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Anonymous Mailer: Is Ridgewood’s ‘Open Space’ Mailer Hiding Something?

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The Controversy Behind the Referendum

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, a mystery mailer about the upcoming Ridgewood Open Space referendum has landed in residents’ mailboxes, sparking a fierce debate and raising serious questions about transparency and taxpayer funding. The referendum, set for November 4, 2025, asks voters to approve doubling the Open Space tax in the Village of Ridgewood, New Jersey. But it’s not just the proposed tax hike that has people talking—it’s the peculiar, officially-paid-for piece of campaign material.

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Fired for Fighting Turf, Ridgewood Hero Honored at NJ’s Top Environmental Congress!

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Fired Activist Gets the Last Laugh: NJ Environmental Congress Honors CEO Who Took on Artificial Turf!

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A story of local activism and environmental irony played out this week as Amy McCambirdge, a Ridgewood resident and CEO of the Unbridled Heroes Project, was honored at the prestigious ANJEC Environmental Congress.

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New Route 208 Safety Upgrades: A Blueprint for Good Government and Safer Roads

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photo Assemblyman Al Barlas (R-Essex), Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-Passaic), Assemblyman Christopher P. DePhillips (R-Bergen) and Hawthorne Mayor John Lane

Critical Infrastructure Investment Protects Drivers and Local Neighborhoods

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HAWTHORNE, N.J. – Residents and commuters along Route 208 in Bergen and Passaic counties can breathe a sigh of relief following the completion of critical safety upgrades. State and local officials recently gathered to celebrate the installation of new guiderails, crash cushions, and safety barriers along the heavily-traversed state highway, hailing the project as a vital investment and a shining example of effective government collaboration.

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Ridgewood High School Student Struck by Minivan in Crosswalk Near School

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RHS Safety Scare: Student Struck in Crosswalk – Sun Glare May Have Played a Role!

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – A frightening incident unfolded in front of Ridgewood High School (RHS) on Friday morning, October 10, 2025, when a 15-year-old student was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the street shortly after 8:00 AM.

The incident highlights crucial safety concerns surrounding pedestrian activity in school zones, especially during peak commuter and school-drop-off times.

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Bear Alert! Secure Your Trash NOW as NJ Black Bears Gear Up for Winter Denning

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NJ Bear Warning: Hungry Black Bears are Ramping Up Activity – Here’s How to Protect Your Home!

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as the leaves turn and the air chills, a critical season begins for New Jersey’s black bears: hyperphagia. This means they are entering a period of intense feeding, consuming over 20,000 calories per day to build up fat reserves for winter hibernation.

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Village Manager Implies that no residents showed interest in the Warner theater debate

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Photo of courtesy of Boyd Loving

The staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, at the October 8 Village Council meeting, Village Manager Keith Kazmark publicly stated that only one resident made any inquiry to him (via email) about the Warner Theater project.  We know that Mr Kazmark is a regular reader of THE BLOG, and has even posted on here.  We also know that he is a Facebook addict, posting sometimes multiple times a day. Therefore we QUESTION his statement, as a quick scan of Ridgewood social media shows that tons of residents have posted comments about the theater project – in favor, opposed, questions, all of it.  So, did Mr. Kazmark MISSPEAK when he implied that only one resident had any interest in this expensive project?  Oh, and then he added that “they want to make it controversial on the internet.”   Seriously?

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A “Completely Reprehensible” TikTok Trend Sparks Outrage in New Jersey

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STOP SCROLLING! NJ Schools Issue URGENT Warning Over Disturbing New TikTok ‘Pee Challenge’

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Barnegat Township NJ, yet another social media craze is causing chaos in schools, and this one is arguably the most disgusting yet. The so-called “Pee Challenge” on TikTok—where users film themselves appearing to urinate in public outdoor spaces—has prompted strong condemnation and serious disciplinary threats from at least one New Jersey school district.

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ATTENTION DRIVERS: Major Road Closure on North Maple Avenue in Ridgewood

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Avoid the Traffic Nightmare! North Maple Ave Closure in Ridgewood is Here—Expect Delays Through Oct 17th

photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Police Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – If your daily commute involves North Maple Avenue in Ridgewood, be prepared for some major delays. The Ridgewood Police Department has announced a full closure on a critical stretch of the road, which will affect traffic for the next week.

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Get Hooked! Help Yarn Bomb Ridgewood: The Village of Ridgewood Needs Your Granny Squares NOW!

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Outside AiR Committee Seeks Crafters to Donate Colorful Knitted & Crocheted Squares by November 1st for Whimsical Winter Art Installation

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood, NJ – It’s time to break out your yarn, needles, and hooks! The Outside AiR (Art in Ridgewood) Committee is planning a unique and cozy art installation to inject color and warmth into the Village this winter, and they are calling on all local crafters for help.

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ALL ABOARD! See Historic Trains & Land Your Dream Job at NJ TRANSIT’s “Meet Our Rail Fleet” Event in Hoboken

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Train Lovers, Unite! NJ Transit Unveils Stunning New Heritage Locomotive at Free Hoboken Event

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HOBOKEN, NJ – Get ready to step back in time and explore the fascinating history of New Jersey’s railways! NJ TRANSIT is inviting the public to its historic Hoboken Terminal for a free event, “Meet Our Rail Fleet,” on Sunday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. near Track 17.

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What Exactly Are GameZone Providers?

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If you’ve ever played in an online casino, you may have asked, “Who creates these games?” Are these games safe and fair, and who makes sure of that? The answer lies with the GameZone providers, the unseen architects of digital entertainment.

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New Spot: Christopher Columbus Statue Relocated in Garfield Park

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Out of the Shadows: NJ Mayor Moves Christopher Columbus Statue to Park’s Front Archway to ‘Honor its Roots’

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Garfield NJ, A Short, but Symbolic, Voyage , A statue of Christopher Columbus in Garfield, New Jersey, recently embarked on a far shorter voyage than its namesake, moving just a few hundred feet within the park named in his honor. On October 6th, local officials oversaw the relocation of the monument to a much more prominent spot at the park’s main entrance.

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FLOOD FEARS and Traffic Jams: Saddle River’s Algonquin Trail Affordable Housing Plan Hit by Drainage Debate

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Saddle River Housing Drama: Drainage Crisis and Hidden Lots Threaten $Toll Brothers’ Luxury-Affordable Complex

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

SADDLE RIVER, NJ – The contentious proposal for the Algonquin Trail affordable housing complex in Saddle River, spearheaded by Toll Brothers, faced another grueling session before the Planning Board on October 7, with drainage and stormwater management dominating the debate.

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Woof! TD Bank Brings Patented “Dog ATM” to NJ: Free Treats and Pawsome Parties in Cranford & Elmwood Park!

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The “Automated Treat Machine” That Went Viral is Finally Here—Find Out When Your Furry Friend Can Make a “Withdrawal”

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Elmwood Park, NJ – Get ready for the banking experience your dog has been waiting for! TD Bank is officially rolling out its wildly popular, and now patented, “Dog ATM”—or Automated Treat Machine—to New Jersey this month, giving local canines a chance to make their own delicious “withdrawals.”

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Deadly Clues: Police Called to Murder Victim’s Home Days Before Fatal New Milford Stabbing

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Domestic Turmoil Exposed: Police Reports Reveal Multiple Calls to New Milford Homicide Scene Days Before Fatal Stabbing

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New Milford NJ, Tragedy Strikes: Bergen County’s First Homicide. The quiet New Jersey town of New Milford was rocked by Bergen County’s first reported homicide of the year in September, when 24-year-old Mateo Ocho-Gonzalez was fatally stabbed in his home on River Road. The subsequent investigation led authorities to charge 25-year-old Justin Wilhelm of Morris County with the killing.

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