Thursday, May 7, 2026
Home Blog Page 39

Two Whippany Men Arrested After Drug Incident Inside School Bus

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

HANOVER — On November 17, 2025, Hanover Police Officer Matthew Gallagher arrested Tyler Metallidis, 19, and Alex Bueno, 20, both of Whippany, on multiple drug-related charges and criminal trespass after officers discovered the pair inside a parked school bus.

Police were dispatched following a report that individuals were inside a school bus and possibly using controlled dangerous substances. When officers arrived, they located both men inside the bus and determined that each was under the influence of controlled dangerous substances.

According to police, Mr. Bueno was found in possession of three different substances, while Mr. Metallidis was found in possession of twenty-six different substances, along with hypodermic syringes.

Both individuals were transported to police headquarters for processing.
Mr. Bueno was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of prescription legend drugs, being under the influence of controlled dangerous substances, and criminal trespass. Due to his level of intoxication, he was transported to a hospital for his own safety.

Mr. Metallidis was charged with multiple counts of possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of prescription legend drugs, being under the influence of controlled dangerous substances, multiple counts of possessing hypodermic syringes, multiple counts of distributing prescription legend drugs, and criminal trespass. He was lodged in the Morris County Jail 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.

Dover Man Charged After Road Rage Incident on Route 10

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

HANOVER — On November 15, 2025, Hanover Township Police Officer Brian Morrisroe arrested Gersel Montero, 44, of Dover, for simple assault following a reported road rage incident on Route 10 west.

Patrol officers responded to the shoulder of the highway after receiving a report of two drivers involved in a confrontation. Once on scene, officers found both vehicles pulled over. According to police, the drivers became involved in a road rage dispute, during which Mr. Montero allegedly spit on the other driver.

Mr. Montero was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. He was charged with simple assault and later released pending a court date.

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.

Hanover Township Police Report More Than 2,400 Calls for Service in November

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Hanover

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Hanover Township Police Department has released its monthly activity statistics for November 2025, reflecting a steady pace of community policing, emergency response, and proactive patrols throughout the township.

According to the department, officers responded to 2,495 calls for service during the month, demonstrating the wide range of situations that require police assistance on a daily basis.

The November report highlights several key categories:

  • Arrests: 58
  • Motor Vehicle Crashes: 79
  • DWI Arrests: 4
  • Alarms (Burglar/Fire): 95
  • Medical Aids: 165
  • Property Checks: 1,020

These numbers underscore the department’s continued commitment to maintaining public safety, assisting residents, and supporting emergency services. Property checks—totaling more than one thousand—remain a core part of officers’ proactive patrol strategy, helping deter criminal activity and maintain visibility in business districts and residential neighborhoods.

In addition, the department handled 165 medical aid calls, often assisting EMS teams and providing critical support during emergencies. Officers also managed 79 motor vehicle crashes, a reminder of the ongoing importance of roadway safety as traffic increases during the holiday season.

The Hanover Township Police Department regularly publishes monthly statistics to provide transparency and keep residents informed about public safety trends within the community.

Residents can follow the department for updates and safety tips on social media at @HanoverNJPolice on both Instagram and Facebook.

Mountain Lakes Students Create Braille Menu for Hapgoods

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Hapgoods Restaurant and Bar is celebrating a remarkable act of service and inclusion thanks to two local students, Ethan Wu and Jason Dimitrov, whose thoughtful initiative is already making an impact within the community.

Ethan and Jason recently created a fully accessible Braille menu for Hapgoods, ensuring that guests with visual impairments can enjoy a more independent and welcoming dining experience. Their project reflects compassion, dedication, and a deep understanding of what it means to strengthen a community through meaningful action.

Hapgoods representatives expressed heartfelt gratitude for the students’ contribution, noting that their work has already benefitted customers and helped advance the restaurant’s efforts to be more inclusive.

“Thank you, Ethan and Jason, for helping make Hapgoods more inclusive and welcoming for everyone,” the restaurant shared. “Your initiative shows what real community impact looks like.”

Their accomplishment serves as an inspiring example for other young people, demonstrating how a single idea—carried out with heart—can make a significant difference.

Message from the Office of Mayor Jason Karr

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Screenshot

Dear Morris Plains Residents,

We hope you are all doing well. As we and our police department are aware, there have been recent coyote sightings in different areas of Morris Plains. After speaking with Animal Control and New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, we want to share some helpful information and reassure everyone that coyotes are a native species in New Jersey and an important part of our local ecosystem.
Coyotes are generally shy, cautious animals, but they can also be curious, especially when exploring new areas or following scents. This curiosity is normal and does not mean they are being aggressive. In most cases, coyotes prefer to keep their distance from people and will avoid interaction whenever possible. Their primary focus is on small prey and navigating their territory—not engaging with residents.

Basic Coyote & Human Safety Tips
•Secure your trash: Keep garbage cans tightly closed and avoid leaving bags or food waste outdoors where coyotes can access them.
•Remove attractants: Don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
•Supervise pets: Always keep dogs on a leash, especially near wooded or brushy areas. Stay extra alert during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
•Protect small pets: Don’t leave small dogs or cats unsupervised outside, even in fenced yards—coyotes can jump fences.
•Avoid feeding wildlife: Feeding coyotes (even unintentionally) causes them to lose fear of humans, increasing risk for everyone.
•Make your presence known: If you encounter a coyote, make yourself look big, wave your arms, and use a firm, loud voice. This technique helps reinforce their natural wariness.
•Walk confidently: Stick to well-lit paths and avoid thick brush when walking at night or early morning.
•Install deterrents: Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or noise devices can discourage coyotes from approaching your property.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife advises that the best approach is to leave them alone and give them space. When unprovoked, coyotes typically pose no threat.
It’s also important to know that relocating coyotes is not recommended. They are social, territorial, pack-oriented animals, and moving them can disrupt their natural behavior and create more issues. As long as they are not approaching people or acting unusually, they are not considered a danger.
What to Do if You See a Coyote

  • Stay calm and give it plenty of space.
  • Understand that a coyote may pause and look around out of curiosity, not hostility.
  • Do not approach, feed, or attempt to scare it aggressively.
  • In most cases, the coyote will move along on its own.

When to Call for Help
Never hesitate to call and let us know about any sightings. If you observe a coyote displaying signs of aggression, unusual behavior, or potential rabies, please call 911 immediately so authorities can respond appropriately.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we continue to coexist with the wildlife that shares our community. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you,
Mayor Jason Karr

Guitar Virtuosos Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo to Headline Jersey Jazz LIVE! Concert

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
saxophonist Luka Milinkovic

MADISON — Renowned guitarists Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo will take center stage at the New Jersey Jazz Society’s Jersey Jazz LIVE! concert at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, held at the Madison Community Arts Center, 10 Kings Road.

Admission is $15.00 for NJJS members, $20.00 for non-members, and $5.00 for students with a valid ID. Tickets are available by clicking here. Light refreshments will be offered for purchase.

Guitar Duo: Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo

Vignola and Raniolo, celebrated for their technical brilliance and dynamic stage presence, have performed more than 1,000 concerts across 17 countries, captivating audiences with a repertoire that seamlessly shifts from Rimsky-Korsakov classics to timeless selections from the Great American Songbook.

Before the featured performance, the program will showcase rising young talent in a Rising Stars opening set by a quartet from Summit High School. Led by alto saxophonist Luka Milinkovic, a member of this year’s New Jersey All-State Jazz Ensemble, the group also includes Jeremy Oh on drums, Gavin Lowenberger on bass, and Nicolas Solis-Negron on piano.

The concert promises a vibrant afternoon of musicianship, featuring established jazz masters alongside the next generation of New Jersey talent.

Hanover Set to Rock Around the Christmas Tree This Saturday Night

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER — Hanover Township is gearing up for a festive and family-friendly evening as Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher hosts Rocking Around the Christmas Tree: A Big Holiday Sing-Along with Santa this Saturday, December 6. The celebration is presented in partnership with The 200 Club of Morris County, the Cedar Knolls Fire Department, the Whippany Fire Department, and the Hanover Township Police.

The community is invited to gather at Double Tap Brewing, 50 Parsippany Road, Whippany, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Live holiday music will be performed by 1Adam12, featuring:

• Tom Ace Gallagher – Drums

• Dan Gallagher – Guitar

• Michael Stanzilis – Bass

• Michael Cifelli – Keyboards

• Carolyn Loh O’Hanlon – Vocals

• Thom O’Hanlon – Vocals

• Carolyn Dempsey – Vocals

The evening will also include a special appearance by Bill McCabe.

Residents from across Hanover are encouraged to join in the singing, enjoy the holiday cheer, and celebrate with Mayor Gallagher and the township’s first responders for a night that promises warmth, music, and community spirit.

North Dover Elementary Celebrates National STEAM Day with Schoolwide Innovation and Hands-On Learning

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Students at North Dover Elementary dive into hands-on activities during National STEAM Day, exploring engineering, creativity, and problem-solving across all grade levels.

DOVER — North Dover Elementary proudly celebrated National STEAM Day on November 14, giving every student—from Kindergarten through Grade 6—the opportunity to participate in engaging, hands-on activities across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

Throughout the day, classrooms buzzed with creativity, problem-solving, and exploration as students rotated through age-appropriate design challenges that encouraged critical thinking and teamwork.

Kindergarten students kicked off the excitement by building scarecrows, engineering standing field goals, and designing inventive turkey traps. Each project encouraged creativity, early engineering concepts, and fine-motor development.

First Grade students constructed turkey hideouts using flexible building materials, learning foundational lessons in structure and stability.

In Second Grade, students assembled three-dimensional pumpkins, practicing sequencing, spatial reasoning, and precision.

Third Grade classrooms transformed into engineering labs as students explored robotic hand construction, marble mazes, and fast-paced paper-building challenges designed to strengthen problem-solving skills.

Fourth Grade focused on collaboration through the beloved “Save Fred” STEM challenge, requiring students to work together, communicate effectively, and think critically under pressure.

Fifth Grade took STEAM learning to new heights—literally—by launching balloon rockets, testing paper airplane designs, building ramps, engineering spaghetti-and-marshmallow towers, and experimenting with buoyancy through cranberry raft construction.

Sixth Grade students explored structural engineering by constructing towers made of toothpicks and play dough, discovering firsthand how height impacts stability and how design choices influence strength.

National STEAM Day at North Dover Elementary served as a powerful reminder of the excitement of inquiry-based learning. Students demonstrated curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance—core skills that inspire future innovators and leaders.

Newark Man Charged After Denville Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DENVILLE — A routine motor vehicle stop on Route 46 eastbound led to multiple drug-related charges for a Newark man on Friday afternoon.

According to the Denville Police Department, officers pulled over a vehicle on November 28, 2025, at approximately 12:15 p.m. after noticing a brake light violation and that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. During the stop, police identified the driver as 23-year-old Kazir Stokes of Newark.

A police investigation revealed that Stokes was allegedly in possession of nitrous oxide canisters, psilocybin mushrooms, and drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest at the scene and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.

Stokes was charged with the following offenses:

  • Inhaling fumes of a toxic chemical to cause intoxication
  • Possession of psilocybin mushrooms
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Maintenance of lamps
  • Operation of a motor vehicle while in possession of a narcotic
  • Failure to wear a seatbelt

After processing, he was issued several summonses and released pending a future appearance in Denville 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.

Hanover Police Charge Cedar Knolls Woman with Twelve Counts of Shoplifting

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

HANOVER — On November 18, Detective Erick Magley charged Teneick Walker, 40, of Cedar Knolls, with shoplifting after an investigation revealed she exited the ShopRite store on twelve separate occasions without paying for merchandise totaling one thousand two hundred twenty-three dollars and sixty-nine cents.

On November 11, ShopRite Loss Prevention notified Detective Magley of multiple thefts that occurred between September 20 and October 31. Following a detailed review of surveillance footage and store records, Detective Magley identified Miss Walker as the individual responsible.

Miss Walker accepted responsibility for her actions and voluntarily turned herself in. She was processed by Detective Magley, issued a complaint, and released pending a future court date.

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.

1...383940...663Page 39 of 663

RECENT POSTS

BUSINESS BRIEFS

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ABOUT US

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.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

© 2024 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.

Translate »