Bagged salads mixes sold under multiple store brand names including Walmart, Aldi and ShopRite been recalled in 31 states after more than 600 people have been sickened by parasites in 11 of those states, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration.The salads made by Fresh Express, which is based in Illinois, are contaminated with Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause an intestinal illness after being ingested.The outbreak has affected 641 people in 11 states, with no cases reported in New Jersey, since the first FDA alert was issued in June. Thirty-seven people have been hospitalized…
Beans is Looking for Her Forever Home
MORRIS COUNTY — Beans is ready to fill your life with rich flavor! She is a ten-year-old Beagle who is calm, laid back, and easy-going. She likes to spend her time exploring the outdoors, laying in the sun, and receiving all the love you have to offer!
She adores being pet and loved on! Belly rubs and butt scratches are her favorites. She is friendly with everyone she meets. She does well with other dogs and kids!
Beans is working on her house training. She frequently has to go to the bathroom since she is undergoing medical tests for Cushing’s disease. With proper medication, this can be helped. She wears diapers and never seems to be bothered by it!
She walks great on the leash. She is very curious and loves to sniff everything! When she is home alone, she will make herself comfortable in her crate or in one of her dog beds. She is quiet and rarely ever makes a peep!
Don’t be fooled by her age. She loves to go on long, easy walks and run in the grass! She has lots of spunk that makes you want to watch her all day long! She is a professional at settling down inside the house. She prefers to nap or lay next to you on the couch.
She is undergoing medical evaluations that will allow the rescue to know more about her medical needs for the future. She will need a foster or adopter that can give her proper medical attention. As of now, she is a happy pup unfazed about her age.
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
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Patron Threatens Worker at Empanada Mobile
MORRIS COUNTY — Irate Customer Body Shames Food Truck Owner
Morris County Opens Notary Services By Appointment
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq. said. “It’s time to open Notary Services, albeit on a smaller scale, due to COVID-19 by incorporating safe practices to help those who need our services.”
Presently, the State of New Jersey is looking to extend a Notary’s “90 Day” due date, which is the last day a Notary has to be sworn-in before their commission expires. “Until then, our office does not want anyone to lapse. By offering staggered appointments, limiting the number of people entering the office, establishing a service area in the outer conference room, offering hand sanitizers, and a glass divider between the clerks wearing personal protective gear and the client, we will help eliminate the spread of the virus and provide necessary services to preserve those Notaries whose commissions are lapsing,” said Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq.
Be advised that masks must be worn and clients will be subject to a Thermal Temperature Scan upon entering the building.
Anyone with a valid Notary Public Commission may contact our office to schedule an appointment; however, we will be processing those Notaries that will be lapsing first. All others will be given an appointment that coincides with their 90 days due date.
Please have your commission number/ID available so the Clerk can verify the commission date along with the 90-Day Due Date.
Please bring the following to your appointment: 1) Notary Public Commission, 2) a valid form of ID, 3) the required fee of $15.00 (Business Check, Cashier’s Check or Money Order only, NO CASH ACCEPTED), made payable to Morris County Clerk, 4) and a pen.
To schedule an appointment, call (973) 285-6122.
Democratic and Independent Candidates Join Forces In Campaign for Borough Council
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Incumbent councilwoman and former mayor, Lauren Barnett; incumbent councilwoman, Cynthia Korman; civil engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran, Kelly Holliday; and attorney and community leader, Khizar Sheikh, have announced their candidacy for the four Mountain Lakes Borough Council seats up for election this November. They are running to keep Mountain Lakes the best place to call home.
Candidates Barnett, Korman, Holliday, and Sheikh recognize that small communities like Mountain Lakes face pressures that make it difficult to preserve the town’s quality services and special character. It takes strong leadership to “get things done” while managing tax dollars responsibly, promoting smart development, protecting Mountain Lakes’ quality of life, being responsive and transparent when making decisions, and listening to and respecting all voices.
Their track record shows why they are the right people for the job. They have served Mountain Lakes government; started their own businesses; worked with government agencies and some of the largest companies in the world; built experience across legal, urban planning, consulting, financial analysis, construction management, financial services, technology, and healthcare; served in the U.S. military, and volunteered with non-profits to better the community.
Lauren Barnett has served on Borough Council since 2016, serving two years as Mayor and one year as Deputy Mayor.
“I love Mountain Lakes,” says Barnett, “I’m running for re-election to continue getting things done for our community – ensuring strong management and fiscal oversight, improving communications, completing important upgrades to our roadways, sidewalks, and facilities, protecting our ML environment, and supporting new development that will strengthen our economic well-being.”
Barnett has served on many borough committees, including the Planning Board and the Finance, Public Works, Personnel, and Shared Services committees. She is a graduate of Princeton University (BA, Public Policy) and the Kellogg School of Management (MBA, Finance, Strategy & Marketing). Her experience as a business strategy consultant provides a valuable skill set for her work on Council.
Cynthia Korman says, “Mountain Lakes has been an exceptional place to live in and raise a family. I’m running for re-election so that I can help others thrive like I have, along with my family.”
As a member of the Council since 2016, Korman has focused on environmental issues, economic development, and meeting the Borough’s affordable housing obligations in a way that respects the park-like character of Mountain Lakes. Korman puts a priority on the careful use of taxpayer dollars and the identification of grant funding for appropriate borough expenses. She has served on Borough committees that include Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Shared Services, and Public Safety, and on its Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission. Korman owns a small healthcare-focused consulting practice. She has a BA in Political Science and an MS in Public Policy Analysis, both from the University of Rochester, and earned an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Kelly Holliday is joining the ticket as an independent candidate. Holliday uses her leadership, urban planning, and construction expertise on the Planning Board and the Affordable Housing Committee. She has also worked with the Economic Development Committee to revise zoning rules to accommodate future smart development along Route 46.
Holliday holds a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. She is a veteran of the US Air Force, where she served as a civil engineer, environmental engineer, and readiness officer. She currently works on the construction of commercial projects throughout the US.
“I have spent the last 20 years visioning, planning, and building neighborhoods,” says Holliday. “I know a great one when I see one, and Mountain Lakes is special. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of working with a community so dedicated to keeping their vision of home a reality.”
Khizar Sheikh has called Mountain Lakes home since 2007 with his wife Nadia and two sons and brings his legal, business, and community service skills and experiences to Council. He has served as Zoning Board vice-chair, Environmental Commission Chair, Economic Development Committee member, and Little League executive board member and coach. He has built a successful law practice that provides cybersecurity, privacy, and technology services to sophisticated companies and has led community non-profits that protect families and children.
Says Sheikh, “Mountain Lakes is a wonderful home for my family. I am running to preserve what makes Mountain Lakes great and help it thrive. My goal is to unify different views to find common ground as one community, and make the complex understandable so each resident – regardless of background or belief – has a voice in our community’s priorities and the management of the borough.” He is a graduate of Hamilton College (BA, 1996, Biochemistry), Rutgers University (JD, 2003), Leadership New Jersey (Class of 2010), and Leadership Morris (Class of 2013).
Team Barnett, Korman, Holliday, and Sheikh has the experience, commitment to service, and specific skill set that Mountain Lakes needs today to confront complex issues and resolve them in an understandable, sustainable way. They are excited to work together and to meet the Borough’s challenges with a balanced, centrist approach that focuses on keeping Mountain Lakes the best place to call home.
To learn more about the campaign, click here; www.facebook.com/onecommunityML and Instagram at www.instagram.com/1communityML.
Drive-In Movie Night at RVA Fields
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Boonton Township Recreation & Mt. Lakes Recreation jointly present: “Drive-In Movie Night at RVA Fields,” to be held on Thursday August 6. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Featured presentation TBA
Boonton Township and Mt. Lakes residents sign up by clicking here.
When you sign-up for the app at the above address you will receive an e-mail when tickets go on sale – generally 10 days before the performance.
A Statement from the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association
MORRIS COUNTY — To the Citizens of Morris County:
The topics of police reform and de-funding the police are still hot button issues both locally and nationwide. However, on behalf of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, I would like to a few moments to tell you why policing in Morris County is “A Step Ahead” of our counterparts nationwide. While we do realize that we are not always perfect, we do strive for perfection and out of that we have achieved excellence. As chiefs, we continue to look for better ways to police our communities while strengthening our relationships and trust within the communities we serve.
Internal Affairs and Early Warning Process:
Allegations of police misconduct are always taken seriously and investigated by Internal Affairs Officers and depending on the nature of the allegation they are investigated by the Morris County Prosecutors Office Professional Standards Unit. Each police department is required to post on its website information regarding the complaint process and how to file a citizen complaint. Early Warning Systems were developed to track problem behaviors and to identify “at-risk-officers” so that corrective actions can be taken before serious problems develop and have been in effect since 2013.
Training:
All police officers in the State of New Jersey must complete the NJ Basic Police Academy Course and receive certification from the Police Training Commission. The police academy is a 20-week training program consisting of comprehensive classroom and hands-on training in police procedures, physical training, and criminal law. This is just the beginning of an officer’s life long career of perpetual training. Officers then go through a Field Training Program with a mentor before they are released to work as a fully certified officer. The NJ Attorney Generals Office has mandated yearly training in subject areas of Use of Force, Firearms, Pursuit Training, Domestic Violence, and Community Law Enforcement Affirmative Relations (CLEAR) training. The CLEAR training program was instituted in 2016 and officers must take at least three credit hours of continuing education each year. Since the CLEAR Program’s inception was instituted in 2016 and officers must take at least three credit hours of continuing education each year. Since the CLEAR Program’s inception officers have completed classes in De-Escalation Techniques for Individuals with Special Needs/Mental Health Issues, Cultural Diversity and De-Escalation, Sex Assault Investigations. 2020 is an elective year and officers will be completing a course titled: Law Enforcement Interactions with Transgender Individuals.
Crisis Intervention Team:
Morris County police officers have always had a great partnership with mental health professionals throughout the county. We welcome the Attorney General’s Office initiative to expand the training between mental health professionals and officers to reduce use-of-force and death-in custody incidents.
Licensing for Police Officers:
The Morris County Police Chiefs Association fully supports the NJ Police Training Commission to create a statewide police licensing program. This program requires officers to maintain uniform professional standards to work as a police officer in New Jersey. This would be another valuable tool in our toolbox to vet our prospective new officers.
Use of Force Policy Review and Portal:
New Jersey’s Use of Force Policy is due for a review, and we support the notion of a Use of Force Portal to allow for a meaningful analysis for use-of-force data across the state to ensure that we are following best practices. There is a public comment portal for the public to weigh in on by clicking here which will be open to submissions until August 1, 2020. We encourage you to complete the survey.
Directive 2020-5-Requiring Public Disclosure of Identities of Officers who Commit Serious Disciplinary Violations:
The members of the Morris County Chief Association do not support this new directive because it truly does not serve the public interest of transparency and accountability. Some “good” officers may have made minor administrative infractions and through the process of progressive discipline would now be labeled as “bad cops” even though they never committed an egregious act that would bring disrespect to their badge and agency. If allowed to stand, this directive will give the public a distorted view of the officers and departments in the state. There are also concerns for officers and their families regarding the release of their names that need further discussion. Several of the police unions have successfully filed for a stay on releasing the names of officers and the matter will be heard in October by the Appellate Division. On Friday, July 10th, the NJ Supreme Court has denied the Attorney Generals’ request to overturn the Appellate Court’s stay.
The notion of de-funding the police seriously jeopardizes your safety and all of the proactive measures that police departments in Morris County have already taken to be a “step ahead”. In fact, we need more training for our officers and equipment like body-worn cameras to better serve you. Unfortunately, the training and equipment do come with a cost to you, the local taxpayer and many municipalities simply can’t afford those added expenses right now without additional funding from the State of New Jersey.
The police officers in Morris County work hard to maintain the highest level of integrity, professionalism, compassion, service, and efficiency. It is our mission to protect life and property, enforce the law fairly and impartially and to preserve the peace, order, and safety in our community. The officers in Morris County do just that and are the best there is, working tirelessly day and night to ensure your safety. We trust them completely, believe in them, and are extremely proud of them, as we are proud to serve you as well.
Respectfully,
Chief Thomas Williver
President of the Morris County Chief of Police Association
Morris Plains Blood Drive Saves 321 Lives
MORRIS PLAINS — Over 90 blood donors came out to support the Morris Area Community Blood Program blood drive with their lifesaving blood on Thursday.
The blood drive was held at the Morris Plains Community Center.
One unit of blood can help up to three different patients so 165 lives will be impacted by this blood drive. The blood supply is at a dangerously low level due to Covid-19 and New Jersey Blood Services is desperately seeking large venues where blood drives can be held while maintaining social distancing. The blood center is unable to run bus drives so it is imperative these sites are found so donors can find a donation location. New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) reports that last summer over 1500 units of blood were donated on bus mobile drives that cannot run this summer to safely social distance.
If you would like to help save lives by finding a location and assisting in recruiting blood donors please reach out to [email protected]. If you would like to donate blood, sign by clicking here.
Extra precautions are being taken to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection, or flu-like symptoms. Additional information on donor eligibility and COVID-19 precautions are available by clicking here.
Virtual Visits For Morris County Jail Inmates
PARSIPPANY — Inmates at the Morris County Correctional Facility who haven’t received visits in more than four months because of COVID-19 restrictions will soon be able to connect with family and friends through wireless tablets.
The Correctional Facility, which is run by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and houses inmates from both Morris and Sussex counties, was provided at least 85 Android tablets by GTL, a leader in technology and wireless solutions for correctional facilities.
Although inmates can telephone relatives and friends, the Correctional Facility on March 16 temporarily suspended in-person inmate visits with family to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The restriction currently remains in effect and has dispirited some inmates, Morris County Correctional Facility Warden Christopher Klein said.
Warden Klein noted that the tablets do not cost taxpayers any money. The cost of the tablet visit time spent by inmates is withdrawn from their commissary accounts by GTL. Inmates who lack funds will be allotted $3.75 a week from a special inmate welfare fund to engage in a 15-minute virtual visit with relatives.
“In these trying times it’s very beneficial for inmates to have supportive contact with family,” Warden Klein said.
“At no cost to taxpayers, this program will allow inmates important contact with caring relatives who can help ease stress and isolation the inmates may feel,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
Beyond virtual visits, the tablets also can be used to access approved educational and entertainment materials and in-house request forms. When visitation restrictions are lifted, inmates may also use the tablets to virtually visit with relatives and friends who live out-of-state or cannot make in-person visits to the Correctional Facility.
Correctional Facility Lieutenant Michael Schweizer and Sergeants Raymond Dykstra and Shawn Johnston have been spear-heading the tablet project and working with GTL on fine-tuning operational aspects.
Multiple safeguards are in place for use of the tablets:
- They run on GTL’s network security, a full-featured security access control software;
- Virtual visits can only be initiated by family and friends outside the facility;
- The tablet cameras used for virtual visits are operational only in secure visiting booths and not from within inmate cells;
- Features that could present potential security risks have been removed and inmates have no access to core device settings other than volume, rotation, and brightness control.
Virtual visits will be allowed on the same days and times that in-person visits were permitted before the suspension. The use of the tablets for educational or entertainment purposes can occur whenever inmates are not locked in their cells at specific times.
Regardless of the criminal charges they face, all inmates will have access to the tablets as long as they are in compliance with Correctional Facility rules.
Family and friends who wish to make virtual visits with an inmate at the Morris County Correctional Facility can click here to create an account to access the video visitation. Once the account is set up, funds can be deposited by clicking here.
CCM Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members
MORRIS COUNTY — The County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees welcomed two new members at its July board meeting.
Lauren Inganamort, of Chester, was appointed by the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and Emma Mendoza ‘20, of Boonton, was elected by the Class of 2020 as the Alumni Trustee.
Inganamort served most recently as Manager of Global Compliance at Tiffany & Co. in Parsippany, where she was responsible for the development, execution, and management of compliance programs and risk assessments. In 2012, she was presented with the company’s FACET (Finance Achievement for Commitment to Excellence) Award for exceptional dedication and service. In the area of public service, she serves as a trustee for the Educational Foundation of the Chesters and was a Founding Member of Dartmouth Humanitarian Engineering. She is the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her work on behalf of military families whose loved ones were receiving treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in engineering and a master’s degree in engineering management from Dartmouth College and is passionate about increasing the number of women in STEM fields.
Mendoza is a member of the Class of 2020 at CCM and was named to the 2020 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) New Jersey All-State Academic Team members in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
At CCM, Mendoza served as president of the Student Government Association and as a member of both PTK and Alpha Mu Gamma honor societies. She also served on the leadership team for the Student Activities Programming Board, Alpha Mu Gamma, and as a student representative to CCM’s College Council. This fall, she will be studying linguistics with a concentration in language engineering at Montclair State University.
Continuing their service on the board are Thomas A. Pepe as chair; Jeffrey M. Advokat, Esq., as vice-chair; Paul R. Licitra as treasurer, Dr. Barbara Lorfink Hadzima as secretary; and members Dr. Angelica L. Allen-McMillan, Maria Aprile, George E. Dredden III, Jack N. Frost Jr., Esq., George J. Milonas ‘98 and Dr. Joseph S. Weisberg.