Cedar Grove Reorganizes, Water Bill Dispute in Top Local News

Cedar Grove Names New Mayor, Deputy Mayor

Cedar Grove's Township Council held a special reorganization meeting Sunday and appointed a new mayor and deputy mayor before an audience of friends and family. 

During the meeting, the council unanimously appointed Peter Tanella as the new Cedar Grove mayor for a one-year term as well as councilman Robert O'Toole as deputy mayor.

Water Bill Battle Continues for Cedar Grove Resident

Though Kitra Kothari lives in a single-family house, where the normal water bill averages $115 per quarter — he recently paid a bill much larger than that. 

On June 21, after 15 months of fighting with his local water utility, Kothari paid $10,457.90 for allegedly using one million gallons of water under the threat of getting his water turned off. 

8th Annual Verona Concert Series Returns

Alotta Colada kicked off the annual concert series Wednesday night at the Verona pool.

Verona Fireworks Fundraiser Tops $573

The Junior Woman's Club of Verona raised $573 for The Seeing Eye in Morristown at the township's annual fireworks display at Verona High School.
The group also sought non-perishable food contributions for Operation Peanut Butter, Jelly and Beans.

Thieves Hit Unlocked Cedar Grove Cars

Cedar Grove police are investigating a string of thefts from parked, unlocked cars in the township on June 25.

Residents on Westview Court, Old Quarry Road, Cedar Street and Highpoint all reported their cars being entered and the contents of the cars rummaged through during the overnight hours.

Items reported stolen from the cars included a portable GPS, gift cards and loose change, police said.

Burglars and “Curiosity Seekers” Trespass at Essex County Hospital Center

Police are stepping up patrols at the old Essex County Hospital Center after a second burglary this year at the hospital, with three similar incidents occurring in 2011. The thieves are targeting copper piping and other scrap metals left in the old buildings. 

“There are two types of people that go there,” said Cedar Grove Police Chief Richard Vanderstreet. “The curiosity seekers and those intent on committing crimes such as stealing some of the copper and other scrap metals.” 

“We are patrolling the area and we are on the lookout for any unusual activity, suspicious vehicles and suspicious persons,” he said.