Good morning, Morristown.

Local residents are urged to prepare for power outages as a severe winter storm is forecasted to hit this weekend; they should secure generators, power banks, and emergency lighting to help stay safe at home.

Local hardware stores are busy as residents buy ice melt and other tools ahead of the severe snowstorm set to begin Saturday evening, while volunteer Casar Lopez helps elderly neighbors receive needed supplies.

Aldi announced plans to add 180 stores nationwide, including several new locations in NJ this year.

The discounter will also launch a revamped website early this year (featuring tailored shopping tools) to enhance the customer experience.

Preliminary federal data shows New Jersey employers added 5,700 jobs in December (raising total employment to about 4.4 million) while the unemployment rate held at 5.4%.

Gains in leisure and hospitality and private education and health services offset losses in trade and transportation.

In North Jersey, fire departments advise residents to clear snow from hydrants before the winter storm to ensure quick water access.

The law requires hydrants be clear at least 36 inches on each side (within 24 hours of snowfall) and allows municipalities to bill up to $75 for noncompliance.

The USPS urges residents to clear snow and ice from walkways and mailbox areas so carriers can safely deliver mail today.

Residents are asked to keep accessible paths — including steps, porches, and sidewalks — to prevent delivery delays.

Gov. Murphy signed bills improving disability rights and transportation safety for special education students, but a measure to require cameras, GPS tracking and emergency protocols on school buses did not get voted on; a task force (covering 1,800 companies) will study safety and recommend reforms within a year.

Morris County officials honored longtime volunteer Isobel Olcott on Tuesday in Morristown for her 10 years on the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee.

She reviewed over $11 million in grant applications to support more than 35 miles of trails countywide, and applications for the 2026 program will open this spring.

A new law signed by Gov. Murphy now requires commercial insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the state Department of Health with no cost to policyholders.

The change follows the CDC’s decision to drop six childhood vaccines, marking New Jersey’s break from federal guidance.

Cold winter conditions prompt residents to check posted guidelines and test ice thickness on local lakes and ponds before skating or ice fishing.

The Canadian Red Cross advises that clear blue ice is typically stronger than cloudy ice + caution is needed when conditions are uncertain.

Delbarton wrestlers hosted a dual meet against national No. 2 Faith Christian Academy last Thursday at 7 p.m. They aimed to build on last year’s win over No. 2 Blair Academy at their school gym.

Delbarton’s wrestling team defeated nationally ranked Faith Christian Academy with a narrow 31-29 win at Lynch Athletic Center on Jan.

22. Senior heavyweight Auggie Moser’s effort helped secure the win for the Green Wave for the second straight year.