DOVER — The stage is set, the lights are ready, and the talented students of Dover High School are gearing up to showcase their skills at the highly anticipated Dover Talent Show. Hosted by the Dover Educational Foundation, the event will take place on Friday, February 21st, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dover High School Auditorium at 100 Grace Street.

This exciting evening will feature diverse performances, including singers, dancers, musicians, rappers, poets, and more. Whether students showcase their musical talents, teachers surprise the audience with hidden skills, or dancers wow the crowd with energetic routines, the Dover Talent Show promises to be an unforgettable night of entertainment.

The event aims to foster community spirit and encourage artistic expression among students and faculty. A $5.00 suggested donation will support local educational initiatives, making this a celebration of talent and a way to give back to the community.

“We are thrilled to bring this event to Dover and provide a platform for our students and teachers to shine,” said a representative from the Dover Educational Foundation. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, cheer for their peers, and enjoy a night of creativity.”

With a lineup packed with incredible performances and a supportive crowd ready to applaud, the Dover Talent Show is shaping up to be an electrifying evening. Don’t miss the chance to witness the amazing talent that Dover has to offer!

DOVER — On Saturday, January 18, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Dover Police Department responded to a report of a driver asleep at a stop sign at the intersection of East Dickerson Street and South Morris Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a silver 2015 Honda Accord with the driver, later identified as Oscar Gonzalez, 49, Dover, asleep behind the wheel. The vehicle was still in drive, and the doors were locked.

Officers were unsuccessful after multiple attempts to wake him by knocking on the window and shaking the vehicle. For safety reasons, an officer used a window punch to break the window, allowing them to place the vehicle in park and turn it off.

Once Gonzalez exited the vehicle, officers detected bloodshot, watery eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol. Gonzalez stated he was at a local establishment and had consumed five bottles of beer.

Field Sobriety & Breath Test Results

Gonzalez was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which resulted in the following:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test – Lacked smooth pursuit, showed distinct Nystagmus at maximum deviation, and exhibited onset Nystagmus before 45 degrees.
• Walk and Turn Test – He could not maintain balance, and the test was terminated for his safety.
• One Leg Stand Test – Swayed in a circular motion, placed his foot down multiple times, and the test was again terminated for his safety.

Based on his performance, Gonzalez was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

He was transported to police headquarters, provided with the Standard Statement form in Spanish and agreed to a breath test. Due to Dover’s Alcotest machine being out of order, he was taken to the Randolph Police Department for testing.

The breathalyzer test resulted in a BAC of .14%, which exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%.

Gonzalez was issued the following summonses:

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50) – BAC of .14%, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%.
• Obstructing Passage of Other Vehicles (N.J.S.A. 39:4-67) – The vehicle stopped at an intersection while the driver was asleep.
• Careless Driving: Likely to Endanger Person or Property (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) – Creating a roadway hazard by remaining at a stop sign in an unresponsive state.

Gonzalez is scheduled to appear in court on the charges. He could face fines, license suspension, and possible jail time if convicted.

Gonzalez was later released into the custody of a friend who signed the responsible party form. His vehicle was towed under John’s Law.

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.

DOVER – A local man was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) after a traffic stop in the early hours of New Year’s Day, according to the Dover Police Department.

At approximately 4:17 a.m. on January 1, 2025, Dover Township Police Officer German Liranzo, stationed at a traffic light at Mount Hope Avenue and US Route 46 intersection, observed a blue Nissan Sentra making an improper left turn. The vehicle, later found to be operated by Carlos A. Molina, 25, Ledgewood, reportedly had a loud muffler and was tailgating another vehicle. As the driver continued, officers noted erratic behavior, including revving the engine and inconsistent braking.

After following the vehicle, police initiated a traffic stop at Maple Avenue and Oak Street. Upon being asked for his documents, Molina allegedly struggled to locate his insurance information, initially opening a Capital One Bank app instead of his State Farm insurance app.

During the interaction, officers detected bloodshot and watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol from within the vehicle. When asked to step out of the car, Molina sprayed cologne on himself, prompting further suspicion. He admitted to having two shots of tequila at a family event earlier in the night.

Failed Sobriety Tests Lead to Arrest

Molina was asked to perform a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) on a level surface. According to the report:

• During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, Molina lacked smooth pursuit and moved his head rather than following the officer’s pen with just his eyes.
• During the Walk and Turn test, he failed to maintain balance, took an incorrect number of steps, and stepped off the line.
• During the One Leg Stand test, he failed to follow instructions, put his foot down multiple times, and stopped before being instructed to do so.

Following these tests, Molina was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. He was handcuffed, advised of his Miranda rights in Spanish, and transported to Dover Police Headquarters for processing.

Breath Test Confirms Intoxication

At headquarters, Molina was provided with the Standard Statement form in Spanish and agreed to provide breath samples. Due to an equipment issue at the Dover Police Department, he was transported to the Randolph Police Department, where he submitted two breath samples into an Alcotest machine.

The results revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15%, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08% in New Jersey.

Molina was issued the following summons:
•Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – N.J.S.A. 39:4-50
•Following too Close – N.J.S.A. 39:4-89

Molina was later released into the custody of a friend who signed a responsible party form. Molina was issued multiple summonses and is scheduled to appear in court on January 27, 2025.

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.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners honored Maria Rosario with a heartfelt tribute during their meeting in Morristown, celebrating her well-earned retirement after an incredible 25 years of dedicated service to the county. Maria’s extensive career in public service saw her take on crucial roles in multiple county departments, including the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. Her unwavering commitment to the residents of Morris County, particularly in the Town of Dover, has left a lasting impact on the community.

Beyond her official responsibilities, Maria was a passionate advocate for local businesses and was pivotal in securing critical financial support for Dover entrepreneurs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked tirelessly to connect small business owners with Morris County’s emergency grant programs, ensuring they had access to much-needed relief during unprecedented challenges. Due to her efforts, nearly 10% of all small business grants distributed by the county were awarded to businesses in Dover, helping them sustain operations and recover from financial hardship.

Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen expressed the Board’s deep appreciation for Maria’s outstanding contributions, recognizing her for her years of dedication and the tangible difference she made in the community. “Maria’s dedication and commitment to Morris County have made a lasting impact. Her hard work and advocacy, particularly for the Dover business community, will not be forgotten. We thank her for her years of service and wish her the best in retirement,” he said before presenting her with a beautifully framed resolution of honor.

Maria, accompanied by her son Tony—who serves as a lieutenant in the Dover Fire Department and as an EMT—was visibly moved by the recognition. She expressed her deep gratitude to the Commissioners and reflected on her meaningful experiences throughout her career. She also shared her excitement for the future, emphasizing that although she is retiring from her official role, she has no plans to stop serving the community she loves. Maria looks forward to continuing to support local initiatives and remain actively involved in making a difference in Morris County.

CONDADO DE MORRIS – La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Morris honró a María Rosario con un emotivo homenaje durante su reunión en Morristown, celebrando su merecida jubilación tras 25 años de excepcional servicio al condado. A lo largo de su extensa carrera en el servicio público, María desempeñó roles clave en varios departamentos del condado, incluyendo la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Morris y la Oficina de Envejecimiento, Discapacidades y Programación Comunitaria. Su compromiso inquebrantable con los residentes del Condado de Morris, especialmente en la ciudad de Dover, ha dejado una huella duradera en la comunidad.

Más allá de sus responsabilidades oficiales, María fue una ferviente defensora de los negocios locales y desempeñó un papel fundamental en la obtención de apoyo financiero crucial para los empresarios de Dover. Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, trabajó incansablemente para conectar a los dueños de pequeños negocios con los programas de subvenciones de emergencia del Condado de Morris, asegurando que tuvieran acceso a la ayuda tan necesaria en tiempos de desafíos sin precedentes. Gracias a sus esfuerzos, casi el 10% de todas las subvenciones para pequeñas empresas distribuidas por el condado fueron otorgadas a negocios en Dover, ayudándolos a mantener sus operaciones y recuperarse de las dificultades económicas.

El Director de la Junta de Comisionados, Tayfun Selen, expresó el profundo agradecimiento de la Junta por las extraordinarias contribuciones de María, reconociendo sus años de dedicación y la diferencia tangible que ha hecho en la comunidad. “La dedicación y el compromiso de María con el Condado de Morris han dejado un impacto duradero. Su arduo trabajo y defensa, particularmente en apoyo a la comunidad empresarial de Dover, no serán olvidados. Le agradecemos por sus años de servicio y le deseamos lo mejor en su jubilación”, afirmó antes de entregarle una hermosa resolución de honor enmarcada.

María, acompañada por su hijo Tony—quien se desempeña como teniente en el Departamento de Bomberos de Dover y como técnico en emergencias médicas (EMT)—se mostró visiblemente conmovida por el reconocimiento. Expresó su profundo agradecimiento a los comisionados y reflexionó sobre las experiencias significativas que ha vivido a lo largo de su carrera. También compartió su entusiasmo por el futuro, enfatizando que, aunque se retira de su función oficial, no tiene intención de dejar de servir a la comunidad que tanto ama. María espera continuar apoyando iniciativas locales y seguir participando activamente para marcar la diferencia en el Condado de Morris.

DOVER — The 2024 Holiday Window Contest marked the exciting return of a cherished tradition in Dover, with 12 businesses participating to spread holiday cheer. Members of the Recreation Department toured the downtown area, capturing photos of each storefront’s festive decorations. They carefully judged and voted in collaboration with the Administration Department, ultimately naming First Class Studios as this year’s top winner.

First Class Studios, located in Dover, is an award-winning tattoo studio known for its exceptional jewelry selection and highly skilled artists. Setting itself apart from traditional tattoo studios, First Class Studios offers a modern and interactive experience, redefining industry standards in an evolving field.

With a focus on professionalism and innovation, the studio provides a clean and welcoming environment, encouraging visitors to explore artist portfolios and learn about apprenticeship opportunities. Prioritizing safety and client care, First Class Studios also offers comprehensive body art aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible experience for its clients.

The Holiday Window Contest has been a beloved event in past years, and its revival underscores the town’s commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant, festive downtown atmosphere. This year’s enthusiasm and creativity set the stage for an even more spectacular event in 2025.

Businesses interested in participating next year can sign up starting November 3rd. Registration will close on November 30th, just in time for the annual Christmas Parade.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants for helping bring the holiday spirit to the community. This tradition is here to stay, and we look forward to seeing even more businesses join in the celebration next year!

Congratulations to Julian Cruz for his participation!

DOVER — In 2015, former Dover Police Sergeant Richard “Rico” Gonzalez received a $175,000 settlement from the Town of Dover to resolve a federal employment lawsuit. As part of the settlement agreement, Gonzalez agreed not to make negative or derogatory statements about Dover, its current, past, or future employees or officials.

Despite prior warnings, Dover filed a motion to enforce the 2015 settlement in federal court, reviving the long-dormant case. Attorney Richard Flaum of the DiFrancesco Bateman law firm, who had previously represented Gonzalez, was included in the proceedings, though he reportedly stated that he no longer represented Gonzalez in 2024.

During a February 4, 2025 conference, the Magistrate Judge noted that given the age of the settlement, the matter likely fell outside of federal jurisdiction. The judge advised that if Dover believed Gonzalez had violated the settlement’s non-disparagement clause, it was free to pursue the matter as a breach of contract claim in state court. Following this guidance, Dover’s attorney, Jonathan Cohen, withdrew the federal motion and proceeded with the state court lawsuit the next day.

In the newly filed case, Dover is seeking an injunction to prevent future negative or derogatory statements by Gonzalez, as well as a return of the $175,000 settlement payment. The claim alleges that Gonzalez has repeatedly made negative comments on Dover Forum and other platforms, in violation of the terms of the 2015 settlement agreement.

Dover Focus reached out to Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney for comment, but he has not responded.

DOVER — En 2015, el exsargento de la Policía de Dover, Richard “Rico” Gonzalez, recibió un acuerdo de $175,000 del Municipio de Dover para resolver una demanda federal por empleo. Como parte del acuerdo, Gonzalez aceptó no hacer declaraciones negativas o despectivas sobre Dover, sus empleados o funcionarios actuales, pasados o futuros.

A pesar de múltiples advertencias previas, Dover presentó una moción en la corte federal para hacer cumplir el acuerdo de 2015, reactivando el caso, que había estado inactivo durante años. El abogado Richard Flaum, del bufete DiFrancesco Bateman, quien previamente representó a Gonzalez, fue incluido en el proceso, aunque, según informes, afirmó que ya no representaba a Gonzalez en 2024.

Durante una conferencia el 4 de febrero de 2025, la jueza magistrada señaló que, debido a la antigüedad del acuerdo, era probable que el caso quedara fuera de la jurisdicción federal. La jueza indicó que, si Dover consideraba que Gonzalez había violado la cláusula de no desprestigio del acuerdo, tenía la libertad de presentar una demanda por incumplimiento de contrato en la corte estatal. Siguiendo esta recomendación, el abogado de Dover, Jonathan Cohen, retiró la moción federal y presentó la demanda en la corte estatal al día siguiente.

En la nueva demanda, Dover busca una orden judicial para evitar futuras declaraciones negativas o despectivas por parte de Gonzalez, así como la devolución del pago del acuerdo de $175,000. La denuncia alega que Gonzalez ha realizado repetidamente comentarios negativos en Dover Forum y otras plataformas, incumpliendo los términos del acuerdo de conciliación de 2015.

Dover Focus se comunicó con el Jefe de Policía de Dover, Jonathan Delaney, para solicitar comentarios, pero hasta el momento no ha respondido.