A fox in Warren Township tested positive for rabies on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

WARREN - A fox found in the township tested positive for rabies on Wednesday, the Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission announced Thursday.

While health department personnel have identified people who may have been exposed to the fox, the commission is encouraging anyone who has had direct contact with it to contact the Warren Health Department immediately. Pets were also in contact with the fox, and some had not been vaccinated against rabies.

The commission serves the communities of Warren, Watchung, Green Brook, Bound Brook and South Bound Brook. The commission can be reached at 732-968-5151, call the Warren Health Department at 908-753-8000, ext. 239 or email mbrhc@middlebrookhealth.org.

This two-door Bel-Air convertible was priced at $2,344 when new.

BOUND BROOK -- Bob Calvert sits in his 1956 Chevy convertible in Bound Brook in this photo taken in 1964.

This model, a two-door Bel-Air, was priced at $2,344 when new.

According to oldride.com, 41,268 two-door convertibles were manufactured while more than a quarter-million four-door hardtops were built.

If you would like to share a photo that provides a glimpse of history in your community, please call 973-836-4922 or send an email to somerset@starledger.com or hunterdon@starledger.com. And, check out more glimpses of history in our online galleries Thursdays on nj.com.

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

 

The owner of a business at Veterans Industrial Park in Hillsborough has offered his thanks to firefighters. Watch video

Paul Y. McDonald, the president and owner of Royal Cabinet Company in Hillsborough has written an open letter thanking the firefighters and other first responders who battled the warehouse blaze at Veterans Industrial Park Feb. 11-12.

The fire destroyed a total of 500,000-square-feet of warehouse space and caused more than $50 million in damage. Agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team announced Tuesday where the fire began and that it was accidental, but could not determine its cause.

An organization, Charity Events Group, started by Manville resident Derek Basista, wants to hold a community dinner to honor and thank those who helped battle the blaze. As of Feb. 25, a total of $2,010 of the $10,000 goal had been raised on a Gofundme page that had been set up. 

15 stunning moments from the blaze

Below is the McDonald's open letter:

My business and I owe an immense debt of gratitude to the Hillsborough Fire Department and departments from the surrounding counties for their valiant efforts in fighting and putting out an incredibly difficult fire on Thursday, Feb 11, at the Veteran's Industrial Park.

Royal Cabinet Company has operated from that location for the past eight years. 

Our section of the building, located next to the unit where the fire started, would also have burned without the efforts of all the responding fire departments that battled in freezing temperatures to control a fire exacerbated by high winds and combustible building contents.

We were fortunate that no one was injured. However, we recognize the difficulty the firefighters faced that night and in the subsequent days during which the fire smoldered.

Thank you for being there and putting your lives on the line to keep all of us safe and reduce as much as possible the damage to the businesses that are part of this complex.

We surely appreciate your willingness to do this difficult work and as a volunteers, no less! 

Thank you.

A citizen's group is trying to overturn a vote by the township's Historical Preservation Commission to tear down the structure.

HILLSBOROUGH -- Oral arguments on the demolition of the Duke Farms mansion will be heard Friday morning in Somerset County Superior Court before Judge Yolanda Ciccone.

Lawyers representing the Duke Farms Foundation and David Brook, an attorney representing a group called DORIS, (Demolition of Residence is Senseless), are scheduled to make their arguments before the judge at 10 a.m.

The group has filed papers in Somerset County Superior Court seeking an injunction to stop a demolition permit from being issued.

Fate of Duke Farms Mansion in judge's hands

Both sides have filed briefs with the judge.

The group is trying to overturn a vote by the Hillsborough Township's Historical Preservation Commission to approve an application to tear down the structure.

In a lawsuit, it claims that the township violated the Open Public Meetings Act and Municipal Land Use Law by allowing the commission to approve the demolition, as well as a decision by the Board of Adjustments to not hear an appeal against the demolition.

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

You probably think you'll get a perfect score this week. Not a chance.

How well do you remember the biggest New Jersey stories of the week? Take the NJ.com news quiz and find out. the seven questions below are all based on stories you've seen on NJ.com in the past week. Once you're done. share your score in comments.

There's a fresh NJ.com news quiz every Thursday evening.

Raritan Valley Community College stopped its annual Pink Games to honor its athletes.

BRANCHBURG - Raritan Valley Community College student athletes were honored during the fifth annual Pink Games.

Hosted by the college's Athletics organization, the evening, which also paid tribute to the college's sophomore athletes, included a basketball doubleheader where players, coaches and fans wore pink to raise awareness for breast cancer.

During half-time, student athlete James Richardson was presented with a plaque and award from the Augie Eosso Legacy Scholarship.

Freshman cross country runner Jake Thoden was honored for his success this season. Thoden represented the the college's cross country team in the Division III National Championship meet and was selected to the NJCAA all Region 19 team.

Police honor lifeguards for saving man

The college played against Lehigh Carbon Community College in the women's basketball game, with Lehigh CC winning 59-41.

Prior to the game, sophomore Morgan Quinn was honored by head coach Phil Herro and assistant coach Tyler Scoles and was presented with a framed photo.

Leading the scoring for the college's Golden Lions was freshman forward Abby Manuel with 12 points. Freshman forward Courtney Price added nine points, and freshman forward Destiny Lynch grabbed 13 rebounds.

Next up was the men's team facing off against Brookdale Community College, with Raritan Valley winning 81-69. Prior to the game, sophomores James Richardson, Bridson Rivera, and Salman Hasan were honored by coach Kevin Ryan and assistant coaches Phil Herro and Lou Mercer, and were presented with framed photos. Richardson led the scoring for the Golden Lions with 24 points, while Rivera and freshman Logan Santiago added 22 points each.

The talents of the college's students also were showcased during the evening. Raritan Valley student Daniela Arachon sang the National Anthem before the women's game, and the a capella group Harmonally Balanced sang the National Anthem before the men's game. The Dance Club performed at half-time.

Bridgewater Township Council President Filipe Pedroso was presented with the 2016 Award of Recognition for Outstanding Service to the Global African Community.

BRIDGEWATER - Filipe Pedroso, township council president, was recognized by Kean University's Office of Africana Studies with the 2016 Award of Recognition for Outstanding Service to the Global African Community, it was announced this week.

Pedroso was honored at the Conference on African & Portuguese Studies' program Illuminations: Africa's Past and Present, a celebration of the history and culture of Africa.

"I am truly honored to have been selected to receive this recognition," Pedroso said. "Thank you to Kean University for this award. There is no better award than one that recognizes service to other people. It gives me great satisfaction to know that all the hard-work has produced results, and that my clients are better off."

Pedroso has previously received Recognition for Assisting the Economically Disadvantaged and Minorities from Seton Hall University School of Law, as well as Civil Service Leader Certificate of Appreciation from the Newark Civil Service Association.

"Mr. Pedroso has been providing legal help to the African community for many years, and is dedicated to justice for all people," said Professor Joao Camacho, an organizer of the event. "Kean University today had the privilege of acknowledging Mr. Pedroso for his many years of service to the people from Africa; we are lucky to have such a great man and lawyer dedicated and focused on finding justice for all people."

Boro graduate used fame to fight injustice

Speakers at the event included Ambassador Dr. Tete Antonio, the permanent observer of the African Union, and Dr. Adao Do Nascimento, Angola's minister of higher education.

The event, held annually at Kean University in Union Township, highlights the contributions of African-American leaders, past and present. Students from Kean University performed the Waka Waka, played African music in the Steven Sabet and Band, and displayed African fashions designed by Melchionna.

Antonio spoke about the financial challenges facing Africa, while Nascimento focused on the necessity for Angola to find education partners around the World and the importance of education for Africa's long-term fiscal growth.

Other recipients of the award included Antonio, Nascimento, Angola's Ambassador Agostinho Tavares, General Consul of Angola Dr. Adao Pinto and Director of TAP Air Portugal Dr. Jose M. Coelho.

Pedroso is a lawyer with offices in Newark and Somerville.

"I have always been a big believer that we all have an obligation to give a little back to the community," he said. "As soon as I became an adult, I volunteered for my local first aid and rescue squad, and then served on the Bridgewater Zoning Board of Adjustment for ten years.

"For the past four years, I have had the privilege of having been elected by the Bridgewater resident's to serve them on the council. Even though I have been received many awards and recognitions over the years for professional accomplishments, it is always the recognitions for serving that make me most proud. Nothing makes me happier than doing something that touches peoples lives, that makes their lives better, it's really what it's all about."

Trilingual in English, Portuguese and Spanish, Pedroso often provides legal services to clients in their native language.

"Most people don't know that my mother was born in Africa," he said. "At the time, Angola was a colony of Portugal, but I remember being told as a young child about my mother's father. I was told how he always fought for the Angolan people, and their right for independence. He was ultimately killed as a result of his quest and determination to get Angolan's equal rights and freedom.

Sandy looks like "a mini-lion."

Sandy 

EAST AMWELL -- Sandy is a 7-month-old kitten at Tabby's Place.

Shelter staff members say he looks like "a mini-lion" with his medium-length orange coat.

Sandy is a high-energy kitten who likes to play with people and other cats. He has been neutered, is FIV/FeLV negative and up-to-date on shots.

To meet Sandy and more than 100 other adoptable cats in their cage-free sanctuary, visit Tabby's Place at 1100 Route 202, Ringoes, East Amwell Township. The shelter is open daily from noon to 5 p.m. and a 2-for-1 adoption fee program continues through the end of February.

For more information, call 908-237-5300 or go to tabbysplace.org.

Shelters interested in placing a pet in the Paw Print adoption column or submitting news should call 973-836-4922 or email somerset@starledger.com or hunterdon@starledger.com.

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

 

Proceeds fund scholarships for local students.

Uncle Floyd 

BRANCHBURG -- The Rotary Club of Branchburg will host a comedy night, with headliner Uncle Floyd, on April 28 at Raritan Valley Community College.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for free pizza and other light fare, followed by the show hosted by Adam Lucidi and featuring Floyd Vivino and Helene Angley.

Proceeds from the event fund scholarships for local students.

Tickets are $35 online and $40 at the door for the show at the college located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 855-565-5483 or go to jerseynightlife.eventbrite.com.

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

 

Plaintiff claims the judge violated her civil rights and was bias against her because she represented herself.

SOMERSET --A state appellate court has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by an Oak Knoll Village homeowner against a Superior Court judge in a dispute stemming from court hearings over the Transco gas pipeline.

Judge Yolanda Ciccone, sitting in Somerset County, presided over a case filed in 2012 by Oak Knoll Village resident Chris Ann Jayne against her homeowner's association claiming her land was seized illegally for the pipeline. 

After Ciccone ruled against Jaye, she filed suit in October 2013 against the judge alleging her civil rights were violated and accused Ciccone of being biased because Jaye represented herself during the proceedings.

That lawsuit was dismissed and the appeals court affirmed that ruling in a decision issued Thursday.

The appeals court ruling states that Judge Ciccone was protected by the doctrine of absolute judicial immunity.

Transco has since installed a 42-inch gas pipeline as part of its "Stanton Loop" project to carry natural gas across New Jersey. In order to do the work, the company had to get easements from landowners. 

Homeowner files suit against judge, claims bias

Jaye contended the easements should not have been granted by the Oak Knoll Village Board of Trustees without consent of the homeowners association and its 216 members.

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

In addition to the arrests, police said they seized $3,000 cash and 200 capsules of suspected anabolic steroids.

ROCHELLE PARK - An undercover prostitution and drug investigation at a township hotel resulted in the arrests of 10 people Friday on drug, prostitution and other charges, according to police.

Following up on citizen complaints about quality of life issues, police said they used surveillance and took out online advertising to identify suspects engaging in prostitution and other crimes.

In addition to the arrests, police said they seized $3,000 cash and 200 capsules of suspected anabolic steroids. Officers said they seized steroids after watching suspects engaging in a drug transaction.

Police did not identify the hotel where the arrests took place.

Bomb threats at Bergen schools

Arrested were:

• Jeffrey French, 45 of Cedarville; distribution of CDS, possession of prescription CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia
• Domenick Magliaro, 34, of Toms River; Possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia
• Vanessa Velez, 24 of Staten Island; engaging in prostitution
• Tiresius Baldwin, 34, of Elizabeth; promoting prostitution
• Brittany Werner, 22, of Perth Amboy; engaging in prostitution
• Yijun Sun, 42 of Bridgewater; engaging in prostitution
• Valerie Cruz-Berrios, 19 of Suffern; engaging in prostitution
• Wanxiu Kang, 42, of Flushing, NY; engaging in prostitution, possession of property derived from criminal activity
• Guoyu Zhao, 56, of Flushing, NY; promoting prostitution, possession of property dervived from criminal activity
• Sviatlana Beznosova, 34, of Brooklyn; engaging in prostitution

Nine of the suspects were released pending a court date.

Cruz-Berrios was turned over to Port Authority Police on an open warrant, police said.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Elida Perez Morel, 45, of Plainfield, died from injuries sustained in the crash

A woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Route 206 Friday morning, police said.File photo 

MOUNT OLIVE -- Police have identified the woman who died from injuries sustained in a head-on crash on Route 206 Friday morning as Elida Perez Morel, 45, of Plainfield.

Police say Perez Morel was a passenger in a northbound 2007 Nissan Sentra operated by Jennifer Peralta-Perez, 25, of Plainfield, at the time of the crash.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the Nissan crossed over the double yellow lines in the vicinity of Hermanne Drive and drove into the southbound lanes at 6:19 a.m. before crashing into a southbound 2004 Saturn Vue.

The force of the crash caused the Saturn to leave the roadway and come to a rest in a grass area on the southbound shoulder, police said.

Icing on the road is believed to have been a factor in the crash, police said.

Peraltz-Perez and the driver of the Saturn -- Edward Wintermute, 47, of Newton -- were extricated from the vehicles by the Flanders Fire Department and taken to Morristown Medical Center with injuries. Wintermute's injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, but the medical status of Peralta-Perez wasn't available as of 2:30 p.m., Sgt. Eric Anthony said.

The Saturn passenger -- Maria Santos, 61, of Succasunna -- was also taken to the hospital, but her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

No charges have been filed at this time, but the crash remains under investigation.

Mount Olive police Capt. Stephen Beecher said alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash. He also indicated that seat belts appeared to have been worn by those involved in the crash and air bags also deployed.

An accident investigation closed Route 206 in both directions near the border of Mount Olive and Chester Township for about three hours Friday morning.

Anyone with more information about this crash can contact the Mount Olive Police Department's Traffic Bureau at 973-691-0900 ext. 7590.

Also on Friday morning, a fatal accident on Route 23 closed lanes in Riverdale, and a hole in the Route 80 overpass in Roxbury was causing delays on Route 80 and Route 46.

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

Opposition group wants the judge to consider a letter from a national expert.

HILLSBOROUGH -- The fate of the historic Duke Farms mansion could be decided by a judge as early as next week after she heard arguments Friday from both sides of the demolition debate.

David Brook, an attorney representing a citizen's group seeking to stop the demolition, urged Superior Court Judge Yolanda Ciccone to consider a letter from a national expert on the matter before making her decision.

The letter from William Bolger, National Landmarks Program Manager of the National Park Service, states that the property is eligible for the National Register, the architecture of the mansion is significant and the mansion is an integral part of the larger Duke Farms historical landscape.

The Duke Farms Foundation, which is planning the demolition, countered with expert witness Mary Cooperman, who held opposite views on each point.

Brook told the judge that Cooperman's testimony misled the township's Historical Preservation Commission, which voted 6 to 1 to approve the demolition application.

Brook, representing a group called DORIS, (Demolition of Residence is Senseless), has filed papers in Superior Court in Somerset County seeking a injunction to stop a demolition permit from being issued.

The group contends the township violated the Open Public Meetings Act and local land use laws by allowing the commission to approve the demolition and by the board of adjustments refusing to hear an appeal.

Attorney Jeffrey T. LaRosa, who represents the Duke Farms Foundation, told the judge that Bolger's letter repeats information the commission already had from another expert witness, Emily Krugman, when it ruled in favor of issuing the permit.

Fight to save Duke Mansion headed to court

LaRosa said the mansion, which was built in 1893, is no longer a part of the Duke Farms Foundation's mission and has "zero significance" to the privately-owned property.

He said it's untrue that Doris Duke specifically wanted to preserve the mansion. He said 25 of the 50 buildings on the property have been renovated so far.

Pre-demolition work has started on the mansion and it would now take more than the $10 to $20 million originally estimated to restore it, LaRosa said. Demolition of the mansion will open up 50 acres, LaRosa said.

Brook and his group, however, remain steadfast in their belief that the mansion should be preserved.

"The mansion is Hillsborough's biggest and perhaps only claim to fame," Brook said.

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

Woman crossed the center line, struck a ditch and overturned.

FRANKLIN -- A Mount Laurel woman was injured Friday when her car went off the road, overturned and left her trapped inside, police said.

Police received multiple 911 calls at 7:30 a.m. reporting an overturned motor vehicle on Amwell Road in the area of Mettlers Road, Sgt. Phil Rizzo said in a news release. Police found a 2007 Dodge Charger off the roadway and on its roof, Rizzo said.

The driver, Adelaide Slobert, 63, was trapped upside down by her seat belt. Sgt. Teddy Cerra and officers Frank Gianotto and Larry Booker helped free her from the car, Rizzo said.

Slobert was taken to a local area hospital for treatment of cuts and other non-life-threatening injuries, Rizzo said.

Man critically-injured after hitting ambulance

Slobert was driving westbound on Amwell Road when she crossed the center line into the eastbound lanes and left the roadway, Rizzo said. The crash remains under investigation, Rizzo said.

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

A Gov. Chris Christie ally called county Republican chairmen after the governor's surprise endorsement.

TRENTON -- Within an hour of his surprise endorsement of Donald Trump for president Friday, Gov. Chris Christie alerted New Jersey state and county Republican Party leaders he wanted them to support the billionaire businessman, too.

Christie confidante Bill Palatucci said he spoke with party leaders from the 21 county Republican organizations on a conference call following the governor's appearance with Trump in Fort Worth, Texas.  

"We had a quick call with some of the county chairs this afternoon and a number of other GOP party leaders," Palatucci said. "The call was within about an hour of the governor's announcement, which came without any opportunity for advance notice."

Christie said he decided before the 10th Republican debate on Thursday night he was ready to throw his support behind Trump. 

N.J. reaction to Christie's Trump endorsement

"The response of the county chairs and other party leaders has been great and overwhelmingly positive," Palatucci added.

He said he did not get any commitments immediately, and expected some may not agree with the governor's choice.

"We didn't have unanimous support for Mitt Romney in 2012 and so I'm sure there will be some who go in another direction," Palatucci added.

Somerset County Republican party chairman Al Gaburo, who participated in the call, said he was obligated to discuss the Trump endorsement with the 21 municipal party chairs. Speaking for himself, however, Gaburo said he was ready to support Christie's choice.

"I speak for myself, but the governor is the leader of the Republican Party in the state of New Jersey," Gaburo said. "I expect you will see wide agreement and wide embracing of the governor's choice."  

Gaburo said Palatucci laid out central reasons for the governor's choice.

"The two reasons that were given were the governor believes Mr. Trump is the best person to beat Hillary Clinton in the fall. And he believes Mr. Trump will restore America's standing in the world."

The endorsement comes four days before Super Tuesday, when 12 states will hold primaries. 

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

Pedestrian treated for severe head injury

(File photo) 

The man, a Montgomery resident, was treated for a severe head injury and listed in stable condition, according to a police news release. 

An officer was on patrol when he noticed the pedestrian unconscious and bleeding on Route 27, near the Little Rocky Hill Fire House around 10 p.m., the news release said. The officer immediately called for emergency medical crews.

Rutgers police probe assault in New Brunswick

As the officer tended to the injured man, a 34-year-old Dover, Ohio woman arrived and told police she thought she struck the victim with her Honda Accord, authorities said.

An initial investigation revealed the woman was driving north on Route 27 when she spotted the man partially lying in the northbound lanes and swerved to try and avoid hitting him, according to police. The motorist was not hurt in the crash.

It was unclear why the man was lying in the roadway when he was hit, police said. An investigation by the township police traffic safety bureau was continuing.

Police closed both sides of Route 27 at Old Road for more than three hours as they worked at the scene.

Anyone with information about the crash was asked to call Officer James Raics of the Franklin Township Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau at 732-873-5533 extension 3177.

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

Pramath Kalelkar, Michael Erickson and Ryan Desai earn the Boy Scouts' highest honor.

Boy Scout Troop 32 Eagle Scouts Pramath Kalelkar, Michael Erickson and Ryan Desai.

WATCHUNG -- Earlier this month, Boy Scout Troop 32 honored three of its members for earning Eagle Awards, the Boy Scouts' highest honor. Honored were Pramath Kalelkar, Michael Erickson and Ryan Desai.

To earn the Eagle Award, a Scout must be active with a troop, earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, assume a position of leadership in a troop and complete a service project that benefits the community.

For his project, Pramath, a sophomore at Watching Hills Regional High School, built a milkweed garden to attract Monarch butterflies to the Children's Garden at Wagner Farm Arboretum in Warren.

Michael, also a sophomore at Watchung Hills Regional High School, planted perennials and used cedar wood and plexiglass to build four bird feeders for the prayer garden at his parish, St. Mary's-Stony Hill Church in Warren.

Ryan, a freshman at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, built a 20' x 20' concrete slab at a Watchung Chemical Engine Co. satellite location for the Watchung Fire Department to use for training exercises.

The Scouts were honored at a ceremony held Feb. 10 at Wilson Memorial Union Church attended by their families, fellow Scouts, Watchung Mayor Stephen Pote, Boy Scouts of America Watchung Mountain district advancement chair Bill Schulz and district executive Charlean Mahon.

To submit Scout news send an email to hunterdon@starledger.com or somerset@starledger.com.

Somerset County's Lord Stirling Stable received the 2015 Gold Medal Horse Farm award at the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention in Atlantic City.

BASKING RIDGE - Lord Stirling Stable, owned by the Somerset County Parks Commission, received the 2015 Gold Medal Horse Farm award at the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention in Atlantic City.

Lord Stirling is located on the site of the former John Jacob Aster estate. It is home to 80 horses and ponies and serve the recreational equestrian needs of Somerset County residents and other nearby counties.

A new Nutrient Management plan was developed in 2013 that incorporates an on-site composting facility where manure and bedding waste generated at the stable is composted. The end product is used as organic fertilizer on the stable's pastures and trails and also as soil enrichment material at other Somerset County Park locations.

N.J. horse farm preserved by county

The award program is a joint project between the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University and the Rutgers Equine Science Center.

The program gives recognition to outstanding equine facilities for their dedication to environmental sustainability and management. It also underscores the efforts of the New Jersey equine industry to maintain the beauty of the Garden State.

Lord Stirling joins Woodhollow Farm, D'Arrigo Racing Stable LLC and Showplace Farms as the state's only Gold Medal Horse Farms. Any farm owners interested in applying for the 2016 award can do so online.

There are a number of ways people who want to help can participate in caring for homeless animals.

If you're interested in helping homeless animals but aren't able to adopt one, there are a number of other ways you can be of assistance.

Realistically, not everyone can adopt. People who live in apartments or residential complexes that have no-pets policies fall into that category, as do people with allergies or disabilities that will not allow them to care for pets of their own.

Adoptapet.com offers these suggestions for ways people who want to help can participate in caring for homeless animals.

* Help out at a local shelter. It's not glamorous work by any means, but it's vital and will be very much appreciated. You can do anything from help walk dogs to bottle feed kittens, help clean kennels or cat's cages or even help with bathing and grooming. Contact your local shelter to find out their policies regarding volunteers.

* If you're handy, you can lend a hand in many ways. Shelters usually need repairs of many kinds, so fixer-uppers can help out like that. If you sew, quilt or crochet, you can make blankets for your area shelter.

* Help out at an adoption event. Many shelters and rescue groups participate in local events by hosting a table with pets available for adoption. They also hold these program at malls, pet supply stores and banks, and can often use a helping hand.

* For galleries like this one and for online adoptions sites, often a shelter or rescue group doesn't have the time or equipment to shoot good photos of their adoptable pets. Something as simple as making yourself available to shoot and provide digital files of pet photos can be a big help.

* Donate. It doesn't have to be money; shelters need cleaning supplies, pet food, toys for the animals and often even things we don't think twice about getting rid of like old towels and newspapers. Every little bit helps.

If you don't know where your local animal shelter or rescue group is, a quick online search will reveal a number of results.

Here's a gallery of pets in need of homes in northern and central New Jersey. More homeless pets can be seen here and here.

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

A bill that would create task force to address flooding in Somerset and Hunterdon counties is under consideration in the New Jersey Senate.

Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman and state Sen. Michael Doherty creating a task force to address flooding in Somerset and Hunterdon counties was approved by the Senate Environment & Energy Committee, it was announced Monday.

"Raritan River flooding has plagued homeowners and businesses in Somerset County for as long as I can remember," said Bateman (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex). "It's time there be an in depth review to determine what can be done to mitigate this continuing problem that's caused havoc for so many families decade after decade.

"By establishing a regional task force we can hopefully find comprehensive solutions to address the problems in this unique area."

Under the legislation, S-166, the Hunterdon-Somerset Flood Advisory Task Force would review past floods in the two counties caused by the Delaware and Raritan rivers and make recommendations for reducing the impact of future floods, according to a news release.

N.J. dams that could fail in a flood

The task force would also review the effectiveness of county and local emergency response plans.

"Flooding along much of the Delaware and Raritan rivers has become a regular occurrence when heavy rains hit the region," said Doherty (R-Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset). "We need to bring experts and stakeholders from throughout the area together to take a careful look at what can be done to provide long-term relief. Homeowners and businesses have been dealing with the same flooding problems for far too long."

The legislation was first introduced on Jan. 12 and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

In June 2014, a prior bill, S139, was introduced proposing the task force. It was proposed, in part, because of floods that happened in May when the Raritan River approached record flooding levels.

The Raritan River and its tributaries have seen 116 floods since 1923, according to the National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center. Out of the 24 floods since 2000, three were major: the April 2007 nor'easter, a March 2010 flood caused by rain and snow melt, and Irene. The Delaware River has seen 8 floods since 1996. The three floods in 2004, 2005 and 2006 were the worst floods since the flood of record in 1955.

Most recently, there was minor flooding in both counties following strong thunderstorms that passed through the area on Feb. 26.