Family Promise of Hunterdon County's third annual Box City event was Saturday at Hunterdon Central High School

Unity Bank CEO James Hughes participated in the Box City event.Express-Times File Photo

About 180 participants slept in the boxes during Family Promise of Hunterdon County’s third annual Box City event. For one night, they learned what it’s like for the homeless as they took refuge in boxes named “Boxed Inn” and “Cupcake Cottage.”

“What we are trying to do also is raise awareness through teens, to make them aware that people in their own school and people in their community are falling into a homeless situation,” said Colleen Duerr, Family Promise’s development director.

Duerr said Hunterdon County’s fair market rent is high and its largest growth industry, retail, does not pay well enough or provide enough full-time hours. About a quarter of the county’s population falls into a category known as Asset Limited Income Constrained But Employed, meaning they are vulnerable to becoming homeless.

Duerr tried something new for this year’s event -- relying on a committee made up of high school students.

“I think it is a great experience and raises a lot of awareness,” said Veronica Birardi, a student committee member who has participated from the beginning. “When we are all in the bathroom brushing our teeth in the morning, you get a real visual that there are people that have to go places to brush their teeth and do things that we do in our house.”

Unity Bank was the title sponsor. Bank President and CEO James Hughes slept in a box along with the youths participating.

“I thought it would be a good idea to show support. Coming here really underscores that Unity Bank is really committed to helping the community,” Hughes said.

A crowd of more than 50 supporters of victim John Niko were barely able to contain their rage at Gary Passarelli during a court appearance today. View PHOTOS.

A crowd of more than 50 family members and friends of a slain Raritan Township man packed a Hunterdon County courtroom today as the alleged killer made his first appearance before a judge.

They were barely able to contain their anger as Gary Passarelli, 39, wearing shackles and an orange prison jumpsuit, was escorted away.

"Rot in hell, Gary!" yelled Dan Gaffney, a friend of victim John Niko, as another woman in the courtroom repeatedly shouted, "You piece of (expletive)!"

Passarelli, of North Plainfield, N.J., is accused of striking Niko on the head repeatedly with a blunt object and stabbing him several times inside Niko's home. Niko was found dead Friday inside the home in the Sun Ridge development in Raritan Township.

Niko and Passarelli, both graduates of North Plainfield High School, were longtime acquaintances who friends say occasionally went to New York Yankees games together in groups.

Passarelli is charged with first-degree murder and being detained in Hunterdon County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail, according to the county prosecutor's office.

Authorities have not commented on a motive behind the crime, and those who appeared in support of Niko today said they had no idea why Passarelli would want to hurt him.

"Nobody knows why," said Randy Spencer, 35, who had gone to high school with both men. "It caught everybody by surprise."

'Justice for John'

The supporters wore blue ribbon pins with the words "Justice for Neek." They also carried signs that read "Justice for John" but were not allowed to bring them into court.

Passarelli appeared for only a few minutes today before Judge Stephen Rubin, saying only, "Yes, sir," when asked if he had received a copy of the charges against him.

"He's a cocky son of a (expletive)," said Gaffney, who also lives in North Plainfield. "You can tell from the grin on his face he thinks he's going to get away with it."

At one point, Rubin admonished the courtroom audience for outbursts and threatened to have people removed if it continued.

"I'm not going to have that behavior in a courtroom," he said.

Immediate family members declined to comment after the hearing. One woman, who friends said was Niko's aunt, cried hysterically in court and had to be brought tissues.

Police responded Friday to Niko's home when his co-workers called authorities to check on his welfare.

"He was a brother to a lot of people, and he was a best friend to a lot of people," Gaffney said of Niko.

Victim known as friendly

Melissa Gaffney, Dan's mother, said she lived next to Niko's family members in North Plainfield for more than 20 years.

She described it as a tight-knit community, and said Niko was well-known for his friendly demeanor, and because his father was a chief with the Somerset County Corrections Department.

"He was like a son to me," she said.

Niko was a managing partner for eSOZO Computer Network Services in Flemington for the past six years, according to an NJ.com obituary. He had a young daughter, Hailey.

Spencer, the high school classmate, described Passarelli as a mean and unpleasant person and said he was not surprised to learn he was prone to violence.

Spencer recalled accidentally hitting Passarelli's car with a snowblower years ago and said Passarelli responded angrily and threatened him.

"He flipped out and said, 'I'm going to kill you,'" Spencer said.

An autopsy determined the principal cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head and chest, with multiple stab wounds as a secondary cause, prosecutors said.

Heath Campbell lost custody of his children, who are named after Nazi figures.

View full sizeHeath Campbell talks about his wish to be a father to his children today while dressed in a Nazi uniform at the Hunterdon County Courthouse in Flemington.NBC10.com image

Campbell, of Holland Township, lost custody of his children with Nazi-inspired names after allegations of violence in the home.

Although today's hearing in Flemington didn't go forward, Campbell explained to NBC 10 of Philadelphia what he wants to say to the judge:

"Let me prove to the world that I'm a good father."

The family made national headlines when a supermarket refused to decorate a birthday cake for their son Adolf Hitler Campbell, then 3.

Campbell told the NBC 10 reporter today he was seeking to see his youngest son, who was taken away shortly after his birth in 2011. The other three children had been taken by the state before that.

With a swastika visible on his neck, Campbell explained:

"I'm not a bad person. It's not what's on the outside of ya; it's what's on the inside."

See NBC10.com's video of the appearance below.

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

There were several contested races this election.

The polls are closed in Hunterdon County.

There were several contested races this election, including Hunterdon County Freeholder.

As races are called, the chart in this post will updated. The unofficial results will reflect when all districts are counted, unless otherwise notified.

An x before a candidate's name marks an uncontested race. Races may not total 100 percent due to rounded percentages and untabulated minor candidates.

If you're having trouble loading the results below, open a simpler version by clicking here. The chart below may not load properly in certain Internet Explorer browsers.

Two Republicans challenged him in tonight's primary; no Democrats appeared on the ballot.

Alexandria Township Committeeman Harry C. Swift Jr. beat two challengers to win the Republican nomination to return to his seat in tonight’s primary election, according to unofficial results.

Swift’s challengers were R. Christian Pfefferle Jr. and Tony Tavera.

The election is for one three-year term on the committee.

No Democrats appeared on the ballot, meaning Swift will win re-election to the seat in November barring a successful challenge from a third-party or write-in candidate.

Milkowski, an incumbent, and Wunder squared off against two other Republicans for nominations to two seats.

Lebanon Township Committeeman Ronald S. Milkowski and candidate Brian K. Wunder won Republican nominations for two open seats on the township committee, according to unofficial results from today’s primary election.

Two other Republicans -- Victor D. Hoffman, Jr. and Anthony D. Casale -- were also on the GOP ballot, but came in third and fourth place, respectively, according to the unofficial results.

No candidates appeared on the Democratic ballot.

The two open seats are for three-year terms starting in 2014.

John Lanza and Suzanne Lagay won tonight's Republican primary nominations. They'll face Andrea Bonette and Robert Darmstadt in the fall.

John Lanza and Suzanne Lagay won tonight's Republican primary nominations for Hunterdon County freeholder, according to unofficial results.

With 114 precincts reporting late Tuesday, Lanza and Lagay, who ran together on a ticket, defeated incumbent Freeholder Will Mennen and his running mate and former Clinton Township Mayor Tom Borkowski.

"It was a thrilling victory and I was humbled by the results," said Lanza, a Flemington attorney. "Change is coming and it is good."

Lanza and Lagay, a Holland Township resident, ran on a platform headlined by their promise to not serve more than three terms as county freeholders.

Mennen, who was seeking his third term, said earlier in the day that he felt confident in his campaign.

“I feel good because I ran on a very strong record of accomplishment and with a record for fighting for the taxpayer," he said.

Mennen could not be reached tonight for comment.

"They did what they needed to do for their campaign, and so did we," Lagay said. "We had outstanding support."

"I'm proud to have run with Suzanne," Lanza said. "I think we've run a great campaign. We ran hard, contacted as many people as possible, and did everything we had to do."

Republican incumbent George Melick announced earlier this year that he wouldn't seek re-election.

In September 2011, the Hunterdon County freeholders awarded Morristown, N.J.-based Jacobs Engineering with a $1.57 million contract for the project's design work.

The Hunterdon County Department of Roads, Bridges and Engineering will hold an information session tonight in Clinton to showcase plans for its upcoming interchange project at Exit 15 off Interstate 78.

The federally funded $17 million project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and mitigate safety concerns at the eastbound exit with a new interchange at Route 513. Construction is planned to begin in 2015.

Tonight's meeting will be held 6:30 at the Clinton municipal building, 43 Leigh St. Diagrams of the project's planned phases will be available for public review. County engineer James Martin said the goal of the project is to "improve the safety and efficiency" of the interchange.

Parts of Clinton, and Franklin and Union townships, will be affected by the project since the interchange shares borders with all three.

Exit 15 is a popular departure point along the interstate as it provides motorists with access to the nearby Wal-Mart, Hampton Inn and the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.

Currently, motorists exiting I-78 at Exit 15 must drive through two traffic lights before returning to the highway. The project would eliminate the need for at least one of the lights and provide easier access for vehicles entering and exiting I-78 without further congesting Route 513.

Martin said that especially during commuter hours, traffic becomes intense at the interchange and presents its own set of safety concerns.

"Whenever you have traffic issues you have safety issues," he said.

In September 2011, Hunterdon County freeholders awarded Morristown, N.J.-based Jacobs Engineering with a $1.57 million contract for the project's design work. Martin said that in addition to county officials, representatives from Jacobs will be on-hand tonight to answer questions.

The Hunterdon County Democrat contributed to this report.

Surrounded by other properties that have been preserved, the space adds to a near 1,000-acre circle of preserved land around the township's section of Sergeantsville.

The New Jersey Conservation Foundation has purchased and preserved a 94-acre piece of property in Delaware Township situated along the Plum Brook.

Surrounded by other properties that have been preserved, the space adds to a near 1,000-acre circle of preserved land around the township's section of Sergeantsville. The foundation said a set of trails are planned to connect the various preserved areas.

The property, which is set between Pavilica and Pine Hill roads in the township, features wooded and hayfield areas as well as the historic Pine Hill Cemetery. The foundation purchased the land from investor W. Bryce Thompson in partnership with county and municipal authorities and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Water Supply Authority and the 1772 Foundation.

"New Jersey Conservation Foundation has had its eye on this property for a long time and we're thrilled to finally preserve it," executive director Michele Byers said. "It provides a missing link in our trail system and it protects water resources and wildlife habitat."

With the preservation of the property, state water supply authority executive director Henry Patterson said the amount of critically preserved watershed lands has increased to roughly 4,000 acres.

"Water quality in the D&R Canal will be further protected by this acquisition which was made possible by a special rate component paid by our water customers," Patterson said. "The authority is pleased to partner once again with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation on this project and looks forward to future projects with (the foundation)."

Plum Brook, on which the property is located, is a tributary of Wickecheoke Creek, which flows into the D&R Canal.

Township open space coordinator Jim Borders said he was thrilled to see this particular piece of land preserved because it is a local favorite.

"If there is anything worthy of preservation, this property would be it," Borders said. "Everybody loves this piece, and it really adds to the township's portfolio of preserved land."

We Do Robotics is a kit that provides open-ended, theme-based lessons allowing students to create robots.

We Do Robotics, a Lego-based hands-on program designed to help students develop skills in science, technology, engineering and math came to the Patrick McGaheran School in Clinton Township today.

Check out the photo gallery above.

They allegedly tried to buy 90 oxycodone and Xanax pills.

Three Newark residents face multiple charges after allegedly trying to pass off fake prescriptions at a Clinton pharmacy.

Town police on Monday responded about 2:30 p.m. to the Clinton Pharmacy on Main Street after reports of a woman attempting to fill fraudulent scripts for 90 oxycodone and Xanax pills, according to a news release.

Police arrested the woman, later identified as Denise Cobb, 53, when she returned to the pharmacy to collect the pills, authorities said today.

Two suspected accomplices, Lamar Hansford and Jeremy Porterfield, both 26, were also arrested, police said.

All three were charged with forgery, conspiracy and attempting to obtain a controlled dangerous substance by fraud. Hansford was also charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia while Porterfield faces charges of driving while suspended and unlicensed driving.

They were sent to Hunterdon County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

All three men face maximum penalties of three to five years in prison as well as a $15,000 fine.

A Hunterdon County grand jury indicted three men on separate heroin possession charges Monday.

The grand jury returned a one-count indictment of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance against Mark Wixler, Michael DaVinci and Timothy Comer.

The 35-year-old Wixler, of High Bridge, was arrested on Feb. 13, after he was found using the drug inside a Hunterdon Medical Center bathroom, Raritan Township police said at the time.

DaVinci, 27, of Oxford, was arrested on March 30 in Clinton Township, while Comer, 27, of Glen Gardner, was arrested on April 10 in Readington Township.

All three men face maximum penalties of three to five years in prison as well as a $15,000 fine.

There have been 21 reported overdoses in Hunterdon County since 2012, resulting in four deaths. Vote in the poll.

View full sizeAn officer displays a stash of heroin to be used with his drug-sniffing dog during a training session last month in Washington state.AP Photo

A rise in the abuse of prescription pain killers has fueled a growing problem of heroin use locally and around New Jersey, authorities and prevention advocates say.

In Hunterdon County, there is growing concern over the use of the drugs with at least 21 opiate overdoses in the past year and a half. Authorities say there were likely even more that were never reported to police.

“It’s a big problem in Hunterdon County and we see it as a problem,” Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony Kearns III said Tuesday, two days before a program on drug abuse is set to be held at Raritan Valley Community College.

But the surge in heroin use is not exclusive to Hunterdon County.

Statewide, there were 368 deaths related to heroin in 2011, up 81 from the year before, The Star-Ledger reports. In addition, young people between the ages of 18 and 25 who sought treatment for opiate addiction rose 12 percent between 2010 and 2011, the newspaper reported.

“There is definitely a rise in concern in other counties who are seeing a spike in overdoses in the area of heroin,” Hunterdon County Chief of Detectives John Kuczynski said.

Legal drugs give way to illegal

Lesley Gabel, an associate executive director at Hunterdon Prevention Research, said the spike in use has been a few years in the making. Much of it began, she said, with the abuse of prescription pain killers.

When the supply of pills, and money, becomes scarce, people often turn to heroin, which for $5 a bag, can be a much cheaper alternative.

"Those who are addicted to prescription opioid pain medications, such as Oxycontin and Vicodin, turn to heroin as their drug of choice after the pills become too expensive,” she said. “Both of these drugs have similar effects. People don't start off saying I'm going to be an addict. They get hooked."

Hunterdon’s fight against the surge in heroin use came to the forefront in April when Kearns announced the arrest of 49 individuals as part of “Operation Day Tripper,” a 10-month operation targeting drug trafficking in the area.

At the time, Kearns said Hunterdon was becoming a gateway for drug distribution in large part due to Interstate 78 running through the county, connecting the ports of New York and New Jersey to the entire state and Pennsylvania.

“It has made it easily accessible to people that want to perpetrate the selling of drugs and it has become easier for people to go out of the county and come back,” Kearns said Tuesday.

And the heroin being brought into Hunterdon may be especially dangerous, he warned. Investigators found some samples to be as much as 90 to 95 percent pure.

“It’s leaving people vulnerable to an overdose because of that purity,” Kearns said. “People should be aware because they are really playing with fire.”

No typical victim

So far in 2013, Hunterdon County prosecutors have reported two overdose deaths, the same number as last year. The prosecutor’s office said heroin use is suspected to be the cause of death in a third case. In addition, authorities have reported 17 opiate-related overdoses since 2012 in which the individual survived.

Kearns said there is no typical victim.

“Heroin has no boundaries, from people at the high end of the bracket socioeconomically to people that are struggling significantly,” he said.

As part of the continuing effort to combat the problem, the Safe Communities Coalition of Hunterdon and Somerset counties will debut a documentary entitled “From Pills 2 Heroin: The Domino Effect,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg Township, N.J.

In addition to the screening, a group of Hunterdon and Somerset county law enforcement officials, activists and individuals directly affected by drug abuse will host a panel discussing the dangers of pills and heroin.

Education and prevention is part of a three-pronged approach, authorities said, that includes the prosecution and rehabilitation of offenders. There is no easy solution to curbing abuse, they say.

Katherine Jennison, of Clinton Township, is the valedictorian of the class of 2013, graduating 436 students tonight.

North Hunterdon High School's class of 2013, not deterred by today's soggy weather, is celebrating graduation tonight inside the high school's gymnasium in Clinton Township.

The 2013 valedictorian is Katherine Jennison, of Clinton Township, daughter of Mike and Karen Jennison. She is planning on attending Lehigh University.

The class salutatorians are Julia Khatibzadeh, of Union Township, daughter of Ali and Laura Khatibzadeh; and Niklas Sjoquist, of Union Township, parents of Hans and Ylva Sjoquist. Khatibzadeh is planning on attending North Carolina State University and Sjoquist plans on attending Duke University.

Senior Class President Nicole Sjoquist welcomed the graduating class and speeches were made by Superintendent Charles Shaddow, board of education President Beverly Thorne and the top six students in the graduating class.

Those students are Emily Chen, of Union Township, Katherine Jennison, of Clinton Township, Julia Khatibzadeh, of Union Township, Cameron Menezes of Clinton Township, Niklas Sjoquist of Union Township and Margaret Wang of Clinton Township.

The 436 students of Class of 2013:

Erik D. Adamcik

Toni M. Adams

Casey H. Ahlquist

Sarah Thomas Alummootil

Emily Rose Anders

Eileen Anderson

Thomas A. Approvato

Amanda N. Arndt

Jessica Lynne Balick

James Edward Ballance

Brendon P. Balzano

Mikaela Christine Banko

Sarah Jane Barrett

Victoria Kathryn Barton

Casey J. Bate

Cody W. Bauman

Hiatt W. Bean

Jillian F. Bellofatto

Anthony Valente Belo

Michael Robert Benyo

Julia Paige Bercaw

Kelli Berg

David Charles Berry

Devlin P. Berry

Victoria Alexis Bischoff

Hannah Nicole Bittenmaster

Jake R. Black

James J. Blau

Veronica L. Bloink

Kathryn Jane Bloodworth

Michael A. Bodoh

David J. Booth

Gavin P. Bower

Courtney C. Boyle

Victoria Nicole Braun

Erin E. Brooks

Adam M. Brown

Shane Patrick Brown

Zigmund A. Brzezinski

Mae Addelene Buehler

Elizabeth Anne Burger

Justin D. Burgoyne

Patrick M. Burke

Olivia Catherine Burton

Thomas Edward Cairns

Laura A. Cannillo

Miranda Elizabeth Capezzuto

Meghan McCarrick Carbone

Andrew J. Carosi

Lucien D. Carpentier

Jared Roger Charles

Emily Lincia Chen

Carly Janeen Cheponis

John S. Chiovitti

Colleen M. Chroback

A. Hayeon Chun

Katherine Mary Cimei

Douglas J. Clark

Kyle A. Clemente

Victoria Anne Coates

Gregory Joseph Cocchiola

Danielle V. Cole

Kyle T. Connors

Lauren Victoria Crawford

Kevin N. Creech

Brian Francis Crelin

Chloe Bliss Dadouris

Cyrene L. Dalman

Shane J. Davies

Logan H. Davis

Sarah Elizabeth DeAngelis

Brian A. Decker

Peter J. Dehkes

Connor John Delfinis

Edward M. Delia

Heather Michele DePaola

Isabelle Marie Desmaris

Paul Michael Deutchman

Lauren Dianora

Drew Douglas Dickison

Paige H. DiGiambattista

Jason Ramsey Dittman

Taylor Patrick Ditzel

Timothy Donahue

Andrew J. Dopp

Andrea Dos Santos

Attayah I. Douglas

Shannan D. Dowling

Shawn T. Dowling

Anachrista Earl

Allison Eckmann

Riley William Eddins

Kaitlynd Elizabeth Edelmann

Morgan C. Evans

Alexandra Hope Falcucci

Andrew L. Farinaccio

Alexandra K. Feick

Adam C. Ferrara

Andrew R. Ferraro

Michael M. Ferrer

Shane Anderson Fetzer

Loren M. Findlay

Zachary Marc Fink

John Anthony Fino

Thomas Joseph Fiorelli

Fiona K. Fitzgerald

Jake M. Fitzgerald

Angela Elizabeth Fodera

Brian M. Fokken

David A. Folsom, Jr.

Nicholas J. Fontana

Ana Forton

Madison Ann Franc

Jordan Alexander Franklin

Russell P. Freeman

Joshua A. Friebely

David L. Fuentes

Trevor Scott Furtis

Ashley M. Fuzia

Daniella M. Gabout

Brandon C. Gallagher

Brandon John Gallagher

Kelly Elizabeth Gallagher

Raphaelle Gamanho

Dale Colby Garber

Timothy John Garcia

Kallie M. Georgeles

Nadia E. Ghali

Andrew Thomas Gianos

Benjamin R. Giglio

Matthew B. Gilmurray

Anna H. Gleicher

Jared M. Gosselin

Tucker Robert Gott

Cameron R. Graham

Keaton O. Gray

Zoe I. Greco

Marisa Ann Grillo

Sarina Theresa Guadagno

Kaitlyn A. Gunter

Kevin E. Haapaoja

Rebecca R. Haines

Jerry S. Halme

Jillian O. Hara

Mark N. Harrel

Cameron E. Harris-Browne

Tahmina B. Hassan

Chelsea L. Havay

Katherine Ann Held

Andriea J. Hercules

Courtney Case Herman

Danielle K. Hess

Kacey Alessandra Highland

Zachary Ryan Hillman

Johnny Ho

Matthew Thomas Hodulik

Kurt C. Hoefig

Callen Leonard Hogrebe

Alyssa A. Holdaway

Brett M. Hollan

Sarah Jane Holland

Spencer J. Holmsborg

Arlene Rose Holsinger

Emma B. Hopkins

Jessica Faith Horn

Kristen Marie Horoho

Emily Lynne Hudak

Robert Huber

Michael J. Imbesi

Conner W. Isbitski

Corey P. Isbitski

Danielle Nicole Iwaskow

Benjamin A. Izlar

Jamie Lynn Jablonski

Caroline Beth Jaeger

Daniel Jonathan Jaffe

Joseph Jakaj

Melissa Christine Jannuzzi

Matthew Jarvis

Katherine L. Jennison

Christian Jimenez

Nicholas Fiorenza Jones

Henry A. Joyce

Douglas Ian Judice

Alexandra R. Kaminsky

Audrey Shannon Kane

David Kascak

Sidra M. Kash

Jason Keefe

Alyssa Marie Keenan

Christopher Kelly

Julia Faye Khatibzadeh

Stefani M. Kilyk

John Michael Kirk IV

Joshua A. Klekovic

Kaitlyn A. Klepper

Joshua M. Knaub

Nicole A. Kopchak

Liam James Korbul

Jeffrey Thomas Kortina

Nikki J. Kowalchuk

Christian Arax Krommenhoek

Matthew W. Kursar

Matthew S. Kydala

Melissa Kydala

David James Lacamera

Conor J. Lally

Ivanna N. Lam

Casey Rose Landers

Sophia Latriano

Joseph David Lawrence

Tiara Alexandra Lawson

Grace Lazarus

Emma Louise Leffler

Kyle P. Leger

Lenore Leonessa

Jamie M. Levandowski

Kelly A. Levandowski

Emily A. Levitch

Terry Lynn Li

Sean Lin

Ian M. Lisecki

Ziqin Liu

Chelsea Taylor LoCascio

Brandon Christopher Loeffler

Brandon T. Loftus

Whitney Londono

Alexander Sterling Longcor

Zachary William Longcor

Cayla Mabie

Kathryn Marie Magnier

Mandie Lynn Maguire

Billie M. Mahaney

Sylvia R. Mahon

Breanna Victoria Malecki

Caitlin Diane Mangan

Jack Arthur Marchesini

Ian D. Martin

Lauren Marie Martino

Monique K. Mastrapasqua

Mollie Anne Masucci

Alanna Day McBride

Tyler Alan McClintock

Rory James McClurg

Emily R. McCoy

Andra J. McCray

Brandon Patrick McKinney

Jennifer Ellen Mead

Jenna L. Meisner

Catherine Melillo

Diego A. Mena

Cameron J. Menezes

Amber D. Micol

Lauren E. Miesbauer

Amanda Marie Miller

Matthew Nicolais Miller

Kenneth N. Miller-Lopez

Kevin D. Mitchell

Hannah Ashley Moeder

Matthew Andrei Moncourtois

Jason P. Montecino

Dakota James Monticello

Alison Cristin Mooney

Vivyana M. Moore

Courtney Elaine Morrissette

Rider J. Mountain

Sandra M. Mueller

Melissa A. Muldowney

Keara A. Murphy

Stephen Alexander Mustillo

Daniel Joseph Nardi

Heather Nicole Naumovitz

Alexandra E. Neary

Lance W. Nebling

Robert James Negoescu

Casey John Nelson

Dylan Michael Nemeth

Eric Paul Norian

Jaclyn Ann Novak

Rachael O'Dell

Riley Joseph O'Rourke

Katarina A. Ohnmacht

Kimberly Ann Oldakowski

Andrew R. Ottinger

Zachary S. Otto

Molly Elizabeth Owens

Kyle J. Pabon

Mitchell Robert Paisker

Kayla Marie Panek

Carly J. Pannella

Kristin A. Pargeans

Amanda N. Parrillo

Alexander Peer

Daniel Reilly Pepe

Courtney Rose Peragallo

Karoline Perez

Nicholas F. Perez

Elizabeth Lee-Anne Peters

Jake D. Peterson

Evan John Petricca

Amanda M. Petty

Laurence P. Phillips

Shane Michael Pierson

Morgan Platt

Sarah F. Platt

Olivia Katherine Plinio

Emily Marie Poniatowski

Jake P. Popa

Corey A. Porter

Jacob Drinker Porter

Scott H. Potter

Desta Mar Pulley

Matthew Joseph Purri

Nicole Elizabeth Purzycki

Gary L. Pyner, Jr.

Clay M. Query

Stephanie Milagros Quezada-Valenzuela

Kyle F. Quick

Brian J. Quickstad

Michael Robert Ragozine

Christopher J. Rasile

Ashley T. Reece

Cassandra B. Reedy

Brittany K. Reichardt

Steven R. Riccardi

Kristen E. Riddle

Joshua N. Rito

Kyle Robbins

John T. Roberts

William J. Roll

Catherine An Ronan

Phoebe Larson Roth

Hunter Sinclair Rowe

Andrew J. Rubner

Annabelle Rose Russell

Gabrielle M. Russillo

Alexandra Mary Russo

Samantha Brooke Ryan

Lindsey M. Sabattis

Gregory James Sakos

Hannah L. Salesman

Alexander T. Samilow

Monica Sanchez

Carly Ann Scanniello

Kristin Schaedel

Sarah E. Schaible

John M. Schlinger

Paige Lauren Schneider

Kelsey Clovis Schuck

Arthur Jay Schwabe

John V. Searles

Nicholas H. Seibert

Graham S. Senour

Matthew David Sergison

John G. Serian

Daniel Matthew Severino

Jessica A. Shannon

Ryan J. Shanoski

Alexandra Marie Shirey

Kevin Shockley

Niklas H. Sjoquist

Nicholas Peter Skelton

Tyler B. Smith

Hannah L. Snedeker

Jeffrey Norman Snider

Stephanie Specht

Sarah M. Speck

Katherine King Spencer

Stephanie Sportiello

Eric Christopher Stockl

Daniel Jacob Stone

Bradley Joseph Straight

Mark W. Sun

Jacqueline M. Suros

Kaitlyn Nicole Sweeney

Stephen Tyler Swider

Christopher Szamreta

Kevin A. Tague

Charlotte Rose Talis

Emma Joan Talis

Sarah Alexa Teklinski

Angela R. Thatcher

Olivia Eve Theurer

Michele Frances Thiel

Katelyn M. Thomas

Robert C. Tindall

Christina Marie Toms

Brianna M. Torres

Emily M. Torres

Brandon Daniel Tranquilli

Angela Francesca Trapp

Dionna Evelyn Trapp

Justin R. Trinity

Alexa Brielle Van Doren

Megan Vantslot

Lucas F. Velez

Zachary Vernarec

Andrew L. Vitovitch

Nicole Elizabeth Wagner

Shawn Andrew Waldron

Bridget E. Walsh

Genevieve E. Walter

Margaret Wang

Xuantong W. Wang

Kacie Elizabeth Ward

Nicholas Peter Warner

Kevin E. Wasser

Emily Kathryn Weider

Kaitlyn N. Weiler

Chance Wesley Weinberg

Maisy Weiss

Brian Arthur Wells

Michael J. West

Alexander David Westlin

Caitlin Whalen

Jerry M. Whittle

Adam Wierciszewski

Megan C. Williams

Brette Wilson

Christian T. Wirth

Adam Peter Witkowski

Elizabeth Anna Witte

Cody Wayne Wolferz

Andrew T. Wong

Brandon Michael Woolf

Benjamin Luke Wright

Kirstin Kuo-Tung Wu

Allen Z. Yang

Kayla E. Yasbin

Robert L. Young

Alyson J. Yu

Emily Ann Yula

Shayda Zabihialam

Michael Zappulla

Laura Catherine Zaugg

Shai Lynne Zimmerman

They include a man accused of taking a 2005 Ford F55 pick-up truck without consent on Feb. 23 in East Amwell,

A Hunterdon County grand jury today returned indictments against the following people, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III announced:

• Robert Fisher, 33, of Ringoes, N.J., was indicted on fourth-degree unlawful taking of means of conveyance. Fisher is accused of taking a 2005 Ford F55 pick-up truck without consent on Feb. 23 in East Amwell, according to the indictment.
• Keith Harry Jr., 39, of Allentown, was indicted on fourth-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance (more than 50 grams of marijuana), stemming from an incident on Feb. 2 in Bethlehem, N.J.
• Thomas Linebarger, 28, of Hillsborough, N.J., was indicted on third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin), third-degree resisting arrest and fourth-degree obstruction stemming from an incident on April 25 in Raritan.
• Kaitlyn McClintock, 20, of Flemington, was indicted on third-degree possession of a controlled substance (alprazolam) stemming from an incident on May 9 in Clinton Township.

The Voorhees High School class, with valedictorian Jason Michael Farrell and salutatorian Clare Marie Cutri-French, is graduating 281 students tonight.

Voorhees High School seniors in the class of 2013 celebrated its graduation tonight at the high school.

The class of 281 students recognized valedictorian Jason Michael Farrell, of High Bridge, son of John Farrell and Esther Tai. The top of the class senior has yet to decide on his future plans.

The class salutatorian is Clare Marie Cutri-French, of Lebanon Township, daughter of William and Mary Cutri-French. She plans on attending Rutgers University.

Tonight's speeches will be given by district Superintendent  Charles M. Shaddow, Principal Ron Peterson and Board of Education President Beverly Thorne. In addition to Farrell  and Cutr-French, Senior Class President Andrew Martini, of High Bridge, is also slated to make remarks this evening.

A list of the Voorhees High School Class of 2013 in alphabetical order:

Michael Taylor Adams

Leah Anne Agliata

Kristin Alyse Angiuoli

Mitchel Garrett Anhorn

William Lyon Auerbacher II

William Dean Avery

Steven Edward Babich

Kristen Ashley Baker

Benjamin Phillip Ballai

John James Ballard

Daniel William Barone

Eric Andrew Barradale

Steven James Barrett

Samantha Nicole Basciano

Hope Joyce Bavier

Karissa Noelle Benson

Rachel Malinda Berlowitz

Jadaen Gabriel Bernstein

Alexander Joseph Bianco

Nikki Rae Bisoglio

Daniel Joseph Bitters

Brandon Frank Bogyos

Christopher Michael Bonavito

Alexa Rae Border

Jeffrey Mitchell Brittingham

Megan Ashley Brockman

Tyler Matthew Brockman

Casey Joseph Broslawski

Erica Marie Buckley

Tan Thiet Le Bui

James Joseph Burns IV

Samuel Gerard Caffrey

Joseph John Camisa III

Jenifer Estefany Canas-Benavides

Izabella Evelyn Carmona

Shannon Nicole Carney

Phillip William Carroll

Bretton Zebert Caws

Shea Catherine Ceresnik

Megan Lee Cerwinski

Brandon Cheng

Nisa Cicitta

Dawn Marie Cimilluca

Jeannine Lockwood Clark

Vincent Matias Cloutman

Kaitlyn Taylor Collins

Alexandra Hallie Combates

Luke William Conway

Dylan Michael Cooke

Sarah Elizabeth Corson

Sarah Anne Cox

Shannon Marie Coyle

Rebecca Anne Creasy

Camille Tahirih Cruz

Thomas Joseph Cucuzella

Justin Matthew Cunningham

Clare Marie Cutri-French

Angela Marie D'Armiento

Alexandra Louise Dalpe

Madison Elizabeth Dastis

Lindsey Victoria Davis

Zachariah Allan DeGiulio

Anthony Gaetano DeMarco

Sara Morgan Diacik

Kate Lee Digan

Owen McKinley DiRienz

Walter Paul Dorf III

Christopher James Drew

David Scott English, Jr.

Paul Joseph Entrabartolo

Herbert Trevor Etzold

Samantha Jean Fallon

Thomas Matthew Farber

Jason Michael Farrell

Emily Frances Fass

Vanessa Adele Finnegan

Kelsey Nicole Fischer

Devin Fredrick Fischetti

Ruth Anabell Flores Hernandez

Joseph Guy Florino

Christania Fraenkel

Sean Connor Francis

Michael Tomas Franco

Andre James Freligh

Louise Grace Gallagher

Krystina Joan Galvez

Michelle Leigh Gaykowski

Dana Marie Gearity

Despina Ann Gensch

Lorraine Lee Giana

Megan Diane Gibson

Claire Irene Gierke

Christina Mary Giordano

Kevin Alexander Giordano

Tiana Montana Gog

Alicia Matilde Gonzalez

Marcel Klaudiusz Gorka

Julia Martins Greene

Glen Daniel Groben

Kiera Sutherland Grofsik

Emilio Jose Guevara

Kristina Marie Hahn

Kristen Lynn Halozan

Zachary Robert Hann

Alexa Rae Rose Hannon

Caldonia Yvonne Hart

Andrew John Haspel

Joshua Michael Hausler

Carly Morgan Heft

Banton Hans Heithoff

Robert Christopher Helmbach

Tucker Reiss Hensler

Isabel Catherine Hernandez

Katherine Dorothy Heuss

Daniel Robert Higbee

Jacob Edward Hoffman

Katlin Hollyfield

Sarah Crandall Hopkins

Devon Joanne House

Erin Francis Hurley

Mark Johnston Huseland

Dana Marie Ingenito

Andrew Scott Jackle

Kelly Marie Jenssen

Rachel Joy Jones

Zachary S. Kager

Conor Kane

Elizabeth Ann Kennedy

Liam Harding Kennedy

Kaitlin Mary Kirchner

Joseph Daniel Kirk

Paul Michael Klauser

Ryan Lawrence Koenig

René Louise Kososki

Rachel Lynn Kozak

Mary Song Kozlowski

Kimberly Jane Kushner

Cody Michael La Tourette

Matthew Mina Labib

Emily Anne Lamperti

Aimee Huasi LaPensee

James Brandon Laskey

Angela Grace LaVecchia

Joseph Laverty

Jessica Rae Lavorgna

Catherine Ann Leing

Michael Richard Lentine

Caroline Nicole Levielle

Kyle Stanley Zev Levy

Rachel Nicole Lewis

Annie Lee Lipomanis

Tyriek La-mond Loftin

Kristen Elizabeth Lynch

Lauren Elisabeth Lynn

Sean David Peter Mahoney

Audra Kimberly Malcolm

Maxwell Forrest Mandler

Matthew Joseph Marcelliano

Sim Berlene Mojado Mariano

Daniel Jesse Marinari

Nicholas Joseph Marini

Monica Victoria Martin

Nicole Lynn Martinho

Andrew Reynold Martini

Stephanie Nicole Martino

Elizabeth Joy Maszczak

Morgan Lindsay Mattioli

Chad Storer Maurer

Edward Matthew McBurney

Robert Peter McCabe, Jr.

Nathan Edgar McCloskey

Brigid Charlotte McGill

Kacey Leigh McGovern

Katherine Samantha McKay

Ian Bass McKee

Anna Kate McLees

Melissa Jean Medina

Steven William Meligari

Brian Biddig Michels

Lindsley Rae Miller

Mason Taylor Mills

Joanna Marie Mizak

Annie Lee Monaco

Lewis Walter Moore III

Clare Marie Moriarty

Stephen Brandon Morrow

Ryan Joseph Murdock

Hope Allison Murray

Leah Elena Neel

Taylor John Newman

Thomas George Nicolai

Cory Michael Nunn

Gustavo Ariel Ortega

Danielle Ellen Oswald

Kyle Jonathon Oswald

Mason Tyler Pajunas

Mitchell Alec Palmer

David Lloyd Parfitt

Sabrina Rose Parks

Amy Elizabeth Parsons

Jared James Patriarca

Colin Edward Patterson

Teresa Marie Pecina

Emily Ann Perkalis

Robert Jeffrey Phillips

Rebecca Alina Pudlak

Kimberly Anne Pusey

Koppany Pusztai

Tyler Alexander Randolph

Nicholas Tyler Reeve

Helen Patricia ReFalo

Kelly Elizabeth Reilly

Laurel Ann Reiter

Christine Rose Ritz

Thomas William Rocca

Kirsten Leanne Rochelle

Kristen Marie Rodgers-Erickson

Madison Sarah Rolls

Samuel Martin Louis Roth

Cicelly Ruggiero

Nicholas Walker Ruggiero

James Alexander Rumen

Clark Zachary Sabbagh Tucher

Kaila Ann Sachs

Michael Francisco Santos

William Matthew Saulsky

Amy Louise Scalera

Andrew Otto Schundler

Ashley Elisabeth Schweikert

Zachary Dean Schweikert

William Edward Scollon

Erin Candace Seiffert

Kyle Ralph Senatore

Leah Elizabeth Shaw

Ryan James Short

John Patrick Silliman

Brandon James Simanski

Paul Thomas Sipos

Lucas Erin Sisko

Skylar Andrew Skibo

Nicole Elizabeth Ann Slaby

Caelin Elizabeth Smith

Jeffrey Allen Smith

Jessica Lynn Snellen

Jinhee Lucille Song

Tytiana Jamé Ruth Spann

Kyle Joseph Stanski

Kayleigh Ann Starr

Michael David Stefkovich

Christopher Paul Stiles II

Samantha Frances Suchovic

Henry Louis Symanski

Erin Lindsay Tack

Jeanette Tagliareni

Daniel Charles Tampier

Brandon Jacob Taylor

Ryan Jack Teets

Nickolas Kile Therkildsen

Alex Joseph Tiger

Ryan Edward Tighe

Dominique Anne Trepiccione

Morgan Elizabeth Trudel

Anna Louise Vail

Kirsten Margret Vail

Alexandra Bryce Valenta

Luis Jose Valentin

Jonathan Morgan Van Blarcum

Jillian Taylor Van Pelt

Laura Angelica Velazquez

Dylan Patrick Vuz

Ryan Phillip Wall

George William Wentz

Christina Anastazia White

Daniel Scott White

Allan Clay Willcockson

Sean Michael Woods

Tyler Raymond Yarnell

John Joseph Zairo

Cody John Zeigler

Nicholas Charles Zubrycki

Veronica Mariana Zutic

There's at least a 50 percent chance that Hunterdon County voters may elect just the third woman ever to the freeholder board come November.

View full sizeSuzanne LagayCourtesy Photo

In that time, the county freeholder board has been served by statesmen like U.S. Sen. John Lambert and revolutionaries such as John Hart, a New Jersey delegate at the Continental Congress and eventual signer of the Declaration of Independence.

But in all that time and with all that history, only two women have shared seats on the board.

View full sizeAndrea M. BonetteSubmitted Photo

Political newcomer Suzanne Lagay triumphed in the Republican primary, and Democrat Andrea Bonette ran unopposed with Robert Darmstadt in the Democratic primary. That means there's a strong chance Hunterdon County voters in November will elect a women to the freeholder board for just the third time ever.

But with the county not having selected a Democratic freeholder since Benjamin Kirkland lost his seat in 1982, odds may be in Lagay's favor.

Lagay said she would rather see voters put their trust in her because of her background in business management, not her gender. That said, she doesn't doubt that having a woman's voice on the board would bring a new, important perspective to the county.

"I think that is secondary but significant," Lagay said.

She doesn't discount what she believes it would mean to have only the third woman ever to serve on the freeholder's board. Lagay noted that women in Hunterdon County now have the opportunity "to bring a contribution to things we haven't had before."

"I think it is a sign of the times," she said. "I think people do want change."

Bonette did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Hunterdon County Clerk Mary Melfi, a Lagay supporter, said that first and foremost, she's looking at the candidate's intelligence rather than their gender when she casts her ballot. But Melfi doesn't argue that a qualified female candidate could provide a spark to the freeholder board.

"I think a smart woman can bring value to the board," she said.

Freeholder Director Robert Walton, another Lagay supporter, said that while he would concern himself more with the policies of a fellow female freeholder than than her gender, he would welcome the addition.

Having a daughter of his own, Walton said, has given him a "new-found appreciation" for women in elected office.

"I appreciate the importance of having women in leadership positions," he said.

The number of women serving in Trenton appears to be growing as well.

According to a recent report from the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, a record number of women will vie for seats in New Jersey's state legislature this November.

Currently, the state is ranked 11th nationally for the number of women it has in the statehouse, a huge shift from 2004 when the New Jersey placed 43rd overall.

The 15-minute documentary is part of a regional effort to bring attention to the growing problem of prescription drug and heroin abuse locally.

Hunterdon and Somerset county law enforcement stand with Croy Vanderbeek, second from right, and Rachel, center, during a community discussion about drug abuse Thursday at Raritan Valley Community College.The Express Times

From his Somerset County jail cell, Croy Vanderbeek could see his parent’s home across the street.

He spent his birthday, Christmas and New Year’s Day staring out the window, wondering how his family was celebrating.

Now, nearly three years later, Vanderbeek points to his 90-day jail sentence for drug-related offenses as the turning point in his life.

“It was heart-wrenching to think of the things I had done,” the 23-year-old said. “It wasn’t fun by any means.”

Vanderbeek was one of six Somerset and Hunterdon county residents who appeared in the debut screening of “From Pills 2 Heroin: The Domino Effect,” last week at Raritan Valley Community College.

The 15-minute documentary, produced by the Safe Communities Coalition of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, and a following discussion is part of a regional effort to bring attention to the growing problem of prescription drug and heroin abuse locally.

Young people talked about local “pill parties” and how it took just a few phone calls or text messages to get their hands on an assortment of drugs.

“A lot of parents have their head in the sand. They don’t think it exists in their high school,” said Amee Smolinsky, a health educator for the Safe Communities Coalition who helped organize the event. “But it does happen here in our community and our kids are exposed to this.”

For many of the speakers, their addiction started in the medicine cabinet with prescription painkillers like Oxycontin, Vicodin or Percocet. But with pills costing as much as $35 each on the street, many turned to other crimes to fund their habit.

During the height of his addiction, Vanderbeek stole his mother’s wedding band and the family’s desktop computer.

“I didn’t care who I hurt,” the Bridgewater man said. “I didn’t care about anything but living the life that I wanted to live.”

Advocates say stories like Vanderbeek's are all too familiar. And when the habit becomes too expensive or there is nothing left to steal, many addicts turn to heroin, a cheaper and more accessible alternative.

In the meantime, family members like Flemington Borough Councilman Brian Swingle are left to watch helplessly as loved ones fall into a downward spiral of addiction.

“This sweet girl that I had raised really morphed into a monster,” Swingle said, referring to his adopted daughter who became hooked on heroin at age 15. “She became someone who had no regard for anyone else’s safety, who would steal anything that she could get her hands on."

The individuals who spoke Thursday are the fortunate ones, advocates said. Since 2004, more than 6,000 people have died of drug overdoses in New Jersey, according to state statistics.

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony Kearns III, who has said the problem of heroin abuse has hit Hunterdon particularly hard in recent years, told listeners the consequences of addiction aren’t limited to users.

“It is a societal problem, and we as a society have to tackle it,” he said. “Otherwise, this is going to affect us in one way, shape or form.”

Around the region, groups are taking steps to address what has been called an epidemic. Law enforcement is cracking down on distribution channels, utilizing drug court programs and setting up drop boxes for residents to drop off unwanted prescription drugs.

Some schools, like Hunterdon Central Regional High School, have implemented random drug tests for students. Meanwhile, advocacy groups are trying to educate people with discussions and information.

“We’re losing kids here and if we don’t approach every aspect of the problem, then we’re not serious about fixing it,” Swingle said.

The fast-moving thunderstorm rolled through the area around 3 p.m., bringing down trees and power lines, officials said.

An afternoon storm knocked out power to thousands of Hunterdon County homes and closed Old Highway 22 in Clinton.

The fast-moving thunderstorm rolled through the area around 3 p.m., bringing down trees and power lines, officials said.

At least 4,500 people in the county were left without power, Brayden Fahey, director of the county office of emergency management, told the Hunterdon County Democrat. A Jersey Central Power & Light outage map showed many of the outages occurred in the Clinton area.

Crews were in the process of restoring power, the site reported, but no timetable for a return of service was given.

In the meantime, state and local crews continue to work in Clinton to clear fallen trees and power lines from Old Highway 22.  Shortly before 5 p.m., police chief Brett Matheis said crews had hoped to reopen the highway within the half-hour.

“That storm did a some damage in a quick time,” he said.

According to officials, the brunt of the storm is being felt in Readington Township, Clinton and Union Township.

He was treated and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, according to a news release.

A Newark man was hospitalized and later charged after a suspected heroin overdose in Clinton, according to police.

Godofredo Perez, 46, was found unconscious in the bathroom of a West Main Street home 1:30 p.m. Saturday, police said today. Perez was believed to have been a guest at the residence, according to police.

Officers found Perez to be in possession of heroin and discovered "other indications of illegal drug use," according to a news release. Perez was taken to Hunterdon Medical Center by the Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad where he was treated. No further information on his condition was immediately available.

Perez was later charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and released. No date for a court appearance was immediately available.