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Morris Avenue Road Improvement Project Begins: Traffic Diversions in Place

By
Frank Cahill
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MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Morris Avenue road improvement project is scheduled to begin August 28 at approximately 7:00 a.m.Morris Avenue, between Powerville and Fanny Road, will be closed to thru traffic during this time. All northbound traffic (headed toward Boonton), will be directed to Powerville Road to Boulevard. All Southbound traffic can utilize Fanny Road to Boulevard or Intervale Road to Midvale.

It is anticipated milling will be done on August 28 and paving completed on August 29 (weather dependant). Residents of Park Place can access their residences via Fanny Road. Residences and commercial businesses between Powerville and Fanny will have access to their driveways. Officers will be on scene to assist.

Carole Rawding Earns Paul Harris Fellow Award

By
Frank Cahill
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Carole Rawding

MADISON — Carole Rawding, the advisor for Madison High School’s Interact Club, has been honored with the Paul Harris Fellow award by the Madison Rotary Club for her exemplary contributions. Under Carole’s guidance, the club has expanded and launched several initiatives, including:

• Madison’s “Ends Hunger” food drive
• Supporting the education of two Maasai girls with a commitment of $2400 per girl over four years
• Organizing a carwash fundraiser that raised $2100 for Ukraine
• Assembling spring baskets for children, crafting valentine cards for seniors, and hosting various bake sales
• Coordinating the “Night in the Cold” sleepout to benefit Homeless Solutions and Covenant House
• Collaborating with the Key Club to collect food for the Community Food Bank

2023 marks the Madison Rotary Club’s centennial of dedicated service. The club is a vibrant community of individuals working tirelessly for local and global betterment.

Meetings are convened every Thursday, from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Madison YMCA on Kings Road. It’s important to note that meeting details might vary. For updates and more about Madison Rotary, please check madisonrotarynj.org

Arrested Driver in Dover Faces Multiple Charges After Traffic Stop

By
Frank Cahill
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Dover Police. File Photo.

MORRIS COUNTY — Dover Police halted a Honda Accord on Dickerson Street at 11 p.m. on August 22 due to several traffic infractions.

The 23-year-old driver from Roxbury Township initially misled officers but was later identified with an outstanding warrant and potential DUI.

A subsequent vehicle search unveiled a loaded Glock handgun.

JResisting arrest, the man injured two officers and damaged nearby property. Once detained, his disruptive behavior continued, causing further damage to the Dover Police processing area.

He was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility, facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, resisting arrest, weapon possession without a permit, DUI, among others.

merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Fall Classes Begin at Lakeland Hills YMCA

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Lakeland Hills Family YMCA begins its Fall 1 Program Session on Monday, September 11.

Most all youth and teen classes are open to the community as well as available for member registration. Most know the YMCA is the number one provider of children and adult swim lessons across the United States. But did you know there are an amazing number of classes that are open to the community for youth and teens? Here are some of the really cool classes your kids or teens will love: Senior Parkour Fitness, Middle-School Dodgeball, Basketball Clinics for ballers of all ages, and more. Have a teen who is a gaming wiz? The Y is the leader in esports gaming, infusing computer skills with communication strategies, teamwork, and hand-eye coordination. You may choose from an in-person or virtual program, club level, or high-school competitive esports club. Don’t forget there is Outdoor Archery on Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for ages 8-13 as well!

This is the time of year your youngster might want to try ballet or gymnastics. Why pay for a specialty school when you aren’t sure your child is going to enjoy this new activity? The Y is the perfect place to start your child. Beginner Ballet and Beginner Gymnastics are available on Saturday mornings and are open to everyone, not just Y members. Intermediate-Level Gymnastics is also offered for beginner-to-intermediate gymnasts. These are just three classes in the Y’s brand-new Saturday Schedule, perfect for multiple sports opportunities.

Other Saturday morning classes include STEM, Junior Parkour Games, and Senior Parkour Fitness. Mini Achievers is for 3–5-year-olds held on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., where staff identify each child’s individual needs and then prepare them for a school setting or help them make new friends. Children will gain confidence, curiosity, communication, and a love of learning. Children ages 3-6 will have a great time as they move and groove in a program called “Kids Rhythm”. This upbeat program is a fun way for children to express themselves and increase their fitness while moving to the latest tunes. It is held on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m.

With over one dozen special events being held this Fall, there is a program or event for everyone in the family, not just kids. Some quick highlights include:

• Kids Night Out: Saturday, September 23 with the theme of Lego-Mania
• Kids Night Out: Saturday, October 21 with the theme of Harry Potter
• Archery Tag for teens ages 10-15 on Friday, October 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Family Adventure Weekend at Frost Valley YMCA – call for info
• It’s back, and bigger and better: GRIT ‘n SNOW, the Y’s award-winning youth resilience series combining snowboarding with social, emotional, and mental health lessons to build confidence, make new friends, and earn their GRIT.

Returning in December is the Y’s famous Indoor Youth Sports Leagues featuring basketball and soccer. Registration is open and available to both Y members and non-members. All the above programs and classes are open to the community. Registration is underway and classes begin September 11, so be sure to register online by clicking here.

Madison Animal Welfare Center Offers Fee-Free Adoptions

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

MADISON — St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center Continues No-Fee Adoptions until August 26.

Visit our Madison location for in-person adoptions of cats and small animals, while dog adoptions are available virtually,” announced St. Hubert’s.

Due to possible exposure to canine influenza, we are implementing additional precautions during our dog adoption process. We are not open for walk-in dog adoptions at this time and are instead offering virtual adoptions for all dogs! If you’re ready to adopt within the next 24 hours, join our waitlist here for a virtual meet and greet. We are open for virtual dog adoptions daily from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Thursdays 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

Discover your next furry companion by clicking here.

Madison Adoption Center is located at 575 Woodland Avenue. Telephone Number: (973) 377-2295

Mosquito Control Spraying Scheduled for Morris Plains

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File photo

MORRIS PLAINS — The Morris County Mosquito Commission has announced that mosquito spraying will occur in Morris Plains on Wednesday, August 23. They will be using either Anvil 2+2 (active ingredient: Sumithrin, EPA#1021-1687-8329) or Zenivex E4 (active ingredient: Etofenprox, EPA#2724-807).

Spraying Locations Include:

  • Montville: Horseneck Road (Amphitheater)
  • Morris Plains: Glenbrook Road (Roberts Garden)

Experiencing mosquito issues in your vicinity? Consider requesting an inspection from the Division of Mosquito Control.

Fill out our form by clicking here to request an inspection. Provide as many details as possible about your mosquito issue.

Morris County Residents Invited to Apply for CCM Board of Trustees Positions

By
Frank Cahill
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RANDOLPH — The County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees is seeking dedicated Morris County residents to fill three board seats for four-year terms starting November 1, 2023. Current trustees wishing to be reconsidered for their positions must reapply by September 1, 2023.

Key Details:

  • Submission Deadline: Resumes should be sent to the special trustee search committee by September 1, 2023.
  • Selection Process: The search committee will evaluate all applications and forward their recommendations to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners for the final decision.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Residency: Must have lived in Morris County for at least four years.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Cannot currently hold an elected position in Morris County or be employed by Morris County government or CCM.
  • Qualities: Demonstrated independent judgment, professional distinction, knowledge of higher education, community involvement, and a commitment to the college.
  • Time Commitment: Candidates should be prepared to dedicate 20-30 hours monthly to trustee duties.

Trustee Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the college president.
  • Modify or confirm the college’s mission statement.
  • Approve long-term plans and educational programs.
  • Ensure fiscal stability and oversee the college’s infrastructure.

Application Requirements:

  • A resume and a background statement detailing the applicant’s motivation and the specific skills they offer.

Where to Send Applications: Office of the Morris County Counsel, County of Morris, P.O. Box 900, Morristown, N.J. 07963-0900.

About the CCM Board of Trustees: The board consists of eleven volunteers from Morris County, hailing from fields such as business, education, and law. They serve in four-year terms. By law, eight members are appointed by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, and the Governor appoints two members. The Morris County Superintendent of Schools is also a statutory member. Additionally, a non-voting CCM graduate, elected by the graduating class, serves a one-year term, and the CCM President is an ex-officio member.

The trustees shape the policy and oversee budgets, and expenditures, while the President manages internal administrative tasks.

For further details on the CCM Board of Trustees, click here.

Ian Plott Named to Deans List at Mount St. Mary’s University

By
Frank Cahill
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Ian Plott from Morris Plains, an alumnus of Morristown High School, class of 2021.

MORRIS PLAINS — Mount St. Mary’s University has proudly announced that for the Spring 2023 semester, 596 scholars have achieved Dean’s List honors. In addition, 147 more students have been recognized on the President’s List for securing a perfect grade point average of 4.0.

Among those recognized was Ian Plott from Morris Plains, an alumnus of Morristown High School, class of 2021.

Located amidst the scenic backdrop of the Catoctin Mountains near the historic town of Emmitsburg, Maryland, Mount St. Mary’s University is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution. It also boasts a satellite campus in Frederick, Maryland’s second-largest city. The university provides over 70 academic pathways including majors, minors, concentrations, and unique programs for its traditional undergraduate students. Furthermore, it offers over 20 programs tailored for adult undergraduate and graduate students. Notably, the university campus is home to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, the United States’ second oldest, and the picturesque National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a serene space for spiritual contemplation set atop a hill overlooking the university.

Tractor-Trailer Driver Found Dead on I-80

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY – New Jersey State Police are probing the death of a driver in a tractor-trailer on Interstate 80 in Morris County, said Sergeant Philip Curry, a spokesperson.

On Sunday, troopers were dispatched to I-80 westbound at milepost 40.5 in Denville Township following reports of a tractor-trailer parked on the shoulder with a potentially deceased driver.

Upon reaching the scene, they confirmed the death of Jonathan Vistren-Jaquez, 34, from Mexico.

While the incident is being investigated, it’s currently not deemed suspicious. Further details are awaited.”

Woman Sentenced to State Prison in Connection with Residential Arson

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Wharton Borough Police Chief Dave Young confirmed Shonette St. Clair, 46, formerly of Branchburg, has been sentenced to an aggregate 11 years in New Jersey State Prison.

On June 7, 2023, a Morris County jury found St. Clair guilty of a number of crimes, following a six-day trial. Specifically, St. Clair was found guilty of second-degree Aggravated Arson (two counts), second degree Attempt to Cause Widespread Injury or Damage, and disorderly persons Simple Assault. The jury found St. Clair not guilty of fourth degree Criminal Mischief.

Evidence at trial established that on March 8, 2021, emergency first responders, including the Wharton Borough Police Department and Mine Hill Fire Department, were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Joseph Lane in Mine Hill. Upon arrival, they located an active fire in a multi-unit townhome structure. One of the residents, who reported having escaped through a window, was located outside the unit. The resident was transported to the hospital for medical treatment, including smoke inhalation. After the fire was extinguished, investigators determined cause of the fire to be incendiary and identified four points of origin on the exterior of the residence. Shonette St. Clair was later identified as a suspect and subsequent investigation revealed her to have been in the area of the residence at the time of the fire.

On August 11, the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. sentenced St. Clair, imposing an aggregate term of 11 years in New Jersey State Prison. The first six years of the sentence are subject to the parole ineligibility terms of the No Early Release Act.

Prosecutor Carroll credited the Trial Team of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Sandler, Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Herda and MCPO Detective Supervisor Luis Goncalves. The Prosecutor would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation which led to the successful prosecution, including the Wharton Borough Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Branchburg Police Department, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Mine Hill Fire Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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