MORRIS COUNTY — Current Pequannock Township Councilwoman and lifelong Morris County resident Melissa Florance-Lynch announced her candidacy for Morris County Freeholder.
A lifelong resident of Pequannock with more than ten years of extensive leadership in governing, Melissa will bring her commitment to public service, business development, and philanthropy work to the Board. “I’m looking forward to sharing my best practices in fiscal responsible governing with the Freeholder Board and the residents of Morris County,” Melissa said. Florance-Lynch has proved herself a resolute, fiscal conservative despite challenging budget limitations from mandates handed down from Trenton, the burden of protecting Pequannock’s residents from seasonal flooding, and the need to collaborate and create opportunity for the sharing of services.
“I’m proud to say that I’ve balanced the need for supporting community programs and resources for residents, while holding the municipal tax rate to an increase of less than three-quarters of one percent on my nine-year watch. That’s the kind of fiscal conservatism I will bring to the Morris County Board.”
A current Pequannock council member, Melissa is a tireless public servant having collaborated extensively with federal, state, and municipal officials to mitigate the impact of flooding on behalf Pequannock residents. She has welcomed countless new businesses into Pequannock spurring critical economic growth and helping to lower the residential tax rate.
A liaison to the the town’s Economic Development Committee, Melissa has overseen the growth of business in Pequannock Township as well as improvements to Pequannock’s business district. Philanthropy has been Melissa’s passion throughout her life and she has lent her talents to the Deborah Heart & Lung Center and Hospital Foundation, Pequannock Valley Rotary Club, Pequannock Twp. Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Suburban Woman’s Club of Pompton Plains.
A successful business woman, Melissa has been a licensed Realtor® for over twenty years and has been a Real Estate Broker and Sales Manager with Realty Executives for the past nine years. She recently was selected to receive the prestigious North Central Jersey Association of Realtors® (NCJAR) “REALTOR® of the Year” Award for 2020. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration – Seton Hall University.
MORRIS COUNTY — Kyle was recently rescued from a local, municipal shelter where he was found as a stray. We are so excited to be able to help this happy boy find his forever home!
Kyle is very friendly and can always be found smiling. He is a real nugget of joy! He often stands on his hind legs and does a little dance when he wants your attention (or a taste of your dinner!)!
Kyle is dog-friendly with dogs who will give him space and can live with children 16+. His preferred home would be a quiet one without a lot of chaos. What can we say, Kyle loves his peace and quiet! He would also prefer a home without frequent visitors or one where his owners are experienced with fear issues. This little guy is afraid of strangers but loves his foster family. He will need a home that understands and can work through this with him.
Kyle loves toys and playing. He also really enjoys curling up in his foster mom’s laps for pets. He’s a great mix of fun and snuggly!
If you’re looking for a dog to make you grin ear-to-ear, apply to adopt Kyle today!
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
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EAST HANOVER — Chabad of Southeast Morris County will hold its annual menorah lighting ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 23, the second night of Hanukkah in front of East Hanover Town Hall located at 411 Ridgedale Avenue.
Refreshments following the lighting will be served inside Town Hall.
The Madison Menorah Lighting on will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, the first night of Hanukkah at the menorah located across the street from the Hartley Dodge Memorial building on Kings Road at the Madison Train Station.
The Florham Park Menorah Lighting will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 23 at the menorah located in front of the gazebo at 111 Ridgedale Avenue
The menorah lightings are a project of Chabad of Southeast Morris County; a Jewish outreach, educational and social service organization located at 42 Park Avenue, Madison. For more information click here or call (973) 377-0707.
BOONTON — Town of Boonton Clerk is accepting Parking Permit Applications.
Universal permits cost $195.00 (Valid in any parking space on any street regulated by a long-term parking meter or coin slot box in any town toll parking lot or on any public street designated as a long-term parking meter zone.)
Bring the application along with payment to the Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, 100 Washington Street, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Payment may be made by cash or check. Checks must be made out to the Town of Boonton.
All permits allow for parking in long-term meters only. A “long-term parking meter” shall mean a metered parking space in which it is legal to park for three hours or more.
For more information call (973) 402-9410 ext. 624.
Members of Hanover Park Regional High School District, New York Jets and United Way of Northern New Jersey. Maria Carrell, Superintendent of Schools, Christopher Kelly, Whippany Park High School Principal, Juliana Campesi, Samantha Davidson, Michael Kiel, Emma Zachary, Daniela Riverso, United Way of Northern New Jersey, Jonotthan Harrison, New York Jets, Julia Kierney, Noah Kaplan, Erik L., Dominic Roselli, Cadence Sabatino, Brent Kaiser, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Whippany Park High School, Theresa Leamy, Sr. V.P. Resource Development , United Way of Northern New Jersey
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — As part of the celebration of the NFL’s 100th season, Huddle for 100 looks to inspire 1 million people to volunteer 100 minutes of their time to make meaningful contributions to their communities — with the goal being 100 million minutes volunteered by Super Bowl LIV.
Juliana Campesi introduces the New York Jets Walter Payton Man of the Year, Jonotthan Harrison
Ten Whippany Park students stepped up to meet the challenge by committing to the United Way Varsity Letter program. On Tuesday, December 17, those ten students were recognized by the New York Jets. Senior Juliana Campesi who accrued the most volunteer hours with 218 hours since September 1, announced Jonotthan Harrison as the New York Jets Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
Emma Zachary is selected to win two tickets to the Super Bowl. She is pictured with Jonotthan Harrison
The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, considered one of the NFL’s most prestigious honors, acknowledges a player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. During the event, the New York Jets honored the students for their volunteer efforts by randomly selecting junior Emma Zachary; surprising her with a trip for two to Super Bowl LIV in Miami, Florida.
The Varsity Letter and Huddle for 100 challenge took place earlier this year at Hanover Park High School where the New York Jets awarded a Hanover Park student with a trip for two to the Super Bowl.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker announce that on December 12, a Morris County jury found Richard Perry, 48, of Oak Ridge, guilty of two counts of second degree sexual assault and one count of third degree endangering the welfare of a child.
The Honorable David H. Ironson, J.S.C., presided over the trial. A sentencing date has been scheduled for January 17, 2020.
Perry was subsequently remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending sentencing. At sentencing, he faces a minimum of five years New Jersey State Prison in which he will have to serve 85% of that sentence before being eligible for parole. Perry will also be subject to registration pursuant to Megan’s Law and Parole supervision for life
The crimes occurred on October 2, 2016 when Mr. Perry had touched the niece of his fiancé on the breasts and vagina during a sleepover at his home. The then 11-year-old victim disclosed to her aunt immediately that Mr. Perry touched her and the aunt in turn contacted the police.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Jefferson Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their involvement in this investigation and prosecution. Prosecutor Knapp would specifically like to thank and recognize the prosecution team of Assistant Prosecutor Reema Sethi Kareer, Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Sparano, Detective Michael Bost, Detective Melissa Enslen, and Victim Advocate Amanda Holloway of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts in this case.
MORRIS COUNTY — On December 13, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office provided a training seminar for all Morris County school superintendents at Pequannock High School. The approximately two-hour training focused on bias crimes and incidents, and recognizing gang issues and violence in our communities and especially our schools.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Interim Executive County Superintendent Dr. Angelica L. Allen-McMillan gave opening remarks to the superintendents. Speakers for the event included Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Corporal Edwin Santana, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Supervisor Patrick LaGuerre. Detective Corporal Santana is a founder of the Gang Intelligence Unit at the Morris County Correctional Facility, a national lecturer on gangs, and the New Jersey Chapter President of the East Coast Gang Investigators Association. All three presenters have extensive experience working either in units covering gangs or bias crimes, and their expertise provided the superintendents with extremely beneficial knowledge in recognizing these issues in their school systems. With this information, the superintendents can create or update district-wide policies to ensure that their school district is as safe as possible.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp stated, “It is critically important that our schools are free of bias and gang violence. The training provided gave key information to school superintendents to recognize indicators of both before problems arise.”
Kyle Kepler taking the oath of office on December 12 during the Florham Park Township Council meeting. His parents Steve and Jill Kepler look on
FLORHAM PARK — The Florham Park Police Department welcomed its newest member to the force, Patrol Officer Kyle Kepler, during the Borough Council meeting on Thursday, December 12.
Kepler’s status as a patrol officer was made official when the Florham Park Borough Council unanimously passed a resolution of approval.Kepler is a graduate of the Morris County Police and Fire Academy. He will begin his duties in January. Kepler grew up in Warren and currently resides in Mount Arlington.
His mom Jill Kepler makes it official by placing Kyle’s badge
Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Commissioners’ Budget Committee
MORRIS COUNTY — Freeholder Deborah Smith will be named Freeholder Director at the Morris County Freeholders Reorganization meeting to be held on Friday, January 3, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris County Administration and Records Building.
Joining Smith will be Freeholder Stephen H. Shaw as Deputy Director.
Other members of the Freeholder Board consists of Doug Cabana, John Krickus, Thomas J. Mastrangelo andKathryn A. DeFillippo. Freeholder Heather Darling will step down and be sworn in for a five-year term as Morris County Surrogate. Darling, a Republican from Roxbury Township who has sat on the board since 2018, won the surrogate race, defeating Democrat Michael Thompson in the Tuesday, November 5 general election.
Darling leaves behind a term that expires on December 31, 2020. As a result, the seat must be filled by a Republican county convention, to be held at a date yet to be announced but must be held within 35 days after she is sworn in to her new position.
So far, former Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro of Parsippany, is first to announce his desire to fill Darling’s seat. Cesaro, a Parsippany attorney, sat on the freeholder board from 2012 to 2018. His bid to represent the 26th Legislative District in the Assembly failed in the June 2017 primary. His bid to return to the freeholder board in 2018 also ended in that primary.
Darling, a 43-year Morris County resident, was in her second year on the freeholder board but ran for surrogate because veteran surrogate John Pecorino was to retire after 25 years of service. She is principal of the Darling Law Firm, LLC, which she founded, and is president of her father’s real estate business.
NEW JERSEY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that a state grand jury has indicted nine men in an investigation that targeted a large-scale cocaine distribution ring in Cumberland County. During the investigation, the Division of Criminal Justice dismantled a drug mill in Vineland, where they seized heroin and fentanyl, as well as assault rifles and illegal large capacity magazines.
The indictment handed up today is the result of an eight-month investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau that led to arrests of a dozen defendants in late 2017. The Division of Criminal Justice was assisted by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office. Three other defendants pleaded guilty to first-degree distribution of cocaine prior to the indictment.
Terrel Goodwin
The Division of Criminal Justice obtained an indictment charging Terrel Goodwin, 30, of Vineland, with first-degree promoting organized street crime.
Goodwin, who allegedly was a major supplier of cocaine, is also charged with first-degree distribution of cocaine, along with George Smith, 58, of Bridgeton.
Goodwin, Smith, and six other men are charged with second-degree conspiracy.
Those six other men allegedly acted as “runners” for Goodwin, distributing cocaine to street-level dealers.
The ninth indicted defendant, Alexander Torres, 33, of Vineland, was arrested when detectives of the DCJ Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau executed a search warrant during the investigation at his basement apartment on North Myrtle Street, where they seized six guns, including two illegal assault rifles, and four illegal large capacity magazines.
Alexander Torres
They also seized nearly 100 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, nearly a kilogram of powder dibutylone (“bath salts”), over 900 dibutylone pills, and drug milling equipment, including grinders, blenders, mixing bowls, respirator masks, scales and a pill press.
Torres is charged with first-degree maintaining a narcotics production facility, as well as drug and weapons offenses, including possession of a weapon as a convicted felon, possession of firearms during commission of a drug crime, and possession of assault rifles and large-capacity magazines.
“The drugs and guns seized in this investigation speak to the danger this criminal ring posed to residents in the communities where they operated,” said Attorney General Grewal. “By dismantling this network and filing first-degree charges against the lead defendants, we took important steps to promote safety and security in South Jersey.”
“By conducting proactive investigations that target large-scale distributors of narcotics and that cut deeper into the supply network, we maximize our impact on drug dealing and the violence that so often accompanies it,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “I commend the detectives and attorneys in our Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau who conducted this operation, which led to first- and second-degree charges against a dozen alleged drug dealers.”
Three other cocaine suppliers who allegedly supplied or received cocaine from Goodwin were arrested during the investigation and pleaded guilty previously to first-degree distribution of cocaine. Each of the following men is awaiting sentencing and faces a recommended sentence of ten years in state prison:
Moses Arellano, 23, of Vineland
Christian Padilla, 28, of Glassboro
Oscar Gonzalez, 36, of Vineland
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Rastelli was assigned to the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Erik Daab and Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis. Deputy Bureau Chief Daab presented the case to the state grand jury. Lead detectives for the DCJ Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau were Detective Jeffrey Lorman and Detective Todd Watkins, as well as the entire Organized Crime South Unit, under the supervision of Detective Sgt. Peppi Pichette, Deputy Chief of Detectives Christopher Donohue, and Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell. Attorney General Grewal thanked the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police Intelligence Section for their valuable assistance.
The following is a full list of the defendants charged in the indictment returned today:
Terrell Goodwin, 30, of Vineland
George Smith, 58, of Bridgeton
Alexander Torres, 33, of Vineland
Stephen Fortune, 30, of Bridgeton
Joshua Rivera, 21, of Bridgeton
Wesley Bowleg, 46, of Bridgeton
Eric White, 31, Vineland
Kyle Mills, 33, of Bridgetown
Joseph Flores, 26, of Vineland
First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000, while second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The sentence for promoting organized street crime must be served consecutively to the sentence for any underlying offense. First-degree distribution of cocaine carries an enhanced fine of up to $500,000. Possession of a weapon as a convicted felon carries a minimum term of parole ineligibility of five years. The third-degree drug charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $35,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Thomas M. Brown in Mercer County, who assigned the case to Cumberland County, where the defendants will appear in court at a later date for arraignment.
Editor’s Note: An arrest, indictment or 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 COUNTY — Kyle was recently rescued from a local, municipal shelter where he was found as a stray. We are so excited to be able to help this happy boy find his forever home!
