The Morris County Correctional Facility, located at 43 John Street in Morris Township, serves as the primary detention center operated by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
HANOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Hanover Township Police Chief Michael Loock confirmed the filing of a first-degree Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death charge against Anthony Q. Dello-Russo, 26, of Cedar Knolls. The charge arises from a fatal drug overdose that occurred in Whippany in February 2023.
On February 16, law enforcement responded to a residence in Whippany on a report of an unconscious male. The male victim, later identified as T.H., 28, was pronounced deceased on scene. The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office has certified the cause of T.H.’s death as combined toxicity of cocaine, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl.
Based on subsequent investigation, it is alleged that Dello-Russo distributed controlled dangerous substances to T.H. on February 15, 2023, in Hanover. It is further alleged that T.H.’s death resulted from his ingestion of the substances distributed by Dello-Russo. (Click here to read the article)
Dello-Russo has been charged with first-degree Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-9 on December 26, 2023. This statute provides that any person who manufactures, distributes, or dispenses any of many controlled dangerous substances is strictly liable for a death that results from the injection, inhalation, or ingestion of that substance. This is a first-degree crime, which is punishable by up to twenty years in New Jersey State Prison and is subject to the eighty-five percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act. In connection with the fatal overdose, Dello-Russo has also been charged with two counts of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
Dello-Russo was previously charged on December 8 with second-degree Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute; third-degree Possession of Cocaine; second-degree Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute; third-degree Possession of Marijuana; and third-degree Money Laundering. Those charges relate to the seizure of over one-half ounce of suspected cocaine, over five pounds of marijuana, and over $51,000 in cash from Dello-Russo’s residence.
Under the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Dello-Russo has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
Multiple law enforcement agencies contributed to this investigation, including the Hanover Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Special Enforcement Unit.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Drug dealers should be on notice that we will not hesitate to charge them with the first-degree Strict Liability Drug-Induced Death statute when the facts support the connection between the dealer and the death of their user/victim..”
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
DOVER — The Town of Dover’s Inauguration Ceremony for New Council Members and Mayor James Dodd will take place on Monday, January 1st, at 3:00 p.m. The event will be held at the American Legion, located at 2 Legion Place in Dover and it is open to the public.
Following the Inauguration Ceremony, the new administration will convene for a reorganization meeting.
“Mpulse”, a new Montville Township High School competitive a cappella singing ensemble, has launched this year. The nineteen members of the grade 9 to 12 group performed for the Montville Township Board of Education on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. The group was created by Theodore “Ted” Cherney, the Montville Township High School Director of Choirs. “Mpulse” will be competing in the ICHSA competition on January 28, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Northern Highlands Regional High School. The competition school is located at 298 Hillside Avenue in Allendale, New Jersey. The January event will be the first competition for the MTHS “Mpulse” singers. Photo by Susan Marinello
MORRIS COUNTY — A new Montville Township High School music ensemble, “Mpulse”, was introduced to the Montville Township Board of Education, by Theodore “Ted” Cherney, on Tuesday, December 5. Cherney, the Montville Township High School Director of Choirs, launched the cappella group this year as part of the district’s award-winning music education program.
A competitive a cappella group, “Mpulse” will be taking their musical stylings to ICHSA in January. ICHSA is an a cappella singing competition. ICHSA stands for International Championship of High School A Cappella. The Montville BOE invited the ensemble to a command performance before the new group’s first official contest.
Nineteen “Mpulse” singers presented a powerful performance to the Montville BOE with a sampling of the music and choreography the ensemble will perform in the upcoming competition.
Soloist Meghana Neelisett, a sophomore, was accompanied by “Mpulse” with a four to six-part harmony backup. The MTHS singers of “Mpulse” are students in grades 9 through 12. Neelisett sang the lead vocals to a cappella adaptation of “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor.
Smiling, the nine-member board of education, along with the MTPS administrators on the dais, tapped their feet and listened intently to the “Mpulse” performance.
Following the group’s rendition of the fast-paced and upbeat selection, the Montville BOE burst into thunderous applause.
“That was wonderful,” said Superintendent Dr. Thomas A Gorman. “That was just a little tease with more to come. Can’t wait to see you compete and put on more performances for us. Thank you so much.”
The December 5 BOE meeting was also attended by several members of the public who joined in the enthusiastic response to the students’ a cappella performance.
“I am very happy to introduce ‘Mpulse’, our brand new a cappella group that I started this year,” Cherney said before the performance. “’Mpulse’ is different from some of the vocal ensembles we have at the high school. ‘Mpulse’ is a group that specifically studies and performs contemporary a cappella music.”
Made popular by movies like “Pitch Perfect” and other innovative cappella entertainment, contemporary cappella music is a highly competitive art form at both the high school and college levels.
“Something awesome about this group,” Cherney continued, “is that we are going to be competing in annual competitions.”
Cherney, who competed during his college years in a cappella competition, had set a goal, as the Director of Choirs for MTHS, to implement a competitive cappella group in the MTPS district. “Mpulse” marks the start of this new initiative in the MTPS music curriculum.
“For eight years in a row Montville Township Public Schools has received the Best Communities for Music Education from the National Association of Music Merchandisers (NAMM) Foundation,” said the district’s Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts Edward Fleischman. “The NAMM award recognizes the commitment of teachers, students, school administrators, BOE members, and parents who believe in the value of music education and are working to ensure that it is part of a complete education for all children. I am very proud of Ted’s contribution to the district’s ever-expanding music program, and I want to thank the Montville Township Board of Education and administration for providing the support that leads to outstanding music education.”
Cherney also explained that “Mpulse”, and the performance of a cappella music, provide students with “opportunities that they would not normally have in a normal choral setting.”
“We have a lot of wonderful soloists in this ensemble,” Cherney noted, pointing out that many singers will have an opportunity to sing lead.
“And,” Cherney added, “When you are competing in a cappella, you do so with full choreography. Choreography that I have put on the students to create themselves.”
“Mpulse” has identified the members of the ensemble who serve as their choreography team. This team develops the dance steps and teaches the movements and timing to the full “Mpulse” ensemble.
“This group [“Mpulse”] gives students ownership,” Cherney emphasized. “It has been really rewarding this year to watch this group grow and to watch them just enjoy this contemporary a cappella singing.”
Montville Township High School is one of seven schools in Morris County, New Jersey’s Montville Township Public Schools pre-k to grade 12 district.
“Mpulse” will be competing in the ICHSA competition on January 28, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Northern Highlands Regional High School. The regional school is located at 298 Hillside Avenue in Allendale, New Jersey.
The attention-grabbing artwork adorning the front of the serving counter, coupled with the imaginative and playful art installations and embellishments thoughtfully scattered throughout the interior space.
BOONTON — We all know that within the area of this publication, there are a multitude of diverse international and regional cuisines that would satisfy even the most fastidious tastes. One style of cooking that I have found missing is some good North American BBQ. As you may know, American BBQ is extremely popular in locations such as Texas, Carolina, Memphis, and Kansas City, all of which claim their particular style. One thing in common with whichever style you prefer is that BBQ utilizers low temperatures, usually somewhere between 180 and 250 degrees, along with a long, slow cooking process (sometimes involving many hours), where beef, pork, roasts, chicken, wings, and more, is cooked over indirect heat using a variety of wood and/or charcoal, then marinated or rubbed with a mixture of spices and sauces, creating a wonderful mouthwatering, tasty, smokey flavor. It’s amazing how once tough cuts of meat, like a brisket or belly, are transformed into tender, moist, succulent pieces of meat that seem to melt in your mouth.
Attention, food enthusiasts! Your culinary landscape is about to undergo a smoky transformation. Nestled at 811 Main Street, a new star has risen on the gastronomic scene – Embark Smoked Meats, the go-to destination for authentic North American BBQ.
I would rate BBQ as one of my favorite foods, and when the opportunity has presented itself, I have enjoyed some excellent BBQ throughout the United States. I would not call myself a BBQ aficionado, but being a carnivore, a properly done BBQ is like mouth candy for me.
I was excited to see that this past December 6th Embark Smoked Meats opened their doors for business at 811 Main Street in downtown Boonton, formerly the site of Thai Ping. Main Street presents a busy, bustling, old-school American type of setting with a youthful vibe, which seems a perfect fit for this classic American classic cuisine.
As my usual foodie group and I arrived I was fortunate to find a parking spot right in front of the restaurant. There is street parking only at this location. As we stepped inside, we were met by a bright, airy, energetic, vibrant ambiance that was appropriately designed for this type of venue; carefully planned out décor, immaculately clean, attractive, and welcoming. The initial impression you get is one of a fast-food type of eatery, but a spacious, thoughtfully decorated side room, with multiple tables, provides a comfortable setting where you can relax, meet with friends, and enjoy your meal. I should mention that Embark is also a BYOB, so bring along your favorite brew. I enjoyed a bottle of Modelo beer with my order of burnt ends. Menus featuring a wide array of your standard BBQ fare are posted on the wall, along with printed menus should you want to sit down, as my group did, and ponder your choices. The counter is manned by a very personable and friendly staff, who go about their work behind a sparkling, glass-fronted counter, where you can watch some of that beautifully barked meat being sliced, pulled, and prepped for outgoing orders.
The full menu, in addition to brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, St. Louis spare ribs, half chicken, and smoked wings, also offers burgers, (a special blend of meats prepared by owner, Jasmine Gomez), hot dogs, chicken bites, mac & cheese, loaded fries, signature beef chili, Kale sprout salad, baked beans w/rib tips, along with other sides, and even breakfast options. Embark will shortly be offering the owner’s own specialty BBQ sauces for purchase, allowing you to customize your BBQ. Of course, the Chef, despite being asked, wasn’t about to reveal the secret blend in her sauces.
Pitmaster, owner, and Chef, Jasmine Gomez, a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education, along with a background in the food industry, showcases her personal history and passion for BBQ with several painted murals that adorn the dining area of Embark. This was in addition to the eye-catching painting along the front of the serving counter, as well as the clever and whimsical related art pieces and ornamentations that are placed throughout the interior. One mural, a picture of her first smoker, a huge 8-footer, that peaked her passion for cooking when she as a child would BBQ with her father every Sunday in their backyard in Montville; the second mural, her former BBQ Food Truck, where she practiced her craft for the past three years; and finally a third mural, a painting of Embark, her first and present business, with a clear message announcing, “Now we’re Heating Up”!
An impressive unit, utilizing different selections of woods that create the smoke, which is then filtered into a gas-heating section where the meats are slowly cooked. Different meats require different cooking times in the smoker to achieve the right flavor profile.
Chef Gomez, a very affable individual who is very enthusiastic about her new endeavor, told me everything at Embark is made fresh every day using only the freshest, highest quality meats and produce, and that most ingredients are locally sourced. Embarks meats are also free of steroids and hormones. She also creates a variety of special seasonings, rubs, sauces, and cooking techniques, including which high-quality wood she chooses to use in her smoker, which as I stated earlier, are secrets that she wasn’t about to share with this writer. Chef Gomez was kind enough to allow me into her spotless kitchen to show me Embarks smoker. An impressive unit, utilizing different selections of woods that create the smoke, which is then filtered into a gas-heating section where the meats are slowly cooked. Different meats require different cooking times in the smoker to achieve the right flavor profile. Brisket usually takes 12 hours, pulled pork requires 14 to 16 hours, while spare ribs and chicken take 3 to 4 hours.
Indulge in a savory delight: succulent burnt ends generously heaped atop a bed of Embark’s signature Mac and Cheese. Our three-cheese macaroni, lovingly prepared, is smothered in a creamy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, creating the perfect canvas for a rich and flavorful experience
When asked what the origin of the restaurant’s name is, the Chef replied, “It is a combination of embarking on a new culinary adventure and a recognition of the trademark, visually appealing, flavorful bark crust that develops on the surface of smoked meat during barbecue.”
I ordered my favorite BBQ dish, burnt ends. Burnt ends are cut from the point of the smoked brisket. They have a rich, smokey bark and crunchy texture. Cut into cubes (like little candies), mopped in BBQ sauce, and caramelized. Don’t be distracted by the name, burnt ends, originating out of Kansas City, are not burnt. They are just cooked to the point of the bark being predominant. Super flavorful! My dish came with the burnt ends served over Embarks Mac and Cheese; 3 cheese mac, covered with panko breadcrumbs. For a side I tried the Signature Beef Chili; it was very tasty.
The attention-grabbing artwork adorning the front of the serving counter, coupled with the imaginative and playful art installations and embellishments thoughtfully scattered throughout the interior space.
Others in the group went with the Pulled Pork Sandwich; which Embarks 14-hour smoked pulled pork, with their house pork rub and served between two sweet buns, along with a choice of BBQ sauce and coleslaw. Bob A. went with a half rack of the St. Louis Spare Ribs, which he enjoyed and called a generous portion. While the rest, like me, went with the burnt ends. Not surprisingly, no one in this group opted for the Kale Sprout Salad!
Smoked brisket isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the art of patience, the mastery of flavor, and the joy of savoring every delicious bite. Whether you’re at a barbecue joint, a backyard cookout, or a festive gathering, smoked brisket is a centerpiece that never fails to delight the senses and bring people together.
It was a fun dining experience with this “new kid on the block.” Next time around I’ll have to give either their pulled pork or signature burger a try. When you’re in the area stop in and give them a try, and maybe pick up a bottle or two of one of their carefully crafted BBQ sauces. I think your taste buds will appreciate it. Let’s all help support local businesses.
The magic of St. Louis spare ribs lies in their preparation and slow smoking. They are generously coated with a dry rub, which is a blend of various spices, herbs, and seasonings. This rub forms a flavorful crust on the surface of the ribs and infuses them with a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
Embark Smoked Meats, 811 Main Street, Boonton. (973) 934-9263.
Open Wednesday – Friday: 1030 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Take Out – Indoor Dining – Catering – Private Events – BYOB. Woman-Owned, Local Operated Business
Pulled Pork Sandwich; which Embarks 14-hour smoked pulled pork, with their house pork rub and served between two sweet buns, along with a choice of BBQ sauce and coleslaw
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to view.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Chief Thomas Cacciabeve of the Boonton Township Police Department confirmed an arrest in connection with a homicide that occurred on December 24, 2023, in Boonton Township.
On December 24, 2023, at approximately 1:15 p.m., law enforcement was dispatched to a residence located at 78 Old Denville Road in Boonton Township, in response to an emergency call.
Gregory Meyer, 61, was discovered deceased, and subsequent investigation determined his son, Kyle Meyer, 33, to be a suspect. Following further investigation, Kyle Meyer was detained in Paterson at approximately 9:00 p.m. The suspect is the victim’s son, and the two reside at the same residence.
The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office will examine the victim.
Kyle Meyer, age 33, of Boonton Township, has been charged with Murder, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 11-3A1; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of 2C:39-4D; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, 2C:39-4D. He has been detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. At this time, authorities are not seeking additional suspects. There is no danger to the public.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, the Boonton Township Police Department at (973) 402-4000, or Morris County Crime Stoppers at (973) 267-2255.
Persons reporting any information may remain anonymous. Information on how to leave an anonymous call or text message can be found at the Crime Stoppers Program website at www.morriscrimestoppers.org.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Rich Hundley III, Trentonian
MORRIS COUNTY — Efforts to battle food insecurity among New Jersey youth took a step forward when the New Jersey General Assembly, by a vote of 74-1, passed legislation requiring school districts to provide information to parents and guardians about the National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast program.
Passed unanimously by the New Jersey Senate earlier this year, this legislation now awaits Governor Phil Murphy’s signature for approval.
“Through this bill, we are aiming to increase participation in these meal programs so that no child goes hungry during the school day,” Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex), one of the primary sponsors of the bill said. “This legislation will help us ensure that every student eligible for free or reduced-priced meals knows exactly how to access them.”
According to data published online by the Annie E. Casey Foundation more than 342,000 New Jersey students are receiving free or reduced-priced lunches during the 2022/2023 school year.
This latest measure, bolstered by several similar efforts enacted since the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that New Jersey children have access to quality meals, would take notification and education requirements already in place a step further by requiring parents and guardians to submit either an application for the programs or a signed card indicating that they have received the application and are uninterested in participating in them.
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) said that the parental sign-off or waivers would serve as an important way to “ensure that the greatest number of people possible are being notified of these critical programs,” while Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) shared a reminder that not everyone has access to the internet, making it hard for some people to learn about the “life-enhancing” programs.
“By requiring everyone to receive physical copies of this information, we are seeking to level the playing field and make sure no child goes without food due to their socioeconomic status,” Reynolds-Jackson said.
This measure is not the final legislative effort being considered to bring nutritious meals to more New Jersey Children, lawmakers have said.
In June, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee voted 4-0 in favor of legislation making all school lunches free in New Jersey schools by the 2028-29 school year.
“Our students are our most precious commodities and fueling their bodies so they can concentrate and fuel their brains is paramount to them receiving a top-notch education,” Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (D-Hudson) said. “Parental involvement is important to their children’s success and the legislation advanced today is an important step in that process.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Italian American Police Society of NJ held its Holiday Party for the children of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey at Saint Elizabeth University.
Hundreds of children enjoyed meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus and getting bags of gifts, pizza, and cookies from police officers. There was also a face painter and games for the children and their mentors. Thanks to our law enforcement officers and volunteers!
Highlands Council Chairman Carl J. Richko (center right) presenting a plaque to retiring Council Member Robert F. Holtaway (center left) in recognition of his 14 years of service on the Highlands Council. Also pictured are Council Members Michael Francis (far left) and James A. Visioli (far right); All four were appointed to the Highlands Council in 2010.
MORRIS COUNTY — After serving as a dedicated member of the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for more than a decade, Robert Holtaway stepped down from his seat on the Council after the December 14 meeting. Highlands Council Chairman Carl Richko presented Holtaway with a plaque commemorating his service and the Council passed a resolution memorializing the occasion.
“As I look back over my 14 years, I think that the current leadership and staff are the strongest and most productive that I’ve worked with during my tenure, which bodes well for the Council’s future success,” Holtaway said when announcing his departure at the October Highlands Council meeting. “The Council has an important job of remaining a responsible steward – both fiscally and environmentally – of the Highlands Region. Although my time here is ending, I look forward to seeing this very important work continuing.”
Holtaway was appointed by then-Governor Jon Corzine in 2009. Officially his term expired in 2012, however, Holtaway continued to serve in his voluntary capacity on the Council through subsequent administrations. Appointments to the Highlands Council are overseen by the office of the Governor and must meet requirements defined in the 2004 Highlands Act. With Holtaway’s departure, membership in the Council drops to 10 members of what should be a 15-member body. A quorum of 8 members is required to conduct Council business.
“During my time with the Council, Member Holtaway has been a valued and reliable partner to staff,” said Ben Spinelli, Highlands Council Executive Director. “His retirement is well deserved and I thank him for his continued commitment to helping us protect the New Jersey Highlands.”
While on the Council, Holtaway served as treasurer from 2011 to 2023. He was also a Highlands Development Credit Bank Board Member from 2011 to 2020, becoming chair of the Bank Board in 2021. Holtaway was also chair of the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee and a member of the Regional Master Plan Amendment and Landowner Equity & Land Preservation committees. Additionally, he was a member of the steering committee for the Economic Sustainability Plan and is currently a member of the County Coalition, established to implement the Plan.
Holtaway began his public service in 1975 as a member and later vice chairman of the Planning Board for the Borough of North Plainfield. He also served as a member of the North Plainfield Zoning Board of Adjustment, including 11 years as its Chairman, and volunteered to serve as North Plainfield Zoning Officer from 1993 to 1995. He served for eight years as the mayor of Bedminster Township and also was a member of the Bedminster Township Planning Board for 15 years, including seven as the board’s chairman. He was a member of the Somerset County Economic Development Incentive Program committee throughout the committee’s existence. He served on the Bedminster Township Municipal Building Committee, the Bedminster Township Open Space Committee, and the Bedminster Township Open Space Assessment Committee.
In 2013, after leaving elected office, Holtaway joined the Lamington Conservancy, a group that works to preserve land in the Lamington River Valley. He became Vice President of the Conservancy in 2017 and president in 2018, a position he continues to hold. Holtaway has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Friends of the Jacobus Vandeveer House in Bedminster Township.
In 1977, Mr. Holtaway founded Frank R. Holtaway & Son, Inc., an electrical engineering firm in Bedminster, and served as the company’s president until retiring in 2015. He graduated from Newark College of Engineering (now New Jersey Institute of Technology) with a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and also received a master’s degree in business administration from Seton Hall University. He is a licensed professional engineer and a licensed electrical contractor (retired).
Highlands Council Chairman Carl Richko, who coincidentally was appointed at the same 2009 meeting as Holtaway, offered his warm thanks and congratulations: “Serving with Bob has been an absolute pleasure and I want to offer my congratulations not only on his retirement from this role, but also on his many years of public service in Somerset County and in various charitable and volunteer capacities. He will be missed.”
The Highlands Council is a regional planning agency established in 2004 with the passage of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act and is charged with the implementation of the Act. More information is available at www.nj.gov/njhighlands. Actions taken by the Council will take effect following the Governor’s review and consideration of meeting minutes, up to 10 business days from receipt of meeting minutes. Meeting materials, including an audio recording of the meeting, are available on the calendar page of the Council website.
Mayor Robert Conley, alongside downtown council members, the Downtown Development Commission, and the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, extended congratulations to Gina Striffler, owner of Bar Method Madison, and her team during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, December 15.
MADISON — In commemoration of their decade-long presence in business and following extensive renovations, The Bar Method Madison recently unveiled its new location at 14 Kings Rd., Madison. Gina curated the new space as a tribute to the building’s history, incorporating checkerboard flooring reminiscent of the town’s train trestle, inspired by the late Jiggs Mantone, who contributed to painting the floor at the train station. Additionally, she installed an operational garage door, symbolic of the establishment’s past as an auto body garage, meant to be opened on pleasant days.
The Bar Method Madison is a boutique fitness studio offering barre classes for students of all levels.
Gina and her teaching team are the proud recipients of the Madison Chamber of Commerce 2015, 2016, and 2017 People’s Choice Extra Mile Award for exemplary customer service and the 2018 Distinguished Service Award.
The Bar Method Madison can be reached at (973) 410-0550 or at their website at BarMethod.com/locations/Madison
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Over the past two weeks Mountain Lakes has experienced two concerning incidents involving burglaries and attempted burglaries of homes by criminals attempting to acquire keys to steal cars. We know that such events can be extremely frightening. We want to assure you that the Mountain Lakes Police Department is working 24/7 with our various partners, including the State Police, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as dozens of other jurisdictions experiencing the same crimes.
We fully expect that our investigations will lead to the arrests of those involved shortly. In the meantime, we have increased targeted patrols, and have implemented additional measures to help deter would-be criminals.
Keeping in mind that nothing is 100% guaranteed to cease all crime, we would like to let the public know what they can do to help avoid becoming a victim of such crimes.
See something/say something. If something seems suspicious, call 9-1-1 right away.
Always lock vehicles and all doors and windows of your homes.
Install motion sensor lights around your home.
Install audible alarms on doors and windows.
When keeping vehicle keys in the home, do not leave them in a location visible to people looking in through a window.
Keep vehicles in a garage whenever possible.
We ask that anyone living along Morris Avenue between Midvale Road and Fanny Road check any exterior cameras to see if they may have caught the fleeing suspect vehicle on video at approximately 4:20 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. on December 19.
If you find that you have a video, please email Detective Sean Torres at [email protected].
