Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

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2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained 2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained A massive wildfire spanning 2,500 acres is burning through West Milford, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, threatening homes and historic sites as firefighters battle to contain it.  Known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, the blaze has put two residential buildings in New Jersey and 14 structures on East Shore Road in New York at risk, along with eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in the latest update Sunday morning, Nov. 10. Good Morning West Milford, Today Forest Fire will begin back burn operations in the …
18-Year-Old State Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest 18-Year-Old State Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest
18-Year-Old State Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region. The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jetsey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. According to a statement by the neighboring Town of Warwick, he was a volunteer. The town said that by 9 p.m. Saturday "local emergency responders as well as the NY and NJ state park Rangers are confident the fire will not spread to any homes within …
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Three active wildfires in New Jersey are keeping firefighters busy this weekend as the air quality continues to worsen. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain fires in West Milford, Pompton Lakes, and Englewood Cliffs (scroll for details on each one). AirNow.gov shows an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171, or unhealthy, across North Jersey, as of 7:30 p.m., caused by the smoke that blanketed the region. Click here to see an active AQI map or click here to check your town's AQI. Prolonged dry conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong winds have contribut…
Nominate Your Favorite Bergen County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Nominate Your Favorite Bergen County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice
Nominate Your Favorite Bergen County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Daily Voice is excited to announce its first-ever Readers’ Choice contest in Bergen County! Readers’ Choice is set to showcase the top businesses that make the area special. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a family-run pizzeria, a boutique spa, or a dedicated local handyman, this is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve. Who makes the best pie in Bergen County? Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-pizza-2619970/ Nominations Are Open! Do you have a favorite place you love to dine at? Is there a hairstylist who always gets your look just right? …
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man. Authorities charged Richard Shashaty, 37, with arson after an investigation revealed that magnesium shards from a prohibited Dragon’s Breath 12-gauge shotgun round sparked the blaze on Nov. 6, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire, erupted shortly after noon on November 6 near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road. Investigators determined that the incendi…
SWAT Raid In Bergen County Uncovers 28K Fentanyl Pills, Meth, Ghost Guns: Prosecutor SWAT Raid In Bergen County Uncovers 28K Fentanyl Pills, Meth, Ghost Guns: Prosecutor
SWAT Raid In Bergen County Uncovers 28K Fentanyl Pills, Meth, Ghost Guns: Prosecutor A major drug bust in Bergen County led to the seizure of tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced pills, along with cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and untraceable firearms, authorities said in announcing the arrests of the three men behind it. Ramon Morillo, 39, of Fort Lee; Brandon Morillo, 31, of Lodi; and Joseph Diaz, 34, of Fort Lee, were arrested on Thursday, Nov. 7, following a months-long investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. The investigation began in July 2024, when detectives identified Mo…
Paterson Woman Charged With Attempted Murder In Early-Morning Stabbing: Prosecutor Paterson Woman Charged With Attempted Murder In Early-Morning Stabbing: Prosecutor
Paterson Woman Charged With Attempted Murder In Early-Morning Stabbing: Prosecutor An early morning stabbing on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Paterson left a local woman injured and led to the arrest of a 37-year-old suspect, authorities said.  Officers found the 54-year-old victim suffering from multiple stab wounds at Park Avenue around 3:20 a.m., Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. Quadasia Pierce was identified as the suspected assailant following an investigation, Valdes said. She was found near the scene shortly after the stabbing. She has been charged with First Degree Attempted Murder, Second Degree Aggravated Assault, and additional weapons ch…
Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45 Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45
Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45 The Clifton Police Department is mourning the passing of one of its own, Officer Joseph A. Pichnarcik. Pichnarcik died on Wednesday, Nov. 6, following a brave fight against a long-term illness, according to his department and his obituary on the Allwood Funeral Home website.  Officer Pichnarcik, who served the Clifton community with pride and commitment since joining in 2006, was known for his warm spirit, reliability, and the unwavering support he offered his fellow officers. Before his tenure in Clifton, Officer Pichnarcik served with the Paterson Police Department. Pichnarcik…
Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant
Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant After nearly 30 years at the helm of It’s Greek to Me, Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos has announced his decision to step away from the restaurant. Vagianos shared the news with mixed emotions, reflecting on the deep connection he has fostered with Ridgewood since moving his family to what he calls “the most wonderful town in America.” “It’s been an incredible ride,” Vagianos expressed. "Little did I realize that when I moved my family to the most wonderful town in America that I would be in a business that became my passion for almost 3 decades." Vagianos was re-elected as mayor alongside&n…
Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City
Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City The Hudson County's Regional Arson Task Force is investigating the four-alarm fire that broke out late Friday, Nov. 8 in Jersey City, displacing nine families and affecting a total of 26 residents, authorities said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HudPost (@hudpost) The fire, which started shortly before 11 p.m., occurred at 3507 Kennedy Boulevard near South Street and initially generated heavy smoke and flames from a ground-level business, quickly spreading to adjacent residential units. Two firefighters sustained minor inj…
Wildfire Smoke Blankets Bergen County As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Wildfire Smoke Blankets Bergen County As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres
Wildfire Smoke Blankets Bergen County As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Residents across North Jersey are facing worsening air quality due to smoke from a major wildfire burning in Pompton Lakes.  UPDATE: Unhealthy Air Quality Levels Reported In North Jersey As New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Rages Smoke from the Pompton Lakes wildfire. North Jersey Video Service or NJVS Dubbed the "Cannonball 3 Wildfire," the blaze has expanded to 100 acres with no containment, as per the latest update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. By late Friday night, Nov. 8, smoke from the raging Passaic County wildfire drifted as far as Fair Lawn, Hackensack, New Milfo…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $92M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $92M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $92M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Nov. 9 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $92 million with a $43.4 million cash option after there was no winner in the past week. If no Lottery player claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 11-24-50-56-66 with a Powerball of 16 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, accor…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 8 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $334M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 8 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $334M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 8 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $334M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Nov. 8 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $334 million with an $156.5 million cash option. The winning numbers were 25-28-42-64-69 with a Mega Ball of 19 and a Megaplier of 3X. MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. Prizes then range fr…
Hackensack Restaurant To Close, Set For Fresh Start Under New Ownership Hackensack Restaurant To Close, Set For Fresh Start Under New Ownership
Hackensack Restaurant To Close, Set For Fresh Start Under New Ownership A Hackensack restaurant that opened in 2022 will be closing and reopening under new owners. The Aura team shared the news with patrons on Friday, Nov. 8, thanking each of them for the laughter, support, and unforgettable moments that have filled their space on Main Street over the years.  From regulars who made Aura part of their weekly ritual to newcomers who stumbled upon it and became instant fans, each guest helped make the restaurant a vibrant, welcoming spot that felt like a second home. “Our last day of service will be November 9th,” the team wrote. “We hope you’ll come by, sha…
Sandler Spottings Continue: 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming Hits Hudson County Sandler Spottings Continue: 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming Hits Hudson County
Sandler Spottings Continue: 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming Hits Hudson County The Sandman sightings continue. Adam Sandler, who has been filming "Happy Gilmore 2" throughout the Garden State was spotted filming the movie in Kearny on Friday, Nov.  Sandler was seen at the Presbyterian Church and Roosevelt School between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., Jenn Dieguez, who spotted the actor said. "He came over and said hi and shook hands, fist bumped and said, 'thank you for letting us shoot in your beautiful town”". So far, Sandler has been spotted at Lokl Cafe at 80 South St. in Morristown, where employees said he helped out behind the counter on Sunday, Sept. 1. Sandler…
VIDEO: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287 VIDEO: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287
Video: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287 Two police officers' quick actions likely saved an unconscious 29-year-old New York driver from a wrecked car on Route 287, just seconds before it burst into flames. The Chevrolet SUV was heading south when he struck a Peterbilt tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder at 4:20 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan said. "While Mahwah units were responding, dispatch updated that they were receiving additional 9-1-1 calls that the driver was still inside the burning vehicle and that witnesses were unable to extricate the driver," Mahwah Police Capt. Guido…
Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say
Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say A 20-year-old Mexican national was found with a fraudulent Social Security card and U.S. Permanent Resident card after police say he tried breaking into two Bergen County homes while residents were home. Oakland officers responded to a Hillside Avenue around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, to reports of a break-in, according to Oakland Police Capt. Timothy Keenan. Officers Jake Martin, Michael Didonato, and Karley Greulich found Angel Parra Zaragoza leaving the homeowner’s vehicle and immediately detained him. Investigators determined that Zaragoza had allegedly tried to kick in…
Two Men Arrested On Child Sex Crime Charges In Separate Bergen County Cases: Prosecutor Two Men Arrested On Child Sex Crime Charges In Separate Bergen County Cases: Prosecutor
Two Men Arrested On Child Sex Crime Charges In Separate Bergen County Cases: Prosecutor Two men are facing charges in separate child sexual assault investigations, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced this week. In the first case, 18-year-old Justin M. Urgiles of Demarest faces charges of second-degree sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and assault, Musella said.  The Tenafly Police Department alerted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit on Sept. 14 regarding allegations involving a juvenile under 18 in Tenafly. Urgiles was arrested on Nov. 4 and remanded to the Bergen County Jail awaiting a court appearance. In the …
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says An Iranian operative and two associates living in America have been charged in a murder-for-hire plot targeting United States citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump. Federal authorities have charged Farhad Shakeri, an alleged operative of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with two New York City associates in a plot to assassinate a US citizen critical of the Iranian government.  The case highlights the continued threat posed by Iran’s attempts to silence dissidents and even target top US. officials. According to the Department of Justice criminal complai…
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…
Grammy Nominations 2025 Announced, These NJ Artists Are Shining Bright Grammy Nominations 2025 Announced, These NJ Artists Are Shining Bright
Grammy Nominations 2025 Announced, These NJ Artists Are Shining Bright Two of New Jersey’s music stars are shining bright in the 2025 Grammy nominations. Nominations for the at the 67th annual ceremony were announced Friday, Nov. 8. The Grammy Awards will be held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, honoring music released between September 2023 and August 2024.  The following nominees have Garden State ties: SZA, 34: The R&B powerhouse from Maplewood who recently bought a pizza lunch for hundreds of high schoolers, has earned several major Grammy nods, including Best R&B Song for her hit “Saturn.” Known f…
Pickup Truck Barrels Through Ramsey Apartment Building, Residents Evacuated (DEVELOPING) Pickup Truck Barrels Through Ramsey Apartment Building, Residents Evacuated (DEVELOPING)
Pickup Truck Barrels Through Ramsey Apartment Building, Residents Evacuated (Developing) A Chevrolet pickup truck barreled through an apartment building in Ramsey, prompting an evacuation for residents on Friday morning, Nov. 8. Emergency responders were on scene at 460 Island Road at Regency Park, assessing the damage and working to ensure the stability of the building. Ramsey Alert: Please avoid Island Rd. and Regency park residents on the North, please evacuate your homes and move towards South side on Addison Pl. immediately Posted by Ramsey, NJ Office of Emergency Management on Friday, November 8, 2024 This morning, RFD and Rescue responded to a vehicle into a…
Feds Dismantle Luxury Car Ring, Detail Theft Of Range Rover From Tenafly Feds Dismantle Luxury Car Ring, Detail Theft Of Range Rover From Tenafly
Feds Dismantle Luxury Car Ring, Detail Theft Of Range Rover From Tenafly Eight men, including seven from New Jersey, have been charged in Newark federal court on Thursday, Nov. 7, for their roles in a conspiracy to steal luxury cars and transport them across state lines, authorities said. Arrested were: Ahmad Franks, 24, Shaquan White, 23, Nathan Braswell, 20, Ibn Bellamy, 24, Zamir Wright, 20, all Newark residents, Ryan Bowen, 26, Khyree Lawrence, 20 both East Orange residents and Mohammed Buhari, a 45-year-old Virginia resident. Federal officials detailed the thefts: Audi Q5, Jersey City: On Nov. 5, 2021, a 2021 Audi Q5 was reported stolen in Jersey City…
Brush Fire Ravages 19 Acres On Palisades: Firefighters Battle Blaze Amid Statewide Restrictions Brush Fire Ravages 19 Acres On Palisades: Firefighters Battle Blaze Amid Statewide Restrictions
Brush Fire Ravages 19 Acres On Palisades: Firefighters Battle Blaze Amid Statewide Restrictions Firefighters are battling a 19-acre brush fire that erupted Thursday night, Nov. 7, on the cliffs of the Palisades Interstate Park.  Visible from across the Hudson River, the blaze has turned the scenic cliffs into an intense battle zone, with flames licking at the steep, rocky terrain and sending plumes of smoke billowing into the evening sky. The fire, fueled by dry brush and challenging cliffside conditions, remains only 30% contained as of Friday morning, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Crews from Fort Lee, Englewood, Ridgefield, Leonia, Edgewater, and more have jo…
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says A common ingredient found in most oral over-the-counter cold medicines should be removed from the market because it doesn’t work, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. This follows an extensive review that found the drug ineffective for treating nasal congestion. Oral phenylephrine, widely marketed in cold and allergy medications, has been in use for decades as a go-to nasal decongestant.  However, an FDA review, backed by last year’s unanimous recommendation from the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee, found that phenylephrine in oral form does not deliver effective conge…
Bergen County Man Found With 600 Child Porn Files Admits To Distribution: Feds Bergen County Man Found With 600 Child Porn Files Admits To Distribution: Feds
Bergen County Man Found With 600 Child Porn Files Admits To Distribution: Feds A Bergen County man has admitted to distributing and possessing images of child sexual abuse, federal authorities said. Michael Kimmerle, 35, of New Milford, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court. Kimmerle faces one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. From August 2021 to August 2022, Kimmerle used a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program to distribute video files containing child sexual abuse, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellin…
Trump Names NJ's 'Ice Maiden' Susie Wiles Chief Of Staff Trump Names NJ's 'Ice Maiden' Susie Wiles Chief Of Staff
Trump Names NJ's 'Ice Maiden' Susie Wiles Chief Of Staff President-elect Donald J. Trump has appointed New Jersey native Susan "Susie" Summerall Wiles, the campaign manager of his successful 2024 presidential campaign, as his White House Chief of Staff, according to an announcement made Thursday, Nov. 7. It marks a historic milestone as she will become the first woman to hold the position in US history.  “Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” Trump said in the press release. “Susie is tough, smart, innovative, an…
Restaurant Visionary Brings Luxe Dining Experience With NYC Skyline Views To North Jersey Restaurant Visionary Brings Luxe Dining Experience With NYC Skyline Views To North Jersey
Restaurant Visionary Brings Luxe Dining Experience With NYC Skyline Views To North Jersey Renowned restaurateur Jeremy Casilli is bringing his latest venture, DRIFT Restaurant & Bar, to Weehawken’s thriving Lincoln Harbor district. Promising an immersive dining experience that combines culinary artistry with captivating views of the Manhattan skyline, DRIFT is taking reservations and is set to open on Wednesday, Nov. 13.  Casilli, a leading figure in the restaurant industry and mastermind behind popular hotspots like Hudson & Co. in Jersey City and Pier 115 in Edgewater, designed DRIFT to create a unique, unforgettable experience for guests.  The 17,000-square…
Pro-Palestinian Protest Planned In Bergenfield Against Israeli Real Estate Event Pro-Palestinian Protest Planned In Bergenfield Against Israeli Real Estate Event
Pro-Palestinian Protest Planned In Bergenfield Against Israeli Real Estate Event A protest is set for Thursday evening, Nov. 7, in Bergenfield, as pro-Palestinian activists gather to oppose an Israeli real estate event they allege is promoting the sale of "stolen Palestinian land."  Organized by the group American Muslims for Palestine, the demonstration is expected to begin at 6:30 p.m., according to an announcement on Instagram. While the exact protest location hasn't been officially disclosed, information circulating on WhatsApp suggests the real estate event is being held at a private home on Spring Avenue. In response, local rabbis have reportedly called on me…
Passaic County Flips To Red: Here's How Each Town Voted In The 2024 Election Passaic County Flips To Red: Here's How Each Town Voted In The 2024 Election
Passaic County Flips To Red: Here's How Each Town Voted In The 2024 Election Passaic County is seeing red for the first time since 1992. The reliably Democrat county voted for President-elect Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, 95,620 votes to 89,086 votes, 50% to 46.6%. It was the first time Passaic County had voted a Republican for president since 1992 and the first time a Republican got 50% of the vote since George H.W. Bush in 1988. In 2020, President Joe Biden defeated Trump, 129,097 votes to 92,009 votes, 57.55% to 41.02%.  The shift in Passaic County was part of a shift toward Trump statewide. While Harris defeated Trump by 5 points in the G…
Body Of Missing Edgewater Man, 19, Found At Base of Palisades After Intense Search (UPDATE) Body Of Missing Edgewater Man, 19, Found At Base of Palisades After Intense Search (UPDATE)
Jumper's Body Recovered From Rockefeller Lookout The body of a 19-year-old Edgewater man was recovered from the base of the cliff near Rockefeller Lookout on the Palisades Interstate Parkway after police said he was reported missing by his family on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The Palisades Interstate Parkway Police were alerted around 5 p.m. by Edgewater police after a cell phone ping traced the young man’s location to the scenic lookout point in Englewood Cliffs, PIP Police Lt. Raymond E. Walter said in a release. Walter added that concerned family members, who had last seen him that morning, revealed he had a history of depression and had …