Panarese cites payroll, administration in email

HILLSIDE, NJ — Hillside Mayor Angela Garretson’s abrupt demotion two weeks ago of former Chief of Police Louis Panarese has unleashed a firestorm of criticism. The notification of the demotion of Panarese from chief of police to captain — just one of many controversial moves by Garretson — came three hours before that decision went into […]

Hillside man convicted of 2012 murder

ELIZABETH — A Union County jury has returned guilty verdicts against a Hillside man for shooting two people, one fatally, four years ago, Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced. Jonathan James, 22, was convicted of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes […]

Hillside police chief demoted by mayor

Demotion deepens ongoing friction between town officials, departments

HILLSIDE, NJ — Mayor Angela Garretson has struck again. The sudden demotion last week of Hillside Chief of Police Louis Panarese has left the already beleaguered township in the throes of yet another scandal. According to Officer Mark Casterline, who has been with the Hillside Police Department for nine years, the demotion of Panarese from chief […]

Hillside tutoring seeks to help children succeed

HILLSIDE, NJ — An educational movement to deliver free, private tutoring to children from low-income families is brewing in Union County. Nuno Pereira, a 20-year-old studying at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, in New York City, can remember growing up in Hillside without access to the resources that help students succeed — books, classroom supplies, […]

Straight talk at Hillside High School

HILLSIDE, NJ — On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Jayda, star of the 2016 television mini documentary series ‘Brick City’ spoke to a predominantly female student audience at Hillside High School. Jayda discussed mistakes she made in her life and urged the audience to prioritize their education, resisting negative peer pressure and making better choices. The event was […]

Hillside church visits businesses

HILLSIDE, NJ — Hundreds of Hillside residents cleaned out the inventory at a local floral shop, presented some of the bouquets they bought to store owners up and down Maple Avenue, and bolstered local businesses using their hearts — along with their credit cards — on Valentine’s Day. It was the second monthly “love mob,” put […]

Hillside’s BA says she is in it for ‘long run’

Stephanie Bush-Baskette is now the fifth BA under Garretson

HILLSIDE, NJ — The fifth time just might be the charm in Hillside, where the township’s latest business administrator, longtime public servant Stephanie Bush-Baskette, has been doing her part to give “a small town with a lot great people” cause to be optimistic. Since being appointed by Mayor Angela Garretson in early January, Bush-Baskette’s top […]

Hillside church gives back

HILLSIDE, NJ — A congregation is shining light on Hillside’s struggling businesses by organizing monthly “love mobs,” in which more than 200 members of The First Baptist Church of Hillside are investing — financially and spiritually — in the welfare of local stores. Led by Rev. Christopher Michael Jones, the church’s head pastor, Hillside residents […]

Hillside holds last meeting of year

Saxton, Hobbs offer kind words, optimism while adressing audience

HILLSIDE, NJ  — In Hillside’s final public meeting of the year on Tuesday, Dec. 15, two outgoing members of the township’s council — including 2nd Ward councilwoman and council president Salonia Saxton — left with words of encouragement for their colleagues in office, saying there’s a lot left to be accomplished in order to move […]

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