Store Fire, Full-Day Kindergarten, Wrestling Tops News

From budgets to fires and school closings in between, it was quite a week in Washington Township. Here’s a rundown of our bigger headlines from the previous seven days.

For the full story, click on the headline.

Fire Melts Iconic Chester Ice Cream Shop

A Friday morning blaze destroyed an upstairs apartment on Main Street in Chester, just above the historic Taylor’s Ice Cream Parlor. The residence and business both sustained heavy smoke, fire and water damage, and two people were sent to the hospital for injuries.

Full-Day Kindergarten Gets OK in New Budget

The Washington Township Schools board of education held a special meeting this week to approve its tentative budget for the 2013-14 school year. The spending plan includes a 0.51-percent tax levy increase and the implementation of full day kindergarten beginning in September.

Wolfpack Wrestlers Set for Historic Title Run

For the first time since 1990, more than one Wolfpack wrestler earned the right to compete in the New Jersey State Championships in Atlantic City this weekend. Nick Matthews, Brandon Carcuffe and Adam Kratch all made the trip with hopes of being crowned the best in the state in their weight class.

Middle Valley Bridge Ready Within a Month

Construction workers poured concrete over the deck of the new Middle Valley Bridge this week, which will take 14 days to dry and set. Morris County Engineering says it expects the entire bridge to be complete by the end of March or early April.

Mendham Students May Get Option to Attend Central

West Morris Regional High School District Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast introduced to the board a move for the district to consider that would allow students in Chester and Mendham towns to enroll in West Morris Central High School. This would alleviate packed classrooms in Mendham High School.