Bergen County News: Lovers Get 'Castled,' an Underground Fire

Welcome to "Around The County," a weekly column that highlights stories in nearby Bergen County Patch communities.

This week, an underground fire in Westwood caused evacuations and power outages on Saturday. PSE&G crews remained on the scene for several days after the incident, repairing the damage and trying to ensure the lines are more stable in the future.

On a lighter note, some intrepid lovers and friends took a different approach to Valentine's Day this year and went to White Castle in Hasbrouck Heights for a special dining experience.

Fair Lawn:

•  - The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association said that Fair Lawn High School's boys basketball team was not eligible for the state tournament based on the "intent form" signed by school officials.
•  - The prospect of more furlough days for borough employees represents the variable between two preliminary versions of the 2011 municipal budget, as one budget factors in 12 furlough days while the other requires Fair Lawn to spend $600,000 more of its surplus.

Fort Lee:

•  - Assistant Superintendent Steven Engravalle is the New Jersey Association of School Administrators Technology Chair.
•  - For the right price, businesses and clubs can buy advertising signs to be displayed at the ballpark or even sponsor a team.

Franklin Lakes:

•  - Borough and county brainstorming ideas to improve safety at southern intersection of Colonial and McCoy roads.
•  - Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve trails set to be done by spring.

Hasbrouck Heights:

•  - Caller witnessed a man coming in and out of Walter Avenue apartment window.
•  - Couples from all over the area came to the White Castle on Route 17 for some romance with a side of fries Monday night.

Mahwah:

•  - In preparation for the March 4 Harlem Wizards game at Ramapo Ridge Middle School, shooting guard Rashaan Barner visited fourth through eighth grade students in Mahwah Monday.
•  - Light service and oil changes will be offered at new Route 17 location, where Prestige Mini is currently.

New Milford:

•  - Sen. Frank Lautenberg's office organized an anti-bullying forum at Montclair State University.
•  - A fun night for kids yielded a $1,750 profit.

Paramus:

•  - More than 200 donors descended on the Paramus Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters Tuesday for a blood drive in honor of wounded Paramus Police Officer Rachel Morgan.
•  - Gary Pucci's contract should have been awarded after a bidding process, borough attorney says.

Ridgewood:

•  - A section zoned for residential could be re-zoned for commercial, which may pave the way for a bank or restaurant.
•  - The dancer and celebrity gave a quick Patch interview at Bookends after signing copies of her new book–one that reveals a dark, traumatic past.

River Dell:

•  - Opponents say school board didn't have enough information on alternatives.
•  - From church to cathedral of chocolates, Critchley's Candies is a River Edge fixture.

Teaneck:

•  - Meeting planned for March as residents express concerns about investigation into murdered Teaneck resident.
•  - The town’s zoning board has denied many of the allegations made in a lawsuit filed last month by Orthodox Jewish congregation Etz Chaim over conditions the board imposed on a permit for the group’s Queen Anne Road property, according to court filings released Tuesday.

Westwood-Washington Township:

•  - The underground fire Saturday, which caused evacuations and power outages, also caused road closures and parking restrictions along Broadway during the week.
•  - After further investigation, they found the borough had been billed months prior to what they originally thought.

Wyckoff:

•  - Increased lighting, traffic and noise cited as reasons for concern.
•  - The Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department fine-tuned their ice rescue skills at Zabriskie Pond Park on Saturday.