MORRIS COUNTY — Local Police Departments would like to alert area residents to a “One Ring Phone Scam” – automated phone numbers intentionally ringing one time, repeatedly, and frequently at random intervals – which continues in the area. The scam attempts to have the individual call the number back, at which time they keep the caller on the phone, and route the call through premium domestic and international numbers, resulting in hefty charges.

Residents are reminded to never give out personal information, are urged to block these callers, refrain from answering unexpected calls from unknown international or unusual numbers, and returning calls from unknown or suspicious numbers.

If you’ve fallen victim to this scam, resulting in monetary loss, please contact your local police department.

MORRIS COUNTY — Dozens of area scouts and scout leaders converged on Temple Beth Am on Friday, March 29, in celebration of Scout Shabbat.

Scout Shabbat was established by the Jewish Committees on Scouting to celebrate the anniversaries of the founding of the scouting organizations, and to honor the values that Judaism and Scouting share. Scouts of all faith traditions participate in Scout Shabbat events, often attending together with other members of their dens, troops or crews.

This year, Temple Beth Am’s annual event included the presentation of Jewish scouting emblems and awards earned by six local scouts. Girl Scout Jordan K of Parsippany was awarded the Lehava award, Dylan R. of Whippany was recognized for earning the Maccabee emblem, Caleb S. of Mountain Lakes and Franklin C. of Hopatcong received the Aleph emblem; and Daniel G. and Jonathan G. of Pine Brook were presented with the Ner Tamid emblem. “Jewish scouting emblems and awards recognize scouts who put time and effort into exploring their religious heritage and teachings,” notes Lynn Cutler, Chair of the Jewish Committee on Scouting of BSA Patriot’s Path Council, and member of the National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting.

This year’s service included a very special addition: the naming of a baby boy whose father achieved Eagle Scout rank himself.

Scouts who are interested in learning more about earning their religious emblems and awards, or learning more about hosting or attending a Scout Shabbat service, are invited to email tbaedurs@optonline.net for more information.

MORRIS COUNTY — William Schievella, a law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience in Northern New Jersey, announced his candidacy for Morris County Sheriff.

He made his announcement in his hometown of Rockaway Township at the Parks Lake Gazebo, where he made his first speech years ago for Rockaway Township Council.

Schievella served as the Undersheriff and Chief Warrant Officer at the Morris County Sheriff’s Office from 2015 to 2017. Prior to that, he was the Chief of Detectives in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office from 2007 to 2013. He is currently the Director of Communications & Community Policing in the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Director of the Police Studies Institute at the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown.

He also  was a  Member of the Board of Trustees, County College of Morris from November 2013 to October 2015.

Schievella said “It’s about safety. Saying he wanted more focus on opioid addiction and keeping schools safe. These are hardly unique concerns.”

“He wants to make better use of retired officers to bolster school safety. He conceded that the county is a safe place, but that an incident involving one child would be too many,” said Schievella.

Schievella is running unopposed in the Democratic primary, but will be running against the current Sheriff, Republican James Gannon, in the General Election in November.