Week in Review: New Lt., Less Students in LV

It was a hectic week here in Washington Township–more than usual, it seemed–thanks to holidays and meetings and, well, all the news there was to report on.

For a full plate of what we offered this week, go here. To see some of our bigger headlines, continue reading.

The early part of the week was struck with tragedy, as single-engine airplane with five passengers and a dog crashed onto Rt. 287 in the Harding area, killing everyone on board. The plane originated from Teterboro Airport and was headed for Atlanta, Georgia. .

One of Washington Township’s finest, traffic sergeant Doug Compton, was promoted to become the department’s third Lt. recently, and was sworn in on Monday at the township committee’s final regular meeting of the year. Compton, who began with the department in 1994, joins Mark Niemynski and Art Adams under the administrative direction of Chief Michael Bailey.

At that same township committee meeting, the governing body said farewell to Vice Mayor Jim Harmon, who completed a three-year term and has vacated his seat. Harmon, who announced he would not run for re-election in April, plans on spending more time with his family, but says he’ll continue to volunteer in other capacities in town. .

A report by demographer Dr. Richard Grip was released recently, showing that Washington Township’s school enrollment could drop more than 500 students over the next five years. Grip spoke with Long Valley Patch to further explain how this phenomenon may play out and why it’s happening in the first place.

Finally, this was the last full week to submit an entry for , where someone’s awesomely-decorated home could bring in $100,000 for our local school districts (entries allowed through Dec. 26). As of now, Long Valley has only one entrant, but voting continues for another two weeks. So, it’s time to get on board and help your local schools. Click here to register and vote for this amazing home.

From Long Valley Patch to all of its readers, happy holidays!