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Hanover Township Police Department Honored by JBWS for Commitment to Domestic Violence Support

By
Frank Cahill
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HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Hanover Township Police Department has been recognized by JBWS for its continued commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

Lieutenant Carpenter and Sergeant Camasta accepted the award on behalf of the department, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Hanover Township Police Department to provide compassionate service and protection to those in need. The plaque will be proudly displayed in the police headquarters lobby as a symbol of that dedication.

JBWS, a Morris County-based nonprofit organization, plays a critical role in offering support, advocacy, and resources to survivors of domestic violence. Through this partnership, the Hanover Township Police Department continues to strengthen its response and outreach efforts within the community.

Officials expressed their gratitude to JBWS for the recognition and emphasized their shared mission of ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.

Kids Can Climb, Explore at Hanover Township’s “Touch a Truck” Event

By
Frank Cahill
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HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Families throughout the area are invited to climb, explore, and discover at this year’s popular “Touch a Truck” event, hosted by Hanover Township Recreation.

The interactive event will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hanover Township Community Center parking lot, located at 15 N. Jefferson Road in Whippany. Admission is free.

Designed as a hands-on outdoor experience, “Touch a Truck” gives children the opportunity to get up close with a wide variety of vehicles, including fire trucks, police cars, and other large trucks. The event encourages kids to explore their favorite vehicles while sparking curiosity and imagination.

Organizers noted that the event is especially welcoming to children with sensory needs and their families. A special early access session will begin at 12:30 p.m., allowing participants to explore the vehicles at their own pace in a more comfortable environment.

In the event of inclement weather, the program will be canceled.

Residents interested in attending can register through Community Pass.

Dover Business Development Group Launches New Business Spotlight Series with Dover Focus

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — The Dover Business Development Group is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with Dover Focus aimed at showcasing the incredible local businesses that help drive the community’s growth and vibrancy.

Kicking off the initiative, the first Dover Business Spotlight features Taurus Chicken Grill & Coffee Bar, a brand-new restaurant bringing a fresh and flavorful dining experience to the heart of Dover. Owners shared insights into their vision, menu offerings, and commitment to serving the community with quality food and exceptional service.

This new spotlight series is designed to highlight the unique stories behind Dover’s businesses while promoting local entrepreneurship and economic development.

Business owners interested in being featured in an upcoming Dover Business Spotlight are encouraged to reach out to Maria Rosario at (973) 945-4558.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover Plants Pinwheel Garden for Child Abuse Prevention Month

By
Christine Mercado
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Kiwanis members Maria Solines, Maria Rosario and Michelle Estrada with NJ District Governor Frank Cahill planting a pinwheel garden at Dover Town Hall for Child Abuse Prevention Month

DOVER — In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover joined New Jersey District Governor Frank Cahill to plant a symbolic pinwheel garden at Dover Town Hall, raising awareness for the importance of protecting children and strengthening families.

Participating in the effort were Kiwanis members Maria Solines, Maria Rosario, and Michelle Espada, who worked alongside Cahill to install the display. The blue pinwheels, a nationally recognized symbol of child abuse prevention, represent the hope that all children can grow up in safe, nurturing environments.

“Each pinwheel reminds us of our responsibility to look out for the children in our community,” said Cahill. “Kiwanis is committed to creating brighter futures, and that starts with ensuring every child is safe, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.”

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. With clubs in communities around the world, Kiwanis members focus on service projects that address the most pressing needs of children, including literacy, food insecurity, health, and overall well-being.

From local service projects to international initiatives, Kiwanis members work collaboratively to make a lasting impact, often partnering with schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations.

Dover Business Spotlight: Taurus Chicken and Coffee Bar

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — Taurus Chicken & Coffee Bar held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, March 20.

Taurus Chicken & Coffee Bar brings a fresh twist to Dover’s food scene with a unique blend of rotisserie-style comfort food and specialty coffee drinks.

Located at 9 Bassett Highway, this quick-service spot focuses on rotisserie and broaster chicken, offering a variety of flavorful options paired with creative sides, salads, and handcrafted beverages.

The menu features:

  • Chicken Favorites: Pollo Asado (roasted), Pollo Frito (fried), breaded chicken, and grilled chicken breast
  • Sandwiches & Wraps: Honey Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich, Crispy Chicken Club, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, and Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap
  • Signature Items: Taurus Burger, Taurus Toston (fried plantains), and Taurus Hot Dog
  • Salads: Taurus Salad with strawberries and almonds, plus avocado green salad
  • Coffee & Drinks: Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso and a range of artisan coffee beverages

The restaurant expanded its offerings with new menu items, including a dedicated whole chicken section, adding even more options for customers.

Blending bold flavors with a welcoming atmosphere, Taurus Chicken & Coffee Bar aims to deliver “an unforgettable experience—where creativity begins.”

Analilia Mejia Wins Special Election for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District

By
Frank Cahill
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Analilia Mejia

MORRIS COUNTY — Democrat Analilia Mejia secured a decisive victory over Republican Joe Hathaway in Thursday’s special election for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

Mejia will fill the seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill, who was elected governor in November, and will serve in Congress through January 3, 2027. The seat will again be on the ballot in the general election scheduled for Tuesday, November 3.

With her victory, Mejia becomes the first Latina to represent the 11th Congressional District and only the second Latina to represent New Jersey in Washington, D.C.

Both Mejia and Hathaway are expected to face off again in November for a full two-year term beginning in January. Ahead of that, Mejia will compete in the Democratic primary in June against Donald Cresitello, Joseph Lewis, and Justin Strickland. Hathaway is running unopposed on the Republican side.

New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, which includes portions of Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties, was once a Republican stronghold before Sherrill flipped it for Democrats in 2018. Since then, district boundaries have been redrawn, making it more challenging for Republicans to regain the seat.

According to unofficial results for Morris County, Mejia received 38,587 votes (53.59%), while Hathaway earned 33,028 votes (45.87%). Third-party candidate Alan B. Bond received 278 votes (0.39%), with 106 write-in votes (0.15%) recorded.

A total of 71,999 votes were counted in the contest.

Voter Turnout

Voter participation in the special election was relatively low:

  • Ballots Cast: 72,175
  • Registered Voters: 294,708
  • Turnout: 24.49%

Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Ali refused to comment on Thursday’s results.

The outcome is seen as an early indicator of voter sentiment heading into the fall midterm elections.

Senior ID Card Outreach Event Scheduled in Hanover Township

By
Frank Cahill
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Residents visit the Hanover Township Community Center on April 29 to receive free Senior ID Cards during a special outreach event hosted by the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Morris County Clerk’s Office will host a Senior ID Card Outreach Event on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Hanover Township Community Center, located at 15 North Jefferson Road in Whippany.

The event provides an opportunity for seniors to obtain an official Senior ID card conveniently within the community. In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, all Senior ID Cards will be issued free of charge throughout 2026.

Walk-ins are welcome, and the event is open to the public.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this convenient outreach service and receive their identification at no cost during this special anniversary year.

Fatal NJ Transit Train Strike Under Investigation in Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — A tragic incident occurred Thursday evening, April 16, when an adult man was fatally struck by an NJ Transit train along the Morris & Essex Line, authorities confirmed.

The collision occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. between the Mount Arlington and Dover stations, bringing rail service in the area to a halt as emergency responders and transit officials rushed to the scene.

According to NJ Transit, Train 858 had departed Mount Olive at 5:56 p.m. and was en route to Hoboken, with a scheduled arrival of 7:36 p.m., when it struck the individual under circumstances that remain under investigation.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

Officials reported that no injuries were sustained by the lone passenger or crew members aboard the train.

NJ Transit police are actively investigating the incident. Additional details will be released as they become available.

Jefferson Township Library to Host Virtual College Application Workshop

By
Frank Cahill
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Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper of Stand Out For College will lead a virtual workshop on April 21, helping Jefferson Township students and families build stronger, more compelling college applications.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Public Library will host a virtual program designed to help students and families navigate the college application process.

The program, “Create a Compelling College Application,” will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. The presentation is geared toward high school juniors, sophomores, freshmen, and their parents, offering guidance on how to use the upcoming summer productively to build a strong college application.

Participants will learn about key aspects of the admissions process, including current trends, writing effective personal statements and supplemental essays, and securing strong teacher recommendations. The program will also highlight how students can position themselves to improve their chances of acceptance.

A major focus of the session will be the increasing importance of storytelling, helping students effectively communicate their experiences, personal growth, and unique perspectives through their application essays.

The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC, a college admissions consulting firm.

A Zoom link will be provided after registration. Those interested can register through the Jefferson Township Public Library website by clicking here.

This free virtual program offers a valuable opportunity for Jefferson Township families to better understand the evolving college admissions landscape and gain practical strategies for success.

Video: Jefferson Township Council Meeting – April 8, 2026

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township Council Meeting – April 8, 2026.

Click here to download the agenda.

The meeting opened with special presentations recognizing members of the Library Board of Trustees and highlighting Autism Awareness Month. Public comment followed, with residents given the opportunity to address the governing body.

Ordinances Approved and Introduced

Council held public hearings and took action on several ordinances, including:

  • Road Vacation Ordinance (#26-03):
    Approved the vacation of portions of Edgewood Road and an unnamed right-of-way, allowing adjacent property owners to assume ownership and shifting maintenance responsibility to a private party.
  • Cannabis Regulations (#26-06):
    Revised local rules to:
    • Limit hours of operation to 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
    • Require outdoor gathering permits
    • Prohibit cannabis consumption areas in the township
  • Budget Cap Ordinance (#26-08):
    Adopted a measure allowing the Township to exceed the standard 2% budget cap and increase appropriations by up to 3.5% for 2026, citing public health, safety, and welfare needs.

Major Development and Housing Changes Proposed

Council introduced a significant ordinance to overhaul affordable housing zoning:

  • Affordable Housing Overlay Changes (#26-09):
    • Eliminates the existing overlay zone
    • Establishes multiple “Inclusionary Overlay Zones” throughout the Township
    • Requires a 20% affordable housing set-aside in qualifying developments
    • Allows mixed-use and multifamily housing in designated areas

A public hearing on this ordinance is scheduled for May 20, 2026.

Capital Spending and Infrastructure Investments

Several ordinances introduced outline millions in capital improvements, including:

  • $2.08 million for municipal equipment, road improvements, parks, and public safety upgrades
  • $130,000 for water system improvements
  • $195,000 for sewer system upgrades
  • $3.07 million bond ordinance for roads, drainage, vehicles, and infrastructure projects

Projects include roadway resurfacing, stormwater system upgrades, equipment purchases for police and DPW, and improvements to parks and municipal facilities.

Resolutions and Contracts Approved

Council approved several resolutions, including:

  • Payment of bills
  • Increasing the bid threshold from $44,000 to $53,000, allowing more contracts to be awarded without public bidding
  • Awarding contracts for:
    • Road paving projects
    • Asphalt and crushed stone (up to $175,000)
    • Vehicle parts and equipment purchases (up to $50,000)


      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
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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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