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The “Pre-Civil War” Survivor: 170-Year-Old White Oak Saved from the Ax in Hillsdale

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School Gets Educated : Hillsdale’s 170-year-old White Oak tree was supposed to be cut down for a school expansion

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, in an era where new construction often means “out with the old,” a piece of living history in Bergen County has just won a major victory. A venerable White Oak tree, which has stood guard in Hillsdale since nearly a decade before the Civil War, has officially been spared from the buzzsaws.

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82 Year Old Hillsdale Man Charged with Sexual Assualt of a Minor

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Assaults happened Over a Two Year Period on Multiple Occasions

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale Nj, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 82-year-old DAVID M. STEWART of Hillsdale, NJ on charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Deputy Chief Jeff Angermeyer, and the Hillsdale Police Department, under the direction of Chief Travis Woods.

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Controversial 150-Foot Verizon Cell Tower Approved in Hillsdale: Residents Demand Health Priority

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Hillsdale Cell Tower Battle: Council Approves 150-Foot Verizon Plan Near Elementary School, Mandates Public Town Hall

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, In a closely watched decision, the Hillsdale Mayor and Council have unanimously moved forward with a resolution that could pave the way for a new 150-foot cell tower in the Bergen County borough. Despite strong opposition from residents citing health, safety, and property value concerns, the governing body approved the measure during its December 9th meeting.

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A Civil War Survivor: Public Outcry Saves 170-Year-Old White Oak from $62M Hillsdale School Renovation

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Historic Legacy Under Threat: How Hillsdale Rallied to Save a 17-Decade-Old Tree

photo courtesy of the Hillsdale Environmental Commission

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, a majestic white oak tree, estimated to have sprouted around 170 years ago—before the start of the U.S. Civil War—has narrowly escaped the chopping block in Hillsdale. The ancient tree, located outside the George G. White Middle School, was slated for removal to make way for a parking lot and a retention pond as part of a massive $62 million school renovation project.

Thanks to a passionate public outcry and decisive action from local officials, the district is now working on a complete redesign to save the irreplaceable tree for future generations.

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A 40-Year-Old Secret: Lawsuit Alleges Child Abuse at a Bergen County Elementary School

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Decades Later: A Lawsuit Alleges Abuse at a Bergen County Elementary School

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

A former student has come forward with disturbing allegations of sexual abuse that he claims occurred at George G. White Elementary School in Hillsdale, New Jersey, in the early 1980s. The unnamed plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against the Hillsdale Board of Education, the school, and the district, stating they failed in their duty to protect him from a now-deceased teacher.

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Car Fire on Garden State Parkway in Hillsdale Shuts Lane, Slows Traffic on Aug. 26

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photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HILLSDALE, NJ — August 26, 2025: Motorists traveling northbound on the Garden State Parkway through Bergen County experienced delays Tuesday after a car fire erupted near mile marker 167.7.

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Four Local Scouts Achieve Eagle Rank: Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali Honors Troop 334 at Pascack Hills Ceremony

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photos courtesy of Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali

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HILLSDALE, NJ — It was a proud moment for Troop 334 and the Pascack Valley community as four outstanding young men achieved the highest rank in Scouting — Eagle Scout.

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Did You Feel It Again? Second Earthquake Shakes Bergen County in Just Three Days

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, for the second time in less than a week, northern New Jersey residents felt the ground rumble — and social media once again lit up with the question: “Was that another earthquake?”

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed a magnitude 2.7 earthquake struck at 12:11 p.m. on Tuesday, with its epicenter located just southwest of Hillsdale in Bergen County. The quake originated approximately 3–6 miles underground, shallow enough to be felt across nearby towns and even parts of New York City.

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Hillsdale Police Chief Sean Smith Settles Disciplinary Matter, Plans to Retire

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, a disciplinary hearing involving Hillsdale Police Chief Sean Smith was canceled last week after Smith and the borough of Hillsdale reached a settlement agreement, according to a statement from Hillsdale Mayor Michael Sheinfield. The chief also plans to retire on April 1, 2025.

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UPDATE : Newark Man Arrested for Dunkin’ Burglary Crime Spree Across Four NJ Counties

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 24-year-old ENAJAIM E. BOWMAN of Newark, NJ, on various charges related to a series of burglaries across northern and central New Jersey. The arrest is the result of a weeks-long investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck; the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista; and with assistance from the Township of Union Police Department in Union County, under the direction of Police Director Chris Donnelly.

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Hillsdale Police Chief Sean Smith Faces Disciplinary Hearing

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, a hearing will be held at a future date regarding a disciplinary matter involving Hillsdale Police Chief Sean Smith, following the appointment of a hearing officer during the Borough Council’s Jan. 14 meeting.

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Hillsdale Police Department Looking for Information on hit-and-run near the intersection of Broadway and Washington Avenue

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, the Hillsdale Police Department is seeking information on a  January 22nd, 2025, a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian occurred near the intersection of Broadway and Washington Avenue.  The incident occurred around  5:30 p.m. Hillsdale Police are asking the public to please contact the Hillsdale police desk at 201-664-4200 if they have any information .

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Preparing for Storms: Woodcliff Lake Reservoir Lowered Amid Flood Concerns

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, with heavy storms expected to hit New Jersey this week, Veolia Water, the company that owns Woodcliff Lake, has decided to lower the reservoir’s water level to protect its “structural integrity,” according to Westwood’s Mayor Raymond Arroyo.

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A Mother’s Fight: The Story of Joan D’Alessandro and “Daughter of Mine”

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from the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, in 1973, the disappearance of 7-year-old Joan D’Alessandro from Hillsdale sent shockwaves through the community, leaving her family devastated and searching for answers. Now, decades later, Joan’s story is being retold in the powerful documentary “Daughter of Mine,” shedding light on her mother Rosemarie’s relentless fight for justice and the lasting impact of Joan’s tragic death.

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