EAST HANOVER — Vincent Rispoli has been recognized for academic and athletic excellence by being named to the National Football Foundation’s Hampshire Honor Society. Rispoli is studying Business Administration as a member of the class of 2026 at Muhlenberg College.
To be nominated for the Hampshire Honor Society, a player must have been a senior who completed his final year of playing eligibility, attained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and been a starter or contributor throughout the season.
Rispoli’s team enjoyed an outstanding football season in 2025, ending with a 9-3 record and earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Mules defeated Union in the first round, recording a postseason win for the eighth consecutive season, and received votes in both final Division III polls.
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, four-year residential, liberal arts college in the city of Allentown, Pa., with nearly 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree-seeking students and a high return on investment. The college’s curriculum and experiences are designed to open doors to new ideas, discoveries, friendships and a lifetime of personal and intellectual growth.
A recent report by Jefferson Focus — — “Jefferson Township Under Scrutiny as Questions Go Unanswered” — raised serious, documented questions about Eric F. Wilsusen’s long-standing financial relationships with a township vendor, and about the township’s refusal to release basic records that residents have every right to see. The Save Jefferson team — Christian Barranco, Sheila Brown, and Dottie Santasieri — believe those questions deserve straight answers.
According to filings with the Ocean County Clerk and the New Jersey Division of Revenue, Mayor Wilsusen, Police Chief Paul Castimore, and Atlantic Communications owner Gary Davieau jointly purchased property in Little Egg Harbor in 2006. In 2015, Eric Wilsusen was added, by amendment, to a company named PES LLC with the wives of Mr. Davieau and Chief Castimore. That company owned a commercial property at 664 Route 15 South, the same building where Atlantic Communications, a township vendor, operated as a tenant.
On March 23, 2026, Jefferson Focus filed an open public records request for township invoices paid to Atlantic Communications from 2023 through 2026. The legal response deadline has now passed twice, and the records remain unreleased.
There may be reasonable explanations for each of these facts, and we welcome them. But the answer to a transparency question cannot be delayed any longer. We are calling on Eric Wilsusen to release every invoice, purchase order, and disclosure related to Atlantic Communications within seven days, and to recuse himself from any township decision involving a vendor in which he or his business partners hold a direct or indirect financial interest, per our municipal code. We are also urging the Township Council to authorize an independent review of contracts awarded to vendors connected to township officials over the past ten years.
This is not an isolated concern. It fits a broader pattern of how this administration communicates with residents. Eric has been posting campaign content on a Facebook page titled “Eric Wilsusen–Mayor of Jefferson Twp NJ,” categorized by Facebook as a “Government Official” page and listing [email protected] as the contact, which is his official government email address. A line in the bio notes the page is “created & managed” by Eric Wilsusen personally, but the overall impression residents are meant to take away is that of an official government page. Paired with ignored records requests, that is not the conduct of an administration that trusts residents with the full picture.
These decisions do not only affect the Mayor. He has aligned himself publicly with a sitting state senator and several Morris County elected officials, and every unanswered records request and carefully worded communication puts their reputations on the line alongside his own. Those officials should ask themselves whether they want their names attached to a pattern of conduct that Jefferson residents are increasingly being asked to question.
Christian Barranco extends an open invitation to Mayor Wilsusen: meet face to face. Debate the record, the budget, the taxes, and the transparency of Jefferson Township in front of the voters who will decide this primary on June 2nd. Residents deserve to hear both candidates answer for their positions directly in public, on the record, and without fine print.
Save Jefferson Team Barranco for JeffersonMayor Brown & Santasieri for Council
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Arts Committee is inviting students to showcase their creativity during its upcoming Window Painting Contest, scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Jefferson Township Public Library.
Open to students in grades 6 through 12, the contest offers a unique opportunity for young artists to transform library windows into vibrant works of art using their own Jefferson Arts Committee-approved themes.
Participants may register as teams of two to four students or individually, with single students being placed onto teams. The contest welcomes students from within and outside the district, including those who are homeschooled.
All supplies for the event will be provided, making it easy for students to participate and focus on their creativity. Following the contest, the community will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite designs, with an award ceremony to be held at the library.
Students interested in participating must register by Saturday, April 26. To sign up or receive more information, participants are asked to email Linda at [email protected], including their name, grade, and phone number.
The Jefferson Arts Committee continues to promote arts and culture throughout the community, and this event is expected to bring together young talent for a day of creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Board of Education approved its preliminary budget for the 2026-2027 school year on March 23, taking what officials described as a difficult but necessary step as the district continues to grapple with a major funding shortfall.
After receiving actual State and Preschool Aid figures, making cuts considered least harmful to students, and reviewing all other expenditures, the district reduced its projected deficit from $4.8 million to $2.9 million.
District officials said the budget gap is being driven largely by a loss of $1,166,583 in state aid and nearly $2.9 million in increased healthcare costs.
To respond to the shortfall, the Board approved a three-part strategy aimed at closing the gap while avoiding the most severe cuts to student programs.
The preliminary budget includes a 2 percent tax levy increase, which officials estimate will cost the average homeowner about $18.66 per month, or $223.92 annually.
It also includes what district leaders called “distasteful” budget cuts totaling about $403,000. Those reductions include staffing adjustments based on enrollment, as well as cuts to travel, professional development, and instructional technology. Officials said the reductions were made reluctantly and with an effort to minimize the impact on students.
In addition, the district will submit an unbalanced budget with a $2.9 million deficit to the New Jersey Department of Education, reflecting what school officials say is the financial reality facing Jefferson Township.
According to the district, this strategy avoids far more damaging reductions that were considered but ultimately not recommended, including eliminating basic skills instruction for students needing academic intervention in math and language arts, athletics, after-school programs, and courtesy busing.
As part of its continued advocacy efforts, district leadership is participating in a series of upcoming state budget hearings in an effort to push for additional support.
On March 24, district officials planned to provide virtual testimony before the Senate Budget Committee. On March 25, student leaders and district representatives were scheduled to travel to Trenton to testify before the Assembly Budget Committee. District representatives were also set to testify in person before the Senate Budget Committee on March 30.
The Board of Education is scheduled to adopt its final budget on April 27, 2026.
School officials noted that the preliminary budget could still be adjusted if new information becomes available before that date. However, the state is not expected to approve its budget for the coming fiscal year until the end of June or later. Any changes in the state budget related to PK-12 education funding could affect Jefferson Township’s final financial plan for 2026-2027.
The annual Fireman’s Carnival will return to Oak Ridge for four days of family fun featuring rides, games, food vendors, fireworks, and community entertainment in support of local firefighters and emergency services.
MORRIS PLAINS — St. Virgil’s Parish will celebrate a major milestone this spring as its annual parish carnival returns for its 50th year, bringing four nights of rides, games, food, and family entertainment to Morris Plains. The carnival is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 through Saturday, May 9 on the church grounds at 250 Speedwell Avenue.
Carnival hours will be 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with extended hours on Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Organizers are promising a festive atmosphere for all ages, complete with amusement rides, midway games, and traditional carnival favorites.
To help mark the 50th anniversary, the parish is planning added entertainment throughout the week. A DJ will perform each night, and special character appearances are expected from Bluey, Mario, Mickey, and Minnie, giving families even more to enjoy during the celebration.
Pay One Price ride wristbands, valid for unlimited rides on the day of purchase, will be available on Wednesday and Thursday nights, May 6 and May 7. In addition, discounted pre-sale ride credits are now being offered through Magic Money at $30 for 60 credits, which the parish says reflects a 50 percent savings.
A longtime tradition in Morris Plains, the St. Virgil Parish Carnival has welcomed generations of families from across Morris County, including visitors from Parsippany, Denville, and Morristown. More information, ticket details, and updates are available by clicking here.
BOONTON — Grace DiCarlo was among the 41 University of Scranton students inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, the national honor society for communication. The national honor society was founded in 1985 to encourage high levels of scholarship and leadership in the field of communications. The University’s chapter was established in 1999.
DiCarlo is a senior pursuing a marketing degree at at the Jesuit university.
The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
DOVER — Montclair State University has announced the students named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List, recognizing academic excellence among its Red Hawks.
The Dean’s List, issued after the close of the Fall and Spring semesters by the academic deans, honors students who achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher, complete a minimum of 12 credits contributing to their GPA, and have no incomplete grades for the semester.
The following students from the Dover Focus coverage area were recognized:
Aidan Flores Alex Brown Alyssa Correa Angelina Ortiz Daniela Salazar Orozco Emily Gudino Erica Leon Genesis Rodriguez Medina Jessica Wagner Juliana Rojas-Arias Karla Maya Les Santos Luis Rivera Rosa Manuel Jimenez-Fontana Matthew Lombardi Matthew Olson Michelle Estacio Natalia Maldonado Nathalie Garcia Arequipa Nicole Angeles Nicole Hache Diaz Rick Garcia Selma Mera Sophia Meola Thyara Alvarez-Inestroza Tyler Skelly Yuliana Carmona
Founded in 1908, Montclair State University has grown into a nationally recognized R2 research institution and is ranked among the top 100 public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves approximately 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offers more than 300 doctoral, master’s, and baccalaureate programs across 14 colleges and schools.
Located on a 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair State combines the resources of a large public university with a supportive and personalized academic environment.
MORRIS COUNTY – Morris County officials will host their annual Memorial Day observance at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 20, honoring local veterans and marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The ceremony will take place on Court Street between the historic Morris County Courthouse and the Administration and Records Building in Morristown. The event is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the county’s Facebook page.
The program will include the presentation of Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals to local veterans. In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the ceremony will also feature a special commemoration honoring Continental Army soldiers who died at Jockey Hollow.
James Ferguson, a Vietnam veteran and Mountain Lakes resident, will serve as keynote speaker. Ferguson served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1966, including time supporting Army and Marine Corps operations in Europe and the Caribbean, and later volunteered as an officer aboard Swift boats patrolling coastal waters and rivers in Vietnam. He later completed his service in the Naval Reserve, attaining the rank of lieutenant.
Ferguson received several honors for his service, including the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuba) and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.
The Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals are unique to the county and recognize veterans across multiple eras of service, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Each medal features the county seal and includes a ribbon representing the era in which the veteran served, along with a certificate of honor.
Since the program began in 1999, more than 10,000 medals have been presented to veterans or their families.
In addition, the Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation is seeking submissions for its Veterans Compendium project ahead of the 25th anniversary of the start of the War in Afghanistan on October 7, 2026. Veterans and their families are invited to submit information about local service members, including names, hometowns, branch of service and additional details.
Submissions can be sent to Jan Williams, cultural and historic resources specialist, at [email protected].
Galvanized pipes are typically a dull, silver-gray color. One way to identify them is by using a magnet, as strong magnets will usually cling to galvanized material.
Copper pipes have a distinct color similar to that of a copper penny, making them relatively easy to recognize.
Plastic pipes are usually white and rigid, and they are commonly joined to the water supply piping with a clamp. However, they can also appear in other colors, including blue and black.
Lead pipes are also a dull, silver-gray color but can be distinguished because they are soft and easily scratched with a coin. Unlike galvanized pipes, strong magnets will not stick to lead.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Township of Hanover has issued a strong statement opposing a proposal by the Southeast Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (SMCMUA) that would place the financial burden of replacing lead and galvanized service lines on individual property owners.
Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher made it clear that the Township disagrees with the Authority’s position, arguing that the responsibility should remain with the entity that operates the water system.
According to the statement, SMCMUA collects rates from all customers and is responsible for delivering safe drinking water. Township officials contend that the cost of maintaining and upgrading that system, including replacing hazardous lead and galvanized lines, should be covered by the Authority rather than passed down to residents.
The Township further noted that state law allows utilities to structure replacement programs without charging individual homeowners, and that many water systems across New Jersey, including both investor-owned and municipal utilities, have already done so successfully.
Officials also pushed back on claims that covering the full cost would be legally or financially impractical, stating that comparable systems have demonstrated otherwise.
The Township is encouraging residents who share these concerns to contact the SMCMUA directly via email at [email protected] or by calling (973) 326-6880.
Hanover officials emphasized they will continue advocating for residents and pursuing all available channels to ensure the Authority assumes responsibility for the replacements.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On March 14, 2026, Hanover Township Police Officer Mamdouh Hassan arrested Gabrielle Sommers, 23, of Lake Hiawatha, for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Officer Hassan and Officer Manney responded to Justin Court on a report of a female sleeping behind the wheel of a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle and observed it running with open containers of alcoholic beverages inside. The driver was awakened and identified as Ms. Sommers.
While speaking with Ms. Sommers, officers observed signs of intoxication. Standardized field sobriety tests were conducted, after which she was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and transported to Hanover Township Police Headquarters for processing.
Her vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Ms. Sommers refused to provide breath samples for testing.
She was charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to breath testing, possession of an open container of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle, and several additional traffic offenses. Ms. Sommers was released to a responsible driver pending a future court date.
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.
