County distributes food in Irvington to those in need
IRVINGTON, NJ — Essex County and the township of Irvington teamed up July 9 to distribute food to county residents in need. Photos Courtesy of Tony Vauss and Anthony Puglisi
Bloomfield man to ride lawn mower from California to New York
BLOOMFIELD, NJ — John Zack of Bloomfield has never mowed a lawn before, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a cast member on “The Great Grass Race,” a reality game show that kicked off on July 10 and will air on the streaming site Menace Vision. Zack and his teammate will spend the next […]
State officials express support for retiring ‘freeholder’ title
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy announced July 9 that he supports legislation that would change the name of county elected officials from “freeholder” to “county commissioner,” abolishing the title that is both referencing a time when only white male landowners could hold public office and confusing. New Jersey is the only state that […]
WOHS 2020 graduates get their day in the sun
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Members of the West Orange High School Class of 2020 finally had the opportunity to don their robes and walk for graduation on July 9 in Suriano Stadium. With Gov. Phil Murphy’s allowance for socially-distanced graduations, the administrative team at the high school began preparations for an outdoor ceremony to be […]
Former Orange acting business administrator indicted on corruption, fraud and tax charges
ORANGE, NJ — The former acting business administrator for the township of Orange has been charged in a 28-count indictment with conspiracy, bribe-taking, money and property fraud; federal tax fraud; and making false statements in connection with a mortgage, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced in a July 8 press release. Willis Edwards III, 49, formerly […]
WOSD to begin fall sports practices, though season still may not happen
WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange Superintendent of Schools Scott Cascone approved moving forward with fall sports at West Orange High School in a letter to parents on July 6, detailing the guidelines set by the state, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and WOHS Athletic Director Ron Bligh. The guidelines apply only to […]
GR municipal taxes to increase by 2 percent
GLEN RIDGE, NJ — The Glen Ridge Borough Council unanimously passed the 2020 budget on April 27, approving a 2 percent tax increase in the $15,712,285.40 budget. Revenue from taxes will bring in $11,615,593.51. These taxes represent only the municipal portion. Residents also pay taxes to the county and to the school district, which takes […]
Bloomfield Animal Shelter keeps to its mission
BLOOMFIELD, NJ — In the first couple of weeks of March, the Bloomfield Animal Shelter was housing seven dogs and 20 cats. Then, as the world was thrown into the chaos that is still ongoing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelter’s phone started ringing off the hook. “It escalated pretty quickly,” Nick […]
Area youth hold forum with freeholder candidates
MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE / WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Youth Caucus and the MAPSO Youth Coalition joined forces to hold a July 1 question-and-answer session with some of the candidates who are running for the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in advance of the primary election on July 7. The election […]
Orange High School graduates Class of 2020
ORANGE, NJ — The Orange School District found a way to celebrate its graduating seniors despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, holding a virtual graduation ceremony for Orange High School on June 25 after the drive-by processional through town on June 18. Footage of the parade, during which students were driven around in their caps and […]