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Mayor Dodd Issues Statement on Dover’s Legal Dispute Over Public Safety Director Position

By
Frank Cahill
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Mayor James Dodd

DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd has released an official statement addressing recent media coverage and clarifying the Town of Dover’s ongoing legal dispute with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office regarding the reinstatement of a civilian Public Safety Director position.

Mayor Dodd emphasized that the matter “has nothing to do with keeping a title, saving a position, or protecting any one individual,” but instead concerns a legal interpretation of state law—specifically whether municipalities are permitted to employ a civilian Public Safety Director instead of a traditional police chief.

According to Dodd, a temporary order issued by Judge Minkowitz was based on “a misrepresentation of case law by Prosecutor Carroll,” asserting that the court was not initially provided with relevant legal precedent supporting the town’s position. He noted that Dover will now have the opportunity to present that precedent, which “makes clear that municipalities have the authority to employ a civilian Public Safety Director.”

“We are confident the Court will correct the record once it considers the full body of law that was omitted from the Prosecutor’s initial presentation,” Dodd stated.

The mayor explained that the ordinance adopted by the town seeks to restore order, accountability, and civilian oversight within Dover’s public safety structure. He argued that the previous elimination of the Public Safety Director position in 2020 left the department “fragmented and inefficient,” citing ongoing concerns about enforcement, quality-of-life issues, supervision, and overtime costs.

“Our ordinance restores accountability and professional management to a system that desperately needs it,” Dodd said. “Dover deserves responsible oversight and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.”

Mayor Dodd concluded by expressing confidence in the legal process, saying he believes the court will ultimately determine that Dover’s approach “is not only lawful but the right way forward for our community.”

Jessica Almeida Appointed to New Jersey District Kiwanis Foundation Board

By
Frank Cahill
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Jessica C.M. Almeida has been appointed to the New Jersey District Kiwanis Foundation and will serve as Secretary, bringing her longtime commitment to leadership, community service, and the Kiwanis mission to the statewide level.

SUMMIT – Frank Cahill, Governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International, has appointed Jessica C.M. Almeida to serve on the New Jersey District Kiwanis Foundation. At a recent meeting, Almeida was nominated to the position of Secretary.

A lifelong New Jerseyan, Almeida was born and raised in West Caldwell, where she currently resides with her husband, Philip, their three children—Christian, Julianna, and Lucia—her mother, Nancy, and their two rescue dogs, Roni and Carolina.

A Lifelong Commitment to Kiwanis Service

Jessica’s journey with the Kiwanis Family began in middle school as Co-President of the Grover Cleveland Builder’s Club. She continued her leadership in high school as Treasurer and Secretary of the James Caldwell High School Key Club, before being elected Lieutenant Governor of Division 18 during her senior year. Her service earned her several top distinctions, including Outstanding District Board Member, a G. Harold Martin Fellowship, and recognition as a Robert F. Lucas Outstanding Lieutenant Governor by Key Club International.

At the University of South Carolina, Jessica earned her Bachelor of Arts in History (cum laude) with a minor in English. While there, she chartered and served as the first President of the Circle K Club, expanding her Kiwanis leadership into higher education. She was also active in Delta Zeta Sorority, the Panhellenic Council, and Student Government, and was inducted into several honor societies, including Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Golden Key International, and Order of Omega. Among her many collegiate honors were the South Carolina Outstanding Senior Award, the USC Student Government Meritorious Service Award, and the Charles W. Coolidge Award for excellence in history.

Professional Excellence and Legal Service

Jessica went on to earn her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law, where she was an active member of the Student Bar Association, Dispute Resolution Society, and Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Board. She received the Best Brief Award in Appellate Advocacy and clerked for the Honorable Mary Catherine Cuff, P.J.A.D., during her tenure on the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Currently, Jessica is a partner at McManimon, Scotland & Baumann in Roseland, focusing on land use, affordable housing, redevelopment, municipal counsel, and utility law. She has successfully argued cases before the Superior Court, Appellate Division, and New Jersey Supreme Court. Since 2022, she has served on the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness and has been recognized as a Rising Star (2021, 2023) and Super Lawyer (2024, 2025).

Kiwanis Leadership and Community Impact

Jessica has been a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex, serving on its Board of Directors since 2017. From 2022 to 2023, she led the club as Distinguished President, followed by two terms as Lieutenant Governor of the New Jersey District. She also chaired the New Jersey District Convention Committee (2022–2024).

Her dedication has earned her multiple honors, including the Carrington-Swain Fellowship (2023), a George F. Hixon Fellowship (2025), and recognition as part of the New Jersey Society of Outstanding Leaders.

Jessica continues to mentor future generations as Kiwanis Advisor to several Service Leadership Programs, including the Saint Catherine of Siena School K-Kids, Grover Cleveland Middle School and Saint Catherine Builder’s Clubs, and James Caldwell High School and Mount Saint Dominic Key Clubs. She also serves on the Board of Overseers for the Rotary–Kiwanis Caldwell Street Fair, the largest outdoor event in Essex County.

Beyond Kiwanis, she is a member of the Saint Catherine of Siena School Advisory Board and the Major Joseph Bloomfield Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Family and Personal Life

In her free time, Jessica enjoys supporting her children’s activities—watching Christian play baseball and basketball, Julianna compete as a Level 4 USAG gymnast, and Lucia perform with her dance company. Together with her husband, Phil, they are lovingly restoring their 1860s farmhouse in West Caldwell.

About the New Jersey District Kiwanis Foundation

The New Jersey District Kiwanis Foundation supports the charitable, educational, and service objectives of Kiwanis clubs across the state. The Foundation provides scholarships to students, grants to clubs for community service projects, and financial assistance during emergencies. It also funds leadership development programs for youth involved in Service Leadership Programs such as Key Club, Circle K, Builders Club, and K-Kids. Through the generosity of donors and the commitment of its members, the Foundation ensures that Kiwanis continues to improve the world—one child and one community at a time.

MPAC to Host Mets Broadcast Team in February and Journalist Douglas Murray

By
Frank Cahill
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Three New York Mets television broadcasters — Ron Darling, Gary Cohen, and Keith Hernandez — will headline the Drew Forum at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown on February 3, 2026.

MADISON – The 2024–2025 Drew Forum speaker series will feature two highly anticipated events, bringing some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting and journalism to the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown.

New York Mets television broadcasters Gary Cohen, Ron Darling, and Keith Hernandez—the celebrated SportsNet New York (SNY) broadcast team—will appear at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3. The evening will be moderated by Drew University President Hilary Link. Tickets range from $47 to $79 and are available at secure.mayoarts.org/19233/19234.

Later in the season, renowned journalist and bestselling author Douglas Murray, known for his on-the-ground reporting in Ukraine and Gaza, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20. Tickets range from $47 to $99 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Cohen, Darling, and Hernandez have become household names for Mets fans through their insightful and entertaining commentary on SNY broadcasts.

Gary Cohen, SNY’s play-by-play announcer, has called more than 2,500 Mets games since the network’s 2006 launch. He is also a fixture in college basketball broadcasting and was recently inducted into both the New York Mets Hall of Fame and the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame. A Columbia University graduate, Cohen lives in Connecticut with his wife, Lynn.

Keith Hernandez, the Mets’ legendary first baseman, joined SNY in 2006 as a game analyst and has earned three Emmy Awards for “Best Sports Analyst.” During his 17-year MLB career, Hernandez was the 1986 World Series Champion, 11-time Gold Glove winner, and the first captain in Mets history. The Mets retired his iconic No. 17 jersey in 2022.

Ron Darling, a former All-Star pitcher and World Series Champion, rounds out the trio, bringing expert analysis and a sharp wit that has made the broadcast team one of the most beloved in baseball.

About Douglas Murray

Douglas Murray is an internationally recognized journalist and author known for his insightful analysis of world affairs. His reporting from Ukraine and Gaza has earned widespread acclaim, complementing his bestselling books that explore politics, free speech, and cultural issues. Murray’s talk will provide audiences with a rare opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives on global conflicts and journalism in challenging times.

Video: Jefferson Township Council Meeting – October 15, 2025

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township

JEFFERSON — Jefferson Township Council Meeting – October 15, 2025, filmed by Citizens by Jefferson Township.

Jefferson Township Council Meeting was held October 1. This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Law. This meeting of September 3, 2025 was included in a list of meetings notice sent to the official newspapers of the Township, the Daily Record and the Star Ledger, on January 8, 2025 and was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building on January 8, 2025 and has remained continuously posted as the required notices under the Statute. In addition, a copy of this notice is and has been available to the public and is on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.

Click here to download the agenda.

Former New York Jets Star Nick Mangold in Need of Kidney Transplant

By
Frank Cahill
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NY Jets Legend Nick Mangold

MADISON — Former New York Jets center and Ring of Honor member Nick Mangold has shared an emotional message with fans, revealing that he is in need of a kidney transplant due to chronic kidney disease.

Mangold explained that he was first diagnosed in 2006 with a genetic defect that ultimately led to kidney failure. After a difficult summer, he is now undergoing dialysis while awaiting a transplant.

“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” Mangold said.

With no family members able to donate, Mangold is reaching out to the Jets community and beyond for help. He is seeking a kidney donor with type O blood.

Mangold, who resides in Madison, is well-known in the community as a devoted father and neighbor. Friends and residents describe him as humble, generous, and deeply involved in local life.

Fans and community members who wish to find out if they might be a match can click here. Those interested should use his full name, Nicholas Mangold, and his birth date, January 13, 1984, when completing the donor form.

Mangold expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, and fans, writing, “While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead. I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon.”

Budd Lake Man Charged for Leaving Explicit Photos and Notes on Vehicles

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Mount Arlington Police Officer in Charge Sgt. Ryan Sherburne, Randolph Police Chief Will Harzula, and Rockaway Township Police Chief Robert Scherr, Jr. confirmed that Thomas Hughes, 74, of Budd Lake, has been charged in connection with multiple incidents involving explicit photographs and sexually explicit notes left on parked vehicles.

On September 30, a 17-year-old girl and her mother reported to the Mount Arlington Police Department that, after leaving the QuickChek in Mount Arlington, they found a note tucked beneath their windshield wiper. Upon reaching their destination, they discovered a Polaroid photo of male genitalia along with a sexually explicit handwritten note.

Following an investigation, detectives identified Hughes as the individual responsible for leaving the photo and note. Authorities also linked Hughes to two similar incidents — one involving two adult victims outside a Randolph restaurant on October 4, and another involving an adult victim in Rockaway Township on June 15, 2024.

Hughes was arrested on October 15, and charged with the following offenses:

  • One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Sexual Conduct), third degree (N.J.S. 2C:24-4A(1))
  • One count of Providing Obscene Materials to a Minor, third degree (N.J.S. 2C:34-3B(2))
  • Three counts of Distributing Obscene Materials, fourth degree (N.J.S. 2C:34-2B)
  • Four counts of Lewdness, disorderly persons offense (N.J.S. 2C:14-4A)
  • Four counts of Harassment, petty disorderly persons offense (N.J.S. 2C:33-4)

Hughes was taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility and later released under Pretrial Monitoring Level III with conditions prohibiting contact with the victims and banning him from returning to the businesses where the alleged incidents occurred.

Prosecutor Carroll thanked the Mount Arlington Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their assistance in the investigation.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: 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 Law Enforcement Join Prescription Drug Take Back Day

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Morris Plains Borough Chief of Police Mike Koroski, Morris Township Chief of Police Robert Shearer, and Randolph Township Chief of Police Will Harzula announce that on Saturday, October 25, they will be participating in the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day program.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a semi-annual event coordinated nationally by the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in which law enforcement agencies at the state, county, and municipal level work collectively to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the nation. 

The goal of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is to encourage the public to anonymously turn over unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medicine for proper disposal.  The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has partnered with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Morris Plains Borough Police Department, the Morris Township Police Department, and the Randolph Township Police Department in this effort to reduce abuse and misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.  At its conclusion, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office will collect the discarded prescription drugs and properly destroy them in a safe and non-hazardous manner.

During this event, satellite collection sites will be operating from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., including at the following Morris County locations:

•ACME Supermarket – 690 Millbrook Ave., Randolph

•ShopRite of Greater Morristown – 178 East Hanover Ave., Cedar Knolls

•Stop & Shop Supermarket – 245 Littleton Rd./US 202, Morris Plains

If you are unable to drop off your medication at one of these locations, you can utilize any other permanent drop box locations nearest you, by clicking this link.

Randolph Woman Charged with DWI Following Route 10 Traffic Stop

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

DENVILLE — A Randolph woman was arrested late Saturday night after Denville Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 10 West for erratic driving.

According to police, the incident occurred on October 11, at approximately 11:28 p.m., when officers observed a vehicle that failed to maintain its lane. The driver, identified as Arna B. Quakyi, 41, of Randolph, was determined to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Quakyi was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing. She was subsequently issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, including:

  • Driving while under the influence (39:4-50)
  • Refusal to submit to chemical test (39:4-50.4A)
  • Careless driving (39:4-97)
  • Reckless driving (39:4-96)
  • Failure to maintain lane (39:4-88)
  • Failure to observe traffic control device (39:4-81)
  • Failure to possess driver’s license (39:3-29A)
  • Failure to possess driver registration (39:3-29B)
  • Consent to take samples of breath (39:4-50.2)

Quakyi was released pending a mandatory court appearance in Denville Municipal Court.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: 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.

Denville Man Arrested Following Motor Vehicle Stop on West Main Street

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DENVILLE — A motor vehicle stop for an equipment violation led to the arrest of a Denville resident on Thursday, October 9.

According to the Denville Township Police Department, officers stopped a vehicle on West Main Street and identified the driver as David Seickendick, 39, of Denville. During the investigation, police determined that Seickendick was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Further checks revealed an active arrest warrant issued by the Newark Municipal Court in the amount of $1,000.

Seickendick was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing. He was later released after posting bail and issued two motor vehicle summonses for failure to wear a seatbelt (39:3-76.2f) and driving while suspended (39:3-40).

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: 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.

Community Kindness in Action: East Hanover Crafters Warm Hearts Across Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
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East Hanover Crafters’ Coordinator Irene Perez presents a generous donation of hand-knit scarves and winter hats to Hope One, helping ensure individuals in need stay warm across Morris County this winter.

MORRIS COUNTY — Acts of kindness are knitting our community closer together! A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Irene Perez, Crafters’ Coordinator of the East Hanover Crafters, for leading an inspiring donation to Hope One. This Morris County initiative provides critical support and resources to those in need.

Perez and her team of talented volunteers generously donated dozens of hand-knit scarves and winter hats, each made with care and compassion. These cozy creations will be distributed throughout Morris County to help keep individuals and families warm during the cold months ahead.

“We’re so grateful to Irene and all the East Hanover Crafters for sharing their time, talent, and kindness,” said a Hope One representative. “Their contribution reminds us how powerful community spirit can be.”

Through every stitch and pattern, the East Hanover Crafters demonstrate that warmth comes not only from scarves and hats — but from the hearts of those who give.

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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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