EPA power grab? Pols, states claim new water reg could bring feds into your backyard
By Kelley Vlahos
Published November 21, 2013
FoxNews.com
A river runs through it — and Uncle Sam isn’t far behind.
That’s what several Republican lawmakers and even state farming groups and local governments are warning, after a draft rule from the Environmental Protection Agency proposed expanding which waterways are federally protected under the Clean Water Act.
The concern is that the move could give the feds authority over virtually any stream or ditch, and hand environmentalists another way to sue property owners. In other words, critics say, the government might soon be able to declare jurisdiction over a seasonal stream in your backyard.
If so, good luck getting a permit to expand building space on your property, or marketing your land to prospective developers.
Rep Garrett Demands More Government Openness
November 20th 2013
Dear Friend,
For the second time, I took to the House Floor this morning to draw attention to Secretary Jack Lew’s stonewalling. More than five months ago, I sent a letter to Sectary Lew asking three very simple questions: when did you find out about the IRS’ targeting of the American people; did you participate in any of the dozens of meetings then-IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman had at the White House; and, did you have any knowledge of rumors relating to the targeting of Americans?
Unfortunately, rather than simply answering my questions and putting to bed the appearance of impropriety, Secretary Lew continues to ignore my questions.
Today, I ask you to join me in demanding the openness that President Obama once promised us.
State Extends New Jersey’s Homestead credit deadline
November 21, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey homeowners will have more time to apply for property tax credits. Officials announced on Wednesday that the New Jersey’s Homestead credit deadline would extend . The new deadline for applying for Homestead credits to Dec. 31. The original deadline was this Friday.
According to the AP ,the Treasury Department says the change will allow more people to apply. The state has only received about half of the total number of applications it expects to be filed, and officials say it’s unlikely that all eligible filers would meet the upcoming deadline.(https://www.northjersey.com/news/New_Jerseys_Homestead_credit_deadline_extended_.html#sthash.CUcQRQHm.dp )
Senior citizens and disabled homeowners with incomes under $150,000 are eligible for the tax credit, as are other homeowners with incomes under $75,000.
Ridgewood NJ, On November 19, 2013 Lt Glenn Ender, Ptl Kyle Finch and Sean Amoruso responded to a Best Court residence attempting to locate a person for the Saddle River Police Department. Anthony Ventura 20 of Ridgewood had a warrant issued by the Saddle River Municipal Court.
While attempting to arrest the accused he resisted and assaulted Ptl Finch. The accused was charged with Aggravated assault on a Police Officer and resisting arrest. He was then turned over to the Saddle River Police Department.
Ridgewood high school student attacked at knife point during lunch
from the Ridgewood Police
Ridgewood NJ, On November 20 at approximately 11:45am, the Ridgewood Police received a report of a high school student who had just returned from lunch and stated an unknown male had attempted to steal his backpack while he was wearing it and who had pulled out a knife and slashed at the juvenile, causing minor injuries.
Upon questioning, the juvenile stated he was walking along Walthery Avenue and noticed a man walking behind him who appeared to be following him. He stated the man then grabbed his backpack, which caused the juvenile to fall to the ground and the man pulled out a knife and started slashing at the juvenile. The juvenile was able to break free and run home. When he returned to school, he reported it to the school authorities, who contacted police.
The juvenile was transported to the Valley Hospital for treatment of his cuts and the area was checked for the actor, but no one was located at the time. Additional patrol, both marked and unmarked, will be in the area in an attempt to locate the actor.
The man is described as a white male in his 20’s, with slightly scruffy facial hair, wearing a black long sleeve shirt and black sweat pants. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Williams of the Ridgewood Police Department at 201-251-4536.
Homes raided, subpoenas issued targeting conservative groups and allies of Scott Walker
November 18, 2013 | Joe Schoffstall – 524 Comments
In Wisconsin, dozens of conservative groups and allies of Gov. Scott Walker are undergoing political intimidation from the left at the hands of a special prosecutor.
Subpoenas have been issued demanding correspondence and donor information of right-leaning organizations and individuals and raids have been conducted resulting in law enforcement officers taking computers and files in a secret investigation, according to reports.
“In recent weeks, special prosecutor Francis Schmitz has hit dozens of conservative groups with subpoenas demanding documents related to the 2011 and 2012 campaigns to recall Governor Walker and state legislative leaders,” the Wall Street Journal writes.
It continues, “Copies of two subpoenas we’ve seen demand ‘all memoranda, email . . . correspondence, and communications’ both internally and between the subpoena target and some 29 conservative groups, including Wisconsin and national nonprofits, political vendors and party committees. The groups include the League of American Voters, Wisconsin Family Action, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Americans for Prosperity—Wisconsin, American Crossroads, the Republican Governors Association, Friends of Scott Walker and the Republican Party of Wisconsin.”
The WSJ says the latest actions are taking place under Wisconsin’s John Doe law, which makes it difficult for the groups involved to defend themselves publicly.
Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving Two injured when Honda rear ends FedEx truck on Route 17
November 18,2013
Boyd A. Loving
12:05 PM
Ridgewood NJ, Two (2) occupants of a Honda Civic, including a pregnant passenger, were seriously injured following a rear end collision with a tractor trailer on Route 17 southbound under Linwood Avenue on Monday morning. The collision occurred at approximately 11 AM and closed the right and center lanes of Route 17 Southbound for over 30 minutes. RIdgewood PD, FD, and EMS all responded to the scene. Two (2) ambulances were required to transport the victims; both were taken to The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. A minor fluid spill was attended to by firefighters on the scene. The wrecked Honda was removed by flatbed tow truck. Gridlock conditions were reported on many through streets in Ridgewood just west of Route 17 as drivers bailed of of the highway looking for alternate routes.
The Board will hold a Regular Public Meeting on Monday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3. The meeting will be aired live on FiOS channel 33 and Optimum channel 77. Or it may be viewed live via the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us using the “Link in Live” tab.
click here to view the agenda for the November 18, 2013 Regular Public Meeting.
The Ridgewood Board of Education is seeking public input on the possibility of moving the annual school election from April to the November. Comments and questions may also be emailed to the superintendent’s office at [email protected].
Cancellation: Planning Board Public Work Session November 19
PLANNING BOARD
AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
CANCELLED: Work Session & Public Meeting: Tuesday, November 19, 2013
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board public meeting and work session for TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013, in the VILLAGE HALL COURT ROOM, 4th Floor, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ beginning at 7:30 p.m. has been cancelled.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
Village of Ridgewood Board and Committee Meetings
11/26/13 7:30PM Planning Board Special Public Meeting – Ben Franklin Middle School 11/26/13 7:30PM Board of Adjustment Public Work Session 12/03/13 7:30PM Planning Board Public Meeting – Ben Franklin Middle School 12/04/13 7:30PM Village Council Public Work Session 12/10/13 7:30PM Board of Adjustment Public Meeting 12/11/13 8:00PM Village Council Public Meeting
FBI warns of U.S. government breaches by Anonymous hackers
By Jim Finkle and Joseph Menn
BOSTON/SAN FRANCISCO Fri Nov 15, 2013 6:04pm EST
The word ‘password’ is pictured on a computer screen in this picture illustration taken in Berlin May 21, 2013.
(Reuters) – Activist hackers linked to the collective known as Anonymous have secretly accessed U.S. government computers in multiple agencies and stolen sensitive information in a campaign that began almost a year ago, the FBI warned this week.
The hackers exploited a flaw in Adobe Systems Inc’s software to launch a rash of electronic break-ins that began last December, then left “back doors” to return to many of the machines as recently as last month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a memo seen by Reuters.
The memo, distributed on Thursday, described the attacks as “a widespread problem that should be addressed.” It said the breach affected the U.S. Army, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, and perhaps many more agencies.
Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving Two vehicles wrecked, but no one injured in late day Ridgewood crash
November 14, 2013
Boyd A. Loving
5:04 PM
Ridgewood NJ, Two passenger vehicles collided at the intersection of North Walnut Street and Franklin Avenue at approximately 4:15 PM on Thursday. Both drivers, and a passenger in one of the vehicles, escaped without injury. However, the two vehicles involved were far less fortunate; both were unable to move on their own and had to be towed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Ridgewood FD firefighters attended to a minor fluid spill while Ridgewood PD patrol officers investigated the incident.
Obamacare fix for canceled health policies could raise costs: insurers
WASHINGTON Thu Nov 14, 2013 1:23pm EST
(Reuters) – President Barack Obama’s fix for canceled health plans could “destabilize” the insurance market and lead to higher costs for consumers without further steps, America’s Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group, said on Thursday.
“Changing the rules after health plans have already met the requirements of the (Obamacare) law could destabilize the market and result in higher premiums,” AHIP President Karen Ignagni said in a statement.
Veterans day is Monday, November 11th. American Legion Post 53, Ridgewood is inviting the whole community to attend our service to be held at Veterans Field at 11 am. The ceremony will take place at the flagpole located at Maple and Linwood Ave. Please join us as we thank all veterans but especially Korean War era military.
Village Offices Closed in Observance of Veteran’s Day – November 11
Village Hall offices will be closed Monday, November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day. There will be no garbage or recycling collecton on that day.
Ridgewood Luring
Posted: Nov 07, 2013 9:13 AM EST Updated: Nov 07, 2013 9:13 AM EST
By Ronica Cleary, @ChasingRonica
Ridgewood, New Jersey (My9News) –
There were recently two incidents of alleged luring in Ridgewood, N.J. In both cases, middle-school aged children were involved. The most recent incident occurred on November 1st at the intersection of N. Monroe and Sheridan Terrace. The first incident occurred on October 25.
Village of Ridgewood : So much for the “gift ordinance”
November 4th 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , Well that didn’t take long . Looks like the Village Council is taking David Bolger’s money. Perhaps the council is being forced to take the donation after the Christie ticket fiasco or perhaps it signals a new way of doing business for the Village .
COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA November 6, 2013
See attached meeting agenda, specifically item 6. a. 10)
Ridgewood NJ , the Village has 2008 ordinance barring Ridgewood officials or board members from accepting donations or gifts for 90 days after final action has been taken on an application and there is also a ordinance the prohibits the use of village equipment by private entities.
Here is the Village’s ordinance regarding gifts.
Prohibition; conditions for Council acceptance of gifts. Article I: Gifts to Village Council [Adopted 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 3132] § 127-1
Prohibition; conditions for Council acceptance of gifts.
A. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CONTRIBUTIONS, GIFTS AND OTHER DONATIONS
The free and voluntary presentation by any person to the Village Council of any sum of money or other item of value, the acceptance of which requires a resolution.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation, group, organization, association, government, governmental agency or any other entity, affiliate, subsidiary or related company of that entity.[Amended 12-8-2010 by Ord. No. 3273]
B. The Village Manager shall be authorized to establish rules and requirements for persons making, offering or presenting any contribution, gift and other donation to the Village, its agencies, departments, boards and/or employees, which rules shall require adoption by resolution by the Village Council to be effective. Said rules and requirements shall include, but are not limited to, the following:[Amended 12-8-2010 by Ord. No. 3273]
(1) Identification or determination of the value of said contribution, gift or other donation;
(2) Requirements for the reporting of the contribution, gift or other donation to Village Manager;
(3) Requirements for if and when Council approval is necessary for the acceptance of the contribution, gift or other donation by the Village.
C. Any person as defined in Subsection A above who wishes to make, offer or present a contribution, gift or other donation to the Village or its agencies, departments or boards must satisfy the rules and requirements as established by the Village Manager and adopted by resolution of the Village Council.[Amended 12-8-2010 by Ord. No. 3273]
D. Upon the acceptance of a gift, contribution or donation by the Village Council, the Village reserves the right to determine without qualification any process, conditions or other specifications on the gift and its utilization by the Village for the purpose for which said gift is intended and accepted.
Obama must be forced to defend his every questionable action and inaction while he still occupies the office of POTUS.
2013/11/01 at 12:18 pm
We have come to a point in our history at which it is essential that the Barack Obama myth and fantasy be effectively challenged and utterly destroyed, well in advance of the end of his second term as president. To do otherwise is to allow his impossibly effective campaign to destroy our civic, religious, military, and diplomatic culture (remember, he pledged to ‘fundamentally transform’ America) to become established chapter and verse of a new and demonstrably dangerous nationwide political movement.
If we act before the ink is dry on the fearful new tome Obama is writing, we may be able to erase or obliterate its corrosive message, and prevent it from being transmitted, unexamined and unrefuted, to our children, and to our children’s children. Wait too long, though, and we may never be able to “re-moralize” our country once he leaves office.
Think about it. We are accustomed to speaking about our former presidents in respectful, reverential terms. Obama knows this, and will exploit this dynamic for the rest of his life as he continues to pursue his now-obvious path of demoralizing true patriots and destroying our civil society. To the extent we act as expected and work to preserve our tradition of lionizing former presidents (who would have thought that Bill Clinton, he of rapacious sexual proclivities, could take such full advantage of this otherwise commendable habit!), we, as a country, effectively endorse the political activities, outlooks, and philosophies of our ex-presidents. At the very least, we have –at least to date– placed it outside the sphere of acceptable discourse for a nationally-recognized ‘thought leader’ or politician to professionally lambaste an ex-president, and (if applicable) reveal the true nature of his sociopathic personality, however thoroughly he may deserve such treatment based on norms or standards we apply to ordinary U.S. citizens.
Don’t you see? The time to act is when Obama remains in office. Obama must be forced to defend his every questionable action and inaction while he still occupies the office of POTUS. We must hold up a mirror to him, and force him to admit his past transgressions, as well as his true intentions for the future of this country. If we are lucky, we may see the day when he resigns, his political support entirely eliminated. But if he fails to resign, which seems likely, we must impeach him and remove him from office.
We have a great deal of hard work to do to restore the constitutional republic that is our political heritage. We are bound to protect our society against the current onslaught of attacks that is clearly intended to foment unnecessary self-doubt, sap our strength as a people, and stimulate and accelerate the kind of moral and cultural decay that history shows eventually reduces a proud nation-state to utter rubble. Let that work begin now, while the eyes of the nation, and of the world, are fixed on Obama and his administration.
