MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that would add the word “police” to the titles of county correctional officers, wardens and deputy wardens.

“This will help eliminate any confusion over their authority and just clarifies the powers that these officers of the law already possess,” said Assemblyman Parker Space (R-Sussex), sponsor of the measure S1739/A3236.

In January last year, similar legislation was enacted that changed the titles of state corrections officers. The laws aim to support officers when they are assigned to duties outside their normal operations by making it clear they have police powers, including the ability to make arrests.

The Civil Service Commission will create the following new titles: county correctional police officer, county correctional police warden and county correctional deputy police warden. Any fees associated with the title changes will be covered by the officer, warden and deputy warden. This may include any cost associated with an updated uniform, badge, or equipment.

Assemblyman Hal Wirths (R-Sussex) is also a co-sponsor of the legislation that passed the Assembly 76-0 on June 20.  The Senate version is prime sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho (R-Sussex) and passed 34-0 on June 27.

MORRIS COUNTY — On Sunday, September 15, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., spend the day at one of Morris County’s most popular fall festivals at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township.

Hop aboard the open-air wagon for a scenic ride around the farm, visit the friendly farm animals, lend a hand churning butter and pressing apples into cider, and watch a blacksmith perform his craft.

Enjoy live music, and learn some new old-fashioned dance steps. Food will be available for purchase as well.

Stop by the 1920s Farmhouse, and discover seasonal foods being prepared on the wood-burning cook stove, and watch a sewing demonstration on a treadle sewing machine. At the Visitors Center, experience the interactive display at the Transportation Exhibit. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Admission is $8.00 per adult, $7.00 per senior (65+), $6.00 per child age three through 16, and free for children under three. Friends members are half price with a current membership card.

For more information and directions to Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township, visit morrisparks.net, or call (973) 326-7645.

The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy.

DENVILLE — “Dogs Gone Wild” swimming party will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cooks Pond Denville Recreation, 19 Entrance Way, Denville.

Off leash swimming and playing for your dogs enjoyment, picnic area and playground for your enjoyment the entire facility is fenced in and safe for your dogs. Fee for the event is $20 all money goes to support the Denville Dog Park and Animal Shelter.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Chief Jeffrey Almer of the Washington Township Police Department announce that Michael Barisone, 54, of West Mill Road, Washington Township, has been charged with Attempted Murder and weapons offenses in connection with an incident occurring on Wednesday, August 7.

At approximately 2:13 p.m. on August 7, police received a 9-1-1 call requesting service at 411 West Mill Road for a female with gunshot wounds. Washington Township Police responded to the scene and located one female who had sustained what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. The Defendant, Michael Barisone, and a second male victim were also located at the scene. A handgun was recovered.

As a result of the investigation into this incident Barisone was charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, crimes of the first degree, and two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, crimes of the second degree.

Police arrived to find the woman bleeding on the ground with wounds to her chest, and another man lying on top of Barisone. Barisone had fired at the man as well but had missed, according to the complaint, and the man had subdued him until police arrived.

The woman’s injuries were described as serious and life-threatening.

Barisone was an alternate for the 2008 U.S. Olympic dressage team and coached the 2012 U.S. Olympic eventing team.

Members of the Washington Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit contributed to the investigation.

If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Washington Township Police Department at (908) 876-3232.

MORRIS COUNTY — Meet Rain a seven-month-old Plott Hound mix puppy! Rain was unfortunately surrendered to the rescue because of landlord issues. Don’t feel bad though, now she has the opportunity to find her real furever home!

Rain is actually on the smaller size coming in at just twenty pounds. She is super sweet and loves the company of other dogs. Rain is very smart and is picking up basic commands and potty training quickly. She is also doing well with crate training! She will need a family dedicated to continuing her training as she is so young. Rain also will require exercise and lots of kisses!

Rain’s ideal home would be one with a yard to play in and a family to love on with no young children. She can live with children 13+ and other dogs though!

If you’re looking for a young, happy girl to be your new dog-child, apply to adopt Rain today!

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

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MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation making New Jersey the sixth state in the nation to ban pet leasing. As pet stores and breeders scramble to sell expensive puppies while they are young and most attractive to buyers, some resort to leasing contracts to place animals.

The measure (A4552), sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney, bans cat and dog leasing except in cases where they are purebred and being used for breeding purposes or if the animals are specially trained to perform tasks like police K-9s and guide dogs.

“You’re not buying a dog, you are renting it,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “The lease can double or triple the cost, and with some dogs going as high as $5,000, it can add up fast. Families can suffer a serious financial hit, and if they miss a payment, the family pet can be repossessed. This law also protects our pets as they often become part of our families.”

When the lease is up, typically in three years, there can still be a final payment that must be made before ownership of the pet is transferred, explained Rooney.

“Families looking to bring a pet into the home can easily fall in love with a dog or cat they can’t afford,” Rooney noted. “Buyers end up signing a lease without understanding the fine print or knowing the total cost.”

The law, which takes effect immediately, establishes a penalty up to $10,000 for leasing a dog or cat, and up to $30,000 for additional violations.

Other states that have bans include California, Nevada, New York, Indiana and Washington.

MORRIS COUNTY — There is still time to enroll for the Fall 2019 Semester at County College of Morris (CCM). Students who apply now can either register for classes online or take advantage of several in-person registration sessions. Classes begin Wednesday, September 4, and students can register up to the first day that a particular class starts.

In-Person Registration sessions are scheduled for the following days and times:

• Saturday, August 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, August 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

All sessions take place in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center, Room 121, 214, Center Grove Road, Randolph.

An appointment is not needed but new students should apply to the college first before attending one of the sessions.

New Student Advisement and Registration (NSAR) sessions also are being offered on Mondays, August 12 and 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Wednesdays, August 14 and 21. These sessions are by appointment only. An invitation to reserve a seat was sent from [email protected] to new students to their home email.

Students may still apply for Financial Aid, but should be aware that it could take up to 21 business days to obtain FAFSA application results, as additional documentation may be required for award determination. That means students may have to pay their bill first until they are reimbursed by the Bursar office based on their financial aid award. To register for financial aid click here.

At CCM, students are able to select from more than 45 associate degrees and a wide range of certificate programs taught by a faculty specifically focused on teaching.

To get started, review the degree and certificate programs at CCM click here. To apply to the college click here or visit the Admissions office in the Student Community Center. For more information click here.