The final shopping week before Christmas is now over, and the news was just as busy as the toy department at your local box store. To see a full serving of what took place this week, go here.

For our bigger stories this week, click on the headlines.

Assault Weapons Should be Banned, Mayor Says

Just days after a gunman shot and killed more than two dozen people in Connecticut, mayors from around the country joined together to sing a letter encouraging President Obama to take action on gun control. Washington Township Mayor Ken Short said he intends on signing that same letter, and that there is no reason for any citizen to have access to an automatic weapon.

‘Normal’ Day for West Morris After CT Shooting

On the first school day following the horrific massacre at a Newtown, Connecticut elementary school Dec. 14, schools in the area operated as usual, some with a police presence to ease the minds of parents and students alike. Security measures have been taken in local districts to keep students and faculty safe, according to top administrators.

Burglaries, Vehicle Thefts Increase in 2011

The annual Uniform Crime Report was released by the state of New Jersey recently, and showed violent crimes in Washington Township rose slightly from 2010 to 2011. The total increase in crimes reported went up by 16 incidents, according to the report.

Regional Feasibility Study Called Off by Mayors

After months and months of meetings and discussions, the West Morris Regional Education Advisory Committee has decided to stop pursuing a potential feasibility study that would analyze a restructuring of the area’s school districts. Instead, the mayors will meet to figure out how to best handle utility provider Jersey Central Power & Light. 

Two New Cop Hires Approved for 2013

Washington Township Chief of Police Michael Bailey requested of the township committee a second police officer be hired in 2013, in addition to the original hire approved in September this year. The governing body gave the go-ahead, and the two officers will be replacements for retirees, not adding personnel to the force.