The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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RUTHERFORD, NJ — A mysterious early-morning 911 call on Sunday, September 1 led Rutherford Police to a man sitting on the bleachers at a local football field with a stolen knife, authorities said.
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RUTHERFORD, NJ — The investigation into the devastating Aug. 8 blaze that destroyed the historic Congregation Beth El synagogue has officially closed, with officials saying the fire’s cause may never be known.
Police Chief John Russo confirmed that damage to the 1890s Queen Anne-style building was so severe that investigators could not pinpoint what sparked the inferno. “This burned so fast and so hot, it collapsed upon itself,” Russo said. “There was nothing left to examine.”
photos courtesy of NJ District 36 Assembly candidates Chris Musto and Diane DeBiase
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RUTHERFORD, NJ — A devastating blaze in the early hours of Friday, August 8, 2025, destroyed the home and synagogue of Rabbi Yitzchok and Bina Lerman on Montross Avenue. The couple and their four children narrowly escaped with their lives, but everything else — including seven sacred Torah scrolls — was lost.
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Rutherford NJ, a Bergen County man, already serving time for impersonating law enforcement, was convicted this week for assaulting a homeless man in Newark nearly five years ago.
photo courtesy of Rutherford Engine Co. 4
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Rutherford NJ, an overturned tractor-trailer on Route 17 in Rutherford led to significant traffic disruptions and lane closures on Tuesday afternoon, according to Rutherford Police Department and 511NJ. Both exit ramps from Rt. 17 South and Rt. 17 North that lead to Rt. 3 East were closed for approximately 3 to 5 hours due to a Motor Vehicle crash.
Continue reading Overturned Tractor-Trailer on Route 17 in Rutherford Causes Major Delays
photos courtesy of Anne Loving
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Rutherford NJ, a car fire broke out on Route 17 southbound in Rutherford, on Thursday, February 13, at approximately 2:30 PM, engulfing the engine compartment of a four-door sedan.
Continue reading Car Fire Erupts on Route 17 in Rutherford: Driver Escapes Safely
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Rutherford NJ, Rutherford’s Grace Episcopal Church is pleased to announce its fourth annual outreach, “Grace’s Closet” to area students who may want to attend prom this season, but who may be unable to afford their outfits. This event is open to all, regardless of town or county of residence. Last year’s event was a significant success affecting 600+ local teenagers by providing them with elegant prom attire and accessories and having a transformative effect on their confidence and overall experience.
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Rutherford NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 43-year-old ROLANDO F. PINCAY-SAILEMA of Rutherford, NJ on charges of aggravated sexual assault, 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 Chief Matthew Finck and the Rutherford Police Department under the direction of Chief John R. Russo.
Continue reading Rutherford Man Charged in Sexual Assault of Preteen
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Rutherford NJ, Bergen County is making a significant investment in recreation and sustainability, improving parks and green spaces. A major highlight of this funding is the transformation of the Carlton Hill Rail Trail, a 1.2-mile stretch running through East Rutherford and Rutherford, into a scenic greenway for walking, jogging, and biking.
Continue reading Bergen County Invests $2.69 Million to Enhance Recreation and Green Spaces
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Rutherford NJ, Rutherford’s Grace Episcopal Church is pleased to announce its 50th Holly Fair, kicking off the holiday season the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving, putting people into the holiday spirit. When you enter the Holly Fair space in the church, you are immediately taken by the beautiful lights, decorations and overall Christmas spirit. This is what brings people back year after year.
Continue reading 50th Holly Fair at Rutherford’s Grace Episcopal Church
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Rutherford NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 40-year-old JUSTIN R. LATORRE of Newark, NJ on charges of assault by auto. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck and the Rutherford Police Department under the direction of Chief John Russo.
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Rutherford NJ, a Bergen County, New Jersey, man was indicted on charges that he fraudulently obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Continue reading Rutherford Man Charged in COVID-19 Fraud Scheme
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Rutherford NJ, in a significant milestone for law enforcement leadership, John R. Russo, Chief of the Rutherford Police Department, has been sworn in as the 109th president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The ceremony took place during the association’s 112th annual training conference and Police/Security Expo in Atlantic City.
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Rutherford NJ, late Saturday afternoon, a series of smaller, local thunderstorms swept through portions of Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Union counties, leaving minor damage and causing significant power outages.
