Our Montville

Election signs stolen in Montville

More than two dozen campaign signs belonging to three of the five candidates running for the school board were reported stolen over the weekend, authorities said.  Approximately 20 signs placed by incumbent Tim Lindert and his running mate, Frank Cooney disappeared overnight Friday from Gathering Road in Towaco.

On the other side of town, incumbent Michael Palma reported roughly nine signs taken from his and neighbors' front lawns on Manchester Way in Pine Brook, police said.

The other two candidates for the school board, newcomers Paul Przetak and Matt Kayne, did not report any stolen signs, police said.  See Daily Record.

SUV rolled over twice in Montville accident

A Warren County motorist dozed at the wheel and knocked over a utility pole on Thursday morning, causing major delays on Route 46 when the highway shut down on both sides while the downed wires were removed, police said.  The vehicle, which was traveling west on Route 46 in Pine Brook, straddled the curb with its tires for about 100 yards before it plowed into a street sign and hit the pole, then rolled over twice, police said.

The vehicle landed upright while the pole fell onto the shoulder and right lane of Route 46 in front of the Pine Brook Motel. Live wires were draped across the highway between New and Hook Mountain roads, forcing authorities to close Route 46, as well as exit ramps off Routes 80 and 280 for two hours.  See Daily Record.

Magazine Scam

A reader advised about a magazine scam that preyed on her charitable nature and has been going on around the state.

Download magazine_scam.doc

Cyclists show support for going 'green'

More than 100 bicyclists took part in a group ride on Friday evening that was aimed at promoting cycling in town.  The 6:30 p.m. event -- the second in two months since Mayor Donald Cresitello's dismissive remarks about bicycle commuting irritated some local cyclists -- took riders from town hall to Elm Street, Maple Avenue, Market Street and around the Green before returning via South Street. 

In keeping with the ride's pro-environmental "green" theme, organizer Marty Epstein wore a green cape reading, "saving the world with bikes." Epstein, owner of Marty's Reliable Cycle, said a third group ride will be held at the end of October. Cyclists said they planned to make it a monthly tradition.  See Daily Record.

Court: Montville/Towaco verdict stands

A state appeals court refused to upset a jury’s verdict last year that a real estate agent misrepresented the location of a Montville home to the buyers but did not cause the family an appreciable monetary loss.

An appellate court panel, in an opinion released this morning, ruled against homebuyers Theodore and Frances Vagias. The couple contended they paid 10 percent more than they should have in 2001 for a home they say they were led to believe was in the Montville section of Montville Township.

The Vagias’ sued after they learned their $700,000 home was actually in the Towaco section and that their son would attend the Cedar Hill Elementary School rather than the one they preferred, William H. Mason School.  See Daily Record.  Discuss on Montville Blog.

Local Fireworks

Here's a list of fireworks this weekend. 

Denville's is on Saturday night and Mountain Lakes is Sunday night.

Towaco Competitors Stack Up

8-year-old sets record- The cups were flying Saturday as Ian Higgins displayed his mastery.  With Ian at the game table, the other competitors stopped to watch, his mother Lori focused the video  camera, and other adults at the Towaco Civic Association first annual field day smiled and shook their heads in amazement and admiration.

Truck Cuts Power on Changebridge Road

Hundreds of residents and area businesses lost power Wednesday when a tractor-trailer making a delivery to a Changebridge Road business snagged power lines near the entrance, snapping two utility poles, and sparking a fire.  No one was injured, but officials say it could have been disastrous. The accident occurred minutes after a tanker delivered a full supply of fuel to the Valero gas station adjacent to Barry's  Pharmacy, the delivery site.

Congressman Rodney Fights Off Muggers!

Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen may have looked like an easy mark to Georgetown street thugs, but a gang of muggers found out how tough he was Thursday night.

Silver Brigade Sends Warning to Incumbents!

The local Silver Brigade anti-tax group launched a letter-writing campaign Thursday that offers state legislators a choice: Property tax reform or your job.