MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Explorers annual Krispy Kreme Fall Fundraiser was a success. Explorers sold 25 pounds of coffee and 91 dozen donuts!
Law Enforcement Exploring offers students a “hands-on” program to gain exposure to the various criminal justice careers as well as have positive interaction with law enforcement professionals. Sheriff James M. Gannon invites students ages 14-20 to join Explorer Post 140 and students ages 10-13 to join the Explorer Club. Click here for more information.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight approved $1.8 million to preserve more than 65 acres across three municipalities as part of the 2024 Open Space Program.
The projects, formally adopted by the board after receiving recommendations from the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee, are located in Denville, Madison Borough, and Mendham Township, and range in size from 3.5 acres to 51 acres.
“We are proud to approve these projects for funding, as they protect critical habitats, expand recreational opportunities, and ensure the long-term health of our environment,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “Since 1994, we’ve preserved more than 18,300 acres of open space, which is an area larger than the Township of Parsippany, reflecting our commitment to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”
OPEN SPACE PROJECTS APPROVED FOR MORRIS COUNTY GRANTS:
Description: The property is contiguous to the 430-plus acre Jonathan’s Woods, which was acquired in 2000 through a combination of municipal, state, and county trust fund dollars. Over the past 20 years, the Morris County Park Commission has also acquired many of the smaller parcels off Hillcrest Drive. The Whitney Property, situated at the end of Hillcrest Drive, represents one of the largest remaining tracts of land to be acquired for the Jonathan’s Woods conservation area.
Schiff Preserve Addition – Civille Property
Applicant: Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA)
Located in Mendham Township
11 acres
Award: $447,234
Description: Positioned at the Somerset County border, the Schiff Preserve Addition known as “Civille” features the North Branch of the Raritan River along its eastern boundary. A conservation easement along the stream protects the Category One waters as well as steep slopes. Following the acquisition, the property will be transferred to the Schiff Natural Lands Trust, expanding its existing Nature Preserve. The land will be managed for conservation and passive recreational purposes.
Drew Forest Project
Applicant: Madison Borough
51 acres
Award: $1,087,766
Description: Drew Forest plays a critical role as an aquifer recharge area for the Buried Valley Aquifer, which supplies water to 31 towns across three counties. The forest also includes steep slope areas and serves as a habitat for the endangered Indiana Bat. Drew University students use the Zuck Arboretum and Hepburn Woods within the forest as outdoor ecological classrooms. In 2023, the project received a $5 million grant from Morris County, marking the first dedicated funding for its preservation.
Funding for open space acquisitions and preservation comes from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, which is generated by a special county tax. The funding source is also used for farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, trail construction, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.
Since its inception in 1994, the Morris County Open Space Program has preserved a total of 18,306 acres utilizing more than $300 million in grant funding. This is all in addition to lands that have been preserved and improved through the other Preservation Trust Fund Programs: Farmland Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation, and Trails Construction.
Did you know that county, municipal, federal, state and nonprofit-owned open space totals nearly 94,600 acres, accounting for approximately 30.7% of Morris County’s total area? The Morris County Planning Board released an updated master plan for open space in September 2024. Click here to download.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER – On October 30, 2024, at approximately 11:17 p.m., Sgt. Dominic Kaiser observed a white Mazda tailgating another vehicle on Route 10 West near North Jefferson Road. The vehicle was also operating without illuminated front or rear lights. A motor vehicle stop was initiated, leading to the arrest of the driver, Marcos Espinosa, 27, of Dover, for driving under the influence and other violations.
Upon approach, Sgt. Kaiser detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana and alcohol coming from the vehicle. Espinosa exhibited signs of impairment, including slurred speech, fumbling with his phone, and admitting to recently smoking marijuana. Field sobriety tests were conducted, during which Espinosa showed a lack of coordination and failed to perform the tests as instructed. He was subsequently placed under arrest.
During processing, Espinosa refused to provide breath samples despite being read the DWI Standard Statement in both English and Spanish. He became belligerent at headquarters, asserting that he was under the influence of marijuana, not alcohol. He was later released to a friend who signed a liability waiver, and his vehicle was towed by Butch’s Towing.
Espinosa was issued the following motor vehicle complaints and given a court date of December 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.:
•39:4-50.2 – Refusal to Submit to Chemical Tests •39:4-96 – Reckless Driving •39:4-50 – Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) •39:3-66 – Maintenance of Lamps •39:4-50.2 – Consent to Take Breath Samples •39:4-89 – Following Too Closely
The Hanover Police Department noted that body-worn camera footage of the incident is available for review. The vehicle was towed by Butch’s towing.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
HANOVER — On October 27, 2024, Hanover Township Police Officers Daniel Foesel, Carlos Najera, and Michael Kaiser arrested Carolyn Coombs, 54, and Brian Coombs, 55, both of Whippany. The pair were charged with shoplifting, conspiracy to commit shoplifting, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to a Wegmans employee, the Coombs loaded a shopping cart with over $900 worth of groceries and exited the store without paying. During the subsequent investigation, officers discovered drug paraphernalia in their possession.
Carolyn and Brian Coombs were taken into custody, formally charged, and released with a scheduled court appearance.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
HANOVER — The Whippany Presbyterian Church is inviting the community to join a heartwarming Friendsgiving celebration on Sunday, November 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event, a Spaghetti Dinner Mission Fundraiser, promises an evening of delicious food, fellowship, and generosity.
The dinner will feature “all-you-can-eat” spaghetti with a choice of homemade meat or marinara sauce, complemented by a variety of sides, including fresh salad, rolls, beverages, and dessert. The church aims to make this a true Friendsgiving experience, encouraging guests to bring along their friends and loved ones for a cozy evening of togetherness.
Tickets are priced affordably at $12.00 for adults and $8.00 for children and seniors, ensuring that everyone in the community can participate. To make the occasion even more special, guests are reminded to reserve their tickets in advance either at www.youthpcwhippany.org or during fellowship hour at the church.
In the spirit of the holidays, attendees can also take home jars of the church’s signature sauce, perfect for creating their festive meals at home.
The proceeds from this meaningful event will go toward the church’s mission efforts, supporting initiatives that positively impact the local and global community. As the season of giving approaches, this event is a wonderful way for individuals to enjoy a delightful meal while contributing to a greater cause.
Don’t miss this opportunity to share in a Friendsgiving celebration that blends good food, great company, and the chance to make a difference. Mark your calendars for November 24 and join the Whippany Presbyterian Church in making this holiday season brighter for all.
MORRIS COUNTY — Mikie Sherrill — a former U.S. Navy helicopter aircraft commander, former federal prosecutor, U.S. Congresswoman, and mom of four — launched her campaign for governor, on a mission to get big things done for New Jersey. In her announcement video, Mikie shares how she will bring new leadership and a fresh perspective to New Jersey to build more housing, grow the economy, lower costs for families, and defend our freedoms.
On Tuesday, she will hit the road to hear from New Jerseyans about the issues that matter most and what they want for our future. Her first stop will be Eva’s Village in Paterson to visit with New Jerseyans in need along with Mayor Andre Sayegh. Then, Mikie will meet with LiUNAmembers working at the Rutgers Cancer Institute construction project in New Brunswick. Next, she will speak with patients and providers at the Visiting Nurses Association’s (VNA) Red Bank Community Health Center. Finally, Tuesday’s tour will end in Atlantic City with the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association — the state’s largest firefighters union.
Here is the script:
We’ve been through a lot these past couple of years.
There’ve been crises in this country, all over the world, and here in New Jersey.
And after this election, we know people are more divided than ever on how to move forward.
I’m Mikie Sherrill.
As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a former Navy helicopter aircraft commander, here’s something I learned early on:
In a crisis, the worst thing you can do is freeze.
You have to choose to lead, to follow, or get out of the way.
So we can either stand aside, or we can get to work on New Jersey’s future.
And I know which one I pick. In New Jersey, we don’t whine, we work.
Every time I pass that bridge in Trenton and see the sign, “Trenton Makes, The World Takes” — I think, “Hell yeah, that’s New Jersey.”
This is the state, more than any other, that guaranteed our freedom as we fought for independence.
This is the state that built this nation. And while we were at it, we even invented the light bulb.
We’ve always been unafraid to do the big things — because we’re inventors and innovators and builders.
And we work with our minds and our hands.
So let’s be the state that builds more housing, let’s fix the economy, let’s make life more affordable for hardworking New Jerseyans, from health care to groceries to childcare.
These challenges aren’t new and it’s time to confront them head on.
We can also be the state that sets the gold standard for protecting rights and freedoms, and we know they’ll be under attack from Donald Trump’s Washington.
Because in New Jersey, we love our country, we’re proud of our state, and we value our freedoms.
We’ll defend them with everything we’ve got.
In the Navy, I was on a mission to protect our country.
Now, I’m announcing my candidacy for governor, on a mission to get things done for New Jersey.
This will be a campaign we build together because we all have a place and a say in New Jersey’s future.
And I’ve met so many people who believe as deeply as I do in the promise of our state. And I’m asking you to join us.
So New Jersey, let’s build something.
Mikie Sherrill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a former helicopter aircraft commander who served in the Navy for nearly 10 years. She worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney to keep communities safe and get illegal guns off our streets. In her first-ever run for office, she led a grassroots movement and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. Her campaign — where she drove an entrenched Republican incumbent out of the race — marked the biggest swing from red to blue in the country that year.
As a mother of four, Mikie is a strong voice in Congress for New Jersey families. Mikie is working hard to bring down costs — whether it’s grocery prices, child care, or Trump’s SALT cap that punished New Jerseyans. After constant roadblocks from the Christie and Trump administrations, Mikie helped deliver New Jersey’s fair share of federal funding on the Gateway Tunnel Project — the single-largest infrastructure project in American history, which will create good-paying union jobs and reduce commute times. She is fighting for reproductive freedom, defending abortion rights, as well as access to contraception and IVF. She sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
Mikie and her husband Jason, a fellow Naval Academy graduate, live in Montclair and have four children. Her eldest daughter is currently serving in the U.S. Navy, following in her parents’ path of service. Mikie holds a Bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master’s degree in Global History from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a law degree from Georgetown University.
Blue Foundry Bank is located at 209 Ridgedale Avenue Florham Park
MORRIS COUNTY – Blue Foundry Charitable Foundation, Blue Foundry Bank’s foundation for supporting philanthropic efforts in New Jersey communities, demonstrates leadership in giving back. The Foundation supports organizations under four giving pillars: Affordable Housing, Education, Health and Human Services, and Youth Programs.
The Foundation has awarded over $90,000 in grants this year, with an additional $124,000 in the third quarter to nonprofits, including:
Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative: Delivers free healthcare to Bergen County’s working uninsured.
Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity: Builds and rehabilitates houses with needy families.
Interfaith Food Pantry: A leader in fighting hunger across Morris County for over 25 years.
Horizons Newark: Promotes educational equity through partnerships in Newark.
Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship: Empower women to start, operate, and grow their businesses.
P.G. Chambers School Inc.: Educates children with disabilities, boosting confidence and community engagement.
Kate’s Way: Supports families facing medical challenges by reducing financial burdens.
Rebuilding Together New Jersey: Repairs homes and revitalizes communities.
The Hoboken Shelter: Provides food, shelter, counseling, and housing support.
Bergen County CASA: Advocates for children removed from homes due to abuse or neglect.
Eva’s Village: Offers resources for stable, healthy lives.
Joan Angela D’Alessandro Memorial Foundation: Promotes child safety through programs and advocacy.
Women’s Rights Information Center: Supports economic aspirations and emotional well-being.
“These grants represent the meaningful impact of focused community investment, allowing these nonprofits to strengthen their local support,” said James D. Nesci, President & CEO of Blue Foundry Bank and Vice President of Blue Foundry Charitable Foundation.
Blue Foundry Bank and its Foundation also implemented a Community Impact Program, enabling employees to give back to their communities. This quarter, they collaborated with the Women’s Rights Information Center, supporting the Education pillar by assembling and donating backpacks with school supplies for underserved students.
For more information click here. Blue Foundry Bank’s corporate office is at 7 Sylvan Way, Parsippany.
Economic Boost for East Hanover as RealCold Begins Construction
EAST HANOVER — RealCold, a leading operator and provider of cold chain services for the food sector—including manufacturers, grocers, and the food service industry—broke ground today on its new facility in East Hanover. The company has secured land at the former Novartis campus and plans to develop 380,000 square feet of temperature-controlled space.
Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, who attended the groundbreaking, praised the company’s investment in the community. “Morris County is home to many great companies in its many great communities, and we are pleased to add RealCold to our list of esteemed corporate citizens,” said Commissioner Selen. “We wish them the best of luck in their new endeavor, which will provide jobs and tax ratables to our community and renew the life of this important site for a new generation of economic activity.”
The new RealCold facility is located in East Hanover, at the former Novartis campus.
Commissioner’s Ethics Violation Fine Remains Unpaid After Deadline
HANOVER — On September 17, 2024, the New Jersey Local Finance Board (LFB), the state agency responsible for enforcing the Local Government Ethics Law, issued a Notice of Violation to Robert Cobane, a Commissioner for Hanover Township Fire District #2. The complaint included several allegations of Local Government Ethics Law violations, two of which were dismissed while two were sustained.
The investigation determined that Cobane voted to approve payments to himself, his mother, and his sister-in-law during board meetings, actions deemed to have created a conflict of interest under the law. Two allegations in the complaint were dismissed, while two were sustained, resulting in a $500 fine.
Dismissed Allegations:
An allegation that Cobane pressured the Fire Chief to permit a specific member to join the Whippany Fire Company. This was dismissed due to a lack of jurisdiction over fire company by-laws and insufficient evidence to support the claim.
An allegation that Cobane’s dual roles as Fire District Commissioner and Lieutenant of the Whippany Fire Company were incompatible. This was dismissed due to a prior ruling under Complaint C20-025, which determined there was no conflict.
Sustained Allegations and Financial Conflicts:
The Board sustained allegations that Cobane, in his official capacity, voted on bill lists that included payments to himself and to family members, constituting a conflict of interest in violation of N.J.S.A. 40A:9-22.5(d). Specifically:
At the May 10, 2021, meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Cobane voted to approve payments of $125 each to his mother, Patricia Cobane, and his sister-in-law, Lauren Cobane, as well as a payment of $20 to himself.
At the August 9, 2021, meeting, Cobane again voted to approve a payment of $20 to himself.
The Board determined that Cobane’s votes to approve these payments created a direct or indirect financial and personal conflict, impairing his objectivity and independence of judgment as outlined under Local Government Ethics Law.
Cobane was fined $250 for each violation, totaling $500, and was given 30 days to request an administrative hearing to contest the Notice. However, a November 14, 2024, response from the Local Finance Board to an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request revealed that Cobane has neither requested a hearing nor paid the $500 in fines. His ongoing failure to comply with the penalty requirements could result in additional fines under N.J.S.A. 40A:9-22.10, Violations and Penalties.
HANOVER — On October 13, 2024, at 5:06 p.m., Hanover Township Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Five Below. Officers identified all individuals involved and conducted an investigation. It was determined that the altercation stemmed from a previous dispute between two juveniles, both of whom sustained minor injuries.
Giovanna Green, 47, of Morris Plains, became involved in the incident. Investigators determined that Ms. Green and one of the juveniles were the instigators. Ms. Green was arrested and charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief. The juvenile instigator faced the same charges. Both were released from custody after being charged.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
