MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — While a new month is now ahead of us, let's look back at some of the top "feel good" stories to come out of Mount Laurel in August 2025! 

One of the Mount Laurel Police Department’s Newest K-9s Knows Lots of Old Tricks: Flash, one of the Mount Laurel Police Department K-9 unit’s newest members, has less time as a police dog in the Township than fellow K-9 Drake, but has more time than the newcomers named Cooper and Barkley. Regardless, Flash – who also happens to be the department’s first-ever bloodhound – is fitting into the unit nicely, his handler, K-9 Officer Patrick Smith, told TAPinto Mount Laurel.  Flash, who turns three in October and weighs about 100 pounds, comes from a Kentucky breeder named Bluegrass Bloodhounds, according to Smith, who added that two of his police department colleagues met Flash first and felt he would be a good fit for the department. 

Mt. Laurel Seniors, Teens Exhibit Works at Annual Art Show at Smithville Park; 3 Win Top Awards: Several pieces of art created by seniors and teenagers from Mount Laurel are currently on display at exhibits at Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton. The Smithville Mansion Annex Art Gallery is hosting the Burlington County Senior Art Show and selections from the Burlington County Teen Arts Festival until September 6. The 2025 Senior Art Show features original designs from a record 64 artists, including 31 professionals and 33 non-professionals, all of whom are Burlington County residents aged 60 and older. Each of the pieces were judged, and the first place winners from each category will also be exhibited at the 2025 New Jersey Senior Art Show, which will take place this fall in Mercer County. Three Mount Laurel seniors were “top” in their categories.

Mt. Laurel Police Dept. Celebrates Officer Promotions, 25 Years of Service: The Mount Laurel Police Department (MLPD) recently celebrated the promotions of three of its officers and the milestone service of another trio. The MLPD on August 18 announced the promotion of three of its officers: Lieutenant Mark Colligan to Captain; Sergeant Jeremy Ruchlin to Lieutenant; and Detective Jankaitis to Sergeant. In addition to the promotions, the Department also recognized the milestone service of another three of its officers. Chief Hudnall, Captain Cresong and Captain Colligan reached 25 years of dedicated service, which the MLPD called a “remarkable milestone.” 

Singleton Wraps Up 6th Annual Summer Lunch Tour, With Stop in Mt. Laurel: State Senator Troy Singleton recently wrapped up his 6th annual Summer Lunch Tour which took place around the 7th Legislative District. The program provided a free lunch to children and families in need throughout Burlington County, including a stop at Larchmont Elementary School in Mount Laurel on July 20. “Food insecurity doesn’t take a summer vacation,” said Singleton. “For many children, school meals are their most reliable source of nutrition. That’s why we are committed to filling that gap through programs like this one – ensuring our families are supported year-round and that no child goes hungry.”

Three Burlington County Towns, Including Moorestown, Deemed "Film Ready" by New Jersey: Three Burlington County towns — including Moorestown — have been deemed ready for the big and small screens through a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) program. The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, part of the NJEDA, announced earlier this month that 19 municipalities and two counties have been designated as “Film Ready” communities as part of the Film Ready New Jersey Program. Through the program, participating towns and counties complete a 5-step certification program that enables them to accommodate filming locations in their boroughs. 

Mount Laurel Awarded County Grant for Forthcoming Splash Park on Marne Highway: Mount Laurel will receive funding from Burlington County to improve its recreational amenities as part of the County's latest round of municipal parks development grant awards. The Commissioners voted on August 13 to approve 37 grant awards totaling $5 million under the program, which provides financial support for towns to develop or improve municipal parks and playgrounds for outdoor recreation. Mount Laurel will be receiving a $175,000 grant that will go towards the construction of a splash park at the former site of the Lakou Events building at 2901 Marne Highway. 

Mt. Laurel Police Department Welcomes Newest Officer: The Mount Laurel Police Department (MLPD) is welcoming its newest Officer following his recent graduation from the Police Academy. Officer Austin Miller graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy Class #122 on August 22. The graduation ceremony, held at Toms River North High School, marked Officer Miller's completion of required training to begin his law enforcement career. He will now begin the Department’s field training program.

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