New Jersey is home to at least 128,000 active heroin users, struggling in silence all around you.

The scourge of New Jersey's heroin crisis is closer than you know. 

Today, NJ Advance Media is publishing the result of a year-long reporting project, detailing heroin and opioid addiction in a state where it has run rampant. 

We're calling it Herointown, and it combines the most robust data ever assembled on the state's heroin population with original artwork, interactives and hundreds of stories from the people who are living through it  

So, come with us to Herointown.  You know someone there already, you just may not know it. 

The City

Herointown has a population of 128,000, and its growing faster than any city in the state.

The Dead

Heroin has been blamed for more than 5,000 deaths in New Jersey since 2004. Here is every one of them.

In their Own Words

An interactive collection of more than 200 stories from people who are or have lived through heroin addiction, be they users themselves or their loved ones.

By the numbers

Nine startling statistics that crystalize just how far the state's heroin problem has reached into day-to-day life in New Jersey.

Heroin's spread

This interactive map shows how heroin's scourge has exploded in New Jersey over the last 10 years.

About this project

Learn how this project came together. 

It's difficult to think of an out-of-state or international mega-act that hasn't performed in New Jersey.

New Jersey is a great place for music. Frankly, I'd say there's hardly room for debate.

Certainly, the list of chart-topping musicians who hail from the Garden State is a long one. And, I'd venture to say there's nary an out-of-state or international mega-act that hasn't performed here. Bands and solo acts have packed venues ranging from high school auditoriums to football stadiums.

We from the Garden State are steeped in the traditions of Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. We've been told about girl groups from the '60s like the Angels and the Shirelles and solo acts like Lesley Gore and Connie Francis. And we've reveled in the innovations of performers and producers like George Clinton and Les Paul. Here are a handful of lesser-known facts about pop music in New Jersey:

Mark Stein, founding member of Vanilla Fudge, was a Bayonne native.courtesy of Bayonne Retro 

* The first live performance of "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and his Comets took place at the HofBrau Hotel in Wildwood in 1954.

* Donald Fagan of Steely Dan was born in Passaic in 1948 and later attended South Brunswick High School.

* Paul Simon was born in Newark, as was Ice T (Tracy Marrow)

* Joe Walsh attended Montclair High School, where he played oboe in the school band.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

* Country superstar Clint Black was born in Long Branch; Wyclef Jean was born in South Orange.

* Kate Pierson, one of the founding members of the B-52s, was born in Weehawken.

This gallery offers a humble sampling of some of the pop, rock and soul talent to take the stage in the Garden State. Be sure to click on the captions button to read more about these vintage 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.

David Drill faced a maximum five-year sentence after pleading guilty in 2008 to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

The former president of an Easton-area company that ripped off high school and youth sports programs by inflating invoices and forging fake bids from competitors was sentenced to probation on Wednesday after cooperating with the government.

David Drill faced a maximum five-year sentence after pleading guilty in 2008 to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Two other former executives of the company pleaded guilty to similar charges and were sentenced this year, and two former school officials also pleaded guilty.

RELATED: Circle System Group execs plead guilty

Drill was president of Circle System Group, which sold athletic equipment, uniforms and apparel to schools and youth sports programs, mostly in New Jersey.

An indictment alleged the company created fake price quotes from competitors that Circle would then undercut to win contracts. It also alleged Circle inflated invoices to reimburse itself for money it had donated to the schools' fundraising and charity efforts and for gifts it had given to school officials, including laptop computers, digital cameras and flat-screen TVs.

The company also allegedly sent schools monthly statements that looked like invoices, leading many schools to pay the same invoice twice. Prosecutors alleged the company reaped nearly $1 million in overpayments this way, and kept most of the money.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the victims included more than two dozen high schools as well as Rutgers and Monmouth universities.

In December 2005, Belvidere High School's business manager in Warren County refused to pay the company's $435 invoice because there was no purchase order for softball reconditioning work, the indictment said.

Former Circle Chief Financial Officer Mitchell Kurlander, of Allentown, was sentenced in September to nearly 31/2 years in prison in connection with the scheme. His father-in-law, Alan Abeshaus, of Highland Beach, Florida, the company's CEO, received probation and home confinement.

RELATED: Circle System executive sent to prison

The U.S. Attorney's Office said Wednesday that Drill won't have to pay restitution because the other defendants have satisfied those requirements.

Drill's lawyer, Joseph Afflitto Sr., said his client wasn't involved in, and didn't benefit from, the double-billing part of the scheme that was run by Kurlander and Abeshaus.

Drill "is grateful the judge gave him an opportunity to do what he can with the rest of his life," Afflitto said.

Circle System, which had numerous locations in the Easton area, no longer exists. In 2005, Schutt Sports Inc. bought the company and "divested itself completely of the people who committed these crimes years ago," Schutt said in a 2013 statement.

Schutt continues to operate at the former Circle System facility on McFadden Road in the Palmer Industrial Park in Palmer Township. The old Circle System facility on Bushkill Street in Easton is no longer part of the company.

Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The quilting guild has donated over $25,000 in items to benefit Abilities of Northwest Jersey.

Abilities Quilting Guild recently awarded raffle winner Natalie Shapowalenko her first place quilt, valued at $1,000, in a ceremony at Abilities' Washington center.

The guild works weekly at Abilities creating handmade quilts, quilliows and other items that are then donated for the raffle, raising more than $25,000 for Abilities of Northwest Jersey over the past 15 years.

Abilities provides individualized employment and support services for individuals with disabilities and manages six program locations in Warren County, providing services and supports to more than 300 people daily who live in Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and Sussex counties.

The Tigers could have as many as 12 players in the rotation without much drop-off.

HACKETTSTOWN

Conference: Northwest Jersey Athletic

2014-15 record: 20-10

Players to watch: Jr. F Matt Arcona; Sr. G James Britt; So. G Jelani Awai; Jr. G Tyler Akers; Sr. C 6-4 Mike McDonald; So. C 6-4 Jack Quinoa; So. F Ed Omelia; Jr. G Brandon Rojas; Jr. G Matt O’Brien; Jr. G Ryan Gallagher; Jr. G Robert Begley; Sr. F 6-3 Yusef Allah; Sr. C Nick Birmingham

Outlook: The Tigers should be a very deep team with as many as 12 players possibly finding their way into the rotation. Britt, a three-year starter, has reportedly dropped the 28 pounds he gained last season, which should serve him well when he’s playing the point. Awai, a transfer from New York City, also will see time at point guard. It could be an interesting season if the players mesh together.

From coach Mike McDonagh: “This is the best group of kids, talent-wise, that we’ve had since I’ve been here. We’re deep and talented at every position. Sometimes that could be tough because now I have to figure out how to play everyone. But I’m excited for them. We’re going to surprise people this year.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BOYS BASKETBALL PAGE

Tom Hinkel may be reached at thinkel@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomHinkelLV. Find Lehigh Valley high sool sports on Facebook

After nearly 40 years in law enforcement, David Gallant says he wants to spend time with his family.

After nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Warren County Sheriff David Gallant says it's time to move on.

The sheriff will not run for a third term, instead choosing to leave office when his current term expires at the end of 2016.

Warren County Sheriff David Gallant says he is looking forward to spending time with his family after nearly 40 years in law enforcement. (Courtesy photo)

"It's been an honor and a privilege to hold public office," the Blairstown Township resident said Thursday in his courthouse office in Belvidere. He thanked supporters, friends and family "because without them it wouldn't have been possible."

The sheriff said he informed his staff Thursday morning.

Gallant served 26 years with the New Jersey State Police, retiring as a captain. Before being elected sheriff, he worked six years as Warren County's public safety director. His career also included a year as an undercover narcotics detective in Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties, and for two years was a member of a federal task force that targeted domestic terrorism.

The Republican won contests for the sheriff job in 2010 and 2013. In the last race, Gallant's opponent in the June primary, Washington Township police Chief James McDonald, challenged results showing Gallant with a narrow victory. A settlement was reached in court two months later.

Gallant said he is looking forward to spending time with family, traveling and pursuing personal interests.

"I just try to leave (public offices) a little better than when I started, and I hope I've done that here," he said.

The deadline to file a nomination for New Jersey's June 7 primary is April 4. The general election is Nov. 8.

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

The girls U14 soccer team shared a championship title in the Morris County Youth Soccer Association.

The West Jersey Soccer Club Red Wolves U14 girls team finished the fall season as Co-Champions of the Morris County Youth Soccer Association.

The West Jersey Soccer Club Red Wolves U14 girls team soccer team. (Special to lehighvalleylive.com)  

The Red Wolves ended with a 7-1-2 record. 

The team is comprised of teens from Washington, Franklin, Lopatcong, Belvidere, Phillipsburg, Pohatcong, Greenwich and Harmony.

They are: Jaila Almeida, Samantha Boucher, Kristin Casinelli, Allsion Deneka, Haley Garcia, Emilee Gubitosi, Madeline Horvath, Hailey Kozak, Mary Levy, Amanda Lindquist, Kassandra Llanos, Ania Martinez, Mia Martinez, Bri Opdyke, Amanda Phelps, Morgan Sendgikoski, Felicia Testani and Sophia Theodoridis.

The team is coached by Chris Gubitosi and Jack Almeida and trained by Jim Stahl and Ernie Chavez.

We've detailed the reality of the heroin crisis in N.J. Today, we ask you — what do we do about it?

On Tuesday, we opened the door to the reality of the heroin crisis in New Jersey.  

At least 128,000 people are enslaved today by heroin's grip. More than 5,200 have died since 2004, a figure that's grown exponentially with each passing year.  Hundreds of thousands more feel the effects of heroin second-hand, and our ever-growing "living wall" documents hundreds of stories about the fallout the drug can cause beyond the user. 

Today the question becomes -- what now? Next week NJ Advance Media will take a comprehensive look at what's been done, what hasn't and what is planned to stem the tide of heroin use in New Jersey.  

But as it stands today, clearly the problem remains unencumbered and growing. We want to hear from you. What do you think can be done?  Where should the primary solution come from?  

Take our anonymous survey below to let us know. Once we have received enough responses, we will create an interactive graphic on this page showcasing them and use them to support our report next week on where New Jersey stands in the fight against heroin.

SEE THE RESULTS

While we wait for enough responses to come in, you will be able to see the current results of the survey in summary form once you have submitted your response. 

Results

Click or tap on each icon for more information about each user's answer. Use the buttons to sort by an individual category. This page will be updated periodically as new results come in. 

Last updated: 10:30 a.m., Dec. 18

Stephen Stirling may be reached at sstirling@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @sstirling. Find him on Facebook.

 

Save The Pit, Phillipsburg's title quest, and more.

Save the Pit. With Phillipsburg's brand-new high school atop the hill out by the P’burg Athletic Complex set to open next year, including a fancy new large gym, the Stateliner administration seems prepared to move all athletic contests to the new school – including wrestling. That would mean the end of The Pit after decades as serving as the finest wrestling venue in the land. While we’re sure the new playpen will have all the bells and whistles of modernity, lots more seats, more rest rooms and improved lighting, nothing can take the place of The Pit. Nothing. The Phillipsburg team, wrestling staff and community care mounting an effort to keep dual-meet wrestling at The Pit (the new gym would be fine for District 1 and any other tournament P’burg wishes to host – Region 1?) and we can’t wish them enough luck in doing so. To lose The Pit would be to lose generations of tradition, an iconic venue that nobody else can match, and – it must be said – much of Phillipsburg’s home advantage. Ask Parkland coach Ryan Nunamaker how much The Pit intimidated his team last year – a veteran team that has wrestled at Pennsylvania state duals, the Powerade Tounament and beyond. And yet, they’d never seen anything like The Pit – because there isn’t anything like The Pit. In an increasingly homogenized world, a unique place such as The Pit stands out like a beacon for wrestling and should be preserved at all costs. The Stateliners without The Pit would be like the Boston Red Sox without Fenway Park – unthinkable. Save The Pit!!!

Phillipsburg’s title quest. The Stateliners are shooting for their 20th state group championship, a remarkable number, and will go about chasing it in their own unique way. Perhaps alone among Garden State teams, the Stateliners don’t wrestle a single tri-meet or quad-meet. They also don’t fly all over the nation attending tournaments. They wrestle all their local rivals, and will take on any comer for a dual – any comer that shares their philosophy of doing things, that is, which excludes the private schools and academies that have come to dominate the sport. The Stateliners place a passionate emphasis on team goals that really stands out – wrestling folks who have never seen P’burg before can be thrilled by their team-first attitude. Dave Post has many critics, especially of his scheduling philosophy – let’s face it, we’d love to see the Stateliners wrestle Bethlehem Catholic in The Pit, who wouldn’t? – but he’s consistent in the way he runs his program and the results are hard to argue with. A 20th championship seems very possible for Phillipsburg.

NJSIAA follies. What will be this year’s NJSIAA key mistake? More team-ranking errors? A seeding mishap for individual tournaments? Group 5’s impact at the smallish Pine Belt Arena rather than the large Trenton arena ruining the fan experience? It’s impossible to predict but history tells us there will likely be a significant problem somewhere down the line. Many fans would say the proposal for separate private school regions and districts is this year’s mistake. We would agree that is unnecessary, a logistical nightmare and borderline discriminatory. But we also suspect the state Education Commissioner will overrule the membership vote and the proposal, set for 2016-17, will never be implemented.

Skyland Raritan Division rules. Now this is the way to run a league. The seven Raritan Division teams – Bound Brook, Delaware Valley, Hunterdon Central, North Hunterdon, Phillipsburg, Voorhees and Warren Hills – accounted for six sectional titles last season. The one who missed out – the Blue Streaks – lost to another league team (Voorhees) in the sectional final. The Skyland intelligently groups its best teams together to preserve old rivalries and sharpen the skills of each team against top-shelf foes, and the result is overall success, full gyms and terrific competition. This is an enormous contrast to the opposite approach in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which features long rides to empty gym against teams no one cares about while powerful traditional rivals right down the street are passed over. The Skyland Conference knows what’s good for the sport.

Belvidere’s way back. The County Seaters have just two starters returning, which doesn’t sound promising for a successful season. But they have a full room, have some outstanding football athletes out for the sport, and will be a fascinating example of a team finding its way throughout the season. Dan McIntyre and his staff teach basics well and always put out an inspired team on the mat for duals -- good thing, because the County Seaters wrestle Hanover Park, Mendham, Voorhees and more. Again, unlike Pennsylvania, where small schools almost never see big schools in duals, Belvidere, a Group 1 school and a smallish one at that, tests itself against very formidable competition. The payback comes in February. The journey may have its bumps, but County Seater fans will enjoy the effort and hard work they’ll see.

Brad Wilson may be reached at bwilson@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradwsports. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook.

The County Seaters will utilize a deep bench by playing up-tempo this season.

BELVIDERE

Conference: Skyland, Mountain Division

2014-15 record: 7-16 overall, 3-6 division

Players to watch: Sr. G Nikko DeBenedetto (9.9 ppg); Sr. F Jordan Allen (5.6 ppg); Sr. F Nathan Baylor; Sr. C Matt Fritz; Sr. G Ben Healy; Jr. C Connor Barbaro; So. F David Kinney; So. F Matt Gallagher; Sr. G Matt Duckworth; Sr. G Tommy Madeo; Jr. F Daniel Penna; Sr. C Kurt Soergel.

Outlook: The County Seaters have plenty of experience with DeBenedetto, Allen and Baylor all back as returning starters. Center Josh Pryslak was the biggest loss to graduation. Overall, Belvidere will be a deep team with more emphasis placed on running up and down the floor than in the past.

From coach Dennis Riley: “We’re going to be a fast-paced team that rotates guys in an out. Hopefully we’ll keep the turnovers down and work on the intangibles that we need to improve on. We’ve continued to improve in our first couple scrimmages. We have a lot of returning guys that know the system, which should be beneficial to us.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BOYS BASKETBALL PAGE

Tom Hinkel may be reached at thinkel@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomHinkelLV. Find Lehigh Valley high sool sports on Facebook

Not the only five, to be sure, but a quintet of athletes with tremendous promise.

(in alphabetical order)

Kyle DiNapoli, Voorhees. There’s not likely to be a wrestler in the state who puts more time, dedication and effort into the sport than the Viking senior. He was rewarded for his passion with an eighth-place state medal at 120 pounds and will hope for even better at 132 pounds this winter. DiNapoli enters the season with 96 wins and seems a certain bet to become Voorhees’ ninth 100-win wrestler all-time. DiNapoli is the kind of quality young man everybody in Hunterdon County will root for, too.

Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg. This is the last chance for the Stateliner senior to capture a state championship. He was runner-up in agonizing fashion in 2014, fifth place as a freshman, and missed last year’s postseason with a hand injury. The Rutgers-bound Paetzell won the Beast of the East as a junior before his injury and brings an 87-9 record into his last go-around in high school. Paetzell’s bundle-of-energy style and extroverted personality make him a fan favorite. He will be shooting to become Phillipsburg’s 34th individual champion.

Joe Renne, Hackettstown. Renne enters his senior as the best bet for Hackettstown to put a wrestler on the medal stand in Atlantic City since 2009. Renne, projected at 120-126 pounds, went 35-8 last season and ended up ranked No. 2 by lehighvalleylive.com at 120 pounds. There’s no tougher wrestler – Renne plays football, remember, giving up enormous amounts of weight – and he’s a proven postseason winner as he took District 1 and Region 1 last season. With improved technique, Renne should earn that state medal.

Brian Smolinsky, North Hunterdon. There’s a ferocious intensity to the Lion senior 152-160 pounder that must be seriously intimidating to many of his foes. He went 36-4 last season, won District 17, and qualified for states by coming in third in Region 5. Smolinsky is a good bet to better his record, region finish, and state finish as a senior – not many combine his skill, speed and strength with such intense focus.

Matt Valli, Warren Hills. One of the great what-ifs of last season was how Valli, a sophomore, would have done had an injury not ended his season early. Valli was 11-3 at 120 pounds when he went down and showed great promise with a very physical and fundamentally sound style. Valli, who fits around 126 or 132 pounds this season, could enjoy a very, very successful season if he stays healthy.

Brad Wilson may be reached at bwilson@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradwsports. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook.

Authorities identified the trooper as Eli McCarson of Gloucester County.

A New Jersey State Police trooper was killed Thursday after crashing into a utility pole in Salem County while responding to a report of a domestic dispute, authorities said.

Eli McCarson (New Jersey State Police photo | For NJ Advance Media) 

Eli McCarson, 30, of Gloucester County, was driving to the domestic call in Quinton Township at 10:45 a.m. when he struck the utility pole on Quinton-Alloway Road near Route 49.

McCarson was taken to The Memorial Hospital of Salem County, where he was pronounced dead around noon.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash, according to New Jersey State Police. It was raining Thursday morning in Salem County.

"Whether it's facing an armed assailant, or responding to a critical call on a rainy day, troopers and other law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect every member of the public," said Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "This is a tragic loss for us, made even worse during this holiday season, but I know our troopers will not flinch. They will continue their duties and answer every call with others in mind, just as Trooper Eli McCarson was doing when he gave his life in the line of duty."

McCarson's vehicle went off on the right side of the road and into the utility pole, where he was trapped inside while authorities opened his jammed door.

He was part of New Jersey State Police's 155th class, which graduated on Feb. 20, 2015. He worked out of Woodstown barracks.

According to his Facebook page, he graduated from Rutgers-Camden in 2008.

He was married in September and turned 30 on Dec. 5. 

Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

A quintet of instant classics for fans.

(in chronological order)

Northampton at Phillipsburg, Jan. 2, 7 p.m.

Could this be the last time an old East Penn Conference visits The Pit? It would be sad if it was so, but it may be (P’burg is at Parkland and Easton this season), making this a must-see. The Konkrete Kids’ light- and middle-weights will give the Stateliners a stern test.

North Hunterdon at Voorhees, Jan. 7, 7 p.m.

The last time this classic arch-rivalry took place at Voorhees a veteran wrestling writer who has attended hundreds of matches said the Vikings’ gym was the loudest he had ever heard. That’s how intense this matchup will be. Records don’t matter – the fire will be there.

Howell at Phillipsburg, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.

You don’t think the Stateliners have had this one circled since Howell handed P’burg its sole loss last season? The Pit will be a madhouse. Expect a tense, tight match with few bonus points and lots of excitement.

Voorhees at Delaware Valley, Jan. 20, 7 p.m.

This is a stand-in for all the intra-Hunterdon County matches, some of the best atmospheres for wrestling you’ll ever see. While all four venues offer smashing action in county matches, the Terriers may be the best with a student section second to none and passionate community support. If you can’t make this one, pick one of the others – you really cannot go wrong.

Belvidere at North Warren, Jan. 29, 7 p.m.

All that is at stake here is neighborhood bragging rights and local supremacy, but that’s enough to fill the gym and fire up everybody involved. Both teams are in a rebuilding phase, so the match will likely be more competitive than last season’s Belvidere blowout, and could be a good place to see future standouts emerge. This is one of those Friday night matches that the Hunterdon/Warren area has been packing gyms with: attention Pennsylvania.

Brad Wilson may be reached at bwilson@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradwsports. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook.

Total number of animals taken this year closing in on 500 Watch video

FREDON -- Just three bears were killed Thursday, the second day of a four-day extension of the state's annual bear hunt, the Department of Environmental Protection reported. 

The total number of black bears killed as of the hunt's eighth day stood at 492. The take on Thursday, when there were heavy rains throughout much of the state, was the lowest daily tally of the 2015 firearms season. 

The hunt was originally scheduled in several counties, mostly in the north and west, from Dec. 7 through Dec. 12. Wildlife officials added four more days, beginning Wednesday, when totals fell short of what the state had hoped for. 

Two of the animals Thursday were killed in Sussex County and the third was taken in Passaic. 

The hunt was re-introduced in 2010, a year when 592 animals were harvested, the highest total reached ever since. The following year, 469 animals were killed, while in 2012 287 animals were harvested. The totals for 2013 and 2014 were 251 and 272 respectively, according to state figures.  

New Jersey reacts to the the premiere of the 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' at the AMC Loews theatre in New Brunswick. Watch video

Some fanatics were even dressed in costume. Princess Leia, Han Solo and R2-D2 were spotted waited online at the concession stands to grab a popcorn and soda at the AMC Loews New Brunswick. 

Before the start of the film, we decided to have some fun with movie-goers. Equipped with two red Darth Vader lightsabers, we let fans shows us their best moves. Some even dueled with their friends.

To keep the force going, we asked people to give us a one sentence review of the movie without any spoilers, their rating from 1 to 10 and a sound effect from the film.  

Did you see the movie on opening night? Let us know what you thought in the comment section below. NO SPOILERS ALLOWED! 

 

Amanda Marzullo may be reached at amarzullo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amanda_marzullo. Find NJ.com Multimedia on Facebook.

Harassment complaints and litigation involving the township clerk presented a conflict.

Petitions to recall Lopatcong Township's mayor could begin circulating around town as soon as this weekend, but the official handling of the documents will be done in the county seat.

A committee is organizing a recall election against Lopatcong Township Mayor Tom McKay. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo) 

Warren County Clerk Pat Kolb and her office will tend to the various approvals and sign-offs necessary to complete the recall process, she confirmed Thursday. Normally such business would be handled by the municipal election official, typically the township clerk.

However Lopatcong Clerk/Administrator Beth Dilts is involved in recall organizers' stated reasons to oust Mayor Tom McKay and is pursuing her own civil litigation against him which presents a conflict. Kolb said the township's attorney asked the county clerk's office to take over the recall duties.

"We were happy to help out," Kolb said.

A group of residents formed a recall committee last month with the intention of removing McKay from office in a special election estimated to cost $20,632. McKay took office in January.

Kolb said her review of their petition documents is should be completed this week. Signature-gathering can begin once she gives her approval.

Countdown begins

State law strictly governs how recall elections are handled. For the recall to even go to a vote, the organizing committee has 160 days to acquire signatures from the equivalent of 25 percent of township voters registered in the prior general election. In this case, Kolb said, that means 1,466 signatures by early June.

Warren County Clerk Pat Kolb (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

Those who sign the petition do not have to be registered voters, but must be eligible to vote.

MORE: Read New Jersey's recall election law

If the required signatures are obtained and approved, the recall election would have to be planned around scheduled elections such as a March 8 school referendum and the June 7 primary, Kolb said. Depending how long the process takes, the recall could be held as late as July.

The grievance of the recall committee -- officially listed as residents Robert Spagna, Edmund T. Shuster and William D. Wright -- will be provided to anyone who is asked to sign, as well as a response from the mayor.

The recall committee's statement condemns McKay for his "actions and inaction, statements and misstatements, allegations, personal attacks, dilatory tactics and dictatorial personality" that have "eroded the Township's confidence in the Mayor's office," among other claims.

McKay's response says he has been subject to "a non-stop campaign by certain political opponents" and "bullying behavior" that blocks his goals.

MORE: Read the full statements from the recall committee and mayor

A tumultuous year

Township Clerk Beth Dilts (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

An independent investigation over the summer into harassment complaints filed by Dilts led to the censuring of McKay in October, though the investigation concluded both sides were contributing to a poisonous political atmosphere in the township.

Since McKay's election last November, there have been public squabbles over his presence as mayor-elect at a closed-session meeting, legal questions over planning board appointments and criticism over his access to security camera footage.

Tangentially, a lawsuit by the township's former chief financial officer accuses Dilts of harassment. The clerk also has a harassment lawsuit pending against the mayor and Councilwoman Donna Schneider for alleged intimidation tactics.

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

 

Area colleges announce offerings; area students' achievements noted.

Centenary College's Equine Studies Department recently hosted the Holiday Tournament of Champions at the Equestrian Center.  The two teams from Centenary College finished in the top two standings. 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.

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The professional Centenary Stage Company is accepting enrollment into their Dance Conservatory courses for the spring semester. Classes will run from Jan. 19 to May 9. For registration information for the Conservatory of Dance, contact the CSC Administration Offices at 908-979-0900 or visit centenarystageco.org

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Northampton Community College will hold free information sessions on its new certificate program, Community Health Worker, and its nurse aide program in January.  Attendance at one of the sessions is mandatory for enrollment in the programs. Sessions will be held 9 a.m. Jan.11 and Jan. 13, at the Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third Street, Bethlehem, and 6 p.m. Jan. 19 and Jan. 21 at the Monroe campus, 2411 Route 715 in Tannersville. Information: 610-332-6585. 

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The Continuing Education Department at Warren County Community College will once again be hosting an informational event focusing on career possibilities in health care fields 6 to 8 p.m. Jan 13 in Room P110 at the Phillipsburg Education Center, 445 Marshall St. The event is free and open to the public but a RSVP is required. Call 908-689-7613.  

WCCC also is offering a Pilates Instructor Training Certification Program starting in January. Tuition is $7,000, which includes two semesters of training totaling 476 hours. Contact Dianne Czar at 908-835-2333 for information.

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Lehigh Carbon Community College and Carbon Career and Technical Institute have partnered to offer a nurse aide training program at the CCTI campus, 150 W. 13th Street in Jim Thorpe. Classes are now forming for January 2016. Program orientations are held two times a month at CCTI.

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Warren Hills Regional Middle School hosted an Internet/social media safety program called "Internet Use and Social Media: Poster Beware" presented by two representatives from the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. The program served not only to inform students about the consequences of their actions online, but to support the district's anti-bullying efforts.

Student news

The following area residents are among the recent graduates of Costal Carolina University: Michael Mohr, of Readington Township; Sara Rasley, of Easton; Jonathan Sheftel, of Allentown; Alexander Smith, of Phillipsburg; and Emily Tatarka, of Hackettstown.

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Hugh Salva, of St. Michael the Archangel School, Bethlehem, was one of 13 fifth-grade artists honored by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane in the 19^th annual Drug-Free Calendar Contest. Hugh's winning artwork will be featured in the month of September.

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Harley Davidson, of Danielsville, completed courses with exemplary marks and made the dean's list for the fall semester at Louisburg College, in North Carolina.

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Shenel A. Franklin, daughter of Gregory and June Franklin, of Wind Gap, received the $1,000 Myrtle Siegfried, MD, and Michael Vigilante, MD, Scholarship available to first-year medical students who are residents of Berks, Lehigh, or Northampton counties. Shenel attends the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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Katelyn Pfeiffer, of Phillipsburg, and Antonina Calcavecchio, of Milford, were inducted into the Alvernia University chapter of Delta Epison Sigma Catholic Honor Society.

The Patriots return three solid starters from last season.

NORTH WARREN

Conference: Northwest Jersey Athletic

2014-15 record: 11-14

Players to watch: Sr. F Nate Szkarlatiuk (10 ppg); Sr. F Alex Predenkoski (8.6 ppg); Sr. G Jared Vuz (11.5 ppg); Sr. C Darian Redmond; So. G Evan Carter; Sr. C Pat Madey; Jr. F Hunter DePrimo.

Outlook: Szkarlatiuk, Predenskoski and Vuz were named tri-captains and give the Patriots three legitimate scoring threats. Carter also is expected to provide offense. The addition of the 6-foot-4 Redmond, a transfer from Ramapo, gives the team an athletic big man.

From coach Chad Tillou: “We’re playing quite a bit of man-to-man, which is a new concept because we’ve played a lot of zone in the past. The three captains have been great leaders on and off the court. One thing we’re stressing this year is ‘team.’ That’s kind of our slogan. We’re not quite at the level we want to be, but if we get to that level we’ll be competitive in our division.”

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Tom Hinkel may be reached at thinkel@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomHinkelLV. Find Lehigh Valley high sool sports on Facebook

Cloud 9 Crossfit, of Phillipsburg, hosted its third toy drive, fulfilling the wishes of many area children.

Cloud 9 Crossfit, of Phillipsburg, recently hosted its third annual toy drive in a partnership with NORWESCAP and the Philipsburg Police Department.

Santa took some time to work out in preparation for all the cookies he will eat on Christmas eve. (File Photo)

The drive, which combined a holiday fitness event with a toy drive, was free to attend but every spectator, athlete and vendor had to bring a toy.

Prior to the event, children made their lists to Santa and from those lists, a registry was created to fulfill their wishes.

The event was successful in helping 12 families and close to 30 children, as every item from the registry, plus additional toys, clothes, games etc., was donated.

Four vendors were there including a chiropractor, who gave wellness checks, a professional photographer and a food truck. There was also a guest appearance from Santa and a mini pony.

Close to 200 people attended the event and lent a hand.

The Tennessee resident may have been involved in other thefts around the area.

A 20-year-old Tennessee woman has been jailed in New Jersey two years after she allegedly stole $1,000 in loose change from a Warren County campground.

Courtney Sue L. Cain, of Etowah, on Dec. 4, 2013, pried open a door to the the Camp Taylor gift shop in Knowlton Township and took four three-pound plastic coffee cans filled with nickels and quarters, according to a police complaint.

The family owned and operated campground at 85 Mount Pleasant Road is about three miles east of the Delaware Water Gap and includes the Lakota Wolf Preserve.

That morning after the theft, camp owners Jean and Clayton Taylor said they found the shop in disarray and missing the coins they used to make change for customers.

Checking surveillance video, they saw a man and woman drive up to the shop in the early morning hours, the Taylors said. The camera also caught a clear shot of the suspects when they stopped to get a soda and the machine illuminated their faces.

"We were quite surprised we got a decent picture of them," Jean Taylor said. "The officer was pretty excited. He said we'll catch them in no time."

Cain was charged Nov. 5 with one count each of burglary and theft, and the Warren County jail said she arrived on Thursday.

It was unclear Friday if a second person had been charged.

Clayton Taylor said he was thankful the camp shop or its wares weren't damaged in the crime, and that those responsible would face charges and pay back what they took.

The stolen change wasn't a serious issue for the camp, he said, but they rethought how they store their coins.

"We have changed our procedure a little bit," Taylor said with a bit of a laugh. "We always want to keep some change handy ... we found it was a little too handy."

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