Sunday, June 7, 2026
Home Blog Page 20

Hanover Township Police Report 2,700 Calls for Service in March 2026

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Hanover

HANOVER — The Hanover Township Police Department responded to a high volume of activity in March handling a total of 2,700 calls for service, according to recently released department statistics.

The report highlights the department’s continued commitment to public safety across a wide range of incidents and proactive policing efforts throughout the township.

During the month, officers made 38 arrests and responded to 61 motor vehicle crashes. Police also recorded 93 alarm calls related to burglaries and fires, along with 136 medical aid calls, demonstrating the department’s role in both law enforcement and emergency response.

In addition, officers conducted 1,133 property checks, reinforcing efforts to deter crime and maintain a visible presence in neighborhoods and business areas.

The department also reported three DWI arrests during March, reflecting ongoing enforcement aimed at keeping impaired drivers off local roadways.

Residents are encouraged to stay connected with the Hanover Township Police Department by following their social media channels for updates, safety tips, and community information.

The monthly statistics provide a snapshot of the department’s workload and its continued dedication to protecting and serving the Hanover Township community.

Summer EBT Program Offers $120 Per Child to Help Families This Summer

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — The Summer EBT Program is providing important support to families across New Jersey, offering a one-time $120 per eligible child to help cover grocery costs during the summer months when school meals are not available.

Families currently participating in assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF may be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT Program and will receive benefits without needing to apply.

However, some families who may still qualify are required to complete a School Meals and Summer EBT application through their child’s school. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their school directly to submit an application or to update their address if they have recently moved.

Officials emphasize that dual participation is not allowed. Each eligible child may receive only one Summer EBT card per year and cannot access benefits from more than one state.

The program aims to ensure children continue to have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer, helping reduce food insecurity and support healthy development.

For additional information or to learn how to apply click here.

Just like SNAP, recipients may also use their Summer EBT card to purchase eligible SNAP food items online at participating stores. For more information about ordering online and to find participating stores in your area, visit the NJ SNAP “Using Your Benefits” page. 

You do not have to use all of your Summer EBT benefits at one time; however, they must be used within four months from the day the benefits were added to your Summer EBT account. Any benefits remaining on the card after 122 days will expire. 

Montville Police Investigate Reported Shooting Call in Towaco; No Threat Found

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MONTVILLE — Police responded to a report of a shooting on Majorca Road in Towaco on Friday, April 3, but determined that no shooting had occurred.

According to Chief Andrew Caggiano of the Montville Township Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:10 p.m. after receiving a call reporting a possible shooting at a residence.

Upon arrival, officers secured the area and began an investigation. With assistance from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, authorities determined that no shooting had taken place.

The incident remains under investigation; however, officials confirmed there is no threat to the public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Montville Township Police Department at (973) 257-4300.

Madison High School Key Club Members Assemble Easter Baskets for Homeless Solutions

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Madison High School Key Club members assembled Easter baskets to be donated to Homeless Solutions, spreading kindness and holiday cheer to those in need.

MADISON — Demonstrating compassion and a strong commitment to service, the Madison High School Key Club recently organized a meaningful community project, purchasing and assembling Easter baskets for children served by Homeless Solutions.

Students from Madison High School Key Club
Students from Madison High School Key Club

With an impressive membership of 119 students, the Key Club worked collaboratively to ensure each basket was thoughtfully personalized. Members were provided with a detailed list that included each child’s name, age, and gender, allowing them to create customized baskets filled with age-appropriate treats, toys, and holiday items. The effort ensured that every child would receive a gift tailored specifically for them, adding a personal touch to the holiday celebration.

Key Club worked collaboratively to ensure each basket was thoughtfully personalized.

The project reflects the mission of Key Club, the largest student-led service organization in the world, which encourages high school students to develop leadership skills through volunteerism and community engagement. Madison High School’s chapter is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Madison, connecting students with a broader network of community service leaders.

The group prepared baskets for 15 children, including five boys ages 1, 2, 3, 7, and 12, and ten girls ages 3, 4, 9, 9, 10, 12, 12, 13, 17, and 21. Using this information, students carefully selected age-appropriate items to ensure each child received a meaningful and personalized gift.

Kiwanis Club of the Chathams Treasurer Neil Cooperman, President Stephanie Cooperman, New Jersey District Kiwanis International Governor Frank Cahill, Madison High School Key Club Advisor Mary Beth Gabel, and Club Member Dr. Joseph J. Murphy joined the Key Club members in assembling personalized Easter baskets for children served by Homeless Solutions.

Kiwanis Club of the Chathams Treasurer Neil Cooperman, President Stephanie Cooperman, New Jersey District Kiwanis International Governor Frank Cahill, Madison High School Key Club Advisor Mary Beth Gabel, and Club Member Dr. Joseph J. Murphy joined the Key Club members in assembling personalized Easter baskets for children served by Homeless Solutions.

Frank Cahill, Governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International, praised the students’ efforts. “This is what Kiwanis and Key Club are all about—serving children and making a direct impact in their lives. These students didn’t just assemble baskets; they delivered joy, hope, and a sense of belonging to children who need it most.”

Madison High School Key Club President Stephanie Cooperman also reflected on the project’s impact. “Having the opportunity to personalize each basket made this project incredibly special. Knowing that every child will receive something chosen just for them truly brought our members together and reminded us why service matters.”

Through initiatives like this, Madison High School Key Club continues to embody the spirit of giving, proving that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Peter Muntner, Annika Robbins, Anna Bochner, and Lorelei Kim personalize each basket, making the project especially meaningful.
A day of service and smiles as Madison High School Key Club members assembled custom Easter baskets, ensuring every child at Homeless Solutions felt remembered.
Giving back this Easter season, Madison High School Key Club members joined forces with the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club to support families in need.
Madison High School Key Club members showcased the true spirit of service by assembling Easter baskets that delivered smiles, hope, and holiday cheer.

Madison Area YMCA Honors Five Decades of Youth Support Through Project Community Pride

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Celebrating 50 years of supporting local youth and families! Project Community Pride clinicians Kelly Anderson, LPC, Kristin Perconte, LCP, Director of Project Community Pride Christine McIntyre, LCSW gather with Mayor Mark Taylor of Florham Park, Mayor Robert H. Conley of Madison, Mayor Carolyn Dempsey of Chatham, and Madison Area YMCA President and CEO Diane Mann at the Project Community Pride 50th Anniversary Celebration breakfast.

MADISON – The Madison Area YMCA celebrated the 50th anniversary of Project Community Pride on Tuesday, March 24, with a special breakfast attended by staff, board members, and local officials.

Established in 1976 and integrated into the YMCA in 2014, Project Community Pride offers no-cost counseling and support services for children, teens, and families in Madison, the Chathams, and Florham Park. The program provides individual and group counseling, educational workshops, and community service opportunities, addressing challenges such as anxiety and depression.

Guest speakers included Madison Police Chief John Miscia, Madison Mayor Bob Conley, Florham Park Superintendent Steve Caponegro, Chatham Mayor Carolyn Dempsey, and Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor. Each emphasized the program’s lasting impact and importance within the community.

“The important work we do—our counseling services, educational workshops, and our unique community service program—would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our local leaders,” said Christine McIntyre, Director of Project Community Pride.

The program collaborates closely with local police departments, school districts, and municipal leaders, who help provide funding and refer youth for services. In addition, it organizes joint activities with law enforcement, community service initiatives, and events designed specifically for teens.

The Madison Area YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds, the Y provides programs and services that promote belonging, foster well-being, and ensure access for all through Y Scholarships and community support.

Denville Police Arrest Brooklyn Man on Outstanding Warrant

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

DENVILLE — The Denville Township Police Department has announced the arrest of a Brooklyn man on an outstanding municipal warrant.

According to a public information release, Roman Chkheidze, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, was taken into custody on April 2, 2026, at approximately 10:24 p.m. after authorities were notified by the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office of an active $3,000 warrant issued by Denville Municipal Court. 

Chkheidze was transferred into the custody of Denville police officers and transported to police headquarters for processing. Authorities said he later posted bail and was released pending a future court appearance in Denville Municipal Court. 

No additional details were released.

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.

Arson Suspect Charged Following Fire at Walgreens

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

DENVILLE — The Denville Police Department has charged a Pennsylvania woman in connection with an intentionally set fire at a local pharmacy, authorities announced.

According to police, officers responded to a 911 call on March 19, 2026, reporting a possible fire inside the Walgreens. Upon arrival and subsequent investigation, authorities determined that the fire had been deliberately set.

The suspect was later identified as April Sedutto, 45, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Following the investigation, Sedutto turned herself in at police headquarters, where she was arrested and processed.

Sedutto has been charged with third-degree arson to a building or structure and third-degree criminal mischief. She was released pending a future court appearance in Morris County Superior Court.

Police did not report any injuries related to the incident.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

Library of the Chathams Secures $2.45M State Grant to Modernize and Renovate Building

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Chatham Library is located at 214 Main Street, Chatham

CHATHAM — The Library of the Chathams is very pleased to announce that the State Legislature’s Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC) voted to approve $2.45 million to support the library’s project to modernize its spaces and renovate critical infrastructure. The funding will help transform the library with an improved children’s room, new meeting rooms, a new business center, a new STEM room, better ventilation, heating and cooling, and much more, which will benefit every person in Chatham and its neighboring communities.

“This is a win for all Chatham residents,” said Karen Brodsky, Director of the Library of the Chathams. “This project is about ensuring the library remains a vibrant, safe, and accessible ‘Space for Everyone’ in our community. Seeing this state investment finally come to fruition is a testament to the persistence of our board, staff, and partners.”

With nearly 200,000 library visits last year, and hosting more than 800 community meetings with nearly 8,000 attendees, the library building – more than 100 years old in parts – is in critical need of HVAC and electrical upgrades. Also, public surveys and focus groups show that new and reimagined spaces are needed.

The funding culminates a years-long, highly competitive process under the 2017 New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, and results from the dedicated efforts of Ms. Brodsky, the library staff, and the Library Board of Trustees led by President Andy Hollander and many Trustees present and past.

The Library is grateful for the effective efforts of Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy, who immediately upon taking office two months ago advocated successfully for the release of the funds, which had been awaiting a vote in Trenton for over a year. “I am so happy that we were able to help the Library of the Chathams obtain these long-awaited funds,” he said. “The library is an institutional anchor of the community and this investment will pay dividends to the people of Chatham and beyond.”

The Library extends thanks to State Librarian Jennifer Nelson and the New Jersey State Library for their ongoing support and guidance throughout this process. Thanks are owed to so many who believe in the library’s vision of a next-level library including Library Director Karen Brodsky and library staff, the Library Board of Trustees members both present and past, and Municipal Leaders including Mayor Carolyn Dempsey of Chatham Borough, and Mayor Jen Rowland and Deputy Mayor Marty McHugh of Chatham Township, The Friends of the Library of the Chathams, the Chatham Library Foundation, every individual who has made a donation to the library, and last but not least the beloved community members.

Although the grant is a monumental “next step” that brings the project closer to its goal, the journey is not yet complete. It will be an essential building block of the multimillion-dollar “Space for Everyone” project, and the Library itself will contribute more than $2 million based on savings and prior community donations. To fully realize the “Space for Everyone” modernization vision, added support including continued philanthropic contributions from private donors, as well as municipal funding, will be essential.

The Library of the Chathams is at the heart of the 20,000+ person community, enriching residents with knowledge, culture, and connection. It’s where children choose their first stories, teens find a safe, supportive place to learn and grow, and visitors of all ages explore new ideas, try new hobbies, and build lasting connections. The Library is making significant strides and looks forward to continuing to serve the community.

The Library of the Chathams is a joint public library serving the residents of Chatham Borough and Chatham Township. Dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning, the library provides a wide array of resources, including an extensive physical and digital collection, diverse educational programming for all ages, and versatile community meeting spaces. As a cornerstone of the Chathams for over a century, the library remains committed to evolving alongside its community, offering cutting-edge technology and a welcoming environment for discovery, connection, and growth. For more information click here.

Seleyna Madison Bautista Elected to Membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Seleyna Madison Bautista was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

MORRIS PLAINS — Seleyna Madison Bautista was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Elon University.

Bautista is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and its territories. Its mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”

About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States and its territories. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.” For more information click here.

Jefferson Township Man Charged with Theft of Transmission

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Police Department announced that a man has been charged in connection with the theft of a transmission from a local business.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Patrol Officer Kyle Aug responded to Ackerson Motors, located at 189 Espanong Road in the Lake Hopatcong section of Jefferson Township, following a report of a stolen transmission. The business owner reported the item missing from the front of the building.

After reviewing security footage, officers were able to identify a vehicle involved in the incident and a potential suspect.

Following further investigation, police identified the suspect as Enrique Ojeda, 38, of Franklin Borough in Sussex County. He was charged with theft (2C:20-3A) and was released on a summons pending a future court date.

Authorities remind residents that anyone with information related to crimes, criminal activity, or wanted persons can contact Morris County Crime Stoppers 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (973) COP-CALL. Tips can be provided anonymously, and rewards may be available.

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.

1...192021...672Page 20 of 672

RECENT POSTS

BUSINESS BRIEFS

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ABOUT US

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.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

© 2024 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.

Translate »