Bear Sightings Increase, Mendham Police Issue Warning: Around Mendham

MENDHAM, CHESTER, NJ — Patch reviews some of this past week's top stories around Mendham and Chester.

Summer Concerts Series Kicks Off This Month In Chester

The Municipal Field in historic Chester will be filled with the sound of music once again as the annual Summer Concerts Series returns on June 30. According to Chester Township officials, the concert series is free to the public and will take place on Thursdays at 7 p.m. When attending a performance, residents are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Long-Term Road Closure On Washington Valley Road In Mendham

Motorists are alerted that a long-term road closure has gone into effect on Washington Valley Road, according to Mendham Township Police. The closure will be concentrated between Prudence Lane and Old Orchard Road due to a planned country bridge replacement.

Mendham Teen Recognized, Awarded In NYC Jazz Band Competition

A junior from West Morris Mendham High School took home an award from the 27th Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition, held at New York's Lincoln Center. Ginger Meyer, a member of the West Morris Mendham Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra, recently won the Outstanding Alto Saxophone Award.

Time Change For Chester Township Council Meeting

The Chester Township Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 8 will now begin at 6:00 p.m., township officials announced. The time change is necessary in order to hold the Police Department Awards Ceremony, officials said.

Bear Sightings Are On The Rise, Mendham Police Issue Warning

As the weather gets warmer, black bears in New Jersey are waking up from their hibernation and looking for food. The Mendham Township Police Department has provided some important tips for being "bear aware" if you come across one on any of the township's trails or in your own backyard.

Former Morris Co. Bank Employee Admits $8 Million Fraud Scheme: Feds

A Morris County former bank employee admitted to committing bank fraud for more than five years totaling approximately $8 million and accepting bribes, prosecutors announced last week. Kurt Phelps, 53, of Flanders, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of bank bribery via videoconference. Phelps' three conspirators had previously pleaded guilty in connection with the fraud.