Saturday, November 8, 2025
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Eight New Jersey TD Bank Branches Set to Close, Including Florham Park Location

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TD Bank branch at 177 Columbia Turnpike in Florham Park is among eight New Jersey locations slated to close by January 29, 2026, as part of the company’s nationwide consolidation plan.

FLORHAM PARK — TD Bank has announced plans to permanently close eight New Jersey branches, including its location at 177 Columbia Turnpike in Florham Park, as part of a nationwide consolidation effort affecting about four dozen branches. The closures are expected to take effect by January 29, 2026.

A spokesperson for the Mount Laurel-based banking giant said the decision is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its U.S. retail operations and modernize its customer experience.

“At Investor Day last month, TD shared plans to deliver a stronger, more scalable U.S. retail presence through significant store enhancements, tech-forward digital banking capabilities, and personalized, advice-led services,” the spokesperson said.

The company noted that it regularly evaluates its branch network to ensure it meets community needs, which can sometimes lead to store closures or relocations.

“In due course, we expect to open new stores in these communities, subject to regulatory approval,” the spokesperson added.

TD Bank operates more than 1,100 locations across the United States, including dozens throughout New Jersey. The upcoming closures are part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to balance its in-person services with expanding digital and mobile banking options.

Morris Plains Man Named Somerset County Prosecutor’s Fugitive of the Month for November

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The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office has named Matthew R. Venn, 43, as its Fugitive of the Month for November 2025

MORRIS PLAINS — The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office has named Matthew R. Venn, 43, of Morris Plains Borough, as its Fugitive of the Month for November 2025 and is asking for the public’s assistance in locating him.

Venn is wanted for Failure to Appear (FTA) on charges of third-degree theft of a motor vehicle (2C:20-10.1A) and fourth-degree endangering another – knowingly (2C:24-7.1A(2)), stemming from incidents that occurred in Bernards Township, Somerset County. Authorities stated that he also has an active municipal warrant from Passaic County.

According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Venn is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos on his chest, left arm, right arm, and right leg. His last known address is in Morris Plains (Morris County).

The Prosecutor’s Office urges anyone with information about Venn’s whereabouts not to take any police action but instead to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fugitive Unit at (908) 231-7100 or through the STOPit app, using the access code SOMERSETNJ.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).

The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports, videos, and photos, and is available for free download through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Jefferson Township Man Charged with DWI Following Early Morning Stop on Route 15

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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 6, Jefferson Township Police Officer Matthew Johnson conducted a motor vehicle stop that led to the arrest of a local man for driving while intoxicated.

According to police reports, Officer Johnson was on routine patrol when he observed a gray 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt traveling north on Route 15 in an erratic manner. The vehicle was seen drifting between lanes, crossing the fog line, and driving approximately ten miles per hour below the speed limit. The officer initiated a traffic stop after the driver pulled onto the shoulder along Route 181.

The driver, identified as Carlos Jaramillo-Masias, 35, of Hopatcong, appeared disoriented and was slow to provide identification. Instead of a driver’s license, Jaramillo-Masias presented a library card and an AAA membership card belonging to other individuals. Officer Johnson noted the strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and fumbling movements during the interaction.

After further questioning, the officer conducted a series of field sobriety tests, which Jaramillo-Masias did not perform as instructed. He exhibited multiple signs of impairment, including lack of balance, bloodshot and watery eyes, and difficulty following directions. He was subsequently placed under arrest for suspected driving while intoxicated.

Jaramillo-Masias was transported to the Sparta Police Department by Officer Adam Riley, where he submitted breath samples resulting in a blood alcohol concentration of .13%, exceeding the legal limit in New Jersey. His vehicle was impounded by Richie’s Auto Wreckers for the mandatory 12-hour hold period.

He was issued multiple summonses, including:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50)
  • Reckless Driving (39:4-96)
  • Failure to Maintain Lane (39:4-88)
  • Failure to Possess Driver’s License (39:3-29A)

Jaramillo-Masias was later released to a responsible adult.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

Gallagher and Francioli Re-Elected in Hanover Township

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Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Republican candidates once again maintained control of the Township Committee as Thomas “Ace” Gallagher and Ronald Francioli secured victory in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial results released by the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

Thomas “Ace” Gallagher (REP) led the field with 4,901 votes (41.47%), followed by Ronald Francioli (REP) with 4,053 votes (34.29%).
Diana Murray (DEM) finished with 2,774 votes (23.47%).

Together, Gallagher and Francioli captured more than 75% of the total votes cast, reinforcing Republican leadership on the Hanover Township Committee.


Election Night Reporting System, Courtesy of the Morris County Clerk
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
Early voting results and mail-in ballots received prior to poll closing are included.
Timely postmarked mail-in and provisional ballots are still being processed.
Results are subject to change until all votes are counted.

Democrats Sweep Dover Council Races

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Town of Dover, 37 North Sussex Street, Dover, NJ 07801

DOVER — Dover voters turned out on Election Day to re-elect and elect Democratic candidates in all four wards, according to unofficial results released by the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

In Ward 1, Daniella Mendez (DEM) secured a decisive victory with 556 votes (81.41%), defeating write-in challengers who collectively received 127 votes (18.59%). A total of 683 ballots were cast.

In Ward 2, Judy Rugg (DEM) maintained strong support, earning 642 votes (77.35%), while write-in candidates collected 188 votes (22.65%), with 830 total ballots cast.

In Ward 3, Christopher Almada (DEM) prevailed over Maria Rosario (REP), capturing 667 votes (66.30%) to Rosario’s 336 votes (33.40%). Three additional write-in votes were recorded, bringing the total number of ballots cast to 1,006.

In Ward 4, Arturo B. Santana (DEM) ran virtually unopposed, winning 434 votes (96.88%), with 14 write-in votes (3.13%) for a total of 448 ballots.

H2M Architects + Engineers Welcomes Two New Team Members

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Matthew Casale

PARSIPPANY — H2M architects + engineers is proud to announce the addition of two new professionals to its Parsippany office: Michelle Lutkowski, PHR, SHRM-CP, and Matthew Casale.

Michelle Lutkowski

Michelle Lutkowski joined H2M as a Senior HR Generalist on September 8. She brings extensive human resources experience to the team, having previously served as Director of Human Resources at Wireless Telecom Group, also located in Parsippany. Michelle resides in Morris Plains and is recognized for her strategic leadership and commitment to building strong workplace cultures.

Matthew Casale joined the firm as a Staff Designer on September 15. Before joining H2M, he worked as a Designer III at Parette Somjen Architects in Rockaway, where he contributed to a variety of commercial and educational projects. A Mendham resident, Matthew brings creativity and technical precision to H2M’s growing architectural team.

H2M’s Parsippany office is located at 119 Cherry Hill Road, Suite 110, Parsippany.

H2M is a full-service consulting and design firm offering expertise across multiple disciplines, including architecture, engineering (water supply, civil/site, structural, M/E/P, wastewater, and environmental), planning, design, inspection, surveying, and scientific services. With more than 580 professionals, H2M combines deep technical experience with specialized market knowledge to meet clients’ evolving needs.

Founded on a legacy of innovation and community service, H2M continues to take a practical approach with creative results, serving clients throughout the region.
For more information, visit www.h2m.com.

Rutgers Recognizes DeNigris with Prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award

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Dr. Peter DeNigris

HANOVER — Dr. Peter DeNigris has received the Distinguished Alumni Award in Clinical Psychology from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Dr. DeNigris is a 1995 graduate of Whippany Park High School.

The award was presented on Saturday, October 4, during the graduate school’s 50th Anniversary Gala held at The Heldrich in New Brunswick.

Dr. DeNigris earned his Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology in 2004 from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. He is the co-founder and co-owner of Somerset Psychological Group, a group private practice located in Martinsville. His general practice includes the evaluation and treatment of adolescents and adults.

Dr. Peter DeNigris

Many of Dr. DeNigris’ clinical experiences involve working with adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma. His research includes developing and implementing a model for treating adolescents affected by trauma who were resistant to traditional modes of psychotherapy. The model, called “Community-Based Intervention for Trauma-Affected Adolescents,” was applied to adolescents who were directly affected by the terrorism at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Dr. DeNigris also worked for 12 years in the Emergency Trauma Department at Morristown Medical Center, where he remains active in traumatic response work.

Dr. DeNigris is a member of the medical staff at Morristown Medical Center. He has taught at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology and at Drew University, and he has supervised numerous students at Rutgers. In 2017, he received the Outstanding Clinic Supervisor Award from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.

In 2021, Dr. DeNigris was elected president-elect of the New Jersey Psychological Association and began his term as president in 2022. He was named Psychologist of the Year in 2023 by the New Jersey Psychological Association. On July 1, Dr. DeNigris began his term on the Rutgers University Board of Trustees.

Jefferson Recreation Hosts “Santa Paws” Pet Photo Event

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Santa Paws is coming! Bring your pets for photos with Santa on Sunday, November 23, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Rd.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Recreation Department will spread holiday cheer with its annual “Santa Paws” Pet Photos with Santa event on Sunday, November 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Camp Jefferson Main Lodge, located at 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.

Families are invited to bring their beloved pets for a festive photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The event welcomes dogs and cats only, and cat owners are reminded that their furry companions must be held by a family member during the photo.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own camera or phone to capture the perfect holiday shot. The cost is $10 per family, and registration is required through CommunityPass.net.

Registration will close once capacity is reached, so early sign-up is recommended.

For more information, residents can contact the Jefferson Recreation Department at (973) 663-8404.

Jefferson Township Offers Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic

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Annual Rabies Immunization Clinic

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Health Department and Animal Control Services will host a free rabies vaccination clinic for all New Jersey residents on Wednesday, November 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Municipal Pound, 57 Minnisink Road, Lake Hopatcong.

All dogs and cats brought to the clinic must be accompanied by a responsible adult and properly restrained — dogs should be on leashes, and cats should be secured in carriers. This clinic offers an important opportunity for residents to protect their pets and communities from rabies at no cost.

Under New Jersey Administrative Code 8:23A-4.3, municipal licensing clerks may grant rabies vaccination exemptions if a licensed veterinarian certifies that an animal cannot be vaccinated due to infirmity or medical treatment. The Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases Program (IZDP) has created a standardized exemption certificate for veterinarians, available online at www.state.nj.us/health/forms/vph-28.pdf.

Officials note that reluctance to administer a rabies vaccine before the expiration of a previous vaccination is not an acceptable reason for exemption. Early booster vaccinations are safe and medically appropriate.

Residents with questions regarding rabies documentation or other rabies-related issues may contact the IZDP directly at (609) 588-3121.

Driver Charged in Connection with Fatal Crash

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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Chester Police Chief Ryan McNamee confirmed that Ana-Maria Ciofu, 26, of Brooklyn, New York, has been charged in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Chester Township on August 31.

At approximately 5:51 p.m. on August 31, Chester Township Police responded to the scene of a motor vehicle collision on Route 206 at the Lamerson Road and Fox Chase Road intersection. It is alleged that the defendant was driving a 2025 Lexus IS300 on Route 206 Northbound when she hit a 2013 Toyota RAV4. It is further alleged that the defendant was driving at an excessive rate of speed at the time of the crash.

The operator of the Toyota RAV4, C.K., was later pronounced deceased as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. A passenger in the Lexus IS300, Lubov Sakovich, sustained bodily injury in the crash.

On November 3, 2025, Ciofu was charged with second-degree Vehicular Homicide, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a, and disorderly persons Assault by Auto, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(1). Following a First Appearance, Ciofu was granted pretrial release. A Pre-Indictment Conference is scheduled for December 15, 2025, before the Hon. Robert M. Hanna, J.S.C.

Members of the Chester Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit participated in this investigation.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

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