New Jersey

80-year-old crossing guard killed after being hit by car while helping kids cross street in New Jersey – AOL

Published

49 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

80-year-old crossing guard killed after being hit by car while helping kids cross street in New Jersey – AOL

An 80-year-old crossing guard who neighbors say devoted years to protecting children was killed Monday after she was struck by an SUV while helping two students cross a busy New Jersey intersection, authorities said.

Witnesses told ABC7 that Jean Schultz pushed the children out of the path of the oncoming car moments before they were struck.

It happened at the intersection of McBride and Lackawanna Avenues in Woodland Park just after 3:30 p.m., according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Schultz, who lived in Woodland Park, was rushed to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

The two children, who are siblings, according to officials, were hospitalized with minor injuries. Authorities said they were not hit by the vehicle but suffered minor injuries when they fell to the ground.

Jean Schultz was helping two children cross a busy intersection in Woodland Park, New Jersey when she was struck by a vehicle (ABC7)

Police said the driver remained at the scene. No charges have been announced as the investigation continues.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the community, where residents described Schultz as a beloved staple who took pride in keeping children safe.

“You know, we try to save the people, the kids, but it’s very bad what happened,” fellow crossing guard Franko Racanati told CBS News Tuesday.

“She loved the job. She loved it, and it cost her her life. But she was just a good person. I can’t say enough about her,” neighbor David Holster told ABC7.

“She was a staple, a staple. It’s so unfortunate. Eighty years old, and to have to go like that,” resident Giuseppe Martucci added.

“She literally put herself in harm’s way to protect the kids,” Marino Florio, another resident, said.

In a statement shared to Facebook, Woodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert called Schultz’s death a “heartbreaking loss.”

“Jean Schultz was a dedicated crossing guard who took great pride in keeping our children safe each day,” Kallert said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and our crossing guard team as we mourn together.”

The mayor later described Schultz as “more than a crossing guard.”

“She was a bright and reassuring presence for generations of children and families,” Kallert said. “Jean was a kind and gentle soul who lit up every time she saw the kids coming, greeting them with a smile and ensuring their safety each and every day.”

“Her compassion, warmth, and genuine love for the children of Woodland Park left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten,” the mayor added.

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New Jersey

Wild video shows beaver attacking boy, 8, fishing in New Jersey lake

Published

13 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Press Room

Wild video shows beaver attacking boy, 8, fishing in New Jersey lake

Well I’ll be dammed.

Wild video captured a beaver attacking a small child while he was fishing in a New Jersey lake — after earlier pouncing on other unsuspecting visitors.

The unidentified 8-year-old boy was with his family at Lake Henry in the Continental Soldiers Park complex in Mahwah around 6 p.m. Sunday “when the beaver exited the lake and charged him,” police told News 12 New Jersey.

“The child began to run away but tripped. The animal bit the child in the upper thigh and continued to attack him,” Mahwah police said.

Cellphone footage shared on Facebook shows the boy’s relatives trying to get the child out of the water and away from the beaver — just for the furious animal to give chase.

One of the relatives kicked the animal as a pet dog also joined the fray, before someone managed to fling the wild attacker back into the water.

The boy was transported to a local hospital by EMS crews for treatment. The extent of his injuries isn’t known.

Police later learned the same beaver had attacked other park guests earlier in the day. It was unclear how many or how serious their injuries were, beyond news that they also needed treatment.

Animal control officers responded and reported that the animal went on the attack because of an illness. It was captured and sent for testing,

Police have urged anyone who encountered the animal to contact them at 201-529-1000, Ext. 210.

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New Jersey

Chaos at Maple Shade carnival forces early shutdown, cancels final night

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Press Room

Chaos at Maple Shade carnival forces early shutdown, cancels final night

MAPLE SHADE, N.J. (WPVI) — A community carnival meant to raise money for a local youth football program shut down early Friday night after large crowds of teens caused disturbances and forced the cancellation of the event’s final and typically biggest night, police said.

The carnival, which benefits the Maple Shade Tigers youth football program, was scheduled to continue Saturday, but organizers called it off following the incident.

Police say several teens are now facing charges.

Witnesses described crowds leaving the area under police supervision.

“Just herds of kids walking out. Cops escorting them out,” said Cody Quick, a Maple Shade football parent.

Neighbors and carnival-goers said groups of teens were seen sprinting down nearby streets and fighting as the scene unfolded on Friday night.

Parents can be fined or charged for their kids’ bad behavior in a South Jersey town

Maple Shade police said officers were met with hostility as they worked to disperse the crowd.

“They were cursing at police officers. They were clearly trying to provoke physical confrontations with cops,” said Lt. Daniel O’Brien of the Maple Shade Police Department.

Police are reviewing videos posted to social media as part of their investigation.

Authorities say the footage appears to show teens fighting and officers attempting to break up crowds.

The event was shut down early Friday, and the cancellation of Saturday night resulted in significant financial losses for the youth football program.

“As a nonprofit, everything always goes back into the program…new equipment, uniforms, helmets,” said Thomas Oshinsky, president of the Maple Shade Tigers.

The incident comes after years of similar issues involving teens at community events and down the shore.

In January, then-Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation allowing police to fine parents of juveniles involved in certain disturbances.

In the most serious cases, parents could face jail time. Maple Shade police say they are exploring that option, but note the process will take time as investigators review video, identify suspects and locate their guardians.

“If your kid is leaving the house with a face mask to go to a carnival, I think that should be a sign that they might be getting themselves into trouble,” O’Brien said.

Police said following a similar incident at the carnival last year, the department increased police coverage and added surveillance cameras and a drone to monitor the event.

Officials added that initial reports of weapons at Friday’s incident were unfounded, and no serious injuries were reported.

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New Jersey

The PATH fare hike just took effect: it’ll now cost you $3.25 to take the train to New Jersey

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Press Room

The PATH fare hike just took effect: it’ll now cost you .25 to take the train to New Jersey

Commuters traveling between New Jersey and Manhattan are about to pay a little more for their rides. Starting today, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has officially implemented a fare increase across the PATH system. It’s another hit for the wallet, but the increase comes with the most significant service expansion the 118-year-old system has seen in decades.

As of today, the base fare for a single ride on the PATH has increased by 25 cents, jumping from $3.00 to $3.25. This adjustment affects all standard payment methods, including TAPP, SmartLink and Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards.

Multi-trip options still offer a better deal for those looking to save. Bundles of 10, 20 or 40 trips via TAPP cards now average $3.10 per ride, up from the previous $2.85. Senior citizens and riders with disabilities will see a smaller adjustment, with reduced-fare tickets increasing by a dime to $1.60.

This is only the first of a series of increases, however, as the Port Authority has outlined a roadmap of 25-cent increases every January through 2029, at which point a single ride will reach $4.00.

The fare hike is immediate, but the payoff for commuters arrives on May 17, when the PATH restores full seven-day service across all four lines for the first time since 2001.

The highlight of these changes is the return of direct Hoboken–World Trade Center weekend service, ending a nearly 25-year hiatus. Additionally, the time-consuming “Hoboken detour” for Jersey City riders is being eliminated during peak weekend hours. Between 10am and 9pm, the Journal Square–33rd St and Hoboken–33rd St lines will run every 10 minutes, while the Hoboken–WTC line will run every 20 minutes.

Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia noted that these changes mark a “larger turning point” for the system. The increased revenue is earmarked for critical infrastructure upgrades and system reliability.

“These game-changing service enhancements and improved fare payment options are continuing to provide more frequent and reliable service to our customers,” said PATH Director/General Manager Clarelle DeGraffe. “Having seven-day service on all our lines is a blueprint for more frequent, faster, and more reliable service for our customers.”

Beyond weekend changes, the agency is also tackling late-night frustration; Friday night service will now run every 20 minutes until 2am, finally replacing the dreaded 40-minute wait times.

For the thousands of daily riders, the higher price may be unwelcome, but the tradeoff is more convenience and reliability, and dramatic future improvements. Find out more at www.panynj.gov.