Mandatory water restrictions coming to NJ?: What you need to know

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Wednesday:

⬛ Wait in a long line to vote? Tell Burlington County your story

Voters wait in line at a polling location in Burlington County 11/5/24 (CBS Philadelphia via YouTube)

Did you wait in a long line to vote in Burlington County on Election Day? County commissioners want to hear from you.

The slow processing of ballots on a new system, machines that broke down and a large turnout made for waits of several hours for many voters. Attorney General Matt Platkin petitioned a judge to keep the polls open for an extra hour.

County election officials promised that everyone in line at 9 p.m. would be able to vote, which took another five hours with the last vote cast at 2 a.m., according to county spokesman Dave Levinsky.

⬛ Englishtown police chief arrested

(Englishtown Borough/Monmouth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook/Canva)

ENGLISHTOWN — This New Jersey town's police chief is now suspended without pay after his arrest earlier this month, according to local officials.

Englishtown Police Chief Peter Cooke Jr., 58, was arrested on Nov. 1, according to Marlboro municipal court records. One of the accusations dates back to Aug. 12, 2024.

The chief was charged with third-degree computer theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit shoplifting.

⬛ NJ man admits trying to kill woman who was breaking up with him

Harry Bray, Jr. , Brick Township (Ocean County jail, Google Maps)

A 37-year-old Ocean County man has admitted trying to kill a female victim in a stabbing very early last year.

Harry Bray, Jr., of Manchester, has pleaded guilty to attempted murder, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced on Tuesday.

On Jan. 5, 2023, around 5:30 p.m., during a routine area check near Cherry Quay Road, a Brick Township Police officer saw a vehicle with two flat tires in a parking lot area.

The officer found the wounded female victim on the ground near the vehicle.

⬛ North Jersey raging wildfire may quickly destroy 5,000 acres

(NJ DEP)

WEST MILFORD — A wildfire raging on the New Jersey and New York border will quickly burn up to 5,000 acres of forest, officials predicted.

The Jennings Creek Wildfire ignited Saturday, one of several from North to South Jersey last week that led to a local state of emergency and smoky air conditions.

This fire is now 20% contained after burning 3,500 acres.

⬛ Drought concerns persist: Will NJ mandate water restrictions?

canva/Townsquare Media illustration

As officials decide whether to shift New Jersey from a drought watch to a drought warning in the face of persistently dry weather, some say more drastic measures should be taken and New Jersey residents should be forced to conserve water now.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection held a virtual public hearing on Tuesday to "determine next steps," following months of above average temperatures and below normal precipitation, including the driest month ever for New Jersey (October).