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Saturday, dec 21
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Sparta, NJ
News
Drone 'Size Of A Car' Spotted By Sparta Resident
The skies over New Jersey remain a puzzling hotspot for drone sightings as reports continue nearly two weeks after they first emerged, with residents growing increasingly uneasy (scroll for video). On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Warren County officials confirmed they are working with the FBI-Newark, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to monitor, assess, and investigate the unusual activity. This follows a similar announcement from Morris and Somerset counties, where prosecutors, sheriffs, and emergency management offices are coordinating efforts …
Police & Fire
Teacher Gets 10 Years After Recording Upskirt Photos Of Students: Sussex County Prosecutor
A 41-year-old Hopatcong teacher was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday, Nov. 15, after pleading guilty to illegally recording upskirt photos of his female students, authorities said. Michael Wagner made the recordings while teaching at Pope John XXIII and Reverend Brown schools, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray, Chief of Detectives Thomas McCormick, and Sparta Police Chief Jeff McCarrick said. In October 2022, a teacher at Pope John in Sparta overhead several students talking about Wagner recording them during class, authorities said. A forensic examin…
Obituaries
Sparta's Tristan Lozada Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer, 8
Tristan Lozada, an 8-year-old Sparta resident died after battling brain cancer on Monday, Oct. 28, according to his obituary from the Shook Funeral Home website. Tristan had moved to Sparta from Newark and enjoyed dancing, Halloween, and playing Roblox on his iPad, his obituary reads. He is survived by his parents, James and Monica, his brother James and his grandparents Mercede, Luzmila and Victor, according to his obituary. A fundraiser was set up to assist his family with expenses while he battled the cancer, which was diagnosed in August 2023. As of Wednesday, Nov. 13, almost $38,…
Obituaries
Sussex County Dad, NJ Transit Worker Scott Williams Dies, 47
Scott Williams, a longtime NJ Transit employee and Sparta resident, died on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the age of 41, according to an obituary from the Goble Funeral Home website. Williams, was born in Livingston and graduated from Sparta High School, before going to work at NJ Transit, where he worked for 17 years, according to his obituary Williams is survived by his wife, Jillian, and his five children, Harvey, Eva, Charlotte, Lillian and Abigail, his obituary reads. He is also survived by his parents James and Janice, his siblings, Lindsey and Colleen, and numerous other family members and fri…
Police & Fire
One Hospitalized In Sparta House Fire: Police
One person was hospitalized following a house fire in Sparta on the evening of Monday, Oct. 14, authorities said. Firefighters responded to 190 West Shore Trail and worked to extinguish the blaze, Sparta police said in a release. One of the residents had to be transported to a nearby hospital with minor burns and smoke inhalation, police said. The Sparta Police Detective Bureau will be investigating the origin of the fire, police said.
Police & Fire
Victim ID'd In Fatal Sparta House Fire: Police
A 78-year-old man was killed in a house fire in Sparta on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 10, authorities said. Wayne Pait, who lived at the home, was identified as the victim, Sparta police said. First responders arrived at 132 Sawmill Road at 8:24 a.m. and found smoke billowing from the residence, Sparta police said. Upon arrival, they were informed a resident was still inside the home but officers were blocked from entering the home due to heavy smoke and fire, police said. Three family members were able to get out of the home with the assistance of patrols and were transported to a nearb…
Police & Fire
One Killed In Sparta House Fire: Police
A person was killed in a house fire in Sparta on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 10, authorities said. First responders arrived at 132 Sawmill Road at 8:24 a.m. and found smoke billowing from the residence, Sparta police said. Upon arrival, they were informed a resident was still inside the home but officers were blocked from entering the home due to heavy smoke and fire, police said. A person was later discovered deceased inside the home, police said. Their identity is being withheld pending family notification, police said. Three family members were able to get out of the home with the ass…
Police & Fire
Sparta Patrol Car Struck By Drunk Driver Who Hadn't Driven In Years: Police
A Sparta police car was struck by a drunk driver on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 3, authorities said. At 10:09 p.m., officers were on the scene of a motor vehicle crash on Route 15, Sparta police said. While police were assessing the damage from the crash, a gray Ford, driven by 43-year-old Nicole Romeo, a Hamburg resident, struck their patrol vehicle, officers said. As police tended to Romeo, they detected the odor of alcohol on her breath and noted her speech was slurred, officers said. Romeo told police she had a glass of wine earlier in the day, officers said. Romeo said she did not r…
Police & Fire
Teen Airlifted In UTV Accident On Sussex County Farm: Police
An 18-year-old male was airlifted to the hospital following a crash on a Sussex County farm on Monday, Aug. 26, local police said. The male was riding on the back of the UTV, a larger type of ATV, which was being used to perform work on a farm on Layton Lane in Sparta, Sparta Police Capt. Tom Snyder said. The UTV made an unexpected turn and the victim lost his balance, falling off and hitting his head, Snyder said. He lost consciousness and was flown to the hospital. "The operator of the UTV was fully cooperative with patrol units and showed no signs of intoxication," Snyder said.
Police & Fire
Driving Too Slowly Gets Man Busted For DWI: Sparta PD
A 45-year-old Franklin man was arrested for DWI on the early morning of Sunday, Aug. 11, after he was observed driving 10 miles below the speed limit, authorities said. At 1:48 a.m., officers were patrolling Sparta Avenue when they noticed a vehicle driving southbound failing to maintain a single lane of travel and driving below the speed limit, Sparta police said. After pulling over the vehicle, officers detected the odor of alcohol from the man's mouth and believed he was impaired, police said. The Franklin man was asked to perform several sobriety tests before he was arrested for DWI and…
Police & Fire
Man Stole Generator, Gas Can During July 4 Parade Setup: Sparta PD
A 65-year-old Sparta man was arrested and charged after he stole a generator and gas can during setup for a July 4 parade, authorities said. At 7:46 a.m., officers responded to the Mohawk Avenue school for a report of a theft and met with the Sparta Elks Club, who said their generator and 5-gallon gas can had been stolen, Sparta police said in a release. Police obtained surveillance footage showing Daniel Waitzman taking the generator and placing it in his pickup truck before fleeing the scene, officers said. The generator and gas can were still in Waitzman's struck when he was arrested, po…
News
Teen Driver Airlifted, Pedestrian Hospitalized In Sussex County Crash
A 43-year-old pedestrian suffered moderate injuries while a 17-year-old driver suffered serious injuries in a crash on Route 15 in Lafayette just before midnight on Thursday, July 3, authorities said. The teen driver from Sparta was heading south on Route 15 near milepost 17.2 in a BMW when he veered off the right side of the roadway and struck a 43-year-old woman from Lafayette, NJSP Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. The driver then struck a sign and a tree, and was airlifted to a local hospital with serious injuries, Lebron said. The pedestrian was hospitalized with moderate injuries, according t…
News
Sussex County Man Raked In Millions In Bogus PPP Loans, Feds Say
A 44-year-old Sparta man was indicted on fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in Paycheck Protection Program funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities said. From April 2020 through November 2022, Nikenson Jean Mathurin participated in a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration to obtain COVD-19 emergency relief money by submitting several fraudulent PPP applications on behalf of fake businesses, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said. Mathurin’s fraudulent applications included false information concerning monthly payroll, gross revenue, and number of employees, and fake…
Police & Fire
Dispute At Home In Sparta Leads To Knife Brandished, Two Arrested: Police
Two people were arrested at a home in Sparta following a dispute where a knife was brandished on Saturday, June 15, police said. At 2:41 p.m., officers responded to a dispute on Sagamore Trail between Alex Fudali, a 25-year-old who lived at the home, and Devon Webb, a 24-year-old Kenilworth resident, who was an "unwanted guest," Sparta police said in a release. Webb was there to confront Fudali's friend about texting Webb's sister, police said. During the confrontation, Webb brandished a knife and made a threat, police said. While leaving the property, Webb attempted to slash Fudali's tire…
Police & Fire
10-Year Prison Minimum Awaits NJ Catholic School Teacher Who Took Upskirts Of Girls In Class
UPDATE: A North Jersey school teacher who took upskirt photos and videos of female students faces at least 10 years in state prison when he’s sentenced next month. Michael F. Wagner, 41, of Hopatcong took a deal from prosecutors rather than risk the potential outcome of a trial, admitting that he recorded female 8th graders of his at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta during class and collected child porn. In order to secure the agreement – and whatever leniency may come at his July 26 sentencing in Newton -- Wagner had to plead guilty earlier this month to first-degree child en…
Obituaries
Paul Galvez, Filipino Immigrant From Sussex County, Dies, 50
Paul Errol Galvez, a longtime Sparta resident, died on Tuesday, May 14, at the age of 50, according to his obituary on the Goble Funeral Home site. "EG" as he was known to his family, was the eldest of three children and grew up in the Philippines, his obituary reads. Growing up, he enjoyed reading, playing video games and reading comic books, along with weekly visits with his grandparents, according to his obituary. He later moved to Sparta, graduating from Sparta High and studying International Business at Rutgers University, working in financial services at ING, Morgan S…
Real Estate
$4.35M Mansion On Private NJ Island Comes With Panoramic Views
A new listing for a home on a secluded island of New Jersey offers the "epitome of luxury living" according to a new listing. The 5,000 square foot home, at 41 Island Trl., in Sparta is being listed for $4.35 million. The listing agent is Christine Dehnel of the Re/Max Platinum Group. Located on Manitou Island, the 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom home offers charm, privacy and opulence, according to a listing. The home, which sits on one acre of land, was recently renovated and offers panoramic views of Lake Mohawk along with expansive windows, vaulted ceilings an open-concept living spaces, a…
Weather
These North Jersey Towns Got The Most Snow
New Jersey residents are digging out of this week's snow storm — the worst of the season so far. According to the National Weather Service, the storm left 15 inches in the northern-most part of the state, canceling schools across the region. Here are the towns who got the most snow in the Tuesday, Feb. 13 storm, according to the National Weather Service. BERGEN River Vale: 9.8 inches Franklin Lakes: 9.1 Waldwick: 9.0 Bergenfield: 8.1 Mahwah: 8.0 Fair Lawn: 7.0 Lyndhurst: 6.5 HUDSON Harrison: 5.5 East Newark: 5.0 SW Hoboken: 4.8 MORRIS Green Pond/Randolph: 11.5 Denville: 10.2 Kinnelon…
Police & Fire
Sex Worker Robbed By Drunken Men With Imitation Gun In Sparta: Police
Two men are facing charges after police say they robbed a woman they'd hired for sex using a fake gun and a knife in Sparta. The victim told police in Sparta that the men, later identified as Jeremy Barcoski, 47 of Sparta, NJ and Zarko Tamburin, 46 of Morristown, were drunk and doing drugs when she arrived at the Main Street apartment on Jan. 29, according to Sparta police. The woman told both men she was leaving, but they took her bag away from her and stole her money, police said. During a brief argument, one of the men pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her, saying he was going …
Police & Fire
Meet Millie: North Jersey Police Officers Deliver Baby Girl
Her name is Millie, and she's doing just fine. Sparta police officers helped deliver the baby girl on Monday, Jan. 15 on Route 35. Parents Tyler and Stephanie had called police as Stephanie was in active labor on Route 15 south near the Jefferson line just before 9 p.m., officials said. In less than a minute, Officer Christopher Botta found the vehicle pulled over on the shoulder of Route 15. Botta saw the baby's head crowning and made sure the umbilical cord was not wrapped around the baby's neck. After confirming everything appeared normal, seconds later, Stephanie delivered the ba…
Obituaries
Scott Bartlett, Navy Veteran, Sussex County First Responder, Dies At 49
Scott Bartlett, who spent many years in Vernon volunteering as a first responder, died on Friday, Dec. 29 at the age of 49 in Honolulu, according to his obituary on the Pinkel Funeral Home website. Barlett was born in Ridgewood and moved to Vernon, his obituary reads. He served in the Navy from 1993 to 1997 as a disaster recovery specialist, according to his obituary. After leaving the navy, he served in the Pochuck Volunteer Fire Department, as an EMS tech for the Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Corps and as a dispatcher for the Pequannock Police Department. It’s with heavy heart…
Obituaries
Sparta's Monica Jadach Dies, 34: 'Voice Of Reason'
Monica Jadach, a Sparta resident, died on Sunday, Dec. 31, after previously battling breast cancer, according to her obituary. Jadach volunteered with the Sparta Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and was a treasurer for the Congenital Heart Defect coalition, her obituary reads. Her brother, Christopher, said on social media that she had heart surgery when she was a toddler and recently beat breast cancer. His tribute went on to say Monica was the "voice of reason" despite being seven years his junior. I lost my best friend this Sunday evening on New Year’s Eve… Monica was al…
Weather
Falling Tree Misses Officer, Major Roadways Flooded: North Jersey Storm Damage Update
North Jersey residents are feeling the impact of this week's storm with thousands still without power and schools closed or delayed. In Bergen County, houses were hit on East Midland Avenue in Paramus and on Sunset Avenue in Englewood. A Mahwah police officer also escaped serious injury when a falling tree struck his cruiser. Route 17 was closed in both directions at various times in multiple spots, including in Hasbrouck Heights around 9:30 p.m., in East Rutherford just before midnight and in Rochelle Park about an hour later. A stretch of Route 46 in Lodi also was under water, as we…
Schools
Delayed Opening For These NJ Districts Where Heavy Snow Fell
The New Jersey school district in the town that got the most snow in the state over the weekend, and some in those around it, will operate on a delayed schedule Monday, Jan. 8. "All Sussex-Wantage Regional Schools will have a 90 minute delayed opening tomorrow Monday January 8th," the district announced on its website. "Morning care is closed. Use emergency snow bus stops if assigned one both morning and afternoon." Parts of Wantage saw 12 or 13 inches of snow over the weekend, according to local weather observers and the National Weather Service. Other area districts are also on a delayed…
Police & Fire
$2M NJ Scammer Who Claimed Dead People As Biz Partners Gets 3 Years, No Parole
UPDATE: A scammer from Sussex County who fraudulently collected more than $2 million in federal funds by identifying people who'd been dead for more than a decade as business partners must spend the next three years in federal prison. John Jhong, 54, of Sparta, actually submitted bogus applications for more than $15 million in federal pandemic aid earmarked to help struggling companies during COVID-19, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. Jhong "turned these vital relief programs into his personal ATM," spending the more than $2 million he illegally collected on personal expenses, the U.…
Police & Fire
Victim Extricated, Hospitalized In Sparta Crash
One person was extricated and taken to a nearby hospital following a late night crash in Sparta on Tuesday, Nov. 21, authorities said. The Sparta Township Fire Department responded to the crash on Woodport Road near Mara Boulevard just after 12 a.m. Crews rescued the trapped victim in under eight minutes, they said. The victim was then taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Police & Fire
Lyndhurst Man Wanted On Warrants Charged With Trashing Relative's Home, Fighting Police
A Lyndhurst man wanted for trashing a relative's home ran from police, then fought with them before being subdued, authorities said. Officers responding to a call from a Stuyvesant Avenue home learned that Faiz Mohammad, 27, had become irate and vandalized the place, causing $1,300 worth of damage before fleeing, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. Police were looking out for Mohammad when he returned, prompting the relative to hide in a bathroom and call police, Auteri said. He fled again but was spotted soon after by Officer Matthew Dudek on 5th Avenue, the lieutenant said. Dudek ended u…
Politics
18-Year-Old Wins Seat On NJ Town's School Board
Lifelong Sparta resident Chad Wood has been elected to the town’s Board of Education just five months after graduating from high school. The 18-year-old is one of the state’s youngest to hold a BOE position. Wood ran alongside Jennifer "Lonsky" Grana and Kaitlin Gagnon. The trio incumbents Christina "Longo" Keiling and LeeAnne M. Pitzer. Wood might be young, but he comes with plenty of experience, having served as Student Council President for three years at Sparta High School, and was elected Executive President his senior year. Wood was also elected as the BOE’s Student Representative d…
Obituaries
Sussex County Native Claire Fendt Dies, 34
Sussex County native Claire Marie Fendt died Tuesday, Oct. 10 at the age of 34, prompting an outpour of condolences and support. Born in Newton, Claire was raised in Sparta, her obituary says. She attended Sparta Middle School before graduating from Sparta High School and attending Sussex County College. Claire was known as a skilled and creative artist with a fierce love of animals. She had adopted several shelter cats throughout the years and had dreams of opening a cat sanctuary. Claire spent time in Bayonne, and lived in Brighton, England for a year before settling in Philadelphia, whe…
Police & Fire
Armed PA Felon Who Hid From Cops In Dump Truck Heads Back To Prison: Sussex County Prosecutor
An armed PA felon who had been out of jail for less than a week and hid in a dump truck in an attempt to avoid police is back behind bars, authorities said. Travon Johnson, 21, of Easton, was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in state prison with a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of 5 years and a credit for 574 days jail already served, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart announced. Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree certain persons not to possess firearms, unlawful possession of a handgun, and resisting arrest by flight during an incident on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022. John…
News
North Jersey Toddler Mauled By Pitbull At Town-Wide Garage Sale: Lawsuit
The family of an 18-month-old boy from North Jersey has filed a lawsuit saying he suffered serious injuries when he was mauled by a pitbull at a town-wide garage sale last year. Samuel Miller Sr. and Roxanne Miller say in court papers that they were at the annual Kinnelon garage sale on Sept. 24, 2022 when a pitbull named Leo violently attacked their son, who was secured in a stroller, according to papers filed in Morris County Superior Court (see lawsuit attached). Roxanne Miller, of Sparta physically fought with and restrained the dog in order to stop the attack, and became covered in her…
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