Corrections officer charged with bribery and conspiracy

NEWARK, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced on Oct. 27 that Christopher Smoaks, a senior correctional police officer at Northern State Prison in Newark, has been arrested and charged with bribery in official matters and conspiracy. Smoaks, 31, of Jersey City, allegedly received payment from an inmate’s relative in return […]

South Orange Middle is first school in Essex to attain River-Friendly Certification

South Orange Middle is first school in Essex to attain River-Friendly Certification

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange–Maplewood School District announced Oct. 27 that South Orange Middle School received River-Friendly Certification through a partnership with Rahway River Watershed Association.  The River-Friendly School Program helps teachers, students and school leaders reduce water pollution while creating new teaching opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitats and establishing a healthier environment for […]

AG announces prison sentences for operators of drug-distribution network in Newark

AG announces prison sentences for operators of drug-distribution network in Newark

TRENTON, NJ — On Oct. 24, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced prison sentences for four men convicted in a narcotics trafficking ring that operated in a neighborhood near I-78 in Newark, where they sold drugs to motorists exiting the highway to make “drive-through” purchases of heroin. The illegal ring was dismantled as a result […]

Essex County honors two Italian Americans as Stars of Essex County

Essex County honors two Italian Americans as Stars of Essex County

NEWARK, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. hosted the 2022 Essex County Italian American Heritage Month celebration on Friday, Oct. 21, in the Essex County Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Building in Newark. During the event, DiVincenzo recognized Ralph A. LaRossa, president and CEO of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., and Kristen […]

Our Lady of Sorrows cross-country team excels at Holy Trinity Invitational

Our Lady of Sorrows cross-country team excels at Holy Trinity Invitational

MAPLEWOOD/SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — With nearly perfect attendance, the Our Lady of Sorrows cross-country team had the best performance of its season at the 20th annual Holy Trinity School Cross Country Invitational on Sunday, Oct. 23. An unusual format pitted single-grade runners against one another, rather than the usual two-grade format. Leading off as she […]

West Orange HS Senior Night honors football, marching band and cheer

West Orange HS Senior Night honors football, marching band and cheer

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The annual Senior Night for football, marching band and cheer was held Oct. 21 prior to the start of the West Orange vs. Irvington game. Graduating seniors and their families were recognized for their commitment and dedication to their teams during their high school years. All sports teams hold a Senior […]

Belleville firefighters visit St. Peter’s School students

Belleville firefighters visit St. Peter’s School students

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Members of the Belleville Fire Department paid their annual visit to St. Peter’s School and gave a hands-on demonstration to students from the younger grades and their teachers. During the visit, as pictured, kindergartners listened to a demonstration given by Battalion Chief William Tamburri and firefighter Michael Sarno handed out booklets to […]

Sheard to host Mental Health Association in NJ’s ‘Evening of Excellence’

Sheard to host Mental Health Association in NJ’s ‘Evening of Excellence’

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — West Orange resident Lynette Sheard will host the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s statewide “Evening of Excellence” on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park.  Sheard is the director of MHANJ’s New Jersey Mental Health Players, a highly successful, interactive community education program, […]