Giant Puppet On The Prowl: 5 Must-Read NJ Stories

Good evening, New Jersey Patch readers! We've assembled some of the most share-worthy stories from the state for today, just for you.

Here are the top five stories from New Jersey:

1. The president of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association said he thinks the state is treating the town differently because of its religious heritage. This comes after the state sent a violation notice to officials last week for keeping beaches closed on Sunday mornings during the summer. (Read more on Patch.)

2. A person was attacked with grizzly bear spray and robbed earlier this week in a South Jersey shopping center, authorities said. Medford police continue to seek a suspect for the assault that hospitalized the victim. (Read more on Patch.)

3. A Jersey Shore mayor, who pleaded guilty to tax fraud and is facing charges of health benefit fraud, resigned from his post as mayor on Thursday. Peter Byron, a commissioner in Wildwood for 12 years, received probation after admitting to failing to report income to the IRS. (Read more on Patch.)

4. A giant puppet will be walking the streets of Hoboken this weekend, to celebrate a new exhibit. The character of Puppet Heap was designed by a Hoboken artist who worked for "Muppets" creator Jim Henson, and has a studio of the same name. (Read more on Patch.)

5. The search continues for 21-year-old Derek Narby, who remains missing after his family's boat was capsized by a wave on Sept. 14. The community has been lighting lanterns outside homes and businesses — a tribute to missing boaters — until he is found. (Read more on Patch.)