ARREST MADE IN CHRISTMAS TREE THEFT

A Lower Township man was arrested for stealing a decorated Christmas tree. Cape May Police charged Kevin T. Kelly-Pallanta for taking the decorated tree from the Washington Street Mall. Kelly-Pallanta was charged with theft by unlawful taking. He plead guilty and was fined $200 and ordered to pay $150 in restitution.

SHOOTING INJURES MAN IN MILLVILLE

A man was sent to the hospital following being shot in the chest. The Press of Atlantic City reports the incident took place on Thursday night and there is no word on the condition of the unidentified man. The male was taken to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City. There are no arrests at this time.

VIGIL TO BE HELD FOR WEISBECKER DISAPPEARANCE

A vigil is going to be held for an Ocean City man who went missing in March. The candlelight vigil is being held today at Ocean City's Veteran's Memorial Park starting at 6 PM. Authorities have attempted to get more information on John Weisbecker's disappearance, but have yet to make any significant progress. Police continue to look for tips and encourage people to contact the Ocean City Police force or the county prosecutor's office.

BOUNCERS THAT BEAT MAN IN ATLANTIC CITY LOSE JOB

A new report says the bouncers involved in a fight outside the 40/40 club in Atlantic City have been fired. The Press of Atlantic City reports that at least two of the security guards have been fired. A video from outside the club showed two men being beaten up, including six guards taking on one man. Charges are likely, but police are trying to identify who is who in the video.

DISABILITIES TASK FORCE BILL APPROVED BY SENATE

A new Reading Disabilities Task Force was signed off by the Senate, in response to a story from a local girl. Samantha Ravelli, of Ocean City, has dyslexia, and with her family have pushed for there to be better and more accessible reading programs available to people like Ravelli. State Senator Jeff Van Drew told Coastal Broadcasting that his office was happy to advocate for this, and the task force was unanimously approved. Ravelli was in attendance on Thursday for the vote. Van Drew said he allowed her to both move the bill on the floor and press the button for his vote during the voting session. The task force will begin to take shape after the New Year.

SCHOOL ZONE DRUG LAW AMENDED BY SENATE

A bill was passed by the Senate that would amend the laws dealing with the sentencing of nonviolent drug offenders. The measure passed by a 24 to 11 vote. A judge could put a defendant on probation depending on the criminal's prior record and how far away from school was the drug offense taking place. Especially in some urban zones, many people end up living in a school zone. If there is a reasonable likeliness that the drugs would not end up in a child's hand, the judge would have discretion. The bill now heads to the Assembly for consideration of Senate amendments to the bill.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IN VINELAND FOUND IN POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

A Vineland High School South student was arrested on drug possession charges. Police there say that the smell of marijuana was coming from the bathroom, though no one was inside at the time. A study of surveillance tapes led to the arrest of a teen boy. He was charged with marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia possession. He was released to his mother following processing. His identity has not been revealed due to his juvenile status.

SANTA IN THE TROPICS OPENS AT ZOO TOMORROW

The annual Christmas event at the Cape May County Zoo takes place on Saturday. Santa in the Tropics will take place once again this year from 11 AM until 2 PM. The event will be hosted in the Aviary at the Zoo. Two special guests will be in attendance, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. All participants will have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus indoors in a tropical setting. Education and craft stations will also be set up. The holiday event is free and open to the public.

BRANCH OF LIBRARY TO BE CLOSED STARTING MONDAY

One branch of the Cape May County library system will be closed starting Monday. Renovation plans have been announced for the Upper Cape Branch of the library system. Improvements will include a new HVAC system that will provide an energy-efficient process, new lighting and carpeting, updated ADA compliant bathrooms and an improved reference area and quiet room. Additionally, new shelving will be added and the children’s room will be redecorated with brighter colors making it more kid friendly. The library will temporarily relocate on January 4, 2010 to the Cedar Square Shopping Center and remain open until upgrades are complete in May. Borrowed material may be returned to any branch of the Cape May County Library system. Patrons with requests should arrange to have their material held for pick-up at a convenient library during this period.

NEXT H1N1 CLINIC ANNOUNCED FOR CAPE MAY COUNTY

Local residents will have another chance to get the swine flu vaccination. The disease, referred to as H1N1 medically, is responsible for dozens of deaths in the state. The Cape May County Health Department will hold a vaccination clinic on Thursday Dec. 17 from 4 to 7 PM. This clinic will be held at the Richard M. Teitelman School. The County will have completed H1N1 flu vaccination clinics at all Cape May County schools by December 17th. Children less than 10 years of age need to receive a booster dose to be fully protected. The booster dose should be given ideally 28 days after the first dose, but it can be given after a minimum of 21 days. Children less than 10 who received their first dose before Thanksgiving (November 26) can receive a booster dose at the December 17th clinic. Persons who experience flu symptoms – fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, tiredness – should stay home from work or school until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours. Those with underlying medical conditions – asthma, diabetes, etc., or those with a worsening or severe illness should quickly contact their physician who can decide if treatment is necessary.

TV, DVD PLAYER AMONG ITEMS REPORT STOLEN FROM HOME

Lower Township police made an arrest following a break-in on Saturday. Police received a report that electronics were taken during a burglary of a home on the 300 block of Birch Rd. in the Villas. An on-going investigation led to the arrest of Kyle Middleton on Wednesday. He was charged with burglary and theft of property. A 15-year-old male juvenile was arrested on the same charges. Police also took in Matthew Donnelly and charged him with possession of stolen property. The items taken included a television, DVD player, and jewelry. Matthew Donnelly was lodged in the Cape May County Jail on $35,000.00 cash bail. Kyle Middleton was lodged in the Cape May County Jail on $15,000.00 cash bail. The 15 year old male juvenile was transported to the juvenile detention center in Bridgeton.

SILVER ALERT BILL HEADS TO GOVERNOR TO SIGN

A bill that would establish a statewide system for quickly sending out to the public information on a missing person believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment was approved unanimously Senate. The bill provides for the issuance of a “Silver Alert” if a person is missing and is believed to be suffering from dementia or another cognitive disorder and there is reason to believe the alert will help locate the person. The measure is based on the successful amber alert program that is already in place. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

CASINO REVENUES HAVE ANOTHER DOUBLE DIGIT DROP

November was another bad month of the Atlantic City casinos. Revenue fell by 13.4 percent in the month, compared to one year ago. Overall win figures for the 11 casinos came in at $299.3 million. The data comes from the Casino Control Commission. All 11 casinos saw a drop during November, with Showboat taking in the smallest decrease at 1.9 percent. Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino posted the biggest decline at 25.8 percent. On the year, revenues are down 13.5 percent.

SENATE VOTES THAT CHAIN RESTAURANTS MUST PUBLISH CALORIE COUNT

A measure was passed by the Senate that would require franchise restaurants to post how many calories are in the food and beverages. The bill would apply to businesses that have 20 or more locations in the nation. The vote was rather split, and only passed by a 22 to 16 margin. It has yet to be heard in the Assembly. To this point, four other states have similar legislation on the books.

STILL NO HEARING DATE ON GAY MARRIAGE IN ASSEMBLY

Gay rights groups continued to show their support in Trenton, but no word when any advancement will take place to legalize gay marriage. The measure has not yet been posted for a hearing during the committee meetings that will take place on Monday. The Senate backed out of a vote that was scheduled for Thursday; some wondered whether they had enough votes to push the measure through. Chris Christie takes office on Jan. 19 and any legislation on gay marriage must be passed prior to that date, or else Christie will not sign it into law.