RUTHERFORD (Aug. 25, 2010, 3:20 p.m.) — The storied history of The Leader Newspaper, South Bergen’s premier weekly publication, has seen a full suite of improvements and enhancements throughout its more than 100 years of publishing. For several years, it has lived up to its motto of being “The Pulse of the Meadowlands” for the local area.

Now, the newspaper, which serves eight communities in southern Bergen County, is ready to take a bold step into the 21st century media marketplace — and it has a few new friends to help it along the way.

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By W. L. Bill Allen, Jr. / New Jersey Sport/Action

WOOD-RIDGE (Aug. 26, 2010) — Following a season in which the Wood-Ridge High School softball squad reeled off eight straight wins and earned the program’s first state section title, as well as it’s first trip to the state finals, four members of the Lady Blue Devils have garnered some level of post-season plaudits, as senior Hailey Bartek, junior Danielle Matoli and sophomores Nicole Fleck and Alyssa McKhann were all elected to the All-BCSL/National Division rosters by that conference’s coaches conclave in the final year of existence of that legendary league.

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By Chris Neidenberg / Reporter

WOOD-RIDGE (Aug. 12, 2010) — Though not moving as quickly as he ideally would have liked, Raf Mazar, owner of The Fiesta, seems more than happy his borough institution has reached Point A in completing expanding the Casa de Rosa Room to host events.

Point B, the next big challenge, comes with establishing a six-story, 120-room Comfort Inn hotel on the current Route 17 South site.

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The Leader / Staff Report

PASSAIC (Aug. 6, 2010, 4:45 p.m.) — A 40-year-old Passaic man was arrested today, Aug. 6, on charges of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with an underage female. The incidents, according to police, occurred in Garfield, Wallington and Wood-Ridge between 2001 and 2005 when the juvenile was between the ages of 8 and 12.

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By John Soltes / Editor in Chief

WOOD-RIDGE (Aug. 6, 2010, 10:25 a.m.) — An 18-wheel tractor-trailer dragged a catering truck 450 yards yesterday, Aug. 5, after a collision on Route 17 that left a Carlstadt motorist in very serious condition.

The accident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m., and it resulted in the shutdown of Route 17 North for several hours.

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By John Soltes / Editor in Chief

(Aug. 6, 2010, 9:15 a.m.) — The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch for the northeastern section of New Jersey, including Bergen County and the Meadowlands. Officials are asking locals to voluntarily conserve water due to continuing hot and dry conditions and increasing concerns about reservoir levels.

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By Andrew Segedin / Reporter

(Aug. 5, 2010) — The New Jersey School Boards Association and local boards of education are working out guidelines to bring school policy up to date with modern technology.

In the wake of incidents involving alleged inappropriate student/teacher conduct across the nation — including this year’s high-profile case in East Rutherford involving a 29-year-old math teacher — schools are under pressure to define and enforce new regulations. Modern technologies such as e-mail, text messaging and social networking sites make the task all the more complicated.

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By Andrew Segedin / Reporter

(Aug. 5, 2010) — Deer have been spotted in Lyndhurst, bears have made their way into Bergen County and a family of turkeys achieved cult status in Rutherford. The apparent spike in wildlife has left locals curious as to where their new neighbors came from and what brought them here.

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By Jennifer Vazquez / Reporter

(Aug. 4, 2010, 2:20 p.m.) — Many still know Frankie Muniz as a successful actor, best known for his portrayal of the title character in the hit series “Malcolm in the Middle.” However, after leaving acting a few years ago to pursue his passion of professional car racing, he has now taken on the real-life role of fledgling rock star.

The Wood-Ridge native is part of You Hang Up, a band based out of Phoenix that is creating quite the buzz and picking up steam in the short time the band members have been together.

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Submitted photo

WOOD-RIDGE (July 29, 2010) — Wood-Ridge Councilwoman Catherine Cassidy recently presented a copy of “New Jersey Goes to War: Biographies of 150 New Jerseyeans Caught up in the Struggle of the Civil War, including soldiers, civilians, men, women, heroes, scoundrels — and a heroic horse,” edited by Joseph G. Bilby, to Christine Hartigan, director of the Wood-Ridge Memorial Library. An interestingly titled book sure to be a hit with history buffs or anyone looking for a good read. Come in and check it out. Pictured are Hartigan and Cassidy.

By John Soltes / Editor in Chief

EAST RUTHERFORD (July 23, 2010, 9:45 a.m.) — The Meadowlands Sports Complex may become an altogether different place if recently released recommendations on the future of East Rutherford's entertainment and sporting facilities come to fruition.

A special advisory commission created by Gov. Chris Christie released a much-anticipated report Wednesday, July 21, detailing the financially-strapped circumstances of New Jersey’s gaming, sports and entertainment venues. The sweeping plans call for a complete overhaul of the present operations and future prospects of the troubled industries.

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Who? Mills Bakery is a local bakery that specializes in fresh favorites made daily. Whether it’s buns, donuts, butter cookies or pastries, Mills Bakery knows the definition of delicious.

What? Mills Bakery offers a host of delectable treats for its customers. In particular, the bakery focuses on specialty cakes, wedding cakes and favors, children character cakes and mouth-watering cupcakes. Mills Bakery has been in business for more than 90 years with a fine reputation for making many old-time favorites for many years.

By Ray Smith / Reporter

WALLINGTON (July 15, 2010) — Standing tall next to his 2-year-old daughter Evelyn, Paul Schuey asked the Wallington borough council to help keep her safe by stopping cars from speeding down his street.

Concerned about his little girl’s safety, Schuey borrowed a radar gun from a friend and set to work clocking the speed of traffic on his block, Hathaway Street. The averages: 38 miles per hour in one direction, 45 in the other. The small residential road is posted at 25 miles per hour.

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By Susan C. Moeller / Senior Reporter

TETERBORO (June 24, 2010) — The Borough of Teterboro may never see its 100th birthday. Incorporated in 1917, the borough is due to celebrate is centennial in seven years. But, that future is on the line.

Democrat Assemblywoman Connie Wagner has introduced legislation to dismantle the sparsely populated, business-dense borough. Wagner’s plan would attach Teterboro’s tax ratables and residents to other municipalities.

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By Susan C. Moeller / Senior Reporter

WOOD-RIDGE (June 17, 2010, 9:30 a.m.) — Wood-Ridge’s Wesmont Station has a new shot at life. The borough’s governing body has re-activated its financial agreements with the developers responsible for the project — a mixed-use residential and transit hub on property once home to the Curtiss-Wright industrial complex.

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By Jennifer Vazquez / Reporter

WOOD RIDGE (June 16, 2010, 5:15 p.m.) — As is tradition, the children at Assumption School in Wood-Ridge recently came together to celebrate Field Day. This year, the day proved to be more meaningful and much more grandiose than ever before — because after this school year, the doors of Assumption will close.

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(June 11, 2010, 4 p.m.) — The Leader newspaper, which publishes DOWNtime magazine, was given 29 awards for its editorial and advertising content in 2009. Among the many wins were more than a dozen first-place finishes.

The Garden State Journalists awarded The Leader the prestigious Hildy Johnson prize, the organization’s top accolades for best print or broadcast story of the year. The recognition was given for The Leader’s exposé on North Arlington politics, entitled the “Dirty Diner Deal.” The story, which detailed a secretive meeting between borough Democrats and one sole Republican, appeared on the front page of an October issue in The Leader. Editor in Chief John Soltes and Senior Reporters Susan C. Moeller and Alexis Tarrazi wrote the piece.

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Photo, Cub Scout Den 4

WOOD-RIDGE (June 10, 2010) — Recently, Cub Scout Den 4 in Wood-Ridge received a very important visitor at a recent meeting. Julie, the collie, is a trained therapy dog that has gone through extensive testing and training to do her job as a visitor to the ill at Hackensack University Medical Center. Julie’s owner, Mary, explained the ways of approaching dogs and also explained the love Julie brings to those when they need it most.

Photo, Saint Joseph Regional High School

WOOD-RIDGE (June 3, 2010) — Wood-Ridge resident and Saint Joseph Regional High School senior Alex Aitkens accepted an athletic scholarship to play football and continue his education at Sacred Heart University Feb. 3. Aitkens, a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies at Saint Joe’s, received First Team All-League and First Team All-County honors as punter, and a First Team All-League nod as running back, during the 2009 season. He is pictured with Head Football Coach Tony Karcich.

By Susan C. Moeller / Senior Reporter

RUTHERFORD (May 25, 2010, 12:50 p.m.) — Governor Chris Christie stopped in Rutherford Tuesday, May 25, to push a constitutional amendment that will require local governments, school boards and counties to limit their tax increases to 2.5 percent per year.

“Having the worst property taxes in America is nothing to be proud of,” Christie told the assembled crowd in the auditorium owned by the Presbyterian Church.

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