MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced new limits on outdoor gatherings to 25 people from 150 people among other restrictions. This comes as the Covid-19 transmission rate has dropped over the last three days and hospitalizations have fluctuated recently. Deaths are have remained low.

“The legislature has resolved itself to being a governmental accessory in New Jersey,” said Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris). “Our governor is ruling by executive order, vetoing legislation that would help people, making unilateral decisions without providing the data or science he references, and our Senate and Assembly have chosen to be useless.”

On three separate occasions since May, Senate and Assembly Democrats have rejected efforts by Republicans to require the legislature to approve executive orders within 14 days after the governor issues them, allowing for a quick executive response to the emergency with legislative oversight. The bill is A4147.

Another bill to make data on Murphy’s decisions available (A4813/S2751), passed the Senate unanimously but has not been considered in the Assembly, in spite of bipartisan support.

“All efforts for transparency and accountability are lost on the governor’s office and Assembly leadership,” said DiMaso (R-Monmouth). “Political games are taking preference over the good government and the interest of the people. It is always in the best interest of the people to know what is going on and having their closest representative advocate for their interests.”

The governor’s executive order authority comes from the Disaster Control Act of 1942 and the Emergency Health Powers Act of 2005. Republicans contend that the legislature provided those powers and should reprise its role as a check on the executive.

“Having checks and balances in government is incredibly important. That is the reason to fight for American democracy,” said Bergen. “One person should not have the ultimate power, even if you agree with the policies that a person enacts. That is something progressive liberals and conservatives can agree to lock arms and defend.

“Unfortunately, the establishment Democrats that run New Jersey are missing the point.”

Though there are multiple days open for legislative activity, it is not expected Democrats will consider legislation pertaining to the pandemic, such as business relief and reviewing the governor’s unilateral decisions.

“There is no good-government reason to oppose legislative input on executive orders,” said DiMaso. “Even if the legislature had the power to review and extend executive orders, Democrats would approve Governor Murphy’s decisions. They are just comfortable abdicating the responsibility they swore to uphold after being elected.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal issued additional guidance to prosecutors concerning the prosecution of low-level marijuana cases, supplementing his August 29, 2018, and November 4, 2020 guidance.

Attorney General Grewal directed all New Jersey municipal, county, and state prosecutors to adjourn, until at least January 25, 2021, any juvenile or adult case solely involving the following marijuana possession-related offenses:

• • possession of marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10(a)(3);
  • possession of marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10(a)(4);
  • being under the influence of marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10(c);
  • failure to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10(d);
  • use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia under N.J.S. 2C:36-2 involving only marijuana or hashish;
  • possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle in violation of N.J.S. 39:4-49.1 involving only marijuana or hashish; and
  • any disorderly person offense or petty disorderly persons offense subject to conditional discharge pursuant to N.J.S. 2C:36A-1 involving only marijuana or hashish.
  • For cases involving the above-enumerated charges as well as other offenses, the Attorney General directed prosecutors to use their discretion to either postpone the case in its entirety or seek dismissal, without prejudice, of the marijuana possession-related charge(s) and proceed with the prosecution of the remaining charges. Notably, today’s guidance does not affect the prosecution of cases charging the distribution of marijuana or possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

“Fairness demands that we suspend prosecution of marijuana possession-related cases while we await direction from the Legislature on the parameters for the decriminalization of marijuana and legalization of regulated adult-use cannabis,” said Attorney General Grewal. “It simply does not make sense or serve justice to proceed with prosecutions on charges that may be foreclosed soon through legislative action.”

Previously, on November 4, the Attorney General issued guidance to law enforcement emphasizing that they have broad discretion in handling low-level marijuana offenses, and encouraging them to exercise that discretion in light of anticipated legislative action that may decriminalize marijuana.

Attorney General Grewal reiterated that more comprehensive guidance, including direction on handling previously adjudicated matters, will follow when the Legislature provides details of the framework for marijuana decriminalization and the legalization of adult-use cannabis.

Guidance for Marijuana Possession Cases Pending in Municipal and Superior Courts: click here.

Guidance Regarding Municipal Prosecutors’ Discretion in Prosecuting Marijuana and Other Criminal Offenses, August 29, 2018: click here.

Interim Guidance on the Constitutional Amendment Legalizing Cannabis, November 4, 2020: click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Two-year-old Tofu came to us with a broken back. His family had let him suffer for weeks or longer before we were finally able to convince them to relinquish him to the rescue. Tofu has been seen by a specialist, gotten his wheels, and is ready for adoption!!!

Tofu is a Shih Tzu and will need to be in his wheelchair for the rest of his life. We are looking for a special family with similar special needs dog experience to adopt him. Tofu LOVES other dogs and also really enjoys going for walks! He’s still a playful pup despite his life-changing injury.

Tofu needs to go to aqua therapy and will need to be seen by a neurologist regularly for check-ups. He is so sweet, affectionate, and funny we know he is worth the extra care!

Due to his injury, Tofu needs to be expressed 3 times a day to urinate. When he is left alone, he is put in a small area to make sure he is still comfortable but also safe. He loves treats, getting snuggles from his foster dads, and loving on his doggy foster siblings.

If you’re looking to open your home to a very special, sweet boy, apply to adopt Tofu!

If you are interested in adopting Tofu, please fill out an application by clicking here.

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MORRIS COUNTY —New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.

The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service and be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation.

All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors.  For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at (732) 850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To apply online as a blood drive volunteer click here.

PARSIPPANY — Morris County authorities are reporting a moderate increase in the rate of COVID-19 cases, consistent with a statewide uptick, citing a correlation with increased indoor gatherings prompted by cooler outdoor temperatures.

“New Jersey is seeing moderate increases in community spread of COVID-19 and the New Jersey Department of Health has indicated that it is anticipating a second wave. There has been an increase in a transmission associated with gatherings, especially gatherings held indoors,” said Morris County Health Officer Carlos Perez.

Below is the revised new COVID-19 cases in Morris County from November 17 through November 23:

The County Office of Health Management and local health departments continue to perform essential duties to prevent the spread of infections, including enhanced surveillance and contact tracing, which is the process of identifying and notifying people who may have been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19 to prevent further spread of the disease.

“It is important that persons instructed to quarantine and isolate by their local health department and/or healthcare provider do so to prevent the spread of infection,” said Perez.

Contact tracers, he said, will not ask for social security numbers, bank or credit card information, health insurance information, immigration status, or criminal history.
“They are only following up about potential exposure to COVID-19 cases, to determine if a person has symptoms and needs to self-isolate. Report any calls from persons identifying themselves as contact tracers and requesting such information to your local police department,” Perez said.

Health professionals emphasize that COVID-19 is preventable if individuals:
1. Wear a cloth face covering when in public (both indoors and outdoors).
2. Practice social distancing (maintain a 6-foot space between you and others).
3. Follow good respiratory hygiene recommendations.
4. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands.
5. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or eyes with unclean hands.
6. Get a flu shot.
7. Stay home if you are sick and avoid sick people.
8. If you become ill, call your healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office or the emergency department of a hospital.

PARSIPPANY — Rosemary Becchi, the Republican candidate in New Jersey’s 11th congressional district, concedes the election to Mikie Sherrill.

“I’m very proud of the campaign we’ve run,” Becchi said. “I want to thank, wholeheartedly, everyone who supported me throughout this process– from my family, campaign staff, volunteers, to the voters themselves. It was a hard-fought campaign and over 206,000 voters supported our platform but unfortunately, we came up a little short and ultimately lost by 6%.

Throughout this campaign, it was clear to me that the people of this district want a representative to focus on the people and the issues that matter most to the district. Our country will face many challenges in the coming months and years and never has it been more important to put people over politics. We must continue to advocate for policies that will help us restart our economy, support our law enforcement, protect those that are most vulnerable, including those that are disabled as well as our children, and advocate for those who fought for us, our veterans. I will continue to fight for these values as I know others in the district will. I wish Mikie Sherrill well and hope that she has heard the voices of all of the people of the eleventh district and will work to unite our district, state and country” Becchi concluded.

It has been 22 years since Scotland last appeared at a major tournament, going out in the group stages on World Cup 98 after a humiliating defeat at the hands of Morocco. Since then, six different managers have tried to qualify for 10 major tournaments, without success.

They even went into the tie with Serbia as underdogs as their opponents have been at three of the last four World Cup finals. Leading until the 90th minute, Scotland looked likely to break the heartache, only for a last-minute equalizer to seemingly shatter their dreams.

They held firm through extra time and finally won in the penalty shoot-out, 5-4. That has ensured them their place at the Euro 2020 tournament, which will now be held in 2021 across several different European countries. Euro 2020 was scheduled to take place this summer but as Bwin explain, it was lost along with a host of other sporting events as restrictions were placed on travel and large gatherings. The hopes are that restrictions will now be lifted to allow fans to attend, especially as Scotland have been drawn in a group with their old enemy, England. The two first met in 1872 in the first-ever international game, but have only met once in a major tournament since 1996.

The question now for Scotland, is what happens next? Manager Steve Clarke will surely be immortalized for his role in pushing them to the finals next year, and with a squad packed with promising young players, there must be a strong hope they can kick on and once again become a regular fixture on the international scene. Indeed, between 1974 and 1998 they only failed to qualify for a single tournament – that being the one held here in the United States in 1994 – a tournament England also missed out on.

The qualification will give the Scottish FA plenty to focus on and work with, as does the presence of captain Andy Robertson, the Champions League-winning left-back from Liverpool’s dominant team of the last couple of years. Ties between Liverpool and Scotland have helped both to success over the years, with names such as Dalglish and Hansen classed as legends at Anfield and Hampden Park. Robertson is the only Scot at Anfield now, but he is joined in the international ranks by Manchester United’s promising midfielder Scott McTominay and Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney.

The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is well-known and has been thought to disrupt international camps at times, but there was little chance of domestic disagreements derailing last night’s result; only three of the starting XI appear for the Old Firm. In fact, Motherwell provided more starters than Celtic, who have won nine consecutive domestic titles. By having a pool of players that is wider than the big two, Scotland appears to have found some domestic harmony.

There is also hope that a new talisman can be found upfront. Lyndon Dykes spent much of his youth in Australia but has already bagged goals for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship. He is one player the Scots will look to turn to for inspiration next summer, and if Lawrence Shankland continues his domestic form, he will surely be in the reckoning too. Shankland is something of a phenomenon, hitting 92 goals in 115 domestic appearances for Ayr and Dundee United, amongst others. He has just three caps, but having played all his football in Scotland but outside of Glasgow, he is a role model for up and coming young Scots everywhere.

The team now has all the ingredients for some sustained success. On the international scene, success is seen as a qualification for tournaments, and with exciting young players, and key figures established not only in their top-flight but in England too, the future is beginning to look brighter for the national team.