Truck Drives Through Building, County Leases Orange Reservoir, and Rising Student Enrollment Top Headlines This Week

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Building 'Unsafe' After Tow Truck Drives Through It

A building on Main Street was shuttered for safety reasons after a tow truck crashed through two of its first-floor businesses on Wednesday. 

Township officials inspected the Tory Corner building, at 285 Main St., and said it was an “unsafe structure" and an "imminent hazard,” according to Thomas Tracey, the construction official for the township. It will be closed to businesses and residents until repairs are made. 

Essex Freeholders Vote to Lease Orange Reservoir

Essex County Freeholders voted to approve a $1.6 million agreement with the City of Orange to lease the Orange Reservoir for 20 years.

Three Armed Robberies Strike Four This Week

Four people were robbed at gunpoint in three separate instances since Saturday, Sept. 22, according to the West Orange Police Department. 

Armed Robbery Foiled by 63-Year-Old Man

A 63-year-old gas station attendant fought back against a man trying to rob him at gunpoint this week. 

Run-up To The Election

The November election is drawing ever closer, and West Orange residents will head to the polls to not only choose the next president of the United States, but also vote in new members to the Board of Education.

There are four candidates running for two positions on the board. Three of the four candidates have sent in their candidate profiles on the Patch. Click the links below to read about each candidate!

• Ron Charles

• Michelle Casalino (no profile at this time)

• Adam Kraemer

• Joe Sorbino

There are nearly 7,000 students attending West Orange schools and that number continues to grow. 

The district increased its student roster by 131 compared to last year, said Board President Laura Lab at the Board of Education meeting in Hazel Elementary School on Monday. Registration is ongoing until the middle of October, and official numbers will not be known until then.   

Students Learn 'Life Skills' at High School

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the breakfast club at the West Orange High School, just one of the many elements of the Department of Student Support Services’ program for students aged 18-21.