Teen’s Fall to Death, Primary Election, BOE Candidates Top Local News

Area rescue crews were called to Palisades Interstate Park late Friday night after a A 16-year-old Fort Lee High School student fell off a cliff in Fort Lee’s section of the park and died. As the school community and friends of the victim mourned the loss, school officials mobilized its Crisis Response Team in preparation for school on Monday.

Republican Peter B. Campbell previously said he would likely “step aside” if he won Tuesday’s Primary election, which he did, as Fort Lee voters also overwhelming supported Rep. Steve Rothman, who was upset by Rep. Bill Pascrell.

The deadline for filling a vacancy isn’t until Sept. 13, county officials say. And while Republican Peter B. Campbell is likely to bow out of the race, Fort Lee Council candidate Thomas Bennett says he’s “in it to the end.”

Tuesday was the deadline to file to run in the November election, and Fort Lee has a crowded field, according to information released Wednesday by the Bergen County Clerk. But two current board members will not seek reelection.

Angela Kim is ultimately on her way to Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where she will serve as an active duty member of the U.S. Army specializing in military intelligence after commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army through Seton Hall University’s ROTC program.

A Children’s Librarian from the Fort Lee Public Library was at Fort Lee School No. 1 Thursday morning to speak with students about the summer reading program taking place at the library starting almost immediately after school gets out.

Fort Lee’s annual “Movies & Music Under the Stars” program this summer is comprised entirely of Universal Studios’ films, continuing a yearlong celebration of the studio’s 100th anniversary and founding in Fort Lee. The studio is waving all licensing fees too, which will save the Fort Lee Film Commission thousands.

The park with an artificial playing surface was put in more than 10 years ago, and now the turf has outlived its anticipated use, borough officials say. The work could be done this summer, but it’s more likely to happen in the spring.

Linda McCue is raising funds through a website to take part in the event in Virginia to benefit the Special Olympics. She’s completed about 10 triathlons, but she’s never done anything like this before, the “adrenaline junkie” says.

Fort Lee's Congregation Gesher Shalom held its annual dinner dance last Sunday at the Montammy Golf and Country Club in Alpine. The event honored "The Keepers of Our Community," including the leaders of Fort Lee's police, fire, ambulance, public works, general services and emergency management, in addition to Rabbi Kenneth Stern of Gesher Shalom.

The 10th annual Fort Lee Arts & Music Festival took place last Sunday on Main Street between Lemoine and Center Avenues. With more than 125 vendors, a juried art show, a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Show, two stages of free entertainment, a food court, free bounce rides, rock wall climbing and face painting for the kids, among other attractions, the event offered something for just about everyone.

The Week in Review appears every Sunday on Fort Lee Patch.

****

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Erik Wander at erik.wander@patch.com, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.