Senate Candidates Debate Economy, Health Care

Sen. Robert Menendez and State Sen. Joe Kyrillos discussed the economy, health care and foreign policy in a combative debate Thursday.

The candidates, who are competing for one of New Jersey's seats in the U.S. Senate, each claimed their own policies would prove to be more beneficial to the state's middle class families.

Illness Causes Real Housewife Jacqueline Laurita to Miss Fundraiser

Although New Jersey Housewife Jacqueline Laurita couldn't make it to Victor's Chateau Wednesday night, organizers for a fundraiser for cancer patient Frank Napolitano, said the evening was a success.

Laurita, of NJ Housewives fame, was expected to be the guest of honor at the shopping fundraiser held at Victor’s Chateau in Little Falls.

But she called out sick.

Verona and Cedar Grove Mail May Be Lost in Truck Fire

The state Department of Treasury is working to assist residents in many Essex County towns whose mail, sent to government offices between Sept. 7 and Sept. 10, burned in a truck fire last month.

Affected zip codes begin with 070 to 076, 078, 079, 088 and 089.

Police Departments Collect Drugs

The Cedar Grove Police Department collected 136 pounds of expired and unwanted medicine during its collection on Saturday. The Verona Police Department collected 62 pounds of medicine.

Operation Take Back New Jersey Medicine Disposal Day was created to get rid of unused and expired medicine in people's medicine cabinets. Residents were invited to dispose of their old or unwanted medicine with no questions asked.

Verona Receives High Marks on State Survey

The Township of Verona scored a 44 out of 50 on its Best Practices Survey, the council announced at its Monday night meeting. The state survey is required for a municipality to receive its state aid.

“This year, 50 questions covered a range of municipal topics,” said Township Manger Joseph Martin. “You need at least a 40 to get 100 percent of your state aid. Verona scored a 44.”

Facelift Coming For Center Avenue

Residents of Center Avenue were so concerned about safety issues with the roadway, they felt it was necessary to voice those concerns Monday at the Cedar Grove Township Council meeting.

And the council responded, agreeing to give the street a complete facelift in the spring.