Hackettstown police believe the stabbing of a 28-year-old man by an unknown suspect in a robbery attempt early Sunday was an isolated incident. The police department needs the public's help in finding the suspect.

The stabbing of a 28-year-old man by an unknown suspect in a robbery attempt early Sunday is believed to be an isolated incident, Hackettstown police say.

File photo | lehighvalleylive.com 

The victim is in stable condition Monday at Morristown Medical Center, Hackettstown Police Sgt. Darren Tynan said.

The stabbing occurred at 1:23 a.m. as the victim walked in the vicinity of Madison and West Moore streets in Hackettstown. The victim was approached by a white or Hispanic male with shoulder-length hair and wearing either a dark-colored trench coat or long sweatshirt, as well as a black beanie hat.

The suspect allegedly asked the victim for a cigarette or cash. When the victim didn't have a cigarette and refused to hand over money, the suspect brandished a knife, according to police.

The pair struggled, with the victim attempting to kick the knife out of the suspect's hand. At that time, the victim was stabbed in the foot, police said. The victim ran and collapsed in a front yard. The suspect followed and stabbed the victim in the back, according to police.

Man, 28, stabbed in armed robbery attempt in Hackettstown

A witness then lost sight of the suspect in the area of Main and West Moore streets, police said.

"The Hackettstown Detective Bureau is actively investigating," Tynan said Monday.

Anyone with information about Sunday's stabbing or who saw something suspicious in the area is urged to contact the Hackettstown Detective Bureau at 908-852-3300; 908-852-3302 or TEXT-A-TIP: Text "TIP" HACKPD followed by a message to 888-777.

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

 

The National Weather Service is issuing a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Northampton and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania, as well as parts of New Jersey.

UPDATE: Lehigh Valley's first measurable snow of season is still on track

The Lehigh Valley's first snowfall this season is expected to hit the ground by Tuesday afternoon.

Lafayette College students in December 2012 walk in front of the campus chapel during snow flurries Tuesday on Easton's College Hill.File photo | lehighvalleylive.com 

The National Weather Service is issuing a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Northampton and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey.

Snow showers likely will begin after noon Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Skies will be cloudy, with a high near 37 degrees. Southeast wind traveling 5 to 11 mph will become southwest by the afternoon.

Chance of precipitation is 60 percent with new snow accumulation of less than a half inch expected, the National Weather Service predicts. The Poconos likely will reach higher accumulations, with an inch expected, according to the National Weather Service.

Accuweather is predicting some sun, then clouds with a flurry or heavier snow squall, totaling up to an inch, by Tuesday afternoon in the Easton area.

By Tuesday evening, a slight chance of additional snowfall is expected before midnight. Skies are predicted to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 17 degrees. West wind is expected to travel 11 to 15 mph, according to the National Weather Service. There is a 20 percent chance of precipitation Tuesday evening.

Accuweather also is predicting a snow shower in the evening; otherwise, rather cloudy and breezy.

Wednesday is predicted to also have a slight chance of snow showers before 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Skies are expected to be partly sunny, with a high near 28 degrees. West wind will travel 11 to 17 mph, the weather service says.

The weather service predicts a 20 percent chance of precipitation on Wednesday. Accuweather isn't predicting snowfall Wednesday, but also states it will be colder, averaging 28 degrees.

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

 

Most parts of North Jersey should end up with just a dusting, and the hillier areas of northwestern New Jersey and the Poconos in eastern Pennsylvania could get a half-inch of snow. Watch video

A fast-moving storm system from Canada could sweep through parts of New Jersey Tuesday afternoon, just in time for the afternoon rush hour, forecasters say.

Known as an Alberta clipper, because of its origin in the Canadian province of Alberta, the low-pressure system is expected to dump some snow on the Midwest and Great Lakes region early Tuesday before moving into northern New Jersey by the early afternoon.

Most parts of North Jersey should end up with just a dusting, and the hillier areas of northwestern New Jersey and the Poconos in eastern Pennsylvania could get a half-inch of snow, said Valerie Meola, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly.

PLUS: Rainfall totals in 96 towns across N.J.

Areas south of the Interstate 195 corridor are likely to see just a trace of snow or flurries, Meola said. For many parts of southern New Jersey, including Atlantic City, even a trace of snow would be the most they have seen all season.

The latest Atlantic City has gone into a winter season without a trace of snow recorded is Jan. 14, back in 1966. So the city needs snowless weather now through midnight Friday to beat that record.

Weekend storm potential

Forecasters are keeping a close watch on computer models that show a coastal storm could develop this weekend, possibly bringing snow, rain or a wintry mix to New Jersey on Saturday or Sunday. 

Meola said it's far too early to speculate on how much snow could fall, but the biggest factor in determining which type of precipitation ends up falling will be how much warm air is in place and how long the warm air remains.

As of Monday afternoon, the weather service forecast for this weekend calls for a 40 percent chance of snow showers in northwestern New Jersey early Saturday morning, followed by a 50 percent chance of rain and snow, changing to all rain. (updated forecast as of 4:50 p.m. Monday)

Further east, in the Essex County area, precipitation could start as a mix of rain and freezing rain Friday night, then change to all rain Saturday afternoon and a mix of rain and snow Saturday night into Sunday morning. (updated forecast as of 4:50 p.m. Monday)

Making the forecast tricky is the fact that different computer models have not been in agreement.

As Gary Szatkowski, the meteorologist in charge of the weather service office in Mount Holly, posted on Twitter: "Computer models been having an on-again/off-again relationship with possible winter storm next weekend."

In a followup tweet, Szatkowski said the weather service's experimental winter forecast model shows the "risk for some significant snowfall" next Monday. 

Experimental @NWSWPC winter weather product shows risk for some significant snowfall out at Day 7. Worth watching. pic.twitter.com/uMFga0OZIy

-- Gary Szatkowski (@GarySzatkowski) January 11, 2016

Cold air sweeps in

New Jersey went through two big contrasts from Sunday to Monday: Heavy rain to dry air, and balmy temperatures to frigid temperatures.

In some places, like Newark, the mercury dropped as much as 33 degrees in less than 24 hours. In parts of Central New Jersey, the fluctuation from Sunday's high to Monday's early afternoon temperature was about 25 degrees.

Here's a sampling of the one-day temperature drops around the state:

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

 

Supporters say New Jersey could recapture some of the gambling dollars being lost to Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem and other competitors in the region.

TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie announced Monday that the leaders of the state Legislature have ended their feud and struck a deal on a proposal asking New Jersey voters to expand casino gambling to the northern part of the state.

State Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and state Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson) had spent weeks pushing rival proposals asking voters to amend the state constitution to approve two casinos in north Jersey.

But on Monday, Christie announced that he and the lawmakers got together to reach a compromise that will allow the question to be placed on the ballot in November, when more voters will be at the polls because it's a presidential election year.

"Nobody here is getting exactly what they wanted or what they asked for," the Republican governor and presidential candidate said during a news conference outside his office at the Statehouse. "The most important thing in my view was to give voters the opportunities."

Christie takes Sweeney's side in N.J. Dems' north Jersey casino war

The deal, however, doesn't look as much as a compromise as a concession on Prieto's part. 

Both he and Sweeney say new gambling halls will bring thousands of jobs and billions in new revenue, while also keeping New Jersey competitive in the gaming market now that Atlantic City has seen four casinos close over the last two years. 

But they have disagreed on a single plan, largely because they differ on who should be allowed to operate the new casinos. 

Sweeney's plan would require both casinos be operated at least in part by existing Atlantic City casino owners. Prieto's measure would have required that of only one.

Sweeney said his stipulation would ensure that Atlantic City can gain some profit from the new gambling halls. Prieto, meanwhile, said it would prevent north Jersey from attracting new casino operators from building top-notch entertainment complexes in north Jersey.

The impact of casinos in northern New Jersey cannot be overstated on Atlantic City, which suffered a devastating 2014 in which four of its 12 casinos went out of business. Analysts and many elected officials expect additional casinos to close when faced with in-state competition; three are already in bankruptcy.

Supporters of north Jersey casinos say as many as 12,000 new jobs could be created in their region. More importantly, they say, gambling revenue that is now leaving the state to Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem; casinos in Yonkers and Queens, New York; and other destinations could be recaptured.

The compromise reached Monday is essentially for both houses of the state Legislature to vote sometime in the six months on Sweeney's plan, but with one major change to placate Prieto. The new plan will guarantee that both new casino operators guarantee $1 billion in investment. 

That would prevent them from building a simple casino -- nicknamed "slots in a box" -- that would not be an entertainment complex.

"We want real investment in the state of New Jersey," Sweeney said, standing next to Christie and Prieto at the news conference. "We don't want slots in the box."

"This is extremely important for the entire state of New Jersey," added the Senate president, a likely Democratic candidate for governor next year."

Prieto said his goal was to "make sure the right type of development gets built."

"I want to make sure we do the right bill," he said. "It's all about compromise. It's a great day for not just the people standing here but for the state of New Jersey."

Because the current legislative session ends Tuesday, both houses of the Legislature now need to pass the compromise by three-fifths majorities by August in order for the question to reach the ballot.

It remains unclear whether it will have enough support. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

The case was dismissed in federal court in 2014; a state Superior Court judge cited that fact in his recent ruling.

NEWTON -- A lawsuit against Hunterdon County officials filed by former Sheriff Deborah Trout and two of her colleagues was dismissed with prejudice Thursday in state Superior Court in Sussex County.

The case traces back to Trout's tenure as Hunterdon Sheriff starting in 2008. Trout, former Undersheriff Michael Russo and former Sheriff's Investigator John Falat, Jr. sued current and former Hunterdon County Freeholders George Melick, William Mennen, Ronald Sworen, Matthew Holt, Rob Walton and Erik Peterson; Prosecutor's Office employees Kenneth Rowe and Edward DeFillipis; retired County Administrator Cynthia Yard; former county counsel Guy De Sapio; and state Assemblywoman Donna Simon, who led efforts to recall Trout in 2009.

Claims in the suit included malicious prosecution, hostile work environment, retaliation and violations of the state law against discrimination. Because the case was dismissed with prejudice, the plantiffs will not be allowed to file another suit making the same claims.

De Sapio and Simon were dropped from the suit following a hearing before Judge Philip Maenza in late July. Maenza signed an order on Jan. 7 dismissing claims against the others "for failure to state a claim upon which relief might be granted." Having been asked to reconsider dismissing De Sapio from the suit, he rejected that as well.

"I think the judge is wrong," the plaintiff's attorney William Courtney said on Monday. "I'm still reaching out to my client, but there are numerous grounds for appeal, and I will be discussing those with my client."

The lawsuit began in state court in August 2012, was transferred to federal court, and then dismissed from federal court with prejudice in November 2014. It went back to state Superior Court in Sussex County, and in July Courtney filed a second amended complaint, saying dismissal of the federal suit didn't mean there was anything wrong with the state suit, and that standards in state and federal court are different.

In a hearing that lasted several hours in Sussex County Superior Court on July 29, Maenza heard lawyers for plaintiffs and defendants argue their points.

Among those made by the defendants' attorneys:

• that what Trout, Falat and Russo are calling retaliation is really just politics;
• that there's no employer-employee relationship between the county and the Sheriff's Office;
• and that there was no wrongdoing on the part of investigators.

The plaintiffs' attorneys argued that budgetary issues controlled by county officials affected everything that Trout and her officers were allowed to do; and that Trout, Falat and Russo were targets.

In a statement of reasons accompanying Maenza's Jan. 7 dismissal, the judge stated that "no discussion of this case can be complete without mentioning the federal court actions."

Timeline: Trout's tenure as Hunterdon sheriff

He sites a 35-page ruling by Judge Faith Hochberg in November 2014 dismissing the federal claims. Maenza wrote that Hochberg underscored another judge's "clear directions to plaintiffs as to 'specific factual allegations to support each of their claims, articulating precisely which claims each plaintiff is making against whom rather than asserting impermissibly vague group pleading.'"

Maenza first addressed the claims against former county counsel De Sapio. "No act alleged to have been conducted by defendant De Sapio constitutes a tort or retaliatory act or other violation of plaintiff's rights," he wrote.

Maenza said De Sapio "had a legal obligation as a licensed attorney to report any acts or conduct which he believed may have constituted a crime or violation. The mere reporting of suspected unlawful conduct is not tantamount to initiating a criminal proceeding."

He added, "It is beyond belief that the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office would act at whim of the defendants, the office of the Hunterdon County Freeholders and the individual defendants."

Ex-prosecutor wins battle for records

Regarding the freeholders and other county officials, Maenza wrote, "There is nothing set forth in the 250 page complaint which can be characterized as constituting an act of discrimination" by the officials, on any of the grounds included in the complaint.

As for the "hostile work environment" the suit claimed, Maenza found that Trout was an elected official and not an employee. Falat and Russo worked under her, and "therefore cannot also complain about a hostile work environment unless plaintiff Trout created it."

Maenza summed up by stating that "plaintiffs cannot relitigate the claims dismissed with prejudice by the federal judges."

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

The Diocese of Metuchen estimates 12 to 15 families will be brought to the area.

METUCHEN -- The Diocese of Metuchen announced last week that it will join a broader effort among Catholics to welcome refugees to Central Jersey.

Several parishes in the diocese, which includes Roman Catholic churches in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties, have signed up for the effort, the diocese said in a news release.

Diocesan officials are expecting to bring 12 to 15 families, no more than 40 people, beginning in October, the diocese said. The Metuchen Diocese would become the second in New Jersey to sign up for the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops' refugee drive, after Camden.

The announcement in Metuchen comes just a few days before an upcoming message from Pope Francis.

"Biblical revelation urges us to welcome the stranger; it tells us that in so doing, we open our doors to God, and that in the faces of others we see the face of Christ himself," Francis said in his message.

War, famine and poverty in North Africa and the Middle East are fueling one of the largest waves of mass migration in history. Millions have fled war in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. But the migrant crisis has brought with it security fears, particularly after the November terrorist attacks Paris, in which some attackers may have slipped in to Europe via the migrant trail.

Gov. Chris Christie, for example, said that the state should reject Syrian refugees, even kids younger than 5 years old. The governor, as a state official, had little sway to influence national policy.

And Catholic leaders say there is little to fear, given extensive security precautions.

"It can take up to two years for a refugee to pass through the whole vetting process," Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, the chairman of the bishop conference's Committee on Migration, said in an news release. "We can look at strengthening the already stringent screening program, but we should continue to welcome those in desperate need."

It's likely that some refugees will be from Syria, although they could also come from other counties, like Afghanistan and Burundi, spokeswoman Erin Friedlander said in an email. 

The diocese did not say which parishes would take part in the effort, but officials said they are recruiting for a broad coalition of parishes. The diocese has already hired four social workers to help with case management.

Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski named Chancellor Lori Albanese to oversee the resettlement program.

The diocese still needs final State Department approval to resettle the refugees, who would come through State's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.

"Today's refugee crisis calls for a humanitarian response, not fear," Bootkoski said in a written statement. "Therefore, the Diocese of Metuchen will do its best to welcome the stranger, with compassion and mercy, in unity with the call of our Holy Father and the US Bishops."

Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

The 'Sky Soldiers' of the 173rd Airborne Brigade have distinguished themselves for nearly a century, said bill sponsor state Sen. Michael Doherty.

CLINTON -- Route 173 between Clinton and Phillipsburg has been named in honor of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Michael Doherty (R-23) has been signed into law. The road, which runs along Interstate 78, is now designated the 173rd Airborne Brigade Highway in honor of the brigade's many years of heroism and sacrifice in defense of this country's freedom.

"From service in France during World War I to recent deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 'Sky Soldiers' of the 173rd Airborne Brigade have distinguished themselves for nearly a century," said Doherty. "It is fitting that New Jersey honor the 173rd Airborne Brigade's service and sacrifice by naming part of Route 173 in their honor."

The brigade was first constituted as the 173rd Infantry Brigade and deployed to France during World War I, and later designated the 87th Reconnaissance Troop during World War II, entering combat in 1944 and serving in central European, Rhineland and Ardennes-Alsace operations.

The brigade was reconstituted as a separate brigade and special airborne task force, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, as part of an Army reorganization in the early 1960s. The brigade, which earned the moniker "Sky Soldiers," was the first Army unit sent into the republic of South Vietnam in May 1965.

For the brave service of its members in Vietnam, as a whole, the brigade earned four unit citations, 13 Medals of Honor, and more than 130 distinguished service crosses.

Nearly 1,000 members of the brigade participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and between 2005 and 2010 the brigade served three tours in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Doherty's legislation was first introduced in the prior legislative session at the suggestion of the Gem Vac Veterans, a local veterans group that counts as its members some who served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The legislation was reintroduced at the beginning of the current session on Jan. 14, 2014.

Local veterans recall end of WWII in Japan

"When the Gem Vac Veterans approached me with the idea to do this, I realized it would be a wonderful way to pay our respect to the 173rd Airborne Brigade for its longstanding service to our nation," said Doherty.

Under the legislation, no state funds will be used to produce, purchase or erect signs marking the designated portions of Route 173, with all funds supplied by private sources.

A similar funding model has been successfully employed to pay for signs designating Route 31 as the "Tri-County Purple Heart Memorial Highway," a measure also sponsored by Doherty, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and former captain in the United States Army.

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

State Sen. Michael Doherty announced Monday that legislation he sponsored was signed into law, designating the route the "173d Airborne Brigade Highway."

Route 173, connecting Clinton west to the Phillipsburg area, will be designated for a U.S. Army brigade known for decades of heroism and sacrifice in defense of the nation.

New Jersey state Sen. Michael Doherty announced Monday that legislation he sponsored was signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie, designating the route the "173d Airborne Brigade Highway."

The brigade was first constituted as the 173rd Infantry Brigade and deployed to France during World War I, and later designated the 87th Reconnaissance Troop during World War II, entering combat in 1944 and serving in central European, Rhineland and Ardennes-Alsace operations, according to Doherty.

The group was reconstituted as a separate brigade and special airborne task force, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, as part of an Army reorganization in the early 1960s. They brigade, which earned the moniker "Sky Soldiers," was the first Army unit sent into the republic of South Vietnam in May 1965.

Hundreds in Easton honor airman killed in Afghanistan (PHOTOS/VIDEO)

"From service in France during World War I to recent deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 'Sky Soldiers' of the 173rd Airborne Brigade have distinguished themselves for nearly a century," Doherty, a Republican whose 23rd Legislative District covers parts of Warren and Hunterdon counties, said in a statement. "It is fitting that New Jersey honor the 173rd Airborne Brigade's service and sacrifice by naming part of Route 173 in their honor."

The route links West Main Street in Clinton to Route 22 in Greenwich Township.

Doherty said his legislation was first introduced in the prior legislative session at the suggestion of the Gem Vac Veterans, a local veterans group that counts as its members some who served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The legislation was reintroduced at the beginning of the current session on Jan. 14, 2014.

"When the Gem Vac Veterans approached me with the idea to do this, I realized it would be a wonderful way to pay our respect to the 173rd Airborne Brigade for its long-standing service to our nation," Doherty stated.

Under the legislation, no state funds would be used to produce, purchase or erect the signs marking the designated portions of Route 173, with all funds supplied by private sources.

A similar funding model has been successfully employed to pay for signs designating Route 31 as the "Tri-County Purple Heart Memorial Highway," a measure also sponsored by Doherty, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and former U.S. Army captain, according to his office.

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

Gov. Chris Christie now must decide whether to sign the bill into law.

TRENTON -- The state Assembly gave final legislative approval Monday to a bill that would outlaw the sale of tobacco and vaping products to people under age 21.

The bill, which passed 49-20 with five abstentions, has been criticized by retailers but lauded by public health experts. There was no debate in the full Assembly Monday before the vote. 

The New Jersey Food Council has argued the loss of revenue would be sizable because consumers  who buy a pack of cigarettes often buy a coffee or sandwich, too.

RELATED: Poll: Should the cigarette-buying age be raised to 21?

The state would also feel the loss of revenues. A recent analysis by the Office of Legislative Services estimated as much as $16.2 million in sales tax would be lost by prohibiting 19-year-olds and 20-year-olds from buying tobacco and electronic cigarette products.

The bill's supporters have outnumbered foes, armed with statistics from the National Institutes of Health and other authorities that say 90 percent of tobacco users begin before they turn 21.

No cigarettes until you're 21: N.J. lawmakers push bill raising tobacco sales age

Having passed the Senate in June 2014, the Assembly sends the the bill to Gov. Chris Christie, who will decide whether to sign it into law or veto it.

Vendors who sell to young adults under 21 would pay $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, according to the bill (S602).

Wargo was a Mount Arlington police officer who lived in Warren County. He died in the line of duty in 2011.

New Jersey lawmakers have approved a permanent tribute to a police officer from Warren County and other first responders who have died in the line of duty.

Joseph Wargo (Courtesy photo) 

The Assembly on Monday unanimously OK'd the so-called "Patrolman Joseph Wargo Law" that establishes a memorial sign program for first responders.

Wargo was a police officer for Mount Arlington in Morris County who died on duty in 2011 after he was struck by an intoxicated driver on Interstate 80.

The 38-year-old lived in Lopatcong Township in Warren County and was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School.

The Senate approved the bill in June, so the measure now heads to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

WATCH: Christie's State of the State at 3 p.m.

The idea is to place a sign near where Wargo and others died as a lasting memorial to their sacrifices, officials said. The bill's prime sponsor was Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, whose 25th District covers Mount Arlington.

Wargo was a police officer there for more than 10 years. He died Oct. 16, 2011, when another motorist crossed the median into his lane of travel and collided head-on with his police cruiser.

"The selfless acts of fallen heroes should never be forgotten, and the memorial sign program is just one small way that we can help to preserve the memory and the legacy of those who died in the line of duty," said Bucco, a 30-year member of the Boonton Volunteer Fire Department and a life member of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association.

The sign would outlast any temporary memorials that spring up after a fatality, officials said.

"DOT sometimes removes the memorials," Bucco said in a statement following the Assembly's approval Monday night. 

"This legislation creates a uniform law that allows for permanent recognition that is appropriate for those officers and responders who gave their lives."

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

"It is a tricky forecast for the weekend," said Valerie Meola, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly. Watch video

A storm system that's expected to take shape this weekend is likely to saturate New Jersey with rain, but it could start out and end as a sloppy mix of rain, sleet and snow.

That's the latest word from forecasters who have been analyzing computer models that keep shifting the location of the expected storm track and the range of temperatures.

"It is a tricky forecast for the weekend," said Valerie Meola, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly. "Right now it looks like we could see rain through a good part of the area. For the northern areas, it could be more tricky. There could be snow, even a little bit of freezing rain and maybe some sleet at the beginning."

PLUS: Brief blasts of heavy snow could hit N.J. Tuesday

That would be late Friday night into early Saturday morning.

Even in higher elevation areas of New Jersey, which tend to get more snow because of lower temperatures, the precipitation is expected to change to all rain by Saturday afternoon, when temperatures will likely be rising from the low 30s into the low 40s.

But it could switch back to a mix of rain and snow in some northern sections of the state as the storm winds down Saturday night and temperatures drop back down near the freezing mark, said Carlie Buccola, a meteorologist at the weather service office in Upton, N.Y., which handles forecasts for Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

As of now, "It's definitely not an all-snow storm," Buccola said, noting that the temperatures are expected to be warm enough to favor rain over snow.

Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, agrees.

"It looks like it's going to be mainly rain," Kines said. "It's not out of the question Friday night, when it first starts off, some snow could be mixed in across the northern part of the state."

The moisture will be coming from a low-pressure system moving from the Gulf Coast region towards the Cape Hatteras area of North Carolina, then up along the Atlantic coast, Kines said. Although our region should get mostly rain, by the time the storm system moves further north, colder air will be in place to bring snow to parts of New England.

"At least the northern half of New England should get some snow -- potentially a lot of snow," Kines said. "It is the type of storm where if we had enough cold air in place it certainly would give us problems."

Forecasts as far out as three or four days could always change, so Meola advises Jerseyans, especially those planning to do any traveling this weekend, to keep an eye on the latest forecast.

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

Kim Guadagno attended the Hope Township reorganization meeting, participating in the swearing in of local officials.

New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno was the special guest when the Hope Township Reorganization Meeting was held last week.

The Lt. Governor swore in Mayor Tim McDonough while his daughter Lacey and wife Maria, look on.

New York TV personality John Marshall talks weather with Oxford Central School students.

John Marshall, former Channel 2 and 4 (New York) weatherman visited Oxford Central School last week.

Marshall brought the weather to life and presented age-appropriate programs that were well received by OCS students and our staff. He talked about why the weather is wacky and he invited students from kindergarten to 8th grade to act as weather reporters.

RELATED: Oxford Central School staff get lesson in safety

The program, which was sponsored by the PTA, combined science, technology and math into an entertaining assembly.

The 12th Be a Santa to a Senior event was a huge success and included a program for Veterans too.

Home Instead Senior Care of Warren and Hunterdon Counties completed its 12th annual Be a Santa to a Senior program.

Home Instead Senior Care employees, from left: Tish Green, Chaz Carroll, Rhonda Stone, RN, LeAnne Godleski, Lucy Hurley (Mrs. Claus), Laura Housman and Tracy Fazzolari, franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care at Veteran's Haven North. (Special to lehighvalleylive.com) 

This year once again the company added a Be a Santa to a Veteran program, partnering with Veteran's Haven North, which is a transitional housing program for homeless veterans.

Many volunteers, girl scouts, and school groups shared their time to collect, make cards, wrap and deliver the gifts to over 140 area seniors and veterans, many of whom struggle to make ends meet.

Healthcare Partners Inc. of Hackettstown gives a $1,000 donation to Abilities of Northwest New Jersey Inc.

Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. was presented with a $1,000 donation from DaVita Healthcare Partners Inc. of Hackettstown recently. Annually, DaVita's Way of Giving program recognizes organizations that positively impact their community.

DaVita's Hackettstown location focuses on kidney care. Abilities provides support services for persons with disabilities residing in Warren, Morris, Sussex and Hunterdon counties.

Long-time Freeholder will chair the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority for a second time.

SOMERSET -- Somerset County Freeholder Peter S. Palmer, who has long championed regional transportation, was elected chair of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority during Monday's meeting of the agency's board of trustees.

It will be Palmer's second stint in the post. He served as chair from 2004 to 2006. His current two-year term goes through January 2018.

"I am honored that my fellow board members have chosen me to again serve as chair of the NJTPA," Palmer said in a statement. "This is a critical time for transportation in our region, particularly the Gateway trans-Hudson project.

"Our economy is rebounding, and we must support it by addressing our growing infrastructure needs. I look forward to working with the board and all our partners to improve our critical transportation systems."

Palmer, a Republican, is a native of Bernardsville and served as the borough's mayor from 1985 to 1994. In November 2014, he was elected to his seventh term as a freeholder. He has worked hard to upgrade the region's transportation infrastructure and has been an influential voice in bringing one-seat ride service to the Raritan Valley Line.

Palmer, who was voted Freeholder of the Year in 2011, has a Master's of Science degree in engineering from Princeton University. He's a retired vice president of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Four area schools/districts have announced Kindergarten registration dates: Bangor, Wilson, Pohatcong Township and Mansfield Township.

Several area school districts have announced registration information for kindergarten. Among them:

• On Feb. 1, kindergarten registration packets will be available for parents and/or guardians at any Bangor Area School District elementary school (Five Points, Washington, or DeFranco). Parents and/or guardians may pick up a packet at any elementary school or at the administration building. Packets will also be available for download from our BASD web page.

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• The Wilson Area School District kindergarten registration for the 2015 - 2016 school year will be held on the following days: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 12-13 at Wilson Borough Elementary School, 484-373-6220; 12:30 to 3 p.m. March 17 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18 at Avona Elementary School, 484-373-6250; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 19-20 at Williams Township Elementary School, 484-373-6170. Call the school to schedule an appointment.

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• The Pohatcong Township School District is preparing to register children eligible to enter kindergarten for the next school year. If you have a child who will meet the age eligibility requirement, register online and click the Kindergarten Round-Up link on the left side of the page. Additionally, if you know of an infant or toddler with a suspected or known developmental delay or disability, contact Susie Flanagan, Pohatcong Township School District's social worker at 908-859-8155, ext. 2112.

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• Mansfield Township Elementary School will be holding registration 9 to 11 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. Feb. 22-24 at the school, 50 Port Murray Road. Children do not need to be present for registration. For information, call the school at 908-689-3212.

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

Town officials and the head of Warren County Democrats fire back at town council President Todd Tersigni for a 700-word Facebook post.

A failed vote on a municipal appointment, a subsequent social media post alleging influence from a county-level party official and political stickers left on a councilman's property have embroiled the new Phillipsburg Town Council in controversy.

Phillipsburg Council President Todd Tersigni, a Democrat, posted a 700-word letter on Facebook accusing the chairman of the county party of "badgering" and threatening him to secure a vote for the new Democratic mayor's municipal attorney appointment. Tersigni refused, and says that stickers saying "Todd lies" were left on his car and garage. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

Todd Tersigni, who was selected as council president in the town's Jan. 1 reorganization meeting, last week posted a lengthy letter on Facebook in which he accuses the head of the Warren County Democrats of trying to "pull the strings," allegedly threatening retaliation against Tersigni if he didn't support Mayor Stephen "Rogie" Ellis' pick for the town's legal representative.

"I was bullied. I was dictated to. The people need to know what is going on," Tersigni, a Democrat, said Tuesday about his decision to publicly call out Warren County Democratic Committee Chairman Tom Palmieri.

The 700-word letter online explains Tersigni's decision to reject the mayor's nomination and cites stickers that say "Todd Lies" that were left on his car and garage as evidence of retaliation.

"Palmieri would not stop badgering me, bullying and ... said he would throw me under the bus," Tersigni said Tuesday. "I got extremely upset. He should have just left me alone."

Palmieri said a conversation with Tersigni did get somewhat heated, and that he was "disappointed" with the posting.

"If he needs to attack me, that's his gripe," Palmieri said. "But Todd knows that I did not force it on him."

Ellis called the post "reckless," "inappropriate" and embarrassing.

"Because Mr. Tersigni and Mr. Palmieri may have had a spirited conversation," the mayor said, "it's no reason to embarrass the town."

Nomination and rejection

Democrats took control of the council following the last election, in which Ellis and Councilmen Joshua Davis and Mark Lutz swept the three open positions for the party, ousting four-term Republican Mayor Harry Wyant Jr.

In his new role as mayor, Ellis nominated the Teaneck, New Jersey-based law firm of DeCotiis, FitzPatrick & Cole to guide the town in legal matters. The appointment failed in a 3-2 vote last week; Tersigni and Republican Councilmen Bernie Fey Jr. and Randy Piazza were against it. As a result, the town will continue to be represented by the Hackettstown law firm Lavery, Selvaggi, Abromitis & Cohen.

Tersigni said he voted against the appointment in part because he didn't want to change firms in the midst of the massive Commerce Park redevelopment process, and because he was uncomfortable with pressure from Palmieri.

"I think that there's some kind of deal made behind closed doors (but) I don't know what it is," he said.

Ellis and Davis, one of the new councilmen, said the nomination was the result of two months of interviews by the new mayor's transition team.

"To say that (the nominations) were politically motivated, I think that would be incorrect," said Davis, a member of the mayor's team.

Phillipsburg Mayor Stephen "Rogie" Ellis says he will draft a social media policy for elected officials to "avoid embarrassing episodes such as this for the town." (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Both Davis and the mayor said Palmieri introduced them to the DeCotiis firm at a New Jersey League of Municipalities convention, along with many other law firms and municipal service professionals. Five firms were interviewed, and Palmieri was not involved in any of them, they said.

"I did this very carefully because I didn't want it to look, smell or resemble anything like the previous administration," Ellis said, clarifying that he believes Phillipsburg residents voted for change.

The other councilmen did not return calls seeking comment.

Palmieri said he does know one of the DeCotiis firm attorneys professionally, but that he believes it has more resources to address large redevelopment projects.

"It's a new administration," he said of Phillipsburg. "There was a vote for change. This is change."

Alleged threats

Tersigni said he felt it was inappropriate for the party chairman -- a Blairstown Township resident -- to be involved in local decisions, and that this was the first time Palmieri had contacted him about a vote.

"He should stay in Blairstown, where he belongs," he said. "His job is to get people elected. That's it. Period."

Warren County Democratic Committee Chairman Tom Palmieri says Tersigni's letter makes the councilman look "thin-skinned."(Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

In his Facebook letter, Tersigni claims the party chairman "threatened me with political retaliation and retribution if I did not vote along with the two Democratic Council members" on the attorney vote.

Specifically, the council president said he was told the party would not support him in future runs for office.

But Tersigni is a former Republican who has campaigned as an independent and a Democrat. Though he has run for mayor before, he declined to say if he aspires to higher office. His term expires in 2017.

"My mission right now is to serve the people of Phillipsburg ethically, honorably and objectively," he said.

Palmieri said Tersigni's own online outburst will do the councilman no favors in future polls. Both Palmieri and the mayor said they believe Tersigni's letter has more to do with the stickers calling him a liar than with any vote.

"This is the reason for the letter," Palmieri said. "Somebody got Todd's goat, egged him on and they got to him.

"He thinks (the letter is) going to stop people from putting up those signs, those stickers? It's going to make them do it more," he said. "It only shows that he's thin-skinned."

A rift on council

Tersigni stood up for the mayor after the election, successfully urging council to reverse a decision to reduce the position's salary from about $70,000 to $40,000.

But his split on the attorney issue is a sign of a rift that Davis said dates back to last year's campaign.

"It's not a secret that Councilman Tersigni actively campaigned against myself, Councilman Lutz and Mayor Ellis," Davis said. He added that by retaining the previous attorney, the sitting council members "want to continue business as usual."

As council president, Tersigni has the power to set the agenda of each council meeting. He said he will not entertain new nominations for the town attorney.

"We voted on it. It was turned down. It's a done issue," he said.

Ellis said he plans to respond to Tersigni's Facebook post by drafting a social media policy for elected officials. The mayor said he "hopes the council will adopt it to avoid embarrassing episodes such as this for the town."

"I'm going to do everything I can do to protect the welfare of the citizens," the mayor said. "I can't let somebody's feelings getting hurt stop us from us helping the citizens."

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

Karen Augustynowicz adopted her first rabbit over sixteen years ago. In 2003, she created her own service, Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue Inc.

ASBURY--When Karen Augustynowicz took in her first rabbit in 1999, a mini-rex named Emily, she did everything wrong. "I got him from a backyard breeder around Easter," she recalled. "I didn't know what I was doing."

Now, sixteen years later, she's teaching people how to do it right.

After falling in love with Emily, Karen began working with the House Rabbit Society fostering and adopting pets. In 2003, she created her own service, Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue Inc.

"The most important part of my job is educating new owners," remarked Augustynowicz. According to her, many people have misconceptions about how easy it is to own a rabbit. Safe Haven screens potential adopters to weed out those who might neglect their pets, and gives those who pass a set of guidelines and instructions about proper ownership. "We want them somewhere they will get a lot of attention."

Karen's operation is pretty small. Currently, Safe Haven has about fifteen rabbits in their custody, and their adoption rate is about twelve a year. There are also "sanctuary" rabbits, who for either health or behavioral reasons, are not up for adoption. These rabbits, like eleven year-old Lianne, will spend their lives at Safe Haven.

More info about Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue is available at their website, including a list of rabbits available for adoption. You can also find a list of their rabbits on Petfinder.

Alex Remnick may be reached at aremnick@njadvancemedia.com or on Twitter @AlexRemnick. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

A woman allegedly told a Mansfield Township police officer she wasn't talking to him when he asked her to lower her voice around children.

A woman cursing loudly outside a Wal-Mart and telling a police officer to mind his business led to her arrest, Mansfield Township police say.

Courtesy photo 

Gwendolyn J. Perry, 55, of Philadelphia, was outside the store after 4 p.m. Jan. 6 allegedly cursing at a woman in the parking lot. When the officer asked Perry to lower her voice because children were in the vicinity, she allegedly told the officer she "was not talking" to him and kept walking.

Police found Perry was wanted on three warrants totaling $2,000 and arrested her. The woman Perry was shouting at, Yolanda R, Bethea, 55, of Washington, was also arrested, wanted on three warrants totaling $1,336.

Police said Bethea posted partial bail and was released pending a court date, while Perry was turned over to Pohatcong Township police in lieu of bail.

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