Passing HHS Gets Tougher, Taxpayers Get Help (Eventually)

Good news, folks: Hopatcong Patch Editor returns from his week-long vacation Monday. That means if you spot him in, say, Dunkin' Donuts (also known as the unofficial Hopatcong Patch office), you have our permission to approach him and talk his ear off about the news of the week.

But give him until it's actually Monday, OK? He's earned his breather ... so let him take those last few relaxed breaths before he kicks back into high gear.

Let's see what Brendan missed while he was away:

Speaking of Breaths: The entire state was in suspense Thursday when Gov. Chris Christie suffered asthma-like symptoms and was taken to the hospital. The governor says he's been struggling with asthma for years, .

Making the Grade: Passing a class at Hopatcong High's going to get a little harder in 2011-2012. . But Superintendent Dr. Charles Maranzano said he's sure the school's up to the challenge—and said when HHS previously raised the passing grade from 50 to 60, more students began passing.

Here's the Deal: Wait, what deal? Congressional Republicans and the Obama administration sure have had trouble coming up with one, and that's got . But the Lake Hopatcong Commission chairman says . The clock's ticking.

You Can't Please Everyone: The Hopatcong school board learned that this week. It got some heartfelt thanks from the high school band, for . But at the same board meeting, the Hopatcong Warriors said they don't feel they've been treated fairly—.

Cash in Hand: More from the school board. It says it'll use the recent surprise award of more state funding for tax relief—but not in this coming school year. .

Working Toward the Future: , and the lake commission is in talks with the state and the Department of Environmental Protection to continue maintenance of the lake into the future. The commission's chair said he's optomistic, as state officials are being cooperative and helpful.