Two Warren Hills Regional High School graduates get a little help with college expenses.

The 2016 Oxford Lions Club/DHL Scholarship recipients are Jenna Ischinger and Kylie Hibbett.

Bob Magnuson, Oxford Township School District chief school administrator, with Jenna Ischinger, left, and Kylie Hibbert. (Special to Lehighvalleylive.com) 

Both are graduates-to-be at Warren Hills Regional High School.

The scholarship was begun a few years ago with funds donated by the Oxford Lions Club and from a DHL Community Service grant received by former Oxford Board of Education President, Al Pierro. 

Warren Hills prom

The scholarship is open to any former Oxford Central School student who is moving on to college after graduation. 

Jenna will be attending Purdue University and Kylie is attending Misericordia University.

At a special ceremony, Warren County Community College recognized 19 students for academic achievement and honors.

Warren County Community College recently honored many of its graduated students at a special ceremony in mid-May for their academic and social achievements during the 2015-16 academic year.

Among the special award-winners were Brittany Moyle, who received the Trustees Academic Award, Anna Villegas, recipient of the President's Academic Award, and Breighanna Gonzalez, who was presented with the Foundation Directors' Award for Student Achievement. 

WCCC students inducted into honor society

In all, 19 students were cited for the excellent efforts during the past year.

Ars Poetica Award: Abe Rexrode

American Psychological Association Award: Elizabeth Martin

William C. Boll Criminal Justice Award: Kimberly Corriveau

Continuing Education Award: Diana Espinosa

Graphic & Web Design Award: Ashley Thompson 

Leadership Award: Savannah Murphy

Service Award: Carina Cobar

Determination Award: Penny Branstetter

Alumni Association Award: Kelsea Baylor

Ambition Award: Alexis Carmody

Business Award: Tyler Smith

Diligence Award: Kirsten Driscoll

Food and Beverage Management Award: Rachel Danitz

Hope Award: Joan Kimmel

Outstanding Empathy Award: Lauren Romano

Inspiration Award: Stasha Heinrich

Following the most-recent mass shooting in Orlando, New Jersey's progressive gun laws could be a model for the nation.

The United States has just experienced its deadliest mass shooting in recent times with the death of nearly 50 people at an Orlando nightclub. Predictably, there will be a rallying cry for tougher gun control laws and a surge in firearm purchases.

Fortunately, here in New Jersey there are still laws prohibiting the sale of certain semiautomatic weapons. This state's progressive gun laws served as a model for the 1994 federal ban on assault firearms like the AR-15-type rifle used in Orlando.

But the sad fact is that the nation is awash with guns capable of firing many bullets in a few short seconds. It's hard to get an accurate fix on just how many of these assault-style weapons are owned by Americans, but a conservative estimate is more than a couple million. That's a lot of fire power in the hands of civilians, most of whom are responsible gun owners.

It only takes one or two people armed with an assault-style weapon to create the kind of carnage we saw in Orlando or San Bernardino, Calif., in 2015 (14 killed) or Aurora, Colo., in 2012 (12 killed) or Newtown, Conn., in 2012 (28 killed).

In the past 10 years, assault-style rifles have been used in 14 public mass shootings.   

Poll: Would ban help prevent mass shootings?

In light of these shocking statistics, it really makes no sense that this country has dropped the ball on not renewing a ban on these weapons of mass death.

The original federal law banning certain types of assault weapons was passed in 1994, after the nation was shocked by the massacre of 34 children and a teacher in Stockton, Calif., in 1989 by a gunman armed with a semiautomatic AK-47.

Bowing to pressure from gun-rights supporters, who pointed out the many flaws and loopholes in the law, legislators decided to not to renew the law when it expired in 2004.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, has stated repeatedly fellow Republicans in Congress will not bring up new gun control legislation, even in the wake of December's shootings in San Bernardino. Ryan was shouted down after leading the House in a moment of silence on Monday to mark the deaths in Orlando.

The polling firm Gallup, which has been tracking attitudes on gun control, has found that 55 percent of Americans in 2015 said they favor stricter gun laws, close to the high of 58 percent in 2012 following the Newtown school shooting, but still below the 60 to 62 percent in favor between 2000-04.

That gives you an indication of the uphill battle it would take to persuade Congress to pass even a weak ban on assault-style guns like the one that withered away in 2004.

Gun laws, Trump help terrorists | Moran

Fortunately, here in New Jersey there are still laws prohibiting the sale of certain of firearms, such as the AR-15. The Garden State's progressive gun laws could again serve as a model for a new federal ban on assault weapons.

With the increased concern about terrorists or mentally unstable people inflicting mass casualties with military-style weapons, we have to be vigilant that these types of guns do not fall into the wrong hands.

It's a fine line between our right to own guns and the need to protect us from gun violence.

But a 2014 study by the Violence Policy Center in Washington, D.C., found that states with weak gun violence prevention laws and higher rates of gun ownership have the highest overall gun death rates in the nation. Conversely, states with the lowest overall gun death rates have lower rates of gun ownership and some of the strongest gun violence prevention laws.

New Jersey should strive to be in the latter category.

Follow NJ.com/Opinion on Twitter@NJ_Opinion. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

These schools will get polls this summer for fans to vote for the best-ever athlete alums.

These schools will get polls this summer for fans to vote for the best-ever athlete alums.

The rural hills where Warren County meet Hunterdon County

Here is the secret to a great backroads drive:

When the road gives you a choice, head up.

Up, toward the hill crest is where the pavement curves and narrows and switches back, winding its way to the top.

Up is where the scenic vistas are, the valleys below and the neighboring mountains.

Up is where natures thrives, in parks and farms, and the sun brings out the verdant greens of spring and summer, the abundant colors of fall, and the harsh gray outlines of barren winter.

New Jersey is the land of the Palisdades, the Watchungs, the Kittattinnys, Sourland Mountain, itself a long ridge.

Some names come from Native tongues. Allamuchy. Wawayanda. Some come from the ancient book. Mount Bethel. Mount Hebron.

They are part of our vernacular, and part of our history, ready to be explored.

Today's photos come from just a small piece of our mountainous geography, a place where Warren County meets Hunterdon, a place where Point Mountain rises above the Musconetcong Valley, and Mount Lebanon climbs just to south.

It's the New Jersey only those willing to get lost can find.

Mark Di Ionno may be reached at mdiionno@starledger.com. Follow The Star-Ledger on Twitter @StarLedger and find us on Facebook.

Freeholder Ed Smith and Ed Rossi, owner of Rossi Chevrolet Buick GMC, were recognized.

Warren County Freeholder Ed Smith and Ed Rossi, owner of Rossi Chevrolet Buick GMC, were recently honored by the Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council, as their Good Scout honorees.

Warren County Freeholder Ed Smith, left, and Ed Rossi. (Courtesy photo) 

Both were heralded for their longtime commitment to the community. A celebratory fundraising event was held on June 9 at Hawk Pointe Golf Club in Washington.

The Minsi Trails Council runs scouting programs in Warren County.

Do you have community news to share? To see it posted here and possibly in The Express-Times and Warren Reporter, send me an email.

Mansfield Township Cub Scouts hold weekend event to introduce Boy Scouting.

Mansfield Township Pack 222 Cub Scouts from the Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light dens attended the Minsi Trails Council, Forks of the Delaware District 2016 Spring Webelos Woods weekend, which was held last month at Furnace Lack in Oxford Township.

The event is designed to give Cub Scouts a preview of the Boy Scouting experience and an opportunity to enjoy the thrill of camping in the outdoors while also taking part in activities such as first aid and fire starting skills.

Pack member Michael Drazek was honored during the sunset Crossover Ceremony for the Arrow of Light Scouts advancing into Boy Scouts.

Do you have community news to share? To see it posted here and possibly in The Express-Times and Warren Reporter, send me an email.

The confrontation ended peacefully when an officer, with his weapon drawn, told the man to put the realistic toy down.

A man allegedly picked up a realistic-looking toy Uzi, and police drew their real weapons.

The potentially dangerous situation was resolved peacefully early Friday in Mansfield Township when Christopher McKenna, 32, put down the toy and was taken into custody, according to township police.

"Our officers acted appropriately given Mr. McKenna's actions," Chief Michael Reilly said Tuesday. "I'm glad he followed the officers commands to drop the 'weapon' or things could have gone very differently."

Police responded at 4:39 a.m. to a Main Street residence for a report of loud music and a possible gunshot, police reported in a Facebook post. McKenna was reportedly sitting on the porch where he allegedly set a number of small items on fire.

Police said it was later determined one of the fires on top of a glass table had shattered the glass, causing a gunshot-like noise.

During a conversation with police, McKenna allegedly picked up the toy gun, which was missing the telltale orange tip. He complied with orders from armed police to drop it and was arrested, police said.

McKenna is charged with disorderly conduct and disturbance of the peace. He was sent to the Warren County jail after failing to post $500 bail, police said. The bail also requires a mental health evaluation.

"It is always our goal to resolve matters peacefully and to help all of those involved in any given situation," Reilly said. "We can only hope he receives the help he needs."

McKenna was previously charged in 2012 after allegedly threatening to kill his father with an ax, an act he reportedly explained to be a "baptism."

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

The assisted living facility held a chicken and rib dinner for residents and raised $2,260.

The Chelsea at Brookfield assisted living residences spearheaded a huge showing of community support for the Goodwill Volunteer Fire Department by selling $2,260 worth of chicken and rib dinners on June 8.

The meals were prepared by Lona Peerson, the Chelsea's food service director, and served by executive director Jan Hopkins and her staff. Each dinner was packaged to go for local residents who paid $12 each.  Many residents bought multiple meals.

Artist donates painting

The facility is located at 1 Brookfield Court, in Belvidere.

The man was 29, police said.

WARREN -- The Fort Lee man killed in a crash Sunday morning on I-78 in Warren was driving the wrong way, police said Tuesday.

Mark Tickle, 29, was driving a 2005 Jaguar eastbound on the westbound side of the highway at about 2:23 a.m., New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeff Flynn said.

Tickle was changing lanes and crashed into a 2002 BMW driven by Antonio Velasquez, 63, of Morristown, Flynn said. Tickle was taken to Morristown Medical Center and pronounced dead.

Velasquez was hospitalized with minor injuries.

Tickle graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 2005.

Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The Class of 2016 celebrated its commencement at the school's athletic field, Maloney Stadium.

Phillipsburg High School held its commencement Tuesday night at Maloney Stadium on the school campus.

The valedictorian was Alexandra N. Mayo and the salutatorian was Samantha A. Moure.  

The Class of 2016 is comprised of 377 seniors.

Check out the celebration by scrolling through the photos atop this post.

Phillipsburg senior banquet photos 2016

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Are you one of the people pictured at this graduation? Want to buy the photo and keep it forever? Look for a link below the photo caption to order prints in a variety of sizes or products like shirts or coffee mugs.

Be sure to check out our complete graduation coverage at lehighvalleylive.com/graduation.

Sue Beyer may be reached at sbeyer@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sbeyer_photo. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.

Authorities closed one eastbound lane of the highway in Greenwich Township as responders doused the blaze.

A truck hauling a trailer burst into flames Tuesday evening on Interstate 78 in Warren County.

It was reported about 4:40 p.m. at mile-post 4.5 of I-78 East in Greenwich Township, New Jersey State Police confirmed.

The fire was out as of about 5:30 p.m., a trooper said, and there were no initial reports of any injuries. State police at Perryville had no further information available Tuesday night on the investigation into the incident. 

The incident temporarily closed the right lane of the highway just east of Exit 3 (Routes 173/22).

Phillipsburg High alum, 29, killed in I-78 crash

Responding along with state police were the Stewartsville and Alpha volunteer fire companies.

Freelance photographer Dave Dabour contributed to this report from the scene.

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

It was 100 years ago this year that the first commercial harvest of domesticated blueberries happened in Burlington County.

Blueberries are superstars of the fruit world. They're delicious, healthy and versatile, and can be found in stores and restaurants everywhere. What's more, they're an ingredient in more than 4,000 products, from muffins to pet food to cosmetics.

And it all started in New Jersey!

The popularity of blueberries can be credited directly to Elizabeth Coleman White and Frederick V. Coville, who one century ago in the Pine Barrens succeeded in hybridizing wild blueberry plants to create a new domestic blueberry industry.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first commercial harvest of domesticated blueberries at Whitesbog, the White family's farm in Browns Mills, Burlington County.

The blueberry centennial will be celebrated on June 25 and 26 at the annual Whitesbog Blueberry Festival. Whitesbog is now an historic site within Brendan Byrne State Forest, with many of the farm's original buildings still intact.

"We're celebrating the anniversary of the release of the first crop of blueberries," said Alison Pierson, director of the Whitesbog Preservation Trust.

Hammonton is 'blueberry capital of the world'

The 1916 commercial crop amounted to only about 450 quarts, but it launched a craving for blueberries that has spread far and wide. Today, about a billion pounds of blueberries are grown annually around the world!

Because of the heightened interest in the blueberry centennial, said Pierson, this year's Whitesbog festival has been expanded to two days. For the first time, it will include wagon rides to the original fields where Elizabeth White tested bushes to judge the size, taste and color of the berries. Also new this year be an all-blueberry art exhibit at a renovated workers cottage-turned-gallery.

Elizabeth White was born in 1891 into a South Jersey cranberry growing family, and shared a love of the natural world and agriculture with her father, Joseph J. White. She began working at the family farm when she was 22.

Father and daughter became interested in the idea of growing blueberries as a second crop at Whitesbog. Blueberries had always grown wild in the acidic soils of the Pine Barrens, but their quality was inconsistent - some were sour, while others were small and not very fleshy. Most local farmers believed wild bushes couldn't be domesticated to produce consistently sweet and plump berries.

In 1910, Elizabeth learned of Dr. Coville, a U.S. Department of Agriculture botanist who had done extensive blueberry research but had not been successful in cultivating bushes in a greenhouse. After reading his "Experiments in Blueberry Culture," Elizabeth and her father invited Coville to partner and experiment with them at Whitesbog.

Blueberry Festival's blue ribbon pie recipes

Elizabeth White and Coville threw themselves into their experiments. Elizabeth recruited local "pineys" to scour the Pine Barrens for bushes that produced superior berries. In 1914, they picked their first berries from a successful cross-pollination, and by 1916 the first blueberry crop was for sale.

Coville trumpeted their achievement in the June 1916 edition of National Geographic, in an article titled, "The Wild Blueberry Tamed: The New Industry of the Pine Barrens of New Jersey." He noted that because blueberries grow best in soils "so acid as to be considered worthless for other agricultural purposes," their cultivation provides local farmers a new crop for previously unused land.

This month, celebrate all things blueberry at the Whitesbog Blueberry Festival, and see a piece of New Jersey history come to life!

To learn more about Whitesbog, the history of blueberry cultivation and the Blueberry Festival, visit the Whitesbog Preservation Trust website. And for more information about preserving New Jersey's land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website or contact me at info@njconservation.org.

Michele S. Byers is executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation

Formerly Delahanty's, SoMa Downtown Grill embraces the South Main Street neighborhood.

Carole and Jim Diee say they believe in Downtown Phillipsburg.

It's a familiar refrain among local leaders looking for ways to rejuvenate South Main Street. To that end, the Diees are helping by restoring at least one business -- their own.

"Our whole focus is to try to bring the Downtown back," Carole Diee said Tuesday at SoMa Downtown Grill, formerly Delahanty's Tavern on the Square.

Delahanty's closed at the end of 2015 after about 13 years in business. The Diees said there was too much competition on the sports-bar front and took time to reinvent the restaurant.

An official ribbon-cutting is planned in about a month, but SoMa has been open for business about two weeks.

The local motif is reflected inside, where historical and contemporary art -- including Carole's own depiction of the Easton-Phillipsburg free bridge -- adorn the walls.

The theme is also reflected in the name: SoMa is short for South Main, the street on which the restaurant is located. And, coincidentally, it is also a name being considered as a broad way to rebrand Phillipsburg's downtown, according to Mayor Stephen Ellis and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The updated, trendier menu will go through seasonal changes, though the owners said it will include some old favorites including Carole's homemade desserts.

More reinvention is in the works: An adjoining section is being turned into a party room -- with the potential for other activities including art and yoga events, Diee said -- and the deck overlooking the Delaware River will be extended the length of the building.

Diee has said the establishment wants to be a player in community events and hopefully encourages others to participate in the town's rebranding. The establishment will be working the beer tent at an upcoming riverside summer concert series, she said.

Free concert series returns to P'burg

Some visitors stopped in early Tuesday evening, having noticed the sign and interested to check out the changes.

Terry Briggs, an Easton resident who owns Slainte on Northampton Street in the city's West Ward, on Tuesday made his second stop at SoMa, calling it "camaraderie among bar owners."

"They're good people," Briggs said. "It'll work well."

Ellis said he has taken his family to the reopened restaurant, speaking favorably of the new food, decor and plans for expansion.

"I love the place," the mayor said.

IF YOU GO

What: SoMa Downtown Grill

Where: 62 S. Main St., Phillipsburg

More info: somagrill.com and on Facebook.

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

For the first time ever, NJ.com expanded its statewide rankings to 50 teams for the end of the 2016 season.

It's time to vote for the best North Jersey ice cream shop/stand/store in our N.J.'s best ice cream showdown.

North Jersey won our N.J's best burger competition; how will it do in our best ice cream shop showdown?

You can vote starting now for your favorite ice cream shop/stand/store. 

You can vote once in each category per day. Deadline for voting is 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, June 22.

The top five vote-getters in each category, plus my 20 picks, will comprise our 40 semi-finalists, which I will visit starting Friday, June 24.

Don't forget to vote in our other categories:

Central Jersey

South Jersey

Jersey Shore 

Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook and Instagram.

Demolition and redevelopment of land including the former Ingersoll Rand tract is to begin this year.

Sandra Callery's family, the Bronicos, is a part of Phillipsburg.

Her father and his brothers attended Phillipsburg High School where they competed as wrestlers and football players, and several of them, she said, worked at Ingersoll Rand, the town's largest employer for decades.

"I never thought this day would come, that they would sell it," Callery, the town's tax collector, said Wednesday as local leaders celebrated the closing of a $2.5 million sale of the last portion of I-R property in Phillipsburg to a developer.

Medford, New Jersey-based Opus Investments plans to build an eight-warehouse complex totaling 4 million square feet in Commerce Park, the nearly 400-acre site between Phillipsburg and Lopatcong Township, which includes the former Ingersoll Rand property. The project is expected to bring about 3,000 jobs, and produce $3.7 billion within Warren County over the next 10 years.

Current and former elected officials reflected on the magnitude of the deal that, due to complexities with the property and its ownership, they feared would never get done.

"If we use this money wisely, we can turn this town around and see the revitalization of Phillipsburg," Mayor Stephen Ellis said, calling the occasion a "turning point."

"I'm looking for the future," he continued, "using this day and this significant event as a foundation."

Business leaders and officials from neighboring Alpha and Lopatcong Township were present for the gathering midday Wednesday outside the former Ingersoll Rand administration offices in Commerce Park. The event included a ceremonial giant $2.5 million check. Opus Development Manager Dan Gural presented Ellis with the whistle that blew every day.

"This went off every day at 5 o'clock," Gural told the mayor. "This is my word to you that it is going to go off again, every day at 5 o'clock."

Town attorney Richard Wenner and former Mayor Harry Wyant Jr. described the process of finding a redeveloper after Ingersoll Rand left more than a decade ago. A failed attempt at redevelopment separated the entire property among three owners, including Phillipsburg which for $1 forgave $275,000 in back taxes on some 200 acres in 2012.

That was the property on which Opus closed Wednesday, giving it total control of Commerce Park and putting the property back on the tax rolls.

"Today, we get $2.5 million," Wyant said. "I'll take that any day."

See P'burg's new downtown-themed bar

New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who was not at the event, weighed in on the sale afterward in a news release, calling it a way to once again generate economic activity in a largely vacant area.

"Phillipsburg is a riverfront destination that is planning and working for a future of greater opportunities," said Sweeney, D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem. "This is a mark of progress."

Both Phillipsburg and Lopatcong have approved general development plans, Opus Principal Erin Murphy said. Demolition of the existing buildings is planned to begin in July, but final site plan approvals for each building must be given by the municipalities before construction can begin.

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

The award is presented in memory of former caregiver Linda Kaiser.

The 2016 Home Instead Senior Care's Memorial Scholarship, presented in memory of Linda Kaiser, was awarded to Cameron Cochran, a graduating senior at Hackettstown High School.

Cameron not only met all the requirements of the scholarship but possess the traits of Linda Kaiser: humbleness, being true to one's values, knowing what they believe in, and serving others, according to LeAnne Godleski, Home Instead Senior Care's, recruitment & engagement coordinator who presented the award.

Home Instead offering scholarship to caring student

Kaiser was a Home Instead CAREGiver who passed away in April.

Cameron will be continuing her education at Lock Haven University.

The Class of 2016 celebrated its commencement at Belvidere High School.

Belvidere High School held its commencement Wednesday night at the Warren County school.

The valedictorian was Madison Beaumont and salutatorian was Mackenzie Schanzlin.

The Class of 2016 is comprised of 105 seniors.

Check out the celebration by scrolling through the photos atop this post.

Belvidere prom photos 2016

BUY THESE PHOTOS

Are you one of the people pictured at this graduation? Want to buy the photo and keep it forever? Look for a link below the photo caption to order prints in a variety of sizes or products like shirts or coffee mugs.

Be sure to check out our complete graduation coverage at lehighvalleylive.com/graduation.

Sue Beyer may be reached at sbeyer@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sbeyer_photo. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.

The Class of 2016 celebrated its commencement at the Franklin Township school.

Warren County Technical School held its commencement Wednesday night at  the school in Franklin Township.

The valedictorian was Marina Lilieholm and the salutatorian was Jade Piatt. Marina will be attending Drexel University. Jade will be attending Centenary University.

Freeholder Director Jason Sarnoski was keynote speaker.

The Class of 2016 is comprised of 106 seniors.

Check out the celebration by scrolling through the photos atop this post.

Warren Tech prom 2016

BUY THESE PHOTOS

Are you one of the people pictured at this graduation? Want to buy the photo and keep it forever? Look for a link below the photo caption to order prints in a variety of sizes or products like shirts or coffee mugs.

Be sure to check out our complete graduation coverage at lehighvalleylive.com/graduation.

Saed Hindash may be reached at shindash@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SaedHindash. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.