Where is the best place to see fireworks the best Fourth of July fireworks displays in your town in New Jersey. Our complete listing includes all 21 counties

The company's application for water permits has been deemed "administratively closed"

TRENTON -- PennEast's plans to build a $1.2 billion natural gas pipeline from northeastern Pennsylvania to central New Jersey has been dealt a setback after state environmental regulators denied its request for two key permits.

New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection on Wednesday deemed the company's application for a freshwater wetlands individual permit and a water quality certificate "administratively closed."

In late April, DEP found the application to be incomplete and told PennEast it had no more than 60 days to address the problems and re-submit it.

PennEast sought a 60-day extension last week, but has been denied.

"Given the complexity of the remaining deficient items, and the lack of demonstrated progress on the part of the applicant, it appears that it would be unlikely that an additional 60 days would allow substantial progress on the application," the DEP wrote in a letter to PennEast Wednesday.

Environmental groups opposed to the pipeline cheered the decision as a victory.

"Holding PennEast to the letter of the law helps protect our water, land and communities from the dangers of a pipeline whose owners just want to rush this project through," said Jim Waltman, executive director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association. "We appreciate that NJDEP continues to hold PennEast accountable to the requirements of the applicable laws and regulations."

PennEast spokeswoman Pat Kornick said the decision wasn't a surprise. She says the company anticipates receiving federal approval this summer and plans to resubmit its permit application to DEP later this year.

The 120-mile proposed pipeline would originate in Dallas, Pa., and end in Hopewell Township.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

EWING--Over the last two years, the West squad of the Sunshine Classic Football game has dominated. In 2017, the East team will look to change that narrative. Thursday night, The College of New Jersey will host the 21st Annual Sunshine Football Classic, sponsored by Fisher Capital LLC. The West team has a two-game winning streak, with 21-0 and 31-6...

EWING--Over the last two years, the West squad of the Sunshine Classic Football game has dominated.

In 2017, the East team will look to change that narrative.

Thursday night, The College of New Jersey will host the 21st Annual Sunshine Football Classic, sponsored by Fisher Capital LLC. The West team has a two-game winning streak, with 21-0 and 31-6 wins the last two seasons. The two rosters have players from six counties: Burlington, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean.

But for Robbinsville head coach Andrew Patterson, who takes charge of the offensive play calling for the East squad, this game is a chance to send his seniors out with a victory in their last high school game.

The teams have been practicing for a week, with their final walk throughs on Wednesday night. But with graduations, work commitments, and other issues, it has been tough to get a full roster on the practice fields. But 

"We have just been getting everybody on the same page," Patterson said. "We have three quarterbacks, and they are all good in their own respects. We have Twamley, who is more of a shotgun-spread guy. We have (Bordentown QB Dominic) Dabronzo, who has dome both under center, shotgun and spread. Then we have WW-P South QB Scott) Cochrane, who is more an under center kid.

"All the kids know the plays. They have been playing football for a long time. It is just about getting the terminology down. That has been the challenge. The first couple days we missed some of the guys, but the lead up to the game had us with full practices, with all the hay in the barn. Wednesday will be a walk though, where we will cross some things off that we cant do, and come into the game with our plays.

"You want to get everybody on the roster into the game, and we will try to juggle it so that everybody gets equal time to play in front of their friends and families."

Foes to Friends at the 2017 Sunshine Classic

The strength of the West team over the past two years has been its defense, and defensive coordinator Mohammad El-Sherbini thinks that will be the case once again for his squad.

"The great thing about working with these kids and preparing them for this game is that we can put together a college-style defense," El-Sherbini said. "The players only play one side of the ball, so it allows us to really focus on that."

But the squad also has Ewing phenom Edamiyon Doggett under center, who will be a nightmare to defend for the East defense. Doggett led Ewing into the NJSIAA playoffs in 2016, where the Blue Devils beat Carteret 17-7 for their first state win in 14 years. For the campaign, Doggett was 96-for-179, for 1,710 yards and nine TDs through the air. He ran for 903 yards and 15 TDs as well, and will get one more chance Thursday night to showcase his skills in front of the crowd.

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean

EAST ROSTER

WEST ROSTER

The Hunterdon County Fire Chief's Association announced they will be holding a press briefing Thursday evening to share a staffing proposal with the public. The proposal will allow for paid fire fighters to be placed throughout the county during weekdays.

The Hunterdon County Fire Chiefs Association has announced it will hold a press briefing Thursday evening to present a staffing proposal to help alleviate staff shortages in volunteer fire departments across the county.

More than a year ago, the association created a committee to research and investigate staffing shortages during weekday hours in departments across the county. The committee drafted a proposal to address the issue, according to a press release. 

The proposal allows for paid fire personnel to be located throughout the county to help supplement staffing shortages during the week. Association spokesmen were not immediately available for comment Wednesday on how the plan would be funded.

At the press briefing, committee members will present the proposal to the public and local government officials. The proposal has already been voted on by the committee and the Hunterdon County Fire Chiefs Association, according to a press release.

The proposal will be presented to mayors and freeholders in the county to consider. Several towns have already adopted resolutions in support of the proposal.  

The press briefing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, at the High Bridge Fire Station, 7 Maryland Ave.

Angela Lingg may be reached at alingg@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @angela_lingg. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Police arrested and charged two people with DUI in separate stops on June 25, 2017.

Celebrate America on the fourth and all year 'round.

"Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it" - Mark Twain

"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country. In either event, it is unpatriotic not to tell the truth, whether about the president or anyone else." - Theodore Roosevelt

"I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually." - James Baldwin

"A love for tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril." - Winston Churchill

"Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes." - Bertolt Brecht

"What is patriotism but the love of the food one ate as a child?" - Lin Yutang

"It may sound corny, but what's wrong with wanting to fight for your country. Why are people reluctant to use the word patriotism?" - Jimmy Stewart

"I venture to suggest that patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." - Adlai Stevenson II

A gallery of patriotic photos from New Jersey. More patriotic photos can be seen here:

Vintage photos of patriotic pride in N.J.

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

Flemington Community Partnership announced June 28, 2017, that Ann Meredith will replace Judy Goodwin as its executive director.

FLEMINGTON -- Flemington Community Partnership announced Wednesday that Ann Meredith will replace Judy Goodwin as its executive director.

Ann Meredith

Meredith was selected from 70 candidates.

"We are confident that Ann is precisely the innovative, mission-driven and results-oriented leader to continue to build the great momentum FCP has generated in just one short year," said board Chairman Paul Marciano.

Meredith was selected by Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell to serve as chief executive officer of Lights of Liberty, Inc., a non-profit that produced Historic Philadelphia's $15 million sound and light show attraction and operated a thriving visitor and retail center, according to a news release. 

"I am thrilled to be joining FCP at a time of so much positive growth and look forward to working with the all of the stakeholders to making Flemington's exciting, prosperous future a reality," said Meredith, who will begin her tenure on July 3.

Goodwin will serve in a consulting role through the transition period. 

While leading Lights of Liberty, Meredith also organized business and civic leaders to create the non-profit Independence Mall Business and Residents Coalition, serving as its founding president.

Head of Flemington Community Partnership leaving

Under her leadership, it coordinated successful federal and local lobbying efforts and volunteer initiatives that enhanced the accessibility and beautification of the Independence Mall area.

When Meredith was recruited from Lights of Liberty in 2007 to lead a merger of three regional Girl Scout councils, The Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board penned a tribute that called her "a shining light of Liberty," according to the news release.

As the first chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, Meredith took the helm of an organization that wanted major change.

While merging a staff of 150 employees, nine camps, 40,000 volunteers, 45,000 girl members, five service centers and three organizational cultures to create one organization, Meredith led major operational improvements, dramatically grew earned and contributed income, and opened new pathways for participation.

She also collaborated with the national cookie supplier to create the nation's first "Online Cookie Locator" -- featured in Forbes and BusinessWeek -- an innovation that resulted in increased sales and changed selling practices nationwide.

The Assembly has passed the "New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act," which would authorize a referendum for a bond sale that would fund dollar-for-dollar matching grants to local communities seeking to build or expand library facilities.

State lawmakers are hoping voters will find it in their hearts, and their pocketbooks, to say yes to expanding and equipping public libraries, hard hit in recent years by relentless budget slashing.

"Some libraries have been forced to shutter or reduce their hours due to a lack of funding," says Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D-Burlington), one of the sponsors of a measure calling for a bond issue to raise $125 million for library capital projects.

The Assembly has passed the "New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act," which would authorize a referendum for a bond sale that would fund dollar-for-dollar matching grants to local communities seeking to build or expand library facilities.

The last time the legislators approved new borrowing for library facilities was back in 1999, long before emerging technology rendered many traditional library services outdated or obsolete.

That $45 million bond act helped underwrite 68 projects statewide, generating roughly $260 million in economic activity.

Demise of Trenton's libraries leaves void | Editorial

This latest bill, which still has to pass the state Senate and win buy-in from the governor, would direct the state librarian to work with the president of Thomas Edison State College to create a set of requirements for the grants, as well as to prepare a list of eligible projects.

If the bond issue ultimately passes, which we would like to see happen, Trenton should be a prime beneficiary of any grant money the initiative makes available.

The city's public library is one of the oldest in the state, with its original 50 books purchased by Benjamin Franklin in 1750. The venerable facility has struggled to stay alive in the face of branch closings over the past few years.

Trenton is far from alone in its need. More than 50 percent of public libraries in the state say they need to expand facilities to meet consumers' demands, particularly when it comes to updated technology.

If we lose libraries, we lose a piece of America's soul.

More than 43 million people visited New Jersey's public libraries in 2015. They came not just to borrow books, but also to hear lectures, attend concerts, learn a new craft or pursue an old hobby.

"Libraries are community centers. They are places where people go for information and to engage with neighbors, said Thomas Giblin (D-Essex and Passaic), one of the bill's sponsors.

In a world in which social media contacts have replaced face-to-face exchanges, the assemblyman added, libraries provide a meeting ground where social interactions flourish.

In addition to helping libraries thrive, the proposed bond sale would also create construction and trade jobs in a state that has not fully recovered from the recession of 2008.

The legislature has its collective hands full this week with budgetary matters, but this bill is well worth lawmakers' time and consideration.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

The state saw an overall decline in homeless people for the second year, but some counties saw increases in their homeless population.

The QuickChek balloon festival is preparing to launch into their 35th year. Howard Freeman, the executive producer of the show, shared how the festival stays fresh and familiar every year.

Interns are busy answering the phones at the Festival of Ballooning office. With the QuickChek Festival of Ballooning just one month away, it's all hands on deck.

The festival team is preparing for the launch of the 35th Annual QuickChek Festival of Ballooning on July 28 at Solberg Airport in Readington, and somewhere in the midst of the chaos is Howard Freeman, executive producer of the festival and a self-proclaimed balloonatic.

Freeman has been piloting the festival for the last 25 years and has taken the festival to new heights.

Under his leadership, the festival has grown from 10 balloons and 20,000 people to being the largest summertime balloon festival in North America, with about 100 balloons and 175,000 people.

Freeman's philosophy for keeping the three-day festival new and exciting is simple.

"People say I have the attention of 3-year-old, and if I can find something ... that can keep my attention, I think it can pretty well keep the attention of most of the people from 2 to 82 that we draw," Freeman said.

In search of new ideas, Freeman has traveled all over the world to find the best pilots, music acts and the coolest, or hottest, special-shape hot air balloons.

This year will feature new balloons like the Simba balloon created in 2010 to raise awareness of lion poaching in Africa. A few crowd favorites will return to celebrate the 35th anniversary including the QuickChek flying farmhouse and the Angry Bird balloon.

While the balloons are the main attraction, Freeman said all 39 hours of the festival offer entertainment aimed at different age groups.

"The average stay at the festival is seven-and-a-half hours, and there's something for every member of the family," Freeman said.

To keep building the festival over the years, Freeman said they try appeal to diverse age niches through their concerts.

One of his favorite concert memories, was watching screaming young girls cheer on a popular boy band at the festival in 2007.

Whether it was a stroke of genius or just luck, Freeman said booking the Jonas Brothers in October 2006 to perform the following summer was one of the best decisions they made.

"(The Jonas Brothers) just grew and grew and grew from October until July to the point where when they came here it was probably one of the hottest tickets we've ever had," Freeman said.

This year, the festival is adding a fifth concert to their usual line-up of four concerts.  The new concert is a children's show featuring singer Laurie Berkner. The show will be on at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 28.

Major performers include George Thorogood and the Destroyers on July 28 and Pat Benatar on July 29.

New attractions like a helium balloon and an aerial act will be at the festival, while other activities like the 5K race will be brought back.

The event provides entertainment for the township and beyond, and has a $43.7 million economic impact annually. The festival has also raised $2.6 million for local non-profits.

Supporting the economy, giving back to the community, entertaining people -- Freeman said all these things make the festival special, but at the end of the day the attraction of the festival is the balloons.

"When you're in a balloon it's like being on a 16- or 20-story building out on a balcony and watching the ground move beneath you," Freeman said.

Every year people tell Freeman that riding in a hot air balloon is something on their bucket list that they can check off. That's more than 20,000 balloon rides during Freeman's years at the festival.

"Just about everyone has come away with a smile on their face and a gleam in their eye, so we're doing something right," Freeman said."It's an addicting sport, and that's why they call it that magic of ballooning."

Tickets for the event can be purchased at QuickChek stores or online. The festival is offering an early bird saver that ends Friday.  For more information, visit www.balloonfestival.com.

Angela Lingg may be reached at alingg@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @angela_lingg. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The members of Class 240 were sworn in during a ceremony Thursday

TRENTON -- New Jersey's Department of Corrections welcomed 172 new officers into its ranks Thursday.

The members of Class 240 were sworn in during a ceremony in the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton.

The graduates represent 18 of the state's 21 counties. Essex County had the largest number of graduates with 24, followed by Ocean County with 18.

The other counties included Atlantic (5), Bergen (12), Burlington (6), Camden (12), Cumberland (4), Gloucester (2), Hudson (17), Hunterdon (1), Mercer (13), Middlesex (14), Monmouth (6), Morris (2), Passaic (13), Somerset (3), Union (15) and Warren (5).

Among the new officers to go through the department's 14-week training academy were seven who had served in the military, 33 with relatives in law enforcement and 60 who have college degrees.

During the ceremony, the department also celebrated the promotions of 66 officers.

Officials say nearly 3,000 trainees have graduated since Gov. Chris Christie took office in 2010.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

A citizens group filed a new lawsuit against the Borough of Flemington in an attempt to stop the redevelopment of the historic Union Hotel in downtown Flemington.

FLEMINGTON -- A citizens group has filed another lawsuit against Flemington Borough in an attempt to prevent redevelopment plans for the historic Union Hotel in downtown Flemington.

This is the fourth lawsuit that the Friends of Historic Flemington have filed against the borough regarding how it has conducted meetings and how it has approved plans for the renovation of the circa-1878 historic Union Hotel which has been closed since 2008.

One previous lawsuit did not succeed in overturning the redevelopment plans. 

The hotel and surrounding buildings have been designated as an area in need of redevelopment, and Jack Cust Jr. was chosen by the borough council to redevelop the area.

Those opposed to the redevelopment of the Union Hotel have placed signs in their front yards, like this one in front of a Spring Street residence. (NJ Advance Media file photo)

A lawsuit filed by the citizens group in September 2016 challenged the redevelopment process and claimed the borough violated the Open Public Meetings Act.

James Maley Jr., attorney for the Friends of Historic Flemington, said a judge ruled in favor of the borough regarding the redevelopment process. The borough agreed to make changes to the way it conducts its meetings. Both parties agreed to dismiss the case on April 5.

Two other lawsuits alleging violations of the Open Public Records Act were filed by the Friends of Historic Flemington in September 2016 and March 2017.

Maley said both of the lawsuits are being settled. As part of the settlement, the borough has supplied additional documents to the citizens groups and the borough is reimbursing the Friends of Historic Flemington $5,000.

The most recent lawsuit was filed on April 26 by Friends of Historic Flemington, Gary Schotland and Lois Stewart against the Borough of Flemington, the borough council, the borough Planning Board, Flemington Mayor Phil Greiner and Flemington Center Urban Renewal.

Maley said the new lawsuit is challenging the redevelopment agreement on a number of legal grounds. 

The lawsuit argues that the borough promised to designate additional properties as areas in need of redevelopment before the planning board conducted a hearing to recommend the particular areas for redevelopment.

According to the lawsuit, the borough exceeded its legal authority by making a promise before it was presented with the proper evidence to make that decision.

Maley said the planning board did conduct a hearing to discuss the designation of the redevelopment area after the borough had already decided to designate the area for redevelopment. Maley said the hearing was "a sham."

The borough and defendants have presented a motion to dismiss the suit at a hearing to be held on July 7 or shortly thereafter.

Mayor Greiner said the lawsuit is "not interfering with anything" and he is "very optimistic" about the redevelopment plan.

As part of the redevelopment plan, the borough is planning to sell a brick building at 90-100 Main St. for redevelopment.

Gary Schotland, trustee of the Friends of Historic Flemington, said the borough must receive approval from the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office before the building can be sold for renovation.

The owners of the Union Hotel want to buy the borough's building at 90-100 Main St. (Hunterdon County Democrat file photo)

"If a town or township owns a historic property and they want to sell it, then it's subject to review by the state," Schotland said.

Greiner said the borough has made an application to the Historic Preservation Society and is "providing additional information to complete the application."  The borough is hoping to have a hearing with the preservation society on Aug. 16.

Schotland said the citizens group will continue to fight the redevelopment plan. Schotland wants to see the hotel and surrounding buildings be renovated and returned to productive use, but he said the scale of the current plan is "completely inappropriate" for a town the size of Flemington.

The redevelopment plan includes a 100-room hotel, 250 housing units and a 900-car parking garage, along with restaurants, retail stores and a college.

The borough announced last month that portions of the exterior of the Union hotel will be preserved. Schotland said the move was a "nice first step."

Angela Lingg may be reached at alingg@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @angela_lingg. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The following deeds have been recorded in the Hunterdon County Hall of Records in Books 2405 and 2406 through June 30, 2017: Alexandria Drake R. Parker to Christopher Gelardi and Kimberly Majewski, property at 10 Belmont Court, for $770,000. James A. Briggs and Irene M. Briggs to James Fahey and Doreen Fahey, property at 206 Cedar Bridge Lane, for...

The following deeds have been recorded in the Hunterdon County Hall of Records in Books 2405 and 2406 through June 30, 2017:

Alexandria

Drake R. Parker to Christopher Gelardi and Kimberly Majewski, property at 10 Belmont Court, for $770,000.

James A. Briggs and Irene M. Briggs to James Fahey and Doreen Fahey, property at 206 Cedar Bridge Lane, for $689,950.

Kenneth Flora and June Flora to Robert J. Tronolone and Linda Tronolone, property at 62 Rick Road, for $512,000.

Salvatore DiSabatino to James Byron and Laura Byron, property at 40 Airport Road, for $420,000.

Clinton

David Bright and Debra Bright to Steven K. Burton and Deanna K. Burton, property at 15 Boehm Drive, for $530,000.

Clinton Township

Clinton Point LLC to 2017 Route 31 Clinton, LLC, property at 190 Center St., for $2,400,000.

Robert L. Schmitt and Susan M. Schmitt to American International Relocation Solutions, LLC, property at 40 Regional Road, for $391,500.

American Relocation Solutions LLC to Dustin Starling and Shelley Starling, property at 40 Regional Road, for $390,000.

Anna J. Pieger, executrix, to Adam Stefan Kunkis and Emily Faye Pollack, property at 44 Inverarry Place, for $270,000.

William C. Kohmuench and Carolyn A. Kohmuench to Kenneth J. Hartdorn and Danielle D. Hartdorn, property at 8 Wagner Road, for $360,000.

Delaware Township

Nicholas Harrington and Maegan Harrington to Patrick Huffnagle, property at 826 Rosemont Road, for $415,000.

Diane P. Straw to Nicholas J. Harrington and Meagen C. Harrington, property at 2 Paulmier Road, for $590,000.

East Amwell

Annette G. Shields, executrix of the estate of Margaret H. Gritzmacher, to Jennifer A. Frank, property at 27 John Ringo Road, for $230,000.

Flemington

Paul Kilinski to Dina Klein and Victor Klein, property at 47 Pennsylvania Ave., for $282,900.

Franklin Township

U.S. Bank National Association to Michael Chabra, property at 1046 Croton Road, for $257,250.

Frenchtown

Wilmington Savings Fund Society to Bernard Villegas and Vincensina Villegas, property at 33 Ridge Road, for $219,000.

Glen Gardner

Peter D'Amelio to Anthony Volk, property at 1809 Spruce Hills Drive, for $125,000.

Hampton

Rexhep Leka to Matarazzo Properties, LLC, property at 166 Route 31, for $85,000.

High Bridge

Wilmington Savings Funs Society, FSB to Emily Sorenson and Andrew Sorenson, property at 17 King Hill Road, for $154,900.

6 Maryland Ave., LLC to Shannon E. Leedy and Zachary B. Januse, property at 6 Maryland Ave., for $245,000.

Holland Township

Ryan Van Doren to Jayson Bukofsky, property at 331 Riegelsville Road, for $229,000.

Jonathan Tyson Intile and Kristin Intile to Nikkosh Baksh, property at 16 Deer Path, for $336,950.

John T. Laurencelle and Laura A. Laurencelle to Kevin D. Andreychak and Kristen Andreychak, property at 8 Gridley Circle, for $374,000.

Doris E. Deemer to Wells Fargo Bank, NA, property at 286 Milford Warren Glen Road, for $95,354.

Kingwood

Kenton P. Garay and Patricia T. Garay to Glenn Gabal and Evelyn Gabal, property at 5 Muddy Run Road, for $385,000.

Joseph John Macaron and Kymberly Ann Dietrich-Macaron to William P. Marra and Kristin J. Marra, property at 3 Kingsridge Road, for $436,500.

Michelle Liao and John Struble to JohnW. Chin and Donna M. Chin, property at 137 Byram Lane, for $345,000.

Lambertville

Shirley Lee to Janice A. Friedman, property at 57 N. Franklin St., for $156,750.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Kristen T. Bolek, property at 302 County Road 513, for $87,500.

Lebanon Township

Richard A.  Harding and Wendy S. Harding to Christina Martinelli, property at 2 East Orchard St., for $260,000.

Milford

U.S. Bank National Association to Uchenna Anyaeji, property at 4 Hartley Court, for $380,000.

Raritan Township

Gary Raykovitz and Jolaine Raykovitz to Christopher Randazza, property at 1 Kristina Way, for $882,500.

Donna I. Larkin to Michael Botti and Marguerite Botti, property at 24 Hart Blvd., for $405,000.

Joel P. Sanchez and Claudine Sanchez to Robert Muscillo and Kara Muscillo, property at 21 Barley Sheaf Road, for $472,500.

Nicholas Inghiterra and Alison K. Inghiterra to Rose A. Mathew, property at 1408 Cobblestone Court, for $195,000.

Fannie Mae to Jannine Valledor, property at 2 Ups and Downs Court, for $629,900.

Jennifer Giordano, executrix of the estate of Marie Dickenson, to Frank Sena and Maria Sena, property at 67 Joseph Drive, for $305,000.

Randy Miller and Eleanor R. Miller to James Weatherford and Sharon Weatherford, property at 8 Cherryville-Stanton Road, for $570,000.

Nina Rapuano and Robert Yannotta and Annette Quandt, executors under the last will and testament of  Angelo F. Yannotta, property at 7 Chapel View Drive, for $384,000.

The Bank of New York Mellon to Raymond Donahue and Theresa Donahue, property at 45 Pleasant Run Road, for $379,900.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Joan R. Sterlacci, property at 58 Higginsville Road, for $393,250.

Nicholas P. Kramer to Francine M. Kramer, property at 7 Morning Star Road, for $250,000.

Readington Township

Anthony Fusco and Maria Fusco to Roy Dragon, Jr. and Tamara Dragon, property at 55 Phlox Court, for $345,000.

Fannie Mae to Robert A. Salvesen, property at 510 Mountain Road, for $168,500.

The Estate of Joan E. Koether, deceased, to Chris Scofield and Jo Anne Schofield, property at 34 Ebersohl Circle, for $352,450.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to William E. Kilcomons and Christine Kilcomons, property at 7 South Ryland Road, for $425,000.

Frank Lorenzo and Joan Lorenzo to Ryan M. Fandel and Sara A. Chauvette, property at 55 Whitehouse Ave., for $335,000.

Tewksbury

Andrew Sudylo and Julia Sudylo to Sean Castle and Sandra J. Castle, property at 212 Old Turnpike Road, for $527,500.

Reza Shariatdoust to Maria Shariatdoust, property at 17 Lenore Road, for $565,000.

Jennifer A. Ercolano and Neal A. Ercolano to Benjamin W. Tiffany and Nancy W. Tiffany, property at 33 Sawmill Road, for $502,000.

March J. Schumacher to Kimberly Iuele and Frank Iuele, property at 28 Fox Hill Road, for $620,000.

Christina Ludvigsen, Estate of Karl Vivian Ludvigsen, T. Clare Ludvigsen to Nicholas A. Kelly and Ashley Force, property at 14 Dryden Road, for $442,000.

Union Township

Louis Scaturro to Elizabeth J. Iorillo, property at 12 Westway, for $122,000.

Wanda O'Connor to Donald J. Farley, property at 4 Cross Way, for $130,000.

On June 3, Union Forge Heritage Association (UFHA) hosted and sponsored an interactive lecture and hands-on workshop on how to create a living terrarium at their historic 1760 Joseph Turner House and museum. Guests learned about the history and interesting background of these fascinating miniature gardens under glass spanning from the Victorian era through the modern age from master...

On June 3, Union Forge Heritage Association (UFHA) hosted and sponsored an interactive lecture and hands-on workshop on how to create a living terrarium at their historic 1760 Joseph Turner House and museum.

Guests learned about the history and interesting background of these fascinating miniature gardens under glass spanning from the Victorian era through the modern age from master gardeners Sandy Gay and UFHA Trustee Susan Haake. A hands-on workshop followed for guests to create their own personal living terrarium from their own design to take home. 

The Joseph Turner House is located at 117 Van Syckel's Road, Hampton NJ and is open for guided tours the first and third Sunday of each month from 2-4pm. The Union Forge Heritage Association is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving and protecting the rich history and natural environment of Hunterdon County and the State of NJ. Visit the organization at unionforgeheritage.org for information and upcoming events.

This item was submitted Michael Gronsky Jr.

The Hunterdon County Fire Chiefs Association presented the details of a proposal for 18 paid firefighters in the county. The paid firefighters would be supported by a county property tax.

HIGH BRIDGE -- The Hunterdon County Fire Chiefs Association on Thursday announced the details of its staffing proposal to employ 18 paid firefighters to help support volunteer fire departments throughout the county.

Members of the fire chiefs association presented the proposal to the press at the High Bridge Fire Department.

The proposal would create three crews located in different regions of the county. The county property tax would pay for the crews. The crews would work about 42 hours during the week, assisting volunteer firefighters.

Robert Walton, Hunterdon County freeholder and member of the fire chiefs association, said the proposal was created to address a shortage of volunteer firefighters during daytime hours.

With many of the volunteers working longer distances from home, they aren't available to respond to fires during daytime hours.

According to standards for the Organization of Fire Suppression Operations, in rural areas a minimum of six firefighters are expected to respond to a call within 11 minutes, 80 percent of the time.

Drew Stephens, a member of the committee that drafted the proposal, said volunteers in Hunterdon County aren't currently able to meet those standards.

"Last year we ran 3,543 fire department alarms in Hunterdon County for 28 stations," Stephens said. That's an average of about nine calls per day.

Volunteers have to undergo 220 hours of training, adding to the strain on the volunteer numbers.

According to the proposal, the paid firefighters would receive an annual starting salary of $40,000. An additional manager would be hired to oversee the three different crews.  

Walton said the total salaries would cost $780,000 and after benefit packages, the personnel budget would be around $1.4 million.  

Two crews would work out of existing fire departments and the departments would receive a $500 weekly stipend for the use of their facility. The third crew would work out of the county hazardous materials facility in Flemington, according to the proposal presentation.  

Equipment, rental and operating costs were estimated at $157,446. The total proposed budget would be around $1.5 million.

The county property tax was proposed to pay the $1.5 million. The association suggested a $0.0073 tax per $100 of assessed value that would result in an annual $21.99 tax for a $300,000 home.

"Nobody like their taxes going up," Walton said.  "But if I walked up to any person in this county and said 'would you buy a raffle ticket for the fire company for only 25 bucks,' they'd reach in their pocket and hand it over, no problem. We're asking for basically the price of the raffle ticket to get daytime protection."

The paid crews will operate as a resource to the fire departments. Stephens said the departments will still be dependent on volunteers, especially at night, but the paid crews will help supplement the volunteer shortages during the week.

The chiefs association voted to pass the bill 26-2.  The East Amwell and Raritan Township fire chiefs voted against the proposal. Three townships have passed resolutions in favor of the proposal, and Walton said the association intends to present the proposal to 12 more townships before the end of July.

"The freeholders encouraged us to first get municipal support and that's what we're engaged in doing," Walton said.

The county freeholders have already decided this year's budget, so the proposal will not affect this year's budget. 

Angela Lingg may be reached at alingg@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @angela_lingg. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

It is likely that Austin made the play everyone in attendance will long remember.

EWING--For West Windsor-Plainsboro North linebacker Eric Austin, the 2017 Sunshine Football Classic, sponsored by Fisher Capital LLC, was a final time for him to play in a high school contest.

But it may end up as more than that. For Austin, Matt Phelan, Miles Fye-Moore (who had an interception to set up the final touchdown in the 24-7 West win), Josh Owens, Isaiah Miranda, and Jeremy Lockwood, they may be the final players to wear a Knights' helmet on the field in a game.

With the uncertainty surrounding whether or not WW-P North will have a team in 2017, it is likely that Austin made the play everyone in attendance will long remember.

North Hunterdon's Mitchell Finnegan, the West Back of the Game, took a handoff from game MVP Edamiyon Doggett and scored the first touchdown of the game in late in the first quarter. Austin then took his place on the coverage team of the ensuing kickoff, and blew up the play with a monster hit on the East returner, to immediately gave the West some extra momentum.

"I am basically a contain player most of the time," Austin, who will join Doggett at Delaware Valley next year, said. "I saw the opportunity. I went unblocked, and I saw him cut back to my side. I knew that coming into this, our defense was a force to be reckoned with.

"We were the main part of this team that everyone was fired up about, and I knew that I had to start the game right. I saw the opportunity, and took it.

"I played a lot of years with these guys, from Wildcats all the way up. Brian Murphy, Tyrell Williams. I live right next to Tyrell, and I feel for him. He is not even playing football this year, because he doesn't think it is a good opportunity to play JV. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to play for West Windsor North.

"I am just hoping that they approve to combine. I don't see the reason why not. Kids just want to play and have an opportunity to play college, like I did."

Trenton's Taquan Tift, the West Lineman of the Game, then recovered a fumble on the next drive to set up a field goal, which gave his squad a 10-0 lead. He was playing for a final time under Mohammed El-Sherbini, who stepped down as Trenton coach two weeks ago, but took charge of the West defense.

"It is a great way to go out, a beautiful way to go out," Tift, who will play at Cheney University, said. "All week, I was screaming that I wanted this award. I wanted one award, and I finally got it in my last high school game. It is a great feeling. We knew their quarterbacks wanted to scramble, so I took it in my hands to get in the backfield."

Finnegan, Doggett lead West to victory in 21st Sunshine Classic

Tift (two sacks) led the defensive stand at the end of the half, which kept the East team in the shadow of the goal line, but did not give up any points. The stand was huge, as Doggett drove his team right down the field and connected with Lawrence's Tanner Adamczyk for a 21-yard score. It was the dagger for the West team, which has now won three straight game in the series by a combined 76-13 score.

"I just came out here to have fun," Doggett said. "I wanted to play my last game with my team mates, and old friends, and have fun. I wanted to play ball. I enjoyed my time here, and it wasn't too far from home for me, so I thought it was a home game."

Finnegan had 55 yards on the ground with a touchdown, and an interception on defense. He goes out a winner in what will be his final football game of his career (he will attend South Carolina), representing North Hunterdon for a final time.

"It felt great," Finnegan said. "We had to drive 40 minutes to practice from where we are, so we just worked hard when we came out there with these guys. It was fun to come out here and have success. It feels good to get this award in my final game."

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean

"This accident is a terrible tragedy," the prosecutor said, offering condolences to those who knew the two involved.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP (Hunterdon County) -- A 17-year-old male was killed Friday morning when his car was hit by a truck on Hunterdon County Route 513, according to a statement issued by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office and Franklin Township police.

The youth, and his surviving teenage passenger, were not immediately identified. 

The accident occurred at 8:52 a.m. on 513 at the intersection of Race Street and Grandin Avenue in Franklin Township, according to Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III.

The 17-year-old driver of a 2013 Toyota Corolla, with a 16-year-old male passenger from Hampton, entered 513 and was hit by a 2005 Kenworth T80 dump truck operated by Walter Bravo, 24, of Newark, who was traveling south, Kearns said.

The 17-year-old was fatally injured in the crash and his passenger was taken by State Police helicopter to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, according to Kearns.

Bravo was treated at the scene but did not require hospitalization. Roads in the area were closed for several hours after the accident.

Officials did not immediately release any more details of the accident or say whether criminal charges will be pressed.

In the statement, Kearns commented, "This accident is a terrible tragedy. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young men involved."

The accident will be investigated by the Franklin Township Police Department under the supervision of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office Forensic Analysis Collision Team, with assistance from the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Unit, Kearns said.

Assisting at the accident scene were the prosecutor's office, Franklin Township Police, State Police, the Quakertown Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Clinton Fire, Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad and the Hunterdon County Medical Examiner's Office.

Photographer Rich Maxwell contributed to this report.

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