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Friday, nov 22
Tag:
Kean University
Sports
Mets Claim Bergen County Pitcher Kevin Herget
Kevin Herget will be pitching a stone's throw away from his home state next season. The Mets signed the 33-year-old Park Ridge native off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers, the MLB confirmed Monday, Nov. 4. The Kean University Hall of Famer was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 39th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Herget made his MLB debut in 2022 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and then the Brewers. According to the MLB website, Herget spent most of the summer The Mets added two players to their 40-man roster, claiming Herget from the Brewers …
Obituaries
Rita Marquez Of Washington Dies After Cancer Battle, 43: 'Beacon Of Artistic Passion'
Rita Marquez of Washington (Warren County) died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 25 after a courageous cancer battle, according to her obituary on the Warren Hills Memorial Home website. She was 43 years old. Born in Newark, Rita graduated from Frank H. Morrell High School and later from Kean University with a degree in graphic design. Her obituary remembers her as a "beacon of artistic passion... "Rita's creations became tokens of her affection, as she dedicated time to crafting personalized gifts, delights, and baked goods that revealed her deep care for her family and friends. Known …
News
Stuffed Puppy Brings Life Full Circle For
Papd
's First Hispanic Female Police Captain
His name is Bingo, and he's so much more than a toy puppy. The stuffed animal was gifted to Priscilla Sanchez when she was 10 by her older brother gifted her the stuffed toy as he prepared for deployment to Iraq. “I held onto that puppy every night," said Sanchez, 33, adding that the puppy became a symbol of her brother's sacrifice. “I knew I wanted to follow the same path.” This year, days before welcoming her third son, Sanchez was promoted to the Port Authority Police Department's first female captain of Hispanic heritage. And this time, Sanchez's sons wer…
Police & Fire
Former Kean U Lax Player, School IT Worker Sextorted Girls Into Sending Nudes, Prosecutor Says
A 24-year-old South Jersey school's IT worker is accused of blackmailing girls he met online into sending him nude pictures, authorities said. Bryce Berger, who is from Delanco and works in Medford's public school system, was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 19, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw said in a news release. The investigation began after the prosecutor's office received a tip about his online activities. Investigators said Berger used an app to ask for nude pictures from girls between 12 and 17 years old and received some. He then sextorted them, threatening …
Police & Fire
Body Of Paramus Gym Owner, 35, Recovered From Vermont River: State Police
A 35-year-old Paramus man's body was believed to have been recovered from a river in Vermont on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 14 after a multi-day search, authorities said. Tuan Baldino was initially reported missing on Saturday, Aug. 10 after swimming in Mad River in the northern part of the state. The search lasted several days and had to be suspended multiple times due to high and swift water condition, police said. Warren Falls, where the river was located, was closed all week as police searched for Baldino. Police on Wednesday cautioned the public to expect continued ha…
News
Edison Police Lieutenant Dies
The Edison Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its lieutenants. The department announced the death of Lt. Donald Ship on Wednesday, July 10. A cause of death was not provided. Ship launched his career in law enforcement as an officer at Kean University before transferring to EPD in January 2011. He was assigned to the patrol bureau "where he was an officer his squad mates could rely on, and he was a field training officer to new hires," his department said. Ship was promoted to sergeant in 2020, and was tasked with relaunching the Community Policing Unit. "He …
Politics
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…
Obituaries
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…
Police & Fire
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…
Schools
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…
Police & Fire
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…
Lifestyle
‘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…
Obituaries
'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 …
News
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…
News
Update
: Mahwah Woman 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…
News
Update
: Mahwah Woman Jailed For Shooting Up SUV In Former Waldwick Neighbor's Driveway
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…
Events
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 …
News
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…
Obituaries
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…
News
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…
Police & Fire
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 …
News
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…
Schools
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 …
News
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…
News
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…
Obituaries
Shock, Sadness Spread After Point Pleasant HS Grad Maggie Gilbert Dies In Labor, 31
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…
News
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…
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