The Blue Streaks return four starters including standout guard Johnny Bamford.

WARREN HILLS

Conference: Skyland, Valley Division

2014-15 record: 18-7 overall, 8-2 division

Players to watch: Sr. G John Bamford (15.3 ppg); Sr. F Anthony Veneziano (13.5 ppg), Sr. G Anthony Lea (5.7 ppg), Sr. G Buster Bamford (3.5 ppg); Sr. G Corey Smith, Sr. C/F Jacob Turner; Fr. G James Jordan

Outlook: The Blue Streaks have high expectations with John Bamford, Veneziano, Lea and Buster Bamford all back as returning starters. John Bamford should be one of the elite guards in the area and Veneziano has been a consistent double figure scorer since his sophomore season. Smith is likely to step in as the fifth starter.

From coach Stan Kubbishun: “We’re pretty excited for what the future holds. We had a really good summer. They’re a pretty talented group of kids. Plus, they’re a fun bunch of kids. We just have to be consistent in everything we do. If we’re consistent on offense, take care of the basketball, and play solid defense we should be OK.”

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 school sports on Facebook

National Geographic is seeking nominations in Northampton and Warren counties for inclusion on an interactive website and map of geotourism sites near the Delaware River.

The Delaware River's banks and surrounding areas are awash with scenic beauty and fun activities that make it a popular destination for tourists.

The National Geographic Society, in coordination with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and several other groups, are seeking nominations for historic, cultural and natural sites near the Delaware River, as well as businesses and activities that represent the region's unique character, heritage and beauty.

The project centers on nine counties, including Northampton County in Pennsylvania and Warren County in New Jersey.

The nominated places and events will be integrated into an interactive online map and website for the Scenic, Wild Delaware River Program.

The program is part of a larger National Geographic geotourism effort that is designed to identify attractions that make an area unique. The website will be created from the stories, recommendations and nominations of local residents.

"We hope it gives more of an opportunity to boost local tourism and local outreach," said Northampton County Open Space Coordinator Bryan Cope. "We're not really looking for casinos or a chain restaurant. We're looking for local flair, local flavor."

Cope is on a stewardship committee, along with 34 other people and organizations from the region, which will review the nominations.

Swimmer safety crucial along the Delaware

The project, funded in part by a grant from the William Penn Foundation, is anchored by two national parks: the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River in New York and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

However, the tourism guide will accept nominations within 25 miles to the east and west of the river and as far south as Interstate 78 near Easton, which means large sections of Northampton and Warren counties are open for nomination.

National Geographic defines geotourism as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place, its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.

"Geotourists want to experience the authenticity that a destination has," said John Beljean, a field representative with NPCA.

Beljean said the group is looking for a variety of possible nominations, including but not limited to events, attractions, activities, businesses, trails, artists and travel guides.

Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 16 to be included in the initial May rollout of the website, but the project is ongoing and nominations will be accepted beyond that date.

To nominate visit DelawareRiver.NatGeotourism.com.

John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.

 

No one was more surprised than Santa when a family returned this year to the Palmer Park Mall with a baby sister their brothers had asked for a few years earlier.

It took almost three years, but Santa came through for a 5-year-old who in 2012 surprised the big guy when he asked for a little sister for Christmas.

Santa looks surprised as 5-year-old Logan Franks, left, asks for a baby sister for Christmas in 2012 at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township. Also on Santa's lap is Logan's brother Zachery, then 7. (Jim Middlekauff | lehighvalleylive.com contributor) 

When Logan Franks with brother Zachery made the request at the Palmer Park Mall, Santa Claus' wide-eyed reaction was captured by freelance photographer Jim Middlekauff.

Santa was stunned again when the Franks family returned this year -- with 3-month-old Brenda.

Santa just couldn't take credit for the delivery.

"He didn't really know what to say," said mother Crystal Franks, of Effort in Monroe County. "He was kind of surprised again."

Santa declined an interview request citing his busy season. But Santa's helper Clifton "Cliff" Eckhardt said Santa's heart was warmed by the surprise moment three years ago at the Palmer Township mall and by the family's thoughtfulness in returning this year with its addition.

See decorated storefronts of Easton (PHOTOS)

Middlekauff's photo from 2012 appeared on the cover of the Us weekly newspaper. When the Franks came back this year, they brought a copy with them so they could get a picture of Santa with the boys -- Logan is 8 now and Zachery is 10 -- along with little Brenda.

They asked Santa if he remembered them and, of course, he did. Santa doesn't miss a trick.

"I remembered them because it was so unique and different," Eckhardt said. "It was just so natural, everybody's reaction. It made me feel so good. I have the picture from back then laminated and it hangs in my den."

Crystal Franks said the moment was spontaneous but not exactly unexpected. The boys told her they intended to ask for a little sister in spite of her protests.

"I kept saying you can't ask for a baby sister and they insisted on asking," she said. "Right at the last minute, that's what they asked for."

Santa recalls mom's reaction that day.

"She said 'No, no, no, no, no," he said.

Turns out baby Brenda wasn't only a surprise for Santa. Crystal and her husband Daniel call the newborn their blessing.

Daniel Franks was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in April 2013. After defeating the disease, it recently returned in his lymph nodes and he's undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

"She was our little blessing in the middle there," said Crystal, who works at the R.W. & Son True Value hardware store in Brodheadsville, Pa. A plumber for Roto-Rooter, Daniel hasn't worked since becoming sick.

The Eckhardts make the 40-minute or so trip to the Easton-area mall because it's a Christmastime tradition their sons demand.

"The Santa there is a real Santa," Crystal said. "That's the way my boys look at it. It's the real Santa with a real beard and that's their thing. They have to go there to see the real Santa."

Santa with 3-month-old Brenda Franks and Brenda's brothers Zachery, 10, and Logan, 8, holding a newspaper, at the Palmer Park Mall earlier this month. (Courtesy photo) 

Eckhardt, 76, of Moore Township, plays the role all year long. He carries sleigh bells in his pockets and wears red throughout the year.

He said he hopes to inspire hundreds if not thousands of children all year to exhibit good behavior. He has Logan's and Zachery's photo on his wall, he said, because the picture is unusual in that Santa is the one drawing attention.

He said he's a fan of the work of Middlekauff, a freelance photographer from College Hill in Easton whose photos regularly appear in The Express-Times, the Us and on lehighvalleylive.com.

"He focuses on the children," said Eckhardt, a retired pipefitter at the old Hoffman-La Roche Inc. plant in Belvidere. "That's what he tries to capture. The kids. The amazement on their faces -- the awesomeness of it. It's all about the child and the experience."

A Phillipsburg High School alum and U.S. Air Force veteran, Eckhardt has helped Santa at the Palmer mall since 2009.

Santa this year added a new photo to his wall -- the one that includes baby Brenda and her brothers. Eckhardt said it's a moment he'll treasure forever.

"No matter where I'm at I feel like I'm always on stage, and I try to exemplify what Santa's all about -- the good things," Eckhardt said. "It's really enjoyable and that's why I do it.

"Meeting the kids and seeing their reactions is a lot of fun. They make it rewarding and worthwhile. We have many people where I'm the Santa year after year. They're little and they keep coming back until they're teenagers. It's them and me -- the same Santa."

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.

 

Nearly 500 bears have been killed in this year's hunt as of Friday but still the rate is below what biologists say is needed to keep the black bear population stable — and to stop it from pushing out further. Watch video

Nearly 500 bears have been killed in this year's hunt as of Friday but still the rate is below what state biologists say is needed to keep the black bear population stable -- and to stop bears from expanding their range throughout the state.

Reintroduced in 2010, the aim of the annual bear hunt, according to the Department of Environmental Protection, is to keep the black bear population in check by balancing out the number of cubs born every year, known as "recruitment." Animal-rights activists and environmental groups have regularly protested the hunt, saying killing the animals is neither humane nor an effective long-term solution.

"We have a very productive bear population that on average has a litter of two or three cubs (each year), but sometimes as many as four or five," said DEP spokesman Larry Hajna. "More bears are being born than are being lost."'

The goal, Hajna said, is to cull between 20 to 30 percent of the 133 bears tagged by the Division of Fish and Wildlife -- a range of between 26 to 40 tagged bears. After the first week of the hunt fell short of that figure despite a greater harvest than the past two years, the season was extended by four days.

Jeff Tittel, president of the N.J. Sierra Club, however, has criticized the harvest as a "trophy hunt" that has little to do with effective wildlife management.

"New Jersey Sierra Club believes, just as we did with the very first hunt, that the hunt is unwarranted, unfounded, and will not help to manage bears in the state of New Jersey," Tittel said. "This is a recreational hunt that will lead to a large loss of the New Jersey black bear population, but will not do anything to deal with nuisance bears...Unless New Jersey deals with protection of habitats, garbage, and educating people in bear country, the hunt is meaningless."

472 bears killed across N.J.; officials opt to extend annual hunt

The DEP estimates that there are as many as three bears per square mile in certain northwestern portions of the state.

"Other states with black bear populations have densities in the range of one bear per three square miles," said DEP spokesman Bob Considine.

"The consequence of too many bears in one area are increased competition for food and dispersal into areas with lower bear densities -- which is why we are now seeing bears throughout all of New Jersey," Considine said.

John Rogalo, a hunter and the board chairman of the N.J. State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, said part of the reason hunters haven't hit the DEP's 20- to 30-percent range of tagged bears is the timing of the hunt. Bears are more likely to den up during the winter, but in the fall they're more likely to be active, he said.

"We have by far the densest black bear population in all of North America and we fail to control it," said Rogalo, who also has a background in wildlife management and forestry.

How to track and kill a bear: N.J. hunter gives tips

"I don't put the blame on the Division of Fish and Wildlife," he said. "It's rather on the emotional people protesting the sound management of a natural resource. This is the real world not Disney. Bears are a magnificent animal but when you have too many you reduce them to vermin."

Unlike deer that only live a few years, "(bears) don't die, they live 20 years. What we harvested isn't even a dent in this year's cub crop," he said.

The abundance of garbage created by humans helps support the black bear population, and, according to Rogalo, "bear-proofing" garbage cans and limiting possible food sources only goes so far.

"Bears are strong and they're not stupid," Rogalo said. "If there's food they're going to find a way to get it."

Police officers have started a new holiday tradition for children chugging through Phillipsburg on the Polar Express.

Children decked out in their pajamas received a special surprise from police after riding the Polar Express through Phillipsburg.

Patrolman Tim Moore, Patrolman Justin Koeller and Sgt. Anthony Goodell two weeks ago wanted to add to their community policing duties and showed up to the holiday train ride with candy canes.

Lt. Ralph Reppert said all officers then got into the spirit, traveling during "down time" to the railroad with treats for families as they departed the train. He said being involved in the community is another essential part of the police department's job.

"It was a spur of the moment thing and it's been a pretty big hit," Reppert said. "Parents also have been surprised."

Between the weekend of Dec. 12-13 and Saturday evening, Reppert estimated the department has given out three to four cases of candy canes. Georgine Trinkle, Deputy Director of NORWESCAP, also pitched in, providing the officers with additional candy canes and glow-in-the-dark necklaces for the children.

Officers plan to continue the new tradition into Sunday evening.

"The kids have been very happy," Reppert added.

The train offered by Delaware River Railroad Excursions runs Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas. Passengers are pulled by the historic antique diesel locomotive No. 752 and ride in restored passenger cars from the 1950s.

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

Many pets throughout New Jersey won't be receiving any gifts this holiday season because they don't have homes.

According to thenoseprint.com, a pet-focused online hub for major pet product brands, New Jersey is the most generous state in the U.S. when it comes to buying gifts for their dogs.

The 2015 survey of how much dog owners will spend on their pets this Christmas shows Garden State dog lovers coming in first at $30.01. New York ($29.55) and Pennsylvania ($28.75) came in second and third, making the tri-state area a good place to be a dog. The national average, by the way, is $23.10.

The survey went on to note that the top five reasons dog owners say they spoil their pets:

* "to express love to my dog"
* "because it's fun for me"
* "to help my dog feel included like a family member"
* "to give my dog a moment of happiness"
* and, "to feel closer and bond with my dog"

Many pets throughout New Jersey won't be receiving any gifts this holiday season, though, because they don't have homes. Here's a gallery of homeless pets from northern and central New Jersey. Make sure captions are enabled to see all the information needed to adopt one of these pets.

More animals in need of adoption can be seen here and here.

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

A look at some 11th-hour shopping spots, plus what's open and what's closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

If you are one of those people who waited until this week to get your holiday shopping finished (or started!), fear not. Plenty of stores have extended hours this week to help you complete your list.

Locally, this includes:

Lehigh Valley Mall is open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 21 to 23; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24. The mall reopens 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 26.

Palmer Park Mall is open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 21 to 23; and 8 am. To 6 p.m. Dec. 24. The mall reopens at 8 a.m. (to 10 p.m.) Dec. 26.

All thumbs at wrapping? Check out the Camelot for Children booth at the Outlets at Sands Bethlehem where they will be wrapping 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 19 an Dec. 20; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 21 through Dec. 23 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24. (AP File Photo)

Phillipsburg Mall is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 21 to 23 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24. The mall reopens with regular hours (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Dec. 26.

Liberty Village Premium Outlets, in Flemington, and the Crossings Premium Outlets in Pocono Township are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 21-23; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 26.

Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 21 to 23; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 26.

Area Kohl's stores have been open 24/7 from Thursday, Dec. 17, and will remain open until 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24.

And if you are really last-minute, the The Outlets at Sands in Bethlehem might be your best bet. Stores are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24 with a few exceptions, however some stores are also open Christmas Day, including: Calvin Klein Underwear; Go! Calendars; Joli Bakery & Cafe; Kids Quest/Cyber Quest; The Old Farmer's Almanac General Store and Van Heusen.

Libraries

If you are looking to check out or return a book or movie to the library, you better get moving a little bit quicker. Most libraries in the area are closed beginning Dec. 24.

Here's a look at some of the larger facilities:

Easton Area Public Library is closed Dec. 24-25, and closes at 1 p.m. Dec. 23

Bethlehem Public Library, Allentown Public Library, Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity and Phillipsburg Free Public Library all are closed Dec 24-Dec. 26

Hackettstown is closed Dec. 23-26, and the Warren County Library (four branches) close at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 and remain closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 26.

Libations

Running out of rum for the eggnog? Liquor stores in Pennsylvania will close at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 and remain closed through Dec. 25. In New Jersey, liquor stores are privately owned. Hours vary by location.

Looking for something to do? 

Hours are normal (24/7, 365 days a year) at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. All restaurants are open Dec. 24 except the Carnegie Deli and the VIP Slot Lounge. On Christmas Day, the VIP Slot Lounge is the only dining facility closed. (St. James Gate has been closed since late November.)

Mt. Airy Casino Resort, in Mount Pocono, is also operating on a normal schedule.

DMV/Transportation

In Pennsylvania, license and photo centers statewide will close at 4:15 p.m. Dec. 24 and remain closed through Christmas day.

In New Jersey, the local DMV office in Washington closes at its normal time,
4:30 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 24. It is closed Friday.

LANtaBus and LANtaVan services will NOT operate on Dec. 25.

Transbridge Lines has special services on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

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

Attacker struck female victim with broom until it split in half, Mansfield Township police say.

A woman who was struck over the head with a broomstick until it cracked traveled to a Mansfield Township supermarket in search of help, police say.

Courtesy photo 

The 41-year-old woman at 1:38 a.m. Dec. 11 was found by officers at the Weis Supermarket. Police say she was bleeding from her forehead following an argument with her 41-year-old boyfriend, who police did not identify.

Police say the attacker struck the victim with a broom until it cracked in half, broke her cell phone into two and threatened to kill her if she notified authorities.

Police say the attacker fled the home after the assault. After a warrant was issued for his arrest, the attacker turned himself into police on Thursday.

He is being charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, making terroristic threats and criminal mischief. Bail was set at $15,000.

An appearance is pending in Warren County Superior Court.

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

 

The high school group now shifts focus to its scheduled Feb. 4 performance in New York City.

Choral members joined their voices in the auditorium at Warren Hills Regional High School on December 9 as four of the school's choirs performed in the annual Winter Choral Concert.

The choir is under the guidance of long-time director Lauren Voight. The musical pieces were comprised of traditional, spiritual and contemporary holiday songs together with the Women's Ensemble performing a rendition of "Will There Really be a Morning?" based on a poem by Emily Dickinson. The Men's Ensemble also took to the stage for an a capella version of "Bethlehem Spiritual."

RELATED: Warren Hills Regional High School marching band 2015 profile

Voight presented pins and letters to students earning special recognition and for participation in the choral program. Also acknowledged were members of the 2015 Region Chorus: Clinton Cudworth and Kaitlin Rock. Rock was selected to the 2016 All-State Chorus and she also performed a solo during one of the evening's more upbeat songs.

The 47-member Warren Hills Regional Select Choir will shift its attention to preparing for the March 2016 performance at the Empire State Building as part of the "Dare to Dream" exhibit. A Cabaret Night is planned for 7 p.m. Feb. 4 in the high school cafeteria. Tickets are $4 for students and $8 for adults.

Proceeds from the Cabaret Night will help fund the choir's trip to New York City and its performance at the exhibit housed on the 80^th floor of the iconic building. Donations to help underwrite this trip, in any amount, are gladly accepted. Checks made payable to the "Warren Hills Activity Fund" noting the select choir in the memo section, can be mailed to: Warren Hills Regional High School, c/o Lauren Voight, choral director, 41 Jackson Valley Road, Washington, NJ 07882.

The thefts occurred overnight Sunday into Monday in Hackettstown, police said.

The Hackettstown Police Department is investigating the theft of cash and gift cards left by residents on garbage cans as Christmas gifts for local trash collectors.

File photo | lehighvalleylive.com 

The incidents occurred on Shelley Drive and College View Drive between 9 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday, police said.

Anyone with information on the thefts is urged to contact the Hackettstown Police Department at 908-852-3302.

Police also are urging residents to personally hand gifts to garbage collectors, postal workers and delivery drivers because of the potential for thefts.

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

 

A campus-wide effort resulted in a merrier holiday for six local families.

Over $1,500 was raised for six local families through the efforts of Centenary College faculty, staff and students during a recent drive. Each family will receive $250 in gift cards, as well as various food items.

Faculty, staff and student contributions totaled $580 with another $700 or so from a college-wide initiative called "Penny Wars" where members of the college community were encouraged to donate loose change to the cause. 

RELATED: How Centenary College marked Veterans Day

Almost $300 was also raised through the implementation of a yoga class where members of the Centenary community made a donation to participate. Elizabeth Friday-Skoda '92, a Centenary trustee, alumna and certified yoga instructor, then matched the final amount that was raised. 

Plans are to continue this new annual tradition again next year.

Belvidere-area troop held its Court of Honor recently.

Boy Scout Troop 141, which serves the Belvidere, Phillipsburg, Washington, Oxford, and Harmony areas, recently held its Court of Honor. The event recognized scouts' rank advancements and merit badges earned throughout the summer, including those earned at summer camp. 

The following scouts earned a total of 134 merit badges:  Daniel Blackwood, Daniel Blaine, Jack Carman, Liam Chapman, Christopher Clark, Ty Clark, James Dempski, Carter Dolan, Travis Fichner, Robert Hill Jr., Brady Kardos, Riley Kardos, Daniel Kull, Daniel Mason, Austin Pisani, Hunter Smith, Tyler Smith, Louis Spann, Thomas Sperduto, Kevin Stahl, Adam Stanneck, Alex Stanneck, Andrew Stanneck, Kameron Steckel, Garrett Stoken and Liam Tipton.

RELATED: Boy Scout Troop 63 recognizes advancements

Five scouts advanced in rank:  Anders Cundiff and Louis Spann both achieved the ranks of Scout and Tenderfoot; Adam Stanneck and Kameron Steckel both achieved their Second Class ranks and Adam Stannek also earned his First Class rank.  Garrett Stoken advanced to the rank of Life Scout.

Troop 141 meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Scout Home located on Race Street in Belvidere.  All boys ages 11 through 17 are welcome. Information: 908-268-1393. 

Breandan Mac Suibhne will research and write a book on the Great Famine of 1845-51.

Breandan Mac Suibhne, a Centenary College history professor, is one of 80 scholars nationwide to be awarded a National Endowment of the Humanities Fellowship for 2016-2017.

Breandan Mac Suibhne (Courtesy Photo)

The endowment annually awards fellowships to top-rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers. The fellowship will enable Mac Suibhne to research and write a book exploring what the Irish poor did to and for each other in the Great Famine of 1845-51.

The shelter will protect young children and women from the hot Ghanian sun and drenching rains.

On Dec. 15, in a small town in the African country of Ghana, a new food shelter was dedicated to the Independence School Complex in Obuasi-Brahabebome (Ghana).

The Hackettstown Rotary Club provided the seed money for this shelter built thousands of miles away in the county of Ghana, located on the western coast of Africa. (Courtesy Photo) 

The school children have their lunch meal in the open space between the school buildings. Local women from the village set up their cooking areas on the school grounds and most take shelter under a tree for shade. There is no school cafeteria nor is there any area that will protect these women and the children from the weather (rain storms are common and quite heavy).

The Hackettstown Rotary Club working with Chis Linne, formerly with Centenary College, provided the seed money to start this food shelter, which makes it much more comfortable for children to have lunch protected from heavy rains and very hot sunny days.

This project has helped improve the quality of life for a small community over 5,000 miles from New Jersey.

MORE: Centenary College Professor honored  

Close to home the Hackettstown Rotary provides assistance to many needy groups and individuals such as The Arc of Warren County, Camp Merry Heart, Senior Citizens Warren Haven, Big Brothers and Sisters, Hackettstown Regional Medical Center Foundation, Hackettstown Little League, House of The Good Shepard, Abilities, Free Thanksgiving Dinner, High School Scholarships, Trinity Food Pantry, and individuals in need.

Police are investigating the theft of money and gift cards left by residents on garbage cans as Christmas gifts for local waste collectors.

Hackettstown policeFile photo 

HACKETTSTOWN -- Police are investigating the theft of money and gift cards left by residents on garbage cans as Christmas gifts for local waste collectors.

Hackettstown police Sgt. Darren Tynan said in a new release entitled "A Grinch Is Stealing Christmas Gifts Left For Local Waste Collectors" that the incidents happened between 9 p.m. on Sunday and 6 a.m. on Monday on Shelley Drive and College View Drive.

Two residents on different sides of town have reported the thefts to police so far, Tynan said. About $100 worth of cash and gift cards were taken as far as police are aware.

"The streets are on two different sides of the town, so we're thinking the person(s) was driving/walking around town," he said. "So there could be more and homeowners might not know anything was stolen." 

Allegedly stolen toys returned to police Toys for Tots bin

Anyone with information on the thefts can contact the Hackettstown Police Department at 908-852-3302.

"If you are intending to give a gift to your waste collector, postal worker, UPS driver, etc. we ask that you personally hand them the gift," Tynan said.

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The 26-year-old is charged with indecent exposure and open lewdness dating to June 5, police said.

A Phillipsburg man is facing indecent exposure and related charges after engaging in a sex act with another man in public, Easton police said.

File photo | lehighvalleylive.com 

Jacob E. Graves, 26, of the 400 block of South Main Street, at 11:09 p.m. June 5 allegedly was found by a city officer engaging in a sex act with another man. Graves at the time provided police with a false name and birth date, according to court records.

Police said they issued a warrant for Graves' arrest when a summons came back in the mail as not deliverable.

Palmer Township police on Sunday came in contact with a man who provided the same false name and birth date as Graves did on June 5 in Easton, police said. City police went to Palmer and confirmed the man at police headquarters was the same man who had been engaging in the sex act, according to records.

Graves then provided city police with his true identity and said the false name was the identity of his younger brother, police said.

Aside from indecent exposure, Graves is charged with open lewdness and providing false identification to law enforcement. Graves was arraigned before District Judge Joseph Barner, who set bail at 10 percent of $5,000.

In lieu of bail, Graves was taken to Northampton County Prison.

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

Dave Rotondo packs 125 or so inflatables into a quarter-acre lot along Oregon Street in Palmer Township. Watch video

By now, the secret has long been out.

Dave Rotondo's house in Palmer Township just might be the greatest Christmastime attraction in the Lehigh Valley.

Folks come by the carload to gawk at Rotondo's ridiculous holiday display, packed into a quarter-acre lot at 3415 Oregon St., near Fairview Park.

Besides its glowing assault on the senses, a visit there becomes an exercise in staggering statistics:

125: That's the number of inflatables outside this year, give or take, he says.

1,000: That's the wattage of the bulb inside the giant, 25-feet-tall inflatable Santa that lords over the backyard and summons curiosity-seekers like a red velvet beacon.

100: That's the additional amp service Rotondo has to power his display. Besides that, there's nothing special about the power required to bring his yard to life, he says.

0: That's the percent chance Rotondo will tell you what his monthly utility bill runs. He just got his Met-Ed bill on Monday. "It was an estimate. I have to go out and do a meter reading," he said.

"I probably don't want to say (how much it costs). Put it this way, I'm still paying off the balance from last year. But that's stuff other people don't need to know."

A guide for last-minute Christmas shoppers

144: That's a rough idea of the number of candy canes he hands out on a busy night, such as Sunday night. 12 boxes a night. 12 sticks to a box.

50: That's how many pounds of popcorn kernels he's popped and handed out from the portable greenhouse in the front yard, where he also makes cocoa and cappuccino. It's a far cry from the portable cart he used years ago. The hut has heat and running water.

3: That's the number of flavors of cappuccino he offers, again, for free. Your choices: pumpkin spice, french vanilla and white chocolate caramel.

3: That's how many weeks Rotondo works full-time putting his decorations in position and decorating for Christmas. He says it's possible because of the down time with his business, Dave's Pool and Pond Service.

5, maybe 6: That's how many hours a night you can see the place in all its glory. Rotondo tries to stick to 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., but most nights the people keep coming until 10 p.m. or so, he says.

1: That's the number of signs neighbors have put up to keep the crowds from trampling their grass. Speaking of neighbors: "The neighbors are pretty decent," Rotondo said. "Some of them love it." But, ahem, not all do.

Rotondo accepts donations but doesn't charge a dime for any of the treats he offers. He says he can't bring himself to even consider the thought.

"I can't afford it but what the heck," he said. "There are a lot of people who are worse off than me. The donations help with the supplies. I could never afford it if I had to sell it, so it's all free."

Rotondo said his plan is to enjoy spreading joy to others now while he can.

"You never know what life has in store for you," he said.

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.

The 29-year-old was sought by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after being convicted in 2008 of a crime out of Hackettstown.

A 29-year-old man who wasn't supposed to be in the United States was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after two complaints within minutes in the same Hackettstown apartment building, town police say.

An ICE warrant was issued for Adrian Roberto Romero due to a 2008 criminal conviction on charges out of Hackettstown, police said.

Officers responded at 10:40 p.m. Monday to the 100 block of Main Street for a complaint about loud music, police said. They advised the occupants of the apartment to turn it down, police said.

At 10:54 p.m, they were called back to the same building for a complaint about an argument in a hallway, police said.

They didn't fiind a dispute but they talked to the complainant and learned that one of the occupants of the apartment that police previously visited "got into the victim's face and starting screaming and yelling," the news release said.

Officers then talked to the two occupants of the apartment and through the investigation learned Romero was wanted by ICE, police said.

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

 

The bizarre, offbeat New Jersey stories that left you scratching you head during the year gone by.

Santa? Not everyone's a fan Watch video

With T-minus two days until Christmas Eve, Santa's back at the North Pole putting the final touches on his annual naughty/nice list. The man in red has been busy this month, meeting kids and getting their wish lists. For most children, meeting Santa was a joyous time full of wonderment. For a few, those who are scared of Santa, not so much.

We asked New Jerseyans for their scared of Santa photos, and we were inundated with all sorts of pictures both from the current Santa season and Christmases past. The gallery above has our favorites. There's crying and wriggling and even some kids who won't go near Santa's lap. If you've got scared of Santa photos, post them in comments.

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