Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER – On October 11, Hanover Township Police Officer Carlos Najera apprehended Mr. Michael Moody, 25, East Orange, on charges of Forgery.
Officer Najera had initiated an investigation following a report of a fraudulent check amounting to $19,750.69, which had been rejected by the bank when an attempt was made to deposit it into an unidentified account.
Through the issuance of subpoenas to various organizations, Officer Najera successfully located Mr. Moody and conducted an interview.
Subsequently, Mr. Moody was formally charged with forgery and released, pending his scheduled court appearance.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On December 8, volunteers were sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children by Superior Court Judge Michael Paul Wright: Jeanette Schneider, Vanessa Patterson, Theresa “Terry” Wislomerski, Helen Vera, Kelly Volpi, Teresa LeDonne, Kathleen “Kat” McCarty, James “Jim” Hubertus, Laura Evans-Harty, Carolyn Asch, and Raquel Tumminelli. In the back is Superior Court Judge Michael Paul Wright.
MORRIS COUNTY – On Friday, December 8, a gathering of community volunteers witnessed their swearing-in ceremony as Court Appointed Special Advocates by Superior Court Judge Michael Paul Wright in Morristown.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Morris and Sussex counties, a local non-profit organization, provide training and supervision for these dedicated community volunteers, enabling them to advocate on behalf of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Family and friends assembled at the Morris County Courthouse to witness these volunteers taking an oath, pledging their commitment to champion the best interests of the child and fulfill their responsibilities as judicial volunteers.
The new volunteers include Carolyn Asch of Jersey City, Laura Evans-Harty of Kinnelon, James Hubertus of Short Hills, Teresa LeDonne of Mine Hill Township, Kathleen McCarthy of Morristown, Vanessa Patterson of Morristown, Jeanette Schneider of Newfoundland, Raquel Tumminelli of Randolph, Helen Vera of Short Hills, Kelly Volpi of Flanders, and Theresa Wisolmerski of Rockaway.
The CASA volunteers participated in an extensive 36-hour training program before officially being sworn in to be assigned to a child in the foster care system. The CASA Volunteers will also attend regularly scheduled training workshops to strengthen their advocacy efforts throughout their time with CASA.
CASA volunteers visit with the child regularly, attend court hearings, and school meetings, and meet with all parties involved in the child’s case. The volunteers report their findings to the court and make recommendations for the child’s best interest.
Click here or call (973) 998-7590 for more information about CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
MORRIS PLAINS – Hanover Township Police Officer Stephen Manney arrested Mr. Jesse Smith, 40, Morris Plains, for DWI on October 27.
Officer Manney was summoned to the municipal court for an intoxicated individual who had just arrived for his DWI court case.
Mr. Smith was observed on video parking and exiting his vehicle in the municipal parking lot. Officers working the security detail for Hanover Municipal Court were able to detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage when he walked by their location.
Mr. Smith was arrested and charged with DWI, open container in a vehicle, and failure to possess insurance. He was released pending his court date.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HANOVER – On Sunday, October 15, Hanover Township Police Officer Stephen Manney responded to a report of a stolen motor vehicle at a residence in the Birch Hill neighborhood.
The resident returned home around 1:30 a.m., leaving his car keys and a credit card on the kitchen table before going to bed.
Upon waking up, he discovered that his 2018 Mercedes GLE was missing from the driveway, along with the keys and credit card from the table.
Further investigation by patrol officers revealed that entry was likely gained through an open kitchen window. Additionally, the stolen credit card was used in Irvington. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Ms. Hannah Gelber was driving a 2019 Mazda CX5 when the accident occurred
PARSIPPANY – On Tuesday, December 5, at 10:57 a.m., Ms. Hannah Gelber was behind the wheel of a 2019 Mazda CX5, attempting a left turn from Parsippany Boulevard onto Route West when her vehicle was struck by a 2008 Chrysler Cruiser driven by Mr. Robert Lowy from Rainbow Lakes.
The 2008 Chrysler Cruiser driven by Mr. Robert Lowy
Mr. Lowy was heading east on Route 46 when his vehicle collided with the 2019 Mazda.
According to Ms. Gelber, she had the green arrow and was in the process of making a left-hand turn when Mr. Lowy’s vehicle collided with hers. Gelber maintained that Mr. Lowy had a red light and ran it, leading to the collision.
The 2008 Chrysler Cruiser’s Bumper Found on the Ground After Accident
Conversely, Mr. Lowy claimed that he was traveling east on Route 46 and failed to notice the red light, resulting in the collision.
Both vehicles required towing assistance and were removed from the scene by Powdermill Towing.
A passenger in Ms. Gelber’s vehicle was transported to St. Clares Hospital Denville, by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services, although the details of the injuries sustained were not disclosed.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer James Brennan issued Mr. Lowy a summons for careless driving.
Route 46 Barricades: Mystery Surrounds Their Placement and Purpose. The area with the yellow caution tape is where two vehicles entered the field and crashed
PARSIPPANY – On September 18th, a car veered off Route 46, breaking through two fences and coming to a halt on the 40-yard line of Smith Field, a public park. The vehicle was promptly towed away. Just a few months earlier, a separate car had crashed in the vicinity of the same location.
Parsippany Police investigated the area where the vehicle entered the field. Today there is caution tape showing the area. File Photo taken on September 18.The vehicle veered off Route 46, breaking through two fences and coming to a halt on the 40-yard line of Smith Field
It’s important to note that at the time of both incidents, no children were playing on Smith Field.
During a council meeting in September, Councilman Justin Musella raised the question of why barricades couldn’t be installed to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. He was informed by the administration that since it’s a State Highway, Parsippany lacked the authority to install barricades, even temporarily.
Barricades Near Smith Field Raise Questions About Traffic Safety
More recently, barricades have indeed been placed on Route 46. Interestingly, these barricades were positioned near the crash site but not at the exact location where the accidents occurred. Instead, the only demarcation in the area of the two accidents is “Caution” tape, which can be easily removed by anyone.
Caution Tape Marks Spot Where Two Vehicles Left Route 46, Entering Smith Field
The barricades in question are most likely of the Yodock 2001MD or a similar model, measuring 6 feet in length, 18 inches in width, and 32 inches in height when empty. When filled with water, they weigh approximately 900 pounds each and can be interlocked to create larger barricaded areas.
Another concern relates to the Park and Ride near the former Empire Diner, where commuters typically park and then walk westward along Route 46 (on the eastbound lane) to access the bus stop area. Due to the placement of the barricades on the lawn, commuters are now forced to walk on the shoulder of Route 46, creating a potentially hazardous situation for local residents.
According to Business Administrator Jamie Cryan, temporary barriers were placed in this area of Route 46 roughly three months ago by the township’s public works department as a temporary measure while the town waits for the state to get back to them about placing permanent barriers there.
The barricades are marked with “OEM,” signifying the Office of Emergency Management. When inquiries were made to Eric Hubner, the response received was that he did not know who placed the barricades on Route 46.
According to Cryan, the Parsippany Police Department traffic division and the Engineering Department have reached out to the NJDOT on multiple occasions in the hopes that they would consider performing the following:
a traffic study of the intersection
change the traffic pattern and light sequence timing, and
install a guide rail along Route 46 East (Smith Field).
Several questions remain unanswered: Who placed the barricades there, and why weren’t they positioned in an area where the two accidents occured? Additionally, why is there only caution tape at the actual accident locations?
PARSIPPANY — After a much-anticipated wait, Judy Hernandez, the Democratic Candidate, holds an 8-vote lead over Republican Candidate Adam Kandil in the Council Race. Before the recount, Hernandez was ahead only two votes prompting the Morris County Republican Committee to file for a recount on behalf of candidate Adam Kandil
In this year’s election, there were three Council seats at stake. Paul Carifi, Jr., decided to run again for his seat, while Council President Loretta Grangani and Council Vice President chose not to seek re-election. The other two successful candidates in the race were Paul Carifi, Jr., and Matt McGrath
Beginning in January, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Will Comprise Four Republicans and One Democrat, Alongside Republican Mayor James Barberio.
The final results after the recount are as follows:
Paul Carifi: 4646 (up 4 votes)
Matt McGrath: 4570 (up 2 votes)
Judy Hernandez: 4537 (up 8 votes)
Adam Kandil: 4529 (down 2 votes)
Matt Kavanagh: 4453 (up 16 votes)
Bernard Clarkin: 4400 (up 9 votes)
Before the recount, the results which were certified by Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi was
Morris County Republican Commissioners Deborah Smith, John Krickus, and Stephen Shaw Announce Re-Election Campaign
MORRIS COUNTY – Deborah Smith, John Krickus, and Stephen Shaw, have officially declared their intention to run for re-election as Morris County Commissioners in 2024. They have unveiled a notable array of GOP endorsements, securing support from every state legislative representative representing Morris County.
Krickus is from Long Valley, Smith is from Denville, and Shaw is from Mountain Lakes.
Smith, Krickus, and Shaw pointed to their leadership in road and bridge construction, protecting residents and businesses by supporting law enforcement and first responders, and four straight years of no increase in the county tax.
“We are honored to have earned the overwhelming endorsement of Republican leaders at the state, county, and local levels. As former local officials, we know that no one is more in touch with residents than our town leaders, and their overwhelming support is gratifying. This unprecedented support also indicates that the Morris County Republican party is ready to unite early so we can start working right away in 2024 to elect Republicans and focus our resources on the Fall campaign. We look forward to not only keeping Morris the best-run county in the state but making vital improvements such as the expansion of Morris Vocational School and County College of Morris,” said the team.
One possible challenger is Robert Peluso, a former Parsippany councilman who ran for State Assembly in this year’s GOP primary on a ticket with Mastrangelo. Peluso, already filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, but has made no formal announcement.
The list of endorsements includes Senator Tony Bucco, Assembly Representatives Aura Dunn and Christian Barranco (LD25) Senator Joe Pennacchio, Assembly Representatives Jay Weber and Brian Bergen (LD26) Senator-elect Parker Space and Assembly Representatives elect Dawn Fantasia and Mike Inganamort (LD 24) Senator Jon Bramnick, Assembly Representatives Nancy Munoz and Michele Matsikoudis (LD21).
Also Sheriff James Gannon; County Commissioner Doug Cabana County; Commissioner Christine Meyer; County Commissioner Tayfun Selen; and MCRC Chair Laura Ali
Town of Boonton – Mayor Elect James Lynch; Boonton Township – Mayor Brian Honan; Butler- Mayor Ryan Martinez; Chatham Township – Mayor Ashley Felice; Chester Borough – Mayor Janet Hoven; Chester Township – Mayor Mike Inganamort; Denville – Mayor Tom Andes; East Hanover- Mayor Joseph Pannullo; Florham Park – Mayor Mark Taylor; Hanover Township – Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher; Harding – Mayor Tim Jones; Jefferson – Mayor Eric Wilsusen; Kinnelon – Mayor James Freda; Lincoln Park – Mayor David Runfeldt; Long Hill – Mayor Scott Lavender; Mendham Borough – Mayor Christine Serrano-Glassner; Mendham Township – Mayor Nick Monaghan; Mine Hill – Mayor Sam Morris; Montville – Mayor Matt Kayne; Morris Plains – Councilmember Art Bruhn Jr.; Mount Arlington – Mayor Mike Stanzilis; Mount Olive – Mayor elect Joe Nicastro; Mountain Lakes – Councilman Chris Richter; Netcong – Mayor Joseph Nametko; Parsippany – Council President Loretta Gragnani; Council Vice President Michael J. DePierro; Pequannock – Mayor David Kohle; Rockaway Borough – Mayor Tom Mulligan; Rockaway Township – Mayor Joe Jackson; Roxbury – Mayor Jim Rillee; Washington Township – Mayor Matt Murello and Wharton – Mayor William Chegwidden (former Freeholder).
Democrats have not won a county office in Morris since 1973.
Missing from the list are Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, County Clerk Ann Grossi, and County Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo.
DOVER – The Kiwanis of Greater Dover organized a heartwarming coat distribution event, spreading warmth and compassion to needy families in Dover, during the weekend of December 9 and December 10. Led by President, Sergio Rodriguez, The Kiwanis of Greater Dover members successfully distributed over 200 jackets to families facing the chilling realities of winter.
Kiwanis members unite with purpose, organizing jackets by size and gender, all set to provide comfort to our neighbors in need.
Pictured in the video are Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover President Sergio Rodriguez, Kiwanis Member Maria Solines, Kiwanis Club of Greater Rockaway President Valerie Kuglin, Ms. Jacquelyn Adams, Preschool Supervisor, and Ms. Johanny Jimenez-Bosch, Family Engagement Specialist.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover President Sergio Rodriguez, Karina (jacket recipient), Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover members Anthony Liguori and Washington Pro
President Rodriguez shared insights into the event, highlighting the overwhelming response from the community. “We received over 200 requests for jackets from community leaders all around town,” he mentioned, emphasizing the widespread need in the Dover area.
Maria Solines, a dedicated Kiwanis member, proudly holds a warm jacket donated by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, bringing comfort and smiles to a child in need in our community.
The outreach efforts extended to various organizations, including a Dover preschool, the Head Start of Morris County, local Dover families in need, and people experiencing homelessness. President Rodriguez explained, “By collaborating with these institutions, the Kiwanis of Greater Dover ensured that our impact reached diverse segments of the community. We wanted to reach all parts of the community, and our community leaders made sure we did that.”
For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, click here.
Kiwanis members Jonathan Echeverria, Sergio Rodriguez, and Ralph Downing share the warmth by distributing jackets.Kiwanis members Ralph Downing and Jonathan Echeverria share the warmth by distributing jackets.President Sergio Rodriguez of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover continues to spread warmth and kindness as he distributes jackets to Dover residents in need.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Barberio presented a Proclamation declaring December 5 as “Bedding Shoppe Day” as owner Mike Hatler celebrated 35 years in business.
PARSIPPANY – Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Barberio presented a Proclamation declaring December 5 as “Bedding Shoppe Day” as owner Mike Hatler celebrated 35 years in business.
“I commend Mike for his achievement of 35 years of success and of being a community partner with the Township of Parsippany,” said Barberio.
“His yearly food drives exemplify what giving back to the community means. The Bedding Shoppe is a fixture of this town, and I wish him another 35 years or more,” continued Barberio.
Frank Cahill Presents Mike Hatler with a Commemorative Plaque
Frank Cahill, the Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, presented Michael with a plaque and conveyed, “Bedding Shoppe, a family-operated store specializing in mattresses and bedroom furniture situated on Route 46, joyfully marks its 35th anniversary. Established by owner Mike Hatler on October 22, 1988, Bedding Shoppe has become a cornerstone of Parsippany, dedicated to serving both the local community and nearby areas. This achievement holds particular significance, considering that a mere 5% of small businesses endure beyond the 30-year milestone. Throughout the years, Bedding Shoppe has catered to over 35,000 customers, spanning three generations of families. The store’s enduring success can be attributed to its steadfast commitment to delivering top-quality products and exceptional customer service.”
The Bedding Shoppe is located at 811 Route 46 East. Click here for more information.
rank Cahill, the Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development presented Michael with a plaque and conveyed, “Bedding Shoppe, a family-operated store specializing in mattresses and bedroom furniture.
Mayor Barberio presented a Proclamation declaring December 5th as “Bedding Shoppe Day” as owner Mike Hatler celebrated 35 years in business.
