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County College of Morris Launches Emergency Services Degree Program 

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Public Safety Training Academy; The Emergency Services Career Pathway at CCM

MORRIS COUNTY — Responding to the growing need for skilled professionals in public safety and healthcare, County College of Morris (CCM) is expanding its dynamic academic offerings with the launch of a new Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Emergency Services. This new degree program prepares students for essential careers in public safety, disaster response, emergency management, and other critical roles that serve and protect the community. In addition to the public sector, students will be prepared for opportunities in the private sector, including positions with fire equipment manufacturers, insurance companies and government agencies. 

Courses of topics include emergency management, disaster preparedness, forensic science, fire investigation, public safety leadership, terrorism preparedness and response, and communications. Individuals who have already received credentials through professional training or at a center such as the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to help accelerate completion of the CCM degree program. 

 “Associate degrees are a popular and effective pathway for students to enter high-demand careers quickly and affordably,” said Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of CCM. “Our new Emergency Services program is a prime example, preparing students to enter the workforce in critical roles that will help with the safety infrastructure of Morris County and the region.” 

The new degree program is part of CCM’s commitment to advancing education in public safety and community well-being. The degree joins other offerings in the Criminal Justice department, including Justice Studies, with a related certificate in Legal Studies for those interested in the legal assisting field. Enrollment for the Spring 2026 semester will begin on Monday, November 3. 

For more information about the Emergency Services degree program, visit CCM’s website at www.ccm.edu/programs/emergency-services or contact Dr. Bill Solomons, Chair of the Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Emergency Services Department at 973-328-5648. To explore other degrees and certificates offered in the Criminal Justice department at CCM, visit www.ccm.edu/departments/criminal-justice. 

Voters to Decide if Trust Fund Will Support Open Space Stewardship

By
Frank Cahill
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Built in 1796 by Samuel Tuttle on land purchased by his father Joseph Tuttle in 1776, the historic Tuttle House stands proudly in Whippany, Hanover Township, Morris County, New Jersey.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Voters will be asked on the November 4 General Election ballot whether dollars from the county’s Open Space, Farmland, Floodplain Protection, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund may be used for stewardship of properties already permanently preserved.

If approved, Morris County would be able to establish a program to support habitat restoration, invasive species reduction, reforestation and green infrastructure improvements on publicly preserved lands, but not general maintenance. No tax increase will result if voters approve the ballot question. The program would utilize funds previously collected and unexpended through the voter-approved Preservation Trust Fund.

The proposal was outlined in an April 23, 2025 report issued to the Commissioners by the Preservation Trust Fund Review Committee, which the Commissioners established in January 2024 to explore potential modifications of the trust fund program. The committee met six times, consulted technical experts and, after robust discussion and deliberation, concluded in its report that establishing a stewardship program for preserved lands is a fitting and responsible use of the Preservation Trust Fund.

“This is a natural next step in our preservation efforts. For more than 30 years, our residents have overwhelmingly supported preservation in Morris County. Adding this program builds upon a long list of successful, voter-approved initiatives, including open space, historic preservation, farmland preservation and trail development. The committee’s recommendation reflects months of evaluation regarding the merits if such a program. Stewardship allows us to care for the lands we’ve protected, ensuring they remain healthy and accessible for future generations,” said Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, who chaired the review committee.

The ballot question, formally authorized by county commissioners, will read as follows:

Public Question:

Shall the County of Morris amend the Morris County Open Space, Farmland, Floodplain Protection,  and Historic Preservation Trust Fund to include the purpose of stewardship of permanently preserved land acquired for recreation and conservation purposes that are designed to restore or enhance its utilization for those purposes and allow the use of previously collected funds for those purposes? 

Interpretive Statement:

A “YES” vote will permit the County of Morris to include natural resource management, habitat restoration and wildlife stewardship as eligible activities on permanently preserved land acquired for recreation and conservation purposes.  These include projects that are designed to enhance or restore the land’s utilization for those purposes as eligible activities funded as part of the Morris County Open Space, Farmland,  Floodplain Protection,  and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.  A “YES” vote will not increase the tax.

A resolution to authorize printing the public question was adopted in June 2025, with the final ballot language submitted to the Morris County Clerk last month in accordance with state law. The county will provide additional outreach and education about the ballot question on its website and social media platforms.

LINK TO THE PRESERVATION TRUST FUND COMMITTEE REPORT

The proposed program would initially be limited to municipal applicants and properties, with the potential to expand and include nonprofit-owned lands in the future. The committee reviewed various categories of stewardship activities to be considered under the program, including natural resources management and planning, meadow and forest restoration, invasive species (plant) removal, wildlife and habitat restoration, pollinator gardens and butterfly habitats and Green infrastructure (e.g., bioswales, rain gardens).

Ineligible activities under the proposed program include routine maintenance, legal fees, land acquisition, recreational infrastructure such as playgrounds or sports fields, and any work on unpreserved land.

The proposed stewardship initiative is modeled after prior Trust Fund expansions, such as the 2014 voter-approved ballot question that successfully enabled funding for trail development. As with the Trail Construction Grant Program, the stewardship program would operate on a matching grant basis, with municipalities contributing a portion of project costs. The committee also suggested the possibility of tiered matching requirements, similar to those used in the county’s Historic Preservation and Flood Mitigation programs.

A full copy of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Committee’s report and information about the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund is available on the county website. 

Honeygrow Expands in New Jersey with New Cedar Knolls Location

By
Frank Cahill
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HANOVER — Honeygrow, the popular fast-casual restaurant known for its customizable stir-fry, salads, and signature honeybars, announced on October 22 the addition of five new locations across North and Central New Jersey, including a new restaurant in Cedar Knolls. The expansion brings the total number of Honeygrow restaurants in the Garden State to 15 as the Philadelphia-based brand continues its steady growth.

Since first entering the New Jersey market in 2016 with the opening of its Cherry Hill restaurant, followed by Hoboken, Honeygrow has experienced consistent success and continues to view the state as one of its strongest and most dynamic markets.

The new Cedar Knolls Honeygrow will be located at 178 Hanover Avenue, strategically positioned in a vibrant shopping area that attracts both local residents and professionals. Other upcoming locations include 2416 Route 1 in North Brunswick, 1016 St. Georges Avenue in Avenel (Woodbridge), 1701 Route 22 in Watchung, and 32 Chestnut Ridge Road in Montvale, near the New York border. All five are scheduled to open between 2025 and 2026.

“New Jersey has been at the core of our growth strategy for over a decade,” said Justin Rosenberg, founder and CEO of Honeygrow. “It’s a vibrant market filled with loyal customers who share our love for great food made with care. Each new location brings us closer to full coverage across the state.”

Founded in 2012, Honeygrow now operates more than 65 locations throughout the Northeast and Midwest, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a unique, build-your-own dining experience.

Missing Adult Female Last Seen in Dover is Found

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

DOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Human Services Police Chief Brian Lee confirmed that 26-year-old Destiny Erts, reported missing in Dover, has been found.

Destiny Erts, of Randolph, was initially reported missing after being last seen at the Dover Public Library on July 11, 2025. Law enforcement subsequently pursued leads in New York City, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit and the Human Services Police Department worked with the NYPD and FBI in continuation of the investigation.

Through the extensive cooperative efforts of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit, NYPD, Human Services Police, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies, Erts was located on October 21, 2025, in Harlem. Members of law enforcement responded to New York and facilitated her transport back to New Jersey.

Prosecutor Carroll thanked our law enforcement partners, including the NYPD and FBI, for their efforts during this investigation, and the public for their assistance and for their expressions of concern about Erts’s wellbeing.

Unity Bank Celebrates Grand Opening in Madison

By
Frank Cahill
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Mayor Robert Conley joins Unity Bank representatives, Borough officials, and members of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand opening of Unity Bank at 265 Main Street.

MADISON — The Borough of Madison officially welcomed Unity Bank to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 30. The event was attended by Mayor Robert Conley, members of the Borough Council, the Downtown Development Commission, and the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, along with local business owners, customers, family, and friends.

Located at 265 Main Street, Unity Bank provides a comprehensive range of financial services for individuals and businesses, including checking and savings accounts, commercial and personal loans, mortgages, and investment solutions.

Mayor Conley congratulated the Unity Bank team and emphasized the value of strong community partnerships in sustaining Madison’s thriving business district. Bank representatives expressed excitement about becoming part of Madison’s downtown and reaffirmed Unity’s ongoing commitment to offering personalized, community-focused banking.

For more information about Unity Bank and its services, visit unitybank.com.

Hunter Braun Named Muhlenberg Resident Advisor

By
Frank Cahill
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Muhlenberg College is a highly regarded private liberal arts college located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, part of the Lehigh Valley region. Founded in 1848, the college is named after Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, a patriarch of the Lutheran Church in America.

DOVER — Hunter Braun has been named a Resident Advisor at Muhlenberg College this fall. A graduate of Morris Hills High School, Braun is working toward a bachelor’s degree at the college.

Each Muhlenberg Resident Advisor (RA) is a strong leader with sound critical thinking and interpersonal skills, taking on a highly-responsible position. To be selected for the competitive role, RAs must take part in a selection, recruitment and training processes, demonstrate of sense of care for others, maintain a 2.5 grade point average, and model good conduct.

RAs lead and support the development of each individual in Muhlenberg’s residence halls. They develop positive personal relationships with residents, collaborate with campus offices, empower residents to effectively interact with classmates, and uphold Muhlenberg community standards.

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, four-year residential, liberal arts college in the city of Allentown, Pa., with nearly 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree-seeking students. The college’s curriculum and experiences are designed to open doors to new ideas, discoveries, friendships and a lifetime of personal and intellectual growth.

Hunterdon County Man Charged with Discharging a Firearm in a Restaurant

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Mount Olive Township Police Chief Michael Spitzer confirmed that William H. Schmieding, 70, of White House Station, has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault, Violating Safe Carry Firearm Requirements, and Prohibited Carrying of a Firearm.

On October 20, the Mount Olive Township Police were dispatched to Frank’s Pizza on Route 206 in Flanders, on the report of a firearm discharge with an injured party. Upon arrival, officers located an 89-year-old female with an apparent gunshot wound to her left leg. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. Subsequent investigation revealed that William H. Schmieding, who has a permit to carry a handgun, was eating at the restaurant with friends. During the meal, Schmieding removed a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard handgun from his holster and attempted to clear ammunition, which resulted in the gun firing a round. This round struck the victim in the left leg, causing injury.

As a result of the incident, Schmieding was charged with Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1); Aggravated Assault, a crime of the fourth degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(3); Prohibited Carrying of a Firearm, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4.6a(15); and Violating Safe Firearm Carry Requirements, a crime of the fourth degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4.4a(5).

Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Schmieding has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility, pending future court proceedings.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.

Members of the Mount Olive Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit are participating in this investigation.

If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they can call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200.

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 Resident Accused of DWI After Route 46 Stop

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

DENVILLE — A Dover man was arrested after allegedly running a red light on Route 46 East at Franklin Road around 3:50 a.m. on Saturday, September 27. Denville Police say the driver, identified as Andres F. Escobarherrera, 30, was found to be under the influence and also did not have a valid driver’s license. He was transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing and released on his own recognizance to a sober driver pending a court date in Denville Township Municipal Court.

Police issued the following motor vehicle summonses:

• Driving Without a License (39:3-10)

• Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs (39:4-50)

• Failure to Observe a Traffic Control Device (39:4-81)

• Reckless Driving (39:4-96)

• Careless Driving (39:4-97)

Police: Dover Woman Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated

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

DENVILLE — A Dover woman was charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle stop on Route 46 West at approximately 10:53 p.m. on Friday, October 3. According to Denville Police, officers initiated the stop after observing a vehicle failing to maintain its lane. The driver, identified as Madelyn Lopez, 47, was arrested after field observations and further investigation. She was processed at Denville Police Headquarters and released in accordance with John’s Law. 

Police issued summonses for Operating Under the Influence (39:4-50), Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing (39:4-50.2), Consent to Taking Samples of Breath (39:4-50.4A), Reckless Driving (39:4-96), Careless Driving (39:4-97), Failure to Maintain Lane (39:4-88), and Safety Glass Tint (39:3-75). 

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.

Boonton Elks Launch Special Needs Children Social Club

By
Frank Cahill
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0

BOONTON — The Boonton Elks Lodge has launched its new Special Needs Children Social Club, a welcoming and inclusive program designed to provide children of all abilities with a safe space to connect, play, and build friendships.

The club will meet monthly from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, beginning Thursday, November 6, at the Boonton Elks Lodge, 125 Cornelia Street.

Children will enjoy an evening filled with games, crafts, creativity, and social activities focused on fun and friendship. The program aims to help children develop social skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging in an encouraging environment.

Each child must have a caregiver in attendance, as this is not a drop-and-go event.

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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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