Tuesday, April 21, 2026
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Senior ID Card Outreach Event Scheduled in Hanover Township

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Residents visit the Hanover Township Community Center on April 29 to receive free Senior ID Cards during a special outreach event hosted by the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Morris County Clerk’s Office will host a Senior ID Card Outreach Event on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Hanover Township Community Center, located at 15 North Jefferson Road in Whippany.

The event provides an opportunity for seniors to obtain an official Senior ID card conveniently within the community. In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, all Senior ID Cards will be issued free of charge throughout 2026.

Walk-ins are welcome, and the event is open to the public.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this convenient outreach service and receive their identification at no cost during this special anniversary year.

Fatal NJ Transit Train Strike Under Investigation in Morris County

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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — A tragic incident occurred Thursday evening, April 16, when an adult man was fatally struck by an NJ Transit train along the Morris & Essex Line, authorities confirmed.

The collision occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. between the Mount Arlington and Dover stations, bringing rail service in the area to a halt as emergency responders and transit officials rushed to the scene.

According to NJ Transit, Train 858 had departed Mount Olive at 5:56 p.m. and was en route to Hoboken, with a scheduled arrival of 7:36 p.m., when it struck the individual under circumstances that remain under investigation.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

Officials reported that no injuries were sustained by the lone passenger or crew members aboard the train.

NJ Transit police are actively investigating the incident. Additional details will be released as they become available.

Jefferson Township Library to Host Virtual College Application Workshop

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Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper of Stand Out For College will lead a virtual workshop on April 21, helping Jefferson Township students and families build stronger, more compelling college applications.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Public Library will host a virtual program designed to help students and families navigate the college application process.

The program, “Create a Compelling College Application,” will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. The presentation is geared toward high school juniors, sophomores, freshmen, and their parents, offering guidance on how to use the upcoming summer productively to build a strong college application.

Participants will learn about key aspects of the admissions process, including current trends, writing effective personal statements and supplemental essays, and securing strong teacher recommendations. The program will also highlight how students can position themselves to improve their chances of acceptance.

A major focus of the session will be the increasing importance of storytelling, helping students effectively communicate their experiences, personal growth, and unique perspectives through their application essays.

The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC, a college admissions consulting firm.

A Zoom link will be provided after registration. Those interested can register through the Jefferson Township Public Library website by clicking here.

This free virtual program offers a valuable opportunity for Jefferson Township families to better understand the evolving college admissions landscape and gain practical strategies for success.

Video: Jefferson Township Council Meeting – April 8, 2026

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Jefferson Township

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township Council Meeting – April 8, 2026.

Click here to download the agenda.

The meeting opened with special presentations recognizing members of the Library Board of Trustees and highlighting Autism Awareness Month. Public comment followed, with residents given the opportunity to address the governing body.


Ordinances Approved and Introduced

Council held public hearings and took action on several ordinances, including:

  • Road Vacation Ordinance (#26-03):
    Approved the vacation of portions of Edgewood Road and an unnamed right-of-way, allowing adjacent property owners to assume ownership and shifting maintenance responsibility to a private party.
  • Cannabis Regulations (#26-06):
    Revised local rules to:
    • Limit hours of operation to 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
    • Require outdoor gathering permits
    • Prohibit cannabis consumption areas in the township
  • Budget Cap Ordinance (#26-08):
    Adopted a measure allowing the Township to exceed the standard 2% budget cap and increase appropriations by up to 3.5% for 2026, citing public health, safety, and welfare needs.

Major Development and Housing Changes Proposed

Council introduced a significant ordinance to overhaul affordable housing zoning:

  • Affordable Housing Overlay Changes (#26-09):
    • Eliminates the existing overlay zone
    • Establishes multiple “Inclusionary Overlay Zones” throughout the Township
    • Requires a 20% affordable housing set-aside in qualifying developments
    • Allows mixed-use and multifamily housing in designated areas

A public hearing on this ordinance is scheduled for May 20, 2026.


Capital Spending and Infrastructure Investments

Several ordinances introduced outline millions in capital improvements, including:

  • $2.08 million for municipal equipment, road improvements, parks, and public safety upgrades
  • $130,000 for water system improvements
  • $195,000 for sewer system upgrades
  • $3.07 million bond ordinance for roads, drainage, vehicles, and infrastructure projects

Projects include roadway resurfacing, stormwater system upgrades, equipment purchases for police and DPW, and improvements to parks and municipal facilities.


Resolutions and Contracts Approved

Council approved several resolutions, including:

  • Payment of bills
  • Increasing the bid threshold from $44,000 to $53,000, allowing more contracts to be awarded without public bidding
  • Awarding contracts for:
    • Road paving projects
    • Asphalt and crushed stone (up to $175,000)
    • Vehicle parts and equipment purchases (up to $50,000)


      Eric F. Wilsusen (R) – Mayor
  • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
  1. Robert “Bob” Birmingham (R) – Council President
    • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028
  2. Josh Kalish (R) – Council Vice President
    • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
  3. Melissa Senatore (R) – Councilwoman
    • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
  4. Barbie Garruto (R) – Councilwoman
    • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028
  5. Dan Schultz (R) – Councilman
    • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028

Letter to the Editor: Where are the Jefferson Township Meeting Minutes?

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Dear Editor:

The Jefferson Township Mayor, Administration and Council have a problem with the definition of ‘transparency’. They state on their agenda that their meetings are following Robert’s Rules of Order, but they are not. According to Robert’s Rules of Order, meeting minutes are to be approved at the next regular meeting. Yet this Administration and Council seem to pick and choose which meeting minutes will appear on an agenda and when. Why?

Our Mayor and Council President, claim that they are the most transparent Administration ever! Yet my husband and I constantly, for the past few years, keep having to ask during the Public Comment section where previous meeting minutes are and why they aren’t approved for months and sometimes even until the next year. We’ve even had new Council members have to abstain from approving minutes because the meetings took place before they took office.

At the last Council meeting on April 8, 2026, the 10/15/25 and 10/29/25 meeting minutes were finally approved. However, 10/1/25, 12/3/25, 12/17/25, 2/11/26, 2/17/26, 3/25/26 meeting minutes have NOT YET been approved. This is absolutely not the definition of being transparent!

Not approving meeting minutes in a timely, transparent manner, goes against Robert’s Rules of Order and even OUR OWN Town Code § 70-12 Minutes.

Town Code § 70-12 Minutes. “Minutes of every regular or special meeting shall be kept and shall include the names of the persons appearing and addressing the Board and of the persons appearing by attorney, the action taken by the Board, the findings, if any, made by it and reasons therefor. The minutes shall thereafter be made available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Township Clerk. Any interested party shall have the right to compel production of the minutes for use as evidence in any legal proceeding concerning the subject matter of such minutes. Such interested party may be charged a fee for reproduction of the minutes for his use as provided for in the rules of the Board.”

Then there is the issue of Council Executive Session meeting minutes. By State law, once the business that was the reason for the Council to enter into Executive Session is complete, the minutes of those meetings are to be made Public. After two recent OPRA requests requesting Minutes of Executive Meetings for the years of 2023 through 2025, the responses received have resulted in being told that there are no minutes. How can this be when the agendas for the last few years clearly show the Council going into Executive Session and why they did?

To me, we have an example of malfeasance.

Donna Vander Ploeg

VFW Post 3401 Hosts Successful Roast Beef Dinner in Morris Plains

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Residents gather at VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains for the annual Roast Beef Dinner, enjoying an evening of food, fellowship, and community support for local veterans.

MORRIS PLAINS — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3401 welcomed residents and supporters for its annual Roast Beef Dinner on Friday, April 10, bringing together the community for an evening of great food, camaraderie, and support for local veterans.

Mayor Jason Karr joins residents at VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains for the annual Roast Beef Dinner, celebrating community spirit and honoring local veterans.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal while connecting with friends, neighbors, and members of the veteran community. The event highlighted the strong bond between Morris Plains and VFW Post 3401, an organization that continues to play a vital role in supporting those who have served our country.

The evening served as a reminder of the importance of community-driven events that not only raise funds but also foster appreciation and recognition for veterans. Organizers and volunteers were praised for their dedication in making the event both welcoming and meaningful.

Dedicated volunteers in the VFW Post 3401 kitchen prepare and serve meals with a smile, helping make the annual Roast Beef Dinner a welcoming and successful event.

Residents expressed gratitude for the continued efforts of VFW Post 3401 and the many community members who support its mission throughout the year.

Events like the Roast Beef Dinner continue to strengthen the connection between Morris Plains and its veteran community, ensuring that those who served are honored and supported.

Jefferson Township Announces Spring 2026 Town-Wide Garage Sale

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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Residents and bargain hunters alike are invited to take part in the Spring 2026 Town-Wide Garage Sale, a community-wide event set to bring neighbors together for a weekend of great deals and local connection.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is organized by the Jefferson Township Recreation Department.

Homeowners throughout the township are encouraged to participate by hosting their own garage sales. Registration is free and must be completed through Community Pass to be included on the official town-wide map, which helps guide shoppers to participating locations.

Key Details:
    •    Dates: Saturday & Sunday, May 16–17
    •    Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    •    Registration Deadline: Friday, May 1
    •    Cost: Free to participate
    •    Requirement: Registration is necessary to be listed on the official garage sale map

The event offers a great opportunity for residents to declutter, connect with neighbors, and attract visitors from surrounding communities looking for unique finds.

For more information, residents can contact the Jefferson Township Recreation Department at (973) 663-8404 ext. 5 or email [email protected].

With dozens of homes expected to participate, the Town-Wide Garage Sale promises to be a lively and rewarding weekend for the entire community.

Driver Charged with DWI After Crash on Rockaway Place

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

PARSIPPANY — A Dover man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle crash on Rockaway Place, according to a report from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.

On February 25, 2026, at approximately 3:39 p.m., Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Richard Nicoletti responded to the area of 16 Rockaway Place for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, Police Officer Nicoletti determined that a parked vehicle had been struck by a Honda Civic that fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Nicoletti was able to identify the driver as Richard Dellisanti, 71, of Dover, through the vehicle’s registration. Officers later located Dellisanti’s residence and observed damage to his vehicle consistent with the reported crash.

According to the report, Dellisanti admitted to being involved in the crash, stating that glare from the sun affected his visibility, causing him to strike the parked vehicle. He told officers he left the scene without reporting the incident.

While speaking with Dellisanti, officers observed signs of impairment, including slurred speech, an unsteady gait, and difficulty following instructions. Field sobriety tests were conducted, which Dellisanti was unable to complete successfully.

Dellisanti was placed under arrest and transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters for processing. Police said he refused to submit breath samples and declined to answer standard statements.

He was charged with multiple offenses and later transported to St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville for evaluation.

Dellisanti was issued the following summons:

  • Operating Under the Influence
  • Reckless Driving
  • Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash
  • Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Crash
  • Failure to Report Change of Address
  • Refusal to Submit to Breath Samples
  • Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test
  • Obstructed Windshield
  • Disorderly Conduct

A court appearance is scheduled in Parsippany Municipal Court.

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.

Community Support ‘Ramps Up’ Safety for Residents with Special Needs

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Jenny, a resident of the Independent Living program at Rose House’s Hanover Community Residence, is pictured with Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell (left) and Thrift Barns of Morris County President George Janowicz. Image courtesy of Rose House.

MORRIS COUNTY — Rose House, a nonprofit organization that creates affordable, permanent housing for adults with developmental disabilities throughout Morris County, recently received a generous gift from Thrift Barns of Morris County, Denville. For the second consecutive year, the organization donated $5,000 to support Rose House residents with special needs.

The gift will help fund the construction of a new wheelchair ramp at Rose House’s Diane Bloom Group Home in Budd Lake, New Jersey. The ramp is expected to be built later this year by volunteers from Morris Habitat for Humanity, with Rose House covering the cost of supplies.

“We are truly grateful to have members of our community who care so much for their neighbors with special needs,” said Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell. “Once completed, the ramp will help ensure the safety of our residents in the event of an emergency, thanks to the kindness of organizations like Thrift Barns of Morris County.”

Rose House also received generous funding from The Hyde & Watson Foundation and the Mariner Foundation for the wheelchair ramp project.

Thrift Barns of Morris County, which includes Book Barn and Bargain Barn, is a 100 percent volunteer-run organization. All proceeds from donations and sales benefit local charities. For more information click here.

Rose House, a non-profit organization headquartered in Morris Plains creates forever homes that make dreams come true for those with special needs throughout Morris County. It offers customized, self-directed programs to meet every need. The organization’s vision is a future inclusive community, where everyone has a loving home. For more information click here.

Madison Rotary to Host Blood Drive at Madison Area YMCA

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MADISON — The Madison Rotary, in partnership with the YMCA and the Red Cross, will host a community blood drive on Wednesday, April 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Madison Area YMCA.

Organizers are encouraging residents to donate and help meet a goal of collecting 55 units of blood. Each donation can help save up to three lives, making a significant impact on patients in need.

In addition to donors, volunteers are also needed to assist throughout the event. One volunteer is requested per hour, with shifts available at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Kyle Becker at [email protected]. He will be coordinating the effort and will be present during the event. The Red Cross will also provide staff and additional support.

Community members are encouraged to participate and support this life-saving initiative.

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