JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A Lake Hopatcong man was charged with driving while intoxicated after crashing his pickup truck into a tree along Berkshire Valley Road on Monday, February 17.

According to Jefferson Township Police Officer Liam Shernce, who responded at approximately 1:20 p.m. to the area of Berkshire Valley Road near Minisinink Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers observed a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that had left the roadway and struck a tree, with the driver’s door pinned against the trunk.

Police identified the driver as Charles W. Gearhart, 59, of Lake Hopatcong. Officers reported observing signs of impairment, including slurred speech, stumbling, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver’s breath. 26-07177 Records_Redacted

Gearhart told officers he had consumed mixed drinks earlier in the day. Field sobriety tests were conducted at the scene, after which he was placed under arrest for suspected driving while intoxicated.

Police said Gearhart was transported to police headquarters, where a breath test was administered. The results indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.17 percent, more than twice the legal limit in New Jersey.

The vehicle was removed from the scene by a towing company, and Gearhart was later released to a responsible party pending court proceedings.

Gearhart was issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50) and Reckless Driving (39:4-96).

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Residents are invited to start their Sunday morning with a warm breakfast while supporting a local youth program as the Lake Shawnee Swim Team hosts a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Sunday, March 15.

The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lake Shawnee Clubhouse, 4 West Shawnee Trail.

Guests can enjoy a classic breakfast menu featuring pancakes, sausage, juice, hot chocolate, and coffee. The event is open to the entire community and is designed as a relaxed gathering where neighbors can connect while supporting the swim team’s upcoming season.

Admission is $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for children, with all proceeds benefiting the Lake Shawnee Swim Team and helping fund equipment, team activities, and seasonal expenses.

Organizers say the event is meant to bring the community together in a simple but meaningful way.

“Eat pancakes. See neighbors. Support the swim team,” organizers shared. “It’s a pretty strong Sunday morning plan.”

Those interested in learning more or reserving a spot by clicking here.

The breakfast is expected to draw families and supporters from across the Lake Shawnee community for a morning of good food, conversation, and support for local youth athletics.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Students and community members in Jefferson Township are raising awareness about school funding concerns through a new social media campaign known as the “Highlands Hold” challenge. The initiative highlights what organizers describe as the financial strain faced by school districts located in New Jersey’s Highlands region.

The campaign is built around a powerful visual message: one second represents 10,000 gallons of water supplied to New Jersey. Supporters are encouraged to hold a gallon jug of water while filming themselves and then challenge others to do the same, symbolizing the large amount of water resources that Highlands communities provide to the rest of the state each day.

Students involved in the campaign say the issue hits close to home because many school programs they value — including music, band, and other extracurricular activities — could be affected by ongoing funding challenges.

“I cannot imagine life in school without band and other extracurricular activities that I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of throughout my schooling,” one student said in a video supporting the initiative. “Music is a huge part of my life and identity. I love my town and school. We have an amazing community of families and teachers.”

Students also praised their teachers, noting that educators continue to support and inspire them even while facing uncertainty about school resources.

“Our teachers continue to show up every day and inspire us to learn and give it our all, despite their own jobs being on the line,” the student said.

Supporters of the campaign argue that while the Highlands region supplies drinking water to a large portion of the state, local school districts face unique challenges because environmental protections limit development and the tax base that typically funds schools.

Organizers say approximately 70 percent of New Jersey residents rely on water that originates in the Highlands region, yet communities within the region face what advocates describe as a “Highlands Trap,” where strict environmental protections restrict economic growth while the state school funding formula does not fully account for those limitations.

Through the #HighlandsHold challenge, students, parents, and community members hope to draw attention to the issue and encourage state leaders to revisit the funding formula.

Participants are encouraged to post videos online holding a gallon of water for as long as possible and challenge friends to do the same. Each second represents the water contribution Highlands communities make to the state.

The campaign has gained traction on social media through hashtags including #HighlandsHold, #Falcons4FairFunding, #HighlandsImpactAidNow, #SaveOurSchools, #SaveHighlandsBand, #SaveHighlandsMusic, and #SaveHighlandsPerformingArts.

Students and supporters say the effort is about ensuring future generations continue to have access to the same educational opportunities they have enjoyed.

“Thank you to all the people who are standing strong with us,” organizers said in the campaign message. “Let’s make our voices heard.”