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Tuesday, mar 11
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Westwood, NJ
News
Double Homicide: NJ Teen Who Beat Aunts Dead Faces Life In Prison, DA Says
A teen accused of brutally killing her two aunts inside a Rockland County home has been indicted on multiple murder charges and faces life behind bars, prosecutors announced. Alan "Alina" Abad, 19, of Westwood, New Jersey, was arraigned on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Rockland County Court, where a grand jury indicted them on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, according to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. Prosecutors allege that on Saturday, Feb. 15, around 6:30 p.m., Abad beat their two aunts, Evelyn Aguilar-Agustin and Anabelly Aguilar, t…
Police & Fire
NJ Teen Beat Victims Dead To Stop Them From Calling 911, New Details Show
More chilling details have emerged in a double homicide in Rockland County, where the 19-year-old suspect posted a wholesome TikTok video before allegedly beating two victims to death to stop them from calling for help, police said. Alan "Alina" Abad of Westwood, NJ is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Evelyn Aguilar-Agustin and Anabelly Aguilar, whose bodies were discovered inside a Gesner Drive residence in Spring Valley around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, according to the Spring Valley Police Department. According to a criminal complaint, Abad allegedly beat both vict…
News
James Gandolfini Service Area Sets Opening Date After Renovations
Pull over, Parkway travelers—the James Gandolfini Service Area along the Garden State Parkway finally has an opening date. The Montvale rest area will open its doors Monday, Jan. 27, and it’s bringing big Jersey energy along with some fan-favorite eats. Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, Nathan’s, and the Applegreen retail market will be ready to serve up snacks and coffee to keep your road trip rolling. Burger King might be flipping burgers by Monday, but officials say they’ll know for sure later this week. Meanwhile, Sunoco will take a little longer to join the fun, with plans to open during the we…
News
NJ Corrections Officer Ryan Stemple Dies Months After Cancer Diagnosis, 51
The New Jersey Department of Corrections is mourning the loss of Senior Correctional Police Officer Ryan Robert Stemple, who died on Monday, Dec. 2. Ryan, 51, of Park Ridge (Bergen County), was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer that metastasized to a small area of his lung earlier this year, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for his daughter. "He was a very proud father, great son, brother, cousin and friend to many," writes Jen Van Cleef in an update on the campaign. "Ryan expressed he was not afraid to the unknown but more sad. He said he is going to miss …
News
NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds
New Jersey hospitals are among the safest in the nation, according to the fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grade report from The Leapfrog Group. The Garden State ranks in the top 10 states for the highest percentage of "A" hospitals, joining states like Utah, Virginia, and Connecticut. The grades, which are updated twice a year, assess nearly 3,000 hospitals across the country on their effectiveness at preventing medical errors, accidents, and infections. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 30 performance measures to assign grades ranging from "A" to "F," offering patients and fami…
News
Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie Phenom, Star Gymnast GF Livvy Dunne Jet Off To MLB All-Star Game
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes is taking his famed moustache, golden arm, and model girlfriend to the MLB All-Star Game this week. In a post on Instagram on Sunday, LSU gymnast, and influencer, Livvy Dunne — who hails from Bergen County — shared a photo of the pair before heading on a private jet to Texas with friends, where the 22-year-old is set to make his 12th career start in the majors at the big event on Tuesday. Skenes - the first overall pick in the 2023 draft - has only started 11 games in his career since being called up earlier this year, notching six wins with an E…
Lifestyle
Have You Voted? Where Is The Best Ice Cream In North Jersey?
It'll melt fast, but it sure is good. We asked Daily Voice Instagram followers their favorite ice cream spots in North Jersey. The most popular suggestions are listed in the poll above. Vote on your favorite now! Honorable mentions include Cranberry Junction in Hackensack, Gelotti in Paterson, Conrad's in Westwood, and Ice Cream on Grand in Englewood, which were also mentioned by our Instagram followers several times. Voting ends July 15 at 8 p.m. Winner gets bragging rights.
Obituaries
John Zisa, Legendary North Jersey Football Coach, Dies At 61
John Zisa, a football coach throughout North Jersey, died on Sunday May 19, at the age of 61, according to his obituary. Zisa was born and raised in Paterson and moved to Fair Lawn in 1974, his obituary reads. He coached for more than 26 years at Paterson Catholic, Paramus Catholic, Rutherford and Westwood, according to his coaching biography. R.I.P. John Zisa words can’t express how much you will be missed. No single person has had a more profound impact on my... Posted by Nick Campanile on Monday, May 20, 2024 In 1980, before his senior year of high school, Zisa dove into a pool,…
Police & Fire
Again
? Another Alarm Malfunction Brings Massive Law Enforcement Response To Westwood HS
The second alarm system malfunction at Westwood Regional High School in a little over two weeks created a confusing scene as parents and guardians were dropping off their children on Thursday. The system triggered a 7:43 a.m. May 2 lockdown, similar to what occurred on April 16, when the system malfunctioned twice, Westwood Regional Schools Supt. Jill Mortimer said. As before, a legion of tactical and other law enforcement officers converged on Washington Township -- among them, a Bergen County Regional SWAT team and police from the township, Westwood, Emerson, River Val…
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
Westwood Man Charged With Killing High Schooler From Park Ridge 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 Veteran 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
Westwood 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
: 70-Something Westwood Woman Was Dead At Least A Week, Responders Say
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 Bergen County 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
Bergen County Man, 20, Killed In Tragic Manhattan Subway Accident 'Loved By So Many'
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 Maywood 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…
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