MONTVILLE — The Montville UNICO Foundation will host its annual Sunday Pasta fundraiser on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with a 1:00 p.m. seating, at the Montville Senior Center, located at 356 Main Road, Montville.
The family-friendly event will feature a variety of pastas, along with meatballs, sausage, salad, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and desserts. The afternoon will follow the tradition of a classic Jersey Sunday gravy dinner, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own beverages (BYOB).
Admission is $30 for adults, $10 for children ages 6–12, and free for children under 6. Seating is limited, and tables for eight or more may be reserved in advance.
Proceeds from the event will support scholarships and local charitable initiatives funded by the Montville UNICO Foundation.
DOVER — The Dover Board of Education will hold its annual Reorganization Meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Dover Public High School, located at 100 Grace Street, Dover, NJ 07801.
The meeting will include the Oath of Office for newly elected and returning board members Debora (Debbie) Acevedo, Kimberly Philips, and Helena Scates, who will be formally sworn in to begin their new terms.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Board is expected to conduct its annual reorganization, which traditionally includes the election of board officers and the establishment of committee assignments for the coming year.
The Reorganization Meeting marks the official start of the Board of Education’s work for 2026 and provides an opportunity for residents to hear directly from district leadership as priorities and goals for the new year begin to take shape.
The meeting is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend.
In the tradition of colonial-era town criers, Denville Town Crier Douglas Gabel delivers announcements following Director Shaw’s remarks, calling out upcoming Morris County events planned in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners convened tonight for its annual reorganization, installing new leadership and swearing in reelected county officials as a town crier stepped forward to formally announce that the New Year marks the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw was sworn in as director and Commissioner John Krickus as deputy director of the board during the 6 p.m. meeting on the fifth floor of the Administration and Records Building in Morristown. Oaths of office also were administered to fellow Commissioners Douglas R. Cabana, Thomas J. Mastrangelo and Christine Myers, who were each reelected in November to three-year terms on the board, and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who was reelected to his fourth, five-year term.
A lifelong New Jersey resident serving his third term on the board, Director Shaw previously served as director in 2021 and most recently completed two consecutive years as deputy director. State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio administered the oath as Shaw’s wife, Cindy, held the Bible.
Senator Joseph Pennacchio administers the oath of office to Stephen H. Shaw, who was sworn in as director, as his wife, Cindy Shaw, holds the Bible.
“It is an honor to be chosen to serve as director in the year of the nation’s milestone anniversary. Each member of this board brings a different skillset, institutional knowledge and personality. We may not always agree, and sometimes our discussion can be spirited, but to me that is a strength that makes us arrive at better policy decisions,” Director Shaw said.
“Tonight, we will be appointing hundreds of volunteers that serve on our various advisory committees, commissions and boards. They are the heart and soul of our county government. Some have served for decades, and they all bring a wealth of talent and perspective to our board. Thank you all for your volunteer work,” he continued.
In the fashion of town-criers of yore, who would shout news and proclamation in the streets of colonial-era America, Denville Town Crier Douglas Gabel stepped forward after Director Shaw’s remarks to shout out events planned in Morris County this year in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Gabel, a former Denville councilman and current Morris County park commissioner, encouraged municipalities and residents to participate in the county’s semiquincentennial celebrations, reminding everyone to visit morriscounty250.org and follow @MorrisCounty250 on Facebook and Instagram for updates and a complete calendar of programs and events.
Commissioner Krickus, who has served on the board since 2020, including as director in 2023, was sworn in as deputy director by U.S. Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr. as Krickus’s wife, Carolyn, held the Bible.
“The hard work of this board and our county administration and employees allow me to say that Morris county is the best run county in New Jersey, by far,” said Deputy Director Krickus, before highlighting the ongoing initiatives supported by the commissioners at the County College of Morris and Morris County Vocational School District.
Commissioner Cabana, the longest-serving member of the board and now beginning his 11th term, was also sworn in by Congressman Kean, with the Bible held by Cabana’s sister, Amy Bucco, and her husband, State Sen. Anthony Bucco.
Commissioner Cabana, the longest-serving member of the board and now beginning his 11th term, was also sworn in by Congressman Kean, with the Bible held by Cabana’s sister, Amy Bucco, and her husband, State Sen. Anthony Bucco. Cabana has served five times as director and four times as deputy director since joining the board in 1997.
Commissioner Mastrangelo, who had been director in 2013 and 2014, was sworn into his sixth term by his daughter, attorney Brittney Mastrangelo, while the Bible was held by his wife, Debbie, and their son, Chris.
Commissioner Mastrangelo, who had been director in 2013 and 2014, was sworn into his sixth term by his daughter, attorney Brittney Mastrangelo, while the Bible was held by his wife, Debbie, and their son, Chris.
Commissioner Myers, who is serving her third term, had been director in 2024. She was sworn in by Congressman Kean as her husband, Stan, held the Bible.
Commissioner Myers, who is serving her third term, had been director in 2024. She was sworn in by Congressman Kean as her husband, Stan, held the Bible.
Sheriff Gannon was sworn into his fourth term by Morris/Sussex Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz. The Bible was held by the sheriff’s daughter, Kate, along with his son-in-law, Matt, his grandchildren, Luca and Ella, and his girlfriend, Lisa.
Sheriff Gannon was sworn into his fourth term by Morris/Sussex Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz. The Bible was held by the sheriff’s daughter, Kate, along with his son-in-law, Matt, his grandchildren, Luca and Ella, and his girlfriend, Lisa.
Other board members who joined the event were past-Director Tayfun Selen and Commissioner Deborah Smith. During the meeting, Commissioner Smith noted the recently presented 2026 Capital Budget and reaffirmed the board’s support for Israel, while Commissioner Selen deferred his remarks to a video summarizing highlights from the past year and previewing 2026 as a historic milestone.
National Anthem sung by Erin Dawson, a senior at the Morris County Vocational School District Academy for Performing Arts.
The ceremony opened with a color guard procession led by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Joint Honor Guard, accompanied by bagpipes performed by Douglas Parody of the Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County. Sheriff Gannon led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem sung by Erin Dawson, a senior at the Morris County Vocational School District Academy for Performing Arts.
The Rev. Michael Muller of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Mountain Lakes delivered the invocation and benediction.
A moment of silence was held in memory of Desmond Lloyd, a widely respected Morris County restaurateur and entrepreneur who, with his wife, Alice, opened The Grand Café in Morristown in 1981. An Irish immigrant who became a U.S. citizen in 1976, Lloyd built a life defined by hard work, generosity and community service, supporting numerous boards, organizations and charitable initiatives. He passed away on December 20, 2025, at the age of 85.
Included in the moment of silence was former U.S. Rep. Richard “Dick” Zimmer, who passed on New Year’s Eve. He served three terms in the House, after serving as a state Senator and state Assemblyman, representing portions of Morris County during his tenures in state and federal offices.
The Board of County Commissioners will hold its next work session and regular meeting on January 7, 2026 at the Administration and Records Building. The work session begins at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will continue to be held publicly in the Administration & Records Building and live streamed via WebEx through the county’s website.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Rockaway Township man has been charged following an investigation into an incident reported at a local business late last year, according to the Denville Police Department.
Police said that on November 30, 2025, at approximately 10:40 a.m., officers responded to a call at the Starbucks located at 28 West Main Street after receiving a report of a male using his cellphone to record and photograph juvenile females inside the store.
The individual was later identified as 57-year-old Roger H. Walker of Rockaway Township. During the investigation, police determined that multiple witnesses reported hearing Walker falsely identify himself as a law enforcement officer. Authorities said Walker allegedly displayed what he claimed to be a badge while making the representation.
As a result of the investigation, Walker was issued a summons charging him with impersonating a law enforcement officer and harassment. He is scheduled to appear in Morris County Superior Court at a future date.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: 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.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris Plains man was arrested on multiple drug, weapon, and warrant charges following a motor vehicle stop conducted by the Denville Police Department on New Year’s Day.
According to police, officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 10 eastbound at approximately 7:45 p.m. on January 1, 2026, due to equipment violations. During the investigation, officers identified a passenger in the vehicle as 48-year-old Eugenio Carmona of Morris Plains.
Police determined that Carmona initially provided false identifying information and was found to have multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. As the investigation continued, officers discovered that Carmona was in possession of controlled dangerous substances, drug paraphernalia, and a weapon allegedly possessed for an unlawful purpose..
Carmona was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and hindering apprehension. Authorities also confirmed active warrants issued by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, along with ATS warrants from Parsippany, Woodland Park, Hanover Township, and Totowa municipal courts, totaling $9,500.
Following his arrest, Carmona was processed and transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he remains pending a future court appearance.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: 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.
DOVER — During Dover’s reorganization meeting, an individual repeatedly disrupted the proceedings by shouting from the audience while official town business was being conducted, this has occurred in the past resulting in closed meetings to the public for several months and providing council meetings virtually only.
Public meetings must be conducted with order and decorum. That is not optional, it is required for the business of this town to move forward.
The individual was warned multiple times to stop interrupting the meeting and to comply with basic standards of civil conduct. She refused to do so. As a result, she was removed from the meeting, not from the building, so that the Council could continue its work.
During her disruptions, the individual sarcastically referenced being a veteran in response to a previous statement I made honoring our veterans. Let me be clear, I have upmost respect and admire all those who have served our country. Again, I stated this clearly earlier in the meeting, this is a subject is very close to my family, and I will forever continue to stand by it.
However, military service does not exempt anyone from following rules of conduct, nor does it justify disruptive behavior, regardless of our opinions.
It is also important to address the misuse of “freedom of speech” in situations like this. The First Amendment protects the right to express opinions; it does not grant anyone the right to disrupt a public meeting, shout over elected officials or professionals, or prevent the orderly conduct of government business. Time, place, and manner rules exist so that everyone’s voice can be heard appropriately and fairly, and it should be followed.
As the Mayor of this town, I will not tolerate the conduct that undermines the orderly operation of our public meetings. There is an abundance of town business items that must be accomplished, and ridiculing our town will not stand.
Respect must be mutual. It is very simple, you earn respect by giving respect. Dover’s residents deserve meetings that are conducted professionally, respectfully, and without disruption. I will continue to uphold that standard.
As always, I remain humbled to serve as your Mayor. James P. Dodd
A woman scans the classifieds, exploring new career opportunities and taking the next step toward finding the right job fit.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Department of Labor and WorkforceDevelopment (NJDOL) has announced updated maximum benefit rates and taxable wage bases for several worker benefit programs, all of which will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Under the new rates, the maximum weekly Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit will increase to $905, up from $875 in 2025. The maximum weekly benefit for state plan Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) will rise to $1,119, an increase from $1,081. In addition, the maximum weekly Workers’ Compensation benefit for temporary disability, permanent total disability, permanent partial disability, and dependency will increase to $1,199, up from $1,159.
State officials noted that maximum benefit rates and taxable wage bases are recalculated annually based on the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW) from the second preceding calendar year, as required by law. The 2026 rates are based on the 2024 SAWW of $1,598.66, which represents a 3.4% increase from the $1,545.60 average weekly wage recorded in 2023.
The taxable wage base for workers covered under the Unemployment Compensation Law will increase to $44,800 in 2026, up from $43,300 in 2025. Meanwhile, the taxable wage base for Temporary Disability Insurance and Family Leave Insurance will rise to $171,100, compared to $165,400 in the prior year.
Eligibility thresholds will also increase in 2026. To qualify for UI, TDI, or FLI benefits, workers must earn at least $310 per week for 20 base weeks, up from $303 in 2025. Alternatively, individuals who do not meet the base week requirement must earn at least $15,500 during the base year period, an increase from $15,200.
These eligibility thresholds are calculated using the New Jersey minimum wage in effect as of October 1, 2025, which was $15.49 per hour for most employees. The state minimum wage is scheduled to rise by $0.43 to $15.92 per hour on January 1, 2026.
In a related update, the contribution rate for state and local government entities that choose to contribute to the Unemployment Insurance trust fund—rather than reimburse it for benefits paid—will decrease to 0.5% of taxable wages in 2026, down from 0.6% in 2025.
State labor officials emphasized that these annual adjustments are intended to keep benefit levels aligned with wage growth and economic conditions across New Jersey.
Community members are expected to kick up their heels during an upcoming country line dancing fundraiser benefiting Nick’s Hope, featuring music, DJ services, and line dance calling in Oak Ridge.
OAK RIDGE — Nick’s Hope will bring music, movement, and community spirit together later this month with a Country Line Dancing Fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, January 31, at St. Thomas the Apostle R.C. Church, located at 5635 Berkshire Valley Road in Oak Ridge.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with dancing beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. The evening will feature music, DJ services, and line dance calling by High Energy Entertainment, welcoming dancers of all experience levels for a fun and energetic night in support of a meaningful cause.
Advance tickets are available for $25.00, with tickets priced at $30.00 at the door. Tables seating eight people may be reserved with advance payment, making the event ideal for groups of friends, families, or community organizations looking to enjoy the evening together. The fundraiser will also include a tricky tray raffle and a 50/50 raffle.
Attendees are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks, while water, coffee, and tea will be provided. Western-themed attire is encouraged but not required.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Nick’s Hope, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing serious medical challenges. The organization has long relied on community-based events to raise awareness and funding for its mission.
Tickets may be purchased by clicking here, visiting nickshope.com, or by mailing a check payable to Nick’s Hope to 5716 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge.
Community members are encouraged to attend, show their support, and kick up their heels for a good cause while helping Nick’s Hope continue its important work.
Arturo Santana is sworn in as Dover Council Member for Ward Four by Mayor James Dodd during the Town of Dover’s reorganization ceremony, as Jonathan Delaney, Chief of the Dover Police Department, holds the Bible.
DOVER — The Town of Dover officially rang in the New Year by welcoming its newly elected municipal leaders during a formal Swearing-In and Reorganization Ceremony held on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Dover Town Hall.
Surrounded by family members, friends, and residents, three council members-elect took their oaths of office and formally began their terms, joining an incumbent council member continuing his service. The ceremony marked the start of a new chapter in Dover’s local governance.
New Council Members Take Office
Daniella Mendez, sworn in as Council Member for Ward One, enters municipal office with prior experience in public service. Mendez previously served as President of the Dover Board of Education, where she played a leadership role in local school governance. Her election marked a transition from education-focused service to broader municipal responsibilities, with a campaign centered on responsiveness and community engagement.
Daniella Mendez, sworn in as Council Member for Ward One
Judy Rugg, installed as Council Member for Ward Two, returned to the governing body after previously serving on the Town Council. A familiar face in local government, Rugg brings institutional knowledge and experience to the council dais, having successfully reclaimed her seat following a competitive election cycle.
Judy Rugg, installed as Council Member for Ward Two
Chris Almada, sworn in as Council Member for Ward Three, brings a background in advocacy and civic engagement. Before his election, Almada was active in community organizing and policy advocacy, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and resident involvement.
Chris Almada, sworn in as Council Member for Ward Three
Joining the newly sworn-in members was Arturo Santana, who continues his service as Council Member for Ward Four. Santana, an incumbent, retained his seat, providing continuity on the council as Dover begins the 2026 calendar year.
A New Year, A New Governing Body
The New Year’s Day ceremony provided an opportunity for residents to witness the peaceful transition of local leadership and reaffirm the town’s commitment to civic participation and public service. With a mix of returning experience and newly elected voices, the Dover Town Council now moves forward tasked with addressing community priorities and guiding the town through the year ahead.
The installation ceremony was open to the public and reflected Dover’s longstanding tradition of beginning the New Year with a renewed commitment to local governance and service to its residents.
Town of Dover, 37 North Sussex Street,
Dover, NJ 07801
DOVER — The Town of Dover Council and Mayor James P. Dodd voted during their final meeting of the year to restore in-person public access to Town Hall meetings, ending months of remote-only participation.
The resolution was approved unanimously by all members present, including several council members who will not be serving in the upcoming year. Beginning with the January 1 reorganization meeting, residents and members of the public will once again be permitted to attend council meetings in person.
The decision follows a controversial incident during the May 27 council meeting, when an individual appeared wearing a head-to-toe burqa, identified himself as a woman, and refused to remove the face covering. Mayor Dodd called for a recess, after which the council returned and voted in favor of a ban related to the incident. Councilwoman Sandra Wittner cast the lone dissenting vote.
Council members Sergio Rodriguez, Mike Scarneo, Arturo Santana, and Claudia Toro joined Mayor Dodd in voting to approve the resolution restoring in-person meetings in 2026.
Mayor Dodd did not provide public comment regarding the resolution.
