Community Corner
Good News In Essex County: Hall Of Fame + Eagle Scouts + Big Lottery Win
New Jersey is filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Here are seven stories to make you smile from Essex County.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County can be a stressful place to live. But it’s also filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Let’s focus on that second part. Take a look at some recent good news stories in Essex County below (click the headlines to read).
NJ Hall Of Fame Inducts New Class Of ‘Garden State Heroes’ For 2025
Nick Jonas: "If you can survive the Turnpike traffic and the shore on Labor Day weekend, you can survive anything."
Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
4 Scouts In Essex County Earn Eagle Award: Here’s What Their Projects Were
Only about 5 percent of scouts nationally earn the prestigious ranking.
Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Holiday Food Giveaway In Essex County Will Uplift Families Facing Insecurity
Frozen turkeys and boxes of non-perishable food will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis, while supplies last.
NJ Town Honors Essex County Group That Protects Foster Kids
CASA of Essex County promotes the welfare of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.
Hundreds Of NJ Kids Treated To Shopping Spree With Local ‘Heroes’ (PHOTOS)
"This event is about more than a shopping trip. It's a day of joy, mentorship and positive connection."
Essex County Store Sells $120K Lottery Ticket: See The Lucky Numbers
Here's where the winning ticket was sold.
$1M Powerball Lottery Ticket Sold In Essex County: See The Lucky Numbers
The ticket matched all five white balls, missing only the Power Ball.
$1M Powerball Lottery Ticket Sold In Essex County: See The Lucky Numbers https://t.co/33HXcvDpSw
— PatchEssexCountyNJ (@EK_Patch) December 12, 2025
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.