Two well-known Upper Township women are among the five people so far to express interest in running for state office as Republicans in the 1st District this year.

Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt, the daughter of a prominent Wildwood family who founded her own public relations firm, is looking to challenge Democratic state Sen. Jeff Van Drew this year.

Also, Kristine Gabor, a former Upper Township Committeewoman in her first term as a county freeholder, has submitted a letter of intent to run for one of two state Assembly seats up for election this year.

State Sen. Jeff Van Drew hugs new Assembly candidate and former Army sergeant Robert Andrzejczak of Cape May County.

VINELAND – Assemblyman Matt Milam said Thursday night that he would not seek re-election to the Assembly, and First Legislative District Democrats nominated former Army sergeant Robert Andrzejczak of Cape May County to take his place on the ticket.

$32.9 billion budget presented by Gov. Chris Christie in his fiscal year 2014 budget address, Tuesday, Feb. 26

TRENTON — An increased pension contribution, more funding for schools and a Sandy relief fund were all major components of the $32.9 billion budget presented by Gov. Chris Christie in his fiscal year 2014 budget address, Tuesday, Feb. 26.

“For the fourth year in a row, this budget is balanced and imposes no tax increases on the people of New Jersey,” Christie said.

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – Atlantic City Electric recently donated 135 smoke alarms to people who need them in Cape May County.

John Burke of Rio Grande wears some Civil War-looking garb.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – As a child, John Burke of Rio Grande remembers looking at his great grandfather’s musket from the Civil War.

About 50 years later, he has that gun in his possession but doesn’t show it to others too often. His great grandfather was a Union solider and ended his military service as a dispatch rider under Northern Generals Ulysses S. Grant and George Meade.