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Morris County Commissioners Honor Kiwanis Governor Frank Cahill

By
Anikait Sota
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Commissioners John Krickus and Deborah Smith, Frank Cahill, Director Tayfun Selen, Commissioners Christine Myers and Thomas Mastrangelo, and Deputy Director Stephen Shaw. Cahill was recently honored by the Morris County Commissioners.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners presented a framed Resolution of Honor on Monday, November 17, to Frank Cahill in recognition of his decades of community service and his recent assumption of the role of governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International.

Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen led the presentation during the board’s public meeting, joined by Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Commissioners Christine Myers, John Krickus, Deborah Smith and Thomas Mastrangelo.

“Frank has dedicated much of his life to serving others, especially children and families. His leadership in Kiwanis and his work in Parsippany and Morris County reflect the very best of public service. We are proud to recognize his achievements and his continued commitment to our community,” said Director Selen.

Cahill, a Parsippany resident, has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany since 1991 and has held numerous leadership roles during the past 34 years. He began his term as district governor on Oct. 1, 2025, following his election as governor-elect for the 2024–2025 service year.

Through his involvement with Kiwanis, he has helped establish four new clubs in Morris County, with a fifth planned for January 2026, and is working to expand clubs across New Jersey. He has recruited nearly 130 new members — the most of any Kiwanian in the state — and has strengthened Kiwanis’ sponsored youth programs such as Key Club and Circle K, which engage students in service, leadership, and civic projects, including food drives, assisting senior citizens, and supporting local charities.

“My passion is helping kids. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered food to children who needed it. It was amazing how many people we were able to reach, and clubs grew from that work,” Cahill said.  “My mission this year is focused on addressing youth homelessness throughout New Jersey.”

Cahill is also the publisher of Parsippany Focus and Morris Focus and is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board. Among his many volunteer efforts, he has served meals to the community at Homeless Solutions and fostered dogs through Eleventh Hour Rescue and Furver Home Dog Rescue, both based in Randolph.

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted the resolution of honor, acknowledging Cahill’s service to Parsippany, Morris County and the State of New Jersey with Kiwanis International, and congratulates him on his election as governor for the 2025–2026 term.

Kiwanis International is a global volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. Clubs worldwide complete more than 1 million service projects each year, supporting schools, families, and communities while fostering leadership among young people.

Towns That Build, Win Big: New Jersey Links Affordable Housing to Grant Funding

By
Frank Cahill
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New Jersey lawmakers discuss new legislation that rewards towns complying with affordable housing mandates by prioritizing them for state economic development grants.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey lawmakers are sending a clear message to municipalities across the state: fulfill your affordable housing obligations—or risk losing out on state economic funding.

A newly enacted law, approved as P.L.2025, c.142, prioritizes state grants and financial assistance for municipalities that actively comply with affordable housing requirements. The legislation, sponsored as Assembly Bill No. 2390, was advanced by the Assembly Housing Committee and ties municipal housing compliance directly to valuable economic incentives.

Under this new law, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) are required to give priority consideration to towns meeting their affordable housing commitments when awarding competitive grants or financial support. This includes programs such as the Main Street New Jersey Program and the Neighborhood Preservation Program.

Importantly, the law does not affect state funding that is already intended to help towns meet their affordable housing quotas. Instead, it focuses on rewarding municipalities that have already demonstrated good-faith compliance.

For the first five years of any new housing cycle, DCA will assess each municipality’s standing based on several factors, including:

  • History of builder’s remedy lawsuits
  • Previous affordable housing settlements
  • Percentage of obligation already met
  • Other relevant indicators of compliance

The legislation, pre-filed at the start of the 2024–2025 session, underwent a technical review and was updated before advancing. Legislators emphasized that the aim is to reward towns that act responsibly—those making measurable efforts to ensure housing affordability—with preferred access to state-backed economic development funding.

Key Takeaways:

  • Towns that meet affordable housing requirements will be prioritized for select state grants.
  • DCA and EDA will apply a compliance test before awarding economic aid.
  • Grants helping municipalities meet their affordable housing obligations are not affected.

With this new law in place, municipalities that follow the rules on housing now gain a competitive edge in the race for economic development dollars.

Three Arrested in Takedown of Alleged Narcotics Network in Hanover Township and Parsippany

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Lincoln Park Police Chief John Cifelli confirmed an arrest following a narcotics investigation that yielded the seizure of various controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and firearms, which resulted in the arrest of three defendants.

On November 13, 2025, investigators carried out the execution of search warrants at a residence in Cedar Knolls in Hanover Township, a residence in Parsippany-Troy Hills, four vehicles, and a storage unit in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

A search of the Cedar Knolls residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 24 grams of suspected ketamine, approximately 10 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 20 pills of suspected MDMA, over 6 ounces of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia indicative of CDS distribution, as well as nearly $18,000 in U.S. Currency, which are alleged to be CDS proceeds. A search conducted of a Nissan Altima known to be associated with Jeremy Mayes yielded the seizure of a Glock 43 handgun, which was confirmed stolen out of Mississippi.

A search of the Parsippany-Troy Hills residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 64 grams of suspected cocaine, a loaded revolver, and drug paraphernalia indicative of CDS distribution.

It is alleged that Jeremy Mayes, Casey Young, and Adrian Schwerdt-Oneil operated a CDS distribution network in Morris County between September 1, 2025, through November 13, 2025. Mayes and Young were detained by officers on November 13, as Young arrived at the Cedar Knolls residence driving a Madison DPW truck, while being employed by the town of Madison.

During the arrest of Young, he was found to be in possession of cards identifying a storage unit in Parsippany. Following the approval of a subsequent search warrant, the storage unit was searched, which yielded a loaded Glock 31 handgun, approximately 5 tabs of suspected LSD, two bags of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, numerous pills, and drug distribution paraphernalia including a drug ledger.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit Task Force carried out this investigation. The task force is comprised of members of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morristown Police Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, and Boonton Police Department. Additionally, the Morris County Prosecutors Office Special Operations Division, Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff’s Office K9, Lincoln Park Police, Denville Police, Hanover Police, Morristown Police and Madison Police also assisted heavily with this investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.

The following individuals were arrested and charged as a result of this investigation to date:

Casey J. Young, 32, of Morris Plains was charged with the following:

• Possession of LSD in a quantity of 100 milligrams or more with intent to distribute, a crime of the first degree, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5A(1)B(6)

• Possession of Cocaine in the quantity of one-half ounce or more with intent to distribute, a crime of the second degree, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5A(1)B(2)

• Conspiracy to Distribute CDS, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:35-5A(1)B(2)

• Possession of a Cocaine, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10A(1)

• Two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Course of a CDS offense, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-4.1A

• Possession of a Handgun without a Permit, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-5B(1)

• Possession of a Psilocybin Mushrooms, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10A(1)

• Possession of LSD, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10A(1)

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute, a crime of the fourth degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:36-3

Jeremy C. Mayes, age 35, of Cedar Knolls, was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Course of a CDS offense, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-4.1A

• Conspiracy to Distribute CDS, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:35-5A(1)B(2)

• Certain Persons Not to Possess a Firearm, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-7(B)(1)

• Receiving Stolen Property, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-7

• Possession of less than one-half ounce of Cocaine with intent to distribute, a crime of the third degree, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5A(1)B(3)

• Possession of Ketamine with intent to distribute, a crime of the third degree, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5A(1)B(13)

• Possession of less than one-half ounce of MDMA with intent to distribute, a crime of the third degree, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5A(1)B(3)

• Possession of a Handgun without a Permit, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-5B(1)

• Possession of Cocaine, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10A(1)

• Possession of Ketamine, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10A(1)

• Possession of MDMA, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10A(1)

• Money Laundering, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:21-25A

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute, a crime of the fourth degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:36-3

Adrian D. Schwerdt-O’Neil, 34, of Parsippany-Troy Hills, was charged with the following:

• Possession of Cocaine in a quantity of one-half ounce or more with intent to distribute, a crime of the second degree, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5A(1)B(2)

• Conspiracy to Distribute CDS, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:35-5A(1)B(2)

• Possession of a Cocaine, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10A(1)

• Possession of a Firearm During the Course of a CDS offense, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-4.1A

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute, a crime of the fourth degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:36-3

Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Mayes and Young remain detained in the Morris County Jail pending a motion for pretrial detention. Schwerdt-O’Neil was released under the conditions of Pre-Trial Monitoring Level II.

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.

Fire Damages Historic Ringling Manor in Oak Ridge

By
Frank Cahill
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Ringling Manor

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A fire caused significant damage to the historic Ringling Manor early Friday morning, according to a press release issued by Captain Robert Bush of the Jefferson Township Police Department.

At approximately 7:12 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, Jefferson Township Police responded to 2 Manor Drive in Oak Ridge, also known as the Ringling Manor, after receiving a report of heavy smoke and a possible structure fire. Officers arriving on scene observed smoke coming from the top of the building. No occupants were inside at the time.

Fire crews from multiple departments responded quickly, extinguished the flames, and ventilated the structure. The building sustained heavy fire and smoke damage.
Built in 1913 by Alfred T. Ringling of the Ringling Brothers Circus, the manor is a well-known historic landmark in the community.

The Jefferson Township Police Department extended its appreciation to the many agencies that assisted, including:

  • Jefferson Twp. Fire Co. #1 and #2
  • Milton First Aid Squad
  • Jefferson Twp. Office of Emergency Management
  • Hardyston Twp. Fire Dept.
  • Netcong Fire Dept.
  • Picatinny Arsenal Fire Dept.
  • Boonton Fire Dept.
  • West Milford Fire Dept.
  • Mt. Arlington Fire Dept.
  • Morris County Fire Inspector

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Michael Ondish of the Jefferson Township Police Department at 973-208-6153 or [email protected].

Citizens with information about crimes or suspicious activity may call Morris County Crime Stoppers at (973) COP-CALL. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

Holiday Candlelight Remembrance Program to Offer Comfort and Reflection

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Pennacchio urged the legislature to act on behalf of more than 6,700 elderly nursing home residents who lost their lives to COVID-19 and create a Senate Select Committee to review the State’s response to the pandemic.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Dangler Family is inviting the community to join them for their Annual Holiday Candlelight Remembrance Program on Tuesday, December 9, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Madison Hotel (Victorian Room), 1 Convent Road, Morristown.

This long-standing tradition provides a meaningful opportunity for families to honor and remember loved ones during the holiday season. The Dangler Family notes that their wish is to include these memories in a special way and to remind the community that no one is alone as they navigate this time of year.

The program will feature music, readings, and a candle-lighting ceremony. Attendees are encouraged to bring a framed photo or piece of memorabilia of their loved one to display during the program. All items will be returned at the conclusion of the evening.

Guests are welcome, and families are asked to include the number of attendees when they R.S.V.P. to ensure appropriate seating. Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, December 9

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: The Madison Hotel (Victorian Room), 1 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

R.S.V.P. by December 2

973-539-3300 (Morris Plains)

973-377-3232 (Madison)

[email protected]

For additional information, contact Christine Dangler at 973-377-3232 or visit their website.

Annual Cedar Knolls Tree Lighting to Brighten Hanover

By
Frank Cahill
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HANOVER — The Cedar Knolls Fire Department will host its annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 29, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The festive community event will be held at the firehouse, located at 82 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls. Families are invited to attend and enjoy an evening of holiday cheer as the department ushers in the season with lights, music, and community spirit.

Bartlett Raises More Than $500,000 in First Five Days of NJ-11 Campaign

By
Frank Cahill
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PASSAIC COUNTY — Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett (D–Wayne) announced that his campaign for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District has raised more than $500,000 in its first five days, signaling strong early momentum in a fast-moving Democratic primary.


The race for NJ-11 is opening up because Mikie Sherrill, the current Representative, is running for governor, triggering a special election.

Bartlett’s total includes both new contributions and funds remaining from his 2018 congressional campaign. Of the overall amount, approximately $30,000 was self-funded.

“I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming wave of support our campaign has received in our first five days,” Bartlett said in a statement. “This outpouring from hundreds of donors shows that New Jersey families are ready for a representative who focuses on public service over self-service, and who has a record of fighting and winning on the issues that matter to New Jerseyans.”

Bartlett joins a growing field of Democratic contenders for the 11th District, which is currently represented by Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and will soon be filled in an upcoming special election. Other declared candidates include Morris Township Committeeman and former Mayor Jeff Grayzel, who raised $340,000 (including $100,000 in self-funding), and former Obama administration official Cammie Croft, who reported $188,000.

Two additional prominent Democrats — former Congressman Tom Malinowski (D–Ringoes) and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill (D–Montclair) — entered the race last week, setting the stage for one of New Jersey’s most competitive congressional primaries in 2026.

Bartlett’s early fundraising success underscores his potential to be a leading contender in the race to succeed Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, which includes portions of Essex, Sussex, Passaic, and most of Morris including communities such as Parsippany-Troy Hills, Boonton (Town), Boonton Township, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover Township, Jefferson Township, Madison, Morris Plains, and Mountain Lakes.

Madison Rotary Launches Hurricane Relief Drive for Jamaica

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — The Madison Rotary is collecting donations to support recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Partnering with the Madison Area YMCA, the Rotary is assisting the Jamaican government’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, which will distribute relief items directly to those impacted.

With most residents having lost their homes and belongings — and essential goods in short supply — the community is urged to help by donating new clothing and personal care items.

Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, November 19, at the Madison Area YMCA, 111 Kings Road. Requested items include:

• New T-shirts and underwear for men, women, and children

• Feminine hygiene products (in original packaging)

For more information about Rotary activities and membership, visit madisonrotarynj.org.

Dover Awarded $60,000 Trail Design Grant from Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
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Dover Mountain Trail

DOVER — The Town of Dover is set to receive a $60,000 grant from the Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program to fund the design of the new Dover Mountain Trail. The project, located on the Dover Watershed Property, will include a 0.85-mile stone dust and wood chip trail providing access to scenic mountain vistas that overlook much of Morris County.

In addition to its recreational and environmental benefits, the Dover Mountain Trail will enhance community connectivity by linking nearby neighborhoods with the town’s business district.

The grant marks Dover’s first award under the county’s ten-year-old Trail Construction Grant Program, which has supported the creation and design of trails across 36 of Morris County’s 39 municipalities.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners, on November 5, approved the 2025 grants, which will bring the county’s total trail investment to nearly $7.8 million since the program’s inception in 2016. Funding for these projects comes from the voter-approved Open Space & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.

Hanover Man Arrested After False ‘Officer Down’ Call Leads to Pursuit Ending in Parsippany

By
Frank Cahill
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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

HANOVER — A Morris Plains man is facing multiple charges after allegedly following an off-duty Hanover police officer and placing a false 9-1-1 call claiming an officer was down, leading to a brief pursuit that ended on Parsippany Road.

On Friday, October 24, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Anthony Gauthier, 31, reportedly followed off-duty Hanover Police Officer Patrick Thompson from police headquarters. During the incident, Gauthier allegedly called 9-1-1 and falsely shouted “officer down” three times, along with other threats, according to authorities.

Officer Thompson became aware he was being followed and contacted on-duty officers. Responding officers determined that the 9-1-1 caller was the same individual tailing Thompson’s vehicle. Thompson led Gauthier to the area of Parsippany Road, where marked patrol units attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

Police say Gauthier initially refused to pull over but was ultimately stopped on Parsippany Road. He was removed at gunpoint and arrested by Hanover Police. During the arrest, authorities say Gauthier assaulted Hanover Police Officer Carlos Najera, resisted arrest, spit at officers, and refused to comply.

Gauthier was charged with:

  • Creating a false public alarm
  • Resisting arrest
  • Terroristic threats
  • Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Throwing bodily fluids at an officer
  • Harassment
  • Criminal mischief
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Refusal to be fingerprinted

Multiple traffic summonses were also issued.

Gauthier was lodged in the Morris County Jail pending a detention hearing.

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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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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