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Kean University

Congressman Donald Payne Dead At 65 Congressman Donald Payne Dead At 65
Congressman Donald Payne Dead At 65 Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) died on Wednesday, April 24 at the age of 65, weeks after suffering a cardiac episode. Payne, a Newark native, had served in Congress, representing New Jersey's 10th district since 2012, when he won a special election to fill the seat left vacant when his father, Donald Payne, Sr. died.  A graduate of Kean University, he previously served on the Essex County Board of Freeholders and the Newark Municipal Council and was known for his signature bowtie.  Earlier this month, Payne's office said he suffered a cardiac episode based on complications from di…
Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From NJ, Dies Suddenly (TRIBUTE) Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From NJ, Dies Suddenly (TRIBUTE)
Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From NJ, Dies Suddenly (Tribute) Col. Kenneth John Yeasky, of Belvidere, passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2024, his family writes in his obituary on the MacFadden Funeral Home website. He was 60 years old. Ken was born on July 3, 1963 to Mary Ann “Tommie” Tomczyk and the late Edwin Yeasky.  He grew up in Carteret and graduated from Green Brook High School (Somerset County). Ken had a distinguished 38-year military career at multiple levels in different branches. He graduated from Kean University with a bachelor's in industrial engineering, and had graduated from numerous other military schools. "He wanted to be…
UPDATE: NJ Attorney General IDs Cyclist, 56, Veteran Trooper Who Struck And Killed Him UPDATE: NJ Attorney General IDs Cyclist, 56, Veteran Trooper Who Struck And Killed Him
Update: NJ Attorney General IDs Cyclist, 56, Veteran Trooper Who Struck And Killed Him A bicyclist who was struck and killed last week by a New Jersey State Police car driven by a department veteran with a deep history of social work was identified by authorities as 59-year-old Raul L. Diaz of Long Valley. Diaz was struck on Willow Grove Street (Route 604) outside the Hackettstown Senior Housing Development off Brook Hollow Drive in Warren County an hour before sunrise on Monday, Feb. 5. NJSP Sgt. First Class Kesene Grier was driving the unmarked black Ford Explorer that hit him shortly after 6 a.m., New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Diaz was rushed up t…
NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year
NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year A Monmouth County educator who was named New Jersey's teacher of the year could also get the same recognition nationally. Joe Nappi, a history and social studies teacher at Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls, is one of four finalists for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year award, The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) announced. Nappi won the state's Teacher of the Year award in September 2023. The other finalists are Cat Walker from Alaska, Christy Todd from Georgia, and Missy Testerman from Tennessee. Nappi is the third Garden State educator to be a nati…
Accountant From Middlesex Who Embezzled $841,000 From Work Pleads Guilty To Tax Evasion: Feds Accountant From Middlesex Who Embezzled $841,000 From Work Pleads Guilty To Tax Evasion: Feds
Accountant From Middlesex Who Embezzled $841,000 From Work Pleads Guilty To Tax Evasion: Feds An accounting assistant from Woodbridge who embezzled $840,956 from his employer pleaded guilty in federal court this past week to income tax evasion. Thomas Kohutich, 34, was fired from the unidentified company in 2020 after he diverted money from its accounts to his own personal credit cards, federal authorities said. Once he was caught, the Avenel native and Kean University graduate took a deal from the government rather than risk the potential consequences of a guilty verdict at a trial. He pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Newark on Wednesday, Jan. 10 to filing false 2018 and 2…
‘I Kept Pushing Myself:’ NJ Skier Paralyzed In Accident Describes First Walk With Exoskeleton ‘I Kept Pushing Myself:’ NJ Skier Paralyzed In Accident Describes First Walk With Exoskeleton
‘I Kept Pushing Myself:’ NJ Skier Paralyzed In Accident Describes First Walk With Exoskeleton A 24-year-old New Jersey skier paralyzed in a tragic accident nearly two and a half years ago has taken his first steps since with the use of an emerging exoskeleton technology. Anthony Mouravski's life was changed forever when he fell and fractured his spine while skiing in March 2021, causing him to become paralyzed from the neck down. Mouravski was recently given a free trial of Wandercraft's Atalante X, an exoskeleton technology at NJIT that gave him the opportunity to walk for the first time since the accident. A video clip can be seen on a GoFundMe launched in hopes of funding fu…
'Incredible Talent:' Spirited NJ Performer Eric Ubl Dies, 34 'Incredible Talent:' Spirited NJ Performer Eric Ubl Dies, 34
'Incredible Talent:' Spirited NJ Performer Eric Ubl Dies, 34 Tributes are pouring in for Kean University graduate and passionate New Jersey musician Eric James Ubl, who died at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton on Tuesday, June 13 at the age of 34. A lifelong performer at heart, Eric grew up in Edison, his obituary says. He learned to play several instruments — piano, cello, acoustic and bass guitar, drums, and various brass — but could just as easily captivate audiences with the unique quality of his voice. He  performed with groups including Pandora’s Promise, Midnight Mosaic, and Exit 10. Eric started taking music lessons when he …
BUSTED: Mahwah Woman, 40, Charged With Shooting Up Former Waldwick Neighbor's SUV BUSTED: Mahwah Woman, 40, Charged With Shooting Up Former Waldwick Neighbor's SUV
Busted: Mahwah Woman, 40, Charged With Shooting Up Former Waldwick Neighbor's SUV UPDATE: A 40-year-old Mahwah woman was charged with shooting up an SUV parked in the driveway of a former neighbor in Waldwick. Megan Dzugay spent the night in jail after being seized in Mahwah by Waldwick detectives, assisted by Mahwah police and a Bergen County Regional SWAT team, Wednesday evening, Nov. 30, Waldwick Police Lt. Troy E. Seifert said. She's charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and criminal mischief resulting in property damage in connection with the 3:35 a.m. shooting on Grove Street in Waldwick. The 5-foot-4-inch g…
Vehicle Hit By Overnight Gunfire On Quiet Bergen County Street, Police Seek Shooter Vehicle Hit By Overnight Gunfire On Quiet Bergen County Street, Police Seek Shooter
Vehicle Hit By Overnight Gunfire On Quiet Bergen County Street, Police Seek Shooter UPDATE: A 40-year-old Mahwah woman was charged with shooting up an SUV parked in the driveway of a former neighbor in Waldwick. Megan Dzugay spent the night in jail after being seized in Mahwah by Waldwick detectives, assisted by Mahwah police and a Bergen County Regional SWAT team, Wednesday evening, Nov. 30, Waldwick Police Lt. Troy E. Seifert said. She's charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and criminal mischief resulting in property damage in connection with the 3:35 a.m. shooting on Grove Street in Waldwick. The 5-foot-4-inch g…
Vehicle Hit By Overnight Gunfire On Quiet Bergen County Street, Police Seek Shooter Vehicle Hit By Overnight Gunfire On Quiet Bergen County Street, Police Seek Shooter
Vehicle Hit By Overnight Gunfire On Quiet Bergen County Street, Police Seek Shooter UPDATE: A 40-year-old Mahwah woman was charged with shooting up an SUV parked in the driveway of a former neighbor in Waldwick. Megan Dzugay spent the night in jail after being seized in Mahwah by Waldwick detectives, assisted by Mahwah police and a Bergen County Regional SWAT team, Wednesday evening, Nov. 30, Waldwick Police Lt. Troy E. Seifert said. She's charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and criminal mischief resulting in property damage in connection with the 3:35 a.m. shooting on Grove Street in Waldwick. The 5-foot-4-inch g…
The Wolves More Than Survive: Los Lobos Celebrate 50 Years With Upcoming NJ College Gig The Wolves More Than Survive: Los Lobos Celebrate 50 Years With Upcoming NJ College Gig
The Wolves More Than Survive: Los Lobos Celebrate 50 Years With Upcoming NJ College Gig Like the characters in many of their songs, Los Lobos remain humble but proud. “Thank you for still liking us,” guitarist César Rojas will often tell audiences. The original five Wolves not only have survived: They are at a high point artistically as they begin a year-long celebration of what will be a half-century of performing when they come to Kean University on Feb. 18, 2023. Not bad for “just another band” that started out playing mariachi for weddings and barrio parties in East L.A. The cross-cultural multiple Grammy winners would've been a fairly sizable success on their own even …
NJ Pair Killed In NY Crash Were Set To Play In Sikh Basketball Tournament: Officials NJ Pair Killed In NY Crash Were Set To Play In Sikh Basketball Tournament: Officials
NJ Pair Killed In NY Crash Were Set To Play In Sikh Basketball Tournament: Officials Two New Jerseyans both with bright futures were among three victims killed last month in a fiery Long Island crash. Puneet Singh, of Iselin, Amarjit Singh, of Hazlet and Harpaul Multani, of Queens — all 23 — were set to play in the Sikh Hoops NY tournament the weekend they were killed, according to Congressional candidate Reema Rasool. Our NY South Asian Community is mourning the loss of Harpaul Singh Multani, Puneet Singh Nijjar & Amarjit Singh Gill.... Posted by Reema Rasool for Congress on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 My Son Puneet Singh #23 Jassi Subzi Mandi Rest In Peace 💔🙏 P…
NJ's Steve Garaffa Was Guided By Sense Of Justice (TRIBUTE) NJ's Steve Garaffa Was Guided By Sense Of Justice (TRIBUTE)
NJ's Steve Garaffa Was Guided By Sense Of Justice (Tribute) Support is surging for the family of a 37-year-old North Jersey man being remembered as a "good soul" with an optimistic approach to life. Steven Garaffa, of Rahway, died on Saturday, April 30, 2022. More than $16,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe for his family as of May 8. "The sign of a truly good soul, he could make anyone laugh at his own expense and sought out the positive in everything," the page reads.  "Often a cliché upon someone’s passing, but one hundred percent accurate as it pertains to Steve. He was a loving husband, son, and brother in addition to being a loyal fr…
Twin Who Lost His Leg Trying To Stop North Jersey Brother From Drunk Driving Dies, 19 Twin Who Lost His Leg Trying To Stop North Jersey Brother From Drunk Driving Dies, 19
Twin Who Lost His Leg Trying To Stop North Jersey Brother From Drunk Driving Dies, 19 A 19-year-old North Jersey man who lost his leg trying to stop his brother from drunk driving has died, his obituary says. West Caldwell's Joseph N. Dattoli -- "a protector by nature" -- died on Oct. 19. Joe lost his leg after authorities said his drunk twin brother, Anthony Dattoli, drove into a tree with him on the hood of the car on June 27, according to a GoFundMe launched by the Dattolis' sister. The crash occurred at the corner of Central Avenue and Taylor Drive, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and West Caldwell Police Chief Dennis A. Capriglione Jr. said in a…
Essex Prosecutor: DWI Driver Flees After Crashing Into Tree With Twin Brother On The Hood Essex Prosecutor: DWI Driver Flees After Crashing Into Tree With Twin Brother On The Hood
Essex Prosecutor: DWI Driver Flees After Crashing Into Tree With Twin Brother On The Hood An 18-year-old North Jersey man lost his leg after authorities said his drunk twin brother drove into a tree with him on the hood of the car, his sister said. Anthony Dattoli of West Caldwell surrendered with his lawyer on Monday in connection with the June 27 hit-and-run crash that severely injured Joseph Dattoli, authorities said. Anthony Dattoli "was intoxicated and drove with his twin brother on the hood of his vehicle, ultimately crashing into a tree and leaving his brother with life-altering injuries," Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and West Caldwell …
Prosecutor: Leonia Phys Ed Teacher Had 'Inappropriate Sexual Relationship' With Student Prosecutor: Leonia Phys Ed Teacher Had 'Inappropriate Sexual Relationship' With Student
Prosecutor: Leonia Phys Ed Teacher Had 'Inappropriate Sexual Relationship' With Student UPDATE: A Leonia High School physical education teacher was arrested after authorities learned of an "inappropriate sexual relationship" with a student, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said Friday.  Samantha Krakower, who turned 24 on Wednesday, was charged with second-degree sexual assault by someone with “supervisory or disciplinary power” over a victim 16 to 17 years old, he said. Krakower, a former high school and college softball standout who lives in Palisades Park, also was charged with criminal sexual contact and child endangerment. She remained held in the county l…
NJ High School Senior From Nigeria Accepted To 15 Colleges — Including 7 Ivy Leagues NJ High School Senior From Nigeria Accepted To 15 Colleges — Including 7 Ivy Leagues
NJ High School Senior From Nigeria Accepted To 15 Colleges — Including 7 Ivy Leagues Although the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally shifted the way of life for all school-age students, one North Jersey high school senior says it helped to broaden his horizons and give him the encouragement he needed to apply and get accepted to 15 colleges — including seven Ivy Leagues universities. David Odekunle, a 17-year-old Bloomfield High School senior, received letters of acceptance from the following universities for the fall semester: 1. Princeton University 2. Yale University 3. Brown University 4. Columbia University 5. Dartmouth University 6. Cornell University 7. University …
Leonia High School Phys Ed Teacher Charged With Sexually Assaulting Underage Teen Leonia High School Phys Ed Teacher Charged With Sexually Assaulting Underage Teen
Leonia High School Phys Ed Teacher Charged With Sexually Assaulting Underage Teen UPDATE: A Leonia High School physical education teacher was arrested after authorities learned of an "inappropriate sexual relationship" with a student, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said Friday. Samantha Krakower, who turned 24 on Wednesday, was charged with second-degree sexual assault by someone with “supervisory or disciplinary power” over a victim 16 to 17 years old, he said. Krakower, a former high school and college softball standout who lives in Palisades Park, also was charged with criminal sexual contact and child endangerment. She remained held in the county lockup Frid…
COVID-19: Here's Where You Can Get Tested In North Jersey COVID-19: Here's Where You Can Get Tested In North Jersey
Covid-19: Here's Where You Can Get Tested In North Jersey As expected, the number of coronavirus cases has increased with the opening of testing sites across New Jersey. And that number is only going to increase, Gov. Phil Murphy said. "As the testing regime expands, we’re going to see these numbers go up in a big way," he said. "We are getting a clearer and better sense of how far the coronavirus has already spread.” Here's a list of coronavirus testing sites in New Jersey: Officials are urging New Jersey residents to keep these testing sites open to those who need it saying that if you feel okay, stay home and rest.  You'll need state ID…
Jersey Shore Mom Dies In Labor With First Child Jersey Shore Mom Dies In Labor With First Child
Jersey Shore Mom Dies In Labor With First Child Point Pleasant High School graduate Maggie Gilbert died on Feb. 13, of complications following of an emergency C-section with her firstborn son. She was 31 years old. More than $28,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe as of Wednesday for her newborn boy Aiden Patrick, and husband, Ryan Gilbert. The Gilberts were just starting their lives together: Married in April 2017, the couple bought a home in Bridgewater to raise their family. "It is unimaginable that the best and worst days of my brother's life occurred just days apart, but we are all truly blown away by the incredible strength he has…
Wine Dating Back To 1700s Found In Union Wine Dating Back To 1700s Found In Union
Wine Dating Back To 1700s Found In Union Bottles of centuries-old wine were recently found at a Colonial-era home in Union that also houses the Liberty Hall Museum, museum officials said. The home -- built in 1772 by the state’s first governor, William Livingston -- is affiliated with Kean University. During a recent renovation, 25 bottles of Madeira wine dating from 1796 were discovered in the wine cellar. Also found were dozens of demijohns -- a type of large, bulbous container -- dating from the 1820s. It is considered one of the largest collections of 18th-century Madeira wine in the United States, the museum said. The discov…
ER Nurse From Union County Needs Help In Cancer Fight ER Nurse From Union County Needs Help In Cancer Fight
ER Nurse From Union County Needs Help In Cancer Fight As an emergency room nurse for the last 13 years, Jennifer Noone has helped countless people in medical distress. Now, she finds herself in need of help. Noone, a Clark resident who attended Roselle Catholic High School and Kean University, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in February. A rare form of cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma affects only about 1 in 100,000 Americans. The experienced nurse contracted a sinus infection in January and knew something was wrong when it wasn’t clearing up. A visit to the doctor confirmed that she was very sick and had to begin an aggressive co…
Actor Jeff Daniels Will Be Featured Speaker At Kean Commencement Actor Jeff Daniels Will Be Featured Speaker At Kean Commencement
Actor Jeff Daniels Will Be Featured Speaker At Kean Commencement Two prominent entertainers will give the key speeches at Kean University's undergraduate and graduate school commencements later this month.  Actor and musician Jeff Daniels will speak during the undergraduate commencement ceremony, which will be held May 23 at the Prudential Center in Newark. About 2,800 students will be awarded their diplomas.  Daniels, winner of three Tony Awards and an Emmy, is currently starring in To Kill A Mockingbird on Broadway. He has also starred in films including Terms of Endearment, Dumb and Dumber and Good Night and Good Luck, as well as HBO's "The …
Justin Cigolini Of Ridgewood Dies, 31 Justin Cigolini Of Ridgewood Dies, 31
Justin Cigolini Of Ridgewood Dies, 31 Justin Joseph Cigolini of Ridgewood died suddenly on April 16. He was 31 years old. Justin was a 2006 graduate of Ridgewood high School. He went on to attend Kean University and St. Peter's college, and was a member of Carpenters Union Local 255, his obituary says.  He was predeceased by his father, Walter Cigolini. Justin is survived by his mother, Lucille Cigolini (nee Caterella); brother Paul Cigolini and his fiancé Kaitlyn; and sister Christina Cigolini. Visitation is Tuesday, April 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Feeney Funeral Home on Franklin Avenue. Donations in Justin's memory c…
HERO: Courageous Port Authority PD Recruit Who Returned To Training With Cancer Laid To Rest HERO: Courageous Port Authority PD Recruit Who Returned To Training With Cancer Laid To Rest
Hero: Courageous Port Authority PD Recruit Who Returned To Training With Cancer Laid To Rest Port Authority police turned out in force Wednesday, joined by other members of the law enforcement community, to lay to rest a courageous PAPD recruit who valiantly returned to training while fighting cancer -- only to have it take his life. Michael Joseph Kelly, 31, was originally a member of the 115th Port Authority Police Academy Recruit Training Class in 2017 but had to withdraw after having emergency colon surgery, colleagues said. He nonetheless “displayed incredible courage, strength and determination battling his illness and returned as a member of the 117th Recruit Training Class”…