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Westwood, NJ

Watch Drone Locate Missing Westwood Woman With Dementia Watch Drone Locate Missing Westwood Woman With Dementia
Watch Drone Locate Missing Westwood Woman With Dementia An elderly woman who went missing in Bergen County was found safely after a drone with infrared technology helped police locate her in a wooded area, authorities said. The incident happened on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 15, when the Westwood Police Department responded to a call for assistance regarding a missing and endangered woman who suffers from dementia, according to Chief Michael R. Pontillo. A family member reported that the woman had walked away from her home and had no means of communication or tracking on her, Pontillo said. Officers immediately began searching the area and r…
Sex Assault Suspect Wanted After Skipping Court On 1991 Hillsdale, Wash Twp Case: Officials Sex Assault Suspect Wanted After Skipping Court On 1991 Hillsdale, Wash Twp Case: Officials
Sex Assault Suspect Wanted After Skipping Court On 1991 Hillsdale, Wash Twp Case: Officials Authorities are searching for a 59-year-old former Bergen County man accused of sexually assaulting a child decades ago after he failed to show up for a court hearing, prosecutors said Thursday, Aug. 14. Jed D. Phykitt, of Dalton, MN, and formerly of Washington Township, NJ, was indicted on five counts of second-degree sexual assault related to allegations from the early 1990s, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said this week. Phykitt was first arrested in February 2025 in Minnesota after a nearly year-long investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, wit…
Disney Producer's Pop Culture Toy Shop Forced From Westwood Storefront Disney Producer's Pop Culture Toy Shop Forced From Westwood Storefront
Disney Producer's Pop Culture Toy Shop Forced From Westwood Storefront A pop culture toy shop is shifting to an online-only model after construction forced it out of its Bergen County storefront of 12 years, the owners said. The move at Hollywood Heroes at 7 Bergen St., in Westwood, comes as construction on the building begins earlier than expected, forcing the business to vacate starting the first week of September. Hollywood Heroes was founded by Jordan Hembrough, 55, of Ridgewood, a longtime collector and former Travel Channel host of the hit series "Toy Hunter." The store has served the Bergen County toy community since 2014, offering rare and vintage item…
Vote Now: North Jersey's Top 10 Ice Cream Shops Vote Now: North Jersey's Top 10 Ice Cream Shops
Vote Now: North Jersey's Top 10 Ice Cream Shops North Jersey has no shortage of standout ice cream shops — and when we asked Daily Voice Instagram followers to nominate their favorites, the responses poured in by the dozens. We tallied the results and narrowed them down to the 10 most-mentioned local favorites, spanning Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Morris counties.  Now it’s time to vote for the shop that deserves the title of Best Ice Cream in North Jersey. Meet The Finalists: Conrad's, Westwood Goffle Creamery, Hawthorne Vinnie and Alyssa Penna at Goffle Creamery in Hawthorne, 2024 Daily Voice Best Ice Cream In North Je…
Storms Knock Out Power To Thousands Across NJ; Thunderstorm Watch In Effect Until 10PM Storms Knock Out Power To Thousands Across NJ; Thunderstorm Watch In Effect Until 10PM
Storms Knock Out Power To Thousands Across NJ; Thunderstorm Watch In Effect Until 10PM Thousands of homes and businesses lost power across New Jersey on Thursday, July 3, as storms moved through the state, according to outage data from JCP&L and PSE&G. As of 6:15 p.m., Sussex County had the most widespread outages, with 3,029 customers in the dark, JCP&L reported. The hardest-hit towns included: Sparta, with 1,724 outages Ogdensburg, with 404 outages Andover, with 298 outages Stillwater, with 210 outages In Morris County, 1,295 customers were without power, including: 646 in Chester 265 in Mendham Borough 136 in Mendham Township Smaller outages were reported in…
Westwood Principal Leaves For Position In Glen Rock: Meet Kelly Hughes Westwood Principal Leaves For Position In Glen Rock: Meet Kelly Hughes
Westwood Principal Leaves For Position In Glen Rock: Meet Kelly Hughes Richard E. Byrd Elementary School in Glen Rock is getting a new leader, and she's bringing more than 15 years of experience, a student-first philosophy, and a whole lot of heart. Kelly Hughes, who served as principal of Brookside Elementary in Westwood for the past three years, was officially appointed to her new role at the Glen Rock Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 23. “We’re grateful for her leadership and dedication to the Westwood Regional School District, especially her time at Brookside Elementary, and we wish her all the best in this next chapter,” said Board of Education …
Fake ICE Raid Tip Sent Westwood Into Hysteria: Police Working To Uncover Who Did It Fake ICE Raid Tip Sent Westwood Into Hysteria: Police Working To Uncover Who Did It
Fake ICE Raid Tip Sent Westwood Into Hysteria: Police Working To Uncover Who Did It Police are investigating a fake immigration raid warning that caused widespread panic in one Bergen County town, they said. A misinformation campaign falsely claimed that the Westwood Police Department told a local church that ICE raids would take place on Friday, June 13, the department said. The person or people responsible for the act purported that the Westwood Police Department contacted a local church, saying that immigration raids would be taking place, Westwood police said.  “This misinformation spread like wildfire and led to an unnecessary level of hysteria in our community.…
Westwood Track Coach Arrested For Assaulting Young Athlete: Cops Westwood Track Coach Arrested For Assaulting Young Athlete: Cops
Westwood Track Coach Arrested For Assaulting Young Athlete: Cops A 62-year-old Bergen County track and field coach was arrested after police say he assaulted an athlete. On Thursday, May 15, Washington Township police received a report that a juvenile had been hurt by their coach, Ruben Baerga, 62, of Westwood, according to a news release from the department. Baerga works for the private organization New Jersey Striders, which is not affiliated with the Westwood Regional School District, police said. Baerga was arrested by officers following an investigation that included video evidence, police said. Baerga was charged with endangering the welfare…
Keri Mancini, Westwood Native, Yoga Instructor, Dies Unexpectedly, 41 Keri Mancini, Westwood Native, Yoga Instructor, Dies Unexpectedly, 41
Keri Mancini, Westwood Native, Yoga Instructor, Dies Unexpectedly, 41 Keri Dolores Mancini, a yoga instructor and Bergen County native, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 14, 2025, according to her obituary on the Becker Funeral Home website. She was 41 years old. Keri was born in Westwood on January 19, 1984, to the late Kaney and Kelly (Smith) Mancini. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Kyle Mancini. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FLOW Yoga Studio (@flowyoganj) Keri was a dedicated yoga instructor at Flow Yoga Studio having previously worked at Retro Fitness in Hackensack, where…
Sudden Death Of Westwood Dad Spreads Shock: Remembering Brian Fennell Sudden Death Of Westwood Dad Spreads Shock: Remembering Brian Fennell
Sudden Death Of Westwood Dad Spreads Shock: Remembering Brian Fennell Support is on the rise for the family of a Bergen County dad and Rockland County native who died unexpectedly this week. Brian Fennell  Brian Fennell Facebook Brian Patrick Fennell, of Westwood, died on Wednesday, April 2, at 47, leaving behind a family and community heartbroken by the loss. Brian was a devoted husband to Katrina and loving father to their two children, Caroline Cecilia and Reyer Patrick, his obituary on the Becker Funeral Home website says. He  Brian was raised in Pearl River, NY and had a long, successful career in construction management, starting at ag…
New Bar Replacing Mother's Ale House In Wayne: Introducing Brokedown Palace New Bar Replacing Mother's Ale House In Wayne: Introducing Brokedown Palace
New Bar Replacing Mother's Ale House In Wayne: Introducing Brokedown Palace A shuttered Wayne sports bar is getting a second act — with some upgrades and a new name. Brokedown Palace is taking over the former Mother’s Ale House at 23 Mountainview Boulevard, which hit the market back in 2022. The new bar is being developed by 805 Hospitality, the group behind The Mason Jar in Mahwah and The Tavern at the Iron Horse in Westwood, according to Matt Valerio, the company's director of operations. Valerio said he used to be a regular at Mother’s and hopes to keep the vibe familiar — just better. Basement rendering of Brokedown Palace 805 Hospitality “We’re going t…
9 New Bergen County Restaurants You Need To Try Right Now 9 New Bergen County Restaurants You Need To Try Right Now
9 New Bergen County Restaurants You Need To Try Right Now Bergen County’s food scene is heating up with a fresh wave of restaurant openings, bringing bold flavors, unique concepts, and big chef names to neighborhoods across the area. From loaded yuca fries and Greek classics to sizzling ramen and wood-fired pizza, here’s a look at the newest spots you’ll want to add to your must-try list. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BentoMe (@bentomeus) BentoMe, Bergenfield Sushi, but make it speedy. BentoMe is a new takeout and delivery-only spot at 78 Portland Ave. in Bergenfield offering classic…
Thief Tries To Steal BMW From Trader Joe’s Lot In Westwood, Flees On Foot: Cops Thief Tries To Steal BMW From Trader Joe’s Lot In Westwood, Flees On Foot: Cops
Thief Tries To Steal BMW From Trader Joe’s Lot In Westwood, Flees On Foot: Cops A brazen thief attempted to steal a 2023 BMW X7 from a Trader Joe’s parking lot in Westwood before fleeing on foot, authorities said. Westwood police responded to the Trader Joe’s at 20 Irvington St. around 12:53 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, after receiving a report of a carjacking in progress, Westwood Police Chief Michael Pontillo said. The suspect got into the BMW, which had been left with its key fob inside, and attempted to drive away, police said. When the owner confronted the thief, the vehicle struck another car in the lot. The suspect then jumped out of the car and ran away, pursued b…
Best Jewelry Store In Bergen County In 2024: LaViano Jewelers Best Jewelry Store In Bergen County In 2024: LaViano Jewelers
Best Jewelry Store In Bergen County In 2024: LaViano Jewelers We are thrilled to announce that LaViano Jewelers has been named Best Jewelry Store in Bergen County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards!  Founded by Michael J. LaViano, a master jeweler and Swiss-trained watchmaker, the family-owned LaViano Jewelers has built a legacy of trust, quality, and style over generations, according to its website. Known for its custom-made, one-of-a-kind pieces, per its website, LaViano Jewelers specializes in using GIA-certified diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and rare exotic stones. The 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice contest to n…
Best Mexican Restaurant In Bergen County In 2024: Lolita's Mexican Cantina Best Mexican Restaurant In Bergen County In 2024: Lolita's Mexican Cantina
Best Mexican Restaurant In Bergen County In 2024: Lolita's Mexican Cantina We are thrilled to announce that Lolita's Mexican Cantina in Westwood has been named Best Mexican Restaurant in Bergen County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards!  Owners Fernando and Deborah Lopez draw inspiration from Mexico's rich and diverse culture, creating a dining experience that delights the senses with a vibrantly colored dining room and a menu offering dishes bursting with authentic flavors, according to its website. The 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice contest to name the Best of the Best in Bergen County began with reader nominations in October and ended …
Best Chiropractor In Bergen County In 2024: Westwood Family Chiropractic Best Chiropractor In Bergen County In 2024: Westwood Family Chiropractic
Best Chiropractor In Bergen County In 2024: Westwood Family Chiropractic We are thrilled to announce that Westwood Family Chiropractic has been named Best Chiropractor in Bergen County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards!  Led by Drs. Cathy and Jett Gurman, both graduates of Life University, Westwood Family Chiropractic has been a cornerstone of health and wellness in Westwood for over 30 years, providing chiropractic care for pregnancy, pre- and postnatal periods, pediatric, adult, and senior patients, according to its website. Annette, a Readers' Choice voter, called Westwood Family Chiropractic "an excellent place for excellent care." …
Best Indian Restaurant In Bergen County In 2024: Downtown Dhaba Best Indian Restaurant In Bergen County In 2024: Downtown Dhaba
Best Indian Restaurant In Bergen County In 2024: Downtown Dhaba We are thrilled to announce that Downtown Dhaba has been named Best Indian Restaurant in Bergen County in the Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! Downtown Dhaba brings the rich flavors of "dhaba"—traditional roadside eateries in Northern India, celebrated for their fresh, local cuisine—to Bergen County, per the restaurant's website. "Excellent and authentic," praised a Readers' Choice voter.  "And the service is excellent! You can’t go wrong here. Want excellent Indian food and service? This is the place." The 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice contest to name the Best of the Be…
Double Homicide: Teen Who Beat Aunts Dead In Spring Valley Faces Life In Prison, DA Says Double Homicide: Teen Who Beat Aunts Dead In Spring Valley Faces Life In Prison, DA Says
Double Homicide: Teen Who Beat Aunts Dead In Spring Valley Faces Life In Prison, DA Says A teen accused of brutally killing her two aunts inside a Rockland County home has been indicted on multiple murder charges and faces life behind bars, prosecutors announced. Alan "Alina" Abad, 19, of Westwood, New Jersey, was arraigned on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Rockland County Court, where a grand jury indicted them on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, according to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. Prosecutors allege that on Saturday, Feb. 15, around 6:30 p.m., Abad beat their two aunts, Evelyn Aguilar-Agustin and Anabelly Aguilar, t…
Teen Beat Victims Dead To Stop Them From Calling 911 In Spring Valley, New Details Show Teen Beat Victims Dead To Stop Them From Calling 911 In Spring Valley, New Details Show
Teen Beat Victims Dead To Stop Them From Calling 911 In Spring Valley, New Details Show More chilling details have emerged in a double homicide in Rockland County, where the 19-year-old suspect posted a wholesome TikTok video before allegedly beating two victims to death to stop them from calling for help, police said.  Alan "Alina" Abad of Westwood, NJ is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Evelyn Aguilar-Agustin and Anabelly Aguilar, whose bodies were discovered inside a Gesner Drive residence in Spring Valley around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, according to the Spring Valley Police Department. According to a criminal complaint, Abad allegedly beat both vict…
Man Sexually Assaulted Teen In Hillsdale, Westwood, Wash Twp 30+ Years Ago: Prosecutor Man Sexually Assaulted Teen In Hillsdale, Westwood, Wash Twp 30+ Years Ago: Prosecutor
Man Sexually Assaulted Teen In Hillsdale, Westwood, Wash Twp 30+ Years Ago: Prosecutor A Minnesota man is facing charges in a sexual assault case that happened nearly thirty years ago, authorities said. Jen Daniel Phykitt, formerly of Washington Township (Bergen County) sexually assaulted a child in Westwood, Washington Township, and Hillsdale multiple times between 1990 and 1991, when the child was between the ages of 13 and 16, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. As the result of an investigation, on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, Phykitt was arrested in Dalton, MN with help from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Department. He was charged with five counts of secon…
Bergen County's Hottest New Restaurants: Ramen, Soul Food, And Everything In Between Bergen County's Hottest New Restaurants: Ramen, Soul Food, And Everything In Between
Bergen County's Hottest New Restaurants: Ramen, Soul Food, And Everything In Between Bergen County's food scene just got a whole lot tastier.  Five brand-new spots to satisfy your cravings have opened in the area.  Whether you’re slurping noodles, biting into a stuffed paratha, or indulging in soulful comfort food, there’s something for everyone to love. Ramen Factory — Old Tappan Calling all noodle lovers! Ramen Factory at 216 Old Tappan Rd is serving up ramen bowls, rice dishes, and snacks like crispy Japanese fried chicken, gyoza, and pork buns. It's the perfect cozy escape for a flavor-packed meal. View this post on Instagram …
James Gandolfini Service Area Sets Opening Date After Renovations James Gandolfini Service Area Sets Opening Date After Renovations
James Gandolfini Service Area Sets Opening Date After Renovations Pull over, Parkway travelers—the James Gandolfini Service Area along the Garden State Parkway finally has an opening date. The Montvale rest area will open its doors Monday, Jan. 27, and it’s bringing big Jersey energy along with some fan-favorite eats. Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, Nathan’s, and the Applegreen retail market will be ready to serve up snacks and coffee to keep your road trip rolling. Burger King might be flipping burgers by Monday, but officials say they’ll know for sure later this week. Meanwhile, Sunoco will take a little longer to join the fun, with plans to open during the we…
Old Tappan Baseball Player Opening New Burger Joint In Westwood Old Tappan Baseball Player Opening New Burger Joint In Westwood
Old Tappan Baseball Player Opening New Burger Joint In Westwood A Rockland County favorite is set to bring its signature, back-to-basics burgers to Bergen County. The Filling Station (TFS) Burger Works will open its first New Jersey location in Westwood, aiming for a grand opening in March, according to an announcement shared on Instagram. Known for its nostalgic charm and flavorful offerings, TFS already operates two popular locations along Route 9W in Rockland County. The Westwood location will be managed by 22-year-old Old Tappan native Jake Braet. A former multi-sport athlete and lifelong burger enthusiast, Braet has a personal connection to TFS. Hi…
Corrections Officer From Bergen County Dies Months After Cancer Diagnosis, 51 Corrections Officer From Bergen County Dies Months After Cancer Diagnosis, 51
Corrections Officer From Bergen County Dies Months After Cancer Diagnosis, 51 The New Jersey Department of Corrections is mourning the loss of Senior Correctional Police Officer Ryan Robert Stemple, who died on Monday, Dec. 2.  Ryan, 51, of Park Ridge (Bergen County), was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer that metastasized to a small area of his lung earlier this year, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for his daughter. "He was a very proud father, great son, brother, cousin and friend to many," writes Jen Van Cleef in an update on the campaign.  "Ryan expressed he was not afraid to the unknown but more sad. He said he is going to miss …
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Dumont Teacher Lauren Zucconi Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle 'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Dumont Teacher Lauren Zucconi Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Dumont Teacher Lauren Zucconi Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle Lauren Zucconi, a Bergen County teacher, loving wife, and proud Long Beach Island homeowner, passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, after a decade-long battle with cancer, according to her obituary on the Volk Leber Funeral Home website. She was 36 years old. Her unwavering mantra, “Never, never, never give up,” defined her courageous journey and inspired those around her. Born in Westwood and raised in Chestnut Ridge, NY, Lauren excelled in academics and athletics, graduating from Spring Valley High School, where she met her soulmate, James Robert Nash, her obituary says. She went on to earn…
Bergen County Bites: Nine New Must-Try Restaurants Opening Near You Bergen County Bites: Nine New Must-Try Restaurants Opening Near You
Bergen County Bites: Nine New Must-Try Restaurants Opening Near You Two sushi spots, a Cajun hot pot eatery, and a cozy family-owned café. These are just a few of the exciting new restaurants that have recently opened — or are about to debut — in Bergen County. Here’s the lineup: Carlstadt: Meet Hot Pot, 508 Route 17, an authentic hotpot and cajun seafood/grill, now open. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MeetHOTPOT (@beijinghotpotnj) Closter: Sookae's Kitchen, 211 Closter Dock Road, artisanal catering and gourmet meals. Now open. Englewood: Sko Sushi, 41 Sylvan Ave., sushi by master s…
Bergen County Hospitals Rank Among Safest In New Jersey Bergen County Hospitals Rank Among Safest In New Jersey
Bergen County Hospitals Rank Among Safest In New Jersey New Jersey hospitals are among the safest in the nation, according to the fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grade report from The Leapfrog Group.  The Garden State ranks in the top 10 states for the highest percentage of "A" hospitals, joining states like Utah, Virginia, and Connecticut. The grades, which are updated twice a year, assess nearly 3,000 hospitals across the country on their effectiveness at preventing medical errors, accidents, and infections. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 30 performance measures to assign grades ranging from "A" to "F," offering patients and fami…
Westwood Man, 65, Sexually Assaulted Victim Under 16: Prosecutor Westwood Man, 65, Sexually Assaulted Victim Under 16: Prosecutor
Westwood Man, 65, Sexually Assaulted Victim Under 16: Prosecutor A 65-year-old Bergen County man has been charged with sexually assaulting a child under 16 years old. Sylvester R. Jackson, of Westwood, allegedly sexually assaulted the victim on Sept. 28 in the borough of Westwood, an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and Westwood police found, according to Prosecutor Mark Musella. Jackson was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal sexual contact. He was lodged in the county jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Westwood, Meet Your New Superintendent Dr. Patrick McQueeney Westwood, Meet Your New Superintendent Dr. Patrick McQueeney
Westwood, Meet Your New Superintendent Dr. Patrick McQueeney The Westwood Regional Public School District has appointed a new superintendent. Dr. Patrick McQueeney, who has been serving as the leader of Wanaque schools since 2021, will helm the Westwood Regional School District (WWRSD) come November. The move was approved at the Thursday, Sept. 26 WWRSD Board of Ed (BoE) meeting. The nine-member board voted 8-0, with one abstention, to execute a contract with McQueeney, asking him to take the lead as soon as possible, but no later than Nov. 27. His five-year contract will begin on Nov. 1. McQueeney submitted his resignation to Wanaque on Friday…
1950 Originals Expands To Westfield 1950 Originals Expands To Westfield
1950 Originals Expands To Westfield 1950s Originals is continuing to establish its footprint as the hot dog joint of North Jersey. Dan DeMiglio, owner of the Westwood eatery, announced his shop will be expanding into Westfield, with an opening date set for sometime next month. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Burgers, Dogs & Fries (@1950originals) "It’s a proud moment for our entire team," DeMiglio said. "A huge thanks to everyone who’s been with us on this journey.  "Bringing co-owner Chef Danny’s recipes and our Beef Tallow tastebud magic to such an arti…
Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie Phenom, Star Gymnast GF Livvy Dunne Jet Off To MLB All-Star Game Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie Phenom, Star Gymnast GF Livvy Dunne Jet Off To MLB All-Star Game
Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie Phenom, Star Gymnast GF Livvy Dunne Jet Off To MLB All-Star Game Pittsburgh Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes is taking his famed moustache, golden arm, and model girlfriend to the MLB All-Star Game this week. In a post on Instagram on Sunday, LSU gymnast, and influencer, Livvy Dunne — who hails from Bergen County — shared a photo of the pair before heading on a private jet to Texas with friends, where the 22-year-old is set to make his 12th career start in the majors at the big event on Tuesday. Skenes - the first overall pick in the 2023 draft - has only started 11 games in his career since being called up earlier this year, notching six wins with an E…