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Wharton Woman Arrested in Denville on Suspended License and Outstanding Warrant

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DENVILLE — A Wharton woman was arrested after Denville police discovered she was driving with a suspended license and had an active warrant during a traffic stop on Franklin Road.

According to the Denville Police Department, officers conducted a motor vehicle stop at approximately 8:59 a.m. on June 5 after observing a speeding violation. During the investigation, officers determined that the registered owner of the vehicle had a suspended driver’s license and an active ATS warrant issued by the Mine Hill Municipal Court in the amount of $1,500.

Police identified the driver as Alma Castaneda, 43, of Wharton, who was also the registered owner of the vehicle.

Castaneda was arrested and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing. After posting bail, she was issued the appropriate motor vehicle summonses and released pending future court appearances in both Mine Hill Municipal Court and Denville Township Municipal Court.

Castaneda was charged with driving while her driver’s license was suspended.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Whippany Man Charged After Allegedly Stealing Dump Truck From Denville Business

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DENVILLE — A Whippany man has been charged with burglary and motor vehicle theft after authorities allege he stole a dump truck from a Denville business before being apprehended in Morristown.

According to the Denville Police Department, on Friday, June 5, the Morristown Police Department recovered a stolen 2011 Isuzu dump truck that was allegedly being operated by Timothy Geary, 24, of Whippany.

Following Geary’s arrest, investigators determined that the vehicle had been stolen from a business located in Denville. Detectives from the Denville Police Department launched a follow-up investigation into the incident.

As a result of the investigation, Geary was charged with third-degree burglary and third-degree theft of a motor vehicle. Police said he was processed and charged accordingly.

Authorities reported that Geary was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a future appearance in Morris County Superior Court.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

East Hanover Man Charged After Vehicle Vandalism Investigation Leads to Discovery of Loaded Ghost Gun

By
Frank Cahill
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FLORHAM PARK — An East Hanover man faces multiple weapons charges after police investigating a report of vehicle vandalism allegedly discovered a loaded ghost gun and other prohibited weapons inside his vehicle.

Police responded to a Florham Park residence at approximately 2:45 a.m. on May 31 after receiving a report that Ann individually was attempting to smash a vehicle window.

Officers located and stopped a vehicle believed to be involved as it fled the area on Ridgedale Avenue. During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage that allegedly showed the suspect using an object resembling a handgun while attempting to break the vehicle’s window.

The suspect was identified as Frank Cefalu, 53, of East Hanover. He was initially arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and harassment, a petty disorderly persons offense.

Police impounded the vehicle and later obtained a court-authorized search warrant. According to authorities, the search led to the discovery of a loaded ghost gun resembling a Glock-style 9mm handgun containing hollow-point ammunition, as well as a blackjack, which is prohibited under New Jersey law.

As a result, Cefalu was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to use it against a person or property, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of hollow-point ammunition without proper authorization, possession of certain weapons without a lawful purpose and possession of a firearm without a serial number.

Authorities said Cefalu was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Man Charged With DWI After Vehicle Found Facing Wrong Way on Hanover Township Roadway

By
Frank Cahill
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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — A Hackettstown man was charged with driving while intoxicated after police found a vehicle stopped in the wrong lane of travel early May 3, authorities said.

Police said an officer on patrol at approximately 2:28 a.m. discovered a vehicle facing south in the northbound lane of North Jefferson Road and initiated a motor vehicle stop.

Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Jorge Vasquez-Lopez, 28, of Hackettstown, police detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage and observed signs of impairment, according to authorities.

Standardized field sobriety tests were conducted, and Vasquez-Lopez was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Police said an occupant of the vehicle was permitted to drive it to police headquarters while Vasquez-Lopez was transported for processing. He agreed to provide breath samples for testing and completed the testing process, authorities said.

Vasquez-Lopez was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain marked lanes and multiple other traffic offenses. He was released to a responsible driver pending a court appearance.

New Vernon Equities Invests $20M in East Hanover Arena Campus Redevelopment

By
Frank Cahill
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Arena campus redevelopment continues in East Hanover as New Vernon Equities invests more than $20 million in transforming former Novartis office buildings into a modern office, technology, and life sciences destination.

EAST HANOVER — A major office and technology campus redevelopment is taking shape in East Hanover as New Vernon Equities advances work on Arena, a 600,000-square-foot workplace destination near Novartis’ northeast headquarters.

JLL announced that New Vernon Equities has invested more than $20 million over the past year to reposition two vacant office towers at 20 and 40 Arena Way. The buildings total 350,000 square feet and are part of the larger Arena campus redevelopment. JLL is serving as the exclusive marketing and leasing agent for the properties.

Since acquiring the buildings from Novartis, New Vernon Equities has separated the properties from the pharmaceutical company’s downsized campus. Improvements include new roadways, independent site access, standalone utility infrastructure, upgraded landscaping, outdoor meeting areas and hospitality-style gathering spaces.

The buildings also feature new HVAC systems and a modern building management system. The property holds LEED Gold certification and has been converted to all-electric operations.

Interior renovations and next-generation common area amenities are now being finalized, with plans expected to be submitted in the second quarter of 2026 and work scheduled for completion this summer.

The full Arena campus spans more than 40 acres and will include six buildings totaling 600,000 square feet of office, research and development, technology and light manufacturing space.

New Vernon Equities also acquired nearby properties, including 30 Farinella Drive, a 75,000-square-foot building leased to GenScript for GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing; 31 Farinella Drive, an approximately 50,000-square-foot tech/flex building available for lease; and 80 Arena Way, a 120,000-square-foot tech/flex building expected to begin construction in summer 2026.

“It is rare in today’s office market to see a developer invest this aggressively on a speculative basis,” said Tim Greiner, JLL executive managing director. “New Vernon Equities is delivering infrastructure, sustainability and amenity upgrades that position Arena to compete at the highest level for life sciences, pharmaceutical and innovation-driven users.”

Arena is located near Route 10 and Ridgedale Avenue, with access to Route 10, Route 24, I-287 and Morristown Airport.

Student Leadership, Community Service and Excellence in the Arts Celebrated at County College of Morris 

By
Frank Cahill
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County College of Morris (CCM) celebrated the individuals and groups shaping campus life at the 57th annual Campus Life Awards Dinner Dance (CLADD), held Tuesday, May 5, at Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph.   

MORRIS COUNTY —  As the 2025-26 academic year approached its culmination, County College of Morris (CCM) held the 57th annual Campus Life Awards Dinner Dance (CLADD), on Tuesday, May 5, at Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph. The evening honored student leaders of educational and service initiatives, student club and organization members who helped create a vibrant and engaged campus life, and standout performers in musical theatre, drama, dance and technical production. 

Representing towns throughout Morris County and neighboring areas in New Jersey, including Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties, in addition to the state of Pennsylvania, the honorees reflected the depth of CCM’s student body. Ranging from first-year students to members of the Class of 2026, the recipients successfully balanced their active involvement on campus along with their academic achievements across the college’s more than 100 degree and certificate programs. CCM’s administration, staff and faculty members were in attendance to present the honorees with their awards. 

 “The Campus Life Awards Dinner Dance is one of the most meaningful traditions at CCM because it recognizes the extraordinary dedication, creativity and leadership our students bring to campus each day,” said Don Phelps, Director of Campus Life. “Thes honorees have made a lasting impact through service, involvement in campus organizations and excellence in the performing arts, while also maintaining their academic commitments. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the vibrant community they help create at CCM.” 

The evening’s honors included the Dr. Edward J. Yaw Leadership Award, recognizing outstanding organizational leadership, community engagement and contributions to education, presented to Samantha Torres Narvaez of Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania.  

CCM’s Board of Trustees Service Award for outstanding service and dedication to the college was presented to Hannah Mescavage of Belvidere, while the Patton Award for exceptional leadership and school spirit was awarded to Layla Giron of Dover.  

Isabella Escobar Lopera of Flanders received the First-Year Award for strong campus contributions during her first year at CCM. The Simmons Award for leadership and involvement was presented to Lily Hesterman of Parsippany, Matthew Alvarez of Flanders and Sumeyye Oztek of Whippany. 

Distinguished Leader Awards were earned by Tifany Araujo of Dover, Salvatore Cappucci of Budd Lake, Wesley Icer of Parsippany, Caelan Lynes of Madison, Sebastian Perez Brid of Wharton and Demetrios Piteris of West Milford. 

Educational Program of the Year honors were awarded to the Environmental Club and EOF Student Alliance for the Environmental Excellence Awards program, and to the LGBTQ Student Alliance for its “Be Yourself” presentation. Community Service Program of the Year recognition went to the Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB) for Welcome Week and to InterVarsity Fellowship for Worship Night. 

The Raulf Award, a performing arts honor recognizing an outstanding student leader, was presented to Chris Gardner of Buskill, Pennsylvania. The Pinnacle Award for Leadership and Performance was presented to Jeff Foote of Westwood and Elizabeth Grant of Parsippany. The Newcomers Award, introduced this year, was awarded to Pinda Pittari of Randolph. 

Additional honors recognized outstanding achievement in performing arts. Musical Theatre honors were presented to Elizabeth Grant of Parsippany, Carolina Hunchak of Denville, Victoria Morris of Budd Lake, Bryan Torres of Morris Plains and Trevour Tredway of Dover. Drama honors were awarded to Ethan Abellard of Denville, Matt Budesheim of Butler, Mak Cerrada-Shapiro of Belvidere, Bryan Torres of Morris Plains and Charlie Valdez of Rockaway. German Tatis Rosario of Union was recognized for outstanding performances in both Musical Theatre and Drama. Technical Theatre honors were presented to Zephyr Daley of Sparta and Justin Wyble of Lake Hopatcong. Outstanding Performance in Dance honors were presented to Hannah Delisa of Landing, Brielle Jones of Rockaway and Lariza Perado of Budd Lake. 

To view photos of the celebratory CLADD event, visit the college’s Flickr album at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCTEkr. To learn more about the vibrant campus life at CCM, visit https://www.ccm.edu/meet-ccm/campus-life/. 

Video: Business Spotlight: Tierras y Sabores

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — Tierras y Sabores Restaurant, owned by Carlos Amezquita and Blanca Martinez, is an authentic Colombian restaurant serving the Morris County community. Located at 33 West Blackwell Street in Dover, the restaurant is open seven days a week and can be reached at (973) 366-5458. Offering dine-in, takeout, and catering services for family gatherings, holidays, and special events, Tierras y Sabores brings the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Colombia to the heart of North Jersey.

Morris County Vocational School District Programs Earn State Environmental Honors

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Students and educators from the Morris County Vocational School District were recognized with two prestigious environmental awards during the 2024 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards ceremony, highlighting their commitment to environmental stewardship, education, and sustainability.

The Academy for Environmental Science, located at Jefferson Township High School and operated by the Morris County Vocational School District, received the 2024 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Environmental Education. The honor was one of only nine awards presented statewide and recognized organizations, businesses, and individuals demonstrating exceptional dedication to protecting New Jersey’s air, land, water, open space, and wildlife.

Among the academy’s notable projects were environmental cleanups at Lake Hopatcong and air particulate studies conducted during the Canadian wildfire smoke events that affected air quality throughout New Jersey. The research provided students with hands-on opportunities to examine real-world environmental issues while contributing valuable data and awareness efforts.

Heather Varner, lead teacher for the Academy for Environmental Science, and Patricia Vandigriff, teacher of Environmental Literature, accepted the award on behalf of the program during the December ceremony.

The Morris County Vocational School District also celebrated the achievements of Carolyn He, a student in the Academy for Mathematics, Science and Engineering located at Morris Hills High School, who received the James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader Award.

The award recognizes a young New Jersey resident who demonstrates exceptional leadership and outstanding accomplishments in environmental protection.

He earned the distinction through her leadership of A Sustainable Future, an initiative focused on reducing paper waste and promoting sustainable printing practices in schools. Since 2023, the program has helped more than 75 school districts and over 200 students nationwide reduce excessive printing. The initiative has expanded internationally and recently hosted its first Climate Convention to engage students in discussions about environmental challenges and solutions.

The Academy for Environmental Science offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum that explores natural processes and human impacts on the atmosphere, aquatic systems, and soil environments. Students integrate concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, technology, language arts, history, and the arts to gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.

The Morris County Vocational School District’s academy programs provide students in grades nine through twelve with specialized instruction in career-focused fields. Students complete both academy coursework and New Jersey Department of Education academic requirements while earning a high school diploma from the Morris County Vocational School District. Programs also offer opportunities for internships and college credit.

The Morris County Vocational School District serves students through a variety of career and technical education programs, including automotive technology, construction trades, healthcare sciences, global commerce, performing arts, cybersecurity, and environmental science. The district operates full-time academies and share-time programs at its Denville campus and satellite locations throughout Morris County in partnership with local school districts and the County College of Morris.

Community Rallies Around Dina Barraco Pepe During Health Battle

By
Frank Cahill
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Family and friends are asking the community to support Dina Barraco Pepe as she faces a series of serious health challenges that have dramatically changed her life.

In December, Dina suffered a stroke. During the course of her medical treatment, doctors discovered she has Stage 3 lung cancer. The diagnosis has brought significant emotional, physical, and financial challenges for Dina and her family as they navigate the difficult road ahead.

This is not Dina’s first battle with cancer. Years earlier, she successfully fought breast cancer, demonstrating remarkable strength, determination, and resilience. Today, she is once again drawing upon that courage as she begins another fight for her health.

As medical treatments continue, the financial burden of everyday expenses and mounting bills has added additional stress for the family. Loved ones have launched a fundraising campaign to help ease those concerns, allowing Dina to focus on her recovery and treatment.

“Dina has always been a source of strength and support for those around her,” family members said. “Now she needs that same support from her community.”

Funds raised will help cover essential household expenses and other financial obligations while Dina undergoes treatment. Organizers say every contribution, regardless of the amount, can make a meaningful difference.

Heather and the entire family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support, prayers, encouragement, and donations they have received.

Community members who are unable to donate are encouraged to share the fundraiser and keep Dina and her family in their thoughts as she continues her fight.

“Always stay strong” has become the family’s message of hope as Dina faces this latest challenge with the same determination that carried her through her previous battle with cancer.

Click here to donate to her GoFundMe account.

Morris County School of Technology Student Selected as NJSIAA Student Ambassador

By
Frank Cahill
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Duncan Felch, a student in the Academy for Education and Learning at the Morris County School of Technology, has been selected as a New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Student Ambassador, one of only eight students statewide chosen for the leadership program. Felch will represent student-athletes across New Jersey while promoting sportsmanship, leadership, and inclusion.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Vocational School District student Duncan Felch, a member of the Academy for Education and Learning at the Morris County School of Technology, has been selected as a New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Student Ambassador.

Felch is one of only eight students statewide chosen for the prestigious program, which brings together student-athletes from across New Jersey to collaborate, share ideas, and promote sportsmanship and leadership throughout high school athletics.

“It is an honor to have a student from the Morris County Vocational School District, specifically Morris County School of Technology, selected as an NJSIAA Student Ambassador,” said Dr. Anita Champagne, superintendent of the Morris County Vocational School District. “This is an incredible responsibility for Duncan, as he will serve as the voice of many young athletes across the State of New Jersey. I have no doubt that he will excel in this leadership role, reflecting MCVSD’s mission to inspire and prepare students to succeed. Congratulations to Duncan Felch on this esteemed accomplishment.”

In addition to his academic studies, Felch serves as president of the Class of 2027 and is active in athletics and student leadership. He competes on the varsity boys basketball team, serves as captain of the varsity boys cross-country team, and is secretary of the school’s Morris County Council.

“Being selected as an NJSIAA Student Ambassador is an incredible honor,” Felch said. “I’m excited to represent my school and peers while promoting the values of sportsmanship, leadership, and inclusion that high school athletics stand for. My role is to serve as a voice for student-athletes across New Jersey, helping to foster positive experiences on and off the court. This opportunity motivates me to lead by example and help create a lasting impact in our athletic community.”

Conor Devine, assistant principal at Morris County School of Technology, said Felch’s selection highlights both his leadership abilities and academic accomplishments.

“Duncan is a great representative of all that it takes to be a successful student-athlete in an academically rigorous environment like Morris County School of Technology,” Devine said. “It is also important to note that he is the only representative in this year’s cohort from a New Jersey Athletic Conference school, as well as the only representative selected statewide from a county vocational-technical school.”

The NJSIAA Student Ambassador Program promotes leadership in the classroom and on athletic fields, sportsmanship, health and safety awareness, and positive relationships among student-athletes, coaches, and officials. Student ambassadors provide feedback and perspectives to the NJSIAA Executive Committee and staff, helping guide future initiatives that benefit student-athletes throughout the state.

The Morris County Vocational School District offers a wide range of career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond. Programs include automotive technology, construction trades, healthcare sciences, cybersecurity, global commerce, performing arts, and many other career-focused fields. The district operates full-time academies and share-time programs at its Denville campus and satellite locations throughout Morris County.

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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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