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48°
Sunday, apr 28
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Westwood, NJ
Police & Fire
Ex-Con Charged By FBI With Igniting Explosive Outside Passaic County ATM
A career criminal from Passaic County who's been busted dozens of times in North Jersey in just the past few years used an explosive device to damage an ATM, federal authorities charged. Nicolas Torres, 41, of Passaic, has amassed a lengthy rap sheet over much of his adult life, mostly involving business break-ins that local police and county prosecutors have dealt with. This time, though, the FBI's got him. Torres was captured on surveillance video igniting the device in front of the Chase Bank ATM on North 6th Street in Prospect Park in the early morning hours of July 5, 2022, U.S. Attor…
Lifestyle
Hudson County Favorite Son Bobby Cannavale Praised In Garden State-Centric Dramedy 'Ezra'
Actor Bobby Cannavale has a heartwarming New Jersey-based film premiering this spring that those who've seen it predict could be one of his best. In "Ezra," the pride of Hudson County plays Max, a stand-up comedian from the Garden State who lives with his father, portrayed by Robert De Niro. Max pursues his career while trying to co-parent his 11-year-old son with ex-wife (and Cannavale's real-life partner) Rose Byrne. Max lands a gig on Jimmy Kimmel's show in Hollywood, but the plane fare isn't comped. So he and young Ezra -- who has autism -- embark on a life-changing cross-country trip …
Police & Fire
Man Charged With Killing NJ High Schooler With Fentanyl-Laced Pill
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A 17-year-old Park Ridge boy was killed by a single imitation painkiller laced with fentanyl that was given to him by a Westwood man who's been charged with causing his death. The boy thought he was taking an Oxycontin pill before he overdosed last Sept. 14, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Officers who responded to the emergency call administered Narcan, among other life-saving measures, the prosecutor said. The high school senior was pronounced dead a short time later. Detectives from the prosecutor’s Narcotic Task Force determined during a six-month investigatio…
Police & Fire
Hospital ERs in Bergen, Montclair Closed By Nationwide Ransomware Attack
The latest in a continuing series of nationwide ransomware attacks closed two hospital emergency rooms in New Jersey. Authorities haven't disclosed what's been demanded by the cybercriminals who forced ambulances to divert to other hospitals from Pascack Valey Medical Center in Westwood and Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair beginning on Thanksgiving evening. Lab work, radiology, scheduling, billing -- basically anything involving computer software -- apparently were affected. "No one can use the computers in the buildings," a source said. "The hospitals are doing everything by paper…
Business
Latin Cafe Paying Homage To Bergen County Chef's Late Parents Reopens Year After Fire
A Bergen County Latin restaurant is getting ready to reopen more than a year after an electrical fire devastated the kitchen. Mi Flor Latin Cafe in Westwood has been closed since the fire in October 2022. The eatery announced it would be reopening on Friday, Nov. 17. Mi Flor opened in 2021 and is run by chef Eliu Salguero, who was born and raised in Guatemala in a family of 16 children, and Dean Evans, who retired from UPS after 25 years of working in IT. "After recovering from COVID in March of 2020, and meeting up wit Eliu, I decided I need to keep busy," Evans said before opening …
Business
Grandson Of Original Callahan's Owner Sets Opening Date On New Bergen County Hot Dog Shop
Hot dog fans have waited long enough. 1950 Originals, which is owned by Dan DeMiglio, the grandson of the original owner of Callahan's announced it is hosting its grand opening in Westwood on Sunday, Oct. 15 beginning at 11 a.m. “I’m so excited to start fresh with a brand new business — it’s like having a blank canvas," DeMiglio said in a statement when he announced 1950s Originals. "This is my chance to start over and dream bigger. "But to me, it’s not always about the brand name. It’s about the people on your team, and our team is truly incredible." DeMiglio revived Callahan's in Norwoo…
News
Teterboro Airport Noise Persists: Newly-Formed Group Pushes FAA For Alternate Flight Path
Residents who live near Teterboro Airport have had enough with the noise. More than 840 people in the Pascack Valley region, who have formed the group Taxpayers for Airport Noise Solutions, have signed a petition requesting the FAA to change the flight plans for flights into Teterboro Airport Runway 19, by having them fly over Route 17. Signers include the mayors of Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Old Tappan, Oradell, Park Ridge, River Vale, Washington Township, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake. Residents say this route avoids Hackensack University Medical Center and the Pascack Valley regio…
Business
Former Callahan's Owner Reveals New North Jersey Eatery: 'My Chance To Start Over'
For hot dog fans in North Jersey, it's been a cruel summer. But after months of teasing, former Callahan's owner Dan DeMiglio has finally announced what his fans have been waiting for: 1950 Originals. DeMiglio's brand-new business is replacing Jack's Café in Westwood. “I’m so excited to start fresh with a brand new business — it’s like having a blank canvas," DeMiglio said in a statement. "This is my chance to start over and dream bigger. "But to me, it’s not always about the brand name. It’s about the people on your team, and our team is truly incredible." DeMiglio, who…
Police & Fire
Daughter Of Late Combat Vet Jailed For Death Threats To Public Officials: NJ State Police
A grieving naval officer’s daughter from Bergen County who’s been involved in a court battle with the local veterans home made what New Jersey State Police allege were credible threats against two public officials following her father’s death. Amy Johnson, 54, of Westwood, had initially “voiced her dissatisfaction with the court’s decision" over a power-of-attorney request, says a State Police complaint filed in Superior Court in Hackensack. She initially left email and voice messages that the NJSP said mentioned two public officials by name and were “concerning, harassing and threatening i…
Business
Renowned Tattoo Artist Inks Up Bergen County With New Shop
Ray Mandal is bringing fresh ink to Bergen County with his new tattoo parlor. A lifelong artist who has tattooed surgeons, elected officials and police officers is celebrating the grand opening of Lighthouse Tattoo Parlor to Tenafly on Sunday, April 30. After working in graphic design for six years, he realized he wanted to find a new field and a friend recommend he become a tattoo artist. Though Mandal admits at first he was apprehensive. "I didn't want to mess up anybody," Mandal said. "It's quite a permanent thing." Mandal began an apprenticeship and was soon honing his craft. Today,…
News
NJ Man, 76, Jailed On Disturbing Human Remains Charges After Sister, 70, Is Found Dead
UPDATE: The 76-year-old brother of a Westwood woman whose body was found at least a week after she died was arrested on related charges. Joan Winter, 70, formerly of Yonkers and Hartsdale, NY, and her brother Mark, 76, had lived together for several years in what had been their late mother's Kennedy Terrace home on a quiet cul-de-sac near Washington Avenue, those who knew them said. Two friends who’d gone to the house looking for Joan said Mark told them she’d gone, a source with direct knowledge of the discovery said. Westwood police went to the home to conduct a welfare check around 1 p.…
News
Grisly
Find
: NJ Woman, 70, Dead In Bed Over A Week, Brother Questioned: Responders
UPDATE: The 76-year-old brother of a Westwood woman whose body was found at least a week after she died was arrested on related charges. Joan Winter, 70, formerly of Yonkers and Hartsdale, NY, and her brother Mark, 76, had lived together for several years in what had been their late mother's Kennedy Terrace home on a quiet cul-de-sac near Washington Avenue, those who knew them said. Two friends who’d gone to the house looking for Joan said Mark told them she’d gone, a source with direct knowledge of the discovery said. Westwood police went to the home to conduct a welfare check around 1 p…
Obituaries
Arrangements Finalized For Heather Castronova
Funeral arrangements have been finalized for retired Washington Township detective and mom of two Heather Castronova. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 at George Washington Memorial Park. A former US Marine, Castronova died due to unknown medical circumstances, the department said on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Click here for the full Daily Voice tribute for Heather Castronova. Heather Castronova.Township …
Business
'Rising Star Chef' Behind New Montclair Restaurant Pasta Ramen
An acclaimed chef who earned the James Beard Foundation's Rising Star Award is behind a Japanese-style Italian ramen restaurant opening imminently in Montclair. Originally launched as a pop-up, PastaRAMEN is opening its first-ever brick-and-mortar restaurant at 6 S. Fullerton Ave. on Saturday, Jan. 28, the business confirmed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pasta Ramen (@pasta__ramen) “We know you have all been waiting and we appreciate all the love and support,” reads the post. The owner/chef behind the eatery is Robbie Felice…
News
Notorious NJ Serial Killer To Plead Guilty To Murders Of Five Long Island Women: Report
The number of brutal murder confessions continues to mount for imprisoned New Jersey serial killer Richard Cottingham, who reportedly is scheduled to plead guilty to five more killings, all of women on Long Island. Cottingham, now 76, has been serving multiple life sentences in South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, NJ, for more than four decades for killing six Garden State women between 1967 and 1980. He's spent a considerable part of that time lately claiming he's committed several other killings. “For a long time now I have been trying to understand the darkness that enveloped my soul…
Business
Bergen County Cafe Closing After 16 Years
A popular Bergen County cafe is closing its doors for good after what the owners call “16 wonderful years.” Jack’s Cafe made the announcement on its Facebook page on Monday, Nov. 28, stating that its last day open would be Saturday, Dec. 10. “THANK YOU WESTWOOD AND GOODBYE!” reads the post. “It is with a heavy heart, that after an amazing 16 years, Risa and I are announcing the closing of Jack's Cafe.” Known for its fresh, never frozen breakfast, lunch, and dinner specialties and its BYOB policy, Jack’s Cafe has long been considered a staple in the heart of Westwood. Cooking for a d…
News
Passing Of Upper Saddle River Firefighting Veteran Follows Death Of Fellow Area Responder
Already reeling from the death of a local firefighter following an intense house blaze, the community of area responders sadly learned that they'd lost another. Upper Saddle River Firefighter Alex Moss, 54, had dedicated more than 30 years of his life to the service of others. Colleagues officially announced his death early Sunday evening, Oct. 30: "It is with deep regret and great sadness the Upper Saddle River Fire Department announces the untimely passing and Line of Duty Death of Firefighter Alex Moss. Please keep the Moss family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this to…
News
'Loved By Many': Family Of NJ Man, 20, Killed In Tragic Manhattan Subway Accident
Shock and sorrow spread with the news that a young Westwood man was accidentally dragged and killed by a subway train at the Columbus Circle station in Manhattan. Joseph Ancona, 20, apparently tried to board a southbound No. 1 train when his clothing got caught in a subway door at the station off 59th Street around 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, city police said. “The victim was then dragged and struck by [another] train,” the NYPD reported. Ancona was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. It wasn't clear whether the conductor was aware of what was happening or why the doors didn't automati…
News
North Jersey Man, 20, Dragged, Killed By Train In Manhattan Subway Station
Shock and sorrow spread with the news that a young Westwood man was accidentally dragged and killed by a subway train at the Columbus Circle station in Manhattan. Joseph Ancona, 20, apparently tried to board a southbound No. 1 train when his clothing got caught in a subway door at the station off 59th Street around 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, city police said. “The victim was then dragged and struck by [another] train,” the NYPD reported. Ancona was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. It wasn't clear whether the conductor was aware of what was happening or why the doors didn't automati…
News
Bail Reform Poster Boy Wanted On Warrants Out Of Eight North Jersey Towns Nabbed By Local PD
A serial burglar wanted on warrants out of no fewer than eight towns in four counties was captured by Maywood police and charged with a break-in at a local dry cleaner. Nicolas G. Torres, 40, of Passaic, has been repeatedly arrested and then subsequently released under New Jersey’s 2017 bail reform law, mostly on commercial burglary charges, over the past several years, records show. His criminal record stretches back more than a decade before that, however. Earlier this year, Torres was linked to break-ins at businesses in Fort Lee, Leonia, Englewood Cliffs, Little Falls, Montclair, Ridg…
Obituaries
William Borgersen Of Bergen County Dies Suddenly, 21
Support was surging for the family of 21-year-old William Borgersen, a Bergen County native, who died suddenly on Thursday, Oct. 6. Borgersen's obituary says only that he died in a "tragic shooting accident." "Our lives are broken and will never be the same," his parents Janine and Chris said in a joint statement on social media. "Anyone who knew Willy was better for it. "He was a breath of fresh air in the room, and a light in the lives of us all. That light has dimmed here on earth, but his spirt will shine brightly forever." William was raised in Westwood and, after graduati…
News
Gotcha
! Thieves Captured After Crashing Stolen Car Into Stopped Traffic At Routes 17 And 4
Two out-of-state teens were captured after crashing a stolen car into two vehicles -- sending a driver to the hospital -- while trying to cross from one busy Paramus highway to another, authorities said. Parris Lamont Dennis, 18, of Jamaica, Queens, and Shahiem X. McCrimmon, 19, of the Bronx bailed out but were caught after bystanders advised police of their movements shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, They were taken into custody without incident, Paramus Deputy Police Chief Robert M. Guidetti said. A Saddle River police officer began chasing the 2019 Honda Civic with Vermont licens…
News
Update
: 'Popping Sounds' Heard During North Jersey Fire Not Ammo, Authorities Say
Popping sounds heard during a fire involving two structures and multiple vehicles in Washington Township weren't from ammunition, as some neighbors and witnesses surmised, local authorities said. The Pascack Road homeowner was out when paint cans apparently combusted in what became an intense, three-alarm fire across the street from Memorial Field late Friday afternoon, they said. A shed and a vehicle apparently went up first, then an SUV that could be seen from the street, witnesses said. The fire then began burning up the house, they said. The shed was destroyed, the vehicles totaled an…
News
NJ Man Gets Federal Prison Time For Assisting Massage Parlor Prostitution
A former Bergen County resident must spend nearly three years in federal prison for producing bogus training certificates for massage parlors that sold sex. Naresh Rane, 68, gave 10 of those certificates to a former local councilman who was later found dead of suicide along with his wife, authorities said. Rane, formerly of Closter, owned and operated the now-defunct Axiom Healthcare Academy on Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen, which touted itself as a provider of massage therapy training. Anyone who didn't want to go through the training could pay Rane anywhere from $1,000 to $2,600 for …
Business
NJ Family's Ice Cream Shop Expands With Third Location: Report
A family owned ice cream shop is expanding its footprint with a third North Jersey location, reports NJ Advance Media. Stack Creamery will be replacing Postmark at 48 Washington St. in Morristown, with a soft opening planned sometime this month. Stack Creamery's unique touch allows customers to choose from several ice cream flavors and toppings to build their own custom ice cream sandwich, and offers a multitude of ice cream-related baked goods. The flagship store for Stack Creamery is located in Westwood, while a second store opened last year in Jersey City. To read the full r…
News
Notorious NJ Serial Killer Charged With Murder Of Dance Teacher At Popular Long Island Mall
Another female victim has been added to the list of imprisoned 75-year-old New Jersey serial killer Richard Cottingham, thanks to advances in DNA technology. Cottingham was arraigned on Long Island via videoconference Wednesday from South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton for the 1968 slaying of a New Hyde Park woman in the parking lot of the popular Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream. He entered a not-guilty plea to murder charges in the death of Diane Cusick, a 23-year-old divorced single mom who worked as a dance instructor. Cottingham, a married father of three who’d lived in Lodi and wor…
Lifestyle
Popular Ice Cream Spots In North Jersey For A Tasty Cool Down
We've got a scorcher of a weekend ahead of us. Why not a tasty treat to cool down? Here are some of the most popular ice cream spots in North Jersey. The sampling of spots below were top-rated on several user-generated review sites, featured in local publications and recommended by Daily Voice readers. Applegate Farm Homemade Ice Cream, Montclair View this post on Instagram A post shared by Applegate Ice Cream (@applegatefarmic) Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream, Ledgewood Conrad’s Confectionary, Westwood Denville Dairy, Denville Falls Creamery,…
News
Visitation, Funeral For Drowned North Jersey HS Student Comes Quickly
UPDATE: Visiting hours are scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Sunday followed by a 10 a.m. funeral service on Monday for an 18-year-old New Milford High School senior who drowned trying to help a group of local kids. Both the April 25 service and visitation for Clinten Ajit the day before are at St. Peter's Mar Thoma Church, 56 Ridgewood Road in Washington Township: (201) 837-2200. The service will be followed by interment in Westwood Cemetery, 23 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood: (201) 664-7161. Ajit was born in Niranam, Kerala, India on Jan. 22, 2004. He emigrated to the U.S. with his family in Septembe…
News
GoFundMe Established For Family Of Drowned North Jersey HS Student
UPDATE: Visiting hours are scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Sunday followed by a 10 a.m. funeral service on Monday for an 18-year-old New Milford High School senior who drowned trying to help a group of local kids. The April 25 service and visitation for Clinten Ajit the day before are both at St. Peter's Mar Thoma Church, 56 Ridgewood Road in Washington Township: (201) 837-2200. The service will be followed by interment in Westwood Cemetery, 23 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood: (201) 664-7161. Ajit was born in Niranam, Kerala, India on Jan. 22, 2004. He emigrated to the U.S. with his family in Septemb…
News
Update
: Body Of Drowned NJ High School Student Pulled From Pond
UPDATE: The body of a New Milford High School senior was removed from a borough pond hours after what witnesses said was a tragic accident. Clinten Ajit, 18, was doing a good deed when he went into the Hard Castle Pond behind the Dorchester Manor Apartments near the borough athletic fields around 7:15 p.m. Friday, April 22. "Some kids accidentally kicked a soccer ball in the water and [he] said he would get it for them," a responder said after police spoke with witnesses. "He didn't know how to swim and never came back up." Responding officers found Ajit's shoes on the bank, the ball floa…
News
Women Looking For Any Excuse To Be Pulled Over By Bergen County Officer Going Viral
Women across North Jersey are apparently willing to get themselves into trouble if it means scoring a date with one of River Edge's newest officers. A photo of Domenic Pizzanelli holding a lost dog on the River Edge PBA Local 201's Facebook page has caught the attention of thousands of women, many threatening to run red lights and rob banks just to chat with the officer. The good news? The dog, MoMo, was returned home within hours. The bad news, at least for Bergen County hopefuls, Pizzanelli is off the market. In fact, Pizzanelli's girlfriend of two years, Riana McShea, has been nothing …
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