MORRIS COUNTY — In light of a troubling 24% increase in New Jersey’s homeless population from 2023 to 2024, Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) is urging local, state, and federal leaders to collaborate on addressing the state’s deepening homelessness crisis and severe lack of affordable housing options.

“Homelessness is a human issue that transcends politics,” Bucco stated. “A 24 percent surge in homelessness is unacceptable. We have the resources and capability to create a comprehensive solution, but we must set aside egos and prioritize helping our fellow citizens.”

According to a recent report from NJ.com, over 12,000 individuals in New Jersey are now homeless, with more than one-fifth of them being children.

“I was proud to support the establishment of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, but it’s clear that our current approach is not working,” Bucco added. “This is not a time for finger-pointing—it’s time for action. We need to bring everyone to the table, including individuals experiencing homelessness, and have honest conversations about all possible solutions. Only then can we craft a meaningful response.”

The top contributors to homelessness in New Jersey include being asked to leave a shared residence, loss or reduction of income, and eviction or the risk of eviction.

Morris County has seen one of the sharpest increases in homelessness, with a 45.9% rise from 466 individuals in 2023 to 680 in 2024. This follows a 32.8% increase from 2022 to 2023, when the number rose from 351 to 466.

Senator Bucco, a long-time advocate for tackling homelessness and improving affordability, has sponsored several bills aimed at alleviating the crisis:

• S825: Waives identification card fees for individuals with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
• S889: Establishes a grant program for homeless veterans shelters.
• S2573: Directs the Department of Community Affairs to end veteran homelessness within three years.
• SCR84: Calls on the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to prioritize transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, including survivors of domestic violence.

“Now is the time for bold action,” Bucco concluded. “New Jerseyans deserve solutions that bring dignity, stability, and opportunity to everyone.”

HANOVER — Hanover Township is gearing up for an exciting evening of fun and fitness as Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher and Superintendent Justin Toomey invite all local 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to participate in the Kickin’ It Together Kickball Game. This free event, organized under the Mayors Wellness Campaign, aims to bring the community together while promoting physical activity and teamwork among young residents.

The event is scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Hanover Township Community Center, located at 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany. Open to all eligible students in Hanover Township, the event promises an evening of energetic fun, friendly competition, and community bonding.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to come together, be active, and enjoy a positive community experience,” said Mayor Gallagher. “The Mayors Wellness Campaign is about more than just health—it’s about connection and teamwork, and this event reflects those values perfectly.”

To participate, registration is required through Community Pass under the Mayors Wellness Campaign 2024. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, December 4, by 9:00 a.m. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register early to ensure their child’s spot in this lively event.

The Kickin’ It Together Kickball Game is more than just an opportunity for physical activity; it’s a chance for Hanover Township’s youngest residents to make memories, build friendships, and strengthen ties to their community.

For more information, contact the Hanover Township Community Center or visit the Mayors Wellness Campaign webpage.

DOVER — Dover’s own local author, Carlos Caprioli, will debut his latest book, Parque Chas, at the Dover Library, located at 32 East Clinton Street, Dover, on Saturday, November 30, at 12:00 p.m.

All are welcome to attend—no registration is required. Known for his captivating storytelling and vivid character development, Caprioli invites readers for an engaging afternoon of discussion, live readings, and a Q&A session.

Guests will also have the chance to purchase signed copies of Parque Chas and gain insight into the author’s creative process and inspirations.

DOVER — Dover Focus filed an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) with the Town of Dover Municipal Clerk, the Records Custodian, for the Dover Police Department in the incident involving Councilman Sergio Rodriguez which occurred on September 25.

Dover Focus, as of this date, has not published any stories directly on the incident, due to not having the proper facts.

Frank Cahill, Publisher of Focus, stated, “At Focus, we adhere to a strict policy of obtaining official documents from authorities before releasing any information. This approach ensures accuracy and safeguards against potential lawsuits. Since we began publishing on October 1, 1989, Focus Publications has faced only two lawsuits regarding articles we released, and in both cases, we prevailed. Our commitment has always been to uphold the highest standards of responsible journalism.”

We received the following message from the Municipal Clerk of the Town of Dover regarding our OPRA request.

“Your request sought access to the following records:

All arrest reports, and police reports regarding Sergio Rodriguez on Sept. 25th.

We have been advised by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office that police reports are criminal investigatory records, and they would object to providing those records at this time. The New Jersey Supreme Court has concluded that early disclosure of records containing details of the incident “will often be “inimical to the public interest”, and thus, would be an impediment to the state’s constitutional obligation to investigate and prosecute responsible parties for their alleged criminal conduct. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-3. North Jersey Media Group, Inc. v. Twp. Of Lyndhurst, 229 N.J. 541, 574 (citing N.J.S.A. 47:1A-3).” Therefore, police report records are exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1 GRC Exemption No. 4 and N.J.S.A. 47:1A-3 –GRC Exemption No. 20.

Therefore, at this time, there are no records responsive to your OPRA Request. This request is now deemed complete and closed.”

DOVER — The holiday season is a time for giving, and the dedicated members of Dover FMBA Local 60 are leading the charge to spread joy and generosity through their annual Toy Drive. This year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever, ensuring that children in need throughout the community receive a special holiday surprise.

The event will culminate with the Operation Toy Train Pick-Up on Sunday, December 8th, at 11 a.m., in front of Dover Town Hall. This unique tradition allows the donated toys to be transported by the iconic Operation Toy Train, a heartwarming initiative that benefits the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Families are invited to attend and join in the festive spirit as the train rolls into town, symbolizing the true meaning of the season.

In preparation for the event, the members of FMBA 60 are encouraging residents to participate by donating new, unwrapped toys. Donations can be dropped off at the Dover Firehouse, located at 37 N. Sussex Street, anytime before December 8th. This convenient option ensures that everyone has the opportunity to contribute, no matter their schedule.

To make the event even more special, the members of FMBA 60 will provide refreshments on the day of the Toy Train Pick-Up. This thoughtful addition ensures that attendees can enjoy warm drinks and snacks as they celebrate the spirit of giving with their neighbors and community members.

“The Dover FMBA Toy Drive is one of the highlights of the holiday season for us,” said a spokesperson for FMBA Local 60. “We are committed to making a difference for local children and families, and it’s incredible to see the community come together each year to support this cause.”

As the December 8th event approaches, residents are reminded that their contributions—big or small—make a significant impact. The toys collected will bring smiles to children who might otherwise go without this holiday season, showcasing the true strength and generosity of the Dover community.

For more information about the Toy Drive, reach out to Dover FMBA 60 or visit the drop-off location at the Dover Firehouse. Together, let’s ensure that every child has a joyful holiday season filled with love and laughter.