Nearly 400 bears killed as weeklong hunt enters its final days Watch video

FREDON -- Two dozen additional animals were killed Thursday, the fourth day of New Jersey's annual bear hunt, according to preliminary figures reported by the state Department of Environmental Protection Thursday night. 

The tally as of Thursday now stood at 390 animals, most killed in Sussex, Warren, Morris and Passaic counties. Another seven animals were killed in Hunterdon, and none had yet been killed in the remaining three counties where the firearms hunt was authorized: Bergen, Mercer and Somerset. 

The hunt, first reintroduced in 2010, is meant to reduce large black bear populations, although environmental groups and animal-rights activists have said killing the animals is neither effective in the long term nor humane. The last day of this year's cull is Saturday. 

For the first time during the 2015 hunt, the state also released figures showing the daily "harvest rate," based on the number of tagged bears killed. On Monday, when the greatest number of animals by far was taken, the harvest rate stood at 8.3 percent. On Thursday, when the smallest number of animals was killed, the harvest rate was at 15 percent. 

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

The tax increase is needed to maintain programs, the superintendent says.

Voters will be asked next year if the Lopatcong Township School District can raise an additional $600,000 in taxes to help maintain programs.

The school board this week unanimously agreed to hold a referendum March 8.

If a referendum to raise the Lopatcong Township School District tax levy by $600,000 fails, the district will have to make "serious decisions" about its programs, the superintendent says. (NJ Advance Media file photo)

The need arose due to a $300,000 deficit this year, which Superintendent Rainie Roncoroni said was the result of multiple financial obligations including contracts, benefits, educational programs and standardized testing.

"We started finding ways to manage our current deficit. And we're doing that, we're managing it. But we're trying to move forward," Roncoroni said.

"The hope with the referendum is that we will be able to sustain a balanced budget."

The district's elementary and middle school serves 874 students, according to its website.

Public forums on the referendum will be held in the coming months, including the findings of a late-summer audit, the superintendent said.

Roncoroni, a township resident, said the measure's estimated cost to the average household -- which, in Lopatcong, is valued at $231,601 -- is $141 for the year, or about $12 a month.

Without the additional money, the district will have to make "some serious decisions" about programs, she said.

"I think it's their right as Lopatcong residents to make an informed decision about how they want their district to move forward," the superintendent said.

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

The House Democrats' fundraising arm is running radio ads against Rep. Scott Garrett.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is running radio advertisements this week criticizing Rep. Scott Garrett's stand on gun control.

The 15-second commercials, to run on New York City radio stations while New Jersey residents are commuting to and from work, accuse Garrett (R-5th Dist.) of voting to allow people on the terrorist watch list from buying firearms and explosives.

"Congressman Scott Garrett voted to keep allowing suspected terrorists to buy assault rifles," said the ad, which urges people to call his office "and demand he keep us safe."

Garrett is considered the most vulnerable member of the state's congressional delegation and has been targeted by the House Democrats' fundraising arm. His likely Democratic opponent, former White House speechwriter Josh Gottheimer, has raised more than $1 million for his campaign.

Congressional Republicans, backed by the National Rifle Association and other supporters of gun owners' rights, have opposed preventing individuals on the watch list from buying weapons.

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/08/will_voters_remember_nj_rep_scott_garretts_comments_next_fall.html

"As many Americans know, the no-fly list has many deficiencies, and using this list as a test to strip constitutional due process rights won't make our country safer from the extremist terrorist threats like we saw in San Bernadino," Garrett said in a statement. "The American people need leadership and a plan from President Obama instead of relying on a flawed no-fly list that has no credibility because it has featured over 70 Department of Homeland Security employees, members of Congress, and even U.S. senators."

In actuality, Garrett never voted on the issue. What he did was join every other Republican, including bill sponsor Peter King of New York, in voting against a procedural motion to allow House Democrats to consider the gun provisions.

Such votes are tests of party discipline and even lawmakers who support the proposal do not defy their leaders lest they lose control of the agenda.

The DCCC launched the same criticism against freshman Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-3rd Dist.) earlier this year. 

The Senate, voting primarily along party lines, rejected a proposal to prevent individuals on the government's terrorist watch list from buying guns. In the House, Democrats have offered a series of motions to pressure the majority Republicans into allowing a vote on the measure.

"Congressman Scott Garrett's refusal to act and ensure suspected terrorists can't legally buy guns is downright reckless, as it puts our national security at risk," DCCC spokesman Bryan Lesswing said. "New Jersey families deserve a member of Congress that will do everything in their power to keep us safe in the wake of horrific attacks here at home and around the globe, rather than protecting suspected terrorists' ability to buy guns."

 

The Phillipsburg woman runs a Hunterdon County operation that places dogs and cats in homes, the NJSPCA says.

A Phillipsburg woman who runs a Hunterdon County animal rescue operation has been charged in the death of a dog in her care.

A Phillipsburg woman who runs a Hunterdon County animal rescue operation is charged with animal cruelty for allegedly failing to get a sick dog in her care to a vet before it died. (NJ Advance Media file photo)

Linda Wilferth, 57, of the 300 block of Hudson Street, allegedly sold the dog for $500 but it fell ill within days. Wilferth took the dog back but did not provide veterinary care and the animal died the next day, according to the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Two counts of animal cruelty were filed Nov. 20 in Flemington municipal court, the NJSCPA announced Friday.

Wilferth owns and operates Catnip Friends Rescue, the SPCA said. The Flemington-based operation holds weekly adoptions and is described on its website as a small group of people working to place dogs and cats in homes.

Catnip Friends volunteers foster the animals in their own homes, caring for them until they are adopted, the site says.

Wilferth's phone number was disconnected Friday, and the rescue group did not immediately return requests for comment.

The NJSPCA said its investigation was spurred by a consumer complaint, and that Wilferth's charges will be heard in court Jan. 28.

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

 

The following students were named to the honor roll for the first marking period. HIGH HONOR ROLL 12th Grade Jordan Allen, Gerrit Bailey, Madison Beaumont, Megyn Berezny, Elizabeth Dalrymple, Nicholas DeBenedetto, Alexis Deisenroth, Matthew Duckworth, Justin Garrison, Benjamin Healy, Peter...

The following students were named to the honor roll for the first marking period.

HIGH HONOR ROLL

12th Grade
Jordan Allen, Gerrit Bailey, Madison Beaumont, Megyn Berezny, Elizabeth Dalrymple, Nicholas DeBenedetto, Alexis Deisenroth, Matthew Duckworth, Justin Garrison, Benjamin Healy, Peter Jansen, Jordyn Kane, Julie Ann Karabinus, Hannah Koch, Hunter Leef, Emily Longyhore, Hannah Mackey, Jordan McCrea, Diandra Molion, Paige Nunn, Arianna Parks, Virginia Peterson, Amanda Roberts, Ryan Salerno, Noel Sanford, Mackenzie Schanzlin, Jessica Smith, Allison Stahl, Ashley Wiedemann, Richard Woolf, Megan Wright, Zachary Zocchi

11th Grade
Adrienne Amey, Brandin Baker, Christopher Campana, Sarah Casterline, James Devine, Rachel Dultz, Christopher Eisenberger, Megan Free, Michaela Giaquinto, Sarah Gross, Louise Harris, Blair Hoffmaster, Grace Jensen, Traci Kieffer, Alexa Korinis, Katelyn McLain, Danielle Mikaliunas, Adie Mitchell, Daniel Penna, Bartolomeo Pepe, Megan Rafalko, Ashley Ramirez-Urena, Rachel Rothrock, Jessica Scherzinger, Samantha Steinman, Kara Tipton, Nicholas Verkuilen

10th Grade
Gabriella Ayers, James Bronico, Gabriella Caputo, Jillian Fedarick, Benen Fritz, James Geier, Julia Gross, Nicole Gubitosi, Theodore Haupin, Payton Jean, Braden Keenan, Collin Leahey, Robert Marsh, Rebecca Muscat, Jessica Rafalko, Lilly Rapps, Taylor Rasely, Nicole Rosano, Michael Seijas, Charles Stanski, Hailey Steinman, Anna Summitt, Niya Tartaglia, Patricia Woodworth

9th Grade
Brennan Anderson, Emma Beaney, Shelbie Beyer, Cole Bienes, Ryan Bonamo, Matthew Bronico, Madeline Call, Christopher Cals, Morgan Carroll, Jordan Cory, Brett Dalrymple, Laura Deutsch, Samantha Dultz, Ryan Hall, Megan Hausamann, Joylin Lin, Samantha Livoti, Daniel Mannetta, Christopher McLain, Quinn Melofchik, Vasilios Nikolopoulos, Desli Norcross, Tiffany Paff, Isabella Pedraza, Cameryn Popiak, Ethan Redden, Jacqueline Richardson, Elijah Roberts, Darren Rush, Angelina Santini, Olivia Swanson, Jason Thompson, Michael Tingolie, Lauren Tordik, Francis Vandeveegaet, Alexa Verkuilen, Wyatt Zara

HONOR ROLL

12th Grade
Sara Abramo, Nathan Baylor, Matthew Burgenson, Nicholas Cals, Kyle Dech, Lucy Delorenzo, Lina DiCairano, Bradley Duckworth, Emily Ent, Matthew Fritz, Jacob Gallagher-Murphy, Brandon Geier, Keegan Gross, Destinee Hartrum, Tyler Hartzell, Marlee Hornbaker, Lauren Hulser, Nicole Keegan, Andrew Kobee, Allison Korslund, Amy Kwiatek, Benjamin Laubach, Matthew Linaberry, Garrett Loyle, Robert Lyons, Kevin Mamrak, James McKenna, Erika Murawski, Sydney Niedermeyer, Joshua Pershpalaj, Micaela Piell, Joelly Ramirez Urena, Alexa Rogers, Kimberly Rosano, Christian Scaffidi, Jenna Schaffer, Ashley Sebold, Mackenzie Sera, Hunter Smith, Kurt Soergel, Kathryn Spadaccini, Scott Thompson, Rachael VanDoren, Brianne Wheatley, David Woodworth, Louis Yao

11th Grade
Theresa Ackerman, James Adamczyk, Shealee Auletta, Logan Barrella, Arianna Bell, Kaitlynn Bohr, Erin Bronico, Craig Cronce, Zachary DeLuca, Sophia Demeter, Nathaniel DePinto, Jeremy Diehl, Jonathan Dow, Christopher Dragone, Hebatvallah Elnagar, Jordan Fedarick, James Foster-Morse, Christine Fox, James Galicki, Emma Goldschmitt, Megan Granitzski, Lauren Harrison, Kyle Hartzog, Lars Haugaard, Jennifer Hothouse, Cooper Kornegay, Addison LaBar, Victoria Loyle, Adam Mackey, Nicole Matlock, Raven Meehan, Nicole Montilone, Brittany Moore, Liam Mullen, Angela Murphy, Alexander Nelson, Shannon O'Hara, Corey Peschel, Holly Pongratz, Caitlin Redden, Michael Rodgriguez, Abigail Rogers, Enrique Roman, Benjamin Rose, Veronica Rose, Samuel Rush, Joseph Sena, Katie Sheldon, Jesse Smith, Melissa Strom, Anthony Tartaglia, Jazmere Thomas, Jacob Thornton, Ross Tordik, Terrell Tutka, Sean Vandervelden, Joseph Verile, Dylan Vold, Kyle Winters, Claire Zara

Grade 10
Madison Barofski, Taylor Beaumont, Megan Bentley, Samantha Bittenbender, Jesse Bodine, Zoe Boyd, Taylor Burnhauser, Molly Burton, Jonathan Carlile, Michael Connors, Joshua Cooke, Joshua DePinto, Sara Desjadon, Michael Domingues, Ashley Dove, Ashley Duckworth, Taylor Eccles, Logan Farley, Casey Flynn, Sawyer Fox, Julia Gadwell, Matthew Gallagher, Tyler Gilmartin, Christopher Guydish, Kyle Hamblin, Tucker Harrison, Julie Jones, Brady Kardos, David Kinney, Ryan Kokawski, Anna Koulikova, Dashawn Lawson, Ryan Lensi, Harley Levine, Joseph Malson, Olivia Marchello, Danielle Martinez, Sarah Martowicz, Marietta McCray, Autumn McLaughlin, Alex McMurray, Parker Murzyn, John Novack, Hannah Orsini, Gabrielle Pedraza, Jason Pene, Thomas Perrotti, Austin Pisani, Kieran Quick, Daniel Resch, Shannon Richardson, Molly Riley, Hope Roedel, Kirstyn Roloson, Nicholas Rosania, Joseph Rothbart, Skylar Roye, Jeremy Sarson, Vivian Sarwinski, Mason Scott, Matthew Scott, Darren Siegmeister, Jacob Solt, Anthony Soriano, Kourtnay Southwell, Nicholas Spadaccini, Kevin Stahl, Kameron Steckel, Kevin Timberman, Kyle Timberman, Hailey Tipton, Eduard Turner, Brad Unangst, Dylan Whelan, Brandon Wood

Grade 9
Christopher Allen, Ryan Baxter, Hailey Biasco, Anthony Bocchino, Abby Bronico, Lydia Bucey, Jillian Burkard, Gauge Caiazzo, Joseph Casterline, Melanie Clark, Stefanni Colao, Alexis Connors, Allison Deisenroth, Heather Delorenzo, Matthew Dunaj, Hannah Enslin, Logan Fazio, Jared Galicki, Christpher Grafer, Miranda Hannon, Julieanna Hothouse, Bailey Kasza, Mallory Keenan, Dominick Lepore, Anya Logan, Christopher Magrini, Karly March, Connor McCrea, Bailey Mitchell, Sean Molion, Lindsey Montilone, Devin Mullen, Samuel Myerchin, Francesca Palmasano, Seth Piell, Toni Popiak, Teo Prospero, Vanessa Rodrigues, Angelina Rodriguez, Derek Sager, Nicholas Santini, Carmen Sarwinski, Alexander-Joseph Scherzinger, Robert Schnezler, Casey Sena, Ashley Sendgikoski, Tyler Smith, Garrett Snook, Joshua Snook, Gina Spagnuolo, Kira Tomkins, Ezrah Torres, Timothy Toth, Maria Turker, Louis Turner, Christian Vanscoten, John Wyckoff, Luke Youngman

College students taking a children's literature course visit Hatchery Hill Elementary School to share books and activities with second graders.

Students from Centenary College professor Kerry Barnett's children's literature course recently visited Hatchery Hill Elementary School, in the Hackettstown School District, to share books and activities with 67 second graders.

Centenary College students work with second graders on activities related to books they have just read. (Courtesy photo) 

The college students, who have been studying specific works as well as critical and theoretical perspectives on literature for children, selected picture books they thought would interest the 7- and 8-year-olds and prepared interactive plans for the 40-minute session.

Groups of two or three college students with eight or nine second graders enjoyed such stories as "There is a Bird on Your Head!" by Mo Willems, "Oh! The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss, "Corduroy" by Don Freeman and "A Bad Case of Stripes"  by David Shannon.

The activities following the stories included completing sentences on a bird-emblazoned headband, drawing pictures of future careers and making paper bag puppets of fantastic creatures.

A Phillipsburg woman faces charges for failing to provide veterinary care for a dog that later died.

FLEMINGTON -- The state Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has filed animal cruelty charges against a Phillipsburg woman who owns and runs Catnip Friends Rescue in the Flemington area.

(file photo)

The charges stem from the death of a dog, said Col. Frank Rizzo, superintendent of the N.J. SPCA's law enforcement division, in a release on Friday.

Linda Wilferth, 57, is due in Flemington Borough Municipal Court on Jan. 28 for a hearing, the N.J. SPCA reports. Wilferth could not immediately be reached for comment.

A call to the N.J. SPCA's hotline prompted an investigation into the online purchase of a dog that later became sick, said agency spokesman Matt Stanton.

"In response to a complaint from a consumer to the NJSPCA's hotline, NJSPCA's investigation revealed that Wilferth sold a dog for $500 to a consumer," Rizzo said in a press release.

"A few days later the dog became very ill and the consumer returned the dog to Wilferth," Rizzo said. "Wilferth knowingly took the sick dog back into her possession and failed to provide any veterinary care. The dog died the following day."

Catnip Friends operates online, Stanton said, but the person who purchased the dog returned it to her in Flemington during a meeting in front of a Main Street building, he said. That's why the charges are filed in Flemington municipal court, Stanton said.

The Main Street location is the address of Simply Cats Hotel, which offers pet care services including boarding and pet-sitting. A voicemail message to the business was not immediately returned.

The N.J. SPCA filed two counts of animal cruelty against Wilferth on Nov. 20, for failing to provide necessary care, in this case veterinary care, Rizzo said.

"One is criminal and one is civil," Stanton said. The criminal charge is a disorderly persons offense, he said, punishable by up to $1,000, and/or six months in jail or community service.

Sallie Graziano may be reached at sgraziano@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SallieGraziano. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.

 

A guilty plea was entered as the jury was deliberating, the prosecutor said.

A 33-year-old Alpha man on Friday admitted to sexual conduct with a 15-year-old girl, ending his trial on sex assault charges as the jury was in deliberations.

Michael E. Russell pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

In exchange for his admission and plea, prosecutors dropped two counts of sexual assault and will recommend Russell serve five years in state prison, according to a news release from the Warren County Prosecutor's Office.

Russell had sex with the girl in 2012, according to an indictment. The prosecutor's office and Phillipsburg police investigated, and the trial began Nov. 16.

Under the agreement, Russell will be subject to Megan's Law and a lifetime of parole supervision, according to the release. A restraining order will be issued and Russell will also have a psychological examination.

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

Peers are to gather this weekend to launch balloons in honor of Tim Kilinski.

Sharon Sweazey considered Tim Kilinski to be family.

Tim and her son, Shane, grew up together, the Pohatcong Township mom said.

The boys and their families were together through Cub Scouts, local sports and holidays. The families once shared a limo to the Meadowlands to see a game between the New York Giants, Tim's favorite team, and Shane's St. Louis Rams.

"Tim is my second son, since he was 4," Sweazey said Friday.

A moment of silence was held at Phillipsburg schools for Tim Kilinski, 18, of Pohatcong Township, who died early Tuesday in a crash on I-78. (Facebook photo)

She said her house has been turned upside down this week, with dozens of kids each night gathering there to console one another since Kilinski's death Tuesday in an Interstate 78 car crash.

The 18-year-old senior, who split his time this school year between Phillipsburg High School and Phillipsburg Alternative Secondary School, was alone in the car when it slid across the highway in Williams Township, crashing into barriers about 3:55 a.m.

Phillipsburg schools held a moment of silence this week and were offering counseling to students. Pohatcong Elementary School Principal Christopher Kavcak said a number of alumni have come back to the school since Tuesday to talk to their former teachers and deal with grief.

"Things like this really hit the community very hard," Pohatcong Mayor James Kern III said.

As Kilinski's peers mourn, they are devising ways to honor him.

Sweazey said she is helping them coordinate a balloon launch 4 p.m. Sunday at the township elementary school, 240 Route 519. Red and blue balloons -- the colors of both the school and the Giants -- will be released.

It's a way to help the youths feel involved and to give them something to occupy their minds, Sweazey said. She became emotional when she said she was collecting photos of Tim for slideshows and photo albums to be displayed at services tentatively scheduled for early next week.

"It's not work to me. It's the last chapter of my child that I have to finish," she said. "It's not work. It's what I have to do."

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

 

Washington Township, Warren County, police said they responded about 8 p.m. Thursday in Washington Borough for the report of an armed robbery.

The perpetrator of a reported robbery Thursday night in Warren County remained on the loose Friday night, police said.

Washington Township, Warren County, police said they responded about the night of Dec. 10. 2015, to the 100 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Washington Borough for the report of an armed robbery. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo) 

Washington Township police said they responded about 8 p.m. Thursday to the 100 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Washington Borough for the report of an armed robbery.

The victim, a juvenile male, said an assailant brandished a weapon and demanded the juvenile's cellphone and money.

The juvenile was uninjured.

Police described the perpetrator as a male standing about 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall, dressed in dark clothing and wearing a dark mask.

Police did not elaborate on the weapon shown.

Rescue operator charged with animal cruelty in dog's death

Township police can be reached at 908-689-1630 if anyone has any information on the incident or perpetrator.

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

 

31 animals harvested on Friday, according to state figures

FREDON -- Another 31 black bears were killed Friday, the next-to-last day of the state's annual, week-long hunt, the state Department of Environmental Protection reported.

With the take on Friday, the fifth day of a hunting season marked by unseasonably mild temperatures and dry weather, the total stood at 421 animals. The last day of the season, which was open to firearms hunters, is Saturday.

On trend with the rest of the hunt, most of the animals Friday were killed in rural Sussex County, one of eight mostly northern counties where the hunt has been authorized. Bergen County Friday saw its first and so far only kill of the 2015 season, while in two other counties, Somerset and Mercer, no animals have yet been harvested.

Northampton, Warren and Hunterdon county authorities say they are looking for three individuals.

Northampton County authorities seek Kyle Bedics - fugitive of the week

Warren County authorities seek Michael Campbell - fugitive of the week

Hunterdon County authorities seek Jaun Swart - fugitive of the week

 

Washington Township police say the library equipment was recovered.

A 14-year-old faces charges after allegedly breaking into Warren Hills Middle School and stealing computers and related equipment from the library.

Washington Township police say a 14-year-old stole computer equipment from Warren Hills Middle School. (Courtesy photo)

Washington Township police responded at 12:11 a.m. Friday to the school, 64 Carlton Avenue in Washington Borough, when a burglar alarm went off, according to a police news release.

An investigation with the school resource officer led police to the suspect, whom police did not identify. The stolen items were recovered, police said.

The teen was released to a guardian and faces juvenile charges of burglary, theft, criminal mischief and receiving stolen property, police said.

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

 

Two people suffered injuries following a multi-vehicle wreck Saturday morning along Schooleys Mountain Road in Washington Township, Morris County, police say.

Two people were injured following a multi-vehicle wreck Saturday morning along Schooleys Mountain Road in Washington Township, Morris County.

File photo | lehighvalleylive.com 

Police say the 10:14 a.m. crash occurred when Timothy Moran, 68, of Califon was driving an SUV southbound on Schooleys Mountain Road -- between East Springtown and Pleasant Grove roads -- and crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic.

A work van driven by Gregg Leuzzi, 38, of Fairfield was traveling northbound on Schooleys Mountain Road and attempted to make a quick movement to avoid being hit by the SUV, police say.

The two vehicles eventually collided, according to police, pushing the van into a telephone pole and causing the SUV to spin. The SUV then struck a vehicle being driven by Richard Schmidt, 55, of Great Meadows, which had been traveling behind the van.

Washington Twp.'s new police chief wants more community policing, accreditation

Moran was transported to Morristown Medical Center and Schmidt was transported to Hackettstown Regional Medical Center. Leuzzi was treated and released at the scene.

The extent of injuries was unknown.

The Washington Township Traffic Bureau continues to investigate. Police say it's unclear what led Moran to cross into oncoming traffic.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Department of Environmental Protection officials say not enough "tagged" bears were killed to effectively reduce the potential for conflicts with people Watch video

FREDON - Another 51 bears were killed across northern New Jersey Saturday, though state officials say they will extend the state's annual hunt in hopes of further thinning their ranks. 

The latest figures, released by the Department of Environmental Protection on Sunday, bring the six-day total of bears killed to 472. 

Though that number is considerably higher than last year's count of 272, officials said the animals' dense population called for the hunt to be extended another four days, beginning Wednesday morning and ending at sunset Dec. 20.

"With the four-day extension, we will reach a harvest number that will keep the black bear population healthy and sustainable, while reducing the potential for conflicts with people," Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin said in a statement.

MORE: Bear hunt 2015: Compromise unlikely between protesters and hunters

Only 24 of 133 bears "tagged" by DEP employees have been shot and killed this year - a ratio of 18 percent. Because the ratio came in at under 20 percent, new game code regulations adopted by the state earlier this year allow for the hunt to be extended.

The vast majority of bears killed this year have been in Sussex and Warren counties, though hunters also took down animals in Passaic, Bergen, Morris and Hunterdon counties.

Bears were also allowed to be hunted in Somerset and Mercer counties, though no kills had been recorded there as of Saturday night.

Reintroduced in New Jersey in 2010, the annual hunt is meant to reduce large black bear populations. Environmental groups and animal-rights activists have protested, however, saying killing the animals is neither humane nor an effective long-term solution.

In the hours after the state's announcement about the extension Sunday, the New Jersey Sierra Club issued a press release denouncing the decision. Club President Jeff Titel said he believed the hunt was primarily about sport, and would have little effect on interactions between bears and humans unless additional steps were taken.

"We don't have an education plan, we don't have garbage management, and we don't have the conservation officers needed to implement these things. All we have is more dead bears and the same nuisance problems as before," he said. 

Tim Kilinski, 18, died Tuesday following a single-vehicle crash along I-78 in Williams Township. Nearly 100 people gathered Sunday afternoon to say goodbye.

Nearly 100 people gathered Sunday afternoon at Pohatcong Township Elementary School to remember their classmate who was killed last week in a crash along I-78.

Tim Kilinski, 18, died Tuesday following the crash in Williams Township. Authorities said he was alone in the car when it slid across the highway, crashing into barriers about 3:55 a.m.

Kilinski from Pohatcong Township ran with the varsity cross country team last year. He had recently signed up to switch classes from Phillipsburg High School to the Phillipsburg Alternative Secondary School.

A poem, titled, "Shining Star," was distributed. Several sent handwritten notes to Kilinski and tied their messages to helium balloons.

The gathering began at the school's parking lot and moved into a nearby lawn, where Kilinski and his friends would play football. They formed a large circle and at the count of three let go of their balloons and watched their messages to Kilinski soar into the sky.

Student's fatal crash stuns Phillipsburg school 'family'

Following the launching of the balloons into the sky, there were people crying and consoling each other with hugs. The crowd remained until the balloons were no longer visible.

Kilinski's parents last week said they were not yet prepared to speak about their loss. Tory Bunn, director of alternative education at PASS, said Kilinski "seemed like a nice man" when they met.

Others on social media described Kilinski as a great friend and one girl posted, "Rest in Peace, Tim ... fly high."

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

One unspayed female cat and her unaltered offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years.

Some notes on homeless animals in New Jersey:

* According to the State of New Jersey Office of Animal Welfare, "it is estimated that the number of free-roaming cats in the United States may be equal to that of owned cats, approximately 70 million. If left unchecked, free-roaming cats will breed and their populations increase at locations where they find suitable shelter and food." The office goes on to note that pet cats that are abandoned will not easily fend for themselves outdoors. Unfortunately, most of these cats and their offspring will suffer premature death from disease, starvation or trauma.

* Among shelters and rescue groups around New Jersey, the top 10 reasons for owners relinquishing a dog are: (1) moving; (2) landlord issues (3) cost of pet maintenance; (4) "no time for pet;" (5) inadequate facilities; (6) "too many pets in home;" (7) pet illness; (8) "personal problems;" (9) biting; and (10) no homes for litter-mates.

Other interesting facts from the Office of Animal Welfare:

* As many as 25 percent of dogs entering shelters across the country each year are purebreds.

* One unspayed female cat and her unaltered offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years.

Here is a gallery of homeless animals from northern and central New Jersey. Consider visiting a local shelter or contacting a local rescue group when looking for a pet for your family.

More pets in need of adoption can be viewed here and here

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

In the scheme, police say the men would buy stolen Lowe's merchandise, return it to Lowe's without receipts to gain gift cards, and then, sell the gift cards to construction sites.

Two New York men are facing a slew of charges after police learned the men were allegedly receiving stolen Lowe's merchandise, returning it for gift cards and then, selling the gift cards to construction sites.

lehighvalleylive.com file photo 

Ivan Tyquan Nelson, 21, of Richmond Hill, shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday was found by police with another man allegedly smoking marijuana in a parking lot between Jake's Way Back Burgers and Frank's Pizza in Bethlehem Township.

Nelson and the other man, who police did not identify and is yet to be charged, allegedly admitted to smoking the marijuana.

Police then saw a third man in a nearby vehicle and asked if he was with the pair; they said yes.

Police then asked the third man, identified as Jairam Joseph Ramdial, 25, of South Richmond Hill, if they could search the vehicle. Ramdial agreed and police allegedly found several boxes of construction materials and merchandise from Lowe's.

Police asked why the men were in the area and Ramdial replied, "We had to return some merchandise to Lowe's," court records say. Ramdial further told an officer his father owns a construction company and he lost the receipt for the material, according to court records.

Ramdial allegedly told police when he returns items, he gets a gift card. Police said they found two gift cards from Lowe's in Bethlehem Township and four gift cards from Lowes in Phillipsburg.

Police then questioned why the returns were from two Lowe's locations and Ramdial allegedly replied, "because they carry different products." Police told Ramdial his account of events wasn't making sense.

Ramdial eventually came clean and allegedly informed police of the scheme.

In the scheme, police say Ramdial bought stolen items in New York from a seller at 40 percent less than the actual cost. The two people he was with then returned the items and gained gift cards for Ramdial. Ramdial then takes the gift cards to construction sites and sells them for 60 percent of the face value, according to police.

Ramdial allegedly admitted to police he knew the items were stolen, saying, "Well, we are not stupid. We knew."

A Lowe's loss prevention officer responded to the scene and told police the retailer was already were tracking Ramdial for allegedly returning stolen items. The total amount returned to the Bethlehem Township store was $1,172, police said.

Police seized the rest of the stolen merchandise in Ramdial's vehicle. The items totaled $5,724.

Nelson is charged with receiving stolen property, theft by deception, criminal conspiracy, possession of a small amount of marijuana and providing a false ID to law enforcement. He was arraigned before District Judge Nancy Matos Gonzalez, who set bail at $30,000.

Ramdial is charged with receiving stolen property, theft and conspiracy theft by deception. He was arraigned before Matos Gonzalez, who set bail at $75,000.

In lieu of bail, Ramdial and Nelson both were taken to Northampton County Prison.

The judge ordered the co-defendants enroll in Pretrial Services and allowed 10 percent of each bail amount if approved by Pretrial Services. Both men are due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled 11:30 a.m. Dec. 22.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Centenary College's Equine Studies Department recently hosted the Holiday Tournament of Champions at the Equestrian Center in Long Valley, N.J. Two teams of Centenary's Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) members competed, taking home Champion and Reserve Champion team honors. In total, 15 of the nation's most competitive teams participated. The Champion Team Members included Michael Andrade, Shelby Cashman, Sveta...

Centenary College's Equine Studies Department recently hosted the Holiday Tournament of Champions at the Equestrian Center in Long Valley, N.J.

Two teams of Centenary's Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) members competed, taking home Champion and Reserve Champion team honors. In total, 15 of the nation's most competitive teams participated. The Champion Team Members included Michael Andrade, Shelby Cashman, Sveta Kargina, Skylar Laasko, Danielle Sagliano, Sarah Taylor, and Phillip Williamson. The Reserve Champion Team Members were Carolyn Brouard, Shelby Keefe, Kristi Meibauer, Caroline Norton and Cody Wooten.

The event is the creation of Jim and Gwen Arrigon and Beckett Run, Inc. It was held on Dec. 5. The horse show was produced by equine studies students.

Centenary coaches, Heather Clark and Michael Dowling, were extremely proud of their students not only because of their ability to ride, but also to work together as a group to coordinate the event.

"It is always nice to win at our home grounds," said Timothy Cleary, Associate Director and Chair of the Equine Department at Centenary College. "Our riders and coaches performed quite outstandingly in a very competitive contest -- hence the name -- The Tournament of Champions. We are equally proud of our entire Equine Studies student body, who worked tirelessly producing such a nicely run event. It was a great day for Centenary College."

Cacchione was honored at Centenary College with an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters at the College's 136^th Spring Commencement on May 14, 2011. He has appeared at many IHSA competitions and events held at the Equestrian Center at Centenary.

Today, from its beginning with just two competing colleges, the IHSA is an organization that encompasses over 400 member colleges in 45 states and Canada -- representing more than 9,000 riders in hunter seat equitation, western horsemanship and reining.

Highly praised for its structure of competition, the IHSA allows riders with various degrees of experience in the Hunter and Western rider disciplines to compete individually or on a team. Emphasis is on learning, sportsmanship and fun.

Since 1984, Centenary has awarded associate of science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Equine Studies. It is the only four-year institution in New Jersey that grants such degrees, allowing students with a love of horses to transform their interests and talents into solid career opportunities.

Today, the College's Equine Studies graduates are highly sought after as industry professionals, including competitive riding coaches, trainers, instructors, breeders, therapeutic riding and dressage specialists, barn managers, veterinarians and communications specialists.

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