South Orange water utility sale will be on ballot

By Andy Milone Correspondent South Orange is moving forward with a referendum on the sale of its water system to New Jersey American Water for $19.7 million. The Village Council approved the ballot question for the upcoming general election in a 4-2 vote at a special virtual meeting Monday night. Councilman Bill Haskins and Councilwoman […]

Bronze bust honors parks director

Bronze bust honors parks director

A bronze bust of South Orange resident and long-time Essex County Parks Director Daniel K. Salvante was dedicated last week in the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in Branch Brook Park. The surprise presentation was made in recognition of Salvante being the parks director for 28 years, the longest tenure of anyone in Essex County history. […]

Nassan’s Place founder is honored

Nassan’s Place founder is honored

Nadine Wright-Arbubakkr has been given a $25,000 Russ Berrie award, recognizing her work with an East Orange based non-profit that helps people with autism and their families in underserved areas. Wright-Arbubakkr said she felt humbled and grateful to be included just among the nominees but to actually win was very special. “I was truly honored […]

Class of 2024 get their diplomas

Class of 2024 get their diplomas

It was anything but an uneventful ride for the Columbia High School Class of 2024. Their high school careers began amid the COVID-19 pandemic and included remote learning, a tropical storm that flooded the two towns and controversy involving both the school principal and district superintendent. It ended at Codey Arena on June 19 when […]

Duck Race raises more than $30,000 for local kids, families

Duck Race raises more than $30,000 for local kids, families

MAPLEWOOD — The South Mountain YMCA celebrated 25 years of the iconic Duck Race on Memorial Day, raising a net total of $31,784 for local children and families through duck sponsorships, ticket and T-shirt sales, prize and individual donations. The event began with participants in duck-themed attire marching in the town’s Memorial Day Parade before […]

Raising funds for autism awareness

Raising funds for autism awareness

The South Orange Police Department began fundraising for autism awareness three years ago, selling patches and then T-shirts in April, which is Autism Awareness Month. They upped their game this year though with SOPD officers squaring off against members of the Seton Hall University Women’s Basketball Team for an Autism Acceptance Basketball Fundraiser Exhibition Game. […]

Sanchez returns

Sanchez returns

Columbia High School Principal Frank Sanchez made a dramatic entrance into Codey Arena Wednesday night to be part of the commencement exercises for the Class of 2024. Sanchez was placed on leave earlier this year after he was charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with an incident with a […]

Two inducted into CHS Hall of Fame

Two inducted into CHS Hall of Fame

One was a renowned journalist and entrepreneur. The other is an acclaimed saxophonist, keyboardist, vocalist, composer, and producer. The late Ayesha K. Faines, Class of 2004, and Michael C. Ghegan, Class of 1986, were recently inducted into the Columbia High School Hall of Fame. Monica Soliman, CHS teacher of social studies, welcomed attendees to the […]