ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying individuals as part of an investigation into several incidents at the Craigmeur Recreation Complex in Rockaway Township.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incidents occurred between Friday, August 28 and Wednesday, September 30.
Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers released surveillance images of the individuals authorities are seeking to identify in connection with the investigation.
Authorities did not provide additional details about the nature of the incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at (973) COP-CALL, or (973) 267-2255, or submit a tip online through the CrimeStoppers website or the free “P3 Tips” mobile app.
CrimeStoppers said callers will remain anonymous and could receive a reward of up to $1,000.
Copyright 2026 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from the publisher.
NEWTON — Sussex County Community College, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and National Fitness Campaign are introducing a new outdoor Fitness Court Studio to promote health, wellness and physical activity among students and community members.
Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend the Fitness Court ribbon-cutting and grand opening at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15. The Fitness Court is located along College Hill Road on the upper campus of the college.
The event will include a tour of the Fitness Court and an overview of its seven exercise stations and Studio classroom.
The Fitness Court is part of a nationwide initiative led by National Fitness Campaign, which works to improve health outcomes and expand access to outdoor fitness opportunities across the United States.
The college, Horizon and National Fitness Campaign developed the Fitness Court Studio to expand free access to workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the region. The outdoor gym lets users leverage their own body weight for a complete workout using the seven exercise stations.
“The commissioner board, along with senior services, is excited about another venture with Sussex County Community College to help with the health and fitness of our community,” said Sussex County Commissioner Chris Carney.
Designed for individuals ages 14 and older, the Fitness Court offers exercises that can be adapted for a range of abilities and fitness levels, allowing participants to exercise at their own pace.
Sussex County Community College is one of the first 20 Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state with support from Horizon.
Users may also download the free Fitness Court App, which serves as a “coach in your pocket” and provides guided workouts, instructional videos, fitness challenges and other resources.
“We are proud to introduce the new outdoor Fitness Court® as part of our commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our students and the broader community,” said Doctor Cory Homer, President of Sussex County Community College. “This accessible space will encourage people of all fitness levels to stay active, connect with one another, and build healthy habits that can have a lasting impact on their lives.”
“Investing in Fitness Courts is another way Horizon is working to empower our members to achieve their best health, while partnering with community organizations to build a healthier New Jersey,” said Gary D. St. Hilaire, Horizon’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “As New Jersey’s hometown health insurer, we’re focused on making good health more affordable and more accessible. The opportunities created by our partnership with National Fitness Campaign build on Horizon’s ninety-year history of supporting local organizations and improving the health of New Jersey’s communities.”
“We are excited to have Sussex County Community College join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court® Studio, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the community.”
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors, with the goal of building a Fitness Court within a 10-minute bike ride of every American.
For more information about Sussex County Community College, click here or contact Admissions at [email protected]. For more information on Horizon’s support of National Fitness Campaign, click here.
Copyright 2026 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from the publisher.
MORRIS PLAINS — Morris Plains will light up with the glow of carved pumpkins during the fourth annual Morris Plains Pumpkin Illumination on Friday, October 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Organized by Downtown Morris Plains, the community event will be held at the Morris Plains Merchant Block, 771 Speedwell Avenue.
In recognition of the borough’s 100th birthday, Downtown Morris Plains is asking residents and visitors to bring their carved pumpkins to help create a glowing display of more than 100 pumpkins for the centennial celebration.
In addition to the illuminated display, attendees can enjoy live music, food, drinks and spooky entertainment provided by local businesses. New this year, guests can enjoy bites and brews at the onsite Jack O-Tavern.
Visitors can also check out the jack-o’-lanterns displayed in the Morris Plains Business Pumpkin Carving Contest and vote for their favorite. A master pumpkin carver will also demonstrate live pumpkin carving.
The event was created as a way to shine a light on Morris Plains businesses. Beyond showcasing their pumpkin carving talents, local businesses are invited to participate as vendors for free, and attendees can expect familiar favorites, new businesses, and special fall offers, promotions and giveaways.
Copyright 2026 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from the publisher.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Mayor Melissa Muilenburg, Deputy Mayor Tom Menard and civic leader Andy Hilton have launched their campaign for the Mountain Lakes Borough Council.
Running on a track record of “Getting Things Done,” the team said it is committed to maintaining the borough’s quality of life through responsible fiscal oversight, critical infrastructure investment and proactive environmental protection.
The ticket brings a combination of executive, legal, civil engineering and community leadership experience to the governing body, the candidates said.
Track Record
The campaign cited the following achievements:
Fiscal Excellence: Maintained the borough’s AAA bond rating while lowering the municipal tax rate and providing quarterly financial reviews at public meetings.
Taxpayer Savings: Saved taxpayers $1.7 million through a newly negotiated solid waste contract.
Capital Projects: Completed the Borough Hall and Public Safety facilities for millions less than comparable projects in neighboring areas.
Infrastructure and Recreation: Improved local roads, sidewalks, beaches, parks and recreational facilities, while expanding library programming and collaborating with the Board of Education to develop Flynn Field.
Preservation and Environmental Care: Restored the historic Station property using state and county grants, secured Highlands Council grants to preserve lakes and natural resources, and advanced state-mandated water remediation while pursuing outside funding to reduce costs.
Strategic Planning: Adopted the Mountain Lakes 2025–2035 Fair Share Housing Plan, which the candidates described as a locally informed approach to creating housing opportunities while respecting the character and needs of the borough.
The Candidates
Melissa Muilenburg, a 34-year resident, is the current Mayor and a four-year incumbent Councilwoman seeking re-election. She brings a 20-year legal career in banking and real estate to her work on the Finance Advisory, Planning Board, Woodlands and Shared Services committees. She served on the Lakeland Hills YMCA Board of Governors for 12 years, six as Chair, and is a past president of the Laker Sports Club.
“I am running to continue ensuring strong oversight of Borough finances, investment in critical infrastructure, and protection of our environment,” Muilenburg said. “I pledge to continue listening, being responsive to residents, and respecting all points of view. The best decisions are made when people feel heard and valued.”
Tom Menard, a lifelong Mountain Lakes resident, is a two-term former Mayor, an eight-year Councilman and the current Deputy Mayor seeking re-election. A civil engineer and owner of Menard Construction for 33 years, he serves on the Public Works, Lakes Management, Affordable Housing and Shared Services committees. He oversaw the reconstruction of the Borough Hall, Birchwood and Island Beach facilities.
“Mountain Lakes is my history and my heart is here,” Menard said. “My strengths lie in reviewing planned infrastructure and ensuring projects are delivered on time and under budget. I am committed to preserving our unique character while thoughtfully adapting to current needs. Mountain Lakes was a wonderful place to grow up and we’ve loved raising our family here. I want to preserve what makes this community unique while preparing for the future.”
Andy Hilton, a 12-year resident, is running to give back to a place that has come to define community for him and his family. He brings more than 25 years of global executive leadership experience in financial stewardship, public-private partnerships and consensus building. Hilton serves as Executive Director of the Housing Partnership of New Jersey, on the Board of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network and on the borough’s Lakes Management Advisory Committee.
“Mountain Lakes brings together exceptional schools, beautiful natural surroundings, and neighbors who genuinely care for one another,” Hilton said. “My experience leading organizations, stewarding resources, and building consensus can help preserve what makes Mountain Lakes special while keeping our borough financially strong.”
Campaign Vision
The team said it will continue to prioritize a non-partisan, results-driven approach to local government that values open communication, respects resident input and ensures every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely.
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DOVER — The Democratic Committee of Dover will host its Fall Barbecue Meet and Greet on Sunday, October 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The free event is open to residents of all party affiliations and offers a chance to meet Dover’s new committee members and talk about the issues facing the town.
“This event is about bringing neighbors together, catching up with old friends, meeting some new ones, and talking about the community we all call home,” the committee said.
Morris County Commissioner candidate Chris Russo is expected to join the gathering at about 2:30 p.m.
Team Dover 2026 is the event’s Presenting Sponsor. Carolina Milacet is the Hometown Sponsor, and Terry McKenna, and Patricia Webster and Danny Jimenez are Blackwell Street Friends sponsors.
Admission is free, but registration is required. The location will be provided upon registration. Guests may bring their own beverages, and donations are optional.
Copyright 2026 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from the publisher.
Madison town historian Scott Spelker presents "The History of the Revolutionary War in Chatham and Madison" on Wednesday, September 30, at the Library of the Chathams, opening the Kiwanis Club of the Chathams and Madison's free Community Talks series.
CHATHAM — The Kiwanis Club of the Chathams and Madison opened its free Community Talks series on Wednesday, September 30, with “The History of the Revolutionary War in Chatham and Madison,” presented by Madison town historian Scott Spelker at the Library of the Chathams.
The 6:30 p.m. program at the library, 214 Main Street, explored the role the two communities played during the American Revolution, including local encampments, military movements, notable residents and the strategic importance of the area at a time when Madison was known as Bottle Hill. The evening included audience questions, discussion and refreshments.
The village of Bottle Hill was established in what is now Madison in 1715. The name lives on today through Bottle Hill Day, Madison’s signature annual street festival, founded in 1974 by Mayor Elizabeth Baumgartner to promote the borough’s business district. The talk comes just days before this year’s festival, which returns Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for its fifty-first year with the theme “Celebrating America’s 250th.” The rain-or-shine event draws between ten thousand and twenty thousand visitors to downtown Madison and features more than two hundred twenty-five vendors, four stages of live music, three amusement areas and the annual Madison Car Show. Click here for full Bottle Hill Day details.
Close to 50 people filled the Library of the Chathams on Wednesday, September 30, for Scott Spelker’s talk on the Revolutionary War in Chatham and Madison, the first program in the Kiwanis Club of the Chathams and Madison’s Community Talks series.
Spelker, who also serves as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, launched the three-part series, which brings free presentations on local history, health and public policy to the community this fall and winter. All three programs are held at the library beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The series continues Wednesday, October 28, with “How to Prevent Back Pain in Your Daily Work, Leisure and Life,” presented by Dr. Joseph Murphy of Suburban Chiropractic Center in Chatham. Murphy will offer practical tips to help prevent back injury and pain during sports, leisure activities, daily work and household chores. Registration is requested by Monday, October 26.
The final talk, “Affordable Housing in New Jersey,” will be held Wednesday, December 9, presented by Justin Strickland, an Army combat veteran, former Pentagon federal official and Chatham Borough Councilman. The presentation will address questions about affordable housing in New Jersey.
All programs are free and open to the public, and residents may attend one, two or all three. Late registrations will be accepted as space permits. To register, click here, or email [email protected] with questions.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll presents a badge to Calderwood with Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano and Deputy Chief of Detectives Joe Costello.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood has retired after more than 31 years as an assistant prosecutor, including 29 years with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Calderwood’s retirement was marked Wednesday, September 30, with a walkout ceremony at the Morris County Administration and Records Building, where she was recognized for her years of service and dedication to the people of Morris County. Honoring her were Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano, Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw, State Senator Anthony Bucco, Sheriff James M. Gannon, Wharton Police Chief David Young, Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman and Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano on behalf of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez and her colleagues in the Prosecutor’s Office.
Director Shaw presented Calderwood with a framed Resolution of Honor on behalf of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, recognizing her more than three decades of service to the justice system.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw presents a Resolution of Honor to Calderwood.
“Over the years, Maggie has been a prosecutor, a supervisor, a leader, a teacher and a mentor. She has helped guide attorneys and law enforcement officers, shared her knowledge with the community and represented the Prosecutor’s Office in some of the most serious matters handled in our county,” said Director Shaw. “On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, we thank Maggie for her extraordinary service to Morris County and wish her and her family all the best in retirement.”
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon presents a plaque inscribed with a message of appreciation to First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood at her retirement ceremony.
Calderwood served as First Assistant Prosecutor beginning January 4, 2021, providing leadership across the Prosecutor’s Office and working closely with law enforcement agencies and other members of the county’s criminal justice system. She previously served as chief assistant prosecutor, executive assistant prosecutor and supervising assistant prosecutor, overseeing divisions and units including Major Crimes, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment, Domestic Violence, General Investigations, Pretrial Services and Professional Standards.
As a trial attorney, Calderwood prosecuted numerous high-profile and complex jury trials involving murder, aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide and aggravated sexual assault cases involving adult and child victims. She has been recognized as a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey since 2011.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez presents Calderwood with a shadowbox of her badges.
Throughout her career, Calderwood has also shared her legal and law enforcement knowledge through lectures at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, local schools and community organizations.
Her work has earned several professional honors. In 2019, Calderwood was recognized by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris/Sussex Vicinage, and the Morris/Sussex County Bar Association as part of the “Women Pioneers in the Law” exhibit for her contributions to the justice system. She received the Morris County Bar Association’s Criminal Practice Award in 2022 for her professionalism and dedication to the field, and in 2024 received the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey’s “Outstanding Advocacy Over a Career” award.
Calderwood has also served as co-chair of the Morris County Bar Association’s Criminal Practice Committee since 2020.
Her legal career began with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in 1994, where she represented the state in numerous jury trials. She joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 1997 after serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Stephen F. Smith, presiding criminal judge of the Morris County Superior Court.
Calderwood earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Moravian College in 1988 and a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1992.
“I congratulate First Assistant Maggie Calderwood on an outstanding career as a prosecutor,” Prosecutor Carroll said. “I believe her career serves as a model for how a legal professional should practice criminal law. Her skills, experience, reputation for integrity, common sense and legal knowledge made her an invaluable and effective leader in Morris County law enforcement.
“First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood has the respect and admiration of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office staff, the defense bar, the judiciary, as well as every police department in Morris County — a tremendous achievement by any measure. On a personal level, I wish to thank Maggie for serving as my First Assistant, and for her sage advice and dedication during my administration over the last six years. Her legacy of professionalism will live on in the more than 200-year history of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office,” he continued.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
MORRIS COUNTY — A 35-year-old New York man was arrested on Monday, September 28, after Denville Police officers found he was driving a vehicle with fictitious license plates and showed signs of impairment.
At about 3:15 p.m., officers were monitoring traffic on Route 10 East when they received an alert on a vehicle’s registration. The inquiry showed the vehicle was displaying fictitious license plates.
Officers then found the vehicle and its driver, Ahmed Sekou Sow of New York, New York, in a parking lot on Route 10 East. During the investigation, officers saw that Sow showed signs of possible impairment. After standardized sobriety testing, Sow was placed under arrest and taken to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.
Sow was issued motor vehicle summonses for the following:
Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
Driving While Suspended (N.J.S.A. 39:3-40)
Driving an Unregistered Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:3-4)
Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51B)
Failure to Possess an Insurance Card (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29C)
Fictitious Plates (N.J.S.A. 39:3-33A)
Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Liability Insurance (N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2)
Sow was released pending a future court date in Denville Municipal Court.
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.
nourishNJ location is at 347 South Salem Street, Victory Gardens
MORRIS COUNTY — nourish.NJ recently received a $30,000 grant from Bayer Fund to support More Than Meals: Food, Housing, Hope, a program that addresses hunger and its root causes across Morris County.
“We are deeply grateful to Bayer Fund for its continued investment in our neighbors and our mission,” said Sally Rubin, director of philanthropy at nourish.NJ. “Access to healthy food is often the first step toward greater stability. This support allows us to meet an immediate need while also helping our neighbors connect with the resources and services that can make a lasting difference in their lives.”
The funding will help nourish.NJ provide daily nutritious meals with food from free farmers’ markets, fresh produce, dairy and protein, and home-delivered meals for neighbors who face mobility or transportation barriers, according to the organization.
The grant will also support Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach and benefits navigation, helping eligible households access resources that can extend their ability to purchase nutritious food beyond immediate emergency assistance.
The grant comes at a time when rising costs continue to put pressure on households throughout Morris County. Last year, nourish.NJ produced 137,000 meals and distributed the equivalent of 362,000 meals through its free farmers’ markets. Outreach staff also supported 205 SNAP-related cases and helped more than 1,000 neighbors access benefits and other community resources.
