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Denville Woman Charged With Driving While Intoxicated, Child Endangerment After Crash Into Dover Utility Pole

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

DOVER — A Denville woman was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and two counts of child endangerment after police say she crashed her vehicle into a utility pole while her young son and nephew were riding in the back seat.

Valerie Medina-Yepes, 28, was arrested by the Dover Police Department following a single-vehicle crash reported at approximately 9:22 p.m. Sunday, August 2, at Second Street and Academy Street, near Crescent Field.

According to police, Patrolman Christopher Caraig responded to the area after Morris County Dispatch advised of a motor vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival, Patrolman Caraig found a single vehicle on the sidewalk with heavy front-end damage after it had struck a fixed utility pole.

Police say Medina-Yepes told the officer she had been driving the vehicle and that she had been using her cell phone while operating it prior to the crash. Her nephew and her son, both children, were seated in the back seat at the time of the crash.

While speaking with Medina-Yepes, Patrolman Caraig reported detecting the odor of alcoholic beverages on her breath. Police say Medina-Yepes stated she had consumed approximately two to three alcoholic beverages at an event prior to the crash. Her speech was described in the police report as slow, slurred and slobbering.

Medina-Yepes agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests, which police say she performed poorly, including swaying during the tests and losing her balance. She was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and transported to Dover Police Headquarters, where she submitted to breath samples on the Alcotest machine. Police say the results indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.197 percent, more than double the state’s legal limit of 0.08 percent.

The Dover Rescue Squad responded to the scene to evaluate both children. Police say her son reported pain after hitting the side of his car seat’s head rest during the crash. Neither child was transported to a hospital. Both were released to family members: her son to his mother and her nephew to Medina-Yepes’s sister.

Police reported that three pedestrians on the sidewalk told officers Medina-Yepes’s vehicle nearly struck them before she drove over the sidewalk and into the utility pole. The pedestrians were not struck and were not injured.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was contacted regarding the incident, and Medina-Yepes was charged with two counts of child endangerment on a complaint-summons. The state’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency was also notified and advised that a response would be conducted by its Morris West Local Office.

Medina-Yepes was released pending court action under John’s Law to an acquaintance who came to headquarters to pick her up, along with her traffic and complaint summonses.

She was charged with the following:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
  • Driving While Intoxicated Within 1,000 Feet of a School (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50(g)(1))
  • Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
  • Use of a Cell Phone While Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3)
  • Improper Driving on a Sidewalk (N.J.S.A. 39:4-71)
  • Failure to Maintain Lane (N.J.S.A. 39:4-88)
  • Two counts of Child Cruelty and Neglect (N.J.S.A. 9:6-3)

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.

Hanover Township Public Schools to Hold Bond Referendum Vote

By
Frank Cahill
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Standing: Christopher Mattessich, Gregory Skiff, Board President Lisa Bomengo, Vice President Marc Amoresano and William McCabe Seated: Christine Egbert, Gina Johnston, Karin Coffey, and Joseph Kowalski

MORRIS COUNTY — Hanover Township Public Schools will ask residents to vote on a bond referendum on Tuesday, January 26, seeking funding for infrastructure, safety, security and learning-environment improvements across all four schools in the district.

If approved, the $69.8 million bond referendum would fund the proposed projects. State aid would cover $23.7 million of the project costs, qualifying for the maximum amount of state aid available and helping minimize the local tax impact.

The proposal would benefit all four schools in the district. Projects include:

  • New roofs and parking area repairs
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system upgrades
  • Safety and security enhancements
  • Electrical systems upgrades
  • Interior improvements, especially to hallways, media centers, science labs and lockers

“This referendum is about making thoughtful, long-term investments in the schools our students and staff use every day,” said Superintendent of Schools Justin Toomey. “Our goal is to address critical infrastructure, safety and security needs while creating learning environments that reflect the quality of education our students receive.”

“We are committed to providing our community with clear, detailed information throughout this process so residents can make an informed decision in January,” he added.

Residents can visit the district’s referendum website for complete information, including project plans, financial details, tax-impact resources, voting information and frequently asked questions. The district will also host a virtual community forum on December 1 via Zoom, and an in-person community forum with building tours on January 6.

Jefferson Township High School Girls Soccer to Hold Car Wash Fundraiser

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township High School girls soccer team will hold a car wash fundraiser on Sunday, August 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The event will take place at Jefferson Township Fire Company No. 2, located on Route 15 South in Lake Hopatcong. Donations will be accepted to support the team.

As New School Year Begins, Experts Offer Ways To Ease Back-To-School Anxiety

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Children have a reputation for being adaptable, but that does not mean returning to school is easy.

“Parents can sometimes underestimate that it can be very intimidating for kids to start a new school year,” said Denise Geffke-Ramos, Director of Child and Family Services at NewBridge Services. “You have to change your routine again. You have to take on responsibility again.”

Back-to-school anxiety is especially common among children transitioning between schools, she noted. Students moving from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school often worry about fitting in and navigating new social situations. The transition to college brings different concerns as students take on greater responsibility for managing their schedules and coursework.

One way parents can ease that anxiety is by reassuring children that their well-being is the priority and that they will be there to support them, Geffke-Ramos said.

She encourages parents to approach their children with curiosity. “Things that might be easy changes for you may not be easy changes for your kids,” she said. “Our kids are individual people.”

Geffke-Ramos suggested parents pay attention to any shifts in their child’s typical behaviors. A child who becomes withdrawn, loses interest in favorite activities, experiences changes in eating or sleeping habits, or pulls away from friends may be struggling.

In those instances, Geffke-Ramos said parents should start a conversation with their child by pointing out the changes they have noticed. “Are you okay? Is anything going on that we should talk about?” By approaching the conversation without judgment, the message to children is, “I’m observant, I’m paying attention. I’m just being curious,” she said.

If concerns persist, Geffke-Ramos recommends parents check with teachers or other school staff to see whether they are noticing similar changes. Even if others are not concerned, parents should trust their instincts if something does not seem right and consider seeking professional help.

“Your kids still need you probably more than you think that they do — and more than they’re going to let on,” Geffke-Ramos said. “Just trying to be a patient and loving landing spot for them will be really powerful.”

Geffke-Ramos is Director of Child and Family Services at NewBridge Services, a nonprofit counseling and mental health agency headquartered in Pompton Plains that serves Morris, Sussex and Passaic counties.

Mosquito Spraying Scheduled Friday Morning in Morris Plains

By
Frank Cahill
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file Photo

MORRIS PLAINS — Mosquito control treatments are scheduled for a portion of Morris Plains early Friday morning due to an increase in adult mosquito populations, according to the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control.

Weather permitting, crews will treat wooded areas using an all-terrain vehicle between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Friday, August 28.

Treatment is scheduled for Jim Fear Drive.

Officials said crews will use either Anvil 2+2, with the active ingredient Sumithrin, EPA registration No. 1021-1687-8329, or Zenivex E4, with the active ingredient Etofenprox, EPA registration No. 2724-807.

Residents with questions about the mosquito control program or scheduled treatments can contact the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control at (973) 285-6450.

Additional information, including pesticide product labels, is available through the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control website.

ArcMorris Invites the Community to Step Up for The Arc at Walktoberfest

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — ArcMorris will hold its annual Walktoberfest: Step Up for The Arc on Saturday, September 26, bringing together the community for a morning of inclusion, connection, and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The event will take place at 1 Executive Drive in Morris Plains, with check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Walktoberfest will feature a 5K run, 1-mile walk, kids fun run, and doggy dash, along with games, giveaways, live music, food, and family-friendly activities.

Beyond a day of celebration, Walktoberfest raises awareness and funds to support ArcMorris programs and services throughout Morris County. ArcMorris operates 34 local programs serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, working to create opportunities for greater independence, inclusion, connection, and quality of life.

Among those taking part is Billy Byrne, a self-advocate and longtime friend of ArcMorris who has spent years championing greater opportunities and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Byrne is fundraising for this year’s Walktoberfest, rallying support for a mission he says has been an important part of his life.

“Walktoberfest is a celebration of what makes our community so special—people of all abilities coming together with a shared purpose,” said Naira Aslanyan, interim CEO of ArcMorris. “Every person who walks, runs, fundraises, sponsors, or simply shows up helps strengthen our mission and create more opportunities for the people we support.”

Community members can register, create a fundraising team, or support a participant to help ArcMorris reach its fundraising goal. Businesses and organizations can also get involved through sponsorship opportunities, with recognition across ArcMorris’ website, event materials, social media, and email communications.

Registration and event details are available at ArcMorris.org/events. The site also lists ArcMorris’ Autumn Classic Golf Outing, set for Monday, October 19.

ArcMorris has provided services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Morris County for more than 72 years.

Meta to Pay New Jersey More Than $500 Million in Historic Multistate Settlement, Sherrill Says

By
Frank Cahill
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Facebook, Instagram, Threads, WhatsApp, Messenger, Meta, Meta Quest, Meta Horizon, Meta AI, Facebook Marketplace, Meta Business Suite, Oculus, Ray-Ban Meta and all owed by Meta

TRENTON — Governor Mikie Sherrill said New Jersey will receive more than $500 million as part of a historic multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, resolving claims that the company knowingly exposed children to mental health harms through addictive social media features.

Sherrill called the settlement a major victory for New Jersey families, saying Big Tech is finally being held accountable for harm to children’s mental health and safety. She said the agreement includes new safety features intended to protect kids online, but that New Jersey would keep pressing other technology companies to curb addictive algorithms.

“I’m a mom of four kids and have seen firsthand how social media platforms can harm our kids – and how parents are often left in this fight alone,” Sherrill said.

Sherrill said that last month she signed what she described as the strongest laws in the nation regulating how technology companies reach children online, and called the Meta settlement, led in part by Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, another step toward ending what she described as an addiction pushed on children for profit.

“Since my campaign, I’ve vowed to take on Big Tech at every turn. I will keep working to ensure New Jersey is a place where kids and parents can feel secure knowing that we have their backs in this fight,” Sherrill said.

The settlement resolves claims brought by dozens of states alleging Meta designed Instagram and Facebook with addictive features and misled the public about the safety of its platforms for young users. It requires the company to put in place a broad set of new safety measures for children and teenagers on both platforms.

Read the full statement from Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.

Grace Church Choirs to Present Evensong

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — Members of the Grace Church Choirs in Madison and friends will present Evensong at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, at Grace Church.

Anne Matlack, organist and choir director at Grace Church and director of Harmonium Choral Society, will lead the candlelight service featuring English composer Joanna Forbes L’Estrange’s “Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis,” “Responses” by Jessica French, anthems by Egil Hovland and Larry King, Anglican chant, and evening hymns.

The service lasts under an hour, and a wine and cheese reception will follow. The choir of Grace Church and friends are beginning preparations for a week as choir-in-residence at Exeter Cathedral.

Grace Church is located at 4 Madison Avenue at Kings Road in Madison. The event is free and open to the public and appropriate for all ages.

For more information, call Grace Church at (973) 377-0106 or visit www.gracemadison.org.

Charlotte Cama Named Muhlenberg College Orientation Leader

By
Frank Cahill
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Charlotte Cama

MORRIS PLAINS — Charlotte Cama of Morris Plains has been named an Orientation Leader at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Cama, a 2024 graduate of Morristown High School, is a member of Muhlenberg College’s Class of 2028 and is studying neuroscience.

Orientation Leaders serve as mentors to incoming students, helping guide them through the academic, personal and social transition from high school to college.

As integral members of the college transition process, Orientation Leaders receive training to introduce new students and their families to the campus, its programs and available resources. They also serve as positive role models while demonstrating a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and social life.

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a four-year residential liberal arts institution serving nearly 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree-seeking students. The college’s curriculum and campus experiences are designed to encourage intellectual growth, discovery and lifelong learning.

New Jersey Increases Penalties for Using Handheld Devices While Driving

By
Frank Cahill
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TRENTON — Drivers in New Jersey now face fines starting at $200 for using handheld phones or other mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light, according to N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3.

Hands-free devices remain legal under the law, though the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) discourages their use as well, citing driver distraction. The NJMVC reports that 25% of all car accidents involve cellphone use.

The fine for a first offense ranges from $200 to $400. A second offense carries a fine of $400 to $600, and a third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $600 to $800, along with three motor vehicle penalty points and a possible 90-day license suspension.

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