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Free Lead Testing Event to Be Held at Morris County Library

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Residents are invited to bring household items like toys, cookware, and antiques to the Morris County Library on Saturday, July 19, for free on-site lead testing using an XRF Lead Detector.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Division of Public Health, in partnership with the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA), is hosting a free community lead testing event on Saturday, July 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Morris County Library, located at 30 East Hanover Avenue in Whippany.

Residents are encouraged to bring household consumer items such as toys, spices, mugs, dishes, cookware, clothing, and antiques to be tested for lead. Items will be scanned using an XRF Lead Detector, with results available in just a few minutes. Attendees will also have the option to safely discard lead-contaminated items on site.

The event aims to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure—particularly in children—and to promote safer home environments. Removing lead-contaminated objects is a key step in preventing lead poisoning, which can cause serious health issues.

This public service is offered at no cost, and no appointment is necessary. For more information, residents can call the Morris County Division of Public Health at (973) 631-5484

Upcoming Big Night Out Honors Local First Responders and Their Families with Music, Dance, and Comedy for a Great Cause

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Community Rallies for Injured Firefighter Jim Danus at “Big Night of Thanks” Event

HANOVER — Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher and the 200 Club of Morris County proudly invite you to the “Big Night of Thanks” hosted by All Seasons Golf & Social Club of Cedar Knolls on Friday, July 18 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This gala evening of headline entertainment is fun with a purpose!

“We can never repay the sacrifices made by our local first responders and their families, “says Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher. “However, we can and must honor them. The 200  Club of Morris County, a non-profit organization that provides support to first responders and their families, is hosting The Big Night of Thanks with us. Our focus for the evening is to support Whippany firefighter Jim Donus, who was injured in the line of duty.”

There is no admission fee for the event, but attendees are asked to consider a $20.00 donation in support of Jim Donus’ recovery. Whippany firefighters will be on hand to collect the donations.

Headline entertainment features dance, music, and comedy.

Be prepared for an evening of entertainment with something to please everyone! Whippany’s Sharon School of Dance kicks off the evening with performances by Miss Tammy and her students. Sharon’s School of Dance is celebrating its 50th year in 2025, and the Big Night of Thanks is an appropriate showcase for the school’s talented teachers and students.

Imagine the combination of a former New Jersey gubernatorial candidate, a formidable lawyer and a stand up comic. Put them together and the result is Senator Jon Brammick, the funniest lawyer in New Jersey! You’ve seen the billboards, now see him at his comic best!

Live musical entertainment will be provided by some of the area’s top musicians, also known as “1 Adam 12” for this special evening! The band members include:

         Joe Bilotti (guitar and vocals)

         Michael Cifelli (keyboards)

         Carolyn Dempsey (vocals)

         Dan Gallagher (guitar, vocals)

         Thomas “Ace” Gallagher  (drums)

         Mike Panicello (vocals)

         Mike Stanzillis (bass)

The All Season Golf & Social Club is located at 235 Ridgedale Avenue in Cedar Knolls. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and entertainment begins at 7 p.m.

Here’s the perfect opportunity to thank those who sacrifice so much and enjoy first-class entertainment as well.

Three Charged Following Altercation at Red Carpet Inn in Hanover Township

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Red Carpet Inn, 1255 Route 10, Cedar Knolls

HANOVER — On June 2, 2025, Hanover Township Police Officers Daniel Foesel, Carlos Najera, and Michael Kaiser responded to a reported altercation at the Red Carpet Inn. Following an investigation, officers determined that a physical fight had occurred involving multiple individuals.

As a result:

  • Alejandra Caceres Ruiz, 30, of the Red Carpet Inn, was charged with disorderly conduct.
  • Erlin Hernandez-Gomez, 34, also of the Red Carpet Inn, was charged with disorderly conduct and assault.
  • Robert Rawza, 40, of Morristown, was charged with disorderly conduct.

All individuals were released with a pending court date.

Morristown Man Charged with DUI Following Crash in Denville

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File Photo

DENVILLE — A Morristown man is facing multiple motor vehicle charges after police responded to a crash on East Main Street near Estling Lake Road, the Denville Police Department reported.

The incident occurred on Friday, July 11, when officers were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle crash. During the investigation, police identified one of the drivers as 41-year-old Manuel N. Callechimborazo of Morristown.

While interacting with Callechimborazo, officers observed several signs of impairment. He was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.

Callechimborazo was charged with the following offenses:

  • Driving Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs (39:4-50)
  • Careless Driving (39:4-97)
  • Consent to Take Breath Samples (39:4-50.2)
  • Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing (39:4-50.4A)
  • Following Too Closely (39:4-89)
  • Careless Driving with Property Damage (39:4-97A)
  • Reckless Driving (39:4-96)

He was later released pending a future court 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.

Roxbury Man Arrested in Denville for Hindering Apprehension and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

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File Photo

DENVILLE — A routine traffic stop on Indian Road led to the arrest of a Roxbury man on multiple charges, according to a release issued by the Denville Police Department.

On Saturday, July 12, officers initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing that the driver and front-seat passenger were not wearing their seatbelts properly. During the stop, the passenger allegedly provided a false identity to officers.

After a brief investigation, the passenger was identified as Eduardo M. Vallejo, a 37-year-old resident of Roxbury. Vallejo was arrested and charged with hindering apprehension and possession of drug paraphernalia. A search conducted incident to arrest revealed drug paraphernalia in his possession.

Vallejo was also found to have active warrants from both the Morris County Sheriff’s Office (NCIC) and Roxbury Municipal Court (ATS).

He was transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing and issued a motor vehicle summons for failure to wear a seat belt. Following processing, Vallejo was turned over to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

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.

Town of Dover To Hold Special Council Meeting

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Town of Dover Mayor and Council

DOVER — The Town of Dover will hold a special meeting of the Mayor and Town Council on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., with proceedings accessible via Zoom. The virtual session reflects the town’s continued commitment to transparency and accessibility, allowing residents to observe and participate remotely.

Click here to download the agenda

Mayor James P. Dodd will preside over the meeting and open with a reading of the Sunshine Statement, affirming the meeting’s compliance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. The agenda includes the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation, and a roll call conducted by the Municipal Clerk.

The Zoom meeting credentials are:

  • Meeting ID: 892 0483 2597
  • Passcode: 962295

ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING:
•Ordinance 20-2025 An Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a Cap Bank

RESOLUTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION:
a. Resolution 169-2025 Introduction of the 2025 Municipal Budget

The Town of Dover encourages residents to attend virtually and make their voices heard on matters of local importance.


Dover Seniors to Celebrate at “Enchanted” Senior Prom on August 8

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DOVER — The Town of Dover, in partnership with the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, will host a special evening for its senior residents with the return of the highly anticipated Senior Prom on Friday, August 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Center, located at 37 North Essex Street.

This year’s theme, “The Time of My Life: Enchanted,” promises an elegant and memorable evening filled with music, dancing, and celebration. The prom is exclusively for Dover senior residents, and attendees are reminded to bring valid identification.

Providing the evening’s entertainment will be DJ Fercho, who is set to bring energy and excitement to the dance floor with a variety of tunes.

Registration is required to attend this free event. Interested seniors can register by clicking here or by calling (973) 366-2200 ext. 8014.

The event reflects the town’s continued commitment to celebrating and supporting its senior community, with Mayor James P. Dodd and the Town Council playing an active role in ensuring local seniors feel appreciated and connected.

Judge Sentences Warehouse Manager for Setting Boonton Fire

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Davon Fields, 46, of Newark, was sentenced to eight years in New Jersey State Prison for his role in a November 2024 arson and copper theft at a Boonton commercial warehouse.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Boonton Police Officer-In-Charge Captain Chris Petonak confirmed that Davon Fields, 46, has been sentenced in connection with a commercial warehouse fire that occurred in November 2024 in the Town of Boonton, in which copper products were stolen.

On June 2, 2025, Fields pled guilty before Judge Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. to second-degree Aggravated Arson, third-degree Burglary, third-degree Theft, and third-degree Criminal Mischief.

On July 11, Judge Amirata sentenced Fields to an aggregate sentence of eight years in New Jersey State Prison, with a four-year parole ineligibility period.

At approximately 8:13 p.m. on November 3, 2024, the Boonton Police and Boonton Fire Departments responded to a commercial warehouse fire at 95 Fulton Street. A fire was observed in the warehouse area, as well as in a separately secured area leased by a pharmaceutical supply company. The Boonton Fire Department extinguished the two-alarm blaze with the mutual aid companies from surrounding jurisdictions.

A subsequent investigation identified multiple points of origin, a heavy odor of petroleum, and other signs that the fire had been intentionally set. Investigators recovered a gasoline-type canister nozzle and obtained video surveillance depicting two masked individuals entering the warehouse shortly before the fire. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that approximately $233,000 worth of copper materials had gone missing from the interiors of equipment belonging to another company that used the warehouse.

Further investigation placed the warehouse manager, Davon Fields, in the area of the warehouse late at night on November 1 and again on November 3, 2024, at the time of the arson. The investigation determined Fields visited a scrapyard on November 1 and November 2, 2024, and sold significant quantities of copper on both occasions.

Fields was subsequently arrested and charged on January 13, 2025.

Prosecutor Carroll recognized and commended the extensive investigative efforts that went into this case, including by members of the Town of Boonton Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit with assistance from the Special Operations Division, in particular, the High Tech Crimes Unit.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “This case involved a considerable amount of forensic evidence, both physical and digital, for investigators to review and analyze. I applaud the solid, collaborative efforts of members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and our partners in the Boonton Police and Morris County Sheriff’s Office, which brought to light the multi-faceted criminal activity at work. This case went far beyond a straightforward fire, and I want to recognize how their due diligence and teamwork ensured this defendant was prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Mountain Lakes Security Firm Barred from Government Contracts Over Unpaid Wages

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MOUNTAIN LAKES — Clover 427 Security Group LLC, a local security firm based in Mountain Lakes, has been added to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s (NJDOL) Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL), according to a recent announcement from the department. Clover 427 Security Group is located at 333 Route 46, Suite 200.

The firm reportedly owes $91,569.57 in unpaid wages, penalties, and related liabilities. As a result, Clover 427 Security Group is now prohibited from entering into any public contracts with state, county, or municipal governments until all debts are settled in full.

The WALL was established in 2020 through bipartisan legislation and is part of the state’s broader effort to combat wage theft, worker misclassification, and other labor law violations. Businesses added to the list face significant consequences, including being barred from public contracting opportunities.

“The WALL is a powerful enforcement tool that enables the department to publicly name companies that shortchange their workers and skip required contributions to programs such as unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation,” NJDOL said in a statement.

Before being listed, companies are given a 20-day warning period to resolve any outstanding issues. Since the program launched in September 2023, the department has recovered more than $650,000 from employers either placed on or warned about inclusion on The WALL.

As of July 2025, a total of 280 businesses have been listed, collectively owing more than $26 million. The complete list, along with an improved online search tool, is available by clicking here.

Jefferson PD Cracks Case in June 28 Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

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Jefferson Township Police

JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Township Police Department has confirmed the arrest of Oxana A. Prokofyeva, 44, of Lake Hopatcong, in connection with a hit-and-run incident on June 28, where two pedestrians were struck on Brady Road.

Following an extensive investigation involving surveillance footage and fieldwork, Prokofyeva was charged with:
    •    Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (3rd Degree)
    •    Tampering with Evidence (4th Degree)
    •    Hindering Apprehension (4th Degree)
    •    Multiple Motor Vehicle Offenses

She was arrested on Thursday, July 10, processed, and transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

Authorities commended the dedication of Jefferson Police Officers, the Detective Bureau, Services Division, and local businesses and residents for providing critical video footage. Special thanks were also extended to the Morris County Sheriff’s Department and Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.

If you have information about crimes or fugitives, contact Morris County Crime Stoppers at (973) COP-CALL. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for rewards.

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.

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