Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: 6 Smash-And-Grab Jewelry Store Robbers Caught After Multiple Brazen Heists In North Jersey, Authorities Say

And check out Estate Planning: 5 Essential Things You Should Know on the Wayne Patch calendar

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Good day Wayne! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Wayne jewelry heist tied to multi-state smash-and-grab ring
  • How Wayne's school superintendent pay compares to the rest of N.J.
  • DePaul Catholic in Wayne welcomes a new principal at school-year Mass

Also on today's calendar: Estate Planning: 5 Essential Things You Should Know and 13 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A passing afternoon shower, with a high of 84 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 70, low: 51.
  • Sunday: Chance of a little p.m. rain, with a high of 62 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 6 Smash-And-Grab Jewelry Store Robbers Caught After Multiple Brazen Heists In North Jersey, Authorities Say (patch.com) — Wayne readers are learning that six men have been charged in a multi-state smash-and-grab jewelry robbery ring that included a high-profile heist at Massola Jewelers in town this June. Investigators tied suspects to earlier Paterson and regional robberies through blood evidence and online searches, and say each defendant now faces up to 20 years in prison and steep fines if convicted.
   

2. This N.J. school superintendent earned nearly $350K a year — the most in the state (nj.com subscription) — Wayne residents can now see that Superintendent David Cittadino earned $285,000 last school year, placing him among New Jersey's 23 highest-paid school leaders. The statewide analysis compares his pay with superintendents in large districts like Jersey City and Newark, offering context on how Wayne's school leadership compensation stacks up against other communities.
   

3. New DePaul principal helps open school year at Mass (beaconnj.org) — DePaul Catholic School in Wayne opened the 2026–27 school year with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who also introduced new principal Stephen D. Trivino. Local clergy, diocesan school leaders, and students from nearby Pequannock and Totowa schools joined the celebration, highlighting DePaul's role in the wider Catholic education community around Wayne.
   

4. William Paterson's 2026 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (wpubeacon.com) — William Paterson University in Wayne has released its 2026 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, detailing campus crime statistics and key safety policies from the past three years. Wayne residents and campus community members can review it online or request a printed copy from University Police on Pompton Road during business hours or by mail.
   

5. Best cannoli spots in North Jersey, according to 'Jersey Eats' pod (northjersey.com) — Wayne dessert lovers get a shout-out as Palazzone 1960 is highlighted among North Jersey's top cannoli spots in the latest "Jersey Eats" podcast episode. Hosts run through their favorite traditional and creative cannoli treats across the region, share local food news, and invite listeners to stream or watch the show on major platforms.
   

📸 Around Wayne

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Wawa posted a job opening for Customer Service Supervisor in Wayne. Apply here.
  • Macy's posted a job opening for Beauty Sales Associate - Lancome, Willowbrook Mall - NJ - Full Time in Wayne. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wayne here.

Ok Wayne! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig?" — Because he was such a boar! (Thank you Theresa H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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