In top county news this week:

Gooch's Garlic Run Returns Fundraiser to Newark

For the second consecutive year, thousands of motorcyclists poured into Newark's Ironbound Wednesday night for the 25th annual Gooch's Garlic Run, a 28-mile bike ride that benefits individuals with serious illnesses.

The run, organized by law enforcement motorcycle club Blue Knights New Jersey Chapter IX is named for retired Andover Township Police Lieutenant Al "Gooch" Monaco. The run was scheduled to depart from Rockaway Townsquare mall in Rockaway at 6:30 p.m. and trickle onto Newark's Ferry Street after 7 p.m.

Soap Box Derby Returns to Newark

It was a day at the races in Newark as sleek soapbox cars zoomed down Warren Street for the city's revival of a classic hobby.

Youth racing event the All-American Soap Box Derby returned to Brick City for the first time Saturday in 40 years when the popular program drew thousands of spectators to the race on Central Avenue.

Council Dissension Threatens Progress of Town Redevelopment

A presentation by a real estate development company about the long-delayed Bloomfield Center redevelopment – and the expected cost -- sparked dissension at Monday’s night’s council meeting as two councilmen balked at passing an ordinance that would advance the project.  Two leading members of the community also protested, calling it fiscally irresponsible.

The project was pitched by AvalonBay Communities' Senior Vice President Ronald S. Ladell, who called it “one of the most exciting projects in New Jersey.” He described a “luxury-type community” development project with a 4-5 story elevator building, a fitness center, a club room and retail establishments on the first floor.

Bloomfield Man Caught Videotaping Patrons in Dressing Room

A 35-year-old Bloomfield man was charged with attempted invasion of privacy after Fairfield police said he allegedly video-taped patrons of the Fairfield Target changing in the dressing room using a cell phone camera.

Seth C. Pilipski was arrested on Monday and charged, in addition to invasion of privacy, with hindering apprehension and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

West Caldwell Swears In First Female Officer

Calling it an "exciting evening," Mayor Joseph Tempesta formally swore in three new probationary police officers, including West Caldwell's first female officer, Kristin Maier, at Tuesday night's Council meeting. 

In addition to Maier, Raymond Foster and Brett Keepers were appointed as probationary police officers.

Grover Cleveland Principal Resigns

Grover Cleveland Middle School Principal Casey Shorter resigned Thursday to accept a position as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Montville. His last day with the district will be Aug. 17, according to an email sent home to parents.

U.S. Mint Releases Grover Cleveland Coin

The United States Mint began accepting orders Tuesday at noon for the Grover Cleveland $1 Coin Cover (first term). The limited-edition coin cover includes two circulating quality 2012 Grover Cleveland Presidential $1 Coins from the first day of mintage (March 8, 2012 for the U.S. Mint at Denver and March 29, 2012 for the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia). Mintage is limited to 22,000 units.

Livingston Car Theft Goes Awry

A car thief tried stealing a silver Porsche Thursday morning that was left running outside of Dunkin' Donuts only to have his efforts negated by an alert Good Samaritan. The thief eventually severed the fuel line of the Porsche before fleeing into a waiting car and escaping.

Livingston BOE Leaves 2012-13 Calendar Unchanged, Considers Future

The Livingston Board of Education announced the 2012-13 calendar would not be undergoing any changes at a Monday night meeting. However, the results of a poll conducted by the BOE showed a change to winter break in 2013-14 and beyond would be welcomed.

Two Top Administrators Leaving SO-M Schools

Two top administrators from South Orange-Maplewood public schools, Dr. Rosetta Wilson and Gary Pankiewicz have resigned, a district spokeswoman said Friday.

New Trails and Renovations at the Reservation

Seventy percent of a $985,000 project has been completed, after more than 300 hours of labor on the South Mountain Reservation, which has repaired 2½ miles of trails and added another 2½ miles, county officials said Monday.  

The first part of the project was to repair 2½ miles of trails in an attempt to deal with the ongoing issue of erosion on the reservation.

Fried And Montclair Council Members Bid Adieu

Montclair Mayor Jerry Fried and several Montclair council members said goodbye to the public Tuesday night as a new council, led by Mayor-elect Robert Jackson, will take office following a swearing-in ceremony at noon on Sunday, July 1.

Montclair Schools Boast Another Strong Surplus

Just two years after school officials were reluctantly discussing the closure of schools and the laying off of staff, Business Administrator Dana Sullivan outlined what's likely to be another healthy budget surplus this year for the school district.

Although the numbers are still only projections, Sullivan announced at Monday night's school board meeting that the district could wind up on June 30, 2012 with a surplus of $13.9 million.

Mordecai: Litigation fees for BOE are 'excessive'

BOE member Sandra Mordecai sparked a debate at the board’s Wednesday, June 19, meeting when she said she thought it was “excessive” that approximately $10,000 was spent on litigation fees during the previous eight weeks. 

One of the driving forces behind the litigation fees has been the counsel needed to handle the ethics charges filed against Board President Laura Lab and board member Megan Brill.

Verona Graduates Head to the Future

Clad in crimson and white, 149 Verona High School seniors became graduates Thursday night and were given some practical advice from their board of education president.

"Don't think you know everything," warned John Quattrocchi.

The graduates were lauded in speeches for their achievements in the classroom, on the athletic field and in the performing arts.