CRANFORD — The Cranford Fire Department, along with the Cranford Post Office has joined forces with the United States Marine Corps Reserve for their annual TOYS-FOR-TOTS toy drive. This annual drive has been bringing joy to millions of children at the holiday for over 50 years. TOYS-FOR-TOTS in Northern New Jersey makes a tremendous difference in the lives of less... Full story »

CRANFORD—As the end of the year approaches, the Cranford Township Committee has already begun discussions on the 2010 budget, hearing proposals to increase fees to cover the costs of programs and delaying a request a vacancy created by retirement in the Engineering Department. At the Nov. 9 meeting, the committee members heard from Health Officer Warren Hehl, Swim Pool Utility... Full story »

When Donna Dorflinger eagerly sought to adopt twin boys a few years ago, she sat on a wooden bench outside a Union County courtroom feeling jittery and a bit sequestered. "I wish there was a celebration," she said. "It’s like a birthday and an anniversary all mixed up" Today, for the second year in a row, Dorflinger’s wish came true... Full story »

BERKELEY HEIGHTS -- Police arrested two New York men who were driving through the township in a stolen vehicle Thursday, according to a news release. Around 10:50 a.m., a patrolman pulled over a 2002 Infiniti driven by Jean Reyes, 23 of Bayshore, N.Y., for a motor vehicle violation and spotted a small amount of marijuana on Reyes’ leg, said the... Full story »

BERKELEY HEIGHTS -- Police arrested a nursing home employee Thursday on charges he stole about $48,000 by forging employee paychecks, including those of mentally-challenged individuals who worked at the home, police said. Roel Lopez, 38 of Bayonne, was responsible for distributing paychecks to mentally-challenged employees, according to a news release by Berkeley Heights police Sgt. Frank Fortunato. A month-long investigation... Full story »

MAPLEWOOD -- A Union man suspected of using a Taser gun to shock a gas station attendant before robbing him at the Denco retailer on Springfield Avenue early Thursday morning was chased down and caught by Maplewood Police shortly afterward, police said. Michael Terry, 22, faces weapons, aggravated assault, robbery and resisting arrest charges. Police suspect Terry of shocking the... Full story »

KENILWORTH — The Borough Council approved a new ordinance that will simplify the process for commercial developments looking to make small changes to existing properties. During the Nov. 12 council meeting, the amendment adding Minor Site Plans to the existing ordinance was unanimously passed on the second reading. Regarding the ordinance, Mayor Kathi Fiamingo said the change to borough code... Full story »

GARWOOD — PSE&G has begun to install energy-efficient street lights in New Jersey municipalities, including Garwood. PS&G officials said, “The new fixtures are brighter, last four times longer and cost less to operate than older, existing models. PSE&G is the first utility in the nation to provide these new fixtures, which are expected to reduce municipal lighting bills by $1... Full story »

Robert Arndt of Rahway has been sentenced for a string of bank robberies in New Jersey. Read about it here.  Full story »

GARWOOD — The world of Dr Seuss comes to life on the stage of Lincoln School in Garwood. The annual musical, which features the eighth-grade class, also includes a stage crew comprised of seventh-graders and a group of elementary aged children in the role of the littlest Whos. “Seussical” the musical is a compilation of popular Dr Seuss stories, including... Full story »

By Ashley R. Smith CRANFORD – Currently marking its 90th year in existence, the Cranford Dramatic Club already has much to celebrate. However, several of the CDC’s cast and crew members report they are thrilled with another recent achievement — five Perry Award wins. The awards are presented annually by the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters (NJACT) to honor... Full story »

Thanksgiving weekend isn't just a time for families to get together. It's also prime season for high school reunions. Graduates from high schools or other institutions around the Garden State will have an opportunity to reconnect with former friends and classmates. Among the upcoming reunions are these: Arthur L. Johnson Regional High School of Clark Class of 1989, 20-year... Full story »

BERGEN COUNTY -- Four New Jersey men with alleged ties to the Genovese crime family were charged today in federal court with conspiring to extort the owner of a Bergen County landscaping and paving business, authorities said. Michael C. Sciarra, the 74-year-old former president of Teamsters Local 560 and alleged associate of late Genovese captain Anthony "Tony Pro" Provenzano, was... Full story »

WESTFIELD -- A year after spending $1.1 million on a state-of-the-art DNA crime lab in Westfield, Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow gave a tour yesterday to show off the work at the facility. The forensic laboratory, housed in the Ralph G. Froehlich building, has been used to investigate 1st and 2nd degree crimes in Union County that include homicides, rape... Full story »

RAHWAY -- Federal authorities today charged the owner of a Rahway chiropractic clinic with staging automobile accidents and billing insurance companies to treat the supposed victims at his facility. Roberto Castanon, 62, the owner of Spinal Care & Rehabilitation Center, was arrested at his home in Rahway and appeared in federal court in Newark on charges of conspiracy to commit... Full story »