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Andover, NJ

NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property
NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property If you're from Andover, you knew Joey Luchetti. He was the one driving the Joe Veg trucks. Big, silver cross necklace.  And a personality larger than life. The lifelong Andover resident, 60, died on Friday, May 31, when his 1963 Pontiac veered off of Yates Avenue, local police said.   The car went down into a culvert and Luchetti was ejected into a wooded area, just behind his house, where he died. "On his own property," said friend of 40 years Joe Pepe, of Fredon. "That's how close to home he was." Joe Veg famously lived on Luchetti Way, a roadway named after his mo…
NJ Loan Officer Was Fighting For Access To Promising Drug Before He Died, 43 NJ Loan Officer Was Fighting For Access To Promising Drug Before He Died, 43
NJ Loan Officer Was Fighting For Access To Promising Drug Before He Died, 43 Michael Smith, a Frelinghuysen resident, died on Sunday, April 28, with his wife by his side after battling stomach cancer, according to his obituary and various social media posts. He was 43. Born in Dover, Smith spent two decades working with Huntington National Bank, according to his obituary on the Cochran Funeral Home website. His LinkedIn page shows he was a mortgage loan officer. In his free time, Smith enjoyed golfing, cooking, fishing and hiking with his dog Jackson, according to his obituary. Smith penned a Facebook post in August 2023 explaining his prognosis, noting that h…
James Halbig, Army Veteran, Sandyston Resident, Dies At 52 James Halbig, Army Veteran, Sandyston Resident, Dies At 52
James Halbig, Army Veteran, Sandyston Resident, Dies At 52 James Halbig, a Sandyston Township resident, died on Sunday, Feb. 4, at Morristown Medical Center, according to his obituary. Born in Dover, Halbig grew up in Denville and graduated Morris Knolls High School, his obituary reads. He joined the United States Army, serving multiple tours in Germany and the Middle East, including Desert Storm, according to his obituary. He settled in Sandyston and worked as a mechanic at Sussex County Rental Center in Andover, his obituary reads.  A diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan, Halbig was a volunteer fireman for Andover Borough and also served in the N…
Officers, Suspect Treated For Hypothermia After Pursuit Ends Neck-Deep In Sussex County Swamp Officers, Suspect Treated For Hypothermia After Pursuit Ends Neck-Deep In Sussex County Swamp
Officers, Suspect Treated For Hypothermia After Pursuit Ends Neck-Deep In Sussex County Swamp A 42-year-old New York man and a Sussex County police officer were hospitalized for hypothermia after the man was nabbed neck-deep in swamp water, authorities said. Joseph M Flood, of Port Jervis, NY, had been eluding police in various jurisdictions but was spotted by police in Andover while on Anover-Mohawk Road in a Chevy Avalanche around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, local police said.  Flood continued south on Andover-Mohawk Road, but fled on food after losing control and hitting a utility pole, Andover police said. Flood ran through the woods, officers following close behind. Fl…
Off-Duty Trooper Was First To Arrive At Sussex County Blaze That Killed 2 Pets: Officials Off-Duty Trooper Was First To Arrive At Sussex County Blaze That Killed 2 Pets: Officials
Stillwater Fire Kills Two Pets Two pets died in a Sussex County house fire in which an off-duty trooper and firefighter was the first to respond, officials said. Reports of a fire came from a neighbor on on Saddleback Road in Stillwater around 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, fire officials said. "A nearby trooper who is also a firefighter arrived on scene and reported a working fire," the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company said on Facebook. Firefighters from Stillwater, Hampton, Fredon, Andover, Blairstown, Byram, Green, and Branchville responded, with Knowlton on standby. Flames were coming from the side of t…
These NJ Towns Got The Most Rain, Snow In Weekend Storm These NJ Towns Got The Most Rain, Snow In Weekend Storm
These NJ Towns Got The Most Rain, Snow In Weekend Storm The National Weather Service has released rainfall totals from the weekend storm. Between Sunday morning, Dec. 10 and Monday morning, Dec. 11, the area that got the most amount of rain was Deerfield with 4.45 inches, then Flemington/Hopewell, with 4.29 inches. Franklin Lakes saw 4.09 inches, the NWS says. Flanders only got .13 inches, and Florham Park only had .38 inches of rain. High Point got 5.1 inches of snow, according to the NWS, the most across the state, while Wantage saw 5 inches and Hardyston saw .4 inches. Here are the average inches of rain that feel from across the s…
Sussex County Man Initiates High-Speed Rt. 46 Chase, Crashes Into Tree, Flees Again: Prosecutor Sussex County Man Initiates High-Speed Rt. 46 Chase, Crashes Into Tree, Flees Again: Prosecutor
Sussex County Man Initiates High-Speed Rt. 46 Chase, Crashes Into Tree, Flees Again: Prosecutor A Sussex County man was identified and arrested after speeding away from officers attempting to stop him, crashing in Hackettstown, and fleeing on foot, authorities said. Jeffrey Bissonnette, 52, of Andover, was seen speeding past other vehicles on Route 46 and driving recklessly on Saturday, August 19, Warren County Prosecutor James L. Pfeiffer said in a Wednesday release. Bissonnette allegedly ignored officers’ attempts to stop him, continuing east on Route 46 in Hackettstown and eventually crashing into a tree on Cook Street. He then fled the scene on foot, at which point officers were…
Trio Charged After 1-Year-Old Found Dead In Drug-Filled Sussex County Home: Police Trio Charged After 1-Year-Old Found Dead In Drug-Filled Sussex County Home: Police
Trio Charged After 1-Year-Old Found Dead In Drug-Filled Sussex County Home: Police A one-year-old was found dead in a drug-filled Sussex County home, leading to child endangerment and other charges for three, authorities announced over the weekend. The investigation began around 10:15 a.m. on Friday, August 20, when the Andover Police Department received a call reporting a deceased child at a home on Lake Iliff Road, they said in a release on Saturday, August 26. Responders confirmed that the child had been dead for an “undetermined amount of time,” Andover Police said. A follow-up investigation led to the discovery of drugs and paraphernalia inside the home, as well as …
Cops Find 13 Credit Cards Owned By 5 Different People On Sussex County Man Stopped On Rt. 206 Cops Find 13 Credit Cards Owned By 5 Different People On Sussex County Man Stopped On Rt. 206
Cops Find 13 Credit Cards Owned By 5 Different People On Sussex County Man Stopped On Rt. 206 A Sussex County man stopped for a Route 206 traffic violation was later arrested for having 13 credit cards belonging to five different people, authorities said. Dominick J. Fernandez was charged with credit card theft, possession of a prescription drug, open container of alcohol, fictitious registration, and several other motor vehicle offenses, Byram Township Police said in a release on Friday, Oct. 28. Police stopped Fernandez for failing to keep right on Route 206 in Byram on Monday, Oct. 17, they said. A follow-up investigation found that Fernandez, of Andover, was allegedly driving w…
Sparta Cop Nearly Struck By Speeding Driver Injecting Drugs (VIDEO) Sparta Cop Nearly Struck By Speeding Driver Injecting Drugs (VIDEO)
Sparta Cop Nearly Struck By Speeding Driver Injecting Drugs (Video) The intense moment when a Sparta police officer had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by a speeding driver who was apparently injecting drugs was captured in an action-packed video clip. (Scroll for video). Sparta Police Officer Andrew Spitzer was at the scene of a traffic accident near Andover when a man injecting drugs and speeding at 70 mph came at him, the department said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The man continued to accelerate as he approached, forcing Officer Spitzer to leap out of the way just a moment before the car came barreling through to avoid being …
Sussex County Man Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck On Route 80, State Police Say Sussex County Man Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck On Route 80, State Police Say
Sussex County Man Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck On Route 80, State Police Say A Sussex County man was killed in a Route 80 crash involving a pickup truck during the afternoon on Sunday, Oct. 16, state police confirmed. Joseph Bahnken, 76, was driving a Mitsubishi in the center lane of Route 80 eastbound when he entered the left lane and hit a Nissan pickup truck near milepost 25.4 in Mount Olive at 2:55 p.m., NJSP Sgt. Philip Curry told DailyVoice.com. The Mitsubishi then ran off the road and hit the left guardrail, causing Bahnken, of Andover, to suffer fatal injuries, Curry said. The Nissan driver was uninjured. All eastbound lanes east of exit 25 - Rt. 206 in M…
Firefighter Suffers Heat Exhaustion As Crews Battle Blaze At Sussex County Diner (PHOTOS) Firefighter Suffers Heat Exhaustion As Crews Battle Blaze At Sussex County Diner (PHOTOS)
Firefighter Suffers Heat Exhaustion As Crews Battle Blaze At Sussex County Diner (Photos) A firefighter had to be treated for heat exhaustion as crews battled a stubborn blaze at a Sussex County diner, authorities said. The Sparta Township Fire Department responded to the Sparta Classic Diner just after 11:55 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, the squad said. Upon arrival, crews confirmed heavy flames coming from the kitchen and billowing through the roof. Firefighters worked diligently, stretching multiple hose lines through the building to get the blaze under control just before 1 a.m., the department said. Meanwhile, one firefighter suffered from heat exhaustion and was treated at…
‘Tragic:’ Devoted Sussex County Father Of 5 Dies In Motorcycle Crash, 38 ‘Tragic:’ Devoted Sussex County Father Of 5 Dies In Motorcycle Crash, 38
‘Tragic:’ Devoted Sussex County Father Of 5 Dies In Motorcycle Crash, 38 Devoted Sussex County father of five Joseph E. August died in a motorcycle crash on Friday, July 15. He was 38. Joseph attended the Hopatcong School District before moving to Andover, where he lived at the time of his death, according to his social media page and obituary. He loved fishing, the ocean, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his family. Joseph was described as a “devoted father that would stop the world for his children.” “He will be remembered for his infectious smile, big brown eyes, his huge heart and sense of humor,” reads Joseph’s memorial. Joseph leaves behind…
'Disgusting:' Scattered Dead Animal Carcasses Shut Down Sussex County Street 'Disgusting:' Scattered Dead Animal Carcasses Shut Down Sussex County Street
'Disgusting:' Scattered Dead Animal Carcasses Shut Down Sussex County Street A Sussex County street had to be shut down due to an abundance of dead animal carcasses, authorities said. Lower High Street in Andover was closed as of 2:40 p.m. on Monday, July 11, according to the borough’s volunteer fire department. The road was closed from 517 to 206 as several companies assisted with the area’s cleanup, the department said. “We apologize for the disgusting smell!” the department said. It was not immediately clear when the road would reopen. This is a developing story. Check back for more.
Support Rises For North Jersey Family After Death Of Beloved 10-Year-Old Daughter Support Rises For North Jersey Family After Death Of Beloved 10-Year-Old Daughter
Support Rises For North Jersey Family After Death Of Beloved 10-Year-Old Daughter Support is on the rise for a North Jersey family left heartbroken after the death of their 10-year-old daughter. Emily Lenora Fleming died at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on Thursday, June 23, her obituary says. Emily had just finished fourth grade at the Florence M. Burd Elementary School in Andover, where she played the flute and was a dedicated safety patrol member, according to her memorial. She also loved participating in Troop #98136 of the Girl Scouts, playing soccer, flamingos, crocheting, and camping. Emily leaves behind her loving parents, Bob and Kelly Fleming, two …
NJ Man Used TikTok To Solicit Sexual Photos From PA Girls: DA NJ Man Used TikTok To Solicit Sexual Photos From PA Girls: DA
NJ Man Used TikTok To Solicit Sexual Photos From PA Girls: DA A 26-year-old New Jersey man was arrested and found with child porn after he used social media to solicit sexually explicit photos from Pennsylvania girls, authorities said. An investigation began on April 20 when the dad of two girls, ages 11 and 12, told the Montgomery County Detective Bureau that his daughters had been solicited to send naked images via TikTok and text messages by a man later identified as Ryan Corcoran, of Andover, NJ, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said. The dad claimed he learned of the communications when one of his daughters told him t…
Devoted North Jersey Acupuncturist, Clinic Owner Dies Unexpectedly, 42 Devoted North Jersey Acupuncturist, Clinic Owner Dies Unexpectedly, 42
Devoted North Jersey Acupuncturist, Clinic Owner Dies Unexpectedly, 42 Devoted North Jersey acupuncturist and clinic owner Dr. Marcy Ann L'Hommedieu died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 25 at the age of 42. Born in Dover, Marcy grew up in Warren County, where she attended North Warren Regional High School, her obituary and social media pages say. Marcy then moved to the Sunshine State, earning her bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and her doctorate in acupuncture from the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, her memorial says. Marcy later returned to New Jersey and founded AcuVitality with locations in both Blairstown and Andover. She was k…
Dump Truck Rips Off Propane Valve, Causing Massive Leak, Evacuation In Sussex County (PHOTOS) Dump Truck Rips Off Propane Valve, Causing Massive Leak, Evacuation In Sussex County (PHOTOS)
Dump Truck Rips Off Propane Valve, Causing Massive Leak, Evacuation In Sussex County (Photos) A mason dump truck drove over a propane tank in Sussex County, causing a massive leak that took hours to repair and required an evacuation of the area, authorities said. Fire departments in Stillwater, Fredon, and Hampton responded to the Bear Brook community in Fredon alongside numerous local emergency crews around 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 29, authorities said. Upon arrival, the teams found that the mason dump had driven over an underground 1,500-gallon propane tank and ripped off the relief valve from the top. The truck was still on top of the tank as crews responded to the scene, the team…
Sussex County Native, Devoted Father Dies In Car Crash At 29 Sussex County Native, Devoted Father Dies In Car Crash At 29
Sussex County Native, Devoted Father Dies In Car Crash At 29 Support is on the rise for the heartbroken family of a Sussex County native and devoted father who died in a car crash at the age of 29. Anthony Joel Medina died on Saturday, May 14, his obituary says. Born in Morristown, Anthony graduated from Newton High School in 2010 and had lived in Green Township for most of his life, according to his memorial. Anthony was a skilled athlete, especially in football, wrestling, and softball. He went on to attend William Paterson University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, his obituary says. Anthony most recently worked at ADT in Flo…
TikTok Trolls Say NJ Makeup Artist Is Catfishing — She Says She's Just Doing Her Job TikTok Trolls Say NJ Makeup Artist Is Catfishing — She Says She's Just Doing Her Job
TikTok Trolls Say NJ Makeup Artist Is Catfishing — She Says She's Just Doing Her Job Some call what Crystal Curtis is doing "catfishing." She calls it art. The New Jersey native has been going viral on TikTok for her makeup transformations by making herself look like an entirely different person.  Sure, she's got some haters. But she's also got skills. "People use the word 'catfishing' as an insult but I’m like, that just means I’m doing my job," said Curtis, who was born in Plainfield but grew up in Hackettstown and Andover. Scroll to the bottom for products Curtis uses in her transformations. Curtis has been interested in makeup for as long as she can remember. As a te…
2 Hurt In Warren County Head-On Crash 2 Hurt In Warren County Head-On Crash
2 Hurt In Warren County Head-On Crash Two people were hurt in a head-on crash in Warren County Sunday morning, authorities said. The vehicles collided on Waterloo Road near Colony Road in Allamuchy Township, the local fire department said. The victims were evaluated at the scene while emergency crews cleared a minor fluid spill. Byram Fire and Allamuchy Fire. were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Waterloo Rd in the area of... Posted by Byram Twp Fire Department on Sunday, March 13, 2022 The victims were identified as a 51-year-old Stanhope man and a 26-year-old Andover woman, WRNJ reports citing NJS…
Sussex County Police Officer Punched In Face By Fleeing Suspect Sussex County Police Officer Punched In Face By Fleeing Suspect
Sussex County Police Officer Punched In Face By Fleeing Suspect A Sussex County man previously jailed and evaluated for assaulting his father was arrested after punching a police officer in the face and attempting to flee, authorities said. Newton Police Department Special Officer Raul Couce was working as a crossing guard at the corner of Spring Street, Halsted Street, and Sparta Avenue when he was punched in the face by Louis B. Selimi, 23, shortly before 2:55 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, NPD said in a Monday release. Selimi then took a “fighting stance as if he wanted to continue fighting” before running from the area, police said. The Andover re…
Sussex County Woman Wanted For Heroin Distribution Nabbed In Newark: Police Sussex County Woman Wanted For Heroin Distribution Nabbed In Newark: Police
Sussex County Woman Wanted For Heroin Distribution Nabbed In Newark: Police A Sussex County woman wanted for heroin distribution in Hackettstown was arrested in Newark, police confirmed. Hackettstown Police issued a warrant for Chelsea M. Pruden, 28, with charges for heroin distribution on Nov. 19, authorities said. Pruden, of Andover, was arrested in Newark by the Essex County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, police said. She was charged with two counts each of distribution of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, second-degree distribution of heroin within 500 feet of a public park and distribution of heroin within 1,000 feet of school property. The s…
Woman Wanted For Heroin Distribution In Sussex County: Police Woman Wanted For Heroin Distribution In Sussex County: Police
Woman Wanted For Heroin Distribution In Sussex County: Police A Sussex County woman is wanted out of Hackettstown for heroin distribution, local authorities announced. A warrant was issued Nov. 19 for 28-year-old Chelsea M. Pruden of Andover, Hackettstown police said. Specifics were not released. Pruden was arrested for crack and heroin possession following a traffic stop over the summer in Mount Olive. Anyone who knows her whereabouts is urged to call HPD at 908-852-3300.
CRACKDOWN: 8 Nabbed For Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Meth Possession, Distribution At NJ Hotel CRACKDOWN: 8 Nabbed For Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Meth Possession, Distribution At NJ Hotel
Crackdown: 8 Nabbed For Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Meth Possession, Distribution At NJ Hotel Eight people — all but one of them New Jersey residents — were hit with a slew of drug charges after an investigation into suspicious hotel activity hotel led to the discovery of heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and various paraphernalia, police confirmed. Hanover Police officers were monitoring a hallway at the unnamed hotel upon the owner’s request following the ongoing reports of suspicious activity when possible drug paraphernalia was seen outside a room on Oct. 28, authorities said in a Tuesday release. The officers then heard an alarm going off and confirmed through th…
'Devastated:' North Jersey Native, Aspiring Policeman Gunnar Bigley Dies Suddenly At 19 'Devastated:' North Jersey Native, Aspiring Policeman Gunnar Bigley Dies Suddenly At 19
'Devastated:' North Jersey Native, Aspiring Policeman Gunnar Bigley Dies Suddenly At 19 North Jersey native and aspiring police officer Gunnar Jeffrey Bigley died suddenly at Morristown Memorial Hospital on Sept. 23. He was 19. Born in Denville, Bigley worked as a parts delivery driver for Family Ford in Netcong and lived in Andover, his obituary says.  Gunnar was known for his passion for anything with a motor, from riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes to owning his very own Chevy Duramax truck. Above all, Bigley was remembered for his kind-hearted soul and for the one-of-a-kind bond he shared with his loving mother, Donna Hamilton Bigley. “He wanted nothing more than to ma…
Visit The NJ Corn Maze That Farmer Made For Surprise Helicopter Proposal Visit The NJ Corn Maze That Farmer Made For Surprise Helicopter Proposal
Visit The NJ Corn Maze That Farmer Made For Surprise Helicopter Proposal New Jersey resident Killian Leahy knew her boyfriend Zach Freeborn was going to pop the question sometime this fall. But she didn't know when, or how a-maize-ing it would be. On Sept. 13, Freeborn took Leahy for a helicopter ride over Sussex County, where his family owns Tranquility Farms. She assumed it was just a quick trip to take some pictures, seeing as Leahy's never been on a helicopter before. But at some point during the ride, Leahy noticed something unusual.  The words "Marry me?" had been plowed into a corn maze on the Andover farm below. Of course, Leahy said yes. She sa…
North Jersey Native, Beloved Son, Brother Chris Fecko Dies In Motorcycle Crash On 23rd Birthday North Jersey Native, Beloved Son, Brother Chris Fecko Dies In Motorcycle Crash On 23rd Birthday
North Jersey Native, Beloved Son, Brother Chris Fecko Dies In Motorcycle Crash On 23rd Birthday Lifelong North Jersey resident and beloved son, brother and friend Christopher Fecko died at Garnet Medical Hospital in Middletown, NY after he got into a motorcycle crash while celebrating his 23rd birthday on June 25. Born in Belleville, Fecko lived in Oak Ridge and graduated from Jefferson Township High School in 2016, where he won the Baseball State Championship during his senior year, his obituary says. Fecko was an aspiring welder and worked at Airside Sheetmetal in Andover at the time of his death, his memorial says. Fecko was known for his love of all things outdoors, including hun…
Police ID Driver Killed In Route 206 Sussex County Crash Police ID Driver Killed In Route 206 Sussex County Crash
Police ID Driver Killed In Route 206 Sussex County Crash A 62-year-old man died when his vehicle became pinned underneath a tractor-trailer on Route 206 in Sussex County Friday afternoon, authorities said. Richard Hamm, of Andover, was heading northbound behind the wheel of a Dodge when he struck the trailer, which was perpendicular across the roadway while backing into a loading dock 2:20 p.m.,  Police Chief Eric Danielson said. The Andover Township Fire Department and first responders removed Hamm's car from under the tractor trailer, and Hamm died of injuries suffered in the crash, police said.
Morris Motorist Who May Lose Leg From Head-On Crash With Passaic Driver Gets $1.5M Settlement Morris Motorist Who May Lose Leg From Head-On Crash With Passaic Driver Gets $1.5M Settlement
Morris Motorist Who May Lose Leg From Head-On Crash With Passaic Driver Gets $1.5M Settlement A nursing assistant who may end up losing a leg from a head-on crash with a Passaic County driver in Morris County reportedly has won a $1.49 million settlement. Melissa Van Orden, now 47, of Budd Lake was driving home from work on southbound Route 206 in Andover when an oncoming Volkswagen crossed the double-yellow center line and slammed head-on into her Hyundai Santa Fe shortly after 7 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2019, authorities said. Both Van Orden and the Volkwagen driver, Enrico Stampone, now 27, of Totowa, were airlifted to Morristown Medical Center, responders said at the time. Va…
Police: Sussex County Woman Struck By Car In Grocery Store Parking Lot Police: Sussex County Woman Struck By Car In Grocery Store Parking Lot
Police: Sussex County Woman Struck By Car In Grocery Store Parking Lot A Sussex County woman was hospitalized with hip and shoulder injuries after being struck by a car in a grocery store parking lot Thursday morning, police said. Kathleen McMickle of Andover was struck in the parking lot of Weis Market on Water Street in Newton just before 9:45 a.m., Newton Police Lt. Mike Monaco told Daily Voice. She was taken to Newton Medical Center with injuries to her left hip and shoulder, Monaco said. The driver — Maria Fiedorczyk of Newton — was issued a summons for careless driving and is scheduled to appear in Newton Municipal Court. Officers were assisted at the …