, purple, red, orange and yellow are highly prized by collectors, often originating from older or less common glass items such as medicine bottles, insulators or specialized art glass.



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Severe Weather Poised To Pound NJ Easter Sunday

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Severe Weather Poised To Pound NJ Easter Sunday


The Garden State is expected to see a quick shift in weather Easter Sunday, with low clouds and pockets of dense fog in the morning giving way to warmer temperatures and thunderstorms by midday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters note that areas north of a warm front were seeing low clouds and locally dense fog Sunday morning. That front is expected to lift north after daybreak, leading to temperatures in the 60s and 70s later in the morning. The warmer stretch is not expected to last long.

A cold front is forecast to approach by midday, bringing a line of showers and isolated thunderstorms

The National Weather Service said some storms could be strong to severe. A Marginal risk was in place Sunday across the Delmarva region and southern New Jersey.

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According to the weather service, the primary threat with the stronger storms is locally damaging winds. The forecast does not list other threats in the source material provided. Residents in areas included in the Marginal risk may want to keep an eye on changing conditions through the middle of the day as the front moves in.

The setup points to a fast-changing day for people making outdoor plans. Morning fog and low cloud cover are expected to improve after daybreak as the warm front lifts north, but the window for milder weather may be brief before the next system arrives. By midday, showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop along the approaching cold front.

The National Weather Service did not provide a more specific timetable in the source beyond saying the cold front would approach by midday and that the warm front would lift north after daybreak. It also did not identify individual towns expected to see the strongest conditions.

The forecast area highlighted for the stronger storm risk includes southern New Jersey and Delmarva.





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Plainfield apartment complex now leasing near NJ Transit station

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Plainfield apartment complex now leasing near NJ Transit station


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  • A new 100-unit luxury apartment complex, Centurion Sleepy Hollow, is now leasing in Plainfield.
  • The development offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with rents starting in the low $2,000s.
  • Located at 1222 South Ave., the building is within walking distance of the NJ Transit Netherwood station.
  • Amenities include a fitness center, yoga studio, media room, and an outdoor terrace with grilling stations.

PLAINFIELD – A new residential development is bringing luxury living and modern convenience to a well-connected neighborhood.

Centurion Sleepy Hollow, a 100-unit apartment complex, is now leasing in the city, offering spacious one- and two-bedroom homes with upscale amenities and immediate occupancy.

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Developed by Landmark, the four-story building includes ground-floor retail and is part of the company’s expanding Centurion portfolio across New Jersey.

“Sleepy Hollow is an ideal location for our next Centurion property,” Manny Fernandez, founder of Landmark, said in a news release.

“The neighborhood offers a quiet, residential setting while remaining close to Plainfield, which continues to evolve, with a growing mix of shops, restaurants and cultural offerings. With New York City less than an hour away by train and major business and entertainment centers throughout Central New Jersey nearby, Centurion Sleepy Hollow adds a dynamic new residential option to the area.”

Located at 1222 South Ave., the development is within walking distance of the NJ Transit Netherwood station, providing direct service to Midtown Manhattan via the Raritan Valley Line.

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Designed by Rotwein + Blake, with interiors by Mary Cook Associates, Centurion Sleepy Hollow reflects Landmark’s focus on transit-oriented living.

Rents start in the low $2,000s, with a limited-time grand opening offer of one month free on a 13-month lease.

The apartments feature high-end finishes, including nine-foot ceilings, wood-style plank flooring, Draper window shades and open-concept kitchens. Kitchens are equipped with full-size GE Slate appliances, gas ranges, soft-close cabinetry and vented microwaves. Bathrooms feature spa-inspired glass-enclosed showers and polished chrome fixtures.

Each unit includes smart-home technology and keyless entry.

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The development offers a range of amenities designed for comfort, wellness and productivity, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, media room, work-from-home pods and a resident lounge.

Outdoor amenities include a terrace with grilling stations and a fenced-in dog run. Additional conveniences include a premium package management system and on-site parking.

The surrounding area features a growing mix of dining, retail and everyday services, with locally owned restaurants, seasonal farmers markets and outdoor concerts.

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Email: bwadlow@MyCentralJersey.com

This story was created by reporter Brad Wadlow, bwadlow@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.



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