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Hopatcong, NJ

Nest Cam Captures Mysterious Boom, Bright Light That Jolted Hopatcong Awake Nest Cam Captures Mysterious Boom, Bright Light That Jolted Hopatcong Awake
Nest Cam Captures Mysterious Boom, Bright Light That Jolted Hopatcong Awake A sudden boom and blinding flash lit up the night sky in one North Jersey town early Tuesday, Sept. 2, jolting residents awake and sending a flurry of calls to police (scroll for video). Lauren Manning’s Nest camera caught the moment at 1:54 a.m. — a split-second burst of light followed by a deafening boom. She said the blast shook her entire Hopatcong house and woke her family from a dead sleep. Within minutes, neighbors in the Sussex County borough were posting online that they, too, saw the light and heard the boom. Some described it as feeling like an explosion. Vie…
Barricaded Man Found Dead After Gunshot Heard In Byram Township Standoff, Police Say Barricaded Man Found Dead After Gunshot Heard In Byram Township Standoff, Police Say
Barricaded Man Found Dead After Gunshot Heard In Byram Township Standoff, Police Say A man was found dead inside his home following a tense standoff with police in Sussex County over the weekend, officials said. The incident began in Byram Township around 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, when officers responded to a home for a report of a possible domestic violence incident, according to a press release from the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. Officers from the Byram Township Police Department arrived and attempted to make contact with the man, but “the individual, however, refused to comply and subsequently barricaded himself inside the home,” the release said. A short time …
Suspended BMW Driver Leads 100 MPH Pursuit-Crash Along Route 206: Byram PD Suspended BMW Driver Leads 100 MPH Pursuit-Crash Along Route 206: Byram PD
Suspended BMW Driver Leads 100 MPH Pursuit-Crash Along Route 206: Byram PD A BMW clocked at over 100 mph led police on a high-speed chase down Route 206 before crashing and sparking a foot pursuit that ended in the arrests of two North Jersey men, authorities said. The Byram Township Police Department said the Feb. 23 incident began at 11:11 a.m. when an officer attempted to pull over the speeding vehicle on Route 206 North. Instead of stopping, the driver, later identified as Andrew Jack Acevedo, 19, accelerated, weaving through traffic and even passing another vehicle on the shoulder, police said. The chase stretched into Andover Borough, where responding office…
Hopatcong Police Offer Best Revenge Against Ex For Valentine's Day Hopatcong Police Offer Best Revenge Against Ex For Valentine's Day
Hopatcong Police Offer Best Revenge Against Ex For Valentine's Day Was your ex a bit of a bad boy or girl with some brushes with the law? Well, Hopatcong police are giving you a chance for some Valentine's Day revenge. Hopatcong police said anyone with an ex who buys or sells illegal drugs or has outstanding warrants should call 973-398-5000 with their location. "We’ll take care of the rest. We would LOVE to be their Valentine’s Day date this year," police said. "We know this special is so incredible that you may be tempted to provide additional referrals. We don’t blame you; it’s too sweet to pass up. Operators are standing by."
Power Restored To 3K People in Hopatcong Borough: Jersey Central Power And Light Power Restored To 3K People in Hopatcong Borough: Jersey Central Power And Light
Power Restored To 3K People in Hopatcong Borough: Jersey Central Power And Light The strong winds caused more than 3,000 customers in Hopatcong Borough to be without power on Tuesday, Jan. 28, authorities said. Jersey Central Power and Light said 3,124 customers, 46% of its customer base, lost power. The power has since been restored, according to the Jersey Central Power and Light website. Nearly 4,000 customers were without power throughout the Garden State, Jersey Central Power and Light said. Hundreds of customers are without Washington Township in Morris County and in Bethlehem Township in Hunterdon County, Jersey Central Power and Light said. It is unknown when …
Teacher Gets 10 Years After Recording Upskirt Photos Of Students: Sussex County Prosecutor Teacher Gets 10 Years After Recording Upskirt Photos Of Students: Sussex County Prosecutor
Teacher Gets 10 Years After Recording Upskirt Photos Of Students: Sussex County Prosecutor A 41-year-old Hopatcong teacher was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday, Nov. 15, after pleading guilty to illegally recording upskirt photos of his female students, authorities said. Michael Wagner made the recordings while teaching at Pope John XXIII and Reverend Brown schools, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray, Chief of Detectives Thomas McCormick, and Sparta Police Chief Jeff McCarrick said. In October 2022, a teacher at Pope John in Sparta overhead several students talking about Wagner recording them during class, authorities said. A forensic examin…
Hundreds Without Power In NJ, More Storms Possible Late In The Day Hundreds Without Power In NJ, More Storms Possible Late In The Day
Hundreds Without Power In NJ, More Storms Possible Late In The Day Thousands of New Jersey residents woke up Monday morning, Aug. 19 without power due to Sunday's storm. And according to the National Weather Service, more stormy weather could be on the way for later in the day. As of 6:40 a.m., JCP&L was reporting the most outages with the following areas without power: Clinton, 880; Branchville, 150; Hopatcong, 215; Long Branch/Asbury Park, 350; Lakewood, 265. The National Weather Service said Monday would be cloudy, but will become partly sunny by midday. "A cold front will then approach from the west causing isolated severe thunderstorms this…
10-Year Prison Minimum Awaits NJ Catholic School Teacher Who Took Upskirts Of Girls In Class 10-Year Prison Minimum Awaits NJ Catholic School Teacher Who Took Upskirts Of Girls In Class
10-Year Prison Minimum Awaits NJ Catholic School Teacher Who Took Upskirts Of Girls In Class UPDATE: A North Jersey school teacher who took upskirt photos and videos of female students faces at least 10 years in state prison when he’s sentenced next month. Michael F. Wagner, 41, of Hopatcong took a deal from prosecutors rather than risk the potential outcome of a trial, admitting that he recorded female 8th graders of his at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta during class and collected child porn. In order to secure the agreement – and whatever leniency may come at his July 26 sentencing in Newton -- Wagner had to plead guilty earlier this month to first-degree child en…
Judge Keeps South Hackensack Ex-Con Jailed Following Threats Judge Keeps South Hackensack Ex-Con Jailed Following Threats
Judge Keeps South Hackensack Ex-Con Jailed Following Threats A judge ordered that an ex-con from South Hackensack who was seized in a SWAT team raid remain in custody after he told a police officer that he "should've killed y'all mother f*ckers as soon as you came in the door." Township police got a tip that Robert Jackson had a handgun in his home even though a drug conviction from nearly a decade ago prevents him from legally possessing one, Detective Sgt. James Donatello said. Jackson had spent nearly seven years in state prison in two separate stretches since 2012. He was on parole for a previous conviction when he sold $10,000 worth of heroi…
Multiple Shoplifters Tried Stealing $1K Worth Of Items From Target: Fairfield PD Multiple Shoplifters Tried Stealing $1K Worth Of Items From Target: Fairfield PD
Multiple Shoplifters Tried Stealing $1K Worth Of Items From Target: Fairfield PD Three Target shoplifters were arrested in two different incidents by Fairfield police last weekend, taking more than $1,000 in merchandise and 20 cases of Red Bull, authorities said. On Saturday, March 2, police arrived at Target on Route 46 East for a shoplifter in custody and found Iesha McKenzie, a 22-year-old Wayne resident detained by security, Fairfield police said. McKenzie was observed on security video placing multiple items into a shopping cart and walking past all points of sale toward the exit where she was stopped, police said.. McKenzie shoplifting $576.21 in merchandise, poli…
Best Of Both Worlds: Polish-Jamaican Restaurant Opens In Sussex County Best Of Both Worlds: Polish-Jamaican Restaurant Opens In Sussex County
Best Of Both Worlds: Polish-Jamaican Restaurant Opens In Sussex County A new bistro in Sussex County is combining two of the best culinary worlds. Byram Bay Bistro, which combines Polish and Jamaican cuisine is celebrating its grand opening in Hopatcong on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 393 Maxim Dr. The restaurant is run by husband and wife duo, Dominic Garbacz, who is Polish, and Marrie-Rose Garbacz, who is Jamaican.  "Our journey began with a shared love for tantalizing flavors and the joy of bringing people together through food," Marrie-Rose said. "As avid cooks, the idea of opening our own restaurant always simmered in our hearts." Garbacz said she drove by the a…
Newark Woman Fatally Struck By Vehicle Driven By 70-Year-Old: Summit PD Newark Woman Fatally Struck By Vehicle Driven By 70-Year-Old: Summit PD
Newark Woman Fatally Struck By Vehicle Driven By 70-Year-Old: Summit PD A 66-year-old Newark woman was fatally struck by a vehicle in Summit on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 20, police said. At 6:51 a.m. police responded to River Road, between Morris Avenue and Plain Street, and found the woman struck by a 2018 Toyota Tundra, driven by a 70-year-old Hopatcong man.  The woman was pronounced dead after being transferred to Overlook Medical Center.  The incident is under investigation by the Summit Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau. Anyone with information is asked to contact  Summit Police Department at 908-273-0051.
Woman Killed, Man Severely Hurt As Fire Collapses Morris County Home: Prosecutor Woman Killed, Man Severely Hurt As Fire Collapses Morris County Home: Prosecutor
Woman Killed, Man Severely Hurt As Fire Collapses Morris County Home: Prosecutor A 98-year-old woman was killed and a 71-year-old man hospitalized with serious injuries as a fire raced through and collapsed a Morris County home on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 19. The Roxbury Police and Fire Departments responded to the blaze at a home on Mooney Road in Ledgewood around 1 p.m. and found the man had escaped with severe injuries. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The woman was found dead inside the home following “extensive fire suppression efforts,” Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll said. The area was closed to traffic late into the evening as crews d…
These NJ Towns Got The Most Rain, Snow In Weekend Storm These NJ Towns Got The Most Rain, Snow In Weekend Storm
These NJ Towns Got The Most Rain, Snow In Weekend Storm The National Weather Service has released rainfall totals from the weekend storm. Between Sunday morning, Dec. 10 and Monday morning, Dec. 11, the area that got the most amount of rain was Deerfield with 4.45 inches, then Flemington/Hopewell, with 4.29 inches. Franklin Lakes saw 4.09 inches, the NWS says. Flanders only got .13 inches, and Florham Park only had .38 inches of rain. High Point got 5.1 inches of snow, according to the NWS, the most across the state, while Wantage saw 5 inches and Hardyston saw .4 inches. Here are the average inches of rain that feel from across the s…
Motorcyclist, 36, Seriously Injured In Route 80 Crash Motorcyclist, 36, Seriously Injured In Route 80 Crash
Motorcyclist, 36, Seriously Injured In Route 80 Crash A 36-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured in a crash on Route 80. The Hopatcong man was heading west when he struck the back of a Honda SUV on his Harley Davidson near milepost 50.2 in Fairfield, around 9:55 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, New Jersey State Police Detective I Jeffrey Lebron said. The motorcycle overturned, throwing the driver from the bike. He was taken to an area hospital.  No other injuries were reported. The crash remains under investigation and there is no additional information available.  
Morris County Mechanic, Dad Of 2 Kristopher Leek Dies In Crash At 38: ‘Always There To Help’ Morris County Mechanic, Dad Of 2 Kristopher Leek Dies In Crash At 38: ‘Always There To Help’
Morris County Mechanic, Dad Of 2 Kristopher Leek Dies In Crash At 38: ‘Always There To Help’ Morris County is mourning the loss of a longtime mechanic and dedicated father of two. Kristopher J. Leek died in a crash on Friday, Oct. 27, his obituary says. He was 38. Born in Morristown, Kristopher grew up in Netcong and lived in Byram Township. He also spent time in Hackettstown, Hopatcong, and most recently, Lake Hopatcong. Kristopher had been working as a Master Diesel Mechanic Manager at Nationwide Truck Repair of Mine Hill since 2009. He was enthusiastic about RC cars, roller skating, and picking up mechanic and woodworking projects. He had also recently joined a bowling league …
Rush-Hour Crash Causes Delays, Detours In Hopatcong (DEVELOPING) Rush-Hour Crash Causes Delays, Detours In Hopatcong (DEVELOPING)
Rush-Hour Crash Causes Delays, Detours In Hopatcong (Developing) A crash during rush hour shut down a portion of Sparta Road in Hopatcong on Monday, Oct. 30. The crash occurred shortly before 4:40 p.m., Hopatcong Police said. The portion of Sparta Road from Amity Road to Maxim Drive at the blinking light was shut down as emergency crews responded. *****Road Closure***** Be advised, Sparta Road is currently closed from Amity Road to Maxim Drive at the blinking light due to a motor vehicle crash. Expect delays in the area. Posted by Hopatcong Police on Monday, October 30, 2023 Drivers were asked to take alternate routes and expect delays. This is …
Support Surges For Hopatcong Teen Suffering Seizures, Paralysis After Receiving HPV Vaccine Support Surges For Hopatcong Teen Suffering Seizures, Paralysis After Receiving HPV Vaccine
Support Surges For Hopatcong Teen Suffering Seizures, Paralysis After Receiving HPV Vaccine Support is on the rise for a Hopatcong teen whose loved ones say is suffering from serious health effects, including up to 20 daily seizures, after receiving a vaccine for HPV. Kaylee, 14, has been suffering a myriad of health issues since receiving an HPV vaccine in March 2023, according to a GoFundMe launched for the family's expenses. “From passing out to not being able to regulate body temp, temporally blindness to going mute and being paralyzed, up to 20 seizures per day,” reads the campaign. “The vaccine has triggered autoimmune encephalitis, POTS, small fiber neuropathy.” Kaylee, a…
$1M Mega Millions Ticket Winner Sold In Sussex County $1M Mega Millions Ticket Winner Sold In Sussex County
$1M Mega Millions Ticket Winner Sold In Sussex County A Mega Millions lottery ticket worth a whopping $1 million was sold in Sussex County. A ticket matching all five white balls for the Tuesday, August 16 drawing was sold at 3 in 1 Deli, 50 Hopatchung Road in Hopatcong, New Jersey Lottery officials said. The winning numbers were: 18, 39, 42, 57, and 63. The Gold Mega Ball was 07, and the Megaplier Multiplier was 03. The lucky ticket holder is eligible for the $1 million second-tier prize. The Mega Millions jackpot now totals $20 mil…
Donations Pour In After Sudden Death Of Hopatcong Dad, 'Exceptional' Soccer Coach, 39 Donations Pour In After Sudden Death Of Hopatcong Dad, 'Exceptional' Soccer Coach, 39
Donations Pour In After Sudden Death Of Hopatcong Dad, 'Exceptional' Soccer Coach, 39 Donations are pouring in for the family of dedicated Hopatcong father, soccer coach, and board member Andrew Parenti, who died unexpectedly on Friday, June 16 aged 39. Born in Bridgewater, Andrew worked as a Commercial Senior Specialist for TruGreen in Randolph, his obituary says. He was also an incredibly passionate coach and board member for the Hopatcong Hawks Soccer Club.  Andrew was a big fan of the New York Yankees and the Miami Dolphins — but above all, he loved spending time with his family and embraced his role as a supportive father. Andrew’s surviving family members include his…
More Than 250 Sussex County Residents Without Power More Than 250 Sussex County Residents Without Power
More Than 250 Sussex County Residents Without Power Gusty winds knocked power to more than 250 Sussex County residents on Wednesday, March 15. The majority of the outages (235) were being reported out of Hopatcong, according to the JCP&L outage map. A restoration time of 2:30 p.m. was provided.
These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Tuesday, March 14 These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Tuesday, March 14
These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Tuesday, March 14 Parts of New Jersey could get slammed with up to 18 inches of snow in the first Nor'easter of the season, making for messy commutes, the National Weather Service said. The rest of the state will see only a few inches of snow, rain or a wintry mix, according to the NWS. Here are the schools that have announced closures or delays for Tuesday, March 13 (be sure to check your school's website for specifics): Delayed: Bloomingdale Chester Dover Jefferson Township Kinnelon Lenape Valley Regional High School Manchester Regional Mendham Mount Arlington Mount Olive Morris Hills Morris Knolls Morr…
These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28 These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28
These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28 The first winter storm of the season is causing a change in plans for New Jersey schools on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Some districts have delayed openings while others are closed completely. Here's a list of which school are closed or delayed for Tuesday, Feb. 28. Check your school/district's website for details. Bedminster: 10: 50 a.m. start Bellville: Delayed Bergen County Tech: Closed Bergenfield: 2-hour delay Bernards: 2-hour delay Bloomfield: Delay Bloomingdale: Closed Bogota: Delayed Butler: Closed Cliffside Park: 10 a.m. start Clifton: Delayed Closter: Delayed Cresskill: Delayed Demarest: …
ID Sought For Mercedes In Child Luring Investigation: Hopatcong Police ID Sought For Mercedes In Child Luring Investigation: Hopatcong Police
ID Sought For Mercedes In Child Luring Investigation: Hopatcong Police UPDATE: The suspect vehicle and driver have been identified, police have confirmed. -------------------------- Recognize this Mercedes? Police in Hopatcong say it may have been involved in a child luring incident on the morning of Friday, Jan. 27. The driver pulled over on Broadway, opened the door, and told the child to get in around 8 a.m., police said in a release. The driver is believed to be a clean-shaven white man between 30 and 40 years old wearing a black jacket. The child backed up and a witness yelled at the driver, who police say fled the area in an unknown direction. The v…
NJ Army Vet Who Supported Syrian Terrorist Lover Gets 3 Plea-Bargained Years In Federal Prison NJ Army Vet Who Supported Syrian Terrorist Lover Gets 3 Plea-Bargained Years In Federal Prison
NJ Army Vet Who Supported Syrian Terrorist Lover Gets 3 Plea-Bargained Years In Federal Prison A U.S. Army veteran from Sussex County must spend more than three years in federal prison for deliberately concealing money and guidance she gave to a Syrian terrorist she'd fallen in love with. Because there's no parole in the federal prison system, Maria Bell, 55, must serve out just about all of the plea-bargained 36-month sentence approved by a federal judge in Newark on Tuesday, Jan. 24, Bell, of Hopatcong, offered not only money and military intelligence but the benefit of her experience in specialized weapons training to Syria-based factions fighting the Assad regime, a complaint on…
‘True Living Angel:’ Sara Quinn Of North Jersey Dies, 39 ‘True Living Angel:’ Sara Quinn Of North Jersey Dies, 39
‘True Living Angel:’ Sara Quinn Of North Jersey Dies, 39 Passionate and emotional tributes are pouring in for Sara “Gene” Quinn of North Jersey, who died on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at the age of 39. Sara attended Montclair High School and previously lived in Hopatcong, according to her social media page. Remembered for her “profound sense of community service and spirit,” Sara had an enthusiastic love for volunteering, her obituary says. She also had a passion for animals and crafts. Sara is survived by her loving husband, James Quinn and their cat Cinders; her grandmother, Genevieve Bunk; her mother, Toni Lyn and her father, Brian; her brother, Bryan…
Sussex County HS Teacher Took Hundreds Of ‘Upskirt’ Photos, Videos Of Students, Prosecutor Says Sussex County HS Teacher Took Hundreds Of ‘Upskirt’ Photos, Videos Of Students, Prosecutor Says
Sussex County HS Teacher Took Hundreds Of ‘Upskirt’ Photos, Videos Of Students, Prosecutor Says A Sussex County high school science teacher was arrested and charged with child endangerment and possession of child of sexual abuse material after he was found with hundreds of photos and videos upskirting students, authorities announced. Michael F. Wagner, 39, of Hopatcong, was charged with second-degree child endangerment, possession of child sexual abuse material, and invasion of privacy, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said in a joint release. The investigation began on Wednesday, Oct. 12, when a teacher at Pope John High School in Sparta overheard several eighth-grade…
Florida Man Wanted On 2 Warrants Busted With Sword In Hudson Traffic Stop: Police Florida Man Wanted On 2 Warrants Busted With Sword In Hudson Traffic Stop: Police
Florida Man Wanted On 2 Warrants Busted With Sword In Hudson Traffic Stop: Police A Florida man wanted on two warrants was busted with a sword during a traffic stop in Hudson County, authorities said. Alain Diaz, 48, was stopped by Secaucus Police just before 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said. Diaz, of Hialeah, Florida, was found to have an outstanding NCIC warrant issued out of Hopatcong with no bail and an outstanding warrant out of Jersey City totaling $50, police said.  Diaz was also charged with a weapons offense for being in possession of a sword, as well as three motor vehicle summonses, Miller said. Diaz was being held i…
HBO Drag Queen Series To Film Across North Jersey HBO Drag Queen Series To Film Across North Jersey
HBO Drag Queen Series To Film Across North Jersey An HBO series featuring a trio of the country’s most up-and-coming drag queens is set to film across North Jersey, NJ.com reports. ‘We’re Here,’ an hourlong series that debuted in 2020, is filming its third season’s final episode in Warren and Sussex Counties — specifically, in Washington, Hopatcong, Sussex, and Vernon, the outlet says. Created by Johnnie Ingram and Steve Warren, the two-time Emmy winning show depicts Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O'Hara, and Shangela Laquifa Wadley as they “inspire and teach their own ‘drag daughters’ to step outside their comfort zone for a night of no-hold…
Support Surges For Family After Sudden Death Of Devoted Hopatcong Mom, 47 Support Surges For Family After Sudden Death Of Devoted Hopatcong Mom, 47
Support Surges For Family After Sudden Death Of Devoted Hopatcong Mom, 47 Support is skyrocketing for a heartbroken family after the sudden death of a beloved Hopatcong mother. April Marie Nall-Johnson died on Friday, June 3 at the age of 47, her obituary says. She attended Hopatcong High School and worked at Rent-A-Wreck, her social media page says. The beloved mother, wife, daughter, and sister was remembered as a “friend to many,” according to a GoFundMe launched to help cover her funeral expenses. April was known for her bubbly personality and embraced her role as a devoted mother to her two daughters, ages 10 and 13, the fundraiser says. More than $8,100 …
Support Surges For Family Of Beloved Hopatcong Mom, 28, Fatally Struck By Car In Bridgewater Support Surges For Family Of Beloved Hopatcong Mom, 28, Fatally Struck By Car In Bridgewater
Support Surges For Family Of Beloved Hopatcong Mom, 28, Fatally Struck By Car In Bridgewater Support is on the rise for the heartbroken family of a beloved Hopatcong mom who was struck and killed by a car in Bridgewater. Kelsey Benson was walking on State Highway 28 when she was struck by a Lexus driven by a 59-year-old Bridgewater man around 12:45 a.m. Sunday, June 5, DailyVoice.com reported. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene. More than $2,200 had been raised on GoFundMe in less than 24 hours for Benson’s family, including her husband, Joe, and their 18-month-old daughter, Amelia. “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Kelsey, my nephew Joe’s wife, tragica…