MORRIS COUNTY —  Community Hope has received a grant in the amount of $12,500 from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.  The donation made by the Foundation will be used to fund services which will assist veterans with transporting and navigating through their health appointments including: Scheduling, Transportation, Pharmacy visits and Follow-up appointments.                        .

“We help veterans who served in various wartime periods and conflicts, many with complex medical histories including severe PTSD, multiple physical ailments, and struggling with substance use.  Some veterans have been living on the streets or in shelters for many years with no access to healthcare and no mental health treatment services,” said Carmine V. Deo, Executive Director of Community Hope.  “Veterans Navigator Services is aimed at encouraging veterans to participate in managing their own health,  practicing illness prevention, symptom management and appointment attendance.  As a critical component of these services, we provide veterans with transportation to improve access to routine medical and preventative care.”

“This year’s grant will make it possible to continue to provide the guidance and assistance veterans need to help them manage and access services they need to maintain their health and well-being,” said Deo.  This year alone, Community Hope estimates that through their through their programs and services more than 1,000 veterans and family members will be saved from living on streets and overcrowded shelters.  In addition, each day 150 individuals reside in Community Hope supported housing in their mental health residential recovery programs.

“Horizon is pleased to support the important work being done by Community Hope,” said Jonathan R. Pearson, Executive Director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.  “Veterans Navigator Services aligns with Horizon’s commitment to helping our members access the resources they need to manage their health.  We are improving the health of the communities we serve by helping people access health services.  The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey works across New Jersey with grantees who share our commitment to improving the health and communities we serve.”

Community Hope is a leading nonprofit organization serving veterans in need and at-risk veteran families in and around New Jersey. Founded in 1985 by caring families of young adults whose lives were impacted by severe depression and other debilitating mental illnesses, Community Hope is on a mission to help veterans and their families overcome mental illness, addiction, homelessness and poverty by providing housing and support services. The Hope for Veterans umbrella of programs has saved more than 6,000 veterans and their family members. To learn more about Community Hope, click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Cookie was unfortunately surrendered to us when her family could no longer care for her. They felt it was the best decision to find her a new home and we are so happy to be able to help her find it!

Cookie loves just about everyone and everything, but she prefers men. What can we say, she’s a girl’s guy! She is good with other animals, children 13+, and enjoys meeting new people! Cookie would do best in a home who has dog experience and will work on establishing a trusting relationship with her.

Cookie is a lower energy dog who would be happy just taking a stroll around the block and then taking in some sun in front of a big window. She loves snuggles on the couch too! Cookie is potty-trained and totally fine when left home alone. Her ideal home would be one where she is spoiled, loved, and enjoys relaxing more than a lot of activity.

If you’re looking to add some sweet goodness into your life, apply to adopt Cookie today!

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

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MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that on July 26, 2019, defendant, Cyprian Luke, 19, Irvington, was sentenced to serve a probationary term of two years and ordered to complete the Abuse Ceases Today program and to continue attending counseling services through the Caring Partners of Morris/Sussex by the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. on one count of Fourth Degree Contempt; one count of Disorderly Persons Simple Assault and one count of Disorderly Persons Criminal Mischief.

The investigation involved acts of domestic violence, which began in February 2019 and continued through May of 2019.  The defendant admitted to a physical altercation with his then girlfriend and mother of his child, damaged her motor vehicle, violated a pretrial release order to have no contact with the victim while his charges were pending, and when ultimately apprehended on the charges, he provided a false name to police to avoid being arrested on the domestic violence charges against him.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Tia Manochio, Esq. represented the State at the sentencing.

Prosecutor Knapp stated, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to seeking justice and protection for victims of domestic violence and holding domestic violence perpetrators accountable for their conduct.”

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief Robert McNally, and Rockaway Township Police Department Chief Martin McParland, Jr. announce the sentencing of Samantha Viscardi, 22, of Rockaway Township. The sentence stems from a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in the early morning hours of February 2, 2019.

Viscardi was sentenced on Friday, July 26, by the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. to five years New Jersey State Prison. This sentence is subject to the parole ineligibility provisions of the No Early Release Act.

On June 3, 2019, Viscardi entered a guilty plea to one count of second degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide before Judge Taylor. She also entered a guilty plea to the motor vehicle offense of Driving While Intoxicated.

The charges arise from a single motor vehicle crash that occurred in the area of 435 Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township on February 2. The investigation revealed that Viscardi, the driver of the vehicle at the time of the crash, was operating a vehicle with a single passenger in the front seat. The passenger, Kimberly Boyle, 22,  sustained a traumatic brain injury and died as a result of her injuries on February 9. Further investigation revealed that Viscardi was intoxicated at the time of the crash. She had been drinking at two bars and was using her cellphone when she got into the crash.

Prosecutor Knapp acknowledges members of the Rockaway Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit who contributed to the successful prosecution of this matter.

MONTVILLE — On Thursday, July 25, at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Montville Township Police Department’s Patrol Division was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on Route 46 West involving a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 41 year old Pine Brook resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. West-bound lanes of the highway were closed for several hours while the investigation was active. Authorities would not go into detail citing the open investigation, but said the man was walking on the west side of the highway in front of McDonalds when he was struck by a sedan.

The investigation is being conducted by the Montville Township Police Department’s Traffic Division and Detective Bureau.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department are also assisting in the investigation. Witnesses are asked to call Det. Sgt. Byrnes at (973) 257-4113 with any information.

MORRIS COUNTY  — On Friday, August 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 3  join the activity filled, overnight adventure, Campout on the Beach, at Sunrise Lake at Lewis Morris Park in Morris Township.

Start with swimming, boating, and fun on the Wibit, the inflatable obstacle course. Families are welcome to arrive at 3:00 p.m. for free beach admission and water activities. Please note Wibit and Boat use are an additional fee.

Pack your own picnic dinner to enjoy beachside. Once the sun sets, relax, and gather around the roaring campfire, while listening to stories and roasting delicious s’mores. Enjoy fun games throughout the evening for all ages too! S’more making kits and a light beachside breakfast are provided.

Admission to this event is $45.00 per tent site, and pre-registration is required by July 27, as this event sells out FAST! To register, call (973) 326-7616, or email recreation@morrisparks.net, or click here to register. For more information and directions to Sunrise Lake Beach Club or click here.

The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 19,653 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!

PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex Passaic) demanded the Legislature take action on her bill to abolish the School Development Authority (SDA) and place school construction responsibilities under the Department of Treasury, after the state was forced this week to fire 30 SDA employees whose hiring violated state ethics guidelines

DeCroce’s legislation (A-5330,) introduced by the Assemblywoman after the SDA staffing scandal broke in April, will transfer all school construction responsibilities now handled by the troubled agency to the Division of Property Management and Construction in the Department of Treasury. Assemblywoman DeCroce noted that her legislation will provide the Governor and Legislature more direct authority to control school construction activities, while allowing the state Economic Development Authority (EDA) to retain its responsibility for the financing of school construction projects.

“The SDA has had a long and troubled history, largely because it has been able to operate with little oversight as a legally-establish state authority. The staffing scandal is just the latest problem demonstrating that we need to abolish the agency and bring its operations within the state administration, where the Governor and Legislature can have more direct control of matters,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce, whose district spans Morris, Essex and Passaic counties.

The firing of 30 people earlier this week followed the release of three investigative reports on a staffing scandal that forced the resignation of SDA CEO Lizette Delgado-Polanco, who stepped down in April after only eight months in office.

Whistle-blowers reported that long-time employees had been fired during her tenure as friends and family to Delgado-Polanco were given highly paid positions for which they were unqualified. Three state probes were launched, with one concluding: “Nearly every new hire was directly or indirectly connected personally or professionally to Ms. Delgado Polanco when hired.” That same investigation report went on to add: “Connected new hires benefitted from favorable treatment regarding their titles and/or salaries.”

Of the 30 people fired from the agency earlier this week, 27 had been hired by the former CEO. The investigations also concluded that 14 of those hired under the former CEO were brought on at salaries toppling six figures, with some reaching as high as $170,000. At least 10 of those top earners either worked with Delgado-Polanco in the past or had close ties to her.

The SDA, which manages the construction and improvement of schools in 31 of the state’s poorest communities, has billions of dollars at its disposal. But it was reported in April to be nearly out of money.

“We still haven’t a satisfactory explanation on how this agency burned through billions of dollars of taxpayer money. We need accountability and oversight,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce.

Newark Cost Overruns   
In a recent report by an on-line news organization, school construction costs in Newark were found to be outrageously high. The TapInto Newark report said, “The SDA spent an average $424 per square foot to build the five schools in Newark, nearly three times the limit set by the Legislature at $142 per square foot, which is supposed to include construction and professional fees.”

The Newark report also noted, “The last three schools to open in Newark since 2016 cost an average of $515 per square foot. The South Street School, which was completed in 2018, cost $69 million or $669 per square foot, nearly 5 times the limits set by the Legislature. The SDA spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to build schools for only 3,733 Newark children — an average of more than $70,000 per student.”

In May DeCroce sent letters requesting support from Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assemblyman John Burzichelli to bring SDA under direct state control.

“Moving the SDA to the Division of Property Management & Construction is the right step because it is critical that we ensure the services provided by the SDA are offered in a professional, cost effective and transparent manner,” wrote DeCroce.

The Division of Property Management and Construction in the Department of Treasury oversees the procurement of construction contracts for public works buildings for state agencies, leases for office and warehouse space, and the operation and maintenance of state-owned facilities.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the start of a pavement preservation project to resurface approximately 13 miles of I-287 northbound in Somerset and Morris Counties.

The $18 million federally-funded project will preserve approximately 13 miles of I-287 northbound from Route 202/206 just north of Exit 22 in Bedminster, Somerset County through South Street/CR 601 in Morristown, Morris County It will extend the functional life of the roadway and improve ride quality.  In addition, guiderail will be upgraded to meet current requirements.

Beginning at 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 29 until 6 :00a.m. Tuesday, July 30, NJDOT’s contractor, Della Pello Paving, Inc., will close the right lane on I-287 northbound beginning at approximately Exit 22/Route 202/206 to install construction barrier to create a work zone along the shoulder. This will allow crews to make guiderail and barrier improvements, as well as upgrade drainage. Once the guiderail work is complete, the shoulder will be milled and paved. This stage of the work is expected to be completed in the fall.

Once the shoulder work is complete, work will begin on the northbound travel lanes, which will be overlaid with a High Performance Thin Overlay (HPTO). Later in the project the following I-287 northbound ramps will be milled and paved, overlaid with HPTO or resurfaced with slurry seal:

• North Maple Avenue
• Exit ramp at Tiger Lily Lane
• Entrance ramp from Southgate Parkway
• Entrance and exit ramps from the Rest Area,
• Entrance ramp at James Street
• Exit ramp from South Street
• Ramps at Mt. Airy Road

Variable Message Signs will provide advance notification to motorists of the traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info and on the NJDOT Facebook page.