HANOVER TOWNSHIP — An unexpected incident at the Walmart premises in Hanover Township led to an arrest on August 23. Hanover Township Police Officer Brandon Law was summoned to the rear of the Walmart store due to reports of a fire in the woods.
On reaching the location, Officer Law noticed Mr. Larry Southerland, 39, of Parsippany, in the process of extinguishing a flaming shopping cart.
After the fire was successfully put out, Officer Law proceeded to investigate the situation. This resulted in the discovery of drug paraphernalia in Mr. Southerland’s possession. Further checks also revealed an active warrant against him.
Consequently, Mr. Southerland was arrested and charged with possession of CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance) paraphernalia. He has since been released and awaits his forthcoming court appearance.
The Hanover Township Police Department encourages the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the community remains the department’s top priority.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER — A routine response turned into an arrest for DWI when Hanover Township Police Officer Stephen Manney arrived at the scene of a reported accident at the intersection of Route 10 and North Jefferson Road on Sunday, August 20.
The officer was called in following reports of a motorcyclist who had apparently fallen off his bike. Upon reaching the location, Officer Manney found Mr. Jesse Smith, a 40-year-old resident of Morris Plains, standing beside his motorcycle.
While interacting with Mr. Smith, Officer Manney detected a strong odor of alcohol. After administering field sobriety tests, Mr. Smith was taken into custody and subsequently charged with DWI. In addition to the DWI charge, Smith was also issued motor vehicle summonses for both reckless and careless driving.
Mr. Smith has since been released and awaits his scheduled court appearance.
Hanover Township Police Department stresses the importance of responsible driving and reminds residents of the grave consequences that can arise from driving under the influence.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HANOVER — The Whippany Fire Company members can’t wait to welcome you into their home away from home. Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 1, 2023, as they host their Annual Open House. This event also celebrates the beginning of Fire Prevention Month. They are located at 10 Troy Hills Road.
As their esteemed guest, you’ll be treated to an array of engaging activities. Ever wondered how professionals combat flames? You’ll witness captivating demonstrations showcasing the prowess of the team. Fancy a behind-the-scenes look at a firehouse? You can take a guided tour and uncover its secrets. And for the younger visitors, there’s a chance to climb aboard the fire trucks, feel the weight of the protective gear, and even slip into a firefighter’s boots!
But that’s not all. Throughout the day, they’ll be offering light refreshments to keep you energized. And if the idea of joining the valiant ranks of the Whippany Fire Department has ever crossed your mind, their dedicated membership team will be on hand, ready to entertain any queries you might harbor.
Oh, and keep an eye out for a special guest! Sparky, the friendly mascot, is eager to greet and interact with attendees. Hope to see you there, diving deep into the world of firefighting and perhaps even envisioning a future. Join and let’s make this day memorable together!
Proudly displaying the donation are Washington Pro, Victoria Pinales, Maria Solines, James Dodd and Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Kiwanis NJ Division.
DOVER — At their inaugural meeting, the newly formed Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover jump-started their community service with a school supplies drive. All donations were generously given to the “Excellence Family Success Center.”
Situated at 73 Bassett Highway, the Excellence Family Success Center focuses on addressing the healthcare requirements of New Jersey’s women, infants, and children. By orchestrating educational initiatives, outreach, and advocacy, the center plays a pivotal role in shaping the state’s healthcare landscape.
Chartered by Kiwanis International on August 31, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover began its journey with 15 pioneering members. Remarkably, within a short span, they’ve welcomed four more members to their fold. Part of a global network, Kiwanis is rooted in the belief of making a global difference through localized efforts – transforming communities and young lives one step at a time. The magic happens when members unite; achieving collectively what would be impossible individually.
The Greater Rockaway Kiwanis Club played a sponsoring role in the formation of the Dover counterpart. To dive deeper into the Dover chapter’s endeavors and vision, visit www.doverkiwanis.org.
Committeeman John Ferramosca, Beryl Schaff and Committeeman Ron Francioli
HANOVER — Hanover Township’s Beryl Schaff was Honored for 50 Years with the Whippanong Library Board and played a Key Role in its Founding with Kitchells and Myrose.
Visit Whippanong Library at 1000 Route 10, Whippany.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight reviewed and decided to move forward with an updated exterior design proposal for a new courthouse slated for a county-owned parcel on Schuyler Place in Morristown.
The design was presented by AECOM, the architects contracted for the project, following a June 14, 2023 Commissioner work session meeting at which some Commissioners suggested changes to the existing design. Roger Lichtman, Lisa Tsang and Francis Cooke of the Clifton-based AECOM presented the updated design proposal tonight after it was reviewed and cleared by a three-member Courthouse Committee of the Board of Commissioners.
“This final design is the result collaboration and input from all the stakeholders on this project. We value AECOM’s approach in working with the county to ensure we landed on an exterior design that is timeless in terms of function and aesthetics,” said Commissioner Stephen Shaw, Chairman of the Courthouse Committee.
Commissioners Deborah Smith and Douglas Cabana also serve on the Committee.
Among those who attended the meeting tonight were Sheriff James Gannon, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz of the Morris/Sussex Court Vicinage, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Morristown Business Administrator Jillian Barrick.
The design involves an approximately 119,000-square-foot project offering eight new courtrooms, a jury assembly room, meeting rooms, security areas and a secured, three-story glass entrance foyer.
The overall project, pared down from one originally presented prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, will meet the modern safety, security and space needs required to properly support the county’s criminal Superior Court operations. The new building will include eight floors constructed on a county parking lot next to the existing Morris County Administration & Records Building.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Providing adequate court facilities and securing those facilities are the sole responsibility of each respective county in New Jersey. To assess those needs, the county commissioned a Space Needs and Facilities Assessment in 2017.
That assessment, completed in 2018, identified a significant shortfall in criminal, family and civil court facilities, and detailed the outdated conditions in the existing courthouse complex, which includes the historic courthouse along Washington Street that was originally constructed in 1827.
That building was augmented three times before 1900, according to Judge Minkowitz, noting other portions were added in the 1950s and 1970s. The complex, situated along Washington Street between Court Street and Western Avenue, will be preserved, but is not suitable to continue most court operations.
The County Commissioners, then known as Freeholders, held public hearings prior to their unanimous vote to adopt two capital ordinances in late 2018 to fund the design phases of a new courthouse along Schuyler Place. Balancing the needs of the court system with the financial concerns of county taxpayers has continued throughout the process and involved the county government administration, Commissions, members of the judiciary, and the Sheriff’s Office.
MORRIS COUNTY — Following an inquiry into a deer’s demise due to a dart, Morris Township authorities identified a Morristown man facing charges related to unlawful weapon possession, creating hazardous conditions, and weapon discharge, all in violation of a local ordinance.
Jalen O’Neal, 26, was charged last week and released pending a court hearing, as stated by Township Police Capt. James Perruso.
The incident was reported by a caller who discovered a deceased deer with an orange dart in it near Speedwell Avenue and Mill Street on the morning of August 22.
Perruso noted, “The investigation confirmed that the deer was indeed struck with a dart, and a second dart was found nearby. Further examination revealed that the ‘dart’ was a projectile from a ‘blow dart’ type weapon.”
Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to reach out to Detective Kevin Yarzab at (973 326-7433 or the Morris Township Police Detective Bureau at (973) 326-7480. Perruso emphasized the importance of residents remaining vigilant and promptly reporting any suspicious activities.
MORRIS COUNTY — The weather held as first responders, public officials, and residents gathered under cloudy skies Sunday evening for Morris County’s Annual 9/11 Remembrance ceremony in observance of the 22nd Anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
First responders and officials head up to the ceremony on West Hanover Avenue under a giant American flag.
People gathered around the Morris County 9/11 Memorial in Parsippany Township while the sounds of a classical guitar and flute, played by Darren O’Neill and Patricia Lazzara, filled the air. At 5:55 p.m. a color guard of police, fire and rescue, and emergency personnel began marching up West Hanover Avenue led by flag bearer Kevin Dunn, Deputy Fire Chief of the Randolph Fire Dept. Included in the procession were members of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County, the U.S. Naval Cadet Sea Corps of Picatinny Arsenal, and first responder agencies from throughout Morris County.
Keynote speaker Nick De Gregorio, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, raised and lowered the flag at the memorial with MCSO Capt. Walter Rawa, as U.S. Reps Mikie Sherrill and Tom Kean placed bouquets of red, white, and blue flowers. Deputy Fire Chief Dunn conducted the pledge of allegiance, while the Morris Choral Society sang the national anthem and Rev. Herman Scott read a special invocation.
“Our guest speaker could have taken a familiar, safe path in life. Instead, inspired by the events of 9/11 and knowing the challenges our country would face he traveled a difficult path. Becoming a Marine Corps infantry officer, deploying four times, and giving a decade of his life in service to our country,” said Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus as he opened the ceremony.
Major De Gregorio, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, was 16 years old and sitting in a New Jersey classroom when the terrorist attacks unfolded just 12 miles away. The events inspired him to enlist in the Marines after high school, and he was deployed four times into combat during his nine years of service.
“My mother and I walked up to the lookout point in our town to bear witness to the New York City skyline. What we found was much more than a landscape of wreckage and black smoke. Dozens of people were already there. They stood in tearful silence, acknowledging us with head nods as we all peered out to see what we did not want to see,” stated De Gregorio.
“Those of us on that lookout point went up there thinking we were searching for a glimpse of the aftermath, but I think we came back down realizing that what we had really been searching for was each other,” he added.
Parsippany resident Loretta Viglione read a poem written about her brother Tommy Sabella, who perished responding to the attacks. His crew, Engine 22, Ladder Company 13, made the first rescue trip to the Twin Towers. When he returned for a second rescue trip, Tower I collapsed, and the 44-year-old firefighter never made it out. He was among a group of firefighters from that team who died and were later designated the Yorkville 9 from the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
The ceremony included a candle-lighting vigil, which was conducted with a musical accompaniment: “The Last Rose of Summer,” a poem written by Irish poet Thomas Moore sung to the tune of a traditional Irish ballad.
Candles in hand, ceremony participants listen to the names of the lost being read.
“The poem laments the waning days of Summer, but touches more deeply on the importance of love in our lives and the loss of that love,” stated Commissioner Tayfun Selen as candles were being lit.
In keeping with Morris County’s 9/11 ceremony tradition, the names of each of the 64 people from Morris County who died in the attacks were read aloud, as a bell was struck by Morris County Fire Marshal James Davidson. The Morris County residents were among 2,977 people killed on 9/11, and all the victims’ names are etched into the Morris County Memorial.
The ceremony included a rendition of Amazing Grace, a 21-gun salute, and ended with Taps being played by Larry Schillings, N.J. State Director of Bugles Across America.
“We all, as Americans, must embrace our common identity more now than ever before. Remember, the cowardly acts that bring us together here, year after year, were attacks on all Americans and the free society by which we pursue our different paths in life to achieve our different goals,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, in closing the ceremony.
Raindrops started to fall, just as the ceremony concluded.
Morris County thanks all the participants and residents who make the 9/11 ceremony possible each year. The dedicated support of our community members helps ensure the victims’ names always live on, and that we never forget the tragic events that occurred on that fateful day in our nation’s history 22 years ago.
First responders and cadets encircle the Morris County 9/11 Memorial during the ceremony.
MORRIS COUNTY — Lidl, the German grocery store chain that has expanded to more than 30 countries since its founding 50 years ago, will open its first location in Morris County this week.
The grand opening of Lidl’s newest store is set for Wednesday at 191 East Hanover Avenue in Morris Township. The first 100 customers will receive Lidl gift cards ranging from $5 to $100, while patrons can get other free samples and store deals throughout the day.
Located within the recently opened Morris Marketplace shopping center, this Lidl store will be accessible daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering a wide range of high-quality products, including fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and household items. Shoppers can look forward to new deals every Wednesday. The construction of this 140,000-square-foot marketplace began over two years ago, transforming the former Colgate-Palmolive corporate campus site.
Lidl, known for its value pricing, already boasts over 20 stores in New Jersey, with North Jersey locations in Belleville, Pompton Lakes, Bergenfield, Elmwood Park, and Park Ridge. Its roots trace back to its founding in Ludwigshafen, Germany, in 1973, and it has since expanded across Europe in the 1990s. The company established its United States headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, in 2015, and two years later, it opened its first American store.
Lidl is also planned for Livingston, but no open date has been set.
This 42,000 square foot former Toys R Us is not all going to LIDL, but most of the space is.
In 2021, the Parsippany Planning Board approved an application from the supermarket chain Lidl for a proposed new supermarket on the site currently occupied by the 30,600-square-foot, family-run Super Foodtown.
According to property records, Lidl US Operations LLC purchased the building from the property’s owner, Holly Gardens LLC, who leases it to Super Foodtown. The sale was completed in March 2022 and the site was purchased for nearly $7 million.
Hanover Park High School, located at 63 Mount Pleasant Avenue in East Hanover, serves students from East Hanover and Florham Park as part of the Hanover Park Regional High School District.
EAST HANOVER — School Superintendent Maria Carrell, informed the district that Hanover Park High School will resume normal operations on Monday, September 11.
Severe thunderstorms on Friday prompted changes to school activities and schedules over the weekend. These storms resulted in fallen trees and power lines at Hanover Park High, leading to power outages until Sunday, September 10.
Mayor Joe Pannullo of East Hanover, Mayor Ace Gallagher of Hanover Township, together with East Hanover’s Police, Fire Departments, and Office of Emergency Management, collaborated with the school district’s administration and staff for a swift cleanup.
Schools will welcome students on Monday, September 11.
Situated at 73 Bassett Highway, the Excellence Family Success Center focuses on addressing the healthcare requirements of New Jersey’s women, infants, and children. By orchestrating educational initiatives, outreach, and advocacy, the center plays a pivotal role in shaping the state’s healthcare landscape.
