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35°
Saturday, nov 23
Tag:
Westfield, NJ
Police & Fire
Delivery Driver Busted With Firearm In North Jersey Town, Police Say
A 24-year-old Brooklyn woman was arrested and charged in Westfield while delivering food for unlawfully possessing a firearm on Sunday, Sept. 15, authorities said. A license plate recognition camera picked up a 2008 black BMW 328i bearing a New York registration entering Westfield, Westfield police said in a release. The vehicle was involved in a shooting that occurred in Jersey City a day before and was believed to be armed, police said. The driver, Rianna Williams, was taken into custody at Carol Road and Lynn Lane and an investigation ensued, police said. She was working as a driver for …
Business
Bergen County Hot Dog Shop Expands Into Union County
1950s Originals is continuing to establish its footprint as the hot dog joint of North Jersey. Dan DeMiglio, owner of the Westwood eatery, announced his shop will be expanding into Westfield, with an opening date set for sometime next month. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Burgers, Dogs & Fries (@1950originals) "It’s a proud moment for our entire team," DeMiglio said. "A huge thanks to everyone who’s been with us on this journey. "Bringing co-owner Chef Danny’s recipes and our Beef Tallow tastebud magic to such an arti…
Police & Fire
Child Injured After Daycare Evacuated When Ceiling Tile Falls: Westfield FD
A child suffered a minor injury after the Westfield Day Care Center had to be evacuated after a ceiling tile fell on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 1, authorities said. At 1:25 p.m., firefighters responded to a report of a roof collapse at the day care located inside Redeemer Lutheran Church at 229 Cowperthwaite Pl. and found a small drip tray from a roof mounted air conditioning unit had leaked and caused a ceiling tile and the drip tray to fall, the Westfield Fire Department said in a release. The children were relocated to the Roosevelt School, firefighters said. The Westfield Vol…
Obituaries
Eric Bernstein, CEO of Berkshire Furniture, Dies At 55
Eric Bernstein, the CEO of his Berkshire Furniture and a Westfield resident, died on Thursday, July 25, at the age of 55, according to his obituary by Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel. Berkshire Furniture, based in Springfield, is a family business that has been passed down through four generations, Bernstein's obituary reads. Bernstein also served as president of the New Jersey/New York Furniture Association in 2017, according to his obituary. Yesterday the we lost a special friend, partner and leader. Eric Bernstein, president of Berkshire Furniture , and..…
Lifestyle
Hollywood Actors Filming New Movie In New Jersey
Union County has become a true cavalcade of stars. Julianne Moore and John Turturro were the latest Hollywood stars spotted in Westfield on Wednesday, May 8, filming the new movie "The Room Next Door." For the shoot, Westfield transformed into Lake Hill, New York, with patrol cars, police uniforms, a department seal and a New York State flag flying over the city. Town of Westfield "The crew noted that, after scouting many locations in New Jersey, they chose Westfield for this scene not only for the front of our police department, but also for the beauty of Mindowaskin Park," …
News
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate
Monmouth University pollsters have tried to answer a question that has been hard to solve for many in the Garden State: Where is Central Jersey exactly? The Monmouth University Polling Institute released a survey on Tuesday, Apr. 16 that asked New Jerseyans what region they live in and if they believe their region gets a fair share of state resources. The pollsters also asked people to pick their favorite convenience store. According to the poll, 41 percent of New Jerseyans said they live in North Jersey, 34 percent said they're in Central Jersey, and 23 percent said they're from South…
Business
Millburn Deli Being Sold To Jersey Mike's? Check The Date
The Millburn Deli gave its customers quite a scare with an announcement that ended up being an April Fool's Day joke. On Sunday, March 31, the iconic deli, which has locations in Millburn, Morristown, Montclair and Westfield, told customers on Facebook it was being sold to Jersey Mike's. Customers freaked out until the deli, a Millburn institution since 1946, revealed the ruse. "We apologize for the scare and thank you for all the love," the deli wrote. "Millburn Deli has and always will be the Millburn Deli. Don't take your hanger out on our employees this week." And yes, the deli …
Business
Shuttered Wedding Venue One Step Closer To Becoming First Grocery Store For NJ Town
One New Jersey town is about to get its first full-fledge supermarket in decades, and it'll be replacing a longtime wedding venue. Lidl is nearly complete with demolition to Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance, the more than 80-year-old wedding venue along Route 22 in Scotch Plains that shuttered sometime during the pandemic, according to Tom Strowe, the towns' director of redevelopment. Strowe struggled to remember the last time Scotch Plains had its own grocery store. The closest ones now are the ShopRite in Watchung or South Plainfield, Aldi in South Plainfield, or perhaps Trader Joe…
Police & Fire
CFO Once Sued By NJ Firm Accused Of Embezzling $1.5M
A 61-year-old Westfield resident was charged with embezzling more than $1.5 million from the law firm where he worked as chief financial officer, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office said. John Dunlea was the CFO at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, a national law firm based in Morristown, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. Between 2017 and 2022, Dunlea misappropriated funds from the firm by paying himself $1.2 million. He also rung up $355,256 in charges on the company credit card, paying for flights, hotels and restaurants for himself and his family, Platki…
Business
'Delivery First' Food Concept Wonder Opening 2 Bergen County Locations
A new food concept is giving Bergen County residents a chance to expand their food palate. Wonder, a delivery first restaurant, has recently opened a location in Midland Park on Saturday, Jan. 27 while a location in Cresskill is set to open on Wednesday, Jan. 31. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wonder (@wonder) The Midland Park location features 21 different restaurants including Bobby Flay Steak, Tejas, Mainstay by March Murphy and Alanza Pizza. Patrons can order pickup or delivery from one restaurant or multiple rest…
Schools
Early Dismissals For These Bergen County Schools Ahead Of Snow Storm
School districts across New Jersey have begun announcing schedule changes for Friday, Jan. 19, ahead of the second snow storm of the week. Parts of the state could see up to six inches of snow, expected to begin falling between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service said. The following districts have early dismissals: Cranford Dumont Franklin Lakes Hackensack Hanover Park Regional HS Lyndhurst Marlboro Maywood Millburn Mountainside North Arlington Oradell Parsippany-Troy Hills Pompton Lakes Rockaway Roselle Park Scotch Plains-Fanwood Totowa Warren Watchung/Watchung Hills R…
Politics
Teen NJ Victim Of Deepfake Porn Pleads With Lawmakers: 'It Could Happen To Anyone'
Last fall, Francesca Mani discovered a male classmate had made AI-generated nude images of her without her consent. While the images were deleted and the Westfield High School student said she never saw them, Francesca still felt sad and helpless. Now she has found a way to turn that trauma into something empowering. Francesca is working with members of Congress, including Rep. Tom Kean, Jr., (R-Westfield) to pass legislation to stop the spread of deepfake pornography generated by artificial intelligence. According to a press release issued by New York Congress…
Police & Fire
Westfield Students Made
Ai-g
enerated Nude Images Of Female Classmates: Officials
The Westfield School District said it is investigating after male students made AI-generated nude images of their female classmates. Mary Ann McGann, a spokeswoman for the district, said the incident took place over the summer and was brought to the attention of administrators on Friday, Oct. 20. The Wall Street Journal first reported the story on Thursday, Nov. 2. The administration began an immediate investigation and police were notified, McGann said. All the images have been deleted and are not being circulated, Principal Mary Asfendis said in an e-mail to parents. Citing confide…
Police & Fire
Feds: Digital Fingerprints Lead NJ Agents To Convicted Sex Offender's Child Porn Collection
Federal agents working a child porn investigation traced digital fingerprints to a convicted sex offender living in Union County who was downloading more horrifying illegal images when they came busting in, authorities said. Matthew T. Williams, 43, was seized during a raid of his Westfield apartment on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Homeland Security Investigations agents from Newark reported more than 40 child sexual abuse videos found on a drive attached to Williams's computer that was pulling more from the Internet when they arrived. Williams was living in New York State when he was previously con…
Police & Fire
Middle Finger Traffic Stop: Viral Video Sparks Investigation In North Jersey Town
It's become the middle finger seen around the world. A traffic stop on Westfield is under investigation after a man said he was pulled over after flipping off a police officer. The traffic stop was recorded on Sunday, Aug. 6 and shared on YouTube where it has generated more than 370,000 views. In the video, posted by LackLuster, a channel dedicated to police accountability, Officer Ayad Taha claims the driver, identified as "Nathan", was going 48 mph in a 35 mph zone, though this is disputed by Nathan's GPS. Nathan refuses to answer any of the officer's questions, while dashcam footage…
Police & Fire
Drug
Fraud
: Crimebusters Smash Statewide NJ Ring That Stole, Forged Prescriptions For Codeine
An elaborate drug fraud ring operating in more than half the counties in New Jersey stole doctors’ prescription pads as part of a scheme to stock up on opioid-boosted cough syrup, authorities charged. Medical offices in various parts of the state – including Wayne, Morristown and Bridgewater – were broken into by Divinete Jeffries, 30, of East Orange, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Jefferies snatched prescription pads that were then forged and given to accomplices who submitted them to various pharmacies using stolen IDs and bogus driver’s licenses, according to an indictment return…
News
Coyote Attack, Sightings Close Two North Jersey Parks
In the wake of a coyote attack and coyotes being spotted on the prowl, two North Jersey parks are closed to the public. On Saturday, July 1, the Town of Westfield announced it is closing Brightwood Park after an aggressive coyote was spotted. The Westfield Police Department and Westfield Regional Health Department are investigating and no injuries have occurred, the town said. Residents are advised to report any coyote sightings to the Westfield Police Department. On Friday, June 30, a 13-year-old girl was hospitalized after being attacked by a coyote at South Mountain Reservation in…
Lifestyle
These NJ Celebs Will Get Stars On Hollywood Walk Of Fame
The Garden State continues to show why it's so star-studded. Three celebrities with New Jersey roots were among a number of entertainers selected to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Walk of Fame Selection Panel of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. They are Kevin Feige, Jim Nantz and Jane Krakowski. Feige was raised in Westfield and graduated from Westfield High School. As the producer of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Feige is the highest grossing producer of all-time. Combined, the MCU has grossed more than $29 billion worldwide, with no signs of slowing down…
Obituaries
Former Arts Foundation Director, Devoted North Jersey Mother Hillary Cooper-Piputtana Dies, 47
Condolences and heartfelt tributes are pouring in for Hillary Catherine Cooper-Piputtana, the former events director of an arts foundation and a devoted mother who died at her Bernardsville home on Sunday, June 11 aged 47. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Hillary was raised in Westfield and experienced many years in New York City before settling in Bernardsville in 2018, her obituary says. Hillary graduated from Kent Place School in Summit and New York University, where she earned a BA in sociology. She worked as the Manager, Artist Development for Island Records at Island Def Jam Music Group in …
Police & Fire
Chopped
: Passaic, Bergen Garages Doubled As Destinations For Stolen Vehicles, Authorities Say
A group of towing and mechanic business owners in Bergen and Passaic had a lucrative moonlighting operation going before New Jersey State Police shut them down, authorities said. Workers at the off-hour chop shops in Paterson, Passaic and Elmwood Park altered stolen vehicles for resale and disassembled others to be sold as parts, state authorities said on Friday, June 2. Fourteen people in all were arrested during quick-strike raids last week by the NJSP, assisted by the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Paterson police and several other local, county and federal law enforcement agencies. R…
Lifestyle
Famed Brat Pack Member To Drop By Bergen County Bookstore
Now all your burning questions about "Mannequin" can be answered. Andrew McCarthy, who rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the Brat Pack, is hosting a meet and greet at Books and Greetings in Northvale to celebrate his new book, "Walking With Sam," on Thursday, June 1 at 6 p.m. McCarthy was born in Westfield and grew up in Bernardsville, attending Bernards High School and Pingry School. In the book, McCarthy chronicles the time he and his son, Sam, walked 500 miles across Spain's Camino de Santiago over five weeks. During the trek, the two have honest conversations about divorce…
Business
fresh&co: Bergen County Resident Open Fast Casual Restaurant In Newark
Newark is becoming a food destination. fresh&co. announced it is opening its 14th location in the dining hall at The Junction at Gateway Center. This is fresh&co's second location in New Jersey, having opened a location in Westfield earlier this year. fresh&co. will be open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on weekends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by fresh&co (@freshandcousa) The fast casual chain has Jersey roots. Its co-founder and CEO, George Tenedios is an Englewood Cliffs resident. fresh&…
Business
Popular Breakfast Spot Opens In Bergen County
Breakfast lovers in Bergen County have a new place to call home. Turning Point, which serves breakfast, lunch and brunch, recently opened its 24th location in Paramus at 65 Route 4 West. This is the restaurant's third location in North Jersey, joining Hoboken and Westfield. The restaurant has locations throughout New Jersey along with Pennsylvania and Delaware and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. "We are super excited to be a part of the Paramus community," Kerri Dwyer, district manager for Turning Point said. "Paramus was the right spot at the right time." Dwyer said at their …
Business
Akai Lounge Teams Up With Blue Moon Café In Bergen County
Fans of Mexican food and Japanese restaurant have their ultimate dream concept in Bergen County. The owners of Akai Lounge, which has locations in Englewood, Westfield and Westchester County, NY, have purchased the Blue Moon Café, a Mexican restaurant that has been an institution in Englewood for 27 years. James Du and Lillian Pien, who purchased Blue Moon, plan on keeping the restaurant open, while also combining it with Akai Lounge, creating two restaurants in one, with one room serving Japanese food and the other serving Mexican food. While Blue Moon remains open, the Akai Lounge …
News
NJ Soccer Player Fell To His Death From Balcony Helping Hotel Guest In Mexico: Reports
Henry Meacock's death may be an indication of the way he lived: Selflessly. The 19-year-old New Jersey soccer player was apparently trying to retrieve a fallen belonging of another hotel guest when he fell to his death earlier this month while on Spring Break, the New York Post reports citing officials in Mexico. Reports on social media say the Ohio State University athlete and Westfield native went out to a balcony on the third floor to get the other guest's ID, when he stepped on a piece of plexiglass that gave way on Wednesday, March 15. "He was a gentleman to his very core and as genui…
Obituaries
Life Cut Short For 'Friendly, Reliable' Westfield Recreation Worker Lauren Harmer
Lauren Harmer, of Westfield, NJ, died at her home on March 11, 2023, her obituary says. She was 28 years old. Lauren graduated from East Stroudsburg University, and went on to work for Westfield's recreation department as the events specialist. "The pride of her life was the Westfield Summer Program for the township’s children," her obituary said, noting she helmed the town's senior transport program and worked at the town pool, too. Lauren founded the state's parks and recreation sponsorship program and earned the NJRPA Cron Scholarship. It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that…
News
NJ Soccer Player Henry Meacock Dies Suddenly During Spring Break
New Jersey native and soccer player Henry Meacock died suddenly while on college spring break at Ohio State University, according to multiple news reports. The Westfield native was majoring in finance at OSU, according to his LinkedIn page. OSU released a statement mourning his death to the Columbus Dispatch. Meacock's sister, Ellie, penned a tribute to him on Instagram, which was later made private. "My baby brother, I can’t believe it,” she writes. “Words cannot describe how much I miss you. It hurts to breathe without you. You are an extremely special soul that will live on forever. Th…
Schools
These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28
The first winter storm of the season is causing a change in plans for New Jersey schools on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Some districts have delayed openings while others are closed completely. Here's a list of which school are closed or delayed for Tuesday, Feb. 28. Check your school/district's website for details. Bedminster: 10: 50 a.m. start Bellville: Delayed Bergen County Tech: Closed Bergenfield: 2-hour delay Bernards: 2-hour delay Bloomfield: Delay Bloomingdale: Closed Bogota: Delayed Butler: Closed Cliffside Park: 10 a.m. start Clifton: Delayed Closter: Delayed Cresskill: Delayed Demarest: …
Police & Fire
Fentanyl-Fueled NJ Soccer Star Gnawed Man's Ear Off Thinking He Was Robot: DA
A 25-year-old New Jersey native and former soccer star apparently high on fentanyl was arrested in Oregon after authorities said he bit and chewed off the ear of a 78-year-old man because he thought he was a robot trying to kill him. Koryn Daniel Kraemer, of Westfield, is facing a second-degree assault charge for the 2 a.m. incident Jan. 3 on the Cleveland TriMet MAX platform area off Northeast 8th Street in Gresham, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said. Kraemer allegedly approached the man at the platform and physically attacked him, biting and chewing off his ear and …
News
Here's Where NJ Powerball Tickets Totaling $3 Million Were Sold
A pair of winning Powerball tickets from the Wednesday, Oct. 19 drawing were sold in New Jersey. Both tickets matched five of the five white balls drawn winning the second-tier prize of $1 million. One of those tickets was purchased with the Power Play multiplier, doubling the prize to $2 million. Click here to see where the three $50,000 Powerball winners were sold. The tickets good for a total of $3 million were sold at the following locations: Union County ($2 million) Krauszer’s Food Store, 727 Central Ave., Westfield; and, Middlesex County ($1 million) Sunny Mart Food St…
News
Creepy Letters Sent To NJ Homeowners Inspired New Netflix Series 'The Watcher'
A series of creepy letters sent to New Jersey homeowners were the inspiration behind Netflix's latest thriller, "The Watcher." Derek and Maria Broaddus' story gained traction in a 2018 article detailing the events that unfolded as soon as they began renovation work on their newly-purchased house at 657 Boulevard in Westfield. Derek went over one day in June 2014 to do some renovations. He checked the mail and found the first letter, it read: "Dearest new neighbor at 657 Boulevard, Allow me to welcome you to the neighborhood. 657 Boulevard has been the subject of my family for decades now…
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