Arrests, School Safety Evaluations Top Local News

Cedar Grove Police: Passenger Was Illegal Alien

A 24-year old passenger in a car stopped by Cedar Grove police Saturday was an illegal alien and was turned over to immigration officials, Cedar Grove police said.

Grimaldo D. Andia of Kearny was arrested and turned over to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Cedar Grove Police Chief Richard Vanderstreet said.

Verona Police: Fairfield Man Provided False ID

A Fairfield man was issued several summonses and his car was impounded after a traffic stop on Bloomfield Avenue on Dec. 13, Verona police said.

Police stopped Alfred Montone, 27, at 4:08 p.m. after officers said he made an illegal U-turn while driving a car with a flat tire and both side-view mirrors missing.

Schools Undergo Safety Re-Evaluation After Connecticut School Shooting

The Verona and Cedar Grove School Districts are re-examining their safety guidelines following the Friday, Dec. 14 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

School officials have been in close contact with local police to ensure the safety of all Verona and Cedar Grove students.

Verona and Cedar Grove See Increase in Thefts and Burglaries

Both Verona and Cedar Grove have seen an increase in non-violent crimes from 2010 to 2011, according to the New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Report released last week.

Motor vehicle thefts increased tenfold in Cedar Grove with only one committed in 2010. Ten motor vehicle thefts were reported in 2011 according to the report.

East Orange Man Sentenced For 2010 Essex Fells Robbery

A Superior Court judge in Newark Wednesday sentenced an East Orange man to 20 years in prison for the 2010 beating, stabbing and robbery of a 91-year-old Essex Fells man.

Reginald Anthony, 30, was sentenced before Superior Court Judge Peter J. Vazquez for the robbery and the resulting death of Robert Nevius of Essex Fells, a decorated World War II veteran.

Verona Engineer Contract Approved After Lengthy Debate

Continuity will be the catchword in Verona for the next three years after the township council approved a new contract for township engineer Jim Helb Monday night after a lengthy discussion.

In a 3-2 vote, the council locked in Helb to the job he’d held for more than 20 years before retiring in 2010.

Young Organ Donor to be Remembered on Rose Parade Float

The legacy of Jason Jiaa will live on through others, his parents said. That is why they decided to donate the 11-year old's organs after Jason died of an allergic reaction in 2008.

“It's hard but we feel this is the best way to help people who really need it,” said Henry Jiaa, Jason's father. “We learned that 150,000 people are on the waiting list and that 18 people die every day because they can't get the organ donations they need.”

Chamber of Commerce Gala Postponed Until Further Notice

The Cedar Grove Chamber of Commerce, led by president Allen Rosen, will need to postpone their gala, which was aiming to raise money for the Cedar Grove Ambulance and Rescue Squad.

The event “Groovin at the Grove” was supposed to be at The Grove catering hall in February, but after several major sponsors pulled out, the gala may be rescheduled towards the end of next year, said Rosen.

Virginia Boeck, President of the Friends of the Verona Public Library and Mary Torrey, Library Director, would like to express their sincere thanks to the members of the community who bought books at our 30th annual book sale from December 1-4.

This year our book sale broke all records, raising over $1,200 for the Friends of the Verona Public Library.