Sunday, September 6, 2026
Home Blog Page 5

Morris County Vote-By-Mail Ballots Set to Begin Mailing

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Clerk’s Office is continuing to process vote-by-mail ballots in accordance with New Jersey state law, according to county officials. Ballots will begin mailing on September 19.

The state remains involved in litigation with the federal government concerning vote-by-mail procedures, and the outcome of that litigation remains pending.

Morris County voters who do not wish to receive a vote-by-mail ballot at this time may opt out by completing the Vote-by-Mail Voter Opt-Out Form, available on the Morris County Clerk’s website. Opt-out requests must be submitted no later than Monday, August 31.

In-Person Voting

Once an opt-out request has been received and processed, voters may cast ballots during the state’s early voting period, at one of eight early voting locations, or at their assigned polling location on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.

Morris County’s eight early voting locations will be open from October 24 through November 1, with hours of 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday:

  • Boonton Township — 155 Powerville Road, Boonton Township
  • Central Park of Morris County — 2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains
  • Denville — 1 Saint Mary’s Place, Denville
  • Hanover — 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany
  • Madison — 50 Kings Road, Madison
  • Morristown — 200 South Street, Morristown
  • Mount Arlington — 18 North Glen Avenue, Mount Arlington
  • Mount Olive — 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road, Mount Olive

Voters who opt out of receiving a vote-by-mail ballot may resume receiving ballots in future elections by submitting a new vote-by-mail application through the Morris County Clerk’s website.

Voters who continue to receive vote-by-mail ballots are strongly encouraged to return their completed ballots by mail at least seven days before Election Day, or deposit them in a secure ballot drop box.

For more information or assistance, contact the Morris County Clerk’s Elections Division at [email protected] or (973) 285-6066.

Station Burger Opens in Dover, Filling Former Chinese Restaurant Space

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

DOVER — Station Burger has opened at a corner that had sat vacant for months following extensive renovations, filling a space long occupied by a local Chinese restaurant that had been a staple for residents. Station Burger is located at 265 East Blackwell Street.

The property drew steady attention from residents as construction and renovations transformed it over several months, with many wondering what business would eventually take over the corner.

Signage on the windows announced Station Burger’s grand opening earlier this month. Social media posts from the business suggest a burger-focused menu with possible Latin or Latin fusion influences, though the concept has not been officially confirmed by the owners.

The hours are Monday through Thursday – 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday – 11:00 a.m. to Midnight.

Jefferson Township High School Girls Soccer Holds Car Wash Fundraiser

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township High School girls soccer team is holding a car wash fundraiser today, Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jefferson Township Fire Company No. 2, located on Route 15 South.

Donations will be accepted in support of the team, with organizers thanking the community for its support of the program.

Sherrill Signs Law Making Cocktails To-Go Permanent in New Jersey

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Governor Mikie Sherrill

FREEHOLD — Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation this week making permanent a pandemic-era policy that allows New Jersey restaurants, bars and other eligible businesses to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. The rules, first put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, had been set to expire September 1.

The new law, Senate Bill 4384, allows retail consumption licensees such as restaurants, hotels and bars to continue selling mixed cocktails in closed, tamper-evident containers for takeout, as well as delivering sealed cocktails and malt beverages such as beer and hard seltzer either directly or through licensed third-party services. Craft distillery licensees are also granted added flexibility to sell and deliver their own products under certain conditions.

“Cocktails to-go worked, customers liked it, and small businesses told us it was another way to bring in revenue,” Sherrill said in a statement announcing the signing.

State officials pointed to National Restaurant Association research showing that in states where alcohol-to-go is allowed, a large majority of wine, beer and cocktail drinkers said they were more likely to choose a restaurant for delivery based on the option, underscoring the potential revenue boost for New Jersey’s hospitality industry.

State Senator Vin Gopal, a sponsor of the bill, said the change gives hospitality businesses a lasting way to generate revenue while keeping safeguards in place for alcohol sales and delivery. State Senator Declan O’Scanlon, who also backed the measure, called it a commonsense extension of a policy that helped restaurants survive during the pandemic. Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul said making the rules permanent gives small businesses added tools to grow without being slowed by unnecessary red tape.

Matthew Borowski, owner of 618 Restaurant and The Death of Hospitality Group in Freehold, where Sherrill signed the bill, said the option to send a piece of his business home with guests matters for a family-owned operation. Daniel Klim, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association, said the law preserves a popular option for customers while giving restaurants and bars an added revenue stream.

New Jersey now joins more than 30 other states and Washington, D.C., that have made similar cocktails-to-go provisions permanent since they were widely adopted as a pandemic relief measure.

Celularity Manufacturing Deal Could Bring $300 Million, 200 Jobs to Florham Park

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Celularity Manufacturing Deal Could Bring $300 Million, 200 Jobs to Florham Park

FLORHAM PARK — Biotech firm Celularity Inc. has entered a new manufacturing collaboration that could bring $300 million in business and more than 200 jobs to its Florham Park facility.

The agreement, announced August 27, includes an initial project with Singapore-based MuseCell Innovations Pte. Ltd., with the possibility of additional ventures to follow. Under the deal, Celularity will establish manufacturing capability for Dezawa MuseCells at its 147,215-square-foot Florham Park site.

Muse cells are a naturally occurring, stress-enduring cell population discovered by Dr. Mari Dezawa. According to the companies’ announcement, the platform pairs qualified starting materials with the licensed Dezawa Method and MuseCell Innovations’ product specifications covering identity, purity, viability, potency, traceability and lot release.

If the initial project succeeds, Celularity and MuseCell Innovations intend to broaden the partnership to include additional products and programs. That expansion could push Celularity’s aggregate purchases from the collaboration past $300 million over the next five years, and could bring more than 200 high-tech jobs to the Florham Park site spanning biomanufacturing, quality control, engineering and support roles.

Celularity founder, chairman and chief executive officer Dr. Robert Hariri said the partnership shows how the manufacturing infrastructure and cellular expertise the company has built can support outside technologies as well as its own. “We look forward to expanding U.S. manufacturing for the Dezawa MuseCell platform,” Hariri said.

Dr. Dominik Duscher, chief executive officer and president of MuseCell Innovations, said Celularity offers the infrastructure and technical depth needed to establish U.S. manufacturing using qualified bone marrow, adipose and perinatal sources.

Governor Mikie Sherrill highlighted the announcement on social media, noting she first visited Celularity in 2022 and pointing to the company’s growth from a New Jersey startup into a publicly traded company as a sign of the strength of the state’s innovation economy. She added that as advanced biomanufacturing continues to grow, “New Jersey is open for business.”

The announcement comes as New Jersey has faced scrutiny over a string of corporate relocations and downsizings. A recent analysis examining eight companies that either scaled back New Jersey operations or expanded and relocated elsewhere estimated those decisions cost the state more than 7,200 jobs.

Morris County Living History Weekend Set for September 25 Through 27 in Morristown

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Revolutionary-era reenactors will bring history to life on the Morristown Green during Morris County's Living History Weekend, September 25-27.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County will host Living History Weekend from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27 in Morristown, a three-day series of events highlighting the county’s Revolutionary War history as part of its ongoing commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Programming will include Revolutionary-era reenactors and historic figures on the Morristown Green, special programs and tours at historic sites throughout Morristown, a Revolutionary history trivia night, and a History Corridor at the annual Morristown Festival on the Green.

“Living History Weekend gives people an opportunity to experience our history in the places where it actually happened. We are proud to help connect a new generation with the stories that helped shape our county and our nation during this historic year,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw.

“Our goal was to create a weekend where people can choose from a variety of historic experiences happening throughout Morristown. We want families, residents and visitors to experience Morris County’s incredible history in a way that is fun, engaging and accessible,” said Sarah Neibart, executive director of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee.

The three-day schedule includes:

Friday, September 25: Revolutionary History Trivia Night

Living History Weekend begins with Revolutionary History Trivia Night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Glenbrook Brewery. Participants can test their knowledge of the American Revolution and Morris County history.

Saturday, September 26: Living History Comes to Morristown

From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Morristown Green will feature Revolutionary-era reenactors, historic figures and demonstrations. Activities will include a militia, eighteenth-century medical and weaponry exhibits, and a silhouette artist.

From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., historic organizations throughout Morristown will also offer special programs, exhibits, talks and tours. Participating sites and programs include:

  • Macculloch Hall Historical Museum: Visitors can explore the historic museum and its nationally significant collection, including the nation’s largest single collection of original works by political cartoonist Thomas Nast.
  • Sansay House: The American Friends of Lafayette will share the story and legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette.
  • Presbyterian Church in Morristown: The Morris County Historical Society will present talks about local history and the people and events that shaped the community.

Additional historic sites and programs will be announced as the weekend approaches.

Sunday, September 27: History Corridor at Festival on the Green

Living History Weekend concludes Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. during the Morristown Partnership’s annual Festival on the Green. A special History Corridor will feature Morris County historic sites and organizations, providing information about the people, places and events that shaped Morris County and the nation.

Living History Weekend is presented by the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee, Morris County Board of County Commissioners, Morris County Tourism Bureau and F. M. Kirby Foundation, in partnership with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Morris County Economic Development Corporation, the Town of Morristown, Morristown Partnership, Trustees of the Morristown Green, Sanofi, Morristown Fire Department, participating historic sites and organizations, and other community partners.

Visitors can also explore Morristown and Morris County’s restaurants, breweries, shops, museums, parks and other attractions throughout the weekend. A special hotel room block is available at the Hyatt Regency Morristown for Living History Weekend attendees.

For additional information and the latest schedule, visit morriscounty250.com.

Denville Man Charged With Unlawfully Possessing and Storing Explosives

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

MORRIS COUNTY — A Denville man was charged with unlawfully possessing and storing explosives and explosive materials, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said.

Joseph Rizos, 37, of Denville, is charged by complaint with one count of unlawful receipt of explosive materials, one count of unlawful storage of explosive material, and one count of unlawful possession of plastic explosives without a detection agent.

Rizos had an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court on Wednesday, August 26, and was ordered detained.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, between April 2020 and June, Rizos purchased and received various explosive materials and other items, including fuels, fuses, precursor chemicals, and laboratory equipment from online retailers, which he stored at his residence in Denville.

On or about Wednesday, June 24, law enforcement searched Rizos’s residence and recovered from his bedroom, basement, and garage a home laboratory and laboratory equipment, detailed receipts for manufacturing multiple types of explosives, and a variety of suspected industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals that can be used to manufacture explosives. Investigators also recovered containers of suspected explosives from Rizos’s bedroom.

Rizos is charged with:

  • Unlawful receipt of explosive materials
  • Unlawful storage of explosive material
  • Unlawful possession of plastic explosives without a detection agent

Counts one and three of the complaint each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Count two carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

The investigation was led by special agents of the Joint Terrorism Task Force of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle; the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James M. Gannon; and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Smith and Vincent D. Romano of the office’s National Security Unit in Newark are prosecuting the case. Rizos is represented by defense attorney Brian J. Neary.

Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Morris County Democrats Hold Nine-to-One Cash Edge Over Republicans Heading Into Fall

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Morris County Republican Chair Laura Ali

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Democratic Committee holds a commanding financial advantage over its Republican counterpart heading into the fall campaign season, according to new figures from the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.

The Morris County Democratic Committee reported $88,971 in cash on hand as of June 30, compared to just $9,852 for the Morris County Republican Committee — a nearly nine-to-one edge that state analysts flagged as one of the more lopsided county-level financial gaps in New Jersey.

The money will help fund what is, locally, a modest ballot this November: just one seat on the Morris County Board of County Commissioners is up for election. Republican incumbent Tayfun Selen of Chatham is seeking another term and faces Democrat Christopher (Chris) Russo, a Morristown councilman who ran unopposed for his party’s nomination. The commissioners serve staggered three-year terms, with either one or three seats up in a given year; the other six seats are not up again until 2027 or 2028.

A Selen loss would be a watershed moment for county politics. The seven-member board has been entirely Republican since 1973, the longest single-party streak of any county governing body in New Jersey.

In the 2025 General Election, Parsippany lost three Republican seats to Democrats. Mayor Pulkit Desai defeated former Mayor James Barberio, and Council Vice President Frank Neglia and Candidate Jigar Shah, lost to Democrat Diya Patel and Matthew Kavanagh.

The two county parties are led by chairs based on opposite sides of Morris County. The Morris County Democratic Committee is chaired by Darcy Draeger, who lives in Chester Township. The Morris County Republican Committee is chaired by Laura Marie Ali, who lives in Chatham.

The disparity in committee cash places Morris among the counties where Democrats hold what analysts describe as an outside chance at competitive county elections this fall, alongside Hunterdon County. Both are considered less certain battlegrounds than Atlantic, Cumberland and Gloucester counties, which are expected to see the most competitive county races statewide.

The Morris County numbers reflect a broader statewide pattern. Democratic county organizations across New Jersey raised nearly $4.8 million during the first six months of the year, compared to $1.1 million for Republican county committees — a nearly four-to-one advantage. Democrats also outspent Republicans by a similar margin, $4.31 million to $1.15 million, and held more than three times as much cash in reserve statewide, $3.57 million to $905,659.

Fundraising accelerated sharply during the second quarter for both parties. Democratic fundraising statewide rose 138 percent over the first-quarter total, while Republican fundraising grew 88 percent. Republican organizations managed to grow their combined cash reserves by 36 percent during the period, from $665,324 to $905,659, even as Democratic reserves dipped slightly.

The statewide totals mark a substantial pullback from a year ago, when New Jersey was in the midst of what became the most expensive gubernatorial election in state history. Combined county-party fundraising is down 43 percent from the same point last year, and spending has fallen 29 percent.

The figures are drawn from campaign finance reports filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission through late August.

Dover Man Gives False Name To Police During Traffic Stop, Charged With Driving While Intoxicated

By
Police Reports
-
0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DOVER — A Morristown man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after initially giving police a false name during a traffic stop early Sunday, August 16, according to police.

Denis Turolos Reyes, 42, was stopped by Officer Joshua Gregoli at approximately 1:31 a.m. after the officer observed his white 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup truck following another vehicle too closely on East Blackwell Street and honking its horn three separate times, causing the vehicle ahead to pull onto the shoulder to let it pass, police said.

Police say the truck did not immediately yield to emergency lights and siren, continuing onto South Salem Street toward Route 10 before the driver activated his hazard lights and turned onto Julia Terrace and then Jessica Lane, where the vehicle came to rest.

According to police, when Officer Gregoli approached the vehicle, he observed the driver’s eyes to be red, glossy and drooping. The driver initially identified himself as “Alexandro Cabrera” and said he did not have a license. During the course of the investigation, police say the driver was identified as Denis Turolos Reyes through a Morristown identification card.

Police say Turolos Reyes stumbled into the officer as he stepped out of the vehicle, and the officer detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage. He told the officer he had consumed three beers, identifying the brand as Coors Light.

Sergeant S. Berthoud and Officer Kristopher Martinez responded to the scene, and Officer Martinez administered standardized field sobriety tests. Based on the field sobriety testing, driving observations and Turolos Reyes’s statements and behavior, he was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated, according to police.

Turolos Reyes was transported to the Dover Police Department for breath testing. Police say the New Jersey Attorney General’s Standard Statement for DWI was read to him in Spanish, and he stated he did not wish to provide a breath sample. He was also advised of his Miranda rights in Spanish and invoked his right not to speak further with officers.

Police say Turolos Reyes was given the opportunity to call someone to arrange his release, but no one was able to respond to the Dover Police Department. He was placed in a holding cell at approximately 6:20 a.m.

His vehicle was searched with negative results and impounded by Bunky’s Towing, police said.

He was charged with the following:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
  • Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a)
  • Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
  • Driving Without a License (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10)
  • Following Too Closely (N.J.S.A. 39:4-89)
  • Horns and Warning Devices (N.J.S.A. 39:3-69)

An appearance date in Dover Municipal Court has been scheduled.

Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Dover Man Charged With Driving While Intoxicated, Refusing Breath Test After Traffic Stop

By
Police Reports
-
0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DOVER — A Dover man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after a Dover police officer stopped him for careless driving and observed items obstructing his windshield, according to police.

Nicolas Giron Cardona, 28, was stopped by Patrol Officer Anthony Morin at approximately 2:29 a.m. Friday, July 24, on Second Street after the officer observed his tan 2005 Jeep Liberty traveling southbound on Warren Street with multiple objects on the front windshield and accelerating in a careless manner, police said.

According to police, Officer Morin approached the vehicle and asked Giron Cardona for his credentials. Giron Cardona provided a valid driver’s license but was unable to provide his registration or insurance information. While Giron Cardona searched through paperwork, the officer reported detecting the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle. Police say Giron Cardona stated he had consumed only two beers that night.

Giron Cardona agreed to perform field sobriety tests. Police say he failed all three tests administered, including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, the walk-and-turn test and the one-leg stand test, during which he lost his balance and placed his raised foot on the ground. He was subsequently placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated.

Giron Cardona was transported to Dover Police Headquarters, where he was read his Miranda rights and advised of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Standard Statement Form, which was also read to him in Spanish. Police say he refused to provide breath samples for chemical testing.

While processing Giron Cardona, police said they learned he had an active warrant out of Dover Municipal Court. He was able to post bail on the warrant and was released with a new court date.

Giron Cardona was released pending court action under John’s Law to a contact, Rosa Cardona Ramires.

He was charged with the following:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
  • Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a)
  • Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
  • Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
  • Obstruction of Windshield for Vision (N.J.S.A. 39:4-74)

An appearance date in Dover Municipal Court has been scheduled.

Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

1...456...708Page 5 of 708

RECENT POSTS

BUSINESS BRIEFS

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ABOUT US

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.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

© 2024 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.

Translate »