BOONTON — The Town of Boonton is currently conducting a property reassessment to ensure all properties are valued accurately and fairly.
As part of the process, five field inspectors from Appraisal Systems, Inc. will be visiting properties throughout the community to verify and update property information. According to the Town, inspectors will go door-to-door and will carry official identification badges at all times. Photos and credentials for all inspectors are available on the Town’s website so residents can confirm their identity before speaking with them.
Town officials are encouraging residents to compare the inspector’s badge with the information posted online and, once verified, to cooperate by allowing the inspector to briefly view the interior of the home. The Town said interior inspections are an important part of making sure property records are complete and accurate, helping maintain fairness across the community.
Officials acknowledged that inviting someone into a home may feel uncomfortable, but said these inspections are a standard part of the reassessment process. If no one is home at the time of the visit, the inspector will conduct an exterior review and leave a notice with information on how to schedule a convenient time for an interior inspection.
Lieutenant Carpenter and Sergeant Camasta accepted this award on behalf of the department.
HANOVER — The Hanover Township Police Department has been recognized by JBWS for its ongoing dedication to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
Lieutenant Carpenter and Sergeant Camasta accepted the award on behalf of the department. The plaque will be proudly displayed in the lobby of police headquarters as a symbol of the department’s commitment to protecting and serving vulnerable members of the community.
Officials expressed their appreciation to JBWS for its continued partnership and for the vital services the organization provides, including advocacy, education, and resources for those affected by domestic violence.
The Hanover Township Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with community partners to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all residents.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Mendham Township Police Chief Ross Johnson, confirmed that Troy Roberto, 55, of Hewitt, has been charged with Sexual Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM), Certain Persons Not to Have Ammunition, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
In March 2026, the Mendham Township Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office were notified of allegedly inappropriate behavior by the defendant, who is an equestrian trainer, and the victim. An investigation determined that on multiple occasions since December 2025 in Mendham Township, the defendant sexually assaulted the victim, who was 16-years-old at the time. It is also alleged that the defendant sent and received sexually explicit photographs to and from the victim.
The defendant is a horse trainer and riding coach.
As a result of the investigation, Roberto was charged with three counts of second degree Sexual Assault, one count of second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, one count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Possession of CSAM, one count of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and one count of third degree Certain Persons Not to Possess Ammunition.
Roberto was arrested on these charges in Atlantic County on March 10, 2026. Subsequent to his arrest, Robert was found to be in possession of six Alprazolam pills without a proper prescription. A search warrant was executed on Roberto’s vehicle, in which 36 rounds of ammunition were found.
He was later transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the defendant has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.
Prosecutor Carroll commended the work of the Mendham Township Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, which are actively handling the investigation.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200.
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.
NEW JERSEY — Governor Mikie Sherrill today signed a Proclamation designating April 2026 as Second Chance Month in New Jersey.
“During my time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I helped establish New Jersey’s first federal reentry court and worked on important efforts to help people find jobs, housing, and get back on their feet,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “Everyone in New Jersey deserves the opportunity to move forward with dignity and purpose. Second Chance Month is a reminder that successful re-entry is about more than just leaving prison. It is about being welcomed back with real opportunities to work, contribute, and rebuild. When communities come together to extend a second chance, we strengthen both individual lives and the future of our state.”
Second Chance Month is recognized nationwide as a time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals and to encourage employers, community organizations, and residents to support fair opportunities for all.
The Council of State Governments reports that the number of legal collateral consequences of a criminal conviction exceeds 44,000, including 1,000 consequences specific to New Jersey. These barriers can contribute to recidivism, which increases crime and threatens public safety.
Second Chance Month increases public awareness about the need for closure for those who have paid their debt to society. The designation of April as Second Chance Month is a reminder that people are more than their worst mistake.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Residents will have the opportunity to access a wide range of essential support services at an upcoming Social Support Services event scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, at ACME Market.
The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 5774 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge, and is designed to connect individuals and families with vital community resources in a convenient, accessible setting.
Organizations including Hope One and Navigating Hope will be on-site to provide information, guidance, and direct assistance. Attendees will be able to learn about and access services such as detox and rehabilitation programs, mental health support, recovery services, and general information and referrals.
Free Narcan training will also be offered, helping equip community members with the tools and knowledge to respond to opioid overdoses and save lives.
In addition, representatives will be available to assist with applications and information for a variety of public assistance programs, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), general cash assistance, housing assistance, and utility assistance.
The event is part of a broader effort to bring services directly into the community, reducing barriers and ensuring residents know where to turn for help. Community partners, including the Mental Health Association, Morris County’s Stigma-Free initiative, CARES, and other organizations, are collaborating to provide comprehensive support.
Residents are encouraged to stop by during the event hours to learn more about the resources available and take advantage of the services offered.
BOONTON — Grace DiCarlo was among the University of Scranton students inducted into Mu Kappa Tau, the national honor society for marketing. The national honor society was founded in 1966 to recognize scholarship and high academic accomplishment among marketing students. The University’s chapter of the honor society was established in 2016.
DiCarlo is a senior majoring in marketing at the Jesuit university.
The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Mayor James Lynch joins community members and supporters at the ribbon cutting for Upperroom Commons, now open at 304 Wootton Street in Boonton, offering breakfast and lunch to local residents.
BOONTON — Upperroom Commons officially celebrated its ceremonial ribbon cutting, welcoming the community to its newest dining destination at 304 Wootton Street in Boonton.
Mayor James Lynch joined owners, supporters, and local residents for the special occasion, marking the successful launch of the business and its addition to the local community.
Upperroom Commons is now open for business, having welcomed its first customers on Tuesday, March 24. The establishment offers a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch options, providing a welcoming space for residents to gather, dine, and connect.
The ribbon cutting ceremony highlighted the excitement surrounding the new venture, with attendees expressing enthusiasm for the fresh menu offerings and inviting atmosphere.
Residents are encouraged to stop by Upperroom Commons and enjoy its breakfast and lunch selections while supporting a growing local business.
TRENTON — Local leaders and students from Jefferson Township made their voices heard during a recent Assembly Budget Committee hearing, calling attention to the urgent need for Highlands Impact Aid and reforms to the state’s school funding formula.
Among those participating were Mayor Eric Wilsusen, Superintendent Gene Howe, Business Administrator Rita Giacchi, and Tom Fasano, along with a group of student representatives who delivered compelling testimony.
Speakers emphasized that the current S2 school funding formula continues to shortchange Highlands communities, placing added financial pressure on local school districts while limiting available resources for students.
The hearing, held at the New Jersey State House, was largely dominated by concerns over school funding across the state, with Highlands municipalities highlighting the unique challenges they face due to development restrictions and reduced ratables.
In recognition of their advocacy, students were given an impromptu tour of the State House, offering them a firsthand look at how government operates and how their voices can influence decision-making.
Officials and advocates concluded with a clear message: now is the time for state leaders to act and provide meaningful support through Highlands Impact Aid.
Jersey Battered Women’s Service celebrates 50 years of impact, highlighting decades of support, advocacy, and life-saving services for survivors of domestic violence.
MORRIS COUNTY — Jersey Battered Women’s Service is celebrating a significant milestone—50 years of providing safety, support, and solutions for abuse survivors across the region.
Founded on March 26, 1976, JBWS was established during a time when there were limited resources available for victims of domestic violence, and abuse was not widely recognized or addressed under the law. In its earliest days, volunteers opened their own homes to provide safe shelter for victims and their children.
Over the past five decades, JBWS has grown into a comprehensive organization offering a wide range of services to those in need. Its impact is reflected in the numbers: • 250,000 teens educated about dating abuse • 219,000 nights of shelter provided to victims fleeing abuse • 171,000 calls answered through its 24-hour helpline • 32,000 individuals receiving critical legal advocacy • 10,000 individuals who caused harm participating in intervention programs
The organization continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community, guided by its mission to support survivors and break the cycle of abuse.
During a recent recognition, Anthony M. Bucco congratulated JBWS on the milestone, noting the importance of celebrating its legacy while preparing for the future.
As JBWS reflects on 50 years of service, its commitment remains steadfast—to ensure safety, provide support, and create lasting change for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
Pam Bennett-Santoro, vice chair of the Morris County HSAC Subcommittee on Women and Commissioner
Director Stephen Shaw.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners declared March 2026 Women’s History Month during its public meeting in Morristown this evening, presenting an official proclamation and recognizing the contributions women have made to the nation over 250 years, as part of the county’s celebrates of America’s 250th anniversary.
The meeting also included the presentation of the Morris County “2026 Seeds of Change Award” by the Morris County Human Services Advisory Council’s (HSAC) Subcommittee on Women.
“As we celebrate Women’s History Month during the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we are reminded that women have always been central to America’s story — from supporting the cause for independence here in Morris County to shaping the communities we know today,” said Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw. “Their leadership, resilience and commitment to service continue to strengthen our county and our nation.”
Pam Bennett-Santoro, vice chair of the Morris County HSAC Subcommittee on Women; (Far
right) Morris County’s 2026 Seeds of Change honoree Theresa Markila, co-founder of Mutual Morris.
Director Shaw presented a framed proclamation on behalf of the board to the HSAC Subcommittee on Women, formally observing March 2026 as Women’s History Month and honoring the enduring contributions of women to Morris County, New Jersey and the United States. The board adopted the resolution at its March 11, 2026 public meeting.
The proclamation highlights the critical role women have played throughout American history — from before the American Revolution through generations of advocacy for education, opportunity and equality — while acknowledging many contributions have gone unrecognized.
That legacy is reflected in the region’s Revolutionary War history, which Morris County is commemorating during America’s 250th anniversary this year. While men served in the Continental Army, women maintained homes, farms and businesses. Morristown, which functioned as a supply depot, encampment, hospital and jail during the war, relied on both prominent figures such as Martha Washington and Eliza Schuyler as well as the largely unrecorded efforts of women known as “camp followers.” These women carried out essential daily tasks for troops such as cooking, cleaning, laundering clothing and caring for sick soldiers, tasks now encoded as official military specialties.
Though rarely named, their labor was vital to sustaining the Continental Army through four harsh winter encampments.
During the winter of 1779-1780, when supply lines were cut off by deep snow, residents from Mendham, Chatham and Hanover mobilized to support troops. Rhonda Farrand helped lead an effort to knit 133 pairs of stockings in just days, aiding soldiers through one of the war’s most difficult periods.
These contributions extended beyond the battlefield, as women continued caring for wounded soldiers and supported their families long after American independence was won.
Following Director Shaw’s presentation of the proclamation, Pam Bennett-Santoro, vice chair of the HSAC Subcommittee on Women, presented the 2026 “Seeds of Change Award” to Theresa Markila of Jefferson Township. The annual award honors Morris County women whose work on the grassroots level has motivated other women to become active in their communities.
Markila, co-founder of Mutual Morris, was honored for building a countywide mutual aid network that has assisted more than 3,000 families since February 2020. Under her leadership, the organization has mobilized up to 100 volunteers at a time to provide groceries, clothing, toiletries, housing-related assistance and other essential support to residents facing hardship.
“The ‘Seeds of Change Award’ is especially fitting because Theresa has planted something that is lasting,” said Bennett-Santoro. “She has helped create a culture of mutual aid, compassion and local responsibility that continues to support vulnerable residents across Morris County.”
Markila’s efforts have been especially impactful for residents facing poverty or the threat of becoming homeless. Through outreach and public fundraising, Mutual Morris has helped stabilize households before crises escalate.
The “Seeds of Change Award,” inspired by the legacy of the late state Sen. Leanna Brown, recognizes women who empower others through leadership and volunteerism. In 1972, Brown became the first woman elected to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders and later the first Republican woman elected to the New Jersey State Senate. She was a driving force behind the creation of the Morris County HSAC Subcommittee on Women.
