Westville, NJ: Local News, Events & More - Your Update
Are you curious about the happenings in Westville, New Jersey, a borough steeped in history and bustling with local life? From the unsolved mysteries of the past to the vibrant pulse of the present, Westville offers a unique blend of small-town charm and contemporary challenges, making it a community worth exploring.
Westville, a borough nestled in Gloucester County, New Jersey, is currently experiencing a dynamic period, marked by both incidents and developments. Recent news includes a local man's arrest in connection to an attempted home burglary in the county. Authorities report that on the morning of April 18th, the individual allegedly forced entry, breaking windows and kicking in doors. The Westville Police Department, established in 1914, is a constant presence, providing round-the-clock service, seven days a week. Their commitment extends beyond law enforcement, with programs like L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) in place at Parkview Elementary School, aimed at educating the youth.
| Incident | Attempted Home Burglary |
| Location | Gloucester County, NJ |
| Date | April 18th |
| Involved | Westville Man (Name withheld) |
| Details | Forced entry, broken windows, kicked in doors. |
| Status | Arrested. |
| Reference | Google Maps |
Adding to the local headlines, law enforcement officials have confirmed that police fatally shot a man in nearby Deptford. Concurrently, in Vermilion County, two juveniles are facing charges related to vandalism at a restroom in Zamberletti Park, a matter reported to the Westville Police Department on April 20th. The estimated repair costs for the damage are over $700. Further illustrating the intricate nature of community incidents, a woman was attacked from behind by Andre Graig, age 43, as confirmed by the Westville police. The victims screams alerted neighbors, prompting a 911 call. The suspect was quickly apprehended and taken into custody. Deputy Police Chief Mike Packer of Westville spoke to 6 ABC Action News, confirming that officers responded swiftly.
The heart of Westville's community comes alive in its commercial spaces. The Westville Brewery, a nano brewery operating within the Westville Square building, exemplifies the local entrepreneurial spirit. Its presence, along with establishments like the Outpost Cafe, Speranza Italian Kitchen, Lorenzos Cabana, and Schileens Pub, enriches the downtown area, fostering a sense of camaraderie and providing venues for social interaction.
Westville's history is a rich tapestry, woven over centuries. The town was initially settled around 1800, and officially formed from the town of Constable in 1829. The borough's foundation is rooted in agriculture, the landscape distinguished by clay soils in the north and sandy ones in the south. This history has set the stage for a community that, even today, holds onto its roots while evolving with the times. A prime example of the continuity of the community's past is the "Cold Case Tuesday" alerts, which recently highlighted the unsolved 2002 murder of Marie Fleury, a case which continues to draw attention. The Salmon River meanders through the township, adding to its picturesque beauty.
| Name | Westville Brewery |
| Type | Small 2bbl nano brewery |
| Location | Westville Square Building, Westville, NJ |
| Offerings | Craft Beer |
| Community Impact | Provides a local gathering space |
| Reference | Westville Brewery Website |
The area's roots run deep, with evidence suggesting that the Delaware Tribe once inhabited the region, as indicated by the discovery of Indian artifacts in Westville. This history continued with the Dutch building a fort in the area in 1624.
The borough of Westville's Facebook page serves as a digital town square, engaging residents and sharing updates. The latest United States Census of 2020 recorded a population of 4,264, which is a slight decrease from the 4,288 recorded in 2010, and a larger decrease from the 4,500 in 2000. The boroughs demographic composition is 7% smaller than the U.S. average.
The local events also include the recent consolidated election, which was held on the 1st of April. Candidates for Westville mayoral and village board positions gathered at St. Marys Church for a community event. Among those vying for the mayoral seat to replace Mike Weese were Troy Strebin and Darin Troglia. The candidates, while not always in complete agreement, openly addressed the issues facing the community.
| Event | Westville Consolidated Election |
| Date | April 1st |
| Location | St. Mary's Church, Westville |
| Key Candidates | Troy Strebin, Darin Troglia (Mayoral candidates) |
| Major Issues | Local Governance |
| Reference | Gloucester County Government Website |
For those interested in up-to-the-minute coverage, local news is available 24/7, covering Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the states of New Jersey and Delaware. Relevant to Westville specifically, several locations have drawn the attention of authorities, including the scene of a shooting on Delsea Drive, with the tent at a house on Doman Drive in Deptford also being investigated. The area of the police shooting in Westville, which occurred on March 10, 2023, has also been mapped by Google Maps/Canva for public reference. In other news, police were called to the parking lot of Club Champagne located in the 11000 block of Crown Point Road in Westville, Gloucester County around 10 p.m.
Westville, NJ, is not to be confused with Westville in Franklin County, New York, which also shares the name. As of the 2010 census, this town in New York had a population of 1,819. Located on the northern border of Franklin County, northwest of Malone, it's a different town entirely.
Westville's essence is a tapestry of interconnected events, from local crime and mayoral candidates to community events and historic locales. The borough continues to write its story, with each day adding new chapters to its rich narrative. The borough's address is 167 Broadway, Westville, NJ 08093. The town reflects a dynamic balance of its past, present, and the promise of its future.
