FLORHAM PARK — Dylan Larsen was awarded an undergraduate degree during Salve Regina University’s 76th Commencement held May 17, on the University’s oceanside campus. Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong, president, conferred 525 bachelor’s degrees upon the Class of 2026 A separate ceremony was held Thursday, May 14 for recipients of graduate degrees — 204 master’s degrees, 25 doctoral degrees and five Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.
Located in historic Newport, RI, Salve Regina University is a Catholic, coeducational institution of higher education founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1947.
It offers rigorous, innovative academic programming in the liberal arts tradition that prepares students to be global citizens and lifelong learners. More than 2,700 students from around the world are enrolled in Salve’s 60+ academic programs, which include bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees along with graduate certificates and combined bachelor’s/master’s programs.
Every undergraduate student engages in Salve Compass, a four-year experience that charts a personalized, values-based path connecting college to a successful, fulfilling career and life. The University is also home to the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, a multi-disciplinary research center focused on the intersection of politics, policy and ideas. For more information visit salve.edu.
SPARTA — A 21-year-old Morris Township man was killed following a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, May 17, on Route 15 northbound in Sparta Township.
According to the Sparta Township Police Department, officers responded at approximately 12:45 a.m. to the area of Route 15 northbound near Layton Lane for a reported motor vehicle crash.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2025 Kia K4, operated by Ryan Mullins, 21, of Morris Township, was traveling northbound with two female passengers when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway. Police said the vehicle struck a guardrail, became airborne over adjacent railroad tracks, and ultimately came to rest overturned in a wooded area near the highway.
Mullins was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The two passengers were able to safely self-extricate from the overturned vehicle and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Both individuals were later released.
Route 15 northbound remained closed for approximately nine hours while emergency crews secured the scene and investigators conducted the crash investigation.
The incident remains under investigation. Authorities stated that no additional information is being released at this time.
The Sparta Township Police Department was assisted at the scene by the New Jersey State Police and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office.
RANDOLPH — County College of Morris has announced the launch of CCM Accelerate, a new fully online degree program designed to help working adults earn an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration in as little as 18 months.
The program, which begins in Fall 2026, offers flexible seven-week online courses that allow students to attend part-time while progressing at an accelerated pace toward completing their degree. College officials said the program was created for adults balancing work, family responsibilities, and career advancement goals.
In addition to earning a business administration degree, students will also have opportunities to obtain certificates in entrepreneurship, information security, and social media to help strengthen their resumes and expand career opportunities.
“CCM Accelerate is about removing barriers,” said Patrick Enright, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, and Student Success. “We understand that many adults want to quickly finish their degree but need flexibility and support.”
The 60-credit curriculum includes coursework in accounting, economics, management, marketing, information systems, English, and mathematics. CCM officials noted that credits earned through the program are fully transferable to four-year institutions for students who wish to continue their education.
Students enrolled in the program will also have access to the college’s support services, including tutoring, career counseling, wellness resources, and campus facilities such as the library and fitness center.
According to the college, employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than average through 2034, creating strong demand for skilled professionals throughout New Jersey and beyond.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
DENVILLE — A Boonton man was charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle stop on Bloomfield Avenue, according to the Denville Police Department.
Police said the stop occurred on Thursday, May 14, at approximately 11:13 p.m., when officers pulled over a vehicle for multiple equipment violations. During the stop, the driver was identified as Joseph Torch, 27, of Boonton.
Following further investigation, police determined that Torch was allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated. He was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.
Torch was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, including driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a chemical test, reckless driving, careless driving, open container of alcohol, driving an unregistered vehicle, failure to possess a registration card, failure to possess an insurance card, failure to wear a seatbelt, unsafe glass, improper display of license plates, and consent to take samples of breath.
After processing, Torch was released pending a mandatory court appearance in Denville Municipal Court.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
DENVILLE — A Boonton man has been charged following an investigation into the theft of a sliding glass door and associated handles from The Meadows in Denville, according to the Denville Police Department.
Police said the department was notified on May 5, 2026, about a theft that had reportedly occurred the previous day. Through a subsequent investigation, officers identified Kenneth S. Hollstein, 49, of Boonton, as the suspect.
Hollstein was later arrested and charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3A. Following processing, he was released pending a future court appearance in Morris County Superior Court.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
DOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney confirmed the arrest of Eric Morales-Cortez, 20, of Dover, for Invasion of Privacy, Stalking, Cyber Harassment, and Obscenity.
It is alleged that the defendant filmed a victim during an explicit act without the victim’s consent and then released that video directly to multiple individuals and on social media. It is also alleged that the defendant sent different explicit videos to one victim in 2023 and to another victim in 2025. It is further alleged that the defendant took videos of a different victim on multiple occasions placing her in fear for her safety. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendant repeatedly trespassed on another victim’s property and peered into her windows causing her to fear for her safety. It is alleged he followed another victim while they were on foot and he was following in a vehicle. These acts occurred over the course of 2024 through 2025.
As a result of this thorough investigation, Morales-Cortez has been charged with two counts of third degree Invasion of Privacy, four counts of fourth degree Cyber Harassment, three counts of fourth degree Stalking, four counts of fourth degree Obscenity, and one count of fourth degree Peering. He has also been charged with one count of Criminal Trespass in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 18-3a, which is a disorderly persons offense.
Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the defendant has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
Law enforcement agencies that participated in this investigation include members of the Dover Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.
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.
Nicks Hope is located at 5558 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge
OAK RIDGE — Nick’s Hope will take part in the Jefferson Township Townwide Garage Sale on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 5716 Berkshire Valley Road in Oak Ridge.
The sale will be set up in the parking lot near Berkshire Valley Road, at Nick’s Hope’s Oak Ridge location. Shoppers will find racks and tables filled with clothing, accessories, boutique items, and assorted treasures, all priced at garage sale prices.
Proceeds will help support Nick’s Hope as the organization continues providing free clothing to local families in need throughout the community.
Residents are encouraged to stop by, bring a friend, shop for great finds, and support a meaningful local cause.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — It’s hard to believe that one year has already passed since the launch of Jefferson Focus, a community news platform created to help keep the more than 21,000 residents of Jefferson Township informed about the people, businesses, organizations, and events shaping their community.
Jefferson Focus was established in response to what many residents felt was a lack of consistent local news and community information dedicated specifically to Jefferson Township. Since its launch, the publication has focused on providing coverage of local government, schools, police and fire activity, community organizations, business openings, nonprofit initiatives, sports, and events happening throughout the township.
Over the past year, Jefferson Focus has published more than 260 local stories covering issues important to township residents — from local government and development to community events and public safety. The publication has quickly gained strong community support, with its email subscriber base now exceeding 6,000 readers.
According to publisher Frank Cahill, the response from residents has demonstrated the importance of independent local journalism focused exclusively on Jefferson Township.
“Jefferson Focus was extremely well received by the residents,” said Frank Cahill, publisher of Jefferson Focus. “It just shows that the residents of Jefferson Township want to stay focused on local government and what is happening in their community. Our readers want local news, transparency, accountability, and information that directly impacts their daily lives.”
Cahill noted that one recent article, “Jefferson Township Under Scrutiny as Questions Go Unanswered,” was read by more than 27,000 people, underscoring the strong public interest in local government coverage and township issues.
In its first year, Jefferson Focus stories averaged nearly 5,000 views each — a number Cahill says reflects the community’s demand for reliable, community-centered reporting.
“We are committed to publishing the news the residents deserve,” Cahill added. “Local journalism matters, and Jefferson Township deserves a news source dedicated to covering the people, organizations, businesses, and issues that shape this community.”
Cahill also founded Jefferson Focus’ sister publication, Parsippany Focus, in 1989. Over the decades, Focus Publications has grown into one of the area’s most recognized independently owned local news organizations serving communities throughout Morris County and beyond.
Commissioners John Krickus and Deborah Smith, Frank Cahill, Director Tayfun Selen, Commissioners Christine Myers and Thomas Mastrangelo, and Deputy Director Stephen Shaw. Cahill was recently honored by the Morris County Commissioners.
“In 2015, Parsippany Focus and Cahill were recognized with the prestigious ‘Courage Under Fire’ award by the New Jersey chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The award was presented on June 27 at the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark by Michael Shapiro, founder and publisher of TAPinto.” The honor recognized Cahill’s successful legal battle to protect journalistic integrity and confidential sources after the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills sought to compel him to reveal sources connected to an article involving former Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Captain James Carifi.
Cahill invoked New Jersey’s shield law, which protects journalists from being forced to disclose confidential sources. The courts ultimately ruled in favor of Parsippany Focus, with Superior Court Judge Honigfeld affirming that “newspersons are allowed to protect the confidentiality of sources.” The decision helped establish an important precedent recognizing that online news organizations are entitled to the same protections as traditional media outlets under New Jersey law.
Focus Publications remains privately owned and operated with the motto: “Your Community. Your News.”
As Jefferson Focus enters its second year, the publication says its mission remains unchanged — keeping residents informed, connected, and engaged while celebrating everything that makes Jefferson Township a special place to live, work, and raise a family.
Cahill received numerous accolades and awards from the New Jersey Governor, Senators, Assembly members, Commissioners, as well as local Mayors and Council members.
Frank Cahill’s leadership has ensured that Focus Publications remains resilient and relevant in an evolving media landscape, continuing to be a vital source of information and community engagement.
Members of the Jefferson Township Chamber of Commerce gathered to celebrate community leadership, volunteerism, and local achievement during the Chamber’s annual awards celebration honoring individuals, businesses, and organizations making a positive impact throughout Jefferson Township.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Chamber of Commerce celebrated the strength and spirit of the local community during its 2026 Awards Dinner held at Casa Bianca in Oak Ridge.
James Wynne was honored by the Jefferson Township Chamber of Commerce with the “Public Servant of the Year” award in recognition of his dedicated service and lasting contributions to the Jefferson Township community.
The annual event brought together local officials, business owners, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and residents for an evening dedicated to recognizing individuals and organizations making a lasting impact throughout Jefferson Township.
Among those honored during the evening were Audrey Gorlich, recipient of the Mayor’s Citizen of the Year Award; the Jefferson Township Historical Society, recognized as the 2026 Non-Profit of the Year; James Wynne, honored with the 2026 Public Service Award; Kaia Canales, named 2026 Educator of the Year; and Jefferson Recycling, selected as the 2026 Business of the Year.
The Jefferson Township Chamber of Commerce continues to play an important role in supporting local businesses, promoting economic growth, and strengthening community partnerships throughout the township. The annual awards dinner serves as one of the Chamber’s signature events, highlighting the volunteers, educators, public servants, nonprofits, and business leaders whose dedication helps make Jefferson Township a stronger and more connected community.
For more information about the Jefferson Township Chamber of Commerce, call (973) 663-2240 or email [email protected].
Members of the Jefferson Township Historical Society proudly accept the “Non-Profit of the Year” award during the Jefferson Township Chamber of Commerce celebration, recognizing the organization’s continued dedication to preserving and promoting the rich history of the community.
Jefferson Township council members Bob Birmingham, Barbie Garruto, and Dan Schultz have made the very crucial decision to endorse the Save Jefferson team for mayor and council in the June Republican primary.
The council members jointly stated: “After 14 months of having town employees told that they cannot contact us without the explicit permission of town hall and continued resistance to transparency in the Township’s business dealings, it is time for Jefferson to vote for new leadership. Rising taxes and closing schools are crushing our community and our current leadership has sat back for the past 8 years and let it all happen. The present administration has lost our confidence and because of that we are proud to endorse the Save Jefferson team. Barranco, Brown and Santasieri are the real Republicans that we need in town hall and they have our full endorsement.”
“We are honored to have the endorsement of the three council members as they are on the frontlines fighting for Jefferson. We share their sentiment towards the current state of the town. Town hall has lost the confidence of the council and it is time for new leadership in Jefferson. On June 2nd vote for real Republicans, vote for Barranco, Brown, and Santasieri to save Jefferson!”
