East Rutherford NJ, For the first time in 32 years, the men’s World Cup is coming back to North America. FIFA’s 200-plus member associations gathered in Moscow on Wednesday and voted to award 2026 World Cup hosting rights to the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In a coup for the Trump administration , 60 of 80 games will be in the United States, with 10 apiece in Canada and Mexico. Those 60 include every game from the quarterfinals onward. Canada and Mexico have proposed three host cities each: Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton will stage games north of the U.S. border, while Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey will be match sites down south.
The U.S. has proposed the Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Calif.) for the opener; Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) and AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Tex.) for semifinals; and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.) for the final , which will have a capacity of more than 87,000 for the event. Unlike this year, the United States will automatically qualify for the World Cup as a host country.
Oradell NJ, a multi-story house 3 alarm fire at 240 Kinderkamack Road became engulfed Tuesday evening. There were no fatalities reported, at least one victim was hospitalized with serious burn injuries after being pulled out by an Oradell police officer and an off-duty firefighter in the fast-moving Tuesday night house blaze.
Firefighters from Oradell, Haworth, Westwood, Paramus, Bergenfield, New Milford, River Edge, and Dumont responded.
Jim Arakelian , “It’s my understanding that the members of Company One in River Edge Fire went far and beyond the call of duty at yesterday’s horrific fire in Oradell. Congratulations and thank you for your bravery.”
Glen Rock NJ, A three (3) vehicle, Tuesday afternoon, 06/12, collision on Route 208 southbound in Glen Rock resulted in two (2) injuries that required ambulance transport to Hackensack University Medical Center’s main campus. Three (3) wrecked vehicles were removed from the highway by flatbed tow trucks. Glen Rock Police and EMS responded. A Hawthorne Police patrol unit assisted with traffic control.
Edgewater NJ, Love baseball? Love history? Step back into yesteryear when the Bergen County Historical Society hosts an old-time game in the meadow at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Featuring the Flemington Neshanocks verses the Brooklyn Eckfords.
Experience the crack of wood against leather, the cheers and jeers of the crowd, and baseball the way great-grandpa saw it, when these reenactor teams play with 19th century rules, equipment, and uniforms in an open field. A great way for the family to enjoy America’s game!
Watch for Casey at the Bat at this first big event in The Meadow, make sure to bring a hat, blanket or chair, and sunscreen. Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge. Admission: $10 adults, $5 students, BCHS members free.
Enter at the corner of Hackensack Avenue & Main Street. Short walking tours by BCHS interpreters available. New Bridge baseball scorecard available with each ticket, limited quantities.
Consider taking the train to HNBL. Trains traveling south & north arrive at the New Bridge Landing Station. Check NJ Transit schedule for updates on the Pascack Valley line.
Event takes place on the Meadow at Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661.
100% of your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Saturday, July 7 at 11 AM – 1 PM
Bergen County Historical Society
1201-5 Main St, River Edge, New Jersey 07661
Glen Rock NJ, like Ridgewood on Friday June 8th members of the Glen Rock Police Department along with some of their family members carried the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” through Glen Rock as part of the 35th annual Lawn Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics. NJ officers run through the streets of their communities with the “Flame of Hope,’’ which culminates in the lighting of the Special Olympics New Jersey cauldron to open the 2018 Summer Games. The run travels through more than 300 towns covering 750 miles.
Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic type sports for more than 25,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Visit www.sonj.org for more information.
Glen Rock NJ, A two (2) vehicle, Saturday morning, 06/09, collision at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Rock Road in Glen Rock required the services of Glen Rock Fire Department to mitigate a crash related fluid spill. No injuries were reported in the crash. Both vehicles were removed by flat bed tow trucks. Glen Rock PD is investigating the incident.
Photo courtesy of Saddle River Police Facebook page
June 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River Nj, the Saddle River Borough Council held a SPECIAL MEETING on Saturday evening, JUNE 2, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the Borough Hall as Saddle River to swear in its next Police Chief, Captain Jason Cosgriff, and say goodbye to retiring Chief Timothy McWilliams who served the police department with distinction for 34 years, the last 17 being Chief.
Saddle River Mayor Al Kurpis Statement regarding the next Police Chief – There are very few decisions a Mayor makes that is as important as selecting a Police Chief to oversee the safety and welfare of our community. After a thorough review of all eligible candidates it is my distinct pleasure to announce that on June 1, I will be submitting Captain Jason Cosgriff’s name for nomination to be the next Saddle River Police Chief. Captain Cosgriff has served the Saddle River Police Department for 20 years and his professionalism and distinguished service throughout that time has elevated him to his current rank as a Captain. It has been an honor and privilege to serve with Captain Cosgriff during my term as Mayor and I look forward to continuing to serve with him in his new capacity as Chief. In addition to his professional work as a member of our police department it is also worth noting that Captain Cosgriff grew up in Saddle River and at the age of 18 joined the Saddle River Valley Recue Squad where he reached the rank of Captain and earned Life Member status. Aside from his professional accomplishments Captain Cosgriff brings forward a stellar academic record which culminated with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
There’s not enough I can say to express my gratitude to the 35 year service of Chief McWilliams. He has always served as a steady and calming presence in the police department and throughout the community and he will be missed. I wish him nothing but well wishes in his retirement and I look forward to our continued personal friendship.
I would like thank the members of the Public Safety Committee for their important role in this process. Like my nomination, their role in this process is one of the most important things they will ever participate in on the local government level. The residents can take comfort knowing that they performed this role with a high level of diligence and seriousness that would far exceed anyone’s expectations. In addition to my own review of the candidates I placed great weight in their ultimate recommendation which aligns with my nomination. I would also be remiss if I did not thank the other candidates who stepped up for an opportunity to lead the department. They both have long and distinguished careers with the Saddle River Police Department. I consider them both to be high caliber members of this department and look forward to their continued service.
Statement from Captain Jason Cosgriff: I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve as the next Police Chief in the town I grew up in. Reaching the pinnacle of my career is one thing, but to do so in my hometown that I always loved makes it extra special. I would like to thank the Mayor and Council for their support in this process and throughout the course of my career. I would like to thank the officers of the department for the fine work that they do in a professional manner day in and day out for the residents of Saddle River. I will always maintain an open door policy and it is that type of policy that sets the foundation for a strong relationship between our agency and the community we serve. My vision for the agency is to continue the high level of service we provide and to maintain the safety and security of Saddle River.
Comment from the Saddle River PBA President, Saddle River PO Paul Passaretti – On behalf of the PBA we have always had a great relationship with the command staff and we look forward to working with Captain Cosgriff as we continue to move forward in a positive direction. His record of distinction is well noted and his service to the community and this department is well received by its members. We are pleased by a process that sets forth a smooth transition from Chief McWilliams to future Chief Cosgriff. We look forward to this next chapter in our departments history as we continue to provide a high level of service to our residents.
Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, The Truck 7 WET DOWN and BLOCK PARTY is today June 9th ! Join in on the fun from 2-6 pm when we will commission Truck 741 for availability to service. In long standing tradition, neighboring fire departments will arrive to anoint our new fire apparatus with fog streams (no foam)…Live entertainment by Black Diamond Band, delicious food, craft beer from Defiant micro-brewery, commemorative cups, T-shirts and special merchandise for sale… plus lots of fun for the kids – games, a dunk tank and a bouncy house. DON’T MISS OUT! Everyone is invited!
New York NY, Last night in New York we had a taste of the finest example of European History, Politics and Music. Classical music buffs from Bergen County undertook an extraordinary task to bring to America the lost masterpiece of Prince Poniatowski. Gala Concert of the “Mass in F” composed by Prince Joseph Poniatowski, cousin of the last king of Poland Stanislaw August Poniatowski (1732-1798), son of Stanislaw Poniatowski and Cassandra Luci. The Polish Prince was well known in Italy and France as a composer of the romantic generation, six years younger than Fryderyk Chopin and three years younger than Giuseppe Verdi.
A few years ago, truly sensational information started to circulate among the musicians in London about a discovery at the British Museum. That discovery had to do with an unknown score composed by Prince Joseph Poniatowski. The world premier took place at Westminster Cathedral Hall in London in June 2015. Last night in New York dozen of dignitaries and hundreds of their guest had unique privilege and honor to witness an American premier of the “Mass in F”, under the patronage of His Excellency Ambassador Of the Republic Of Poland Mr. Piotr Wilczek in the beautiful settings of St. Bart’s Church, located at 235 Park Avenue in Manhattan.Among invited guests was Lady Blanka A. Rosenthiel, Honorary Consul to the Republic of Poland, wife of late Kentucky Seagram’s 7 Whisky Magnate Lewis Solon Rosenthiel, Mr. Maciej Golubiewski, Consul General of the Republic Of Poland in New York, Ian Brzezinski, the son of late Zbigniew Brzezinski, Witold Mroziewski, Bishop of Brooklyn, Joseph Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, Archbishop Bernardino Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.Since the main organizer Mr. Robert Niziol is from Upper Saddle River and since one of the partners and sponsors of the event Mr. Derek Michalski, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®and a local LPL Financial Wealth Manager is also a long time resident of Upper Saddle River many honorable guest representing zip code 07458 were on the guest list at this historic event. Derek’s fiancé Ms. Margaret Chudziak was among them. The Honorable Saddle River Mayor Albert Kurpis and his wife Judy Kurpis, Rev. Fr., JC Merino representing Church of the Presentation and many others were also invited to the VIP Reception after the concert where they commingled with the dignitaries and had opportunity to congratulate the soloists, the music conductor, members of the choir and the fantastic members of the Spectrum Symphony of New York. One member of the choir happened to be also a member of our Church of the Presentation’s choir. The list of the personal connections, discussions and photo opportunities between Upper and Saddle River Valley residents and the New York performers went on until early morning hours on Friday. Plans were made to introduce the idea of bringing this extraordinary concert “Mass in F” to parishes in NJ starting of course with the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River and St. Gabriel the Archangel in Saddle River. Like Derek Michalski said: “If we can stop Toll Brothers and prevent the destruction of our local streams and Saddle River aquifer we can definitely pray for divine intervention to bring Spectrum Symphony Of New York and the famous now “Mass in F” by Prince Poniatowski to the Saddle River zip code. And to make it even more interested it should be noted that Saddle River Valley was discovered by none other than famous Albert Zabrieskie”. Yes, another Pole! More about this famous local Polish emigrant and more about last night great musicians and their biographies at www.GreenUSR.org
Paterson NJ, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced a state grand jury indictment charging the alleged leader and 16 other alleged members of a narcotics network linked to the Bloods street gang that was distributing large amounts of heroin in Paterson. Seventeen more individuals are charged with possession of narcotics, including 16 who allegedly purchased heroin from the ring, bringing the total number of defendants indicted to 34.
The indictment, handed up yesterday, stems from “Operation Pitfall,” a collaborative investigation led by the New Jersey State Police Gangs & Organized Crime North Unit, the Division of Criminal Justice, the State Parole Board, the Newark Police Department, and ICE Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Paterson Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Prospect Park Police, Wallington Police, Elmwood Park Police, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne Police, and Clifton Police.
The investigation targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in a section of the 4th Ward of Paterson known as the four corners or “4K” area, referring to the intersections of Mercer Street and Putnam Street, Rosa Parks Boulevard and Putnam Street, Mercer Street and Warren Street, and Rosa Parks Boulevard and Warren Street. The area has a history of open air drug dealing and gun violence. The drug network was led by a local set of the Bloods street gang known as the “4K Bloods” or “Korner Boyz.” The cooperating agencies arrested most of the defendants in November, including the alleged ringleader, Jaumel Reese, 35, of Passaic, N.J., and one of his alleged bulk suppliers, Jesse Garcia, 27, of Lodi, N.J. Reese and many of the other defendants are allegedly members of the 4K Bloods.
The Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau yesterday obtained a 63-count state grand jury indictment charging all 17 alleged ring members with second-degree conspiracy to distribute heroin. Reese is also charged with first-degree promoting organized street crime, and Eric Huntington, 41, of Paterson, who allegedly was one of Reese’s top “runners” or suppliers to street-level dealers, is charged with first-degree distribution of heroin. During the takedown of the ring, authorities executed a search warrant at the home of Garcia, where they seized 90 bricks of heroin (each including about 50 “bags” or doses), a handgun, hollow-nose bullets, and over $19,000. Garcia is charged with additional second-degree drug and gun offenses, as well as third-degree money laundering. A total of three guns were seized during the investigation. The other ring members face various additional second- and third-degree drug charges, and the 16 alleged buyers face third-degree heroin possession charges.
“We are collaborating in investigations like Operation Pitfall to target the drug traffickers who are fueling the deadly opioid epidemic and bringing violence to the neighborhoods of our cities,” said Attorney General Grewal. “This investigation really took aim at the heart of the problem, because Paterson is a major hub for heroin distribution across northern New Jersey and the open-air drug markets allegedly controlled by this Bloods set in the city’s 4th Ward have a history of gun violence.”
“This investigation is a great example of all levels of law enforcement working together seamlessly to dismantle a significant narcotics network,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “There can be little doubt that we saved lives by stopping the heroin trafficked by these gang members from reaching people struggling with addiction in Paterson and the surrounding region.”
“When heroin dealing is introduced into a community, gun violence is not far behind, and if you add dangerous street gangs to the equation, the effect on a city’s residents can be devastating,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “I want to commend the State Police personnel and our law enforcement partners who ultimately dismantled this drug distribution network and made the streets safer for the residents of Paterson.”
Deputy Attorney General Amy Sieminski presented the case to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Annmarie Taggart and Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis. Attorney General Grewal commended the prosecutors in the Division of Criminal Justice, the detectives in the New Jersey State Police Gangs and Organized Crime North Unit, including the lead detective, Detective Scott Sanders, and all of the detectives, officers and special agents who investigated for the other participating agencies.
The following is a full list of the defendants charged with second-degree conspiracy as alleged ring members:
Jaumel Reese, 35, of Passaic, N.J.
Jessie Garcia, 27, of Lodi, N.J.
Eric Huntington, 41, of Paterson, N.J.
Jerome Deas, 38, of Paterson, N.J.
Marvelous Pitts, 31, of Paterson, N.J.
Shaques Huntington, 24, Paterson, N.J.
Herbert Pitts, 60, of Paterson, N.J.
Justin Jones, 24, of Paterson, N.J.
Angela Whitehead, 32, of Prospect Park, N.J.
Jeffrey Hunter, 29, of Paterson, N.J.
Markeith Davis, 48, of Paterson, N.J.
Tariq Jackson, 25, of Paterson, N.J.
Devon Armstrong, 40, of Paterson, N.J.
Jonathan Cedeno, 22, of Paterson, N.J.
Isaac Coleman, 32, of Paterson, N.J.
Hanife Dock, 29, of Paterson, N.J.
Theodore Blackshear, 46, of Paterson, N.J.
The following is a list of the remaining 17 defendants. All are charged with third-degree possession of heroin, with the exception of Winter Burch. Burch, who is a girlfriend of Reese, is charged with third-degree possession of codeine and fourth-degree possession of false government documents.
Jasmine Soto, 28, of Milford, Pa.
Christopher Gutierrez, 34, of Milford, Pa.
Daniel Grimm, 67, of Franklin, N.J.
Nicholas McLaughlin, 26, of Greeley, Pa.
Christopher Holbert, 24, of Hawley, Pa.
Brent Howell, 33, of Blairstown, N.J.
Frank Marchionni, 26, of Nanuet, N.Y.
Jonathon Kleinberg, 29, of New City, N.Y.
Michael Armao, 33, of Greenwood Lake, N.Y.
Michael Sheridan, 42, of Johnson, N.Y.
Robert Ferri, 33, of Wyckoff, N.J.
Chelsea Rouse, 34, of East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Jennifer Halterman, 33, of East Stroudsburg, Pa.
David Boralsky, 35, of Stanhope, N.J.
Michael Ryerson, 48, of Paterson, N.J.
Carl McKenith, 65, of Englewood, N.J.
Winter Burch, 36, of Passaic, N.J.
Jaumel Reese, Jessie Garcia, Eric Huntington and Jerome Deas are being detained in jail pre-trial. They were charged in a prior indictment in March that has been superseded by this new indictment.
First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000, while second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. A sentence for first-degree promoting organized street crime must be served consecutively to the sentence for any underlying offense. The first-degree heroin distribution charge carries an enhanced fine of up to $500,000. Reese is charged with employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme, a second-degree charge which also carries an enhanced fine of up to $500,000. The second-degree charges of certain persons not to possess a weapon carry a mandatory term of parole ineligibility of five years. The third-degree drug charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $35,000.
The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Washington Twp NJ, So ex council candidate Alexandra Harwin’s husband Rabbi Noah Fabricant may soon be without a job? This may explain quite a bit. According to Temple Beth Or ‘s website on ” 11/2/2017: As announced during the High Holy Days, we (Temple Beth Or) have signed a Letter of Intent with Temple Beth El of Northern Valley, in Closter, to take actions towards the merging of our two congregations to create a single Jewish community in a new location under a new name. Since then, we have made a significant amount of progress.”
Westwood NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of TROY C. JONES (DOB: 09/23/1945; married; and employed as a bookkeeper) of 84 Westwood Boulevard, Westwood, NJ on charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. The arrest is the result of an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Michael Saudino, and the Westwood Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael Pontillo.
On June 5, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information from the Westwood Police Department that two female victims were attacked inside the residence of 84 Westwood Boulevard in Westwood.
An investigation by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Westwood Police Department revealed that Troy C. JONES had physically assaulted one female victim and inflicted multiple stab wounds to another. Both victims were transported to Hackensack University Medical Center with serious injuries.
Troy C. JONES was charged with two counts each of Attempted Murder, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1A(1), a crime of the 1st degree; Aggravated Assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1B(1), a crime of the 2nd degree; Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1B(2), a crime of the 3rd degree; and Possession Of A Weapon For Unlawful Purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4D, a crime of the 3rd degree. JONES is in the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ. 2
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Westwood Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
Criminal Activity Alert – Auto Thefts & Car Burglaries -Saddle River & Neighboring Towns- Lock Vehicles – Remove Key Fob’s
June 6,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, Last night two vehicles were stolen from two different residential driveways in Saddle River. Both vehicles were unlocked and the key fobs were left in the vehicles. Several other unlocked vehicles were entered and burglarized by these actors during the overnight.
Saddle River and several neighboring jurisdictions have been experiencing high end auto thefts and auto burglaries. If everyone removes the keys and key FOB’s from their vehicles these thefts will stop. Locking your vehicle when its in the driveway prevents car burglaries from occurring and deters criminals from our area.
Most crimes are prevented or criminals are caught when the public assists the Police by reporting suspicious persons and activity. Discuss this with your neighbors, family and friends. Advise them to secure their homes and vehicles and to report suspicious activity when it is observed, not the following day. The eyes and ears of the community are of great assistance in preventing and solving crimes. Any suspicious activity can be reported to the police desk @ 201-327-5300 or by calling 9-1-1
For additional information or assistance please call Saddle River Police headquarters anytime at 201-327-5300.
Hide – Lock – Take !!!
Address/Location
Saddle River NJ Police
83 E Allendale Rd
Saddle River, NJ 07458
