MOUNTAIN LAKES — A Boonton Township man was arrested following a late-night traffic stop in Mountain Lakes after police said his vehicle crossed into the wrong lane and nearly struck a patrol car.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 12:42 a.m. on November 22 along the Boulevard, when an officer on patrol observed a vehicle veer into the opposite lane of travel, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision.
An investigation led to the arrest of Jose Lopez-Fabian, 39, of Boonton Township.
Police said Lopez-Fabian was charged with multiple motor vehicle offenses, including driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle while in possession of narcotics, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, and refusal to submit to chemical breath testing.
He was also charged with criminal offenses, including unlawful possession of four or fewer prescription legend drugs and obstructing the administration of law.
Lopez-Fabian was released pending mandatory court appearances.
Jacob M., a student at The Calais School, is thriving thanks to the support of the Calais Foundation’s 12 Plus and Work-Based Learning programs—an inspiring example of how community giving helps students with disabilities build confidence, independence, and a path toward a successful future.
HANOVER — The Calais Foundation has launched its 2025 Year-End Appeal, calling on the community to help transform the lives of students with disabilities at The Calais School. This year’s campaign shines a spotlight on the inspiring journey of Jacob M., a Calais student whose story exemplifies the power of belief, opportunity, and community support.
Every child has untapped potential waiting to be discovered. For Jacob, that journey began with uncertainty. When he first enrolled at The Calais School, the prospect of independent living or succeeding in a fast-paced work environment seemed out of reach. Through the unwavering support of The Calais Foundation and The Calais School’s 12 Plus and Work-Based Learning programs, Jacob began to gain confidence in his abilities and envision a future filled with possibility.
A pivotal moment in Jacob’s journey came through a work-based partnership with Johnny’s Pizzeria, where he gained hands-on, real-world experience. There, Jacob learned the importance of teamwork, managing pressure, and taking pride in his work. With encouragement from Chef Al-Nissa Salaam in The Calais School’s Culinary Program, Jacob embraced the belief that determination and hard work could open doors he once thought were closed.
Jacob’s accomplishments were celebrated this past spring when he was honored at the Calais Foundation Gala. Shortly thereafter, he began an exciting new chapter—living independently and pursuing his passion at Universal Technical Institute.
Today, Jacob is thriving. He is building a career, living independently, and shaping a promising future. His journey highlights the transformative impact of Calais Foundation programs and the generosity of donors who make these opportunities possible.
“When you give to The Calais Foundation, you’re not just making a donation—you’re investing in potential,” said Richard Gentles, President of the Calais Foundation. “You’re helping students with special needs gain the confidence, skills, and independence they need to thrive.”
Jacob’s success is a powerful reminder that community support changes lives. Contributions to the Calais Foundation 2025 Year-End Appeal directly fund programs that help students and young adults with special needs reach their fullest potential.
MORRIS COUNTY — Voters in the 11th Congressional District can securely deposit their Mail-In Ballot for the Special Primary Election at an official ballot drop box starting now through 8:00 p.m. on February 5.
Drop boxes are available 24/7 and are monitored to ensure the security of your vote.
Board of Elections Ballot Drop Box 10 Court Street, Morristown Located across the street outside the front entrance to the Morris County Courthouse
Boonton Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 155 Powerville Road, Boonton Located outside the main entrance
Butler Borough Ballot Drop Box 10 High Street, Butler Located at the entrance next to the stairs
Chatham Borough Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 54 Fairmount Avenue, Chatham Borough Located at the south side entrance
Chatham Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 58 Meyersville Road, Chatham Township Located at the front entrance
Denville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 1 St. Mary’s Place, Denville Located outside the main entrance
Dover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 37 North Sussex Street, Dover Located in front of the building
East Hanover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 411 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover Located in the parking lot near the back door
Florham Park Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 111 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park Located at the entrance to the Police Department
Hanover Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 1000 Route 10, Whippany Located outside the main entrance
Jefferson Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge Located outside the main entrance
Kinnelon Borough Town Hall Ballot Drop Box 130 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon Located by the front entrance
Madison Public Safety Complex Ballot Drop Box 62 Kings Road, Madison Located in Commuter Parking Lot 3
Mendham Borough Ballot Drop Box 3 Cold Hill Road South, Mendham Located outside the front entrance
Montville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 195 Changebridge Road, Montville Located in front of the municipal building
Morris Plains Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains Located outside the entrance
Morris Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 50 Woodland Avenue, Morris Township Located at the rear of the building by the middle entrance
Morristown Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 200 South Street, Morristown Located in the rear parking lot by the right-side entrance
Mount Arlington Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 419 Howard Boulevard, Mount Arlington Located on the left side near the courtroom entrance For use only during the January 27, 2026 Special School Election
Parsippany Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany Located outside the main entrance facing Route 287
Pequannock Municipal Complex – Senior House Ballot Drop Box 530 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock Located adjacent to the municipal building outside the main entrance to the Senior House
Randolph Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 502 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph Located outside the main entrance
Rockaway Borough Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 1 East Main Street, Rockaway Borough Located to the left of the front entrance
Rockaway Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 65 Mount Hope Road, Rockaway Township Located outside the Police Department
Town of Boonton Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box 100 Washington Street, Boonton Located by the front entrance
Autumn Costa, a June 2025 graduate of Hanover Park High School, was named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at Belmont University, earning the academic honor through her outstanding scholastic achievement.
Autumn Costa, a graduate of Hanover Park High School, Class of June 2025, was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester at Belmont University. Costa was among approximately 55 percent of Belmont’s 6,934 undergraduate students who earned the academic distinction.
While attending Hanover Park High School, Costa was actively involved in several extracurricular programs, including membership in the National Honor Society. She also served as a Student Producer with the Hanover Park High School Theatre Department and was a Section Leader and Historian for the Chamber Choir, demonstrating both leadership and a strong commitment to the arts.
“The high percentage of students earning Dean’s List honors reflects more than academic excellence—it reflects who we are becoming together as a Belmont community,” said Dr. David Gregory, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Excellence. “This achievement demonstrates what is possible when students pursue their goals in an ambitious, supportive community committed to the flourishing of all.”
To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during the semester and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, with no grade below a C.
Located near the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University enrolls nearly 9,000 students from every state and 33 countries. The university is nationally recognized for its innovative approach to higher education and its commitment to undergraduate teaching. Belmont offers more than 115 undergraduate majors, 41 master’s programs, and five doctoral programs, with a mission to develop leaders of purpose, character, and wisdom.
MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon presided over a ceremony at the Morris County Correctional Facility, which included the recognition and promotion of eleven Correctional Police Officers from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. The listed sworn personnel received promotions: Warden Anthony Lotz, Captain Thomas Markey, Captain Michael Schweizer, Lieutenant Robert Doriety, Lieutenant David Jenkins, Lieutenant William Williams, Sergeant Jillian Schweizer, Sergeant Michael Provenzano, Sergeant Richard Dalesandro, Sergeant Jason Simpson, and Sergeant Mike Molde.
Warden Anthony Lotz
In 2002, Warden Anthony Lotz was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections and went on to graduate from the Passaic County Police Academy in July of 2004. Throughout his tenure, he served in several Housing Units as well as the Intake Unit, earning a promotion to Sergeant in December 2011. In that role, he supervised operations as both a Housing Unit Sergeant and later as the Classification Unit Sergeant. He was promoted to Lieutenant in August 2016 and advanced to the rank of Captain in October 2019. Warden Lotz recently served as the Administration Captain, overseeing administrative operations for the facility. Warden Lotz takes over the role of Warden from Warden Christopher Klein who proudly served as Warden from August 2013 to December 2025 where he was responsible for the daily oversight of over 180 sworn and non-sworn members of the Bureau’s three divisions: Administrative Division, Support Services Division and Security Division.
Captain Thomas Markey
Captain Markey began his service as a Correctional Police Officer in 2006, where he quickly earned a reputation for professionalism, sound judgment, and a strong sense of duty. He has served in the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant primarily working on shift. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Captain Markey serves as one of the department’s firearms instructors, ensuring that officers receive comprehensive, safety-focused, and skill-driven training. He also leads the Resiliency Program Officer (RPO) program for the agency. As he steps into the role of Security Captain, Tom Markey brings with him more than two decades of dedication, technical skill, and integrity.
Captain Michael Schweizer
Captain Michael Schweizer was hired as a Correctional Police Officer for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in 2000. While at the jail, he worked many different posts and excelled at learning several different positions. In January 2012, Captain Schweizer was promoted to Sergeant where he was assigned as a Housing Sergeant and Control Center Sergeant. In July 2014, he was promoted to Lieutenant where he was assigned as the Shift Commander for several years. In the summer of 2017, Captain Schweizer took over as the Support Services Lieutenant where he remained until his current promotion of Captain. Mike has been a member of the Special Olympics Torch Run for 7 years, and he will be riding in his 6th Police Unity Tour in May of 2026.
Lieutenant Robert Doriety
Lieutenant Doriety was hired for Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in August 2001. He was initially assigned as a relief officer where he worked multiple areas of the jail. Lieutenant Doriety was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November 2012 where he was assigned as a Housing Sergeant, Control Sergeant, and then later assigned the role of Classification Supervisor in 2016. In 2021, Lieutenant Doriety was assigned the role of Security Sergeant where he remains today. In addition to his daily duties, Bob is actively a firearms instructor and a member of the Sheriff’s Motor Unit. Lieutenant Doriety looks forward to continuing his career with this promotion to Lieutenant and will remain in the Security Division where some of his responsibilities include the Classification Department, Intake Unit, Facility Gang Unit, and Facility Security.
Lieutenant David Jenkins
Lieutenant David Jenkins was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in 2005. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2012. Lieutenant Jenkins has served in various roles within the Bureau, and most recently served as Control Sergeant. Lieutenant Jenkins looks forward to continuing serving the department in his new role.
Lieutenant William Williams
Lieutenant William Williams’ law enforcement career began in 2002 when he was hired as a Corrections Officer at the Warren County Correctional Facility. He graduated from the Camden County Correctional Academy in 2003. Lieutenant Williams was employed there until he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in 2006. Lt. Williams was a relief officer at the facility, primarily working various posts until he became the permanent Housing Unit Officer on 3-Alpha. This position dealt with all day-to-day activities that occurred in the housing unit. Lieutenant Williams remained in this position for several years, until he was promoted to Sergeant in February 2014. As a Housing Sergeant, he oversaw any issues involving inmates in the facility. Lieutenant Williams is looking forward to continuing his career as a Shift Commander at the facility.
Sergeant Jillian Schweizer
In April of 2007. Sergeant Schweizer was offered a job as a Social Worker for the Morris County Correctional Facility marking the start of her career in criminal justice. After a short time, Sergeant Schweizer decided that she had a passion to become a Corrections Officer and was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Bureau of Corrections in August of 2009. She has worked various positions within the correctional facility, but the last ten years of her career have been spent handling all the payroll duties for various unions and over 200 employees. Promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2021, she enjoyed being able to mentor new employees and help ease their transition into corrections. Sergeant Schweizer is the department’s Resiliency Programs Officer, which works in conjunction with Cop2Cop to help break the mental health stigma in law enforcement. Sergeant Schweizer is also an FBI trained Crisis/Hostage Negotiator for Morris County, an MOI certified instructor at the Public Safety Training academy and the Equal Opportunity Coordinator within the Bureau of Corrections. Sgt. Schweizer is looking forward to the opportunity to supervise and help motivate new employees, while continuing to learn and grow in her new position.
Sergeant Michael Provenzano
Sergeant Michael Provenzano began his law enforcement career in November 2012 and has continually served with dedication, professionalism, and integrity with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Provenzano has served multiple key assignments, including the Intake Unit, the 3rd Floor Corridor, and Housing Unit 2Delta. He has also proudly served on the Morris County Honor Guard. In addition to his operational roles, Sergeant Provenzano dedicated ten years to the PBA Local 298 board, serving as both Trustee and Vice President, further demonstrating his commitment to his fellow officers and the department’s mission. Sergeant Provenzano is known for his calm demeanor under pressure, strong leadership qualities, and dedication to mentoring newer officers. His promotion reflects over a decade of outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the community.
Sergeant Richard Dalesandro
Sergeant Richard Dalesandro attended Pennsylvania State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in May of 2016. In 2019, he was accepted to the Juvenile Justice Commission Correctional Police Academy in Sea Girt. Upon graduating in July of 2019, he started working at the New Jersey Training School for Boys in Jamesburg until March of 2020 when he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. Since hired as a Correctional Police Officer, Sergeant Dalesandro has been the permanent officer assigned to 3D and 3D-MCU housing units. Sergeant Dalesandro looks forward to the responsibilities in his new role as Sergeant.
Sergeant Jason Simpson
Sergeant Jason Simpson began working after graduating high school as an auto mechanic. While working full-time, he began taking evening classes at County College of Morris where he would graduate with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. In August 2006, he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. After graduating from the Bergen County Police Academy, Sergeant Simpson worked Housing Unit 3D for a total of six years. In 2012, he was assigned to the Medical Officer position where he worked for 13 years. In October 2024, Sergeant Simpson was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Recently in March 2025, he was awarded the position of Transports. Jason has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 20 years and is ready for his new promotion to Sergeant.
Sergeant Mike Molde
Sergeant Mike Molde began his law enforcement career in June 2009 and has consistently demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and a commitment to excellence throughout his sixteen years of service. Sergeant Molde has held a variety of critical roles within the correctional facility, starting on the housing tiers before moving to Intake, where he developed advanced expertise in criminal street and prison gang dynamics. Sergeant Molde’s proficiency in this area led to his selection for the Gang Intelligence Unit, where he contributed to major operations including raids, surveillance initiatives, and specialized gang-related training events. Sergeant Molde has also served as a departmental firearms instructor, further reflecting the trust placed in his skills and judgment. In 2021, he was promoted to Detective Corporal within the Internal Affairs Unit, where he conducted sensitive investigations requiring a high degree of integrity, discretion, and analytical ability. Now promoted to Sergeant, he brings a proven record of leadership, operational experience, and dedication to supporting both the mission of the department and the development of the officers under his command.
The Morris Area Honors Choir will conclude its 2025–2026 season with a final concert on January 17, 2026, at Morris Knolls High School, showcasing the work of the county’s top young vocalists.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris Area Choral Directors Association (MACDA) is the professional organization for music educators in Morris County. The MACDA is best known for organizing two Morris Area Honors Choirs for middle school and high school students. The Morris Area Honors Choir provides advanced choral students with the opportunity to collaborate with peers from across the county while working under highly respected conductors. This choir challenges students musically and helps prepare them for collegiate-level ensembles and future musical opportunities. Hundreds of students from different schools across Morris County audition for the ensembles. The top young vocalists selected for these prestigious regional ensembles represent their schools.
For the 2025-2026 year, Dr. Whitney Covalle from Montclair State University is the conductor of the High School Honors Choir, and Mr. Matthew Swiss from Randolph High School is the conductor of the Middle School Honors Choir. Dr. Covalle brings extensive collegiate conducting experience, while Mr. Swiss contributes years of success as a high school choral director, giving students valuable insight into both professional and educational choral environments.
To audition, students must submit two different parts: diatonic scales and a solo. This year, the assigned songs for the solo part of the audition were “The Simple Gifts” for the middle school and “Turtle Dove” for the high school. Applications must be videos that have not been edited and applicants must memorize the scales and songs. Once students are selected, they must take part in several intensive rehearsals throughout January, where they work on vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills. These rehearsals push students to perform at a higher level than they would at their regular school choirs. The program ends with a final concert on January 17, 2026, at Morris Knolls High School, where students showcase the music they have prepared.
Schools that are involved include Morris Hills, Morris Knolls, Mount Olive, Mountain Lakes, Randolph, and many more across the county. For many students, being selected for the Honors Choir is a major achievement. “It’s an honor to be selected for this choir,” Hania Shafqat, a student at Mountain Lakes Highschool and selected participant for the Morris Area Honor Choir, shared. “This experience will push me to become a better singer.”
Through the Morris Area Honors Choirs, MACDA continues to foster musical excellence and create meaningful performance opportunities for young vocalists throughout Morris County.
Students in CCM’s engineering programs benefit from hands-on learning, modern labs, and affordable pathways to top four-year universities.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) has been named one of the Top Twenty-Five New Jersey State Schools for Engineering Majors Seeking Strong Value by Rebellion Research Advisors, L.P., a registered investment adviser and not-for-profit educational research think tank. The recognition highlights both four-year and two-year institutions across New Jersey for exceptional returns on investment for engineering students, many of whom go on to secure high-paying positions in energy, pharma, software and transportation.
CCM’s engineering programs emphasize quality instruction and real-world application.
“CCM’s recognition reflects the college’s commitment to high-quality STEM education, strong faculty expertise, modern labs and equipment, and affordable pathways that reduce financial barriers while opening doors to top-tier, baccalaureate engineering programs,” said Virginia Rich, dean of the School of Business, Mathematics, Engineering & Technologies at CCM.
This commitment is reflected in CCM’s certificate of achievement programs, many of which can be completed in just a few semesters, with credits that may be applied toward an associate degree at CCM. The college also maintains strong transfer pathways with numerous respected four-year institutions, enabling engineering students to seamlessly continue their education at NJIT, Rutgers, Rowan, Stevens, Cornell, New York Tech, RIT, RPI, and other universities.
According to Thomas Roskop, chairperson of CCM’s department of Engineering Technologies & Engineering Science, “At CCM, we take great pride in offering one of the strongest and most affordable pathways for aspiring engineers. Our programs deliver a rigorous technical foundation and open doors to top engineering schools across New Jersey and beyond. This recognition reflects the exceptional rigor of our instruction and the drive of our students. More importantly, it reinforces that CCM is truly one of the best places to launch a successful engineering career.”
That momentum is reflected in enrollment trends at CCM. Over the past three years, the A.S. in Engineering Science program grew by 40%, while enrollment in the A.A.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology program increased by 27.5%.
For more information about CCM’s engineering programs, click here.
CCM students work with advanced equipment in state-of-the-art engineering labs.
New Jersey’s minimum wage will rise to $15.92 per hour on January 1, 2026, marking the final scheduled increase under Governor Phil Murphy before Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill takes office, as the state continues tying wage adjustments to inflation.
TRENTON — New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase once again in 2026, marking the final scheduled boost under Governor Phil Murphy before he leaves office.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the minimum wage for most workers across the state will rise to $15.92 per hour, an increase of 43 cents from the current rate. Since Murphy took office in 2018, the minimum wage will have increased by $7.32 per hour, fulfilling his pledge to reach—and exceed—the $15 benchmark by 2025.
Different wage structures will continue to apply to certain categories of workers, including farm laborers, tipped employees, and caregivers, some of whom are expected to see larger or phased-in increases under existing state law.
“Eight years ago, Governor Murphy pledged a stronger, fairer economy, and we’re delivering on this commitment by raising New Jersey’s minimum wage again,” said New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.
The 2026 increase will be the last enacted before Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is sworn into office during an inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 20, 2026, in Newark.
New Jersey’s minimum wage adjustments are tied to inflation following the achievement of the $15 threshold, ensuring future increases continue to reflect changes in the cost of living for workers statewide.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The first Council/Reorganization Meeting of 2026 will be held on Wednesday, January 7, at 7:00 p.m., at the Jefferson Township Municipal Building located at 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, unless otherwise noticed.
Mayor
Eric F. Wilsusen (Republican)
Term expires: December 31, 2026
Township Council
Robert Birmingham (Republican — Council President) Term expires: December 31, 2028
Josh Kalish (Republican — Council Vice President) Term expires: December 31, 2026
Melissa Senatore (Republican) Term expires: December 31, 2026
Barbie Garruto (Republican) Term expires: December 31, 2028
Dan Schultz (Republican) Term expires: December 31, 2028
Jefferson Township High School is located at 1010 Weldon Road
Oak Ridge
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The JeffersonTownshipPoliceDepartment confirmed that a reported threat involving Jefferson Township High School was investigated and determined not to be credible, according to an official statement released by Police Chief Paul Castimore.
Police became aware of the potential threat on Thursday, December 18. Following a thorough investigation, officials determined that there was no danger to students or staff.
Despite the finding, police made the decision to maintain a visible security presence at the school as a precautionary measure to reassure students, faculty, and families.
“Our duty as police officers includes ensuring the peace of mind of our community,” the department stated. “We will continue to do our best to protect the residents of Jefferson Township.”
The department also expressed gratitude to Sheriff Gannon and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit (ESU) for their assistance and continued support during the incident.
Residents with additional information related to this matter, or who become aware of any potential threats to the school community, are urged to contact the Jefferson Township Police Department at (973) 697-1300.
