HANOVER — Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco spoke out against the recent actions of the Attorney General’s Office, which filed a motion demanding the Hanover School Board to reinstate a non-mandatory policy and to cover all the State’s attorney fees and expenses.
Earlier this week, the Attorney General clarified in a letter to the court that the adoption of the said policy was not obligatory for schools.
Expressing his dismay, Bucco stated, “It is utterly unreasonable for the Attorney General to pursue attorney’s fees in the lawsuit against Hanover School Board over a policy that wasn’t even obligatory to begin with. Ideally, school boards should have been informed about the policy’s non-compulsory nature before any lawsuit was initiated.”
Bucco further criticized the Murphy administration for backing such lawsuits, especially after significant state aid cuts to numerous school districts across New Jersey. He commented, “Schools are already grappling with challenges and shouldn’t be subjected to such overbearing measures. Rather than safeguarding students, these lawsuits are detrimentally affecting their education.”
If you recognize the vehicle, the driver, or have any pertinent information that might aid in the investigation, you're urged to reach out to the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with the Denville Township Police Department, is actively seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the driver of a truck involved in a recent theft. On September 11, an unidentified male allegedly stole a Stihl Demolition Saw from a location on Diamond Spring Road.
Witnesses report that the vehicle in question was last spotted on Diamond Spring Road, moving in the direction of Pocono Road around 11:30 a.m. on the same day.
If you recognize the vehicle, or the driver, or have any pertinent information that might aid in the investigation, you’re urged to reach out to the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously through their website at www.copcall.org or by calling 973-COP-CALL. Your information could be crucial in solving this case.
Sheriff Gannon confers with former Gov. McGreevey following a press conference at the Morris County Correctional Facility. In the background is Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon announced today a new partnership between the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) to help inmates released from the Morris County Correctional Facility successfully re-enter and assimilate back into the community.
The criminal recidivism rate is at about 47 percent; however, NJRC has demonstrated success at reducing the number of re-offenders who graduate its program to 19 percent of rearrests and under 10 percent reincarcerations, according to former New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey, who leads the NJRC.
“This is all about not having this continuous cycle; it’s about correcting the trajectory,” said McGreevey during a press conference at the correctional facility.
Joining in the press conference were (l-r) Chief of Detectives Robert McNally of the Prosecutor’s Office, Correctional Captain Joseph Fucci, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Sheriff James Gannon, Warden Christopher Klein, Executive Director David Scott of the Market Street Mission, former Gov. James McGreevey, Rob Carter of NJRC and Alex Roth of NJRC.
Under the collaboration and partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, at no cost to the county, NJRC will provide critical services to link former offenders to healthcare and addiction treatment, legal services, employment, skills training, and a means to re-establish identification credentials as they leave the correctional facility. The service will supplement the success of re-entry programs already underway at the correctional facility.
The goals of the collaboration between the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections and NJRC include removing barriers to employment for people leaving incarceration or detainment, and reducing recidivism, which fosters safer communities while assisting the former inmates to find a path of sustainable living.
“The individuals who come into our care and custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility all have unique and different needs. We must be attentive to those needs. Working with NJRC will help us bridge existing gaps that we often see become pitfalls when individuals are released from custody. I am extremely pleased to be able to afford these additional services through this partnership with the NJRC,” said Sheriff James Gannon.
The NJRC, with the social services staff at the correctional facility and the county’s Successful Transition and Re-Entry Program (STAR) program will identify inmates who need assistance and the type of assistance required so that all individuals can be provided professional services that best address their specific needs.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally were among a team of law enforcement officers and non-profit workers who also attended the press conference.
“I hope, down the road, people fully understand what everyone is trying to do here,” said Carroll.“Obviously, we care about what happens in the custodial end of this and what happens when the correctional system is done … We generate them back into the communities in a positive way. It’s a win for everybody.”
For a successful re-entry, ex-offenders need housing, food, medical care, clothing, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, employment, and education, according to research cited by the Sheriff’s Office. Re-entry programs that span all three phases of re-entry – preparation, service provision, and long-term support – are most successful. The STAR program helps inmates with all three of these phases.
“Morris County, the Sheriff’s Office, and all our members of law enforcement work hard every day to ensure our communities are safe, such that the quality of life of our residents and visitors remains one of the best in the nation. Supporting inmates being released from custody with these essential services can help improve outcomes with their re-entry and positively shape their influence in our communities,” said Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana, the board’s liaison to law enforcement.
The NJRC is a non-profit agency with a social mission to remove all barriers to employment for citizens returning from jail or prison. It grew from a pilot program launched in Hudson County supported by the state in 2014 and has been spearheaded by McGreevey, who has expanded the program elsewhere in New Jersey.
HANOVER — Hailing from Hanover, the internationally acclaimed Clann Redmond is set to charm attendees with their award-winning Irish music and dance at the Hanover Diversity Festival. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 30 at Wirt Park! This multicultural extravaganza kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and goes on until 4:00 p.m., with Clann Redmond’s anticipated performance at 1:00 p.m.
In addition to the captivating sounds of Clann Redmond, the festival offers an array of multicultural entertainment, delectable food options, engaging children’s activities, insightful cultural booths, and a selection of unique vendors. Be part of this vibrant celebration!
Elegant Living at 3 Briarwood Court: Whippany's Contemporary Colonial Masterpiece.
HANOVER — On May 2, 2023, Elizabeth Harper of Keller Williams Metropolitan listed Three Briarwood Court at a price of $1,225,000. By August 18, the home was sold for $1,335,000, marking a 9% increase from its initial listing price.
The spectacular entryway introduces you to this fine home with updated railings and a new chandelier up to the second floor.
This Spectacular Contemporary Colonial is located in the Whippany section of Hanover Township known for low taxes and excellent schools. Located on a tree-lined cul-de-sac this five-bedroom home offers an open and airy layout. The spectacular entryway introduces you to this fine home with updated railings and a new chandelier up to the second floor. The spacious kitchen features an oversized island, granite countertops, glass backsplash, premium light fixtures and hardware, stainless steel appliances, an oversized undermount sink, and custom-designed cabinetry.
The spacious kitchen features an oversized island, granite countertops, glass backsplash, premium light fixtures and hardware, stainless steel appliances, an oversized undermount sink, and custom-designed cabinetry.
First-floor bedroom with adjacent full bath and laundry room. The family room area includes premium recessed lights with oak wood floors throughout, classic molding, and a gas fireplace encased by a beautiful mantel. Sunken living room and formal dining room with tray ceiling. The upper level with oversized primary features oak hardwood floors, a tray ceiling, large walk-in closet with a custom organization system. The updated primary bath with premium fixtures and glamour throughout including classic shutters and skylight. Three additional bedrooms and a full bath with skylight. Finished expansive basement, nine-foot ceilings, bath, kitchenette, and area for gaming etc. Flat lot with landscape lighting and sprinkler system. Azak 40 x 14 deck, patio with built-in fireplace. New driveway with Belgium blocks. Hanover Township has a beautiful town pool (additional fee), community center, and before/after school programs. Easy access into downtown Morristown and Convent Station NYC Midtown Direct Train. This Single Family Residence was built in 2001.
MORRIS COUNTY — Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco will be attending the Air Force’s “Born To Fly” event at Villa Walsh Academy all-girls school on Friday, September 22.
“I’m very excited to attend this event sponsored by the Sisters 1st, Villa Walsh Academy’s FIRST Robotics Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for seventh and eighth-grade students from around the Morristown area to learn about aviation and the United States Air Force,” said Bucco (R-25). “The six virtual reality aviation experiences will give students an opportunity to fly unique aircraft while using certified Air Force equipment. It is truly remarkable how far technology has advanced that opportunities like this can be provided to young students. This is a great way for women who have an interest in aviation to get a hands on experience with real flight simulators.”
The Villa Walsh Academy is hosting the event for their seventh and eighth-grade students, as well as students in neighboring schools. “Born To Fly” is an immersive virtual reality experience that will give students the opportunity to pilot virtual aircraft. Students will be able to fly a virtual F-35 fighter jet through a canyon using certified equipment as well as a KC-135 boom pod to refuel airborne planes like a B-2 Stealth Bomber.
Lee Anne Nugent is the Lead Coach of the Sisters 1st FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team which is the only all-female high school FRC team in New Jersey. She helped connect Villa Walsh with the Air Force to host this event after attending the Air Force FIRST Leadership Experience in Florida over the summer.
“Villa Walsh Academy and the Religious Teachers Filippini are centered on service for others and every year, our alumnae go onto U.S. Service Academies and ROTC programs, but usually with the Army and Navy,” said Nugent. “Until I attended the Air Force FIRST Leadership Experience, I too had little knowledge about the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, most especially the many special opportunities available for women. Sisters 1st FIRST Robotics Competition Team 8513, the only female high school FRC team in New Jersey, is so excited to bring the U.S. Air Force to Villa Walsh Academy to expose young women to new avenues of service and to experience ‘Born to Fly’.”
One of the FRC team members, Leah Costa ’25, said she and her younger sister are excited to learn about aviation from Air Force professionals.
“I am so excited for the Air Force to visit Villa. It will be such a fun experience to learn from professionals and to try the two virtual reality flight simulators,” said Costa. “My younger sister is even coming. This is a great opportunity for all students at Villa and girls from other middle schools to broaden our horizons.”
DOVER — The Dover Police Department has started a Community Affairs Unit to assist the Dover community!
• Lieutenant Michael Pier
• Officer Joseph Lobue
• Officer Francisco Aragon (Spanish speaking)
• SLEOII Louis Sperry (full-time)
• SLEOII Dominick Hink
On Friday, August 11, 2023, Hope One and the Dover Police Department’s Community Affairs unit attended the Morris County Office of Hispanic Affairs free backpack giveaway sponsored by Chase Bank. The event was a huge success; Hope One gave out socks, books, and toiletry bags to those in need! Hope One is excited to continue our fantastic partnership with the Dover Police Department!
MADISON — Delight in a curated selection of over 2,000 gently-used books on Saturday, September 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event, proudly presented by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Madison Area branch, will take place at the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center on 54 East Street, Madison. Don’t miss out on these fantastic finds at irresistible prices!
The event’s proceeds are channeled towards significant educational initiatives for women and young girls. This includes the Mature Woman’s Grant awards and the groundbreaking AAUW New Jersey Tech Trek STEM camp tailored for middle school girls. Over the previous two years, nine noteworthy grants have been allocated to local women pursuing further education, and several middle school girls have been sponsored to attend the Tech Trek camp.
For those interested in supporting, the Madison Area YMCA lobby is accepting book donations from September 11 to 14. The branch emphasizes the importance of donating only saleable books. Residents with donations exceeding three boxes should reach out to [email protected] to arrange an alternate drop-off in Madison. Please note, they can’t accept textbooks, encyclopedias, or any audio or video materials.
With over a century of commitment, the AAUW has been a beacon of change for women. The Madison branch fervently continues this mission, offering educational grants, STEM exposure for teen girls, engaging monthly programs, and special interest groups such as book clubs, mahjongg games, and more. Engage with this community to find purpose, camaraderie, and shared interests.
For membership inquiries or further information, visit madisonareaaauw.org or directly contact them at [email protected].
MORRIS COUNTY – A significant financial windfall is headed towards Morris County schools, thanks to a new state-wide initiative. The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) have approved nearly $450 million in construction funding, of which Morris County schools are slated to receive approximately $23 million.
Governor Phil Murphy stated that the funding would invest in “hundreds of school projects” across New Jersey. The funds are designed to address various high-priority needs, such as HVAC systems, leaky roofs, and inefficient boilers. The NJDOE will administer the grants, determined by each school’s specific needs.
Morris County’s allocation comes primarily from the State’s Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund. This strategy is set to save taxpayers approximately $350 million that would otherwise have been incurred through 30-year bonds at current interest rates.
Local districts including Dover Town, Florham Park, and Morris School District are among the beneficiaries. The grants represent at least 40% of eligible costs for these projects, addressing health and safety issues and other critical requirements.
“This funding is part of a state and local partnership that will invest in hundreds of school projects while saving a significant amount of taxpayer dollars,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education, noted, “This funding will benefit countless students in hundreds of schools throughout New Jersey.”
Senate President Nicholas Scutari highlighted “Where we invest taxpayer money reflects our priorities and we will always put our kids first.”
The overall cost of these projects in Morris County exceeds $1 billion, including local contributions. This grant initiative not only improves local schools but also provides local tax relief.
The approved funds are a significant stride towards meeting the critical infrastructure needs of Morris County schools. It is a win-win situation that will benefit students, taxpayers, and educators alike by upgrading facilities and providing a better learning environment.
MORRIS COUNTY — Liz Cheney is set to headline the inaugural Drew Forum event of the season at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 23, hosted at Morristown’s Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC).
Drew University’s recent president, Hilary L. Link, will guide the discussion.
Former U.S. Representative from Wyoming, Liz Cheney, is slated to delve deep into policy discussions, the essence of principled leadership, and prospects for bipartisanship.
In 2022, Cheney, in the company of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was honored with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library’s Profile in Courage Award. Cheney’s unwavering stand for democracy also earned her special recognition.
Together with her father, the former Vice President Dick Cheney, she penned “Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America.” Additionally, this December she’s set to unveil her new book, “Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning.”
This gathering is under the patronage of the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.
For ticket information and more details, head to drew.edu/lizcheney. Tickets can be procured by phoning the MPAC box office at (973) 539-8008 or directly at 100 South Street, Morristown.
