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Morris County Freeholders Share ‘Frustration’ In Storm Recovery

By
Frank Cahill
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A scene in Mountain Lakes with trees and powerlines down

MORRIS COUNTY — The following statement is being issued on behalf of the entire Morris County Freeholders by Freeholder Director Deborah Smith:

“At the outset, you should know we share your frustration over what seems to be an inordinate delay in reopening our roads and restoring power to many neighborhoods. What you need to know is that our county Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is actively working with utilities and first responders in all 39 towns to expedite the recovery.

Freeholder Director Deborah Smith

“In a phone conference this morning, including OEM, local police and emergency officials, JCP&L reported that of the 150,000 Morris County customers impacted by the storm on Tuesday, 92,361 remain without power. By this afternoon, JCP&L reported they got that down to 84,622 customers.

“The utility explained Morris County was the third hardest-hit county in the state and said the key to restoring power and clearing roads is the ongoing repair work JCP&L is conducting at multiple substations that were knocked out by Isaias.

“Today, as in previous daily phone conferences, local police and officials expressed frustration with Verizon and JCP&L, especially regarding downed trees, poles, and wires that have isolated entire communities. As this situation unfolds, we want to assure you that our county OEM is in constant contact with all local first responders, who are relaying their priority lists of road closures, water supply interruption, sewer interruption, power outages and potential hazards in every neighborhood in every town.

“OEM has been providing each town in need with additional generators to keep major facilities operating, coordinating the clean-up effort, and enlisting the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to provide equipment and manpower to every town in need of support.

“Many towns have set up “cooling stations” for people in need of water and ice, while emergency officials and the county Human Services Department are keeping in direct contact with every hospital, care facility, and senior complex in our county.

“Due to the COVID pandemic, our Human Services Department already developed a process of checking on our most vulnerable populations. But today our OEM reminded each town to conduct their own welfare-checks on vulnerable citizens who may require emergency services, particularly those without power who may need to relocate to the homes of family and friends.

“Our Morris Area Paratransit System (MAPS) is active and available to vulnerable Morris County residents who may need to relocate. Additionally, anyone in need of assistance is being urged to dial 211. Because police and fire departments are focused on keeping residents safe and resolving dangerous situations, please do not dial 911 unless you face a life-threatening emergency.

“While the power outages and road closures are troubling for many families, all of us in Morris County have successfully pulled through similar situations in the past, including Hurricane Irene, the October 2011 Snowstorm and Superstorm Sandy because we have worked together, remained calm and provided our first responders with the resources necessary to restore our community to normalcy.

“Please rest assured, we will get beyond this crisis.’’

The Morris County Board of Freeholders includes Director Deborah Smith, Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Doug Cabana, Kathy DeFillippo, John Krickus, Tom Mastrangelo, and Tayfun Selen.

Parsippany Resident Charged with DWI in Hanover Township

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Officer Josh Williams arrested Ms. Rachel Grant, 28, Parsippany, for DWI, on Monday, July 29.

Ms. Grant was originally stopped for a motor vehicle violation when it was determined she was intoxicated.

Ms. Grant was charged with possession of CDS and drug paraphernalia. She was also issued summonses for DWI, failure to follow the marked course, failure to maintain lane, failure to keep right, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, reckless, careless, failure to signal, failure to yield, tailgating, speeding, and failure to stop for an emergency vehicle.

She was released to a friend pending her court date.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

 

Jared Feldman Left Dog In Sweltering Car; Charged With Animal Cruelty

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Dan Acquaro charged Mr. Jared Feldman, 18, Morristown with animal cruelty, on Monday, July 27.

Officer Acquaro responded to the Lowe’s Home Improvement parking lot, 230 East Hanover Avenue, for a report of a dog being left inside a vehicle with no water.

Upon arrival, Officer Acquaro located the vehicle and observed the dog locked inside the vehicle with the windows only slightly rolled down.

The temperature outside at the time was 97 degrees.

After approximately 30 minutes, the owner of the vehicle responded from inside Lowes.

The dog was provided water and appeared to be ok but was panting heavily due to the heat. Mr. Feldman was mailed a summons with a court date.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Juvenile Caught With Stolen Vehicle from Summit Avenue

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Matt Garrison arrested a juvenile for a motor vehicle theft, on Wednesday, July 22.

The juvenile was originally stopped for a motor vehicle violation and during the stop, Officer Garrison noticed a black ski hat, latex gloves, and a single ignition key.

After an investigation, it was determined that the juvenile had stolen the vehicle from a resident on Summit Avenue in Cedar Knolls. There were also several car burglaries that occurred on Summit Avenue and Grand Avenue that are believed to have been committed by the same juvenile that was in custody for the stolen car.

The juvenile was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and burglary. He was also issued motor vehicle summonses for driving without a license, careless, driving without lights on, and operating a motor vehicle without consent.

The juvenile was transported to the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center pending his court date.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Morris Plains Resident Had Active Warrants

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Meg Pritchard arrested Mr. Ergin Maqsudi, 46, Morris Plains, on active warrants totaling $1850.00 on Monday, July 20.

Officer Pritchard was conducting property checks at the Morris County Mall when she observed a vehicle parked illegally. After running the plate, it was discovered the vehicle registration was suspended.

Officer Pritchard stopped the vehicle and discovered active warrants for the driver, Mr. Maqsudi. He was issued motor vehicle summonses for parking in a fire zone, suspended driver’s license, and suspended registration.

He was released on the active warrants and was provided with new court dates.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Florham Park Resident Arrested for DWI in Hanover Township

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Eric Prach arrested Ms. Lydia Granuzzo, 25, Florham Park, for DWI, on Saturday, July 18.

Ms. Granuzzo was originally stopped for a motor vehicle violation when Officer Prach detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage. Subsequent tests resulted in Ms. Granuzzo being arrested and transported to Hanover Township Police Headquarters for processing.

She was issued motor vehicle summonses for DWI, Refusal, Speeding, reckless, careless, and failure to notify change of address.

She was released to her father pending her court date.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Murphy Announces Decreased Indoor Gathering Capacity Limit

By
Frank Cahill
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Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Rich Hundley, Trentonian

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced the decrease of indoor gathering capacity limit in response to the increase of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey.

Indoor gatherings are now limited to 25 percent of a room’s capacity, but regardless of the room’s capacity, the maximum limit shall be 25 persons, down from 100 persons.

For purposes of determining this limit, any private residence or residential unit shall be treated as a single room.

However, this change will not be applicable to the following events: weddings, funerals, memorial services, religious services, celebrations, or political activities. These events may continue under the previous rules that limited these events to 25 percent of a room’s capacity, but with a limit of 100 persons.

“In order to protect public health, we are retightening the restriction on indoor gatherings due to uptick of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy.

“We cannot stress enough that large and crowded indoor gatherings, where social distancing isn’t being practiced and face masks aren’t being worn, are not safe. Until there is a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases, these restrictions will continue to be in place.”

The Order takes effect at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4.

Click here for a copy of Executive Order No. 173

Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Public Employees to Immediately Enroll in State Health Benefits Program

By
Frank Cahill
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Governor Phil Murphy

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 172, allowing any public employee eligible for enrollment into the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) to immediately enroll upon hire, rather than waiting two months.

Previously, under Executive Order No. 115, the two-month waiting period was waived only for public employees hired specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This Order, which will last for the duration of the Public Health Emergency, applies to any public employee eligible for enrollment into the SHBP who is hired on or after March 9, 2020.

“New Jersey’s skilled workforce is essential to the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and the lack of health benefits coverage for newly hired personnel may be a deterrent to attracting and hiring the key staff necessary to continue our work during the pandemic,” said Governor Murphy. “We must ensure that our workforce has seamless access to health care, including preventive services and medical care relating to COVID-19, throughout this once-in-a-century pandemic.”

This order will take effect immediately. Click here to download Executive Order 172.

DMV Written Tests Begin on Monday

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will now begin written driver tests, including commercial drivers, starting Monday, August 3, announced the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The tests will be given by appointment in all licensing centers except Oakland and Flemington, they said.

The demand is high, stated DMV officials so drivers are encouraged to make an appointment. Appointments can be made up to thirty days in advance click here.

Road tests restarted June 29, also on an appointment basis.

Richter, Hayward, Barkauskas and Fitch Announces Candidacy for Borough Council

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Chris Richter, Jane Hayward, Richard Barkauskas, III and Nate Finch

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Chris Richter, Jane Hayward, Richard Barkauskas III, and Nate Fitch proudly announce their candidacy for Mountain Lakes Borough Council. The candidates are running on a platform of government transparency, fiscal discipline, environmental preservation, and pro-business and pledge to restore “Laker Sensibility” emphasizing fiscal responsibility.

Chris Richter

“We have heard concern from residents across the political spectrum about the financial direction of Mountain Lakes. Over the last four years, our home values have declined nearly 10%, our taxes have increased every year, Borough spending is at an all-time high, and the overall condition of the town has taken a step in the wrong direction,” said candidate Chris Richter on behalf of the Laker Sensibility campaign. “Motivated by these issues, we built a team to bring fiscal responsibility back to Mountain Lakes.”

Richter, Hayward, Barkauskas, and Fitch bring unrivaled experience with municipal leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement. The Laker Sensibility team brings a combined nearly 80 years of Mountain Lakes residency and an impressive resume of service to nonprofits, Borough Committees & Commissions, the Mountain Lakes Fire Department, and youth sports. “Our team offers tremendous experience and perspective,” said Jane Hayward. “We are particularly excited to have assembled a team with a shared vision around fiscal discipline that spans the spectrum across gender, age, educational background, professional experience, and community service.”

Mr. Richter has been an active volunteer in town for two decades serving the Borough’s Board of Adjustment and the Economic Advisory Commission. He has been a volunteer coach for numerous youth sports, serves on the Board of Governors at Rockaway River Country Club, is a member of the Facility Committee of Interfaith Food Pantry and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Lakes.

Jane Hayward

Ms. Hayward has over a decade of volunteering in the community, notably as the longstanding Chair of the Mountain Lakes Day Committee which organizes the yearly celebration of the community. She also served on the Mountain Lakes Centennial Committee, volunteers for the Mountain Lakes Recreational Swim Program, and is a member and Cantor at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes.

Mr. Barkauskas is a lifelong Mountain Lakes resident, and currently pursuing a J.D. at the Seton Hall University School of Law. Prior, he was a student at the College of the Holy Cross where he was a member of the men’s varsity lacrosse program and completed internships at the White House, the Heritage Foundation, and the office of U.S. Congressional Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen.

Richard Barkauskas, III

Locally, he served as the liaison for Rachel’s Challenge, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing violence led by the parents of a victim of the Columbine school shooting. Mr. Barkauskas is also an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes.

Mr. Fitch has been an active volunteer in the community for over 10 years, most notably as a firefighter on the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department.

He has also worked as a volunteer coach for youth soccer and lacrosse and is a current member of the congregation and volunteer at Liquid Church in Morris County.

Nate Finch

Mr. Fitch is well-known in the Mountain Lakes School District and Borough Hall where he works alongside the administration and teachers on technology projects and strategy.

Election day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The Borough Council elections will be held concurrently with other local elections, statewide direct elections, and federal elections.

Learn more about the candidates and their campaign by clicking here.

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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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