Tag:

Watchung, NJ

WATCH: NJ's Anthony Volpe's Big Grand Slam Helps Yankees Avoid Sweep WATCH: NJ's Anthony Volpe's Big Grand Slam Helps Yankees Avoid Sweep
Watch: NJ's Anthony Volpe's Big Grand Slam Helps Yankees Avoid Sweep A boy from Jersey is the king of Bronx. On Tuesday evening, Oct. 29, Anthony Volpe hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 3rd inning — the fourth game of the World Series — with the Yankees trailing the Dodgers 2-1, giving them a 5-2 lead in a game they won 11-4.  The Yankees, who came into the game trailing the series 3-0 and facing elimination, will now attempt to live another day when they face the Dodgers in Game 5 Wednesday, Oct. 30. Volpe grew up in Watchung and attended Delbarton High School, and is a lifelong Yankees fan, having attended the Bombers' last Wo…
Chick-fil-A Could Be Replacing Shuttered NJ Ruby Tuesday's Chick-fil-A Could Be Replacing Shuttered NJ Ruby Tuesday's
Chick-fil-A Could Be Replacing Shuttered NJ Ruby Tuesday's Another Chick-fil-A could be coming to Somerset County. The popular fast food eatery, home to its famous chicken sandwiches and for always being closed on Sunday, has an application before the planning board in Bridgewater to open a location at the Towne Square Shopping Center on Route 202.  The planning board will consider the application at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Chick-fil-A would take over the site of a Ruby Tuesday's that shuttered in 2018.  Bridgewater Planning Board Chick-fil-A is proposing to shutter the current building and construct a 4,989 square foot …
Bright Green Fireball Blazes Across NJ, PA Skies Bright Green Fireball Blazes Across NJ, PA Skies
Bright Green Fireball Blazes Across NJ, PA Skies An earthquake, a total solar eclipse and now a fireball. What a week for weather in the Northeast. Dozens of residents across the region reported seeing a bright green fireball blaze across the sky on before dawn on Wednesday, April 10. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daily Voice NJ (@dailyvoicenewjersey) Linda Price-Heine captured a fireball in the sky Wednesday, April 10. Daily Voice Linda Price-Heine got a text from her neighbor, Joan Piney, in Wall Township this morning telling her to check her camera, she said…
Shuttered Wedding Venue One Step Closer To Becoming First Grocery Store For NJ Town Shuttered Wedding Venue One Step Closer To Becoming First Grocery Store For NJ Town
Shuttered Wedding Venue One Step Closer To Becoming First Grocery Store For NJ Town One New Jersey town is about to get its first full-fledge supermarket in decades, and it'll be replacing a longtime wedding venue. Lidl is nearly complete with demolition to Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance, the more than 80-year-old wedding venue along Route 22 in Scotch Plains that shuttered sometime during the pandemic, according to Tom Strowe, the towns' director of redevelopment. Strowe struggled to remember the last time Scotch Plains had its own grocery store. The closest ones now are the ShopRite in Watchung or South Plainfield, Aldi in South Plainfield, or perhaps Trader Joe…
Driver In High-Speed Pursuit From NJ Swim Club Headed To Prison Driver In High-Speed Pursuit From NJ Swim Club Headed To Prison
Driver In High-Speed Pursuit From NJ Swim Club Headed To Prison A 22-year-old Plainfield man was sentenced to three years in prison on Friday, Jan. 12 after pleading guilty to leading police on a pursuit in Somerset County that damaged multiple police vehicles in October 2022, authorities said. At 3:51 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2022, Berkeley Heights Police responded to the parking lot at the Brook Hill Swim Club in Watchung for a report of vehicles driving recklessly and revving their engines at a high volume, Somerset District Attorney John McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Watchung Borough Chief o…
Celebs You Probably Didn't Know Were From North Jersey Celebs You Probably Didn't Know Were From North Jersey
Celebs You Probably Didn't Know Were From North Jersey When it comes to celebrities, New Jersey boasts a roster of A-List talent to rival any state.  Some of the most iconic athletes, musicians, and TV personalities live in the Garden State, or once called it home.  Here are the famous people you probably didn't realize were from North Jersey: BERGEN: Katrina Bowden was born and raised in Wyckoff. The actress attended the now-defunct Saint Thomas More School in Midland Park, and later Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township. The actress is known for her roles in "One Life to Live" and "30 Rock." Miles Austin was born i…
Man Falls Down Elevator Shaft Prompting OSHA Investigation In Somerset County Man Falls Down Elevator Shaft Prompting OSHA Investigation In Somerset County
Man Falls Down Elevator Shaft Prompting Osha Investigation In Somerset County Firefighters rescued a 38-year-old man who fell down an elevator shaft Thursday, Feb. 2 in Somerset County, authorities said. Responders found the Watchung man stuck in a building on Mettlers Road around 2:30 p.m. in Franklin Township, township police Lt. Vincent T. Wilson said. The victim was removed but had suffered multiple injuries, and was taken to the hospital by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital BLS and ALS. The building was ordered to be evacuated by the Franklin Township fire marshal and fire inspectors and the building will be closed pending an OSHA investigation.
Mortgage Fraud: NJ Developer, Attorney Admit Swindling Lenders Out Of $3.5M Mortgage Fraud: NJ Developer, Attorney Admit Swindling Lenders Out Of $3.5M
Mortgage Fraud: NJ Developer, Attorney Admit Swindling Lenders Out Of $3.5M A New Jersey real estate developer and a lawyer admitted running a multi-layered mortgage fraud that cost banks more than $3.5 million in losses, federal authorities said. Developer Victor Santos, 63, of Watchung, paid stand-in "straw" buyers $5,000 each to first purchase a dozen properties in Newark and then secure tenants to lease them, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. A group of conspirators including him and attorney Fausto Simoes, 69, of Millington, covered the costs -- including fees and mortgage payments, the U.S. attorney said. "Santos, Simoes, and others also caused the sub…
NY Woman Ran Prostitution Ring At NJ Massage Parlor: Prosecutor NY Woman Ran Prostitution Ring At NJ Massage Parlor: Prosecutor
NY Woman Ran Prostitution Ring At NJ Massage Parlor: Prosecutor A 42-year-old woman from Flushing, NY was arrested on accusations she ran a prostitution ring out of a Central Jersey massage parlor, authorities said. An undercover investigation into "numerous anonymous complaints" at a Watchung parlor earlier this month led to the arrest of Zhuhua Luo, 42, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Authorities did not disclose the name of the massage parlor. A search warrant was executed by members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Northern Street Crimes Task Force and local police, who seized cash as alleged proceeds of prostit…
Cardiologist Sentenced To Federal Prison Time For Prescribing 8,600 Painkillers For NJ Couple Cardiologist Sentenced To Federal Prison Time For Prescribing 8,600 Painkillers For NJ Couple
Cardiologist Sentenced To Federal Prison Time For Prescribing 8,600 Painkillers For NJ Couple A New Jersey cardiologist is headed to federal prison for 2½ years for illegally prescribing thousands of unnecessary Oxycodone pills for a patient and his wife. Raymond Catania, 60, of Warren, must serve at least two years before being eligible for supervised release because there's no parole in the federal prison system. Catania churned out scripts for 8,600 30mg Oxycodone pills in a little over 14 months from his Watchung office not only for his patient but for the man's wife, as well, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. He did so "without a legitimate medical purpose and outside of…
Heroin, Illegal Firearms, $15K In Drug Money Seized From Six Men In Newark: Police Heroin, Illegal Firearms, $15K In Drug Money Seized From Six Men In Newark: Police
Heroin, Illegal Firearms, $15K In Drug Money Seized From Six Men In Newark: Police Several decks of heroin and six illegal firearms and more than $15,000 in drug money were seized from eight men in Newark, authorities announced. The execution of a search warrant at a home in the East Ward led to the arrests of Justin White, 25, and Julio Rodriguez, 54, on Tuesday, April 26, Newark Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara said. There, police confiscated an assault rifle, 12-gauge shotgun, .38-Special revolver, .357 Magnum revolver, .6MM BB gun, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Police also recovered 21 bricks and 41 glassine envelopes of suspected heroin, along wi…
Major Drug Trafficker Admits Shipping 40 Pounds Of Heroin From Cali To NJ On Car Carrier Major Drug Trafficker Admits Shipping 40 Pounds Of Heroin From Cali To NJ On Car Carrier
Major Drug Trafficker Admits Shipping 40 Pounds Of Heroin From Cali To NJ On Car Carrier UPDATE: A major drug trafficker from Somerset County who led investigators on a high-speed chase admitted moving massive amounts of heroin into New Jersey, federal authorities said. Authorities targeted William T. Bouza, 45, of Watchung, in early 2019 after intercepting 33 pounds of heroin stashed in a secret compartment of a Mercedes shipped on a car carrier to New Jersey from California, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. Bouza was waiting for the drugs in Union but bolted after sensing something fishy, an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Newark says. The following mont…
NJ Fencing Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 2 Teens Dies In Jail: Report NJ Fencing Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 2 Teens Dies In Jail: Report
NJ Fencing Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 2 Teens Dies In Jail: Report A New Jersey fencing coach arrested last October for sexually assaulting two teens and lying under oath died in jail, NJ Advance Media reports citing his attorney. Stephen M. Kovacs, 49, was indicted this month on two counts each of sexual assault endangering the welfare of a child, and false swearing, the outlet says citing attorney Jim Wronko. Kovacs, of Watchung and formerly Clifton, apparently died over the weekend, Wronko said. The cause of death was not released.  The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office did not immediately return Daily Voice's request for comment placed Wed…
NJ Fencing Coach, Columbia U Champ Who Sexually Assaulted 2 Teens Lied Under Oath: Prosecutor NJ Fencing Coach, Columbia U Champ Who Sexually Assaulted 2 Teens Lied Under Oath: Prosecutor
NJ Fencing Coach, Columbia U Champ Who Sexually Assaulted 2 Teens Lied Under Oath: Prosecutor A New Jersey fencing coach was arrested for sexually assaulting two teenagers then gave false statement in his detention hearing, authorities said. A 16-year-old girl reported being sexually assaulting by Stephen Kovacs, 49, of Watchung, in Bridgewater in August and September 2021, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said.  Then, a 19-year-old woman said she was also sexually assault by Kovacs -- formerly of Clifton -- when she was 18, Robertson said. The victim earlier this month disclosed incidents of sexual assault that occurred in Bridgewater from January 2020 to …
Watchung Man Shot Dead In Newark Watchung Man Shot Dead In Newark
Watchung Man Shot Dead In Newark A Watchung man was shot and killed in Newark Thursday evening, authorities confirmed. Newark Police officers responding to a shooting report near Grumman Avenue and Maple Avenue found Louis Brown, 41, sitting his car with a gunshot wound shortly before 5 p.m., Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II said in a joint release with Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task …
Plainfield Driver Who Seriously Injured Boy In Watchung Crash Gets 5 Years In State Prison Plainfield Driver Who Seriously Injured Boy In Watchung Crash Gets 5 Years In State Prison
Plainfield Driver Who Seriously Injured Boy In Watchung Crash Gets 5 Years In State Prison A 51-year-old Plainfield man was sentenced to five years in state prison in connection with a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a 12-year-old boy in 2019, authorities said Monday. Bryant D. Eggleston, of Plainfield, was behind the wheel of a white 2013 Hyundai Sonata when he struck the boy on Oct. 8, 2019 on Valley Road in Watchung, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson previously said. The boy was found with serious injuries at the scene, while Eggleston had fled, Robertson said alongside Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Watc…
Feds: NJ Drug Dealer Who Led High-Speed Chase Moved 15 Kilos Of Heroin, Had $400K Cash Feds: NJ Drug Dealer Who Led High-Speed Chase Moved 15 Kilos Of Heroin, Had $400K Cash
Feds: NJ Drug Dealer Who Led High-Speed Chase Moved 15 Kilos Of Heroin, Had $400K Cash A large-scale drug trafficker from Somerset County who led investigators on a high-speed chase was dealing major quantities of heroin laced with deadly fentanyl, federal authorities said. William T. Bouza, 46, of Watchung, initially eluded police during a chase but was captured a week later, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said. Authorities targeted Bouza after intercepting 33 pounds of heroin stashed in a secret compartment of a Mercedes shipped to New Jersey from California on a car carrier in February 2019, authorities said. Bouza was waiting for the drugs in Union but bolted afte…
NJ Man, 51, Charged In 2019 Hit-Run Crash That Seriously Injured 12-Year-Old Boy NJ Man, 51, Charged In 2019 Hit-Run Crash That Seriously Injured 12-Year-Old Boy
NJ Man, 51, Charged In 2019 Hit-Run Crash That Seriously Injured 12-Year-Old Boy A 51-year-old man has been arrested in a 2019 hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a 12-year-old boy in New Jersey, authorities said. Bryant D. Eggleston, of Plainfield, was behind the wheel of a white 2013 Hyundai Sonata when he struck the boy on Oct. 8, 2019 on Valley Road in Watchung, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said. Officers responding to a 9-1-1 call reporting a pedestrian struck found the boy with serious injuries, Robertson said. The driver, meanwhile, had fled the scene, authorities said. First aid was rendered to the boy, who was taken to a nearby tra…
National Eyeglass, Contacts Retailer Accused Of Discriminating Against Pregnant NJ Employee National Eyeglass, Contacts Retailer Accused Of Discriminating Against Pregnant NJ Employee
National Eyeglass, Contacts Retailer Accused Of Discriminating Against Pregnant NJ Employee A discount vision retailer with stores throughout New Jersey discriminated against a now-former employee by switching her to part time and not providing a suitable place to pump breast milk after she had a baby, a state civil rights complaint alleges. Jalaia Hill says in a state civil rights complaint that her health coverage was eliminated by the sudden position switch from full to part time when she returned from maternity leave to the America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses store in Burlington. America’s Best also “failed to reasonably accommodate her request for a place to express brea…
Ulta Beauty To Close 19 Stores Ulta Beauty To Close 19 Stores
Ulta Beauty To Close 19 Stores Ulta Beauty announced plans to close 19 stores this year. Shops slated to get the ax have not been announced, but the beauty supplies chain has shops across New Jersey that could be impacted. Ulta Beauty top officials blamed COVID-19’s economic disruption as the reason for the cuts. Even while it closes some stores, Ulta Beauty has plans to open 30 more. Efforts will be made to transfer employees from closed shops to new or already existing ones, the company said in a press release. In New Jersey, Ulta has stores in Edgewater, Clifton, Maywood, Garfield, Cedar Knolls, Wayne, Montvale, L…
These NJ ShopRite Stores Imposing Customer Limit Amid Coronavirus Spread These NJ ShopRite Stores Imposing Customer Limit Amid Coronavirus Spread
These NJ ShopRite Stores Imposing Customer Limit Amid Coronavirus Spread More than two dozen New Jersey ShopRite stores have implemented customer limits in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. The maximum number of customers will be roughly 30 percent of the store’s regular maximum occupancy, ShopRite said in a statement. A security guard will be stationed at entrances and exits to track the number of customers coming in and out. Only one entrance per store will remain open. The guard will allow customers into the building, counting them along the way. Once the store is at capacity, ShopRite will ask customers to form a line outside. The following…
Lawsuit Filed In Essex County Deems Huffman Koos' Refund Policies Illegal Lawsuit Filed In Essex County Deems Huffman Koos' Refund Policies Illegal
Lawsuit Filed In Essex County Deems Huffman Koos' Refund Policies Illegal Furniture chain Huffman Koos enforced a return and refund policy that violates the Consumer Fraud Act, says a lawsuit filed recently in Essex County. The class-action lawsuit states that HK’s contracts refuse refunds and returns once the merchandise has been delivered or picked up, NJ.com reports. “Such a policy is contrary to New Jersey regulations, which require a furniture seller to offer a full and prompt refund when furniture is delivered in a damaged condition,” said Joseph A. Osefchen of DeNittis Osefchen Prince, P.C., which filed the suit last Thursday. These policies are considere…
Dozens Have Been Charged In Carjacking, Car Theft Investigations Dozens Have Been Charged In Carjacking, Car Theft Investigations
Dozens Have Been Charged In Carjacking, Car Theft Investigations Authorities have placed dozens of people behind bars in disrupting a pipeline that delivered luxury vehicles from North and Central Jersey to customers in West Africa via ports in Newark, Elizabeth and Staten Island, the Attorney General's office said Monday .  Panel Dalce was sentenced Friday, becoming the last person put behind bars as a result of a pair of investigations, dubbed "Operation Jacked" and "Operation 17 Corridor" aimed at carjackers and car thieves operating in Somerset, Bergen, Essex and a number of other counties.  More than 50 people have been arrested and charge…
Man Lied About Getting Carjacked, Caused False Alarm: Berkeley Heights PD Man Lied About Getting Carjacked, Caused False Alarm: Berkeley Heights PD
Man Lied About Getting Carjacked, Caused False Alarm: Berkeley Heights PD A man who set off an intense search for a carjacker in Berkeley Heights Tuesday faces charges of lying to police, the department said in a statement.  When police responded to a vehicle crash at 900 Mountain Ave., William Richards of Bayville told them his vehicle had been carjacked earlier in Newark and driven to Berkeley Heights, where the carjacker crashed, the department said. Richards also told police the man had a gun and had fled into nearby woods.  Berkeley police, Union County Sheriff's K-9 officers, A State Police helicopter as well as officers from New Providence, Watch…
BMWs Collide On Rainy Route 17 In Hasbrouck Heights BMWs Collide On Rainy Route 17 In Hasbrouck Heights
BMWs Collide On Rainy Route 17 In Hasbrouck Heights A Lyndhurst driver told Hasbrouck Heights police that his brakes locked, sending his BMW into another on Route 17 during Thursday night's rainstorm. Neither he nor the other driver -- also 25, from Watchung -- was seriously injured in the crash on the northbound highway near Ottawa Lane just after midnight, Lt. Michael Colaneri said. The Lyndhurst driver was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, Colaneri said. The northbound lanes were temporarily closed for the wreckage cleanup and police investigation, the lieutenant said. Both vehicles were towed, he said. The state Department…
'Rest In Peace, Little Man': Union Mourns 12-Year-Old Jeremy Maraj 'Rest In Peace, Little Man': Union Mourns 12-Year-Old Jeremy Maraj
'Rest In Peace, Little Man': Union Mourns 12-Year-Old Jeremy Maraj Friends, classmates, neighbors and other residents of Union came together over the weekend to remember Jeremy Maraj, a 12-year-old boy who died Friday from injuries he suffered in a hit-and-run accident.  "The past few days have been very sad because we lost a very good person," said one woman, one of several people to post online testimonials.  "Jeremy has always been funny, kind and great to everyone. You will never be forgotten. We love you Jeremy."  A memorial to the Kawameeh Middle School student was erected at Irene Hoppe Park Friday, just hours after Jeremy died at Un…
Mahwah-Based DressBarn Closing All 650 Stores Mahwah-Based DressBarn Closing All 650 Stores
Mahwah-Based DressBarn Closing All 650 Stores DressBarn, the women's clothing chain, is closing all 650 of its stores after being in business for nearly 60 years. Parent company Ascena Retail Group based in Mahwah said it plans to focus on its more profitable brands, such as Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant. DressBarn CFO Steven Taylor said the chain "has not been operating at an acceptable level of profitability in today’s retail environment.” Dressbarn has locations in Bloomfield, Edgewater, Hackensack, Kearny, Paramus, Westwood, Clifton, Florham Park, Parsippany, Wayne, Succasunna, Rockaway, Watchung, Union and more. The closures w…
Governor Orders Flags Lowered In Honor Of Union Teen Killed In Crash Governor Orders Flags Lowered In Honor Of Union Teen Killed In Crash
Governor Orders Flags Lowered In Honor Of Union Teen Killed In Crash Gov. Phil Murphy has issued an executive order that U.S. and state flags fly at half-staff Friday in honor of Anthony Steitz, a 17-year-old from Union who died after his car crashed in Watchung late Saturday night.  “Private First Class Anthony P. Steitz was taken from us much too soon in a tragic automobile accident,” said Murphy. “His selfless service and dedication to our state and country will not be forgotten. Tammy and I would like to express our sincere condolences to Anthony’s family and friends in this difficult time.” Steitz, a member of the Junior ROTC at Union High School, …
UPDATE: 'Outstanding' Union Teen Active In ROTC Dies In Car Crash UPDATE: 'Outstanding' Union Teen Active In ROTC Dies In Car Crash
Update: 'Outstanding' Union Teen Active In ROTC Dies In Car Crash A Union High School student who came from a family of firefighters and belonged to the school's junior ROTC program has died,  the New Jersey Veterans Network said Sunday.  According to the State Police, Anthony Steitz,  17, suffered serious injuries in a car crash Saturday night.  He was driving eastbound on I-78 in Watchung around 11:30 p.m. when his sedan  left the roadway and crashed into some trees. No other vehicles were involved, Sgt. Jeff Flynn of the State Police said. The cause of the crash was still under investigation Sunday. Steitz was taken to an ar…
Teen From Union Seriously Injured In I-78 Crash Teen From Union Seriously Injured In I-78 Crash
Teen From Union Seriously Injured In I-78 Crash A 17-year-old from Union suffered serious injuries in a car crash Saturday night, State Police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Flynn said.  UPDATE: Daily Voice has learned he has died from his injuries.  Anthony Steitz was driving eastbound on I-78 in Watchung around 11:30 p.m. when the sedan he was driving left the roadway and crashed into some trees. No other vehicles were involved, Flynn said.  Steitz was taken to an area hospital in serious condition, Flynn said Sunday afternoon. He did not know which hospital Steitz had been taken to.  The cause of the crash was still under i…
Bed Bath & Beyond Will Close At Least 40 Stores Bed Bath & Beyond Will Close At Least 40 Stores
Bed Bath & Beyond Will Close At Least 40 Stores Bed Bath and Beyond is planning to close at least 40 stores to help stem losses after it lost $253.8 million in the fourth quarter last year.  The home goods retailer was founded in 1971 and headquartered in Union Township.  While the company, with 1,550 locations and more than 60,000 employees, also announced it plans on opening around 15 new locations, it said even more stores could close if it is unable to negotiate more favorable lease terms with current landlords. Bed Bath and Beyond has North Jersey stores in: Clifton East Hanover Edgewater Elizabeth Flanders Jersey City …