Week in Review: Irene Smacks Hopatcong, Martinek Shines

Another week, another batch of interesting stories in Hopatcong.

Our Week In Review gives you a chance to catch up on the biggest headlines. If you've got any news tips, e-mail Hopatcong Patch at brendan@patch.com.

HURRICANE IRENE

POWER OUT in Hopatcong lost electricity due to Hurricane Irene, which ripped through the borough late Saturday into Sunday afternoon. At one point, Jersey Central Power & Light estimated almost 2,000 Hopatcong customers–which means homes and business, not people—were without power. Some still were powerless Saturday.

RUSH TO THE STORES The , once filled with storm essentials, were empty come early two Fridays ago as worry grew about Hurricane Irene as it rushed up the East Coast and toward New Jersey. Gov. Chris Christie announced New Jersey was in a state of emergency

DESTRUCTION Patch ventured out after the storm to check the wreckage. We saw downed trees and power lines. We saw flooded streets. Most important of all, we saw shellshocked Hoaptcong residents. for our gallery. for reader-submitted photos.

RECOVERY Congressman Rodney (R-11) toured damaged areas in Hopatcong for about a half-hour with Mayor Sylvia Petillo and Hopatcong police officer Robert Haffner. Frelinghuysen's district included Byram, Hopatcong, Stanhope and part of Sparta, as well as Morris County and parts of Somerset, Essex and Passaic counties.

FOR SALE Our look at one of the cheapest homes for sale in Hopatcong generated a lot of talk. to see reader comments and to join the discussion.

MARTINEK SHINES Hopatcong football legend Joe Martinek's role in Rutgers' offense during Thursday season-opening, 48-0 drubbing of lowly North Carolina Central at High Point Solutions Stadium. The senior—once a battering, off-the-tackle featured back—has turned into a battering ram, Rutgers' most versatile fullback since Brian Leonard.