Summer Lightning Strike, Pot in Park Top July News

Chief: Lightning Strike Likely Cause of Roof Fire

The area has , and a thunderstorm with lightning on July 23 — which — apparently struck a home on Emily Road. While Liberty Corner Fire Chief Marc Friedman said that the lightning strike was the probable cause of the blaze, he said firefighters performed a "phenomenal save" to prevent the fire from spreading into the main part of the home.

Prosecutor: Man had 33 Pot Plants in House, Nearby Township Park

Was it the township's policy of recent years to stop using week killer on municipal property that led a 44-year-old Martinsville man to allegedly plant marijuana not only in his home, but also in nearby Mountain Park in Bernards Township? Prior to his arrest in mid-July, Michael Maslo was allegedly seen exiting his Long Road residence and tending to marijuana plants growin in the park, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's office.

Verizon, Unions in Federal Mediation Talks

The Basking Ridge Patch learned that the township-based Verizon communications and 45,000 union members from the Northeast, including thousands in New Jersey, are in talks with a federal mediator. Last time this year, the union members were poised to strike as their contract was due to expire. The workers returned to job, but almost a year later, the contract remains unsettled.

Driver Killed After Being Ejected From Van on I-78

Tragically, state police said that fatigue may have been a factor in a one-car crash along Interstate 78 in Bedminster when a 51-year-old Phillipsburg man careened off the highway, and eventually crashed into a concrete support post. The crash took place at about 5:30 a.m. on July 25.

Woman struck in Bernardsville, Baby in Carriage OK

A 65-year-old Massachusetts woman pushing a baby carriage in a crosswalk was struck in early July by a vehicle driven by a 91-year-old borough woman. Bernardsville police said the woman suffered only minor injuries, while the baby in the carriage was not involved in the mishap. 

Report: Katie Holmes Hires NJ Lawyer for Cruise Divorce

Katie Holmes hired Jonathan Wolfe of a Livingston law firm to represent her in her divorce against Tom Cruise, the same family law firm where Jonathan's brother, David Wolfe of Basking Ridge, is a member. Somebody worked fast — the divorce was wrapped up soon after Wolfe was hired in early July.

Cheering on Olympian Tobin Heath

Tobin Heath, the Olympian U.S. Women's soccer player who was out on the field making her mark during the soccer team's first Olympics win against Colombia, and in two additional victories afterward. Heath is a 2006 called an inspiration by other current high school athletes. And it's fun to cheer on someone who is local.

Restaurant Umbrella Swipe Allegedly 'Social Experiment'

A duo from Piscataway delivering newspapers to Krauszer's Food Store in Liberty Corner were allegedly seen making off with a patio umbrella from nearby restaurant. Picked up by Bernards Township Police early the next morning, the woman allegedly said that taking the umbrella — with the intent to return it — had been a social experiment in "doing the right thing." Both were charged with theft.

Ex-Bernardsville Assistant Principal Indicted on 91 Counts

Arrested in late December after it was alleged that he had set up hidden cameras to video nude students in the shower at Immaculata High School, where he was a volunteer coach, Patrick Lott was indicted in late June on 91 counts, including accusations of invasion of privacy and endangering the welfare of a child. Lott, who then resigned his position as assistant principal at the Bernardsville Middle School, is due back in court on Aug. 10, his attorney said this week.

Basking Ridge Chiropractor Off to the Olympics

Athletes aren't the only essential people at the Olympics. Dr. Fred Rossi, a Basking Ridge resident who is a chiropractor with offices in Stirling and Phillipsburg, is off on Aug. 5 to become part of the staff making sure that the U.S. men's freestyle wrestling team is in top shape.