The 11-week trial of U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez ended when Judge William Walls declared the mistrial after the jury said they could not come to a verdict.

Prosecutors have not yet said whether they would re-file charges that were the result of a five-year investigation.

Menendez was charged with conspiracy, bribery, and honest services fraud in his duties as U.S. Senator, and for accepting more than $600,000 in political contributions and gifts from a long time friend Dr. Salomon Melgen. Prosecutors attempted to prove Menendez took these things in exchange for political favors to Melgen, who was convicted of unrelated charges earlier this year.

This decision by the court to declare a mistrial also came after a juror was excused and told the press about some of the discussions going on in the jury room.

Menendez grew up in Union City and served as its mayor before becoming a congressman and senator.

An attorney representing Secaucus 1st Ward Councilman Robert Costantino and Dawn Leon, a public school teacher in town, has filed a motion to dismiss charges against them, in connection with a vehicular incident in September.

A Secaucus officer charged Costantino and Leon with hindering and giving false information last month.

The police alleged the two lied about who was driving a vehicle they were riding in on Sept. 23, when a cement mixer smashed into the driver’s side of their car on Third Street. Costantino and Leon both told the officer that Leon was in the driver’s seat at the time of the incident. However, witnesses told the officer that they believed Costantino was the driver, the report alleged.

The officer later obtained surveillance footage, though it didn’t show the actual impact.

Costantino and Leon had a scheduled court date for Nov 9. They did not appear, and a new date has not been scheduled yet.

“It is our position that the summonses against both Mr. Costantino and Ms. Leon are both factually and legally deficient,” attorney Sean Pena said in the motion. “We believe ultimately that both summonses will be dismissed as a matter of law, as no offense or violation occurred.”

The crash occurred in the street near Costantino’s home.

The motion argues that none of the witnesses saw the actual crash. In the crash investigation report, the witnesses said they saw a male driver exit the vehicle after the crash. However, they do not appear to mention seeing the actual crash itself.

Secaucus Emergency Food Pantry Holiday Wish List & Toy Drive

Now through Dec. 8, the Secaucus Emergency Food Pantry is collecting food and toys for those in need during the holiday season. Accepted food items include stuffing, mashed potatoes, canned yams, pasta, canned corn, cookies, and mac and cheese.

The collection is also seeking new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate kids between ages 6 and 12.

All donations can be brought to the Senior Center , at 101 Centre Ave.; the Recreation Center, at 1200 Koelle Blvd.; Town Hall, at 1203 Paterson Plank Road.; and St. Matthews Church, at 800 Roosevelt Ave.

Donations are accepted during business hours, Monday through Friday (however, the Recreation Center is accepting donations seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Call (201) 330-2014 for more information.

Secaucus Coalition Survey on drug use

In order to best understand substance use and abuse challenges, the Secaucus Coalition is sending out a short survey for all Secaucus residents who are 18 and older.

Anyone who takes the survey has a chance to win over $100 worth of prizes (a $50 gift card to a store of your choosing – except stores that sell alcohol – and another $60 in gift cards/movie passes).

The drawing entry is an entirely different site; you will be anonymous when answering the survey. A random winner will be selected in the next 4-6 weeks.

Each respondent may only complete the survey once. Only residents of Secaucus may enter to win.

Theatre Ensemble presents show for children

The Hudson Theatre Ensemble’s Silly on Sixth Children’s Series presents “Sing Me A Story with Sue!” at the Hudson School Performance Space, 601 Park Ave., Hoboken, on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The show runs about 40 minutes and is suitable for children aged 2 to 10. All tickets are $10.

And if your child has a November birthday, incorporate Silly on Sixth into your birthday plans. The entire audience will sing Happy Birthday to your child, the kids meet the actors after the show, and you can take photos of your child with the actors. Call Florence for details at (201) 377-7014.