Forest Fire, Mayor's Ethics Question Top Local News

Forest Fire Burns Nearly an Acre Near High School

A forest fire burned just less than an acre of woods near the Hopatcong High School football field early Wednesday morning. No one was hurt, police said

Alexis Breheny, 18, walked away with the crown, taking over for 2011 winner Carly Wolff. Breheny will compete for the Sussex County "Queen of the Fair" title in August.

Report: Media Not Barred from Murder Hearings

The New Jersey Herald reports the judge in the case of the Hopatcong man charged with murdering a borough woman won't bar the public or media from the courtroom for any pre-trail hearings.

Hopatcong Mayor Violated Ethics Law, State Says

Hopatcong Mayor Sylvia Petillo broke a local government ethics law when she spent $2,316.11 of borough funds on a mailing to borough residents urging them to vote "yes" to a referendum last November, the state Department of Community Affairs said.

Cops: Man Brings Pot on School Roof

Robert Bitondo, 21, had the odor of burned marijuana on him, police said. Officer Thomas Snyder went atop the roof and discovered a a homemade pipe and a small plastic bag containing marijuana, police said. Bitondo admitted it was his and that he ditched it when he saw cops, police said.