The 22-year-old from Hackettstown was lodged at Warren County jail, police say.

Scott Biasi, 22, of Hackettstown, faces several drug charges after his arrest Nov. 23, 2015. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) 

A Hackettstown man was jailed late last month on charges that he sold drugs, town police report.

After month-long investigation by town police, the Warren County Narcotics Task Force, the Washington Township Police Department and New Jersey State Police, Scott Biasi was arrested Nov. 23 while in possession of 70 bags of suspected heroin and a hypodermic needle, police said.

Biasi is charged with two counts of heroin possession, two counts of possession with intend to deliver and two counts of distribution, police said. Bail was set at $10,000 on those offenses, police said. Biasi was charged with another count of heroin possession and possession of a hypodermic syringe and bail on those charges was set at $5,000, police said.

Biasi remained in custody on Wednesday morning in Warren County jail, online records show.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Easton Lions Club hosts pre-Thanksgiving Day game event for football players from both Easton and Phillipsburg at the Pomfret Club.

The Easton Lions Club hosted the 109th game captains, coaches and staff from Easton and Phillipsburg at the Pomfret Club in Historic Downtown Easton ahead of the Thanksgiving Day game.

MORE: Tale of two defenses

Easton coach Steve Shiffert introduced Ryan Greene, Trey Durrah, Luke Dauband Craig Stahlecker.

Phillipsburg coach Ryan Ditze introduced Yussef Shelton, Manny Romero, Matt Yannes, Jim Maranelli and Jack Gardner.

The Belvidere team was one of 43 that participated in the National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management Career Development Event.

Members of the Belvidere FFA chapter were one of 43 teams participating in the National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management Career Development Event held in conjunction with the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville.

The team, led by adviser Bryan Leh, was awarded a bronze emblem. Members also competed for individual awards with 166 other participants.

James Bronico, Clint McEvoy and Jason Pene received bronze emblems while Joseph Malson received a silver emblem.

The National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management CDE is a competitive event that tests the student's ability to select and manage quality dairy cattle. Event components include six classes of dairy cattle, herd record evaluation and dairy management team activity. Each team competed at local and state levels to earn the privilege of representing their home state at the National FFA Convention & Expo.

The event, held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., is one of many educational activities at the National FFA Convention & Expo in which FFA members demonstrate their ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.

Council reduced the mayor's 2016 salary to $40,000 from the current $70,000.

Stephen "Rogie" Ellis knew he was going to take a pay cut next year when he takes office as Phillipsburg's mayor.

But just how much, he said, came as a surprise.

As a regional superintendent with the state park service, Ellis will make $110,979 this year, according to a state database. When he takes the oath of office in January, the mayor-elect said he expected his salary would be comparable to, if slightly reduced from, current Mayor Harry Wyant Jr.'s $70,783.

Phillipsburg Town Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance setting a number of salaries for 2016, including significantly reducing the mayor's pay to $40,000.

Some council members said the measure returns the mayor's salary to a base level after Wyant's increased over four terms beginning in 1999.

"We've got a fresh mayor coming in," said Councilman Randy Piazza. "As far as experience goes, he's a new mayor."

Councilman J.P. Stettner -- who is leaving office at month's end after not running for re-election -- said he initially missed the line on the mayor's salary when he approved the ordinance Tuesday, and wants it readdressed.

On Wednesday, Stettner said he plans to ask council at its next meeting to table the measure until the new council can address it in January. An ordinance typically takes effect 20 days after its passage.

Ellis and two other Democrats, Mark Lutz and Joshua Davis, won November's election, defeating Republicans Wyant, Council President John Lynn and Lynn's running mate Robert Fulper, meaning Democrats will take over the council majority.

Ellis has been in talks with town officials leading up to the transition of power in January, but on Wednesday said the $30,000 salary reduction caught him unaware -- though Piazza said Ellis was present at the meeting when the ordinance came up for its first reading.

"It was a surprise mostly," Ellis said of Tuesday's approval. "That caught me off guard."

Phillipsburg begins transition to new mayor

It's not about the amount, he said. With his retirement from the park service pending after 35 years, Ellis said his pension combined with the new mayor's salary should keep him about level financially.

"That's not why I ran for office," he said.

Ellis said he was concerned about how council arrived at the figure.

"If there's criteria that's fine," said Ellis. "But if it's arbitrary or capricious ... that doesn't make sense."

Both Piazza and Councilman Bernie Fey Jr. said Wyant's starting salary as mayor was $35,000, which increased through longevity, cost-of-living adjustments and union raises -- unaffiliated employees typically get raises equal to those in the contracts negotiated by labor unions. The position also carries a pension and other benefits.

"We looked back at what the current mayor started at and we readjusted it from there," Fey said of the salary change.

Wyant and Lynn did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

The ordinance setting 2016 salaries left council's pay steady from the previous year -- the council president will make $3,570 while the other council members will earn $3,060.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

 

The team beat Lopatcong Township to preserve its winning season and take the championship.

The Steele Hill Biddy football team finished the season with an 11-0 record. They defeated Lopatcong Township on Nov. 15 to win the 2015 Warren County Biddy championship.

Team members include: Mulik Warren, Joshua Colon, Jack Deemer, Ryan Ferguson, Cory Longacre, Qian Walters, Christopher Penrose, , Diego Santana, Brandon Wyant, Jacob Goldt, Nick Stettner, Elijah Philippe, Gavin Pierson, Landon Melcher, Joey Haley, Leo Cline, , Xavier Arrington, Nicholas Kotulich, Benjamin Melcher, Trevor Cecere, Daniel Flas and Ezekiel Montes.

Coaches are Steve Longacre, Russ Viscomi, Mike Willever, Chris Penrose, Kyle Usa, Art Wright and George Rand.

Once again, the Warren County college is offering English as a Second Language classes for the community.

Centenary College's School of International Studies will offer adult ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for the community again this spring. This service is offered to adults who are not full time matriculated students at the college. The classes will be held 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays beginning on Jan. 28.

(File photo)

An open house will be held 5:50 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 in the International Office on the first floor of the Seay Building, 400 Jefferson St. The cost for the course is $150.

Information: 908-852-1400, ext. 2330 or lescel@centenarycollege.edu.

The Washington chapter of the Rotary Club helped collect food and money for the Washington Community Food Pantry.

The Rotary Club of Washington held a food drive prior to Thanksgiving Day at the Shoprite of Washington, to benefit the Washington Community Food Pantry, located at the First Presbyterian Church 40 E Church St.

RELATED: Washington Food Pantry takes Thanksgiving delivery

Teresa March coordinated the event with the help of many Rotarians and the support of the community.

The State Commission of Investigation accused Motor Vehicle Commission officials of being in cahoots with used-car auto malls to thwart regulations and enforcement, resulting in fraud, unpaid taxes and suspicious financial transactions."

TRENTON -- In a scathing report released Wednesday, the State Commission of Investigation accused New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission officials of enabling used-car auto malls to thwart regulations and enforcement, resulting in fraud, unpaid taxes and "suspicious" financial transactions.

The SCI report alleges the auto malls, or "multi-dealer locations," were engaged in "questionable, unscrupulous and possibly illegal activities," while cloaked in the protection of heavily lobbied Motor Vehicle Commission officials.

"MVC's role as a regulator of business in this corner of the used-car world devolved into that of an enabler of some very troubling business as usual," the report said.

"Much of this occurred at the behest of MVC managers who took it upon themselves to effectuate what amounted to substantive policy and regulatory changes that benefited a narrow private interest -- all without the knowledge or authorization of the agency's chief administrator and governing board."

The 11 multi-dealer complexes in New Jersey owe at least $10 million in unpaid taxes, the investigation found.

ALSO: Congress demands study of trucker hours after Tracy Morgan crash

Those complexes serve as shelters for absentee dealers to secure used-car dealer licenses from New Jersey but conduct their business out of state, where "stricter licensing rules make it difficult, if not impossible, for them to qualify for certified dealer credentials," the report said.

The largest, the New Jersey Dealers Auto Mall in Bridgeton, better resembles an abandoned warehouse than a used car dealership, the report said, describing rows of empty cubicles and a deserted lot.

In fact, that complex is a bogus front for dealers, SCI said. It has been listed as the base of operations for about 1,214 used-car dealers, the report said.

MVC officials worked with that auto mall to circumvent state regulations, it said. Random inspections and audits of complexes were skipped altogether. Investigators' enforcement recommendations were "ignored, reversed or summarily dismissed." Penalties were waived "without explanation."

In sworn testimony to the SCI, MVC workers offered up examples of managers intervening on auto malls' behalf, with one employee saying "We find it hard to do our job because of roadblocks that we get from upstairs... just let us enforce the regulations, and everything would be fine," according to the report.

"During this investigation, the SCI found that hundreds of dealers based at Bridgeton and at other MDLs exist and function largely beyond the reach of basic rules governing licensure and oversight of car dealers in New Jersey," the report said. "The MVC essentially was a government entity run by mid-level bureaucrats accountable to no one," SCI said.

According to the State Commission of Investigation, the findings have been turned over to state and federal law enforcements agencies.

In its report, SCI said given New Jersey's lenient rules and enforcement compared with other states, it's "not surprising that used-car dealers looking to set up shop in this region often choose New Jersey as home base, if only on paper."

The SCI recommended reforms, including putting licensing and oversight operations under the Division of Consumer Affairs rather than the Motor Vehicle Commission.

The Motor Vehicle Commission says it has drafted regulatory changes to tighten dealer practices. It says it has issued more than $2.5 million in proposed fines to multi-dealer complexes across the state.

In one response attached to the report, former Division of Motor Vehicles director-turned lobbyist Dick Kamin, whose clients include New Jersey Dealers Auto Mall, said the state rules are an bad fit for the complex's tenants, which are wholesale dealers, not used-car dealers.

"But because New Jersey law does not provide for a wholesale dealer's license, NJDAM's tenants are forced to apply for used car dealer licenses and comply with associated regulations," said Kamin, who is mentioned in the report.

"These regulations make good sense for used car dealers selling cars to the public. They make less sense for the wholesale dealers occupying New Jersey Dealers Auto Mall, who generally sell cars to used car dealerships for later sale to the public."

Read the State Commission of Investigation report here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

The $1.13 million project is expected to start in January, focusing on the exit ramp from Route 22 East to Main and Broad streets in Phillipsburg.

About 40 trees will be cut down in Phillipsburg as part of efforts to prevent rock-fall hazards along a steep slope overlooking Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission property.

Planned to start in early January and continue into early June, the $1.13 million project is focused on the slope along the commission's ramp from Route 22 East to Main and Broad streets, according to a commission news release.

"A portion of the slope has soil cover, trees and some vegetation between rocky escarpments," the release states. "In November 2013, a tree uprooted and partially slid down the slope presenting a safety issue. Periodically, rocks of various sizes have also come loose.

"The project aims to mitigate rock-fall hazards that could potentially put motorists and pedestrians at risk."

Bridge commissioners on Nov. 23 awarded the contract for the work to Clinton Township-based Merco Inc., following a competitive bid process opened in late September.

The initial work involves "the select removal of approximately 40 diseased or hazardous trees on the slope" overlooking the commission's Easton-Phillipsburg (Route 22) Toll Bridge administration building, the release states.

Other work will involve removal of existing fencing, concrete post foundations and tie-backs; rock scaling, boulder removal and debris removal; and the installation of upper and lower catch fences, according to the bridge commission.

The project does not include new landscaping or replacing any trees.

"The selected trees are either diseased, have exposed roots, are out of plumb and/or are at high risk of toppling," commission spokesman Joe Donnelly said in an email. "We're not going to plant trees to eventually recreate the hazardous conditions that this project is intended to address."

Phillipsburg's next mayor gets 'surprise' $30,000 pay cut

The work will require limited ramp closures and lane restrictions, but only during off-peak-traffic hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Donnelly said. Peak traffic for the ramp is about 6 to 9 a.m. weekdays.

The travel restrictions are expected only during the tree-cutting and -removal portion of the project, expected to last about two weeks.

"A short detour will be posted to direct traffic to use the U-turn along Route 22 east to Memorial Parkway and then to Broad Street," Donnelly wrote, adding that travel alerts would be issued once the project gets underway.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

This time of year usually brings back even stronger memories of classic department and discount stores.

I always learn something new when researching these galleries. This time, I discovered I have been using the term "department store" improperly my whole life.

According to "City People: The Rise of Modern City Culture in Nineteenth-Century America" by Gunther Barth, a department store is a "retail establishment offering a wide range of consumer goods in different product categories known as 'departments.' And those 'departments' would be self-contained areas instead of a the next row of racks on a large sales floor."

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

But, I was clued in to an easier way to distinguish a department store from a discount store ... in department stores such as Macy's and Lord & Taylor, you don't push a shopping cart.

Regardless if you shopped where the lighting was bright and the carts were plentiful or if you were a "client" at a store where purchases were wrapped in tissue paper before being placed in heavy-stock bags with corded handles, these stores bring back memories for most of us.

Opening night for Two Guys in Vineland, 1966; I distinctly believe that I was there.Courtesy of the Vineland Daily Journal 

And, this time of year usually brings back even stronger memories of them. Looking through catalogs and sale folders to decide what to ask for, shopping for holiday gifts, visiting Santa and taking in the seasonal decorations - the yuletide season made trips to the store even better. For my fellow Vinelanders, how many of you recall Foss on Delsea Drive and their 8-cent toys? Mom gave you a quarter and you could buy three things!

Anyway, this gallery will include vintage photos of department stores and discount stores. Look for the aforementioned Macy's as well as stores like John Wanamaker, Strawbridge and Clothier and Hahne's as well as those that were more what I grew up with ... Two Guys, Bradlees, Sears and Kress. Be sure to click on the captions button to read more about these classic photos.

Can't get enough? Here's a link to last year's gallery.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.

Pohatcong Township police say a suspicious vehicle was found traveling in the Mount Jay Road area of the township last week.

Pohatcong Township police are reminding residents to lock up exterior buildings following the report of a suspicious vehicle traveling in the Mount Joy Road area.

lehighvalleylive.com file photo 

Police took a report last week from a resident who spotted a dark colored SUV with a driver described as a white woman with a heavy build. The resident confronted the woman and the driver relayed she was in the area to "pick up a friend," police say.

Police say the resident then noticed a man in the backyard of a home, possibly peering into sheds. When he saw the resident, he got into the SUV and the pair drove away.

"We are actively investigating this incident, but we encourage everyone to make sure all exterior building(s) on your property are secured," police state on the department's Facebook page.

Police suggest checking motion lights to make sure the lights are properly working to help deter thieves. Police want residents to report suspicious activity and contact the department if anything appears to be stolen from a shed.

Jessica Ervey, a Hackettstown High School student, earned her Girl Scout Gold Award by planting a garden of herbs, fruits and vegetables at a local domestic abuse center for women and children.

Jessica Ervey, of Allamuchy Township, earned her Girl Scout Gold Award by planting a garden of herbs, fruits and vegetables at a local domestic abuse center for women and children.

Jessica Ervey (Courtesy photo)KJ Frantz | For lehighvalleylive.com 

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn and requires the completion of a leadership project of at least 80 hours. Each girl must discover an issue in the community, connect with experts and community members, and take action to effect positive change.

"I am a farmer and agriculture is part of my life," Jessica said. "I wanted to bring my love and passion for agriculture to women and children in need. So many of them will be able to raise vegetables to ensure they get nutritious foods for their families."

Jessica has been a Girl Scout in Troop No. 721 since kindergarten and says she was inspired to achieve her Girl Scout Gold Award to follow in her cousin Cassie's footsteps. She says Girl Scouting has given her valuable skills for the future.

"Girl Scouts helped me become a responsible and caring adult," she said. "It transformed me into a well-mannered and outgoing woman. It also taught me that helping younger kids gives me an amazing feeling."

Jessica graduated from Hackettstown High School in 2015 and is currently a first-year student at Centenary College. She plans to become a kindergarten teacher.

Athletes from Morris, Sussex and Warren got together recently for some fun.

Special Olympics athletes from Morris, Sussex and Warren counties honed their skills in soccer, volleyball, bocce, Frisbee, beanbag toss, football toss, and golf at the Area 3 Special Olympics Fall Sports Expo, held recently at the Kozak Sports Center in Randolph, N.J.

They refused to testify in a co-defendant's murder trial, voiding their prior plea agreements.

After refusing to testify against a co-defendant convicted of felony murder, two Allentown siblings face the same charge.

A Warren County grand jury this week indicted Zachary and Alexis Flowers in connection with a 2012 robbery in Phillipsburg in which a gas station attendant was fatally shot.

The Flowers allegedly conspired with Andy Torres, also of Allentown, and David Beagell, of Blakeslee, Pa., to hold up the BP gas station on South Main Street in Phillipsburg early on Jan. 5, 2012.

The four people charged in connection with a fatal shooting Jan. 5, 2012, in Phillipsburg are, from left, Andrew Torres, Zachary Flowers, David Beagell and Alexis Flowers. (Courtesy photos)

Prosecutors have alleged Zachary Flowers and Torres of taking money and jewelry at gunpoint from 47-year-old Kismathdas Kasam, and that Torres blasted Kasam in the leg with a shotgun. The attendant died two days later.

It is the second time the Flowers have been charged in the deadly holdup. They previously pleaded guilty to lesser charges on the condition they testify against others accused in the crime. Zachary Flowers faced 17 years in jail as a result of his plea; Alexis Flowers had a 16-year sentence.

When they refused to take the stand against Torres this fall, prosecutors said new charges would be forthcoming.

'Justice has been done': Reaction to Andy Torres' conviction

Torres, 26, faces 30 years to life in prison after he was convicted Oct. 29 of felony murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and two weapons charges. He was acquitted of first-degree murder, in part, the state says, because Zachary Flowers was the only one who could have witnessed Torres firing the fatal shot.

A felony murder charge is levied against a defendant accused of participating in a crime in which someone is killed, even if the defendant is not directly responsible for the death.

Alexis, 25, and Zachary, 22, this week were each indicted on counts of felony murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and three weapons charges. If convicted, they, too, could face 30 years to life in prison.

Zachary Flowers was also indicted on two aggravated assault charges for allegedly punching a corrections officer in January 2014.

Neither Alexis Flowers' attorney, Carrolyn Fiorino, nor Zachary Flowers' attorney, Robert Klingenburg, offered comment on the indictments, both saying they had not yet seen the charges.

'All 4 of them left a man to die,' says juror in Andy Torres murder trial

The siblings, who have been in custody since 2012, are expected to be arraigned in the next 60 days.

Torres is due to be sentenced Jan. 22.

Beagell, the fourth co-defendant and the only to testify against Torres, is serving a 12-year sentence as part of his plea agreement. The 25-year-old's attorney has said he may seek to have the sentence further reduced as a result of his client's cooperation.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

 

Girl Scouts, high school and college students were busy "stickering" cases of alcohol at area liquor stores to send a message about the dangers of providing alcohol to minors.

Warren Hills Regional High School and Hackettstown High School students, as well as area Girl Scouts, kicked off "Project Sticker Shock," a youth-led initiative to change adult attitudes about selling and providing alcohol to minors at liquor stores throughout Warren County. 

Girl Scouts helped "sticker" at Liberty Liquors in Great Meadows. From left: Bartek Tomaszewski, store owner; Liz Montalvo, from the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities; Madison Fluck and Alyssa Carey. (Special to lehighvalleylive.com)  

This public awareness project is sponsored by the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a program of the Family Guidance Center of Warren County.  

The campaign challenges adult attitudes and social norms about selling and providing alcohol to minors. 

The fluorescent green and black stickers placed throughout liquor stores serve as a reminder that providing alcohol to minors is illegal and doing so comes with serious consequences. In the state of New Jersey, providing alcohol to a minor can result in up to $1,000 in fines and a six-month jail sentence. 

RELATED: Teen alcohol, drug abuse focus of Warren County forums

This year's campaign had the support of the following retail stores: Warren County Discount Liquors and Washington Discount Liquors, in Washington Borough; Mountain Valley Fine Wines and Liquors, in Oxford; Liberty Liquors, in Great Meadows; and Shop Rite Wine and Spirits, in Hackettstown. 

Email KJ at kjfrantz@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow lehighvalleylive.com on Twitter at @lehighvalley. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Check out this list of Christmas tree farms throughout the state before heading out to find the perfect symbol of the season. Watch video

It's finally December, and the smell of freshly cut pine is in the air.

While some people are happy with an artificial tree for Christmas, there are many revelers who still enjoy going out into the wilderness to search out the perfect evergreen to bring into their home for the holidays. 

There are tons of tree farms in New Jersey where Yuletide arborists can find trees from two-feet to more than 10-feet tall.

Here is a list of just some of the tree farms located throughout the state.

ATLANTIC | BURLINGTON | CAMDEN | CAPE MAY | CUMBERLAND | GLOUCESTER | HUNTERDON | MERCER | MIDDLESEX | MONMOUTH | MORRIS | OCEAN | PASSAIC | SALEM | SOMERSET | SUSSEX | WARREN

Atlantic County

Kaenzig Tree Farm - 352 South Cologne Avenue in Egg Harbor. Choose from approximately 200 blue spruce, white pine, Scotch pine, Douglas fir, concolor fir, and Fraser fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and poinsettias are also available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/kaenzigtreefarm.

Petrongolo Evergreen Plantation - 7541 Weymouth Road in Hammonton. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, concolor fir and Canaan fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and poinsettias are also available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 609-567-0336.

Burlington County

Croshaw's Christmas Tree Farm - 26815 Mount Pleasant Road in Columbus. Choose from approximately 2,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine and Douglas fir trees. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20. Visit www.croshawschristmastreefarm.com or call 609-828-3384 for more information or to make an appointment.

Chesterfield Christmas Trees - 193 Chesterfield-Crosswicks Road in Chesterfield. Choose from approximately 800 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Scotch pine, Douglas fir, and concolor fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and grave blankets are available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 20. For more information, call 609-298-3234.

Camden County

Culbertson's Nursery - 672 Burnt Mill Road in Atco. Choose from approximately 800 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, and Balsam fir trees. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. during the week, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 27. For more information, call 856-767-3221 or 856-341-6331.

Cape May County

Eisele's Tree Farm - 280 Old Tuckahoe Road in Petersburg. Choose from approximately 300 white pine, Douglas fir, concolor fir, and Fraser fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens and garland are also available.Hours are 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20. Call 609-628-2758 for more information and to make an appointment for anytime not listed.

Cumberland County

Airport Tree Plantation - 2340 Cedar Street in Millville. Choose from approximately 2,000 blue spruce and Douglas fir trees, either cut or dug.Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. Hours are daily from 8 a.m. to dark until Dec. 25. Visit www.airporttree.com or call 856-825-5212 for more information.

Forevergreen Christmas Tree Farm - 834 Lebanon Road in Millville. Choose from approximately 300 blue spruce, Norway spruce, Scotch pine, Douglas fir and concolor fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. Hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 20. For more information, call 856-451-9473.

Gloucester County

Belly Acres Christmas Tree Farm - 665 Royal Avenue in Franklinville. Choose from approximately 500 white pine, Douglas fir and Concolor fir trees. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 20. Visit www.bellyacresnj.com or call 856-694-0350 for more information.

Exley's Christmas Tree Farm - 1535 Tanyard Road in Sewell and 1512 Monroeville Road in Monroeville. The Sewell location has approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, and Canaan fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available.

Choose from 500 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir and Canaan fir trees at the Monroeville location. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and grave blankets are also available. The Sewell location is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 24. The Monroeville location is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 20. For more information, visit www.exleyslandscaping.com or call 856-468-5949.

Hunterdon County

Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree Farm - 231 Adamic Hill Road in Milford. Choose from approximately 1,000 Douglas fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and grave blankets are also available. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 24. Visit charliebrowns-xmastrees.com or call 908-955-4365 for more information.

Cherryville Farms - 352 Quakertown Road in Pittstown. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, Douglas fir, Canaan fir, and Concolor fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens and garland are also available in the Christmas shop.Hours are 9 a.m. to dark on Saturday and Sundays until Dec. 20. For more information, call 908-806-4580 or visit www.cherryvillefarmsnj.com.

Mercer County

McLaughlin Tree Farm - 1312 Old York road in Robbinsville. Choose from approximately 1,500 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, Fraser fir, and Canaan fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. Hours are  9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday until Dec. 24. Visit www.intrees.net or call 609-259-8122 for more information.

Middlesex County

Griffin Nurseries - 190 Fresh Ponds Road in Monroe Township. Choose from approximately 3,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, Fraser fir, and Canaan fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. On weekend, visitors can see Santa and take a hayride. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekly until Dec. 22. Visit www.griffinschristmastrees.com or call 908-809-8572 for more information.

Simonson Farms - 118 Dey Road in Cranbury. Choose from approximately 2,500 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, and Canaan fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 23. For more information, visit www.simonsonfarms.com or call 609-799-0140.

Monmouth County

Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm - 114 Daum Road in Manalapan. Choose between approximately 3,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, and Fraser fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available in the Christmas shop. Visitors can see Santa, take a hayride and purchase refreshments, too. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekly until Dec. 23. For more information, call 732-786-9277 or visit www.anneellenfarms.com.

Keris Tree Farm and Christmas Shop - 848 Stone Tavern Road in Allentown. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir. Concolor fir, Fraser fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available in the Christmas shop. Visitors can also see Santa and purchase refreshments. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Dec. 24. Visit www.kerischristmastreefarm.com or call 609-259-0720 for more information.

Morris County

Fairview Farm Christmas Trees - 98 East Mill Road in Long Valley. Choose from approximately 800 Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Concolor fir, and Balsam fir trees. Guests can visit the Christmas shop and purchase refreshments. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20. Visit www.fairviewfarmchristmastrees.com or call 262-325-6693 for more information.

Rolling Green Farm LLC - 61 Hacklebarney Road in Long Valley. Choose from approximately 300 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, and Fraser fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 20.

Ocean County

Picea Acres - 50 South New Prospect Road in Jackson. Choose from approximately 200 Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, and Douglas fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 21. For more information, call 732-370-8733.

Yuletide Tree Farm - 138 Evergreen Road in New Egypt. Choose from approximately 1,500 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, and Canaan fir trees. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Dec. 23. Visit www.yuletidefarmnj.com or call 732-349-2705 for more information.

Passaic County

Bear Swamp Farm - 81 Otterhole Road in West Milford. Choose from approximately 200 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, and Balsam fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, and stands are available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 20. For more information, call 973-697-2541 or visit www.bearswampfarmnj.com.

Salem County

Stimpson's Tree Farm - 245 Friendship Road in Monroeville. Choose from a variety of trees, grave blankets and wreaths. Hours are 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 856-358-2384 or visit them on Facebook.

Lombardo's Christmas Tree Farm - 100 Featherbed Lane in Elsinboro. Choose from a variety of Canaan fir, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, white fir, Concolor fir and white pine. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 24. For more information, call 856-935-5137.

Somerset County

Dower Farm - 4 Todd Avenue in Peapack. Choose from approximately 1,000 Norway spruce and Canaan fir trees. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and on weekdays by appointment, until Dec. 20. For more information, call 908-781-5407 or visit www.dowerfarm.com.

Sussex County

Country Heritage Farm - 129 Plains Road in Augusta. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, and Douglas fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, stands, decorations, ornaments,  and grave blankets are available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 20. Visit www.countryheritagefarm.com or call 973-875-5590 for more information.

Saint Paul's Abbey Christmas Tree Plantation - 289 Route 206 in Newton. Choose from approximately 1,800 blue spruce, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, and Canaan fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens and garland are also available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Dec. 23. For more information, call 973-383-2470.

Warren County

Evergreen Valley Christmas Tree Farm - 77 Jackson Valley Road in Washington. Choose from approximately 10,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, Fraser fir, and Canaan fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, and garland are also available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday until Dec. 23. Visit www.evergreenvalleychristmastrees.com or call 908-835-0557 for more information.

Sunset Christmas Tree Farm - 21 Frontage Road in Blairstown. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, and Fraser fir trees. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily until Dec. 22. For more information, call 870-329-7766 or visit www.sunsetchristmastreefarm.com.

Gail Phoebus take over the 24th District seat vacated by Alison Littell McHose.

Gail Phoebus has taken her seat in Trenton a month earlier than normal.

Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus (Courtesy photo)

The former Sussex County freeholder won election to the state Assembly in November. On Thursday, she was sworn in to fill the 24th District seat vacated by the resignation of Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose.

The heavily Republican district includes northern Warren County, all of Sussex County and Mount Olive Township in Morris County.

McHose resigned in October after announcing her intention in January as she took a job as the administrator of Franklin Borough in Sussex.

Phoebus ran for the seat in November as a running mate with current Assemblyman Parker Space, who also won. Phoebus was selected last month by district Republicans to take McHose's place immediately.

"Reducing the size and scope of government and the inequitable school funding formula must be addressed if we are to reduce the property tax burden in New Jersey," Phoebus said in a news release from Assembly Republicans. "Job creation through the growth of the private sector is another top priority."

MORE: Assemblywoman McHose steps down

Phoebus, of Andover Township, has served in local elected positions since 2006. She and her husband, Bob, run Farmstead Golf & Country Club in Lafayette Township.

The district is represented by Steve Oroho in the state Senate. All three representatives reside in Sussex County.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The Outstanding Lineman Award recognizes a member of the Phillipsburg High School football team for performance during the annual Thanksgiving Day game.

The Phillipsburg Rotary presented the Outstanding Lineman Award to Phillipsburg High School student Robert Melise at a Rotary lunch meeting on Dec. 2 at Flynn's on the Hill.

RELATED: A luncheon for champions

Melise performed exceptionally at the Phillipsburg vs. Easton Thanksgiving game this year.

New Jersey top agriculture chief visits Wycoff's Christmas Tree Farm in Belvidere.

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher kicked off the choose-and-cut Christmas tree season at Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm near Belvidere.

The grower, winner of the 2015 New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association's annual contest, is a 10-time grand champion.

Farmed by the same family since 1839 - the sixth, seventh and eighth generations now raise trees and grow grain there on the 172-acre spread - Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm won the annual growers association contest with a Fraser Fir from its 65 acres that are covered with six varieties of Christmas trees.

RELATED: Where to cut down your own Christmas tree in NJ

Col. Mark Piterski of the New Jersey National Guard was on hand to accept the tree, one of 100 that the N.J. Christmas Tree Growers Association is donating to Guard members and their families at a Dec. 14 ceremony in Bordentown.

The Wyckoff family also is hosting a "Trees for Troops" trailer where area growers will bring Christmas trees that will go to other military families. Students from Belvidere High School's FFA chapter also were on hand to present funds they had raised to buy trees for military families.

If you've been on NJ.com this week, these questions should be no problem for you. Watch video

It's been a busy week in New Jersey news. Have you been paying attention? Prove it now in this week's news quiz. All the questions below are from popular NJ.com stories from the past week. Take the quiz and then share your score in comments to see how you stack up with other NJ.com users.

John Shabe may be reached via jshabe@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter and find NJ.com on Facebook.