In top county news this week:

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez came to Ridgewood this week touting the impact a new federal bill would have for state commuters in clearing congestion and cutting red tape to initiate transit development while preserving and creating jobs.

Former Bergen County Improvement Authority chairman Ronald J. O’Malley was sentenced to two years in prison for a mortgage fraud scheme that falsely claimed mortgage borrowers worked at the county’s public financing agency, according to a U.S. Attorney.

Glen Rock police say a Paterson man eyed by authorities for allegedly committing a string of burglaries in Bergen, Passiac and Morris counties targeted the borough last month.

Police continue to investigate two armed robberies which took place at  North Arlington and Lyndhurst late Thursday night.

A church seeking to build a cathedral on West Midland Avenue in Paramus had all of its variances approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment except one which pertains to the height of a domed roof.

A preliminary budget presentation from the Ridgewood Board of Education revealed the board is short $655,000 and has than three weeks to find the cash or make cuts.

Although there have been no reports of anyone taking ill due to soil contaminants at Teaneck’s Milton Votee Park, officials told the public during a forum this week that most of the park will remain closed for the year. 

After remaining an empty eyesore for over four decades, the property known as Redevelopment Area 5, a 17-acre Fort Lee property near the George Washington Bridge, could be nearing final approval on the eastern parcel.

Fair Lawn Police Detective Jeff Welsh was recognized as the 2011-2012 District 2 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of New Jersey.

New Milford High School Principal Eric Sheninger was selected by the National Association of Secondary Principals (NASSP) as one of three recipients in Bergen County of the first Digital Principal Award.

The old deteriorating American Legion building in River Edge is nearing its final days as borough officials made a move this week to seek estimates for tearing it down as remediating the building would be too costly.

Wyckoff Police Department promoted Brian Zivkovich from patrolman to sergeant and appointed Kyle Ferriera to the position of probationary police officer this week.

Westwood and Washington Township are exploring the idea of sharing emergency dispatch services with the borough’s Old Tappan and River Vale.