Chalet will not resign, recall possible

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — An effort to remove 1st Ward Councilman Elias Chalet from office was recently turned aside, while another effort for removal awaits a possible showdown in November, on Election Day. Chalet, who has been indicted by a state grand jury for official misconduct and bribery, was asked by Mayor Michael Venezia, on Sunday, Jan. […]

NJ Legislature honors Bloomfield Tech teacher

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield Tech English literature teacher David Shallcross received a bipartisan accolade from the New Jersey Legislature on Thursday, Jan. 28, for his contribution to education. “One-hundred and twenty legislators voted for this,” Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, R-21st District, said in a classroom full of students, before a group of school officials. Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, […]

Hispanic Heritage Committee proposal discussed

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A proposal by a councilman to create a Hispanic Heritage Committee drew criticism at the Bloomfield Township Council conference meeting Monday night. Councilman Carlos Pomares deferred his proposal, which was listed on the agenda, before any discussion took place, because he said he is still putting together committee members. But two members of […]

OPRA request case gets support on both sides

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A Bloomfield resident’s OPRA request for a Town Hall surveillance video recording of the mayor’s parking space is drawing attention from national news organizations and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. The request, by township resident Pat Gilleran, for a 14-hour recording of the Mayor Michael Venezia’s parking space on March […]

Exotic animals come to Glen Ridge

GLEN RIDGE, NJ — Captain Jack, an opossum, came visiting the borough over the weekend, courtesy of the Glen Ridge Public Library. With him he brought Glader the tortoise, and others, along with their exhibitor, Larry Apap. The animal menagerie came from Unique Creatures, located in Bergen County, and set up in the council chambers in […]

Councilman indicted on five charges

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield 1st Ward Councilman Elias Chalet, 53, was indicted by a state grand jury on Friday, Jan. 29, for five criminal charges stemming from a bribery allegation against him. According to grand jury papers, Chalet was indicted for official misconduct, second degree; bribery in official and political matters, second degree; acceptance or receipt […]

Fairview participates in anti-bullying activity

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The alphabet — all 26 letters — met 26 homerooms to spell the “ABC’s of good character,” at Fairview Elementary School, on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The lettering, and the words prompted by them, were for another “Block the Bully Day” — a communal activity, the second of the school year, aimed at reminding […]

Former BPD officer sentenced to five years

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Former Bloomfield police officer Orlando Trinidad was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday, Jan. 21. Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin told Trinidad, who had been found guilty of second-degree official misconduct, that he was ineligible for parole. At the sentencing, Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Berta Rodriguez asked Ravin for a seven-year […]

Glen Ridge public works conquers blizzard

GELN RIDGE, NJ — Directors of the public works departments in Glen Ridge and Bloomfield said streets in their respective communities were drivable by Sunday following an all-day snowstorm Saturday, which left the area under at least 2 feet of snow. In Glen Ridge, William Bartlett was prepared for the storm with 12 men on duty […]

Bloomfield DPW tackles Blizzard of 2016

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Directors of the public works departments in Glen Ridge and Bloomfield said streets in their respective communities were drivable by Sunday following an all-day snowstorm Saturday, which left the area under at least 2 feet of snow. In Glen Ridge, William Bartlett was prepared for the storm with 12 men on duty and […]