Dogs Save Girl From Bear / 'The Watcher' Eyed For Movie / Christie For President / Man O Wars / Lake Drowing

By KARA SEYMOUR (Patch Staff)

HEADLINES

Christie Announces Run For President

Christie becomes the first former or sitting New Jersey governor to launch a presidential bid since President Woodrow Wilson.

Family Dogs Save Child From Backyard Bear

A pack of family dogs intervened when a bear began approaching a three-year-old in her own backyard Wednesday morning, with one canine sustaining injuries to the face and leg before scaring off the wild animal.

Westfield ‘Watcher’ Story Eyed By Hollywood Film Producers

Big name production studios are reportedly jumping at the opportunity to tell the eerie story of ‘The Watcher.’

‘Massive’ Essex County Drug Ring Busted, 48 Arrested

The bust, which officials announced Wednesday, was called Operation TIDE, according to reports.

Manchester Mourns 17-Year-Old Drowning Victim, A ‘Bright Star’ Gone Too Soon

Denasia Davis is the fourth person to drown in the lakes at the Heritage Minerals site, which have dangerously unstable, steep sides, authorities say.

More Than Two-Dozen Man O’ Wars Wash Up At Jersey Shore This Summer

More and more of the jellyfish-like sea animal have been washing up on New Jersey beaches this summer, causing a bit of alarm for some.

Morristown Medical Center Not Property Tax Exempt, Court Rules

Five months after lawsuit filed by town, court says hospital should be paying property taxes.

Toms River Man Indicted In Truck Sinking That Killed His Dog

Andrew Mayer, who drove his truck on the frozen Toms River in early March, set off a massive search-and-rescue effort.

Man Admits To Turtle Trafficking In Hudson County

He must forfeit more than 40 turtles and pay a $30,450 fine to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Suspected ISIL Conspirator Arrested In Hudson County

Alaa Saadeh, 23, was arrested at his home Monday and is charged by complaint with conspiring to support ISIL, authorities said.

THINGS TO DO

• New Jersey July 4 Fireworks Guide
• Star Spangled Salute to Kick Off Ocean City Independence Day Celebration
• Long Branch To Celebrate 25th Anniversary Of Oceanfest On July 4
• Barnegat Bay Yacht Racing Association Starts 101st Season
• Westfield Memorial Library Hosts Hudson Shakespeare Company, July 16
• President Jimmy Carter To Sign Copies Of ‘A Full Life’ July 8
• Lacey Fourth Of July Celebration Kicks Off With Entertainment, Then Fireworks
• Fireworks In Bay Village In Beach Haven On Tap For Fourth Of July

GOOD NEWS

• Englewood Cliffs Native Advances To Second Round Of Wimbledon
• Parsippany Man Honored Among Best Asian-Americans in Business
• National Honor Society Inducts 156 Students from Westfield High
• President Obama Praises Princeton Teen For Battle Against Racism
• Ridgewood Comes Together To Help Middle School Teacher’s Son
• 5 More Perfect ACT Scores At Westfield High School
• Paramus Student Singers Honored With Governor’s Awards in Arts Education
• North Jersey Same-Sex Advocacy Group Celebrates Gay Marriage Ruling

MORE ON PATCH

• Host Of Christie Presidential Announcement Is Not So Supportive
• Essex County Freeholders Call For Confederate Flag Ban
• No E.Coli Cases Reported From Recalled Water, Bottling Company Says
• New Poll Shows Christie A Long Shot For President
• Christie’s ‘Stand-In’ Faces Her Own Scrutiny As Presidential Run Begins
• Man Punches Walmart Guard In Face During Shoplifting Attempt: Police
• Rideable Tigers And Elephants Provide Kids With Fun At N.J. Malls
• Bayville Woman Gets 90 Days In Jail And Five Years Probation For Assault By Auto