Flip through these Thanksgiving staples and let us know what you're serving Thursday, and what you aren't. Watch video

On Thanksgiving, some experts say we eat more than three times the average recommended daily allowance of calories. It's no wonder with all of those side dishes cramming the dinner table. With super-sized Thanksgiving recipe lists like this, this and this you could spend a lifetime of Thanksgivings without repeating repeating recipes.

What foods are on your Thanksgiving table this year? Flip through the food photos to show us what you are serving, and what you're not. Once you're done, you can see how your menu matches up with other NJ.com users. In comments, tell us what foods you are serving that are not on this list. 

When he sets out to kill his own turkey for Thanksgiving, NJ Advance Media commentator Brian Donohue winds up getting both a kick in the head from the turkey and an emotional hands-on lesson in where our food comes from. Note: video contains graphic footage. (Video by Adya Beasley and Brian Donohue | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)Brian Donohue | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

The parents of Michael Adams is seeking answers, and put up a $20,000 reward, regarding the hit-and-run crash that killed their 24-year-old son this past September.

JEFFERSON -- Michael Adams thought he was doing the right thing on September 19 when he tried walking home from a local bar in Jefferson instead of driving, his family and police have said.

Instead, the 24-year-old Army reservist was struck down by a large vehicle on Route 15 north at about 3 a.m., which then fled the scene. He died later that morning from injuries sustained in the crash.

His grief-stricken family has been searching for answers -- and put up a $20,000 reward for information -- because leads to this case have been scant. His father, Tom Adams, told NJ Advance Media he'd personally put fliers up at businesses along Route 15 as well as two 5-by-10 foot banners near the crash site itself.

"I thought the guilt would get to (the driver)," he said.

Michael Adams was found in the roadway on Route 15 north after he apparently tried walking home from Club 15 after last call, police have said. He lived less than a mile away.

That section of Route 15 has no shoulder -- as the guardrails abut the roadway -- and the area is not lit, Deputy Chief Eric Wilsusen has said.

http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2015/10/20k_reward_offered_for_info_on_fatal_route_15_hit-.html

"Should he have been there? Probably not," Tom Adams said. "I could understand if it took the driver a day or two to turn himself in, but now it's a little over two months. He wasn't little, he was 230 pounds. Don't tell me you didn't know you hit my son."

"It would be nice to have those answers," he said of the crash. "I'm not saying it's going to help everything but it will be a little bit of closure."

His mother, Lisa Adams, said if there was one thing she wanted the driver who struck her son to know it's that "he was just a wonderful, wonderful person."

Michael Adams was a lifelong resident of Jefferson and a graduate of Pope John XXIII High School. Adams, who also attended Montclair State University, was a driver for High Grade Beverage, a part-time cook at Mason Street Pub, and he served in the United States Army Reserves.

In the weeks after her son's death, Lisa Adams said there's been "such an outpouring of people" whose lives had all been touched by her son.

"That's the kind of kid he was," she said. "It was just crazy the amount of people that came out. He touched a lot of people."

"There's so many things that he did that touched others that we never knew about," she said. One of those cases, she said, was a former co-worker who Michael inspired to join the Army.

http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2015/09/no_leads_yet_in_fatal_hit-and-run_crash_on_route_1.html

Wilsusen said in September township police had no leads regarding the apparent hit-and-run crash. A number of people stopped to help Michael Adams but no witnesses to the actual crash had come forward at the time. It's also not clear what type of vehicle struck him as no debris was recovered from the scene of the crash.

The investigation remains active and ongoing by both township police and the prosecutor's office. Authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying anyone who may have knowledge of this incident or of the circumstances leading to Michael Adams' death.

Anyone with more information on this incident can contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200 or the Jefferson Township Police Department at 973-697-1300.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by visiting the Morris County CrimeStoppers' website, calling 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255), or texting 274637 using the key word "MORRISTIP."

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

Police are investigating a Wednesday morning crash in which a cement mixer overturned on Route 15 and struck a utility pole.

SPARTA -- Police are investigating a Wednesday morning crash in which a cement mixer overturned on Route 15 and struck a utility pole.

William E. Kelher, 37, of the Stockholm section of Hardyston, was driving a fully-loaded cement mixer owned by Diamond Sand of Sparta onto Route 15 north from Wilson Drive when his vehicle overturned onto its passenger side at 10:14 a.m. for an unknown reason, Sparta police Lt. John-Paul Beebe said in a news release.

The mixer then struck a utility pole near the right shoulder of the highway and came to a rest off of the travel portion of the road, Beebe said. The mixer sustained extensive damage in the crash.

Based on the initial investigation and eyewitness statements, the mixer was traveling at a low rate of speed while Kehler attempted to negotiate a slow right hand turn onto the highway when it began to tip to the right, Beebe said. Kehler tried to recover but the mixer rolled onto its side, he said.

http://www.nj.com/sussex-county/index.ssf/2015/10/off-duty_cop_flown_to_hospital_after_sussex_crash.html

No summonses have been issued at this time.

Kehler, who only sustained a minor hand injury in the crash, was treated at the scene by the Sparta First Aid Squad.

Crews with Jersey Central Power & Light responded to the scene to repair the damaged utility pole. No power loss or outages were reported as a result of the crash, Beebe said.

Route 15 was closed in both directions at the intersection at White Lake Road and Wilson Drive to the intersection at Demarest Road for about four hours.

The mixer was eventually righted and removed from the scene by Hayden's Towing Service of Sparta.

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

Any place you can stay while away from home - whether it's a luxury resort or an inexpensive motel - offers its own value. Watch video

The Pocahontas Motor Lodge in Williamsburg, Va., was the first inn I ever stayed as an overnight guest. I was 10 years old and traveled to the colonial city with my family. For me, staying in the motor lodge was, quite possibly, the highlight of the trip.

There were so many things to fascinate a child - the ice machine in the hallway where multiple visits were made, the beds positioned so a kid could jump from one to the other and the swimming pool we were permitted to use ... even at night!

As it would happen, I didn't get to spend too much time in the pool because my stomach turned after driving from south Jersey in a bouncy VW Squareback. (I was kept on a diet of soft-boiled eggs for a couple of days). Still, it was all so new, so different and so wonderful. And, I checked ... it's still there!

As with anything else, tastes in travel accommodations run the gamut; some folks will stay only in hotels that have five-star ratings while others will stay only where there are rock-bottom rates. I'd like to go on record as saying any place you can stay while away from home - whether it's a luxury resort or an inexpensive motel - offers its own value.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

This gallery features a range of vintage hotels, motels and inns. But first, a few N.J. "accommodations" factoids:

it wasn't just Magic Fingers; it was a "relaxation service!"courtesy of presentatonsunplugged.com 

* The Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District notes that more than 300 motels were built in the city's shore district during the "Doo-Wop era" of the 1950s and 1960s.

* The Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May, established in 1876, is recognized as the oldest continuously operating hotel in Cape May and on the east coast.

* And, are you ready for this? "Magic Fingers" vibrating beds were invented in New Jersey! The credit here goes to John Houghtaling who conceived the notion in Glen Rock in the 1950s.

Be sure to click on the captions button to read even more about these classic photos.

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

Featured video 

Driver issued motor-vehicle summonses

NEWTON  -- Two small children in a stroller were struck as they crossed the street with their mother Wednesday, police said.

 

Police responded to Trinity and Moran streets around 1:24 p.m., after the double-stroller being pushed by the children's 21-year-old mother was struck by a 2004 Ford Explorer.

A subsequent investigation determined that the driver, Ewa Nowicki, a 69-year-old Lafayette resident, turned left onto Trinity from Moran without yielding to the woman and her children, police said. She has been issued summonses for careless driving and failure to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

The children were taken to Newton Medical Center and then to Morristown Medical Center for evaluation. Neither Nowicki nor the children's mother were hurt.  

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook

 

The teens say they were held for 10 hours after they called 911 when their vehicle was disabled by the shots fired by the troopler

SPARTA -- Three Sparta teenagers have filed notice that they may pursue a lawsuit following an incident in which an off-duty state trooper fired shots at their vehicle.

The three teenagers -- Jesse Barkhorn, Jon Baker-Peters and Matthew Mayer -- filed their notice of tort claim in a letter sent by their attorney, Louis Barbone, to Acting Attorney General John Hoffman.

Although none of the teens were injured by the shots that Trooper Kissinger Barreau fired at their vehicle on July 26, the shots hit the vehicle and disabled it, and the teens were held in custody by Sparta police and State Police for about 10 hours after they called 911, Barbone said.

The incident occurred after the teens knocked on the door of Barreau's home in Sparta at 2 a.m., mistakenly believing it was the home of a friend, according to accounts by both sides.

Barreau remains on active duty in good standing, state Police Capt. and spokesman Stephen Jones confirmed Tuesday. Barreau has not been charged with anything, although the incident remains under investigation, authorities have said.

http://www.nj.com/sussex-county/index.ssf/2015/07/teen_off-duty_trooper_fired_at_us_but_we_were_trea.html

The notice says the three teens may pursue claims against the State Police, Barreau and Sparta police.

The notice, sent to Hoffman on Oct. 20, is required under state law if someone is contemplating suing a public agency.

Jones and Peter Aseltine, a spokesman for the state Attorney General's Office, both confirmed that the three young men were all 18 and 19 at the time of the incident.

Jones offered no more details, saying the State Police "can't comment on pending litigation."

The teens' notice points out that neither Barkhorn nor Baker-Peters were charged "with any crime or offense" in connection with the incident, but does not make the same claim for Mayer.

Mayer was charged with possession of marijuana in connection with the incident and the case is being handled in municipal court, Jones said.

Spokesmen for the Attorney General's Office and for the Sparta police said they would have "no comment" on the litigation. 

http://www.nj.com/sussex-county/index.ssf/2015/11/state_trooper_who_shot_at_teens_while_off_duty_sti.html

In his notice, Attorney Barbone said the teenagers' "injuries and damages" include violations of their federal and state constitutional rights and civil rights "with regard to the unreasonable search and seizure of their persons," along with their unlawful detention, arrest and imprisonment, and pain and suffering from emotional distress and economic loss.

The actions by State Police and Sparta police "constitute unreasonable and unlawful exertion of police authority," the attorney said.

Outlining the teens' version of events in the notice, Attorney Barbone said the chain of events started when his clients, "mistakenly believing they were at a friend's property," knocked on the door of Barreau's home in Sparta at 2 a.m.

"Ultimately, they heard Trooper Barreau come to the front door yelling obscenities and they knew they were knocking at the wrong property," Barbone said.

The teenagers returned to their car and tried to leave, but Barreau "appeared with weapon drawn pointing at their motor vehicle," while "purportedly" identifying himself as a state trooper, Barbone said.

Barreau then fired "multiple rounds" at the three young men, striking the vehicle in two places while they were "simply attempting to drive out of the housing development," Barbone said. One shot hit a tire, authorities have said.

After the teenagers called 911 to report the incident, they were "seized, arrested and detained" for 10 hours while their vehicle was disabled, according to their attorney.

The teens were ultimately released from the Netcong State Police barracks, Barbone said.

Ben Horowitz may be reached at bhorowitz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @HorowitzBen. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Three children were injured Saturday afternoon when they were struck by a pick-up truck while walking in a crosswalk, police said.

Three children were struck by a pick-up truck Saturday in Newton, police said.File photo 

NEWTON -- Three children were injured Saturday afternoon when they were struck by a pick-up truck while walking in a crosswalk, police said.

The children -- two 9-year-olds and a 12-year-old -- were reportedly struck at 4:16 p.m. by a red 1996 Dodge Dakota near the intersection of Water and Clinton streets, police said in a news release.

Anthony Leonardo, 75, of Newton, struck the children with his truck as he was in the process of turning left onto Water Street from East Clinton Street, police said.

Leonardo failed to see the children who were in a marked crosswalk while the walk sign was illuminated, police said.

2 toddlers hit by SUV in Newton

All three children were taken to Newton Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries, police said.

Leonardo was issued summonses for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, careless driving, failure to stop for an illuminated pedestrian walk sign, police said.

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

Demonstration intended to express solidarity with millions displaced by violence in war-torn country

NEWTON -- An activist group is planning a rally for Saturday intended to show solidarity with refugees from war-torn Syria and to urge lawmakers to allow them to come to the U.S.

OccupyNewtonNJ issued an "emergency call" on its Facebook page urging support for the rally, exhorting followers to speak out after political leaders called for closing the nation's borders to Syrians, millions of whom have left the country since a civil war broke out in 2011 involving anti-government forces as well as the terror group ISIS.

OccupyNewton has also said the rally would be a chance to express opposition to plans aired by some candidates for president to shut down mosques or to track all American Muslims.

RELATED: Christie hints he may take action against Syrian refugees

Also on its Facebook page, the group said it had learned of a possible counter-demonstration and had notified authorities.

"We are keenly aware that racism, xenophobia and other forms of bigotry endanger members of our community every day. While no demonstration is ever completely risk-free, we are committed to non-violence, and we believe we are safest when we come together to reaffirm our unity and shared humanity," the group stated.

The rally is scheduled to take place Saturday at Newton Green, Spring and Main streets, from noon to 2 p.m. The group is also encouraging participants to donate to the International Rescue Committee, which has aided millions of displaced Syrians.

The rally is being co-sponsored by several groups, including New Jersey Peace Action, the Green Party of North Jersey and the Multifaith Peace and Justice Alliance.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook

This time of year usually brings back even stronger memories of classic department and discount stores.

I always learn something new when researching these galleries. This time, I discovered I have been using the term "department store" improperly my whole life.

According to "City People: The Rise of Modern City Culture in Nineteenth-Century America" by Gunther Barth, a department store is a "retail establishment offering a wide range of consumer goods in different product categories known as 'departments.' And those 'departments' would be self-contained areas instead of a the next row of racks on a large sales floor."

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

But, I was clued in to an easier way to distinguish a department store from a discount store ... in department stores such as Macy's and Lord & Taylor, you don't push a shopping cart.

Regardless if you shopped where the lighting was bright and the carts were plentiful or if you were a "client" at a store where purchases were wrapped in tissue paper before being placed in heavy-stock bags with corded handles, these stores bring back memories for most of us.

Opening night for Two Guys in Vineland, 1966; I distinctly believe that I was there.Courtesy of the Vineland Daily Journal 

And, this time of year usually brings back even stronger memories of them. Looking through catalogs and sale folders to decide what to ask for, shopping for holiday gifts, visiting Santa and taking in the seasonal decorations - the yuletide season made trips to the store even better. For my fellow Vinelanders, how many of you recall Foss on Delsea Drive and their 8-cent toys? Mom gave you a quarter and you could buy three things!

Anyway, this gallery will include vintage photos of department stores and discount stores. Look for the aforementioned Macy's as well as stores like John Wanamaker, Strawbridge and Clothier and Hahne's as well as those that were more what I grew up with ... Two Guys, Bradlees, Sears and Kress. Be sure to click on the captions button to read more about these classic photos.

Can't get enough? Here's a link to last year's gallery.

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

State officials are hoping for an increase in the "harvest" as tales of bears in suburban neighborhoods have become more and more common Watch video

An expanded bear hunt, adding 633 squares miles to what was a 1,000-square-mile zone, starts on Monday and will last through Saturday.

The larger hunt comes on the heels of a new state policy on bears that followed numerous bear sightings and incidents in residential areas and is aimed at "harvesting," or killing more bears.

"Yes, we would like to see an increase in the harvest," said Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, which runs the annual bear hunt through the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Hajna declined to state a specific goal for the hunt. But he pointed out that with an estimated 3,500 bears in the "core area" -- the northwestern corner of the state, west of Route 287 and north of Route 78 -- "only 7 percent of the population was harvested last year and the numbers have been in that range for a few years," Hajna said.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/11/dep_approves_expansion_of_annual_nj_bear_hunt.html

During the first year of the hunt, 592 bears were killed, but that number steadily declined to a low of 267 in 2013. But in 2014, the number rebounded slightly, with 272 bears killed, Hajna said.

Discussing the general, and increasing need for a hunt, Hajna said northwestern New Jersey "has one of the nation's densest bear populations, a situation that pushes bears into more developed areas."

 

"We expanded the overall hunting area because bear-human incidents were occurring in areas outside the core area," Hajna said. "We expect to see some bears harvested in those areas, but it's hard to say how many."

Since 2010, the bear hunt area has included all or portions of Hunterdon, Passaic, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties, and a small portion of Bergen County.

Effective this year, the area has been expanded to include the remainders of Morris and Hunterdon counties, an additional portion of Passaic County, a portion of Mercer County, and the remainder of Somerset County, except for Franklin Township.

As for how many hunters will participate, Hajna said that's uncertain. The department had issued about 6,000 permits as of Wednesday, he said, "but that doesn't necessarily mean all of them will be used."

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/12/nj_bear_hunt_total_kills.html

There are still about 5,000 permits available, he said.

The 6,000 figure represent a drop from recent years, when between 7,000 and 8,000 permits have been issued, Hajna said. However, he added that four days remained before the start of the hunt and permits will still be available throughout the week.

The expanded area is part of the state's new Bear Management Policy, formally adopted in mid-November. 

A second bear hunt week, in October, will be added next year under the new policy. Warmer weather in October should increase the harvest, said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin.

In addition, this year's bear hunt will be extended by up to four days if poor weather or other conditions reduce hunting opportunities.

As usual, protestors opposed to the hunt have made their intentions clear and they are expected to make their presence felt at various reporting stations.

Last year, DEP officials reported few problems with the protest as the demonstrators stayed in their allotted areas during extremely cold weather on the first day of the hunt.

Critics call the bear hunt cruel and unnecessary. They point out that after five years of hunts, bears are going further and further into suburban areas so that proves the hunt has been ineffective.

Jeff Tittel, director of the Sierra Club's New Jersey chapter and a leading critic of the bear hunt, has said the state should instead require bear-proof containers and "educate people on how to live in bear country."

Tittel said the state needs to enforce a prohibition on the feeding of bears to keep them away from populated areas.

"Unless we have a real bear management plan and put the resources into education, these incidents will keep happening whether we have a hunt or not," Tittel said.

DEP Commissioner Martin, in a statement, said "Hunting is an important tool in maintaining an ecological balance with our black bear population and is necessary to reduce the potential for conflicts between bears and people ... The comprehensive policy we have adopted is based on the most up-to-date science and population estimates, and continues to stress the importance of research and public education."

Rajna said that if the bear hunt actually harvests too many bears, the Division of Fish and Wildlife "may shut down the season."

"The division will be closely monitoring the hunt to ensure a sustainable harvest," Rajna said.

Participants in the bear hunt are required to have a Black Bear Hunting Area Permit for the area where they hunt and are also required to have a current Firearm or All-Around Hunting License. Successful hunters must take the black bear to a designated check station by 7 p.m. on the day of the kill and will be issued a legal possession seal.

Bear check stations will be open from noon to 7 p.m. and are located as follows:

MORRIS COUNTY: Black River Wildlife Management, Area, Chester (open only on Monday and Saturday); and Green Pond Golf Course, Rockaway

SUSSEX COUNTY: Flatbrook-Roy Wildlife Management Area, Sandyston, with Layton address; and Whittingham Wildlife Management Area, Fredon, with Newton address.

WARREN COUNTY: Pequest Trout Hatchery, Oxford.

Ben Horowitz may be reached at bhorowitz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @HorowitzBen. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

A 47-year-old Sparta woman pleaded guilty Monday to stealing $7,409 from the township soccer club for her personal use, authorities said.

The Sussex County courthouseRobert Sciarrino 

SPARTA -- A 47-year-old Sparta woman pleaded guilty Monday to stealing $7,409 from the township soccer club for her personal use, authorities said.

Johanne Seeland, who was the Sparta Soccer Club's treasurer, was arrested July 17 for allegedly stealing from the club over the last six years in order to pay off personal debts and her daughter's league dues with another soccer club, Sparta police said in August.

Treasurer stole $7K from Sparta soccer club, police say

In her plea Monday, Seeland pleaded guilty to third-degree theft and admitted to issuing club checks over a period of about 18 months for her personal use, the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release.

She's scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 29.

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

 

Check out this list of Christmas tree farms throughout the state before heading out to find the perfect symbol of the season. Watch video

It's finally December, and the smell of freshly cut pine is in the air.

While some people are happy with an artificial tree for Christmas, there are many revelers who still enjoy going out into the wilderness to search out the perfect evergreen to bring into their home for the holidays. 

There are tons of tree farms in New Jersey where Yuletide arborists can find trees from two-feet to more than 10-feet tall.

Here is a list of just some of the tree farms located throughout the state.

ATLANTIC | BURLINGTON | CAMDEN | CAPE MAY | CUMBERLAND | GLOUCESTER | HUNTERDON | MERCER | MIDDLESEX | MONMOUTH | MORRIS | OCEAN | PASSAIC | SALEM | SOMERSET | SUSSEX | WARREN

Atlantic County

Kaenzig Tree Farm - 352 South Cologne Avenue in Egg Harbor. Choose from approximately 200 blue spruce, white pine, Scotch pine, Douglas fir, concolor fir, and Fraser fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and poinsettias are also available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/kaenzigtreefarm.

Petrongolo Evergreen Plantation - 7541 Weymouth Road in Hammonton. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, concolor fir and Canaan fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and poinsettias are also available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 609-567-0336.

Burlington County

Croshaw's Christmas Tree Farm - 26815 Mount Pleasant Road in Columbus. Choose from approximately 2,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine and Douglas fir trees. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20. Visit www.croshawschristmastreefarm.com or call 609-828-3384 for more information or to make an appointment.

Chesterfield Christmas Trees - 193 Chesterfield-Crosswicks Road in Chesterfield. Choose from approximately 800 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Scotch pine, Douglas fir, and concolor fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and grave blankets are available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 20. For more information, call 609-298-3234.

Camden County

Culbertson's Nursery - 672 Burnt Mill Road in Atco. Choose from approximately 800 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, and Balsam fir trees. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. during the week, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 27. For more information, call 856-767-3221 or 856-341-6331.

Cape May County

Eisele's Tree Farm - 280 Old Tuckahoe Road in Petersburg. Choose from approximately 300 white pine, Douglas fir, concolor fir, and Fraser fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens and garland are also available.Hours are 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20. Call 609-628-2758 for more information and to make an appointment for anytime not listed.

Cumberland County

Airport Tree Plantation - 2340 Cedar Street in Millville. Choose from approximately 2,000 blue spruce and Douglas fir trees, either cut or dug.Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. Hours are daily from 8 a.m. to dark until Dec. 25. Visit www.airporttree.com or call 856-825-5212 for more information.

Forevergreen Christmas Tree Farm - 834 Lebanon Road in Millville. Choose from approximately 300 blue spruce, Norway spruce, Scotch pine, Douglas fir and concolor fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. Hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 20. For more information, call 856-451-9473.

Gloucester County

Belly Acres Christmas Tree Farm - 665 Royal Avenue in Franklinville. Choose from approximately 500 white pine, Douglas fir and Concolor fir trees. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 20. Visit www.bellyacresnj.com or call 856-694-0350 for more information.

Exley's Christmas Tree Farm - 1535 Tanyard Road in Sewell and 1512 Monroeville Road in Monroeville. The Sewell location has approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, and Canaan fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available.

Choose from 500 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir and Canaan fir trees at the Monroeville location. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and grave blankets are also available. The Sewell location is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 24. The Monroeville location is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 20. For more information, visit www.exleyslandscaping.com or call 856-468-5949.

Hunterdon County

Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree Farm - 231 Adamic Hill Road in Milford. Choose from approximately 1,000 Douglas fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland, and grave blankets are also available. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 24. Visit charliebrowns-xmastrees.com or call 908-955-4365 for more information.

Cherryville Farms - 352 Quakertown Road in Pittstown. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, Douglas fir, Canaan fir, and Concolor fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens and garland are also available in the Christmas shop.Hours are 9 a.m. to dark on Saturday and Sundays until Dec. 20. For more information, call 908-806-4580 or visit www.cherryvillefarmsnj.com.

Mercer County

McLaughlin Tree Farm - 1312 Old York road in Robbinsville. Choose from approximately 1,500 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, Fraser fir, and Canaan fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. Hours are  9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday until Dec. 24. Visit www.intrees.net or call 609-259-8122 for more information.

Middlesex County

Griffin Nurseries - 190 Fresh Ponds Road in Monroe Township. Choose from approximately 3,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, Fraser fir, and Canaan fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. On weekend, visitors can see Santa and take a hayride. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekly until Dec. 22. Visit www.griffinschristmastrees.com or call 908-809-8572 for more information.

Simonson Farms - 118 Dey Road in Cranbury. Choose from approximately 2,500 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, and Canaan fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 23. For more information, visit www.simonsonfarms.com or call 609-799-0140.

Monmouth County

Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm - 114 Daum Road in Manalapan. Choose between approximately 3,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, and Fraser fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available in the Christmas shop. Visitors can see Santa, take a hayride and purchase refreshments, too. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekly until Dec. 23. For more information, call 732-786-9277 or visit www.anneellenfarms.com.

Keris Tree Farm and Christmas Shop - 848 Stone Tavern Road in Allentown. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir. Concolor fir, Fraser fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available in the Christmas shop. Visitors can also see Santa and purchase refreshments. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Dec. 24. Visit www.kerischristmastreefarm.com or call 609-259-0720 for more information.

Morris County

Fairview Farm Christmas Trees - 98 East Mill Road in Long Valley. Choose from approximately 800 Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Concolor fir, and Balsam fir trees. Guests can visit the Christmas shop and purchase refreshments. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20. Visit www.fairviewfarmchristmastrees.com or call 262-325-6693 for more information.

Rolling Green Farm LLC - 61 Hacklebarney Road in Long Valley. Choose from approximately 300 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, and Fraser fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 20.

Ocean County

Picea Acres - 50 South New Prospect Road in Jackson. Choose from approximately 200 Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, and Douglas fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, garland and grave blankets are also available. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 21. For more information, call 732-370-8733.

Yuletide Tree Farm - 138 Evergreen Road in New Egypt. Choose from approximately 1,500 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, and Canaan fir trees. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Dec. 23. Visit www.yuletidefarmnj.com or call 732-349-2705 for more information.

Passaic County

Bear Swamp Farm - 81 Otterhole Road in West Milford. Choose from approximately 200 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, and Balsam fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, and stands are available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 20. For more information, call 973-697-2541 or visit www.bearswampfarmnj.com.

Salem County

Stimpson's Tree Farm - 245 Friendship Road in Monroeville. Choose from a variety of trees, grave blankets and wreaths. Hours are 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 856-358-2384 or visit them on Facebook.

Lombardo's Christmas Tree Farm - 100 Featherbed Lane in Elsinboro. Choose from a variety of Canaan fir, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, white fir, Concolor fir and white pine. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 24. For more information, call 856-935-5137.

Somerset County

Dower Farm - 4 Todd Avenue in Peapack. Choose from approximately 1,000 Norway spruce and Canaan fir trees. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and on weekdays by appointment, until Dec. 20. For more information, call 908-781-5407 or visit www.dowerfarm.com.

Sussex County

Country Heritage Farm - 129 Plains Road in Augusta. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, and Douglas fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens, stands, decorations, ornaments,  and grave blankets are available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 20. Visit www.countryheritagefarm.com or call 973-875-5590 for more information.

Saint Paul's Abbey Christmas Tree Plantation - 289 Route 206 in Newton. Choose from approximately 1,800 blue spruce, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, and Canaan fir trees. Wreaths, holly, greens and garland are also available in the Christmas shop. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Dec. 23. For more information, call 973-383-2470.

Warren County

Evergreen Valley Christmas Tree Farm - 77 Jackson Valley Road in Washington. Choose from approximately 10,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, Fraser fir, and Canaan fir trees. Decorations, ornaments, stands, wreaths, holly, greens, and garland are also available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday until Dec. 23. Visit www.evergreenvalleychristmastrees.com or call 908-835-0557 for more information.

Sunset Christmas Tree Farm - 21 Frontage Road in Blairstown. Choose from approximately 1,000 blue spruce, Norway spruce, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, and Fraser fir trees. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily until Dec. 22. For more information, call 870-329-7766 or visit www.sunsetchristmastreefarm.com.

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Police returned to the home after discovering marijuana during an investigation of an assault that was reported by the alleged victim of the assault

UPDATE: This article has been updated to include comments from Sparta Township Municipal Prosecutor Jonathan McMeen and from Scott Waselik.

SPARTA -- A state appeals court has upheld a ruling that Sparta police didn't have the authority to search a medical marijuana patient's home in 2013 and charge him with possession of marijuana.

Scott Waselik, now 25, had initially argued that he had a right to the marijuana in his home, because he is a medical marijuana patient.

But a Superior Court ruling in a municipal court appeal in 2014, upheld by the appeals court in a decision issued Thursday, did not touch on the issue of whether Waselik was a marijuana patient.

Rather, both courts ruled that police didn't have the authority to search the house, because they failed to prove there was an emergency.

Police returned to the house for the search after seeing marijuana there during an investigation of an alleged assault on Waselik, who had reported the assault.

Superior Court judge tosses out evidence against marijuana patient

Thus, the marijuana could not be used as evidence and Waselik couldn't be charged with possession, the court ruled.

Waselik represented himself in the appeals case, while Sparta Township Municipal Prosecutor Jonathan McMeen represented the state.

Describing the chain of events involved, the appeals court said it started when Waselk arrived at the Sparta Police Department at 8 p.m. on Oct. 8, 2013, shirtless and bleeding from his left side down to his pants from an apparent stabbing to the chest.

Waselik told police that his boyfriend and roommate, Kevin Rios, now 23, had an altercation the prior evening after he told Rios to leave the house where they lived, according to the court.

Waselik said that about 30 minutes before arriving at the police station, Rios punched him in the face and hit him with a knife, the court wrote.

After hearing Waselik's story and a similar account by a witness who was Waselik's friend, two police officers went to Waselik's home, saw Rios in the backyard, handcuffed him and retrieved the knife from his pants pocket, the court wrote. Police charged Rios in connection with the attack on Waselik.

Medical marijuana patients light up for Sparta man

While in the home, police saw "in plain view" a large bag of marijuana, a digital scale and drug paraphernalia, the court wrote.

Police then obtained a search warrant, searched the home, and seized approximately 74 grams of marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia, the court said. Waselik was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, both disorderly persons offenses.

Waselik, who suffers from Crohn's disease, and Rios both had state-issued medical marijuana cards, but police said the marijuana wasn't obtained at a state-approved dispensary, as required by law.

Waselik filed a motion to dismiss the evidence, and a Superior Court judge in Sussex County granted the motion.

The judge ruled that there was no emergency because the officers already knew the pertinent facts of the assault and the condition of the victim before they arrived at the house.

In the appeal, the court said, the Sparta prosecutor again relied on the "emergency aid doctrine," but the appeals court again rejected it.

The judges cited another court ruling that said "the scope of the emergency aid exception is limited to the reasons and objectives that prompted the search in the first place."

When the police returned to the house, Waselik and his friend "Chris," the witness in the case, were already at police headquarters and "no longer faced any threat of harm or serious injury," the court wrote. Also, Rios "no longer posed a threat because he was in police custody and the weapon had been secured."

McMeen, the prosecutor, said he still believes the police acted properly and said he may appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court.

"I think the police made the right decision based on the totality of the circumstances," McMeen said. "It was a very fluid situation and they had to make a very fast decision."

"They went in to the house to secure it and they saw the marijuana," he said. 

McMeen said the decision will "hamper the ability of police" to enforce the law "in a structure where a crime has occurred."

Waselik commented, "I am hopeful the state will stop their witch hunt, which has cost Sparta taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars by continuing to pursue their agenda of prosecuting marijuana patients.  I urge Spartan voters to remember this when the next city council elections come around."

Ben Horowitz may be reached at bhorowitz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @HorowitzBen. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Come see the a world of gingerbread creations

MORRIS TOWNSHIP -- There is a world made of gingerbread, candy canes, gum drops and chocolate and it is all on display at the annual "Gingerbread Wonderland," held at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township.

On opening day, visitors filled the room at the Morris County arboretum while children and adults could be seen smiling and pointed as they viewed each scrumptious creation.

RELATED: Somerset County's Festival of Trees

"Gingerbread Wonderland and Craft Show is a special event because it celebrates the imagination and creativity of individuals," said Lesley Parness, superintendent of horticultural education at the Morris County Park Commission.

More than 10,000 visitors attended last years' annual display, and even more are expected to visit this year if the weather stays nice.

The Gingerbread Wonderland is held from Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is located at 353 East Hanover Ave. in Morris Township. Admission is $2, and children under 2 are admitted free of charge. 

Robert Sciarrino may be reached at bsciarrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SciarrinoRobert. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

A skydiver's helmet camera captured a plane crash and flip during an emergency landing in Wantage last year.

WANTAGE -- Recently published footage from a helmet camera captured a small airplane's crash last December from a skydiver's point of view.

That footage, which contains explicit language, was uploaded to YouTube Friday by Kurt ImpactSN -- one of the skydivers who was inside the plane when it crashed on Dec. 4, 2014.

"My friends and I are all experienced licensed skydivers," he said in the video caption. "We asked one of our friends to take us up in his Cessna to jump. After taking off we encountered engine issues and were forced into a muddy field. Landing gear ripped off after hitting a ditch/mud and the plane flipped over nose first. Pilot did a good job handling a bad situation."

The skydiver, who asked to be identified only as Kurt, told NJ Advance Media his group knew something was wrong with the plane pretty quickly.

"There wasn't much to think about at the time because there wasn't anything we could do," he said. "We just had to wait and see what happens."

After it crashed, he said, the only thing they were thinking about was getting out of the plane in case it caught on fire.

"The pilot did an awesome job considering the field he had to put it into," he added.

As reported by New Jersey Herald, only minor injuries were sustained by those on-board. Richard Winstock, one of the owners of Skydive Sussex, was forced to make an "off-field" landing in a muddy field near Route 639 and Route 565 due to engine trouble, the newspaper reported at the time.

Curt Kellinger, who also owns Skydive Sussex, told NJ Advance Media the National Transportation Safety Board -- along with Cessna and Continental Engines -- did a complete inspection of the aircraft and its engine after the crash.

"It's something that's not really common the way this thing quit," Kellinger said of the engine failure.

Small plane flips after rough landing in Wantage, report says

The airplane was inspected less than two months before the crash -- equivalent to 13 engine operating hours -- but "it is likely that maintenance personnel did not adequately inspect" part of the engine, according to the NTSB's report.

"We don't spare a dime when it comes to maintenance," Kellinger said. "We're in these planes all the time. They're our offices. This was an internal part of the engine that a normal pilot would never see. It had nothing to do with anything that we had done."

According to the NTSB report, an "examination revealed that both of the No. 2 cylinder intake valve springs were fractured, and visible rust was observed on the surfaces of the springs. The springs showed evidence of fatigue fractures that had originated from rust pits on the fracture surfaces. After the valve springs were replaced, the engine was capable of operating normally at full power."

The probable cause of the crash was "maintenance personnel's inadequate inspection of the No. 2 cylinder valve area during the most recent annual inspection, which resulted in the in-flight failure of the intake valve springs due to rust on the spring surfaces and subsequent fatigue cracking," according to the NTSB's report.

Kellinger complimented Winstock's handling of a fully loaded plane.

"It was the safest thing to do with everyone on board," Kellinger said of Winstock's landing in the muddy field. "He did a very good job of putting the plane down without anyone getting hurt. There's not a lot of guys who could do that."

 

A full airing of all the arguments for and against the resettlement of Syrian refugees took place between two groups of demonstrators in rural Sussex County Saturday. Watch video

Here were two sides of America's debate about Syrian refugees - shouting taunts and pleas at each other over the noise from the traffic separating them.

The two demonstrations at the Newton green in the center of the Sussex County seat were noisy but peaceful. Town police stationed around the park kept it that way.

"Where's your ISIS flag?" shouted one anti-refugee protester to the group across the street. 

"Say it loud! Say it clear! Refugees are welcome here," chanted one side. That was quickly met by "Hey hey, ho ho, Refugees have got to go!  

When word that a longtime group of peace activists would be holding a demonstration in support of the United States accepting refugees from the Syrian war, a counter demonstration was quickly arranged.

There were about 250 people in total, with perhaps slightly more on the side of the street that was against refugee settlement here.

The issue has divided friends, neighbors and even relatives, as the Zimmer family from Sparta showed. 

Daughter Sophie Zimmer, 26, calls herself a hippie and a liberal, but as the daughter of a Vietnam veteran who battled the VA for years for benefits, she can't abide seeing money go to refugees when veterans do without. That put her on one side of the street.

Her mother, Marjorie Zimmer, was on the other side.

"They're afraid, and I can understand that," she said of those on her daughter's side. "I can identify with that. "But we're all immigrants. If these people could just walk a day in the shoes of a Syrian immigrant, they'd understand."

RELATED: By the numbers: Where have recent refugees to N.J. come from?

Bill Hayden, of Branchville, helped organize the counter-demonstration once he learned there would be a group turning out to support refugees. For him and many of the supporters who joined him, the issue was primarily one of giving priority to refugees when the country's other needs go unmet - particularly the needs of veterans.

"We're broke. If you find a dollar, you should spend it on a vet," said Jeffrey Heise, a Vietnam-era vet who walked from his home in Newton to be a part of the demonstration.

Yet it wasn't a clear split with veterans on one side, non-vets on the other.

"I AM a Vet," said the placard carried by Donald Minasian, a long-time peace protester, a veteran of the 82^nd Airborne at Fort Bragg. His father and grandparents were Armenian refugees who were welcomed when they came to America, he said.

For that reason, he identified with the Syrians who have fled their country by the millions and whose final destination remains to be seen. President Obama has promised to take in 10,000 - a plan that has met wide resistance.

"They're human people trying to get away from destruction and death," said Minasian, of Milford, Pa.

But his veteran credentials weren't enough to satisfy Jason Vaughn, of Wantage, who did two combat tours in Iraq.

"You're not a vet!," he shouted at his counterpart across the street. "You're a sheep!"

Vaughn explained that he wasn't against humanitarian aid - food, water or tents, for example - for the Syrian refugees.  "But not here," he said adamantly. "The more we bring here, the more of a chance of something happening. Keep them over there."

"Go home, sheep!" the anti-refugee demonstrators yelled. Meanwhile, a pro-refugee woman quietly held up a sign saying, "Baby Jesus was a refugee in Egypt," and cited a verse from Matthew.

"For those across the street, yes, we're really veterans," said Hampton Township activist Ed Selby, who said he joined the landmark Vietnam Veterans Against the War when he returned from combat. "I have my VA card in my wallet, and they don't give those out for free."

He addressed the demonstrators who had come to show support for refugees.

"The United States is wealthy enough that it can afford to help veterans and refugees at the same time," he said. "I believe in this country, and I believe in our ability to take in refugees."

For all the strong emotions shouted at each other and written on signs, the two-hour confrontation was of views only, without any altercations. At its close, both sides quietly dispersed.

Kathleen O'Brien may be reached at kobrien@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @OBrienLedger. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

Thousands of utility customers were without power across portions of New York, Pennsylvania and Sussex County late Saturday, officials said.

Orange & Rockland said some of its customers across New Jersey and New York were without power late Dec. 5, 2015 (File photo) 

In Montague, 216 of 262 Orange & Rockland customers were without electricity, according to the utility company.

Orange County, New York, appeared to be hardest hit by the outage, officials said. More than 18,000 customers there were without service.

The Orange County Office of Emergency Management said the outage was apparently related to an issue at a substation in Middletown, New York. Service was expected to be restored by 1 a.m. Sunday, the agency said in a statement on Facebook. 

Some customers in Pike County, Pennsylvania, were also without service.

Orange & Rockland said an equipment problem at the substation was to blame for the outages and customers should check the company's Twitter page for updates. 

Approx, 52K out due to equipment failure at shoemaker sub. Middletown. Power should be restored between now and midnight.

-- Orange & Rockland (@ORUConnect) December 6, 2015

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Bear hunting season opened with far more favorable conditions than previous years — 17 degrees last year at the Whittingham Wildlife Management Area in Fredon, one of the five check stations. Watch video

FREDON -- Bear hunting season kicks off before sunrise Monday in New Jersey's northern counties and hunters have weather conditions in their favor this December unlike the past couple of years.

Last year's chilly temperatures -- 17 degrees at the Whittingham Wildlife Management Area in Fredon, one of the five check stations -- were an improvement over 2013's snowy conditions due to clearer skies. Temperatures in Fredon were in the high 20s just before sunrise Monday. 

The forecast, however, hadn't ramped up bear hunting permit sales last week. Only 6,400 of the 11,000 hunting permits allocated by the state had been purchased at that time, the state Department of Environmental Protection said in a news release Thursday. By the beginning of bear hunting season last year, more than 7,700 bear hunting permits had been grabbed up.

Black bears have been reported in all 21 counties of the Garden State but the densest population resides in northern New Jersey, according to the DEP. The hunt typically takes place in zones set up in Morris, Passaic, Hunterdon, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties, along with a small area of western Bergen County.

But under the DEP's expanded black bear management policy, the 2015 bear hunt has been expanded to all of Hunterdon and Morris counties, a small additional portion of Passaic County, and, for the first time, a small portion of Mercer County. Bear hunting has also been extended to all of Somerset County, with the exception of Franklin Township.

Bear wanders into Morristown Green, hangs out in tree (PHOTOS)

The increased territory open to hunters coincides with the DEP's announcement that the estimated black bear population of 3,500 has remained relatively flat since the hunt started in 2010.

"The population has not decreased significantly because reproduction rates, known as recruitment, have exceeded mortality from hunting and natural causes," the DEP said in a news release. " Last year, 272 bears were harvested during the annual black bear hunt, up slightly from the 251 taken in 2013, but a large drop from the 592 harvested in 2010. The drop-off has been attributed, in part, to poor weather."

The hunt will continue each day until 7 p.m., when the five check stations where hunters weigh their kills -- also known as "harvests" -- will close. 

Critics of the hunt are also expected to be on hand this week. Animal-rights groups such as Save NJ Bears have protests planned near the check stations for both the opening and close of the season.

The 2015 bear hunting season, which runs concurrently with six-day firearm deer hunting season, is scheduled to end 30 minutes before sunset on Saturday, Dec. 12j. It may, however, be extended up to four days if poor weather or other conditions result in a reduced "harvest."

An additional six-day October hunting season will begin in 2016 -- three days for bow hunting only and three days for bow hunting and hunting with muzzle-loading guns. The allowable per-hunter "harvest" will also increase from one bear to two bears next year -- as long as the first bear is killed during the October season and the second bear in December.

More information on the 2015 bear hunt including permit availability is available on the DEP's website.

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

There were 107 registered animal shelters and pounds in New Jersey as of March, 2015.

According to the New Jersey Office of Animal Welfare, there were 107 registered animal shelters and pounds in the state as of March, 2015. There are well over 100 rescue groups and organizations working in the state to find homes for pets that have been rescued as strays, abandoned or given up by their owners.

Many of these groups depend on volunteers, people who give their available time and homes to caring for and fostering pets until permanent placements can be made.

Here is a gallery of homeless pets from northern and central New Jersey, just a handful of the thousands of animals in need of homes. Be sure to activate the captions to access all the information needed to contact these groups and adopt these pets.

More adoptable pets can be viewed here and here

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