MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Mountain Lakes Trout Derby is back for its 59th anniversary! Join us on Saturday, April 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Birchwood Lake.
Open to all Mountain Lakes children – 16 years of age or under and their parents. The cost is $10.00 per child or $20.00 per family at the gate.
Enjoy a morning of fishing at beautiful Birchwood Lake, with a chance to win prizes. Worms, t-shirts, and hats will be available for purchase.
Don’t forget the Friday trout stocking, currently scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8. You can purchase buckets to help get the trout into Birchwood Lake.
Sponsored by the Mountain Lakes: Trout Derby Committee, Police Department (PBA), and Recreation Commission.
MORRIS COUNTY — International a cappella phenomenon Straight No Chaser returns to the MPAC stage as part of 2022 Back in the High Life Tour, Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39.00 to $79.00.
If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses… think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fan base and a long list of accomplishments including 2 RIAA Gold Certified albums, over 1.5 million concert tickets sold, over one billion streams on Pandora, and over 2 million albums sold worldwide.
Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor. They immediately bring audiences to their feet with nothing more than microphones in hand, grins ear-to-ear, witty banter on point, and an uncanny ability to belt out R&B, smooth jams, and stadium anthems carried by style, swagger, and spirit.
Jeannine Perry of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey and some North Jersey Girl Scouts, including Jillian Hamway, Alexa Hamway, and Corra Perry, accepted a Resolution of Honor from the Morris County Board of County Commissioners
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Board of County Commissioners today celebrated Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by honoring the Girl Scouts of the USA and presenting awards to two Morris County women for making a significant difference in the community.
“Tonight, we celebrate International Women’s Day as well as recognize Women’s History Month, which this board will do officially through a special resolution,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen. “However, we also will pay tribute to the Girl Scouts of America turning 110 years old, and salute one of the founding members of our Morris County Advisory Committee on Women — and honor a Morris County woman whose inspiration to other women in our community has earned her the 2022 Seed of Change Award.”
Carole Harper of Morris Plains, one of the original members of the Morris County Advisory Committee on Women, thanked Morris County for the Resolution of Honor presented by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners
Carole Harper of Morris Plains, one of the original members of the Morris County Advisory Committee on Women, was honored for her nearly two decades of service on the committee with a special Resolution of Honor issued by the board. Harper previously serviced on the County College of Morris Board of Trustees, where she helped to establish a scholarship fund that has provided financial aid to women seeking to expand their education for over 20 years.
“Thank you so very much for this recognition. The focus of my professional life and community service has been as an advocate for women and their families. I am especially proud to have been part of the establishment of the Morris County Advisory Committee on Women. Since 2003 the Committee has sought to identify the needs and concerns of the women of Morris County. As our county grows so do the challenges faced by our families, foremost our women,” Harper said.
Thanking the people she worked with over the past 20 years, Harper also commended the Commissioners for providing the services to address problems such as homelessness, abuse, child care, and employment for women and for supporting not-for-profit agencies seeking to provide solutions to those problems.
Click here to view the Resolution of Honor Issued to Carole Harper
Mary Ledyard of Rockaway Borough was presented with the Morris County “2022 Seeds of Change Award,” an honor that highlights and celebrates Morris County women whose work on the grassroots level has motivated other women to become active in their communities. The award was presented to the honoree by Karen O’Keeffe, chair of the Morris County Advisory Committee on Women.
“There was one thing that happened to me when I was younger, when someone said, ‘You only volunteer because it makes you feel good.’ And I was offended at first … and finally, I realized that there’s nothing wrong with feeling good about helping people. It kind of became my thing. The purpose of life is not just to be happy all the time. It’s to make a difference and to help those around you,” said Ledyard in accepting the award.
Inspired by the example of the late state Sen. Leanna Brown, a groundbreaking leader in Morris County, the “Seeds of Change Award” had been issued only twice – in 2018 and 2019 –before the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily interrupted the Advisory Committee activities.
Mary Ledyard of Rockaway Borough, who was presented with the Morris County “2022 Seeds of Change Award,” was congratulated by Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen
Click here to learn more about “Seeds of Change” Honoree Mary Ledyard
Ms. Ledyard was noted for her many years of volunteerism, from groups assisting children with developmental disabilities and restoring trout habitat, to aiding veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, raising funds for St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover, and aiding victims of war and disaster through Project Kind. She also has worked with Family Promise, homeless shelters, food pantries, and helped children and families in need.
The third honor of the event was presented to Girls Scouts of the USA in recognition of the organization’s 110th Anniversary and National Girl Scout Week, which runs from March 6 through March 12, 2022. Accepting a Resolution of Honor on behalf of the organization was Jeannine Perry of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey and some North Jersey Girl Scouts: Jillian Hamway, Alexa Hamway, and Corra Perry.
Click here to view the Resolution of Honor Presented to the Girl Scouts
Girls Scouts is the largest and most impactful leadership program for girls around the world. The organization was founded on March 12, 1922, by Juliette Gordon Low of Savanna, Georgia after she met the founder of Scouting, British Officer Robert Baden-Powell.
“Our girls and volunteers affect positive change in our community and the world through small acts of kindness and through big ideas that make a lasting impact. Through the Girl Scout leadership experience, we build girls of courage, confidence, and character who do make the world a better place; and the Girls Scouts and volunteers of Morris County thank you for your honor and proclamation,” Gordon Low said as she accepted the Morris County resolution of honor.
The resolution noted Girls Scouts has emphasized public service and civic engagement and fostered a sense of community in girls. The organization also has worked to champion their ambitions, cultivate their talents and develop their skills to confidently pursue their passions and make the world a better place.
“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, by the Board of County Commissioners, Morris County, New Jersey, that the week of March 6 to March 12, 2022, be proclaimed Girl Scout Week in Morris County, and that the Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey be wished continued success as they embark on another century of nurturing and shaping the leadership abilities of girls everywhere,” the resolution concludes.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously introduced the county government’s 2022 Budget last night with no increase in the tax rate for a third consecutive year, while boosting funds for public safety and health, infrastructure projects, human services, education, and economic development.
“We are pleased for the third year in a row to deliver a budget with no increase in the county property tax rate while delivering excellent services to our residents,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.
The proposed $331.1 million spending plan ensures the continuation of Morris County’s top AAA Bond rating – maintained for 46 years – with an anticipated $57.9 million fund balance representing a $1.7 million increase over last year. The 2022 Budget additionally prioritizes investments in education and cultural programs, including the $25 million creation of the Morris County Vocational School District’s new Career Training Center at the County College of Morris in Randolph.
Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus
“This budget is financially sound and should continue our AAA rating standing, with a strong investment in capital projects including $25 million for the 500 student expansion of the Morris Vocational School District providing skills training that will provide the skilled workers our country needs and bright futures for our residents,” from Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus, Chair of the Board of Commissioners’ Budget Committee.
The budget dedicates $68.3 million to public safety, with another $36.6 million earmarked for health and human services programs, with a focus on community-based human service initiatives, including Hope Hub, Hope One, Navigating Hope, veterans programs, employment training, and senior nutrition programs.
Morris County Commissioner Kathy DeFillippo
“We have a mission-driven allocation of financial investments towards combatting substance use disorders and overcoming mental health challenges, working with valued nonprofits to address human service needs. A broad range of county government is involved, including human services, the Sheriff’s Office’s Hope One and Navigating Hope programs, and initiatives by the Prosecutor’s Office,” Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo, a member of the budget committee.
Critical Community Investments The 2022 Budget contains approximately $34.3 million in educational, cultural, and economic development incentives that service all 39 municipalities in Morris County.
Included are:
$18.9 million to support the County College of Morris, Morris County Vocational School District, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and the Morris County Superintendent of Schools Office
$8.9 million to support the 20,394-acre Morris County Park System
$5.7 million for the Morris County Library and Morris County Heritage Commission
$816,000 for Economic Development and Tourism
“Economic Development and Tourism spending is increased over 2021 as we promote Morris County as the best place to live, work and play, and now work from home, as we emerge from the pandemic,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, a member of the budget committee.
Critical Infrastructure Investments
The 2022 Budget includes a $62.5 million Capital Spending Plan for the calendar year, offset by $30.4 million in grants. It prioritizes $14 million for road resurfacing of 25.6 miles in 15 towns, puts $6.83 million toward bridge and culvert projects, and dedicates $2.8 million for intersection improvements.
Road Resurfacing Projects Include:
2.2 miles of Fairmount Road in Washington Township
2.2 miles of Green Pond Road in Rockaway and Jefferson townships
2.5 miles of Park Avenue from Columbia Turnpike to Route 124 in Madison, Florham Park, and Morris Township
2.5 miles of Village Road in Harding Township
Intersection Improvements Include:
Flanders Netcong Road and Main Street Intersection with Route 206, Mount Olive
Boonton Avenue at Taylortown Road, Montville Township
Guide Rail Upgrades and Installations throughout the County
Bridge & Culvert Projects Include:
Dickson’s Mill Road Bridge in Harding Township
Pleasant Hill Road Bridge in Mount Olive
Hurd Street Bridge in Mine Hill Township
The Morris County Commissioners will consider the adoption of their operating budget at the Wednesday, April 13, 2022 meeting.
Click here to download a PowerPoint of the proposed 2022 operating and capital budget.
MORRIS COuNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement regarding the President’s decision to ban U.S. imports of Russian oil as gas prices continue to rise:
“I remain unwavering in my support of Ukraine and its people in their fight for freedom, the preservation of their democracy, and their ability to remain a sovereign nation free from coercion by Putin’s Russia. A few weeks ago, I visited Ukraine, spoke with President Zelensky, and have since been in close contact with the large Ukrainian American community in my district. They are united in their calls for the United States and the international community to continue to put pressure on Russia to end their unprovoked invasion, remove their troops from Ukraine’s borders, and end the humanitarian crisis.
“And while we must do everything we can to stand up to Putin as Russia continues to wage a premeditated, unprovoked war on a fragile democracy, I am also fighting hard to address affordability here at home. That’s why as we end all importation of Russian oil, I am calling for a gas tax holiday to ease prices at the pump.
“While stepping up our sanctions on Russia is necessary to preserve freedom and democracy abroad, I deeply understand Americans’ real and legitimate concerns about the potential effect this could have on gas prices. I will continue to push for additional steps our country can take to further bring down gas prices. We can do so by releasing more of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is stored for exactly this sort of crisis and will also lead to a prompt decrease in fuel prices, examine ways to increase production in the short term, and take aggressive steps to secure our energy independence by accelerating our transition to clean energy, so that we are never again dependent on hostile foreign powers for our fuel. Energy independence is a matter of national security and I will continue my efforts to make sure we can rely on energy that is produced in America, often with technology that is developed and manufactured in North Jersey.”
Rep. Sherrill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy for almost 10 years as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. As a Russian policy officer, she worked on the implementation of our nuclear treaty obligations and oversaw the relationship between the US Navy and Russian Federation Navy. She now serves on the House Armed Services Committee, where she serves as the Vice-Chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.
Rep. Sherrill traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine in January to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, and other top Ukrainian officials. She is a member of the bipartisan Congressional Ukrainian Caucus and hosted former Randolph mayor and leader in the NJ-11 Ukrainian American community Roman Hirniak to be her virtual State of the Union guest. The Congresswoman is an original co-sponsor of the Ban Russian Energy Imports Act, which codifies the ban on Russian exports, as well as the Gas Prices Relief Act to put into place a gas tax holiday.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Republican Commissioner Doug Cabana, who received the most votes on Friday night of any candidate at the Morris County Republican convention (390), endorsed Tayfun Selen in the 11th Congressional District. It is the highest-profile endorsement of either remaining candidate following the first-ballot results from Friday night. Selen received the most votes of any candidate for District 11 on the first ballot. Cabana is a long-time resident of Boonton Township.
“I’ve seen up close on the County Board of Commissioners that Tayfun Selen is a hard-working public servant who cares deeply about delivering good government that protects taxpayers,” said Commissioner Cabana. “Coupled with his local government experience as Councilman and Mayor, his impressive background in business, and his one-of-a-kind life story – I believe he’s the best candidate Republicans can put forward to win this seat and get America back on track.”
“Doug Cabana is a trusted and respected voice in Morris County, and his impressive showing at the convention demonstrated that. I’m so proud to have earned his endorsement today,” said Tayfun Selen. “This endorsement adds to the momentum we are building to unify our Party and stop the Pelosi-Sherrill policies that have set us back to Jimmy Carter-like inflation, runaway gas prices, open borders, and policies that are breaking the bank around kitchen tables in New Jersey.”
Selen was the top-vote getter on the first ballot at the convention with 169 votes, followed by Larry Casha (118), Toby Anderson (113), and Paul DeGroot (65). A candidate needs 50% on the first ballot to win the endorsement of the County Republican Party. The second ballot voting will begin Thursday, March 10 via an online vote, and in-person on Friday, March 11 at MCRC headquarters. Only those who cast a ballot on the first round are eligible to vote on the second ballot.
About Morris County Republican Tayfun Selen Tayfun Selen is a proven fiscal conservative, experienced businessman, and American success story. Selen immigrated from Turkey with a degree in architecture in 1996, pumping gas and working entry-level jobs before earning an MBA and his CPA license. He earned his U.S. citizenship in 2008 and managed major corporate real estate operations with over 100 employees and several hundred-million-dollar budgets. Today, he is an executive with Lincoln Education Corp, which develops good-paying trade skills as an alternative to a liberal arts education. Selen previously served as Chatham Township Mayor, and later filled a vacancy on the Morris County Commission in February 2020. He was selected by his peers in December 2021 to serve as Director of the Morris County Board of Commissioners. To learn more about Tayfun, click here.
Morris County Republican Committee will be the first political party in the state to pilot an Non-Fungible Token
MORRIS COUNTY — Building on the success of its inaugural NFT (non-fungible tokens) launch in late January, the Morris County Republican Committee has introduced a limited, convention-themed NFT prior to its Spring Nominating Convention on Friday, March 4.
In addition to its novelty and historic relevance, the Convention NFT provides investors with admission to the Convention and entry into contests for prizes at the Convention, said Laura Marie Ali, the MCRC Chairwoman. The Convention NFT also provides post-convention perks, including an invitation to breakfast with elected officials and candidates. More NFT ownership perks will be announced shortly, said Ali.
“This special MCRC Convention NFT is limited in quantity and represents the convention that will likely be responsible for selecting the candidates who will unseat congressional Democrats and put House seats back in Republican hands,” said Ali, noting that the Morris Republican County Committee will be selecting congressional candidates for CD7 and CD11.
An NFT is a non-fungible token, meaning that it is unique and authenticated via the Blockchain. NFTs are an exclusive form of digital asset that has been experiencing record-setting growth for the past year. An NFT can be resold since it is an asset belonging to the person who purchased it. The Morris County Republican Committee is the first Republican Committee in the country to launch NFTs as part of its digital marketing strategy.
For more information or to purchase a Morris County Republican NFT, click here.
Rajni Indian is located at 296 Route 46 West, Parsippany
MORRIS COUNTY — On arrival at Rajni for the first time, you might think you had just entered a storefront, local eatery somewhere off the streets of Mumbai on your way to pick up an order of Chicken Biriyani. Rajni could certainly be described as a low-key, modest, unpretentious eatery where one would stop in for a casual, relaxing lunch or dinner, either alone, with family, or a group of friends. Nothing fancy, formal, or elegant here, just some genuine, delicious, homemade southern Indian cuisine. The kind of food craved by many discerning diners looking for that familiar taste from their homeland.
Chef Naveen, Moses, Raj, Pat Minutillo and Yoga Guna
Rajni opened in 2011 and features truly authentic cuisine from the state of Tamil Nadu. Upon entry, you first encounter the shrine of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu elephant god who symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life. A perfect symbolic introduction to the culinary experience within. The restaurant is named after a Tamil movie star, producer, and screenwriter, “Rajni” Kant. According to Rajni’s website, their uniqueness lies in recapturing the flavor of homemade food and ambiance. They tout their belief in the three pillars of Quality, Affordability, and Impeccable Service.
You may have passed Rajni a hundred times while traveling along Route 46 and never gave it a thought, as it is somewhat hidden alongside the rear of the small Meadow Plaza strip mall. Rajni does not face the highway, so you will have to keep an eye out for the blue signage leading into the parking lot. Once there you will find adequate off-street parking. As you pull up to their attractive brick and glass building you will see the cute little elephant in front.
Chicken Dosa
As my foodie group started to arrive, the very friendly and hospitable staff warmly welcomed us. Our table was immediately prepared while we joked and bantered with Moses, the manager, and Yoga (Doctor) Guna, brother of the owner Jey Guna, who unfortunately was not available on this visit. As we found our seats and perused the extensive and unfamiliar menu, we all had questions for the staff, which they were happy to address politely and patiently.
Pat Minutillo
We found the interior to be clean, organized, and surprisingly spacious; with comfortable looking, red leather booths lined along the walls, and well-spaced tables, covered with white plastic tablecloths arranged throughout the dining area. The offset tones of the yellow and brown walls, wood tiled floors, lofty ceiling lined with silver metal paneling, a few Indian pictures and artifacts, and a large screen TV complete the simple, casual, homey ambiance that is Rajni.
Large glass windows along the full length of one side of the restaurant keep the interior bright and airy. A smaller secondary room is located adjacent to the main dining room and looks like it would be perfect for a small gathering or business meeting.
Sadly, the once-popular buffet area, along the far wall, now sits unused because of pandemic concerns; hopefully, the buffet will once again become a feature of Rajni in the near future.
Upon entry, you first encounter the shrine of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu elephant god who symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life. A perfect symbolic introduction to the culinary experience within
Rajni’s focus is on South/North Indian specialties, with a primary focus on South Indian cuisine. They also offer Indo-Chinese cuisine, a distinct fusion culinary style combining aspects of both Indian and Chinese food and flavors.
In fact, Indianized Chinese food is extremely popular throughout India. Spicy, rich, flavorful, and diverse is the way most people describe Indian food, regardless of which section of India we are talking about, but on my visit, I was interested in exploring the South Indian culinary style which is much spicier than its Northern neighbor. South Indian food is considered extremely healthy and is mostly vegetarian, but there are plenty of non-vegetarian accompaniments to deliciously complement your meal.
The generous use of chili and tamarind helps to make Southern dishes spicy hot and tangy. Also, rather than naan or roti, rice is heavily favored in Southern Indian food.
Northern Indian cuisine tends to be less spicy and uses milder to more moderate spices in their dishes. So, if you are new to this culinary style when ordering is mindful that the food can be quite spicy. Do not hesitate to inquire about the heat index of each dish and inform your waiter of your heat preference. Most novices to this cuisine, as am I, are generally much more familiar with Northern style Indian food, which leaves the Southern-style largely unexplored by most, which is too bad, as Indian food consists of a lot more than chicken tikka masala, vindaloo, and naan.
Melagai Podi Idli
With the help of our server’s advice, we chose a variety of appetizers to share as a group. One by one, out came the Melagai Podi Idli; (a soft, pillowy steamed savory cake made from rice and lentil batter and a perfect complement to the assorted chutneys that it was served with); Karimeen Tawa Fry (a full pomfret fish grilled with onion, chili, and ginger sauce) which tasted delectable, delicate and slightly sweet with a nice texture, tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a gentle kick of heat; Fish-65 (Tilapia pieces marinated with chili paste and curry leaves) this was a crispy and tasty treat with boneless marinated fish that was deep-fried; Onion Pakora (fritters with mild spices and served with assorted chutneys) pieces of onion, battered in spices and deep-fried; and Chicken Chettinadu (boneless chicken cooked with Chettinad special sauces and coconut).
Fish-65
These were quite an interesting start to our exploration of this cuisine. The consensus of the group is that they enjoyed the interesting variety of tastes, textures, and spiciness of each of the individual dishes. All the dishes came with a selection of chutneys (dipping sauces that really enhanced every bite).
Our gluttonous appetites were fairly satiated after our appetizers, but now it was time to order our entrees. I selected, on my friend’s recommendation, the Kothu Parota Chicken (a South Indian popular street food delicacy prepared using parotta, egg, and chicken in a spicy sauce), parotta shredded into small pieces, stir-fried, and cooked with shredded or minced chicken and served with raita, a yogurt-based condiment to cool the palate, as this is a spicy dish. It is definitely worth trying. That friend went with the Kothu Parota -Lamb, which he loved.
Others in the group went with the Hyderabad Goat Dum Biriyani (spicy flavored basmati rice cooked with goat meat, with special Southern spices, then served with raitha and Rajni’s special salna sauce). This is a key dish in Hyderabadi cuisine; the Lamb Tikka Masala (Lamb cooked with a creamy tomato sauce, and a slightly spicy and earthy tasting dish). Several in the group chose the Chicken Dosa (a large, and I mean exceptionally large, a flavored crepe made from fermented rice batter and black lentils and filled with vegetables, chicken, onions, and crushed red pepper). They all thoroughly enjoyed their dosas.
Donuts (Indian style)
With no room left for desserts, the staff was kind enough to pack up some complimentary Gulab Jamun (Cheese balls in a honey sauce) a beloved Indian dessert, for us to take along and enjoy at home. There are plenty of non-alcoholic Indian beverages and on the menu as well, including Madras coffee, Nilagiri Tea, and Lassi’s, but as usual, since Rajni is a BYOB, I brought along a complimentary beverage, in this case, some Kingfisher Beer, the most popular beer in India, and it certainly did go perfectly with the spiciness of the assorted dishes.
Overall, a fun, interesting, and enjoyable dining experience. Tasty food, friendly, hospitable service, and very reasonable prices. If you have not yet been to Rajni, and you enjoy Indian cuisine and a comfortable, casual atmosphere, I would suggest stopping by and giving them a try.
“Food is medicine, medicine is Food” (Unavu maruntu, maruntu unavu); Dine-in – Curbside pickup – No-contact delivery – BYOB. Off-Street Parking. Closes 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Extensive modern online menu. All poultry and meat products are halal. Available for on-site dosa parties and catering.
Rajni Indian is located at 296 Route 46 West, Parsippany. Phone: (973) 396-8666. Website: http://www.rajnis.com/
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Brian Bergen said he is disappointed that the mask mandate will remain in effect at the statehouse.
At its Tuesday meeting, the eight-member State Capitol Joint Management Commission dropped all Covid-19 mitigation measures, save masking. Everyone entering the statehouse must continue to wear a cloth face-covering in public areas or be denied entry.
The updated rules take effect on February 25.
“The Republican conference stood firm against these discriminatory and illogical policies when they were adopted late last year by the Democrat-controlled commission,” Bergen (R-Morris) said. “While I’m pleased the commission dropped most of the rules, I’m disappointed they are clinging to the masking theater. Let’s free our faces! Personally, I miss seeing Speaker Coughlin’s smile.”
Even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend indoor masking for anyone ages 2 and older, most states that had mask mandates have dropped or are in the process of dropping them, even in schools. Gov. Phil Murphy announced on February 7, 2022, that school districts would be permitted to drop masking in early March.
While masks inside the statehouse have been required since summer 2020, the commission did not require proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 tests to enter the building until December 2021. Republicans pushed back, arguing that the policy discriminated against the unvaccinated since vaccinated persons could still catch and spread the virus. Democrats eventually capitulated and required all legislators, employees, and visitors to provide a negative test to enter the Assembly and Senate chambers. Many Republican legislators, including Bergen, also chose to go maskless inside the statehouse.
“Let me be clear: no one should be shamed for their masking choices. But I firmly believe masking should not be mandated but left up to the individual,” Bergen added. “Besides, we’ve been safely unmasked in restaurants, shopping malls, fitness centers, and very soon, schools. What makes the statehouse particularly unsafe still?”
MORRIS COUNTY — Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, and Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a joint investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Clinton Township Police Department, and Fairfield Police Department resulted in the arrest of Joseph D. Demauex, 35, of Riverdale.
Demauex was arrested on February 16 and charged by the Clinton Township Police Department with third-degree burglary for an offense on January 10; by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office with counts of third-degree burglary, third-degree theft by unlawful taking, and fourth-degree criminal mischief for offenses on December 25, 2021, and February 2, 2022, in Mount Arlington and Denville Township, respectively; and by the Fairfield Police Department with counts of third-degree burglary, third-degree theft by unlawful taking, and fourth-degree criminal mischief for offenses on February 2, 2022. Additional charges for offenses that occurred in other municipalities on other dates are also expected to be filed.
The joint investigation commenced after a string of burglaries were committed in Hunterdon County and northern New Jersey, including Morris and Essex Counties, over the course of several weeks. The suspect operated a motor vehicle with concealed license plates to travel to commercial businesses, where he made forcible entry and stole or attempted to steal money and property. Detectives identified the suspect’s vehicle and, following days of visual surveillance, determined that Demauex was the offender.
Prosecutor Robeson applauded the joint investigation. “We commend the remarkably coordinated multi-agency investigation that led to the arrest of Mr. Demauex. The proactive and expeditious response to Mr. Demauex’s repeated burglaries by members of the Clinton Township and Fairfield Police Departments and the Hunterdon and Morris County Prosecutors’ Offices reflects the sophistication and professionalism of the New Jersey law enforcement community.”
This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Marc Wilson at (908) 788-1129.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
