Schools Increase Security, Accused Killer Testifies Top Local News

The week after the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., both Hopatcong and Sparta schools increased security for visitors and had more police presence around town to ensure students' safety.

As the murder trial of Giuseppe Tedesco continued this week, Tedesco told jurors and a prosecutor that the gun used to shoot Alyssa Ruggieri six times to death was, at one point, pointed at his own face.

The quality and accuracy of the information flow was the key subject brought up by local officials and residents at the Board of Public Utilities third public hearing at Hopatcong Middle School Tuesday night.

A laptop computer, briefcase and an old wallet were stolen from three unlocked vehicles this week, Hopatcong Police said.

Dog Saved After Being Stuck on Cliff

Hopatcong Animal Control Officer Dale Sloat saved a dog from falling off a cliff on Daydream Lane Saturday, police siad.

Chris Scherr, a former Hopatcong resident and fire department member, donated over $1,200 in gift cards for borough families in need with the help of his co-workers in Colorado.

Hopatcong High School Launches Online Newspaper

The high school recently launched its brand new online news website, The Hopatcong Arrow, after its hard copy paper was cut three years ago due to budget cuts.

New Burglary Charges Filed Against Hopatcong Man

39-year-old Hopatcong resident Anthony Troyano Jr. was arrested for the third time in a month, allegedly linked to second Mendham Twp. break-in, police said.