HANOVER TOWNSHIP — A Boonton woman was charged with trespassing after she returned to the Extended Stay Motel a day after management told her she was no longer welcome on the property.
On Thursday, September 24, Hanover Township Police Officer Michael Kaiser charged Julane Jones, 34, of Boonton, with trespassing.
Officer Kaiser responded to the motel after management called to report that Jones was in the parking lot. Officer Kaiser confirmed that Jones had been advised on Wednesday, September 23, that management did not want her back on the property.
Jones was charged with:
Defiant Trespass (N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3b)
She was charged at the scene and released with a court date.
Editor’s Note: 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.
Copyright 2026 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from the publisher.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — A Parsippany man was arrested for driving while intoxicated after police found him asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle parked at a QuickChek in Hanover Township.
On Sunday, September 20, Hanover Township Police Officer Anthony D’Angelo arrested Abhijit Mokashi, 44, of Parsippany, for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Officer D’Angelo responded to the QuickChek at 2 South Jefferson Road on a report of a man passed out in a vehicle. On arrival, he observed a vehicle parked by the dumpster, not in a parking spot, with its windows fogged over.
Officer D’Angelo had to open an unlocked door to awaken the lone driver, who was identified as Mokashi. Signs of impairment were observed, and Mokashi was removed from the vehicle to perform standardized field sobriety tests. When the tests were completed, he was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated.
A search of the vehicle for intoxicants located open containers of alcohol within reach of the driver. The vehicle was impounded under John’s Law, and Mokashi was transported to police headquarters for processing, where he submitted breath samples that showed him to be over the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle.
Mokashi was issued summonses for:
Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51b)
Consumption of an Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51a)
Failure to Display Front License Plate (N.J.S.A. 39:3-33)
Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
Mokashi was released to a responsible driver with his summonses and a court date.
Editor’s Note: 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.
Copyright 2026 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from the publisher.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — A Parsippany man has been charged with criminal mischief after police said he threw dog feces into a vehicle parked at BJ’s in Hanover Township.
Hanover Township Police Officer Thomas Adamiak charged Anthony Nigro, 42, of Parsippany, on Tuesday, September 15.
On Friday, July 31, Officer Adamiak responded to BJ’s on a report that someone had thrown dog feces into a vehicle, causing more than $500.00 in damage.
The victim told police her young service dog had unexpectedly defecated in the mulch, so she went inside the store to get a bag to pick it up. When she returned, she found the feces thrown about the interior of her vehicle.
BJ’s management provided surveillance video showing a possible suspect. Officer Adamiak later positively identified Nigro as the suspect.
Nigro was charged with:
Criminal Mischief (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3)
Because Nigro refused to come to police headquarters, the complaint was mailed to him with a scheduled court date.
Editor’s Note: 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.
Copyright 2026 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from the publisher.
Morris County Commissioners John Krickus, Tayfun Selen, Deborah Smith, retired president and CEO of NewBridge Services Michele Borden, retiring Literacy Volunteers of Morris County Executive Director Debbie Leon Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw, ,
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners presented framed resolutions of honor on Wednesday, October 14, to Debbie Leon, the retiring executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Morris County, and Michelle Borden, who retired September 1 as president and CEO of NewBridge Services.
Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw and State Senator Anthony M. Bucco led the presentations during the board’s public meeting in Morristown, where supporters of both civic leaders packed a meeting room in the county’s Administration and Records Building.
“Tonight, we are recognizing the nearly 60 years of combined service of two wonderful civic leaders,” said Director Shaw.
NewBridge Chief Operating Officer Michelle Borden is presented a resolution of honor for her retirement by Morris County Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw at the Morris County Commissioners work session on Nov. 14. Borden joined NewBridge in 1997 and rose through the ranks to lead the organization in April 2020.
“Under Debbie’s leadership, Literacy Volunteers of Morris County has helped thousands of adults and has become one of the largest and most respected volunteer-based literacy programs in New Jersey,” Shaw added. “Michelle, who joined NewBridge in 1997, rose through the leadership and was named CEO in April 2020, has led an agency providing counseling, housing and education to residents of Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties, including a program assisting seniors with independent living.”
Literacy Volunteers of Morris County Executive Director Debbie Leon is presented a resolution of honor for her retirement by Morris County Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw at the Morris County Commissioners work session on Nov. 14. Leon, a former attorney with an extensive career in nonprofit management, led the organization for 30 years.
Senator Bucco presented New Jersey Joint Senate and Assembly Resolutions of recognition to both Borden and Leon, while sharing personal stories of his past encounters with each of them and their nonprofits.
“We did this together. Everyone,” said Borden of her time with NewBridge. “No one person could ever do what we do. We have a great foundation, and there is more to come.”
“It’s been 30 years, and it’s been a privilege to work with this organization,” Leon said of her work with Literacy Volunteers. “It’s not just me alone. It’s a board, it’s our volunteers – we have hundreds of volunteers, we have thousands of students, and we can change lives by opening doors. … It’s been an honor.”
Leon has led Literacy Volunteers of Morris County for nearly 30 years. A former attorney admitted to the bar in both New York and New Jersey, she brought an extensive background in nonprofit management to the organization, where she has been responsible for program oversight, fiscal management and fundraising. She led a staff of five people along with hundreds of volunteers.
Literacy Volunteers provides free one-to-one and small-group instruction to adults throughout the area, with services ranging from English as a Second Language, reading and writing and high school equivalency preparation, to basic remedial math and citizenship preparation.
Literacy Volunteers also works with the county’s Employment and Training Services, providing basic English as a Second Language instruction to residents pursuing employment, occupational training and career advancement.
Borden, a licensed clinical social worker, joined NewBridge Services in 1997 after more than a decade overseeing psychiatric and substance use programs at East Orange General Hospital. After the September 11, 2001, attacks, Borden helped establish the Morris County Human Services Response Network, an effort that contributed to New Jersey becoming one of the first states to certify crisis counselors for disaster response.
She rose through the agency’s senior leadership, including as chief operating officer, before being named CEO in April 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the agency rapidly expanded telehealth counseling and online mental health resources. Under her leadership, NewBridge also opened a two-building headquarters and campus in Pompton Plains in 2023, as the agency marked its 60th anniversary, and joined Christian Health in 2024.
Borden received the 2025 Outstanding Leadership Award from the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.
NewBridge was founded in December 1963 as the Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center, opening in the former Pompton Plains library to serve Pequannock and five neighboring towns. Today it provides counseling, housing and education to residents of Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties, including Senior Assistance for Independent Living (SAIL), which offers free services to Morris County residents age 60 and older.
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Camp Jefferson Foundation will hold its fundraiser on Saturday, November 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Jefferson House on Lake Hopatcong, as part of a 100th anniversary celebration of both Camp Jefferson and The Jefferson House.
The evening will offer good food, great company and community support for the Camp Jefferson Foundation. Dinner will feature prime rib and a buffet, with tickets priced at $65.00 per person.
Camp Jefferson, located on Weldon Road, is home to the Camp Jefferson Summer Day Camp. The Jefferson House is a longtime restaurant and event venue on the shores of Lake Hopatcong.
Tickets can be purchased by contacting Joe at (973) 214-3304 or Colette at (973) 615-3224.
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BOONTON — The Town of Boonton is seeking an organized, motivated and community-minded professional to serve as its Special Projects Coordinator and Neighborhood Preservation Program Coordinator. The salary range is $50,000 to $80,000, depending on qualifications.
The coordinator will manage municipal special projects, downtown revitalization initiatives and the Neighborhood Preservation Program, overseeing projects from planning and funding through implementation and completion. Current special projects include:
The Darress Theatre Project
The Transportation Alternatives Program Grant
The Neighborhood Preservation Program
Transit Village initiatives
Highlands-related projects
The position will coordinate downtown revitalization, economic development and business support initiatives, research and assist with grant opportunities, and oversee grant-funded projects. The coordinator will serve as a liaison to elected officials, municipal staff, businesses, property owners, contractors, consultants and government agencies.
Responsibilities also include preparing reports, presentations, correspondence, grant applications and materials for municipal meetings, as well as coordinating public outreach, community engagement, surveys and stakeholder meetings.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience, along with experience in municipal government, project management, economic development, grant administration or a related field. Candidates should have excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to manage multiple projects independently and proficiency with Microsoft Office. Occasional evening meetings are required.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume by Friday, November 27, to Town Administrator Patrick Laverty at [email protected]. The town reserves the right to fill the position before that date. The Town of Boonton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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JEFFERSON — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn is calling on Governor Mikie Sherrill to hold a school funding meeting in the Highlands region, saying schools in West Milford, Jefferson and throughout the Highlands are facing a serious funding crisis.
The Sherrill administration recently scheduled an 18-month series of public meetings to discuss changes to New Jersey’s school funding formula, but the Highlands region was left off the schedule, according to Dunn.
“Our schools in West Milford, Jefferson, and throughout the Highlands are facing a serious funding crisis,” Dunn said. “Five schools have already closed in the past two years, and our communities cannot afford to wait any longer for a solution. Our communities deserve a seat at the table.”
Dunn, who represents the 25th Legislative District, said she has been fighting for a fairer school funding formula, including introducing her Clean Water Promise legislative package to address the financial burden placed on Highlands communities.
“Our towns help protect New Jersey’s drinking water, but restrictions on development have placed significant strain on local taxpayers and schools,” Dunn said.
Dunn also helped secure $625,000 in emergency school aid for Jefferson and West Milford earlier this year. “While this provided needed relief, temporary funding is not a long-term solution,” she said.
“I am calling on Governor Sherrill to hold a school funding meeting in the Highlands as soon as possible,” Dunn said. “Our families, educators, and taxpayers deserve to be heard. I will continue fighting for a fair and sustainable solution for our schools.”
Dunn is encouraging residents to contact the Governor’s Office at (609) 292-6000 to request a meeting in the region.
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MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen has received the endorsement of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 825, in his campaign for re-election in the November general election.
In a letter dated Wednesday, September 30, Greg Lalevee, Chairman of Local 825’s Political Action and Education Committee, said the union was proud to endorse Selen on behalf of its more than 8,000 members.
“Operating Engineers are the men and women who move mountains and build New Jersey,” the letter states. The letter cites the union’s work on the region’s tallest buildings, a modern energy grid, replenished coastlines and the roads connecting them, summed up in the union’s motto, “we are building our future.”
“I am honored to have the support of Local 825 and the thousands of hardworking men and women they represent,” said Selen. “Their support matters to me because every day I fight for working families to have a seat at the table helping build out Morris County’s infrastructure, job pool, and economic growth.”
In its letter, the union said it looks forward to a continued dialogue with Selen on how to work together to advance their mutual goals. Local 825 represents more than 8,000 members who build and maintain New Jersey’s infrastructure, from commercial construction and energy projects to coastal restoration and roadwork.
Selen immigrated to the United States in 1996, working as a gas station attendant in Madison before becoming a United States citizen in 2008. He lives in Chatham Township with his wife, a small business owner, and his daughter.
As Mayor of Chatham Township, Selen cut taxes, reduced spending and helped earn a AAA bond rating. He has served as Morris County Commissioner Director and has worked to hold the line on county taxes and support local communities. Professionally, he is a small business owner, a certified public accountant, a Six Sigma Black Belt and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. For more information about Selen’s campaign, click here.
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MORRIS COUNTY — Families are invited to bring their carved pumpkins to Pumpkin Illumination on Saturday, October 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Vail Mansion Plaza, 110 South Street, Morristown.
The family-friendly evening will feature storytelling, art workshops, a luminary mask parade, music from DJ Frank D. and a display of illuminated pumpkins.
Residents are asked to bring their carved pumpkins, and lights will be provided to create a glowing display at sunset. Costumes are encouraged for everyone.
For more than 100 pumpkin-carving stencils to help get started, click here.
The rain date is Sunday, October 25.
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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — John A. Doherty, 57, was arrested for driving while intoxicated early Saturday morning, September 5, after police said he backed his pickup truck into another vehicle in the Club 15 parking lot on Route 15 South.
At approximately 3:00 a.m., Jefferson Township Police Officer Liam Shernce was assisting Officer Johnson on an unrelated motor vehicle stop in the lot between Club 15 and Sebring Auto when he heard a loud noise that sounded like a crash in the Club 15 parking lot. A white pickup truck was then seen moving into a different parking spot.
Officers Johnson and Gonnella responded and observed the white Ford F-150 backing into a parking spot. Officer Johnson performed a horizontal gaze nystagmus test on the driver, Doherty, and observed all six indicators of impairment, according to the report.
Officer Shernce then met with Doherty, who had droopy, watery and bloodshot eyes. Doherty admitted to drinking that evening but did not elaborate. He told police he was backing up to move to a different spot and “didn’t know” if he hit anything. The club’s manager showed police surveillance footage of Doherty’s truck backing into a black pickup truck and then moving to a different parking spot. No damage was visible on either vehicle, and the crash was handled as non-reportable at the request of both parties.
Doherty agreed to field sobriety testing. During the walk-and-turn test, he started before being instructed several times, did not keep his hands at his sides, lost his balance multiple times and did not walk heel to toe. During the one-leg stand test, he lost his balance twice and stopped performing the test, according to police.
Doherty was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. A search of his truck by Officer Gonnella and Corporal Quidort found no intoxicants, and the vehicle was towed by Richie’s.
At headquarters, Doherty was read his Miranda rights, agreed to speak with police and was described as cooperative and polite throughout. He provided two breath samples on the Alcotest 9510, which showed a blood alcohol content of 0.09 percent. The legal limit in New Jersey is 0.08 percent.
Doherty was released to a friend under John’s Law. He was charged with:
Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
Editor’s Note: 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.
Copyright 2026 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from the publisher.
