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Christmas Day Blaze: Ridgewood Firefighters Battle Detached Garage Fire

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Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department and the Paramus Fire Department Supplied Mutual Aid 

photos courtesy of Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47

the staff of the Ridgewood bog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — While most families were gathered around the tree on December 25, 2025, the Ridgewood Fire Department was rushing to the scene of a fully involved structure fire.

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Ridgewood Bareburger Temporarily Closed Following Minor Smoke Incident

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If you were planning to grab a bison burger in downtown Ridgewood this week, you might find the doors briefly locked at 15 E. Ridgewood Ave.

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, on December 28, 2025, the Ridgewood Bareburger was forced to evacuate and temporarily close its doors after a “smoke condition” triggered fire alarms. While the incident may have caused a stir among post-holiday shoppers, local officials are calling it a minor technical glitch rather than a disaster.

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Panic at Willowbrook: Food Court Fight Leads to Gunshot in Wayne

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Willowbrook Food Court Shoot Out

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Panic swept through the Wayne, New Jersey landmark just after 7:00 PM as shoppers scrambled for safety following the sound of a “loud bang.” While the incident triggered a massive police response and social media reports of an active shooter, authorities have confirmed that the situation was a localized fight rather than a targeted mass shooting.

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Bergen County 2026: FIFA World Cup, Revolutionary War Celebrations, and Major Road Overhauls

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Celebrating the Nation’s 250th Birthday in Bergen County

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, get ready, Bergen County! The year 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant years in the county’s history. Between hosting the world’s biggest sporting event and celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday, county officials have a packed calendar of infrastructure, tech, and recreational milestones.

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End of an Era: Ridgewood’s Iconic Wilkes Deli Closes After 65 Years

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The End of Neighborhood Institution

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the slicers have gone quiet at one of Bergen County’s most legendary sandwich spots. On December 28, 2025, the Wilkes Family Delicatessen officially closed its doors at its East Glen Avenue location, marking the end of a 65-year run as a neighborhood institution.

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Holiday Magic in Ridgewood: Winners of the 8th Annual Window Display Contest Announced!

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Ridgewood Arts Council has officially crowned the champions of the 8th Annual Holiday Window Display Contest

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, every year, our downtown transforms into a winter wonderland, but this year, the competition was fiercer—and more festive—than ever. From whimsical greenery to “magical” sourdough setups, these local businesses went above and beyond to bring holiday spirit to the streets of Ridgewood.

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“Rest in Peace, Paulie”: Woodcliff Lake Mourns the Sudden Loss of Fire Legend Paul Bechtel

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Woodcliff Lake community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Paul Bechtel, a man whose name was synonymous with service, community spirit, and the local firefighting family

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, known affectionately as “Paulie,” Bechtel’s death was confirmed by Mayor Carlos Rendo and the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department (WLFD) on December 28, 2025. The news follows reports of police activity on Saddle River Road, which authorities later clarified was related to the sudden passing of the beloved former Fire Official.

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2026 Ridgewood Parking Permits Now Available: How to Get Yours at Village Hall

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Avoid the ticket! The Village of Ridgewood has officially opened the sale of 2026 parking permits. Whether you are a daily commuter, a local business employee, or a resident needing a one-day pass, now is the time to head to Village Hall and secure your spot

the staff of the ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, to make the process as smooth as possible, here is everything you need to know about the requirements, hours, and location for obtaining your new sticker.

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“Icy Mess”: State of Emergency Declared as Winter Storm Hammers New Jersey Roadways

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The Garden State is currently under a State of Emergency as a powerful winter storm transforms the post-Christmas commute into a treacherous mix of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, What began as a picturesque snowfall in Downtown Ridgewood quickly turned into a “dangerous mess” along major arteries like Route 17, where near-whiteout conditions and multiple vehicle spinouts were reported Friday evening.

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Stolen $9,000 Mandolins Returned to Teaneck Store

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“Sorry, I Been Drunk”: Stolen $9,000 Mandolins Returned to Teaneck Store with Apology Note

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teanck NJ, In a Christmas miracle that feels straight out of a movie, the rare instruments stolen from Lark Street Music in Teaneck have been returned.After a week-long search that made national headlines, the man accused of swiping two high-end mandolins worth nearly $9,000 walked back into the store on Friday, December 26, 2025, to return the stolen goods—along with a handwritten apology.

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Ridgewood Reverses Course: Council Approves $350K for Hudson Street Garage Safety Fencing

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The $350,000 expenditure suggests “soft” security measures—including enhanced camera surveillance and bird spikes

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In a significant shift from previous policy, the Ridgewood Village Council has officially approved $350,000 for the installation of protective fencing on the top floor of the Hudson Street Parking Garage.

The decision marks a complete turnaround from 2021, when the Council famously opted against fencing to preserve the “magnificent beauty” of the award-winning structure. However, persistent safety concerns—including juveniles throwing objects and individuals sitting on high ledge walls—have forced a rethink of the garage’s security profile.

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A Trip Down Memory Lane: Historic Ridgewood Stars in the 2026 Village Calendar

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Check your mailboxes, Ridgewood! The 2026 Village of Ridgewood Calendar is officially on its way to residents, and this year’s edition is more than just a schedule—it’s a curated gallery of our community’s rich, 300-year history

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, this year, the Village has traded modern snapshots for a stunning collection of historic photographs. From the early days of Dutch farming to the Victorian-era railroad boom, each month offers a window into the iconic buildings and long-standing traditions that make the Garden State’s premier suburb so unique.

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Winter Storm Warning Update: How to Stay Safe as 9 Inches of Snow Hits Our Area

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The National Weather Service has officially upgraded our region to a Winter Storm Warning, which remains in effect until 1:00 PM today, Saturday, December 27, 2025

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, following a heavy overnight snowfall that saw rates of up to 2 inches per hour, our local Department of Public Works (DPW) and emergency services are working around the clock. To ensure the safety of all residents and to allow for efficient snow removal, the Village has issued the following mandatory safety protocols.

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Rare Mandolins Worth $9,000 Stolen from Teaneck’s Iconic “Lark Street Music”

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The suspect reportedly entered the shop and engaged an employee in a brief conversation about a guitar

photo courtesy of the Teaneck Police

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TEANECK, NJ — A legendary music store that has served the likes of Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones, and AC/DC is asking for the public’s help after a brazen shoplifter made off with two rare mandolins worth nearly $9,000.

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New Jersey Drivers Hit Historic High: Seat Belt Usage Rockets to Nearly 95%

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Seat belt usage rate has surged to a record-breaking 94.97% following the 2025 “Click It or Ticket” campaign

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey is officially one of the safest states for motorists in the nation. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) announced today that the state’s seat belt usage rate has surged to a record-breaking 94.97% following the 2025 “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

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