MORRIS COUNTY — The American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low. Hospitals across the country are facing critically low blood supplies, particularly Type O blood, increasing the risk of delays for patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions following accidents, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other medical emergencies.
Healthy, eligible residents are encouraged to consider giving blood. A single donation can help save multiple lives and ensure hospitals have the resources they need when emergencies arise.
To find a blood drive or donation center, residents can visit the American Red Cross Blood Donation Locator or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule an appointment.
TRENTON — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic) called on Governor Mikie Sherrill to fully cooperate with federal authorities investigating New Jersey’s noncitizen voter registration issue and to support legislative efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
On a recent episode of “Ask Governor Sherrill,” the governor dismissed calls for a bipartisan select committee with subpoena power as a witch hunt and again described the issue as a software error. IDEMIA, the vendor responsible for the Motor Vehicle Commission’s software, has said the automatic voter registration of noncitizens was a setting approved by New Jersey officials.
“This is a stunning revelation from IDEMIA that demands accountability from Murphy administration officials. The Governor stated this situation requires answers, but those answers will not come from wasting taxpayer dollars, dismissing legitimate questions from lawmakers as a witch hunt, or obsessing over the President. New Jerseyans deserve to know the full scope of this administrative malpractice. Is the state-led investigation examining only the so-called software error or is it looking into broader concerns raised by IDEMIA, the 75,000 or more noncitizens reportedly summoned for jury duty every year, and the significant discrepancy between the state’s 6,600 figure and the Department of Homeland Security’s estimate of 35,000 noncitizens on our voter rolls? That is why I called on the U.S. Attorney to expand its investigation and ensure every possible avenue is being pursued. Taxpayers deserve an investigation that follows the facts wherever they lead, not one limited by partisan convenience,” said Senator Pennacchio.
Last week, Pennacchio called on Assistant U.S. Attorney Harmeet Dhillon to expand the investigation after reports that 75,000 noncitizens are summoned for jury duty each year in New Jersey.
During the episode, Sherrill dismissed the jury duty concerns, as reported by Insider NJ, noting that various state databases are used to compile the state’s jury pool.
“The Governor offered to ‘educate’ me, but the facts already did. Here’s a refresher: the Administrative Office of the Courts confirmed that jury lists are compiled using records from the Division of Elections, MVC, and the Division of Taxation. The simple fact is that the same state systems contributed to multiple government functions, and this scandal proves those systems deserve scrutiny. Instead of lecturing lawmakers, the Governor should focus on providing answers,” Pennacchio said.
TRENTON — The Sherrill Administration released $165 million in Fiscal Year 2027 County Aid to fund infrastructure improvements on the local level. The program is funded through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund.
“Every New Jerseyan deserves safe roads, reliable bridges, and modern infrastructure. This investment gives counties the resources they need to repair the transportation networks that families, commuters, and businesses rely on every day. We are partnering with county leaders to deliver reliable travel, support economic growth, and keep New Jersey moving forward,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.
“Governor Sherrill and the New Jersey Department of Transportation are committed to ensuring New Jersey’s entire transportation network is safe, reliable, and modern, whether you are on a state highway or on county or municipal roads and bridges. County Aid provides millions of dollars to ensure our local infrastructure is maintained in a state of good repair without burdening local taxes,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Priya Jain.
The state’s twenty-one counties, including Morris County, will share the total $165 million through the County Aid program, which helps maintain roads and bridges under county jurisdiction for the thousands of motorists who count on them each day.
County Aid was increased by $15 million in Fiscal Year 2027. On March 26, 2024, legislation was signed to renew the state’s Transportation Trust Fund for five more years. With that renewal, funding for Local Aid programs to counties and municipalities will increase by $15 million for the County Aid program this fiscal year.
County Aid funds are apportioned based on population and road mileage in each county, and each county selects the projects that receive funding. Counties are required to submit eligible projects, identified in the county’s annual Transportation Program, to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for approval prior to December 1. State law requires counties be informed of their allotments for the current fiscal year by July 31 to help them better plan future projects.
Morris County’s specific allotment was not broken out in the state’s release. A full county-by-county list is available from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Division of Mosquito Control has scheduled several early morning adult mosquito control treatments this week in portions of Rockaway, East Hanover, Green Village and Florham Park, weather permitting.
The treatments will be conducted by all-terrain vehicle between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. because of increased adult mosquito populations.
On Sunday, August 2, crews will treat wooded areas near White Meadow Road (White Meadow Lake Camp) and Timberbrook Road (Camp Winnebago) in Rockaway.
On Monday, August 3, treatments are scheduled for Ridgedale Avenue (Lurker Park) and Cedar Street (Camp Hope) in East Hanover.
On Tuesday, August 4, crews are scheduled to treat wooded areas near Elm Street (Municipal Complex) in Florham Park.
Officials said the county may use Anvil 2+2 (EPA Registration No. 1021-1687-8329), which contains the active ingredient sumithrin, or Zenivex E4 (EPA Registration No. 2724-807), which contains the active ingredient etofenprox.
Residents with questions about the mosquito control treatments may contact the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control at (973) 285-6450. Additional information, including product labels, is available at morriscountynj.gov/Departments/Mosquito-Control.
MORRIS PLAINS — The Morris Plains Police Department, in conjunction with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, will host a mobile inspection station at Community Park on Wednesday, August 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
“By bringing inspections directly to Morris Plains, we want to help residents stay compliant with state requirements in a more convenient and efficient manner, reducing travel time, long wait lines, and overall burden on MVC facilities,” the Morris Plains Police Department said.
Inspections will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, and no appointments are required. Vehicles will be lined up and processed in the order they arrive. Inspections can be performed only up to two months in advance.
Passing vehicles will receive a two-year inspection sticker, while new car dealer vehicles will receive a five-year inspection sticker. Failing vehicles will receive a rejection sticker along with a thirty-day report, allowing the owner time to address the issue and return to an inspection facility for re-inspection.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an ongoing telephone scam in which criminals falsely claim that victims have an active warrant for their arrest after allegedly failing to appear for jury duty.
The scammers are using sophisticated phone number spoofing technology that causes the caller ID to display the Sheriff’s Office’s legitimate telephone number, (973) 285-6610. While the call may appear to be from the Sheriff’s Office, it is not.
During these calls, the scammers typically identify themselves as law enforcement officials and advise the victim that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. They often pressure the victim to remain on the phone and discourage them from contacting family members, attorneys, or law enforcement in an effort to prevent the victim from verifying the information.
In order to make the scam appear legitimate, the callers may send victims fraudulent documents, including fake arrest warrants and supplemental paperwork bearing official-looking seals, signatures, or court information.
The Sheriff’s Office wants the public to know:
Law enforcement agencies will never demand payment to avoid arrest or resolve a warrant.
The Sheriff’s Office will never instruct anyone to transfer money through Bitcoin kiosks, gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional payment methods.
Caller ID can be manipulated and should not be relied upon as proof that a call is legitimate.
Legitimate court matters and warrants are handled through established legal procedures, not by demanding immediate payment over the telephone.
Residents who receive one of these calls should hang up immediately. They should not provide personal information, banking information, or send money. Anyone uncertain whether a call is legitimate should contact the Morris County Sheriff’s Office directly using a trusted telephone number obtained from an official source, not the number displayed on caller ID.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this scam or has suffered a financial loss is encouraged to report the incident to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to share this information with family members, friends, and neighbors, particularly older adults, who are frequently targeted by these types of scams. Public awareness remains one of the most effective tools in preventing fraud.
Anyone with questions can contact Sergeant Casey Slinger, Public Information, at (973) 987-4288 or [email protected].
Boonton Township Mayor Bill Klingener, Morris County Park Commission President Stu Lasser, Sheriff James Gannon, Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Historical Society of Boonton Township President Bill Rixon, Jeff and Colleen Dowling, Boonton Township Committeeman Brian Honan, Boonton Township Administrator and Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana, and Morris County Planning & Preservation Director Joe Barilla.
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — The historic Valley Farm Stand at the Oscar Kincaid Home of History in Boonton Township has officially reopened following a rehabilitation project, continuing the legacy of a farmstand that served the community for nearly a century.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw joined Boonton Township Mayor Bill Klingener for a ribbon cutting at the today at the farmstand’s Powerville Road site. Also attending were Historical Society of Boonton Township President Bill Rixon, Township Administrator Doug Cabana, members of the township committee, residents, and Jeff and Colleen Dowling — who rehabilitated the farmstand and will operate it.
“While this is a modest farmstand, it has been part of the life of this community for nearly a century,” said Director Shaw. “As we commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, it is worth remembering that America’s story wasn’t written only in statehouses or on battlefields. It was also written on farms like this one, in communities like Boonton Township and by families like the Kincaids, whose hard work, stewardship and commitment to the land helped shape Morris County. Congratulations to the Dowling family and everyone who helped make today’s ribbon-cutting possible.”
Built in the mid-1920s by Oscar A. Kincaid Sr., the roadside stand initially served as a refreshment stand and gathering place for local residents. Neighbors met there over root beer, while local town leaders sometimes used the setting to discuss and resolve community disputes.
The Dowling family from left: Christopher, Abby, Riley, Colleen, Jeff and Mackenzie.
In 1938, Kincaid entered the dairy business, expanded the building and installed a large walk-in cooler. The stand became known as the “milk house” and was used in connection with his Hillside Dairy milk route.
During World War II, the Kincaid family returned to general farming, and the building became known as “Valley Farm.” The stand sold seasonal products from the farm and surrounding area, including sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, apples, cider, Christmas trees and firewood.
In later years, the stand sold heirloom apples grown by nearby Lyonsville pomologist Harold W. Schroeder. Varieties included Golden Russet, Fall Pippin, Black Gilliflower and New Jersey’s own Maiden Blush.
“Today would not be possible without Jeff and Colleen’s vision and commitment to restoring this farmstand. They approached the township about giving this iconic part of our community a new life, and we were pleased to work with them and our historic preservation partners to make it happen. I want to thank everyone who contributed their time and effort to bringing this beautiful restoration to completion,” said Doug Cabana, a Morris County commissioner as well as Boonton Township administrator.
“This has been a dream of ours that started ten years ago, and we’re grateful to finally see it come to fruition with the support of Boonton Township, the Historical Society of Boonton Township, Morris County and so many others. We wanted to create a place where our family could work and spend time together, and where our children and their families can carry on that tradition in the years ahead. We’re honored to continue the legacy of this farmstand and become part of its next chapter,” said Jeff Dowling.
Customers line up to place the first orders at the July 31, 2026 reopening of The Farmstand at 591 Powerville Rd., Boonton Township.
The Valley Farm Stand remained in operation until the final harvest in 2000, shortly before the death of Kincaid’s son, Oscar A. Kincaid Jr., who had carried on his family’s farming tradition. The stand was frequently operated on the honor system, with customers selecting produce and leaving payment in an unlocked cash box.
“After the final harvest in 2000 and Oscar Kincaid’s passing, the farmstand sat idle for 26 years. Seeing it reopen today is truly remarkable. Jeff approached every detail with craftsmanship and respect for the building’s history. He didn’t cut corners — he restored it the right way. We’re excited to see this historic landmark begin its next chapter,” said Historical Society President Bill Rixon.
The younger Kincaid was also a founding member of the Morris County Agricultural Development Board. During the 17 years he served, the board helped preserve 41 farms and more than 3,100 acres in Morris County.
“Those who knew Oscar Kincaid knew how much he loved Boonton Township and Morris County,” Mayor Klingener said of Oscar Kincaid, Jr. “He devoted many years on the township committee, including four years as mayor in the mid-1970s, and was a founding member of the Morris County Agricultural Development Board. I know Oscar would be proud of this moment.”
The Farmstand is part of the Oscar Kincaid Home of History, a property with more than two centuries of history. The earliest portion of the home dates to about 1785, making it one of the oldest surviving frame buildings in Boonton Township. Before the Kincaids, the property was associated with the Decker family, including John Decker, who expanded the house in 1837.
The home contains remarkable examples of 19th-century folk art, including an unusual plaster portrait on the north wall and a decorative technique known as “spooning.” Using a pewter spoon, the artisan heated and ran the spoon over barely damp plaster in continuous curlicue sections, creating a black-and-white swirling pattern.
The Oscar Kincaid Home Of History in Boonton Township at 591 Powerville Rd. adjacent to The Farmstand.
The property is individually listed on both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
Morris County has supported the preservation of the property through both farmland and historic preservation programs. In 2001, the Morris County Agricultural Development Board purchased the 75-acre Kincaid farm for open space and farmland preservation. Since 2003, the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund has awarded nearly $730,000 to the Historical Society of Boonton Township for the acquisition, stabilization and restoration of the Oscar A. Kincaid Home of History and Valley Farm Stand.
In 2010, the county Board of County Freeholders, now called County Commissioners, presented the Historical Society a Morris County Historic Preservation plaque recognizing restoration efforts at the Kincaid home. The Morris County Park Commission maintains a portion of the property, which has been named Kincaid Woods in recognition of the Kincaid family’s legacy.
The Historical Society of Boonton Township owns the Oscar Kincaid Home of History and continues to oversee its restoration and preservation. The Dowling family will operate the rehabilitated farmstand, continuing its tradition as a local gathering place and destination for farm-fresh products.
DOVER — The Quiet Man Irish Pub, a beloved local gathering place that has served generations of customers, will close after 47 years in business. Its final day will be Saturday, August 29.
Frank and Anne Burke, who came to the United States from Ireland, opened The Quiet Man in 1979. What began as a family-owned Irish pub grew into a cherished part of the Dover community, known not only for its food and welcoming atmosphere but also for the memories created inside its doors.
For nearly five decades, The Quiet Man served as a place where friendships were formed, families celebrated important milestones and longtime customers returned year after year. Its warm, familiar atmosphere helped make the pub feel like a second home to many who visited.
The Burke family spent nearly six years attempting to sell the business, hoping to find a new owner who would continue its traditions and preserve its legacy for future generations. After exploring several opportunities, the family ultimately decided that the time had come to close.
Throughout its history, the restaurant remained closely connected to the community and developed a loyal following among customers who appreciated its Irish character, hospitality and family-operated atmosphere.
The Burke family credited the restaurant’s customers and staff members for making its 47 years in business possible, thanking them for their loyalty, kindness and continued support.
Customers are invited to visit during the pub’s final weeks to enjoy another meal, raise one last glass and share their favorite memories of The Quiet Man.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives and for making The Quiet Man such a truly special place,” the Burke family said.
The closing will mark the end of an era for Dover and for the many families who considered The Quiet Man more than simply a restaurant. After nearly half a century, its legacy will remain in the friendships, celebrations and memories shared there.
