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Hanover Township Detective Arrests Morris Plains Man for Shoplifting at ShopRite

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

HANOVER — On January 8, 2025, Hanover Township Detective Erick Magley arrested Rosario Lia, 68, of Morris Plains, for shoplifting. An employee from ShopRite had reported multiple shoplifting incidents involving the same individual.

Detective Magley initiated an investigation, and during the process, the employee contacted authorities once more to report that the suspect had returned to the store. Detective Magley promptly responded and took Mr. Lia into custody. Further investigation confirmed that he was also responsible for previous thefts.

Mr. Lia was charged with shoplifting over $600 worth of merchandise across multiple incidents. He was subsequently released with a scheduled court date.

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.

University of Hartford Students Named to Fall 2024 Dean’s and President’s Lists

By
Frank Cahill
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University of Hartford

MORRIS COUNTY — The University of Hartford is pleased to announce that 2,291 students have been named to the Dean’s and President’s lists for the fall 2024 semester.

The Dean’s List recognizes students achieving superior academic standing. With some exceptions, the requirement is a grade point average of at least 3.0 and no grade below C.

The President’s List recognizes a select group of students reaching the highest academic standing. To be placed on the President’s List, students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 and receive grades of C or better.

Local students include:

  • Sarah Beck of Boonton Township – Dean’s List and President’s List
  • Nathan Tallinder of Madison – Dean’s List and President’s List
  • Erol Yuksel of Florham Park – Dean’s List and President’s List
  • Sean Newman of Morris Plains – Dean’s List
  • Aislyn Rivera of Morris Plains – Dean’s List

Spread across seven dynamic schools and colleges, the University of Hartford has been guiding the purpose and passion of students for over six decades. On our 350-acre campus alongside Connecticut’s capital city, approximately 4,100 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students representing 48 states and 51 countries come together for a common purpose: to collaborate across different disciplines, diversify perspectives, and broaden worldviews.

We’re a four-year private university focused on advancing the public good through meaningful connections within our communities. Our unique approach to comprehensive education gives us the critical perspectives that lead to impact change, regionally and beyond.

With degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, education, and health professions, we focus on doing the work that matters.

Carmine J. Toto named to Clark University’s Fall Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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Madison High School standout Carmine J. Toto in action, showcasing his dedication and athleticism on the field. A true leader both in academics and sports!

MADISON — Carmine J. Toto was named to first honors on the Clark University Dean’s List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Fall 2024 semester.

Students must have a GPA of 3.8 or above for first honors or a GPA between 3.50 and 3.79 for second honors.

Founded in 1887, Clark University is a liberal arts-based research university that prepares its students to meet tomorrow’s most daunting challenges and embrace its greatest opportunities.

Through 33 undergraduate majors, more than 30 advanced degree programs, and nationally recognized community partnerships, Clark fuses rigorous scholarship with authentic world and workplace experiences that empower its students to pursue lives and careers of meaning and consequence.

Carmine J. Toto

Carmine Toto’s high school days at Madison High School blended academic rigor, athletic achievements, and community involvement. From the moment he stepped through the front doors as a freshman, Carmine’s enthusiasm and dedication were evident to everyone around him. He was a graduate of the Class of 2023.

In the classroom, Carmine excelled in his studies, showing a passion for history and mathematics. His teachers often praised his curiosity and ability to grasp complex concepts quickly. Carmine’s peers admired his willingness to help others, often organizing study groups and tutoring sessions to ensure everyone could succeed.

After graduating from Madison High School, Carmine continued his academic and athletic pursuits in college. With the strong foundation he built in high school, he embraced new challenges and opportunities, striving to make a meaningful impact in his studies and beyond.

Carmine J. Toto’s high school journey was a testament to his hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy at Madison High School will be remembered for years, inspiring future generations of students to strive for greatness in all aspects of their lives.

Hanover Township Woman Arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Handgun Following Traffic Stop

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

FLORHAM PARK – On Friday, January 24, at approximately 5:20 in the evening, Officer Chris Heredia conducted a traffic stop on Park Avenue after observing a vehicle with an expired out-of-state registration.

During his interaction with the driver, a twenty-eight-year-old female from Hanover Township, Officer Heredia noticed that she was intentionally delaying retrieving the vehicle’s documents. As she eventually opened a compartment to retrieve them, Officer Heredia immediately observed weapon parts inside the vehicle.

Upon further questioning, it became evident that there was a handgun and ammunition in the vehicle, and the driver was not a licensed firearm holder in the state of New Jersey.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of:

  • One handgun
  • A high-capacity ammunition magazine (prohibited in New Jersey)
  • Several boxes of ammunition

The driver was immediately arrested and transported to Florham Park Police Headquarters for processing. She was charged criminally with:

  • Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
  • Possession of a High-Capacity Ammunition Magazine

Additionally, she was cited for operating an unregistered vehicle. Following processing, she was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where she remains pending a detention hearing before a Superior Court Judge.

Union Man Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated After Erratic Driving on Route 24

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

FLORHAM PARK – On Friday, January 24, 2025, at approximately 1:15 in the morning, Officer Dan Hedden observed a vehicle that exited Route 24 West and made an illegal turn onto Columbia Turnpike West. The vehicle was traveling unusually slowly for a fifty-mile-per-hour roadway before pulling over to the shoulder and parking.

As Officer Hedden approached the vehicle to check on the driver, Dispatcher Mike Primamore relayed critical information. The New Jersey State Police had received reports of the same vehicle driving erratically on Route 24, nearly causing multiple crashes. The caller also suspected the driver of being under the influence of alcohol.

Officer Hedden conducted a roadside interview with the driver, a forty-eight-year-old male from Union, New Jersey. Based on his observations and conversation with the driver, he suspected impairment due to intoxication. Officer Kyle Kepler arrived on the scene to assist and administered field sobriety tests, which the driver failed to complete satisfactorily.

As a result, Officer Hedden placed the driver under arrest, arranged for his vehicle to be towed from the roadway, and transported him to Florham Park Police Headquarters for processing. Once at headquarters, the driver refused to provide breath samples, which are legally mandated by the state.

The driver was charged with the following offenses:

  • Driving While Intoxicated
  • Refusal to Submit to Chemical Breath Testing
  • Reckless Driving
  • Careless Driving
  • Unlawful Parking on a Highway

During the investigation, Officer Hedden also discovered an outstanding criminal warrant from 1998 out of East Orange for drug-related offenses. Following processing at Florham Park Police Headquarters, the suspect was turned over to the East Orange Police Department, where he would be held to satisfy the outstanding warrant.

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.

American Legion Riders to Host Community Breakfast in Dover

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DOVER – The American Legion Riders Post 27 is inviting the community to come together for a delicious breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, April 6, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at their post located at 2 Legion Place, Dover.

This event promises a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Residents can enjoy a hearty meal while supporting local veterans and community initiatives. The breakfast menu will feature pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, turkey bacon, home fries, coffee, and juice—all prepared fresh and served by the dedicated members of the American Legion Riders.

Guests can indulge in a satisfying breakfast for just $10.00 per person, while children under 10 can enjoy their meal for only $5.00. The proceeds from the event will benefit programs benefiting veterans and active-duty military and support community outreach efforts.

The American Legion Riders, known for their commitment to supporting service members and fostering community spirit, encourage everyone to gather with friends and family to enjoy great food for a great cause.

So, mark your calendars and start your Sunday with a delicious breakfast while making a difference.

Morris County Clerk’s Annual Pre-Super Bowl Party Was a Blast!

By
Frank Cahill
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Dover's Maria Rosario, former Assemblyman and Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli, and Keith Titus attend the Morris County Clerk’s Annual Pre-Super Bowl Party, celebrating community and football spirit.

MORRIS COUNTY — As I write this before the Chiefs and Eagles face off in Super Bowl LIX, the outcome remains uncertain—who will emerge victorious, and will the referees make any controversial calls? While those questions linger, one thing is certain: it’s the Sunday before the big game, which means it’s time for Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi’s highly anticipated Annual Big Game Event.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Matt McGraft and Patrick Minutillo enjoy the festivities at the Morris County Clerk’s Annual Pre-Super Bowl Party, celebrating community and football spirit.

Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted another six weeks of winter earlier in the morning, but that did not cause much concern for the significant number of attendees who happily arrived at the Lake Hopatcong Elks Lodge in Mount Arlington for what always promises to be a casual, fun-filled event.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilman Matthew McGraft, and former Assemblyman and Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli attend the Morris County Clerk’s Annual Pre-Super Bowl Party, celebrating community and football spirit.

Attendees packed the spacious Elks Lodge party room for the event, which lasted from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m., as friends, supporters, local, County, and State political figures came and went throughout the afternoon. In-house, you could meet and converse with several 2025 gubernatorial candidates, including Jon Bramnick, Jack Ciattarelli, and Bill Spadea, who were all in attendance for the majority of the event and were all more than happy to engage in dialogues and take photos with the very energetic crowd. In addition, there were many, too many to name, other State representatives, local Morris County Mayors, Commissioners, Councilpersons, and other potential office seekers who were having a blast meeting with constituents and new friends.

Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, Assemblyman Christian E. Barranco, and Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn attend the Morris County Clerk’s Annual Pre-Super Bowl Party, joining local leaders and community members for an afternoon of celebration and football spirit.

But probably, the ones having the most fun were those individuals and families who were happy to enjoy some delicious hot dogs and maybe a refreshing soda or cold beer at the bar. As usual, each team was represented by a decorated team-themed cake with a final cup of coffee.

The overall vibe was one of unity and celebration, blending the excitement of the Super Bowl with friends gathering with friends, sharing meaningful interactions, and filling the room with fun discussions and laughter. Thus, this party checked all those boxes.

One thing that makes this annual political event—designed to be laid-back and fun, bringing together individuals from all walks of life in Morris County and beyond who share a common interest in politics while also celebrating the upcoming Super Bowl—unique is that it is sponsored and provided free of charge as a courtesy by Clerk Grossi (The People’s Clerk). No one in the room seemed more pleased with the event’s success than Clerk Grossi herself.

Borough of Rockaway Police Chief Conrad Pepperman, Mayor Thomas Mulligan, and Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli attend the Morris County Clerk’s Annual Pre-Super Bowl Party, celebrating community and football spirit.

La Salle University Names Andrew Noel to the fall 2024 Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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A glimpse of campus life at La Salle University, where academic excellence meets a vibrant community in the heart of Philadelphia.

BOONTON — Andrew Noel has been named to La Salle University’s fall 2024 Dean’s List in recognition of academic excellence. Noel will be graduating with the Class of 2025.

Noel is among the 500 traditional undergraduate students majoring in criminal justice who completed at least 12 credits and earned a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

La Salle University is a comprehensive Lasallian Catholic university in Philadelphia. It is rooted in the tradition of the Brothers of the Christian Schools teaching order, which St. John Baptist de La Salle, the Patron Saint of Teachers, founded.

Chartered in 1863 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, La Salle prepares students to become known for more through practical liberal arts and experiential education. It propels learners into leaders by offering a quality, affordable experience, rigorous academics, transferable skills, and exposure to domestic and international partnerships in a safe and caring environment. Learn more by clicking here.

Carolyn Dorfman Dance Returns to Madison Community Arts Center

By
Frank Cahill
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Carolyn Dorfman Dance returns to the Madison Community Arts Center on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m. for a Family Backstage Pass performance—an interactive afternoon of dance and audience participation at 10 Kings Road, Madison.

MADISON – Renowned dance company Carolyn Dorfman Dance is set to return to the Madison Community Arts Center for a special performance on Sunday, February 23, at 4:00 p.m. The event will showcase the company’s signature blend of powerful storytelling, athleticism, and artistry, captivating audiences with innovative choreography.

Carolyn Dorfman Dance, a celebrated modern dance company based in New Jersey, is known for its thematic works exploring the human experience, cultural heritage, and community connection. The company has toured extensively, bringing its dynamic performances to national and international stages.

This performance at the Madison Community Arts Center, located at 10 Kings Road, allows local audiences to experience compelling dance pieces that blend contemporary movement with deep emotional narratives.

Event Details:

Venue: Madison Community Arts Center, 10 Kings Road, Madison, NJ
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m.

A Community-Centered Experience

Carolyn Dorfman, the company’s founder and artistic director, is dedicated to using dance as a medium for engagement and dialogue, making performances an interactive experience. Audience members can expect a combination of stunning choreography and insightful post-performance discussions, offering a deeper understanding of the artistic vision behind each piece.

Tickets & More Information

Tickets are $20.00 in advance or $25.00 the day of the show. Tickets for seniors and students 18 and under are $15.00.

For tickets to the Madison Community Arts Center performance, click here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a breathtaking performance by one of New Jersey’s most celebrated dance companies!

Denville Township Police Report: Underage DWI Arrest

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo. Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

MORRIS COUNTY – A late-night crash on Franklin Road in Denville led to the arrest of 19-year-old Araceli Huaman for driving while intoxicated (DWI) under the legal drinking age, according to the Denville Township Police Department.

Incident Overview

On Sunday, January 26, at approximately 2:02 a.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles on Franklin Road. According to Denville Police Officer Kevin Pasino, Huaman was operating a 2008 Honda Accord when she crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan, driven by Kenneth A. Hubschman.

No injuries were reported, but both vehicles sustained damage. Huaman admitted to officers that she briefly fell asleep while driving, which led to her veering into the wrong lane.

Investigation and Field Sobriety Tests

Upon speaking with Huaman, officers detected signs of intoxication and conducted a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, she exhibited a lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, along with distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation.

In the walk-and-turn test, Huaman failed to count her steps out loud, raised her arms for balance, took only eight steps instead of nine, and performed an improper turn. During the one-leg stand test, she failed to focus on her toe.

Huaman admitted to consuming a Four Loko alcoholic beverage about an hour and a half prior to the crash, claiming she had stopped drinking because she was the designated driver. When questioned about her age, she stated she was nineteen years old.

Breathalyzer Results and Arrest

Huaman was placed under arrest for underage DWI and transported to the Denville Township Police Headquarters for processing. A breathalyzer test conducted revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.07%, which is below the legal limit for individuals over 21 but constitutes a violation under New Jersey’s underage DWI laws (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14).

Charges and Court Appearance

Huaman was charged with the following offenses:

  • DWI – Underage Violator (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14)
  • Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
  • Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
  • Failure to Maintain Lane (N.J.S.A. 39:4-88)
  • Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51B)

Huaman was later released into the custody of a friend who signed a liability form. She is scheduled to appear in Denville Township Municipal Court on February 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Officer’s Statement

Officer Kevin J. Pisano, who conducted the arrest, noted that body-worn camera footage was reviewed and uploaded as evidence.

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.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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