MORRIS COUNTY — Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) issued the following statement in response to recent news that AON, the state’s actuary, endorsed Governor Murphy’s plan to significantly increase health insurance premium costs for New Jersey state workers:
“Senate Republicans have been warning about this looming crisis for years and unfortunately those warnings were ignored,” said Sen. Bucco. “Then just weeks ago, we called for the Legislature to reconvene and form a bipartisan, bicameral committee to understand the root cause and develop real solutions. That call was ignored too. Now, instead of innovation, leadership, or reform to address the problem, the Murphy administration’s hand-picked actuary is moving forward with forcing state workers to shoulder the burden for the Democrats’ failures.”
Earlier this month, Sen. Bucco called for a legislative session to pass SCR-61, which would create the bipartisan New Jersey Public Employee Health Care Program Costs Investigation Committee. The proposed committee would scrutinize the looming 37% premium increase in the State Health Benefits Program that threatens to blow holes in municipal and school budgets and push property taxes even higher.
“It’s honestly just shameful. Over the last two years, Democrats in Trenton have spent over $1 billion on last-minute pork projects, yet when it comes time to support our dedicated public servants, there’s suddenly no money and no will to act. This is not fiscal responsibility, it’s fiscal malfeasance and our public workers deserve better,” Bucco concluded.
EAST HANOVER — Whippany Park High School was ranked the 84th best high school in New Jersey in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best High Schools rankings. Nationally, Whippany Park placed 1,632nd. The rankings evaluated nearly 24,000 eligible public high schools nationwide, with almost 18,000 receiving state and national recognition.
Hanover Park High School was also recognized, earning the 114th spot statewide and 2,194th nationally.
The U.S. News methodology weighs academic performance, graduation rates, and college readiness. At Whippany Park, New Jersey Student Learning Assessment scores reflect the following subject proficiencies:
Mathematics: 50%
Reading: 64%
Science: 42%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Local Rankings
Neighboring public high schools also ranked prominently in the 2025 report:
Madison High School: #77 NJ / #1,550 National
Mountain Lakes High School: #34 NJ / #663 National
Chatham High School: #37 NJ / #748 National
Morris Hills High School: #57 NJ / #1,198 National
Montville High School: #62 NJ / #1,361 National
Randolph High School: #73 NJ / #1,513 National
Parsippany Hills High School: #76 NJ / #1,534 National
Whippany Park High School: #84 NJ / #1,632 National
Morris Knolls High School: #90 NJ / #1,787 National
Parsippany High School: #102 NJ / #2,055 National
Hanover Park High School: #114 NJ / #2,194 National
Morristown High School: #134 NJ / #3,044 National
Roxbury High School: #195 NJ / #5,721 National
Why Rankings Matter
“Students and families need data to help them make one of the most important decisions of their academic journey. Our Best High Schools rankings provide the insights to help them identify schools that will prepare students for college success,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for education at U.S. News. “Access to information isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for planning a student’s future.”
MORRISTOWN – Golfers and pickleball enthusiasts are invited to take part in the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation’s 2025 President’s Golf Classic on Monday, October 6, at Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown.
This year’s event marks a new chapter for the annual fundraiser, which benefits CCM Athletics and Foundation programs. In addition to golf, participants will have the option to enjoy the event’s first-ever pickleball component, paired with a guided wine tasting.
The day begins at 10:00 a.m. with registration and a barbecue lunch, followed by a 12:00 p.m. shotgun start on Spring Brook’s private 18-hole championship course. Those choosing the “Pickleball & Wine Tasting Experience” will receive a lesson from a club pro and a curated Italian wine tasting led by a sommelier.
At 4:30 p.m., all attendees will come together for a cocktail reception, buffet dinner, and awards program. Each registration includes access to amenities such as bag drop-off, use of the driving range and locker rooms, a thank-you gift, and raffle opportunities.
Sponsorship opportunities begin at $350, ranging from tee signs and ad journal placements to lunch, dinner, and beverage cart sponsorships. Higher-level Champion Sponsor packages are also available for businesses and individuals seeking greater visibility.
HANOVER — The Whippany Park Marching Band will be hosting a car wash fundraiser this Saturday, August 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Whippany Park High School, located at 165 Whippany Road, Whippany.
This community‑centered event presents a prime opportunity to help support the students’ musical endeavors while getting your vehicle sparkling clean. Residents are encouraged to bring their cars by the school during the four‑hour event to show support for the local marching band and enjoy light-hearted fun—and maybe even some spirited Wildcats pride.
All proceeds will go toward funding the band’s upcoming activities, including music supplies, uniforms, travel, and other essential resources. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the area, this fundraiser is a great chance to contribute to the arts in our community.
Event at a Glance:
What: Whippany Park Marching Band Car Wash Fundraiser
When: Saturday, August 23 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Whippany Park High School, 165 Whippany Road, Whippany
For questions or further details, feel free to contact the school’s main office at (973) 887‑3004
HANOVER — Several individuals, including juveniles, have been charged in connection with a widespread graffiti vandalism case that police say caused an estimated $500,000 in damage across Hanover Township over the past several years.
The Hanover Township Police Department announced the charges on Monday, noting that graffiti was discovered on buildings, businesses, public property, railroad property, bridges, and other locations throughout the township.
Investigators linked the suspects to multiple graffiti “tags,” including GMAIL, SCATE, CHEAK, TEDY, BILLY THE KID, BANDIT, GAZZY, and DOVE, among others. Damage estimates attributed to the individuals range from under $100 to several hundred thousand dollars.
The most significant portion of the damage—approximately $300,000—was tied to two juveniles accused of tagging under the names GMAIL, GMAIL8, SCATE, and SCATE5. Both face multiple counts of criminal mischief, conspiracy, trespassing, and promotion of organized street crime.
Other individuals charged include:
Peter Runge, 28, Sarasota, FL — accused of tagging CHEAK ($2,000 damage)
Dennis Melendez, 21, Morristown — tagged as BILLY THE KID ($700 damage)
Christopher Escobar, 25, Montclair — tagged as DOVE and DOVE6 ($54,000 damage)
Alexa Lipke, 30, Somerville — tagged as INKI ($1,000 damage)
Marco Dapaz, 33, Elizabeth — tagged as EVOL ($5,400 damage)
Omar Carrillo, 22, Morristown — tagged as ZEX and ZENOTT ($600 damage)
Danny Mazariegos, 18, Morristown — tagged as GAZZY ($5,000 damage)
Several others linked to graffiti in Morristown, each with estimated damages of $800
Hanover police said that identifying and charging suspects provides victims with the opportunity to pursue restitution for repair costs.
“We hope these investigations demonstrate our commitment to solving crimes in our jurisdiction and serve as a deterrent for those who wish to cause damage,” the department said in a statement.
Residents and business owners who have been victims of graffiti vandalism are encouraged to report incidents by calling (973) 428-2512.
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.
MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon recently swore in seven new Correctional Police Officers who will serve at the Morris County Correctional Facility. He was joined by members of the MCCF Administration during the ceremony.
The new officers are:
Jacob Hopping
Christopher Navarro
Rosalba Garcia
Aaron Myrick
Bart Yarosz
Alex Mercado
Kevin Bovier
With the exception of Rosalba Garcia, who transferred from the New Jersey State Department of Corrections, all officers graduated from the Hudson County Police Academy on August 12.
Officer Bart Yarosz received special recognition at the academy, earning both the Defensive Tactics Award and the Most Outstanding Award for overall achievement.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office congratulates the new officers and wishes them success and safety in their careers of service.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County residents interested in serving on the County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees are invited to send their resumes to a special Trustee Search Committee of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
Resumes must be received by the search committee by September 5, 2025. The committee will review all applications and then submit recommendations to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, who will make the appointments.
Morris County is seeking to fill two (2) four-year terms. Terms begin November 1, 2025 and end on October 31, 2029.
To qualify for consideration by the search committee, a candidate must be a resident of Morris County for at least four years and may not hold a current elected office in Morris County or be an employee of Morris County government or the County College of Morris. The two sitting trustees must reapply by the September 5th deadline if they wish to be considered for reappointment.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate independent judgment, distinction in their profession, knowledge of higher education, involvement in their community and a firm commitment to serving the college. A candidate must be willing to commit at least 20-30 hours a month to his or her duties as a college trustee to be considered for appointment.
Duties of trustees include appointing, supporting, and evaluating the college president; clarifying and, if necessary, revising the college’s mission statement; ratifying long term plans; approving the college’s educational program; ensuring fiscal viability; and maintaining the college’s physical plant.
Required: The CCM Trustee Search Committee requests a resume and a background statement from each applicant outlining why he or she wishes to serve as a trustee and what specific skills the applicant would bring to the board.
Applicants must send one copy of their resume and a brief background statement to [email protected] at the Office of the Morris County Counsel, County of Morris by 4 p.m. September 5, 2025.
The County College of Morris Board of Trustees is composed of eleven Morris County residents from business, education, law and other professional fields, who volunteer their services in four-year terms.
By statute, eight members are appointed by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, and two members are appointed by the Governor. The Morris County Superintendent of Schools is also a member of the Board by statute. One non-voting CCM graduate member is elected for a one-year term by each year’s graduating class. In addition, the CCM President serves as an ex-officio member.
The Board of Trustees sets policy and has final authority over budgets and expenditures, and the President is responsible for internal administrative operations.
Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, a nationally recognized historic site in Parsippany, served as the backdrop for a remarkable ceremony
MORRIS COUNTY — The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, the early 20th-century historic home of Gustav Stickley, will host Autumn Fest, a private Open House event on Saturday, October 4, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Autumn Fest will take place across the Craftsman Farms property and will include tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), open house access to the Log House and North Cottage, a complimentary glass of prosecco, and a VIP discount in The Craftsman Shop. Guests will also be able to watch live plein air painting and take home a custom letterpress printmaking souvenir. This event is for adults only; guests must be 21 or older to attend.
Tethered hot air balloon rides will be offered from the museum’s lawn and provide views of the remaining 30 acres of the Craftsman Farms landscape. VIP shopping will be available in The Craftsman Shop (completed in 2024), which features custom jewelry, home décor items, the museum’s new children’s book, and other visitor favorites.
Docents will be stationed throughout the Log House, North Cottage, and landscape, to share information about the history and significance of the site. The Log House structure, completed in 1911, is one of the most important architectural achievements of the Arts and Crafts movement in America. Designed to be a clubhouse, it became the Stickley family home and remains the heart of the property today.
Autumn Fest will precede The Harvest Party, the museum’s largest annual fundraiser, taking place later that evening. Advance registration is required for both events.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.stickleymuseum.org or follow the museum on social media.
Billy and Rachel, residents of Rose House’s Hanover Community Residence in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, invite the community to purchase 50-50 raffle tickets. Proceeds will help raise funding for an additional housing complex designed for people with special needs.
MORRIS COUNTY — Rose House has announced the start of its annual 50-50 raffle fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit organization’s “Forever Home Project.”
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the project will create affordable housing for 12 additional adults with special needs on a 14.7-acre property at 345 State Route 24 in Chester Township. The site was formerly home to the Glenlora Nursing Home.
“With approximately 10,000 adults with disabilities in New Jersey needing services, the demand for special needs housing has never been more urgent,” said Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell. “As individuals with developmental disabilities transition out of the school system and their caregivers grow older, the need for lifelong support becomes more crucial. Our mission is to ensure these individuals continue to receive the care and dignity they deserve, and we rely on the generosity of our community to make that possible. Fundraising efforts like our annual 50-50 raffle play a vital role in sustaining these essential services.”
The Forever Home Project will feature:
12 single-occupancy apartments designed for adults with developmental disabilities
Handicap-accessible vans to provide safe transportation
Trained caregivers available daily as needed
Community integration through employment opportunities and social events
Last year’s raffle raised a record-breaking $10,560 for Rose House. Tickets are $10.00 each, and the winning ticket will be drawn on December 18. The winner does not need to be present. To purchase tickets, call Rose House at (973) 984-0006, ext. 121, or email [email protected].
Rose House, based in Parsipany, creates forever homes that provide stability and opportunity for adults with special needs throughout Morris County. The nonprofit offers customized, self-directed programs to meet individual needs and is committed to building an inclusive future where everyone has a loving home. Rose House holds a four-star rating from CharityNavigator.org—the highest possible distinction—and has earned the Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid.
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon joins local leaders in honoring veterans, underscoring the county’s year-round commitment to those who served.
MORRIS COUNTY — Veterans from across Morris County were honored today at the Second Annual Veteran Appreciation Day, where more than 100 attendees gathered at Watnong VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains to pay tribute to local service members.
Morris County Commissioners Thomas Mastrangelo and Christine Myers attended to show their appreciation, joined by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Assemblyman Christian Barranco and Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr, who also expressed their support for veterans.
“Recognizing our veterans for all they have done for Morris County and for our nation is something we can never do often enough,” said Commissioner Mastrangelo. “While our county holds special ceremonies each Memorial Day and Veterans Day, our appreciation goes well beyond the holidays. We strive to honor and support our veterans every day of the year.”
Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo speaking to attendees at the event.
Commissioner Myers highlighted the Morris County Veterans Compendium, an ongoing project of the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation that documents local veterans’ stories dating back to the Revolutionary War. The interactive database includes maps of battlefields, encampments, homesteads and gravesites, as well as records from later conflicts, including the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, the Spanish-American and Philippine Wars, the War of 1812 and Morris County veterans who fought at Gettysburg.
The planning and preservation office is currently seeking submissions from veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan in anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the Global War on Terror. Stories can be submitted by contacting Jan Williams, cultural and historic resources specialist, at [email protected]
David Pearson, assistant director of veterans services at Catholic Charities (far left) and A.J. Luna, Army veteran and co-founder of NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders (middle) hold the awards presented by to them by Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey. Val DiGiacinto, president of Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, is standing between David and A.J.
“Here in Morris County, history is right in our backyard. General Washington’s troops endured two harsh winters at Jockey Hollow, and the Ford Mansion in Morristown served as his headquarters. Soldiers marched through what is now Boonton and Rockaway, leaving their mark as they fought for the independence we will celebrate on our nation’s 250th anniversary next year,” said Commissioner Myers, encouraging attendees to visit morriscounty250.org for upcoming Semiquincentennial events.
The Morris County Veterans Services Office, along with the Department of Human Services’ Navigating Hope and the Sheriff’s Office Hope One mobile service units, was also recognized for year-round support to veterans. Services include counseling, shelter placement, meal assistance, transportation and legal help. All three agencies were present at the event, providing on-site resources and information.
Beginning in September, a Veterans Service Officer will be available at County College of Morris’ (CCM) Veterans Resource Center on the first and third Thursday of each month. Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer, coordinator of veteran & military services at CCM, also announced a new veterans support group, led by a U.S. Marine, which will begin meeting on campus in mid-September.
The event was hosted by Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, Catholic Charities, NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders, VFW 3401 and Morristown American Legion Post 59. Portofino’s Restaurant of Morristown provided a buffet lunch, which was served by student volunteers of Morristown High School.
During the event, Val DiGiacinto, president of Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, also presented the organization’s Soaring Eagle Awards to David Pearson, assistant director of veterans services at Catholic Charities and A.J. Luna, Army veteran and co-founder of NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders, recognizing their partnership and dedication to veterans through their organizations.
For more information on veterans’ services or to apply for the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal, visit the Morris County Veterans Services Office webpage or call (973) 285-6866.
