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!”

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township Clerk Michele Reilly will conclude her service with the township on May 8 after nearly ten years in the position. The announcement was made during the Jefferson Township Council meeting held on May 6.

Reilly, who began serving as Township Clerk in March 2016, has accepted a position as Clerk to the Board of Morris County Commissioners.

As Township Clerk, Reilly served as secretary to the governing body and was responsible for maintaining official township records, administering elections, overseeing public notices, handling Open Public Records Act requests, licensing, and numerous other statutory responsibilities required under New Jersey municipal law.

“Working in Jefferson Township for the last 10 years has been an honor,” Reilly said. “I’m thankful for the people I’ve met here and especially for those who have supported me during my tenure.”

During the meeting, Mayor Eric Wilsusen presented a proclamation recognizing both Reilly and Deputy Clerk Amanda Nevins as part of the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, acknowledging the important role municipal clerks play in local government operations and in serving as secretary to the governing body.

“The clerk has a lot of roles and responsibilities. There are so many services that the clerk’s office provides, and they do it independently,” Wilsusen said. “I appreciate all you’ve done over the last eight years — you’re going to be missed.”

As part of the recognition ceremony, Reilly received a Certificate of Appreciation honoring her outstanding dedication and commitment during her decade of service to Jefferson Township.

Reilly holds the professional certifications of Registered Municipal Clerk (RMC) and Certified Municipal Registrar (CMR), credentials recognized throughout New Jersey municipal government.

Township officials stated that the search for a new Township Clerk will begin shortly. In the interim, Deputy Clerk Amanda Nevins will assume the additional responsibilities associated with the position and will receive a monthly stipend while performing those duties.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Township officials have announced a tentative schedule for upcoming fire hydrant flushing operations throughout several neighborhoods in the Milton and Lake Hopatcong sections of Jefferson Township.

Hydrant flushing is scheduled to take place nightly between approximately 9:00 p.m. and midnight. Residents may experience temporary low water pressure and discolored or brown water during flushing operations. Officials noted that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions and operational needs.

The flushing program is part of routine maintenance designed to help maintain water quality, remove sediment from water mains, and ensure hydrants remain in proper working condition for emergency use.

Milton Area Schedule

Monday, May 11

• Chamberlain from Wellhouse
• Notch
• Maryann

Tuesday, May 12

• Chelsea
• Moosepac
• Cozy Lake School area
• Waters Edge

Wednesday, May 13

• Finish Waters Edge
• Chamberlain to BVR
• BVR
• Legion

Thursday, May 14

• Swananoas
• Paderewski
• Cozy Lake Road/Pecan

Monday, May 18

• Elro
• Pond Hollow
• Berkshire Ridge
• White Rock

Tuesday, May 19

• Schoolhouse
• Ridge
• Robin
• Fairways

Lake Hopatcong Area Schedule

Monday, May 11

• Lake Shawnee

Tuesday, May 12

• Shawnee
• Jessica
• Weldon

Wednesday, May 13

• Howard
• Espanong

Thursday, May 14

• Nolans Point
• East Shore

Monday, May 18

• East Shore
• Windjammer
• Spinnaker

Tuesday, May 19

• Edison
• Route 15 Edison side

Wednesday, May 20

• Boa Vista
• Canal Crossing
• Swan
• Venetian
• Hellers
• Bowling Green

Thursday, May 21

• Brady
• Prospect Point
• Peaks

Tuesday, May 25

• Lake Forest
• Alpine
• John Street
• Peaks

Wednesday, May 26

• 181
• Winona
• Peaks

Residents experiencing brown water following hydrant flushing are advised to run cold water from a faucet until the water clears. Officials also recommend avoiding laundry during flushing hours to prevent possible staining.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township has officially recognized May as National Osteoporosis Month, encouraging residents to learn more about bone health, prevention, early screening, and healthy aging.

The proclamation, issued by Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen and the Jefferson Township Council, was scheduled to be read publicly and entered into the minutes of the May 6, 2026 Township Council Meeting.

The proclamation notes that osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which can increase the risk of bone fragility and fractures. It also emphasizes that osteoporosis often progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs, making awareness and prevention especially important.

Township officials highlighted the importance of education about bone health, including proper nutrition, regular weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and early screening. These steps can help prevent or delay the onset of osteoporosis and support long-term health and independence, particularly among older adults.

The proclamation also recognizes the role of local and regional health care providers, including the Jefferson Township Health Department, in promoting bone health through education, screenings, and treatment resources for residents.

In addition, the township acknowledged local wellness programs such as Project Healthy Bones, which help provide resources, health education, and activities that encourage active lifestyles and healthy aging for older adults in the community.

By recognizing National Osteoporosis Month, Jefferson Township is encouraging residents of all ages to take proactive steps to protect their bone health, participate in community wellness programs, and support efforts that promote healthy aging throughout the community.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A 21-year-old Oak Ridge woman was charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless driving following a motor vehicle crash in the parking lot of Mason Street Grille on Saturday, March 8.

According to the Jefferson Township Police Department, Police Officer Shane Cadigan responded to the incident at approximately 6:50 p.m. Police said Arianna Rodriguez, 21, of Oak Ridge, was operating a gray 2021 Jeep Wrangler when she backed out of a parking space and struck a parked Subaru Crosstrek.  

Police reports state Rodriguez told officers she was leaving Mason Street Grille, located at 24 Mason Street in Lake Hopatcong, when the collision occurred. The owner of the parked vehicle reportedly witnessed the crash while standing outside the establishment.  

Investigators reviewed video footage from Mason Street Grille, which confirmed that Rodriguez backed into the parked vehicle.

According to police, her blood alcohol concentration was 0.14 percent, which is above New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08 percent for driving while intoxicated. Under New Jersey law, motorists may be charged with DWI if they operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, and higher penalties may apply when the BAC is 0.10 percent or greater.

Rodriguez was subsequently arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and reckless driving.  

No injuries were reported in the crash.

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.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Video: Jefferson Township Council Meeting – May 6, 2026.

Click here to download the agenda.

• Eric F. Wilsusen (R) – Mayor
• Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026

1. Robert “Bob” Birmingham (R) – Council President
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028
2. Josh Kalish (R) – Council Vice President
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
3. Melissa Senatore (R) – Councilwoman
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
4. Barbie Garruto (R) – Councilwoman
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028
5. Dan Schultz (R) – Councilman
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028