At approximately 3:15 p.m., Denville Police dispatch received the complaints, and officers in the area located the vehicle in question, conducted a motor vehicle stop and identified the driver as Zachary Monahan, 35, of Randolph. During the course of the investigation, Monahan displayed signs of impairment, and he was arrested on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Monahan was transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing and later released with a pending Denville Township Municipal Court date. Before his release, he was issued motor vehicle summonses for:

Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Careless driving, likely to endanger a person or property
Reckless driving

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.

Pepe’s Pawlor Opens in Oak Ridge, Offering Personalized Dog Grooming

Rohan Mruthik

July 30, 2026

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Pepe’s Pawlor, a new dog-grooming business owned by Nichole Pepe, opened Sunday, July 26, at 5716 Berkshire Valley Road, Suite 8, in Oak Ridge.

The opening marked the fulfillment of a longtime dream for Pepe, who wanted to operate her own grooming salon after graduating from dog-grooming school.

“I started it because it’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing,” Pepe said.

Pepe’s Pawlor offers full grooming services designed to address each dog’s individual needs. Services include bathing, blow-drying, haircuts, deshedding, paw-pad cleaning, nail trimming and ear cleaning. Teeth brushing and other services are available for an additional charge.

The salon’s approach centers on providing each dog with personal attention throughout the grooming process. Rather than working on several dogs simultaneously, Pepe cares for one dog from the beginning of its appointment until the service is complete.

“Every dog that I am doing is done from start to finish,” Pepe said.

Pepe said the one-on-one approach allows her to focus on the comfort and care of every dog that enters the salon. She treats each customer’s pet as though it were part of her own family and makes grooming decisions based on what is best for the animal.

“When you bring your dog to me, I am treating your dog like family, just like it’s my own dog,” Pepe said. “I will do whatever is best for your dog.”

Working with dogs also gives Pepe the opportunity to meet animals with different appearances, personalities and grooming needs. She said her favorite part of the job is working with a variety of breeds—and occasionally receiving kisses from her four-legged customers along the way.

To celebrate the opening, Pepe’s Pawlor is offering 10% off a full grooming service to customers who call by Sunday, August 9, and schedule an appointment for any date before Sunday, September 6.

The business is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is closed Mondays.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling or texting (973) 396-6744 or emailing [email protected].

Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms to Host 14th Annual Fall Family Day

Frank Cahill

July 30, 2026

MORRIS PLAINS — The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms will celebrate fall harvest and the property’s agricultural history with its 14th Annual Fall Family Day on Saturday, September 19, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The traditional fall festival is the museum’s biggest family program of the year, offering a day of old-fashioned fun for the young and young-at-heart. Activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, pumpkin painting, games and races, handcraft demonstrations such as woodworking, embroidery and pottery, scavenger hunts, craft activities and more.

Inside the Log House, guided tours will be suspended for the day, and families will instead be invited to stroll through the museum’s Open House.

Admission is free for all.

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms is located on State Route 10 in Morris Plains.

Tennessee Honey to Bring “Campfire Sessions” Country Sound to Jefferson Gazebo Concert

Frank Cahill

July 30, 2026

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Tennessee Honey, an acoustic-driven contemporary country cover band known for its “Campfire Sessions” sound, will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31, as part of the Jefferson Arts Committee’s Summer Gazebo Concert series.

The free, family-friendly concert will be held at the Jefferson Township Gazebo, located at 1033 Weldon Road in the Oak Ridge section of Jefferson Township, within the Municipal Building Complex. In the event of rain, the concert will move indoors to the Jefferson Township High School auditorium.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and may bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Frozen novelties will be available for purchase from Lil Ice Trike Company, and a portable restroom will be on site. Guests are asked to carry out their own trash.

Free will donations are appreciated. For more information, call (201) 230-8879 or (973) 697-3828, or visit the Jefferson Arts Committee’s Facebook page at facebook.com/JeffersonArtsCommittee.

Frank Cahill Honored by Knights of Columbus for Service to Bishop McLaughlin Council

Frank Cahill

July 29, 2026

MORRIS PLAINS — The Bishop McLaughlin Council 3495, Knights of Columbus, presented Frank Cahill, Publisher of Focus Publications, with a plaque on July 21 recognizing his ongoing support to the council.

The award was presented by Mike Fichter. The plaque reads: “Words cannot fully express our gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. By consistently championing and promoting our charitable events. Thank you for your tireless advocacy.”

“I am honored to receive this award. As publisher, it is my pleasure to make sure I can provide publicity to all local nonprofit groups. Although I am Governor of New Jersey Kiwanis International, I never lose sight of the fact that none of this happens without the volunteers who give so generously of their time to serve our communities,” said Cahill.

Also receiving honors at the event were Sean Gallagher, who received the Seminarian Gift; Nico Sullo, named Catechist of the Year, presented by Fr. Luke; the Calderisi Family, recipients of the Joseph and Irene Selitto Memorial Award for Family of the Year, presented by Fr. Luke; Morris Plains Lt. Robert Guild and Morris Township Sgt. Robert Ribnicky, who received Police Shield Awards presented by John Boudreau; Morris Township Firefighter/EMT Patrick O’Shea, who received a Fireman Shield Award presented by John Boudreau; and Taylor Olsen, who received the Thaddeus Kosakowski Memorial EMS Award presented by John Boudreau.

In the community category, the council presented a donation to the Paterson Federation’s Keep Christ in Christmas Billboard, accepted by Mike Vaclavicek, PGK. Gary Richenaker presented donations from the council’s campaign for people with intellectual disabilities to the ARC of Morris County, Employment Horizons, Camp Fatima, the DPD Calabrese House, and Camp Marcella.

The council also presented a number of charitable donations, including gifts to the Morris Minute Men, LifeNet, Walking with Moms in Need, Birth Haven, Several Sources Shelters, JBWS (formerly the New Jersey Battered Women’s Service), Homeless Solutions, the Interfaith Food Pantry, Morristown Meals on Wheels, Operation Chillout, the Rock Steady Parkinson Foundation, and Welcome Home Vets of NJ, along with additional contributions to Remember Me Inc., the Fairchild Firehouse, and the Special Parents Organization. State Awards were presented by District Deputy Mike Spiecker.

90-Unit Apartment Building Transforms Long-Vacant Dover Site

Frank Cahill

July 29, 2026

DOVER — A joint venture between Crossroads Companies and CrownPoint Group Inc. has completed 80East, a new luxury apartment community in the heart of downtown Dover. The six-story development represents the long-awaited transformation of a vacant property at the corner of East McFarlan and Passaic streets to expand housing options in the growing Morris County hub.

Featuring a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes, the community is designed to complement the character of the surrounding neighborhood while addressing continued demand for high-quality rental housing in the region. Nine apartments have been designated for income-qualified residents and families.

“From the start, we recognized 80East as a premier opportunity to meet the region’s intense demand for high-quality housing just steps from the town’s business district,” said Anthony Vulpi, Crossroads Companies’ development partner. “Leasing velocity has been exceptional, and we are thrilled to welcome residents to a community that not only elevates local living options but injects fresh energy into downtown Dover’s ongoing resurgence.”

Residents at 80East have access to approximately ten thousand square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a rooftop deck, landscaped courtyard, dog run, resident lounge, fitness center, private office space and covered parking across the building’s first two floors.

“Our collective goal, in collaboration with local officials and community leaders, was to develop 80East into a place that honors the fabric of Dover’s suburban community while introducing smart, modern living spaces,” said Michael Legacki, CrownPoint Group’s vice president. “This project exemplifies how intentional, modern development can fuel the long-term vitality of a neighborhood while serving as a first-class residential anchor for a dynamic downtown district.”

80East was designed by Minno and Wasko Architects and Planners. Columbia Bank provided construction financing, while Circle Squared Alternative Investments provided equity financing. L2i Construction served as general contractor, with Crossroads Companies serving as project lead.

Located on the Rockaway River in Morris County, Dover offers convenient access to major transportation corridors and commuter rail service to Hoboken and New York City. Crossroads Companies and CrownPoint Group are both New Jersey-based regional real estate firms specializing in the development of multifamily, supermarket and self-storage properties.

Bucco, Corrado Urge State to Notify Counties of Noncitizen Voter Registrations

Frank Cahill

July 29, 2026

TRENTON — State Senators Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris, Passaic) and Kristin M. Corrado (R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic) sent a letter to the New Jersey Division of Elections urging the agency to promptly notify county election officials of the identities of six thousand six hundred individuals who were registered to vote despite not being United States citizens.

In the letter, the senators wrote that the situation resulted from a failure in the state’s voter registration process and called for a complete, transparent, and proactive response.

“This situation resulted from a failure in the State’s voter registration process and warrants a complete, transparent, and proactive response. When the State becomes aware that ineligible voter registrations may exist, it should promptly notify the appropriate election officials so those registrations can be reviewed and addressed in accordance with applicable law. Correcting an error of this magnitude should not depend solely on the voluntary compliance of the individuals affected.”

“Commissioners of registration, superintendents of elections, county boards of elections, and county clerks may each play a role in ensuring the integrity of New Jersey’s voter registration records. Without the information necessary to identify registrations affected by this issue, they cannot effectively fulfill those responsibilities. Promptly providing this information will allow local election officials to review the registrations, take any action authorized by law, and demonstrate to the public that every reasonable step has been taken to protect the integrity of our elections.”

The full letter is available online through the New Jersey Senate Republican Office by clicking here.

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Now Hiring Fall Before and After School Kids Club Staff

Frank Cahill

July 29, 2026

MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is hiring energetic and enthusiastic staff for its Before/After School Kids Club program for the fall. Staff are responsible for the supervision, safety, and well-being of the children, and for creating positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents and caregivers.

Program locations include Riverview School at 33 Saint Mary’s Place in Denville, Lakeview School at 44 Cooper Road in Denville, and Rockaway Valley School at 11 Valley Road in Boonton. Open positions include site directors and co-directors, support staff, and substitutes. Benefits include a free YMCA membership, no nights, no weekends, and paid staff development.

Click here to apply, or contact Melissa O’Shaughnessy at [email protected] or (973) 507.7015 for details.

Morris County Clerk Launches Resident-Facing Artificial Intelligence Virtual Assistant

Frank Cahill

July 28, 2026

Morris-County-Reorganization2 — Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Clerk’s Office has launched a new artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant that provides residents with around-the-clock access to information about services offered by the office.

Available at all hours through the Morris County Clerk’s website, the virtual assistant answers questions about passports, property records, elections, business registrations, notary public services, veterans’ records and other functions of the Clerk’s Office. The tool is designed to improve access to information, reduce wait times and help residents quickly find answers to common questions.

The Morris County Clerk’s Office worked with TechForGov and Arlington Analytics to plan, develop and implement the virtual assistant. The system is designed to provide reliable, easy-to-understand information while complementing the personalized customer service provided by Clerk’s Office staff.

The Morris County Clerk’s Office is believed to be the first county clerk’s office in New Jersey to launch a resident-facing artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant, representing a significant step in the modernization of county government services.

“Our mission has always been to make government more accessible and responsive to the people we serve,” said Clerk Ann F. Grossi. “This technology allows us to provide information quickly while continuing to deliver the personal service our residents expect. Whether someone needs a passport, is searching property records, or has questions about elections, they deserve quick, reliable access to information. This new virtual assistant helps us deliver exactly that.”

Himanshu Goil, founder and chief executive officer of TechForGov, said harnessing artificial intelligence in local government is about improving the resident experience. “We are honored to partner with the Morris County Clerk’s Office on this innovative initiative,” Goil said. “By combining advanced artificial intelligence with trusted government information, we’re helping residents receive accurate answers quickly while allowing staff to focus on more complex and personalized services.”

“I appreciate Clerk Grossi’s forward-looking leadership and commitment to modernizing county government,” said Michael Stanzilis, chief executive officer of Arlington Analytics. “This initiative demonstrates how artificial intelligence can enhance, not replace, public service by making government more accessible, responsive and efficient. Morris County is setting an example that other local governments can follow to embrace responsible innovation.”

The virtual assistant reflects the Morris County Clerk’s Office’s ongoing commitment to using technology to improve public service while maintaining high standards of accuracy, transparency and customer service.

The Morris County Clerk’s Office provides a wide range of public services, including passport acceptance, property records management, election administration, business registrations, notary public services, veterans’ records and archival preservation. TechForGov is a government technology company specializing in secure artificial intelligence solutions for public agencies. Arlington Analytics is a government transformation consulting firm that helps public sector organizations leverage emerging technologies, data and artificial intelligence.

Wise Animal Rescue to Host Barknic Fundraiser in Montclair

Frank Cahill

July 28, 2026

MONTCLAIR — Wise Animal Rescue will host Barknic, its largest fundraiser of the year, on Saturday, August 8, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Lackawanna Station.

The indoor, family-friendly event is designed for pets and their people, featuring more than 50 local vendors, food and drinks, music, and activities for both dogs and humans. Highlights include a pet psychic gallery reading, an “Ask the Expert” panel, a dog fashion show, a Barknic Beauty Bar offering complimentary nail trims, hair color, manicures and pedicures, and pup facials, and a Musical Sits competition. Prizes will be given out throughout the day, and gift bags will be provided to the first 300 attendees.

Guests will also have the chance to meet adoptable dogs and cats from local rescue organizations while learning about Wise Animal Rescue’s work. The organization is a volunteer-run, foster-based nonprofit that rescues animals from neglect, abandonment, and unsafe situations, partnering with veterinary practices to restore them to health before placing them in loving homes. The organization also works to raise awareness and advocate for neglected, surrendered, and abandoned dogs, including bully breed mixes that often face unfair stigma.

Admission is $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door, with children age 11 and under admitted free. Free parking is available in two lots near the station, courtesy of HONK and BDP, along with surrounding street parking.

All proceeds from the event benefit Wise Animal Rescue’s efforts to save and care for animals in need. Those interested in supporting the organization can also adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, or contribute through the group’s wish list.

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