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Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll Named NJSACOP Public Official of the Year

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll accepts the “Public Official of the Year Award” from outgoing NJSACOP President Andrew Caggiano, the Montville police chief

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police has named Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll its 2026x Public Official of the Year, recognizing a professional career that has spanned more than fifty years and reshaped how New Jersey investigates and prosecutes organized crime.

“Prosecutor Carroll has consistently demonstrated the kind of leadership and dedication to public service that this award recognizes,” said former New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police President Andrew Caggiano, the Montville police chief, whose term concluded June 24, 2026. “His commitment to Morris County reflects the highest standards we hold our public officials to, and the association is proud to honor him as Public Official of the Year.”

Few careers in New Jersey law enforcement carry the weight of Prosecutor Carroll’s. He built his reputation taking down some of the state’s most dangerous criminal organizations, work that culminated in the prosecution of Richard Kuklinski, the notorious “Iceman” killer, and a hierarchy-level racketeering murder conviction against the New Jersey Lucchese Crime Family.

As Chief of the state’s Organized Crime and Racketeering Task Force, Prosecutor Carroll, working with a talented and dedicated team of state prosecutors and detectives, led investigations into all five La Cosa Nostra families operating in New Jersey, securing hundreds of convictions against organized crime figures and their networks.

That track record was built over decades, starting in the early 1970s as an Essex County Investigator and Assistant Prosecutor, and continuing with his selection in 1980 to the Division of Criminal Justice’s elite Special Prosecutions section, where he specialized in electronic surveillance and undercover organized crime investigations.

By 1986, Prosecutor Carroll was leading the Organized Crime and Racketeering Task Force itself, rising to Assistant Attorney General.

Prosecutor Carroll’s influence has extended well beyond the courtroom. He has trained hundreds of state and tribal law enforcement leaders as an instructor at the New Jersey State Police Academy, the Essex County Police Academy, and in Native American programs, and his work has drawn commendations from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Secret Service, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Attorney’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, and numerous county prosecutor’s offices.

His public service record also includes stints as Acting Sussex County Prosecutor, Director of the Law Department for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and Compliance Officer overseeing thousands of background investigations for major Native American gaming facilities, where he also chaired a Gaming Regulatory Commission.

Since his appointment as Morris County Prosecutor in 2020, Prosecutor Carroll has continued that legacy, leading an office the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police cited for its steady leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public safety.

Boonton Brewfest Returns with Craft Beverages, Live Music, and Community Spirit

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON — Boonton Main Street announces the return of Boonton Brewfest on Saturday, September 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Canal Side Park. One of the community’s most anticipated annual events, Brewfest will bring together craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, local food vendors, live entertainment, and community members for an unforgettable afternoon in the heart of historic Boonton.

Early Bird tickets are available now through July 22, offering attendees the best value before ticket prices increase.

Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from a variety of craft beverage producers, live performances by Random Vandals and From the Ground, local vendors, lawn games, and food available for purchase throughout the event. Additional participating breweries, wineries, distilleries, and vendors will be announced in the coming weeks.

Beyond providing a fun afternoon for attendees, Boonton Brewfest serves as an important fundraiser for Boonton Main Street. Proceeds directly support downtown revitalization efforts, community events, beautification projects, small business initiatives, and programs that help preserve and enhance the unique character of historic Boonton.

“Boonton Brewfest has become one of our signature community events, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate great local beverages while supporting the continued growth and vitality of our downtown,” said Boonton Main Street. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another memorable year.”

Event Details

  • Event: Boonton Brewfest 2026
  • Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: Canal Side Park, Boonton, New Jersey
  • Early Bird Ticket Deadline: July 22, 2026

    • Early Bird tickets are available now by clicking here.

    For event updates, including participating breweries, wineries, distilleries, food vendors, and sponsors, follow Boonton Main Street on social media and visit the organization’s website.

    About Boonton Main Street

    Boonton Main Street is dedicated to strengthening and promoting Boonton’s historic downtown through community events, economic development, beautification initiatives, and support for local businesses. Through year-round programming and partnerships, the organization works to preserve the city’s unique character while fostering a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

Boonton’s Merci Train Boxcar Among Projects Awarded Morris County Historic Preservation Grants

By
Frank Cahill
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The New Jersey Merci Train boxcar is a rare surviving example of a late 19th-century French “40 & 8” military railcar, designed to transport 40 soldiers or eight horses. It is one of 49 railcars distributed throughout the United States in 1949 as part of a post-World War II diplomatic from France recognizing American assistance through the Friendship Train. The grant will support completion of construction documents for interior and exterior preservation efforts.

BOONTON — The Town of Boonton has been awarded a $18,560 grant to support ongoing preservation work on the New Jersey Merci Train boxcar, as part of nearly five million dollars in historic preservation grants approved by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

The grant is among thirty-five projects across twenty municipalities approved for funding from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, following a recommendation last month by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board.

The Merci Train boxcar is a rare surviving example of a late nineteenth-century French “forty and eight” military railcar, originally built to transport either forty soldiers or eight horses. It is one of forty-nine such railcars distributed throughout the United States in 1949 as part of a post-World War II diplomatic gift from France, recognizing American assistance through the Friendship Train.

The boxcar requires steel bracing and other preservation work, and the grant will support completion of construction documents for both interior and exterior preservation efforts. The applicant for the grant is the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, which is restoring the boxcar at its Boonton yard.

“Morris County has now awarded more than $61 million from our Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 142 historic sites since 2003, when voters overwhelmingly supported dedicating a fund to protect our important historical resources,” said Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation. “We thank the members of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and our Office of Planning and Preservation staff for their hard work in selecting the most worthy projects for support and providing this important benefit to county residents.”

“As Morris County celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage, not only because of Morris County’s deep roots in the American Revolution, but also because of the local people and places that played significant roles in our great nation’s evolution throughout history,” he added.

Since its inception, the county’s Historic Preservation Trust Fund program has helped protect Morris County’s historic resources while creating opportunities for heritage tourism, supporting economic development, and increasing public awareness of the county’s rich historic character.

Dover Celebrates Creativity During Week-Long Community Arts Festival

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — Dover Art Week will return this summer, running Sunday, July 26, through Saturday, August 1, with a different free activity offered each day throughout the week.

The week kicks off Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with Downtown Kick-Off at Meridia Transit Plaza, 2 West Blackwell Street, featuring live music from local bands.

On Monday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Photography Night will be held at Las Brisaz Restaurant, 29 East Blackwell Street, offering a photography lesson and a mini photo-art gallery.

Tuesday’s event, Comics and Graphic Novel Night, runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Meatflame Restaurant, 24 Bassett Highway, and will include a drawing lesson from a professional artist.

Sculpture Night takes place Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Richards Building, 7 North Sussex Street, giving attendees the chance to sculpt their own piece.

On Thursday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Painting Night will be held at Tequila’s 55, 55 East Blackwell Street, with instruction from a painting teacher.

Friday’s Student Art Night runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sabor Latino, 44 North Morris Street, where local student artists will share their work.

The week closes out Saturday, August 1, with two events. Art in the Park runs from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at J.F.K. Park, 51-99 East Clinton Street, and the Dover Public Library, offering activities and music for families. That evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Basement Bash will be held at The Amp, 10 North Warren Street, described as an art party at the new home of North Jersey art.

All Dover Art Week events are free to attend. More information is available at www.doverartweek.com.

The event is supported by the Town of Dover, Mayor James P. Dodd, and the Dover Town Council, along with West Morris Capital, Morris Arts, the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, The Amp, and the Dover Free Public Library.

Bucco Statement on Severe Storms in Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Anthony Bucco

MORRIS COUNTY — State Senator Anthony Bucco, a Republican representing Morris and Passaic Counties, released a statement this past week addressing the severe and unexpected storms that struck the region over the holiday weekend.

“I hope everyone is safe following this weekend’s unexpected and severe storms,” Bucco said. “Thank you to our first responders, Office of Emergency Management personnel, public works crews, utility workers, and everyone who worked tirelessly throughout the holiday weekend, in triple-digit temperatures, to keep our communities safe and restore essential services. I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and professionalism shown by so many.”

Bucco said he remained in close communication throughout the storm response with local mayors, county officials, the Governor’s Office, and Jersey Central Power and Light.

“Throughout the response, I remained in close communication with our local mayors, county officials, the Governor’s Office, and Jersey Central Power and Light,” Bucco said. “I have also shared several recommendations with the Governor and would like to work with Jersey Central Power and Light on ways to strengthen future storm response. While I appreciate the hard work of the utility crews in challenging conditions, there is room for improvement in communication, coordination, and the timely deployment of additional resources during widespread outages. By working together to address these issues, we can help reduce the impact on residents and improve the restoration process during future storms.”

Bucco said he was grateful for the cooperation shown across all levels of government and among emergency responders and utility partners during the response.

“I am grateful for the cooperation demonstrated by every level of government, our emergency responders, and our utility partners, all coming together with a shared commitment to serve the people of Morris County,” Bucco said. “We will continue working with all involved to ensure we are even better prepared for the next major weather event.”

Sen. Bucco: I Won’t Stop Fighting Alongside You All for Highlands School Aid

By
Frank Cahill
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Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — While recent efforts secured much-needed school aid, Sen. Bucco says lasting reform is still needed to ensure the Highlands community receives the long-term funding they deserve. 

Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris, Passaic) says the fight for fair school funding in Highlands communities is far from over.

A leading advocate for Highlands communities in Trenton, Sen. Bucco has fought to ensure the region’s schools are treated fairly despite the state-imposed development restrictions that protect nearly 70% of New Jersey’s drinking water.

While recent efforts secured much-needed school aid, Sen. Bucco says lasting reform is still needed. That’s why he introduced the “Fairness for School Districts in Development-Restricted Areas” Act, legislation that would modernize New Jersey’s school funding formula and ensure Highlands districts receive the long-term funding they deserve.

Watch Sen. Bucco discuss the need for school funding reform from outside Jefferson Township Middle School:

Youssef Galal Awarded Presidential Scholarship at New York Institute of Technology

By
Frank Cahill
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New York Institute of Technology

EAST HANOVER — Youssef Galal has been awarded the Presidential Scholarship at New York Institute of Technology, the university’s highest scholarship awarded to incoming first-year students.

Galal was among more than one hundred ten students to receive the scholarship.

New York Institute of Technology’s six schools and colleges offer undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and other professional degree programs in in-demand disciplines including computer science, data science, and cybersecurity; biology, health professions, and medicine; architecture and design; engineering; information technology and digital technologies; management; and energy and sustainability.

A nonprofit, independent, private, and nonsectarian institute of higher education founded in 1955, it welcomes nearly eight thousand students worldwide. The university has campuses in New York City and Long Island, New York; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as programs around the world.

More than one hundred twenty thousand alumni are part of an engaged network of physicians, architects, scientists, engineers, business leaders, digital artists, and healthcare professionals.

Safety Meets School Spirit in the Calais Gym

By
Frank Cahill
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New wall padding featuring The Calais School's Cougar mascot lines the gymnasium, part of a $30,000 safety and renovation project funded by The Calais Foundation.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Calais School, located at 45 Highland Avenue in Whippany, is a state-approved, private special education school serving students in kindergarten through grade twelve plus with multiple learning disabilities. The school has received a grant of thirty thousand dollars from The Calais Foundation to replace outdated wall padding in its gymnasium.

The project has significantly enhanced student safety while refreshing one of the school’s most visible and frequently used spaces. As one of the busiest areas in the school, the Calais gymnasium serves as a central gathering place for school assemblies, performances, graduations, lunch periods, community events, and other activities that bring together more than two hundred students and staff, along with families and guests throughout the year.

Replacing the aging wall padding provides an important safety upgrade by helping reduce the risk of injury during physical activities while creating a more welcoming and functional environment for the entire school community. The new acoustic-grade padding also helps absorb sound, reducing noise levels and creating a calmer, more inclusive space that supports focus, communication, and learning.

“This project reflects our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment where every student can thrive,” said Calais School Executive Director John Cohrs. “We were especially excited to unveil the new look at this year’s graduation, allowing families and the entire Calais community to celebrate this milestone in a space that reflects the great pride we have in our school.”

The custom-designed wall padding features The Calais School logo and Cougar mascot in the school’s signature maroon and white colors. Beyond its practical purpose, the updated design fosters a sense of school pride and belonging for every student.

Funding for the project was made possible through The Calais Foundation, whose ongoing support of The Calais School helps provide resources and opportunities that enrich the educational experience for students.

Sultan Almosbeh to Pursue Dual Master’s Degree at Stevens Institute of Technology

By
Frank Cahill
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Sultan Almosbeh

BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Sultan Almosbeh will pursue a dual degree Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering as an incoming graduate student at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken beginning this fall.

Almosbeh is a graduate of Mountain Lakes High School, where he earned his high school diploma in 2023 with a focus on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial studies and served as a two-time Track and Field captain, played three varsity sports, and participated in Investment Club, Entrepreneurship Club, and Key Club, in addition to tutoring peers in English and physics. He went on to study at Muhlenberg College for two years and five months, with a background in physics and mathematics, and is a member of the Brown University Pre-College team.

Almosbeh said his undergraduate coursework in electricity and magnetism sparked a deeper curiosity that drew him toward the field of electrical engineering. At the same time, he said he has long been drawn to the goal of owning his own business one day.

“Why not both?” Almosbeh said of his decision to pursue both degrees simultaneously.

Almosbeh said he is looking forward to earning both master’s degrees through an accelerated program while working alongside faculty at Stevens Institute of Technology, located in Hoboken.

Video: Tierras y Sabores

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — Tierras y Sabores in Dover brings the authentic flavors of Latin America to the community with a menu featuring traditional dishes, fresh ingredients, and homemade specialties. Known for its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere, the restaurant offers guests a welcoming dining experience that celebrates culture, family, and delicious cuisine every day.

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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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