Category: Bergen County

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NJ Black Bear Sightings Drop 28% in 2025, But Safety Still Key, Experts Say

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New Jersey Sees Decline in Bear Encounters This Year, But Officials Urge Continued Caution

file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey has seen a significant 28.21% decrease in reported black bear incidents in 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). From January 1 to May 21, the state logged 257 bear-related incidents, down from 358 during the same period in 2024.

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NYC Cyclist Bitten by Venomous Snake While Biking Palisades Trail in New Jersey

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

PALISADES, NJ – What started as a peaceful bike ride through North Jersey’s Palisades Cliffs turned into a painful hospital visit for one New York City cyclist — all because he tried to save a snake.

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2024 saw the most Pedestrian Deaths since 1986 , Share your thoughts on Creating Safer Streets in Bergen County!

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file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, 2024 saw the most pedestrian deaths since 1986. There were 227 pedestrian deaths in New Jersey. There were 22 cyclist deaths in 2024, the third-highest number in the last 25 years. A 2023 study found that New Jersey has the most dangerous roads for pedestrians in the country.

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Bergen County Approves New Budget Post-American Rescue Plan: Tax Increase and Budget Cuts Explained

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file photo courtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County has officially approved its first budget since the end of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) federal funds, and despite some last-minute budget cuts, the overall budget reflects an increase over the previous year.

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New Jersey Music Lovers Have a New Website with Information on Hundreds of Summer Concerts Offered by Local Communities!

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Waldwick NJ, a new website https://www.freeconcerts.net  will inform New Jersey music lovers about the hundreds of summer concerts offered by local communities.

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NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety Announces ‘Click It or Ticket’ Campaign

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) today announced the launch of the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, a coordinated statewide initiative focused on changing behavior as well as enforcement efforts to drive home the life-saving importance of wearing seat belts.

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FDA Warns on Contaminated Tattoo Ink

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Twp. of Washington NJ, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers, tattoo artists, and retailers about the risk of serious infections associated with tattoo inks contaminated by harmful bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Tattoo inks that are contaminated can cause infections and lead to severe health issues when injected into the skin during a tattooing procedure, as there is an increased risk of infection whenever the skin barrier is breached.

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Multi Town Bergen Crime Spree Ends with Four Arrests in Englewood

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of 18-year-old JASON N. AMADOR of Newark, NJ; 23-year-old RAHIEM A. MALDONADO of Newark, NJ; 22-year-old ALTAMIR L. THORNTON of Newark, NJ; and a 17-year-old juvenile of Woodbridge, NJ on charges stemming from a string of occupied residential burglaries that occurred during the early morning hours of November 26, 2024. The arrests are the result of a months-long investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck; the Cresskill Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Domville; the Englewood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Greeley; the Paramus Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Guidetti; and the Tenafly Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Chamberlain.

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Explore Bergen County’s Rich Past for Bergen History Day – April 26

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, interested in learning more about the fascinating history of Bergen County and North Jersey? Mark your calendars — Saturday, April 26 is History Day, a perfect opportunity to dive deep into the area’s rich heritage!

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Former Bergen County Prosecutor Pushes Back at NJ PBA Criticism Over Daniel’s Law Controversy

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, former Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli is speaking out after being publicly criticized by the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) for his support of restoring Daniel’s Law to its original form.

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Overdevelopment of Floodplains Is Worsening Flood Risks in Bergen County

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file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  flooding has become a recurring nightmare for many New Jersey residents, and one of the biggest contributors is not just nature—but overdevelopment. In flood-prone areas like Bergen County, rapid urban expansion and construction on floodplains are compounding water damage, harming the environment, and putting entire communities at greater risk.

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Former Bergen Prosecutor Faces Backlash from NJ PBA Over Daniel’s Law Advocacy

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, former Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli is under fire from the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (NJ PBA) after taking on the role of spokesperson for the Public Safety Information Protection Coalition, a group seeking to revise Daniel’s Law to its original 2020 version.

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Bergen County Unveils $720M Budget Amid End of Federal COVID Funds: What Taxpayers Should Know

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County has introduced its first annual budget following the expiration of American Rescue Plan (ARP) federal funding, bringing a modest increase to local property taxes for 2025. Homeowners with properties assessed at the county average of $530,000 will see a $69 increase on the county portion of their tax bill.

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Bergen County Officials Reaffirm Commitment to Jewish Community Safety Ahead of Passover

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photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, as the Jewish holiday of Passover begins this weekend, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco joined Sheriff Anthony Cureton and law enforcement leaders for the Annual High Holy Day Security Briefing, reinforcing the county’s dedication to public safety, religious freedom, and community unity.

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Bergen County 2025 Budget: What Homeowners Need to Know About the Tax Increase After American Rescue Plan Expiration

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file photo of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County residents will see a modest increase in their property taxes as the county rolls out its first budget following the expiration of federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. The new fiscal year comes with challenges—but also stability, according to local officials.

Continue reading Bergen County 2025 Budget: What Homeowners Need to Know About the Tax Increase After American Rescue Plan Expiration