JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 6, Jefferson Township Police Officer Matthew Johnson conducted a motor vehicle stop that led to the arrest of a local man for driving while intoxicated.

According to police reports, Officer Johnson was on routine patrol when he observed a gray 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt traveling north on Route 15 in an erratic manner. The vehicle was seen drifting between lanes, crossing the fog line, and driving approximately ten miles per hour below the speed limit. The officer initiated a traffic stop after the driver pulled onto the shoulder along Route 181.

The driver, identified as Carlos Jaramillo-Masias, 35, of Hopatcong, appeared disoriented and was slow to provide identification. Instead of a driver’s license, Jaramillo-Masias presented a library card and an AAA membership card belonging to other individuals. Officer Johnson noted the strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and fumbling movements during the interaction.

After further questioning, the officer conducted a series of field sobriety tests, which Jaramillo-Masias did not perform as instructed. He exhibited multiple signs of impairment, including lack of balance, bloodshot and watery eyes, and difficulty following directions. He was subsequently placed under arrest for suspected driving while intoxicated.

Jaramillo-Masias was transported to the Sparta Police Department by Officer Adam Riley, where he submitted breath samples resulting in a blood alcohol concentration of .13%, exceeding the legal limit in New Jersey. His vehicle was impounded by Richie’s Auto Wreckers for the mandatory 12-hour hold period.

He was issued multiple summonses, including:

• Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50)
• Reckless Driving (39:4-96)
• Failure to Maintain Lane (39:4-88)
• Failure to Possess Driver’s License (39:3-29A)

Jaramillo-Masias was later released to a responsible adult.

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.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Recreation Department will spread holiday cheer with its annual “Santa Paws” Pet Photos with Santa event on Sunday, November 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Camp Jefferson Main Lodge, located at 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.

Families are invited to bring their beloved pets for a festive photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The event welcomes dogs and cats only, and cat owners are reminded that their furry companions must be held by a family member during the photo.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own camera or phone to capture the perfect holiday shot. The cost is $10 per family, and registration is required through CommunityPass.net.

Registration will close once capacity is reached, so early sign-up is recommended.

For more information, residents can contact the Jefferson Recreation Department at (973) 663-8404.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Health Department and Animal Control Services will host a free rabies vaccination clinic for all New Jersey residents on Wednesday, November 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Municipal Pound, 57 Minnisink Road, Lake Hopatcong.

All dogs and cats brought to the clinic must be accompanied by a responsible adult and properly restrained — dogs should be on leashes, and cats should be secured in carriers. This clinic offers an important opportunity for residents to protect their pets and communities from rabies at no cost.

Under New Jersey Administrative Code 8:23A-4.3, municipal licensing clerks may grant rabies vaccination exemptions if a licensed veterinarian certifies that an animal cannot be vaccinated due to infirmity or medical treatment. The Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases Program (IZDP) has created a standardized exemption certificate for veterinarians, available online at www.state.nj.us/health/forms/vph-28.pdf.

Officials note that reluctance to administer a rabies vaccine before the expiration of a previous vaccination is not an acceptable reason for exemption. Early booster vaccinations are safe and medically appropriate.

Residents with questions regarding rabies documentation or other rabies-related issues may contact the IZDP directly at (609) 588-3121.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP –Happy Fall, Jefferson! The trees are starting to turn, and soon winter will be upon us. I hate to say it, but it doesn’t make me happy! I used to love the winter, but now I want to be a snowbird. Showing my age! But enjoy our beautiful fall colors! 

Many have inquired about the completion date of the Route 15 South bridge. We were initially told that October 2025 would be the month, but we are now being informed by NJ DOT that the anticipated completion will be in early 2026, with no specific date yet announced. I am very disappointed, as we were told by NJ DOT that this project would be fast-tracked after the closure last year. 

We have been pretty busy with road improvements this summer and now fall. This year, we put our 10-year capital improvement plan for road improvements on hold to catch up on all the roads that had gas mains installed over the past few years. We will likely do the same next year. NJ Natural pays for half the road width, and we work out an agreement for them to pave certain roads, and the Township paves others. Our Public Works Department worked diligently throughout the summer to complete drainage projects throughout the community ahead of paving. The Township milled and paved Laverne Court, Dover Milton Road, Rita Lane, Margaret Road, Robin Drive, Lark Lane, Morgan Lane, Colonial Oaks Drive, Wayfair Lane, Sleepy Hollow Drive, Pine Bluff Lane, Wood Hollow Trail, Michael Road, Southwoods Lane. Chabon Court was scheduled to be paved, but it will be completed next year due to drainage issues that need to be addressed. 

New Jersey Natural Gas milled and paved Espanong Road (Weldon Road to Edison Road), Brady Road (Espanong to Brady Bridge), Swan Lane, Boa Vista Drive, Canal Crossing, Yacht Club Drive, Ripplewood Drive, Springbrook Terrace, Woodlawn Terrace, No Name Street, Commodore Drive, Harbor Drive, Crescent Drive, Marine Terrace, Nautical Terrace, Collins Avenue, Rudine Street, Alpine Drive, Alps Road, North Alpine Drive. 

We also made improvements to other roads in the Township by micro-sealing, including a portion of Lake Shawnee on East Shawnee Trail, Fawn Terrace, Island Trail, Deer Trail Point, Beaver Terr & Beaver Point. The Township received a NJ DOT grant of $305,000 to cover a portion of the milling and paving of Schoolhouse Road. 

As part of our paving projects, we conducted extensive tree trimming along Schoolhouse Road, Dover-Milton Road, Weldon Road, and Espanong Road. This will significantly enhance the road’s visibility, and also during winter storms, allowing the sun to better expose the road and enabling the salt to do its job. It will also hopefully also help during storm events, with fewer tree limbs and fewer full trees falling into the roadway. We have done so on many of our main thoroughfares over the past few years. Many have inquired about the condition of the trees along Berkshire Valley Road, which is County Road# 699. Something I have been trying to resolve for many years, especially along the Longwood Lake section toward Route 15. We met with County officials this past month, and the great news is that the County has agreed to start budgeting for trimming the trees along this highly traveled route.

Please be sure to read our fall/winter newsletter for information about the replacement of the Three Rivers Bridge. This project is in conjunction with the County of Morris and a grant received by the County. 

This year, the Township is currently soliciting bids for garbage & recycling services. We are at the end of our 5-year contract with Blue Diamond. It is always interesting to see who bids and how they will come in price-wise. Blue Diamond, our current contractor, was acquired last year by a larger multinational billion-dollar corporation, Waste Connections, based in Texas. 

The Mitchko Mountain recreation area, located off Route 15 South, is moving forward. The parking lot is complete, and almost 2 miles of smooth trail are complete. The first nine holes of the disc golf course is just about done. The Township has applied to the County for a grant to complete another few miles for the continuation of the trail. 

I forgot to mention in my previous message that Fire Co. #1 took delivery of its new ladder/platform truck in May and held its wet down in August. The previous truck was purchased in 1991. 

I hope all will read our fall/winter newsletter, which is full of more information for our residents.