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Denville Police Arrest Local Teen in Assault Investigation

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DENVILLE — The Denville Police Department has arrested a 19-year-old resident, Kaiden Kot, in connection with an assault that occurred on June 12, 2025, at 123 East Main Street.

Following notification of the incident on June 14, detectives initiated a prompt investigation which led to the identification of Kot as the suspect. He later reported voluntarily to Denville Police Headquarters, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Kot was processed and released pending a court appearance, as per standard procedures. He has been charged with assault.

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 Council to Hold Regular Meeting on June 25

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP —The Jefferson Township Council will convene for its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, located at 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.

Click here to download the agenda.

The meeting will include a public hearing and vote on Ordinance #25-15, which authorizes a $1.5 million special emergency appropriation for the complete revaluation of all real property in the township, as ordered by the Morris County Board of Taxation.

Also on the agenda are several key resolutions, including:

  • Approval of the 2024 Corrective Action Plan prepared by CFO William Eagen in response to the township’s annual audit.
  • Adoption of the Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, required by state law to address affordable housing obligations through 2035.
  • Authorization of the 2025 Road Paving Program, awarding a contract to Riverview Paving, Inc. for over $1.2 million in improvements.
  • Approval of a Trout Habitat Study for Lake Hopatcong, funded through a Highlands Council grant.
  • Authorization of new contracts for internet and cloud phone services, salary range ordinances for municipal employees, and multiple vehicle purchases.

The Council will also address routine business, including approval of minutes, payment of bills, and a consent agenda with resolutions covering tax refunds, grant applications, surplus property sales, and renewal of liquor licenses for local establishments.

Public comment will be permitted during the meeting, and residents will be encouraged to participate. No executive session is scheduled.

Future Council meetings are scheduled for July 16, August 6, and other dates through the end of the year.

For more information, visit www.jeffersontownship.net or contact the Township Clerk’s Office at (973) 208-6133.

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Announces Upcoming DWI Checkpoint in Florham Park

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Florham Park Police Chief Joseph Orlando announce the implementation of a joint Driving While Intoxicated checkpoint in Florham Park for the weekend of June 27 through June 29. This action will be dedicated to the memory of father and daughter, Tim and Bridget O’Donnell.

The checkpoint will be conducted by law enforcement personnel from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Florham Park Police Department.

Tim’s wife and Bridget’s mother, Pam O’Donnell, started an awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of distracted and impaired drivers. It has helped inspire a renewed commitment by law enforcement to detect and respond to dangerous drivers.

DWI checkpoints are funded by grants received by the Prosecutor’s Office from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to conduct checkpoints with municipal police departments throughout Morris County.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has coordinated sobriety checks throughout various municipalities in Morris County. It intends to continue to do so in the future with advanced public notice. Regrettably, impaired and drunk driving continues to pose a serious threat and harm to our citizens, and now, co-joined with all too many cases of distracted driving because of cell phones, these types of operations to deter such behavior remain useful and necessary to protect the public.

Dover Town Council to Hold Regular Meeting on June 24

By
Frank Cahill
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Town of Dover Mayor and Council

DOVER — The Town of Dover will hold its next Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted via Microsoft Teams to allow for broader community participation.

Click here to download the agenda.

Residents may join the meeting virtually using the following link: Click here to join. The Meeting ID is 279 690 012 122, and the passcode is Eg7DD97h.

Community members who wish to speak during the public comment portion must submit a request no later than 4:00 p.m. on the meeting day. Requests can be made by calling the Clerk’s Office at (973) 366-2200 ext. 1114 or by emailing [email protected]. The request must include the speaker’s name, phone number, and meeting date.

Public comment will be limited to 90 minutes, and speakers are encouraged to be concise and respectful during their remarks.

The Town Council encourages residents to participate and share their thoughts on community issues.

Madison Resident Alexandra Jeffrey Graduates from Hamilton College

By
Frank Cahill
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Hamilton College

MADISON — Alexandra Jeffrey of Madison graduated from Hamilton College on Sunday, May 25, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. The commencement ceremony marked the conclusion of the college’s 2024-2025 academic year.

Bruce Mau, renowned designer, artist, and CEO of the global design consultancy Massive Change Network, was the featured commencement speaker. In his address, Mau encouraged the graduates to use their education to shape the future.

“Your ability to design — to think critically, to see potential, to connect the dots that others can’t, to communicate with nuance and compassion, to inspire — all the skills of a Hamilton education — will be critically important in the global transformation that you will guide and lead,” he said.

Jeffrey was among 563 graduates who joined Hamilton’s network of more than 24,000 alumni, many of whom have made notable contributions in business, government, the arts, and other fields.

Hamilton College, located in Clinton, New York, is a top liberal arts institution known for its open curriculum, strong faculty mentorship, and commitment to preparing students for purposeful lives. The college’s need-blind admission policy ensures access to a diverse and talented student body. For more information, visit www.hamilton.edu.

Hofstra University Recognizes Local Students on Spring 2025 Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Hofstra University has announced the students named to its Spring 2025 Dean’s List, honoring their exceptional academic performance. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must achieve a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester.

Among those recognized are several students from the local area:

  • Alexandra DeVitto of Boonton, majoring in Filmmaking
  • Royce Dickson-Child of Madison, majoring in Sports Media
  • Aaron Gutterman of East Hanover, majoring in Theater Arts

Hofstra University is committed to delivering a high-quality education in a learning environment that fosters innovation, engagement, and student success. With small class sizes, a dedicated faculty, and close proximity to New York City, Hofstra empowers students to shape their futures through hands-on learning and academic excellence.

Jefferson Township to Host J-Town Jamboree on July 12

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township High School is located at 1010 Weldon Road Oak Ridge

OAK RIDGE — Jefferson Township is gearing up for a fun-filled community celebration as it hosts the annual J-Town Jamboree on Saturday, July 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Township High School Fields, located at 1010 Weldon Road. The event promises a full day of entertainment, food, and activities for all ages.

Presented by the Jefferson Township Recreation Department, the Jefferson Township Education Foundation, and the Jefferson Arts Committee, the Jamboree will feature live music performances by DJ Earl, Dizaster Horse, the JT Community Jazz Band, and Vera & the Force.

Attendees will enjoy a variety of food trucks, vendor booths, kids’ games, a cornhole tournament, and a 50/50 raffle. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for senior citizens and students, and free for children aged five and under. Payments can be made via cash, Venmo, or credit card at the gate.

Free parking will be available at multiple locations, including the Jefferson Municipal Building, Jefferson High School Lot A and Lot B (with handicap plaque or event permit), SnoBowl, and Jefferson Middle School.

Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. However, coolers, pets, alcohol, and large bags are not permitted, and all bags will be subject to inspection.

In the event of rain, the Jamboree will be held on Sunday, July 13.

For more information, visit www.JTEF.org, the Jefferson Arts Committee’s Facebook page, or call (973) 663-8404.

Morris County Officers Receive Scouting America’s Lifetime Achievement Awards

By
Frank Cahill
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Corporal Erica Valvano, Sheriff James Gannon, Warden Christopher Klein

MORRIS COUNTY — Scouting America, Patriots’ Path Council honored two Morris County Sheriff’s Office officers and other local citizens at the annual Morris County Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner on Wednesday, June 18, in East Hanover.

Among this year’s Lifetime Achievement award honorees are Warden Christopher Klein of the Morris County Correctional Facility and Corporal Erica Valvano of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach and Planning Section’s Hope One team. The event was chaired by Jack Ambrose, a past Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Chief Warrant Officer, and Chief of the Patrol Division for Morris County’s Sheriff’s Office.

This event recognized outstanding citizens for their community service, as evidenced by their leadership and interests within the Morris County community, and for embodying the values of the century-old Scout Oath and Law in their personal and professional lives. Morris County is part of the Scouting America Patriots’ Path Council, along with the counties of Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Sussex. In the council, over 5,000 adult volunteers deliver the values of Scouting to over 12,000 Scouts. The program provided the following biographies.

Warden Christopher Klein began his career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office/ Bureau of Corrections in September of 1999 as an Officer. Warden Klein worked in various areas of the Correctional Facility, including the Intake/Processing Unit and the Policy and Procedures Unit. In 2007, Warden Klein was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, where he managed the Policy and Procedures Unit, the New Jersey Department of Corrections State Inspection, and Accreditation through the American Correctional Association. In 2012, Warden Klein was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned the role of Administrative Lieutenant. As the Administrative Lieutenant, he managed the Training Unit, Fire Safety Unit, Medical Unit, Policy and Procedures Unit, and Quartermaster Unit. He has overseen the New Jersey Department of Corrections State Inspection and the Accreditation Department, where the Morris County Correctional Facility received its 4th accreditation from the American Correctional Association. In August of 2013, Warden Klein was promoted to his current position of Warden for the Morris County Correctional Facility. As Warden, he is 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.

Corporal Erica Valvano is a motivated law enforcement professional with over 21 years of experience dedicated to maintaining her agency’s high level of professionalism by improving relationships with the community and developing innovative ways to address community issues. She found her passion for a career in law enforcement as a Boy Scouts of America Police Explorer sponsored by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. She continues to serve as the lead advisor with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post youth program. Her career began in the Protective Services Division, where she was assigned to access control and later prisoner transportation. In 2010, Corporal Valvano was transferred to the Community Outreach and Planning Section to cover details of community services. The Project Lifesaver Program, CALEA, Crime Stoppers, and the development of policies and procedures. On April 3, 2017, Corporal Valvano assisted with launching the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One mobile outreach vehicle for addiction, recovery, and mental health services. In October 2018, she applied for and received a Bureau of Justice grant to expand the Hope One Project with the launch of the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI). The Hope One Project received the 2019 IACP Michael Shanahan Leadership in Public/ Private Cooperation Award. In 2019, Corporal Valvano was honored to receive the “Community Impact Award” from New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement. She has assisted nine counties in replicating Hope One throughout New Jersey. These law enforcement diversion programs reflect her passion to help people in the community.

Sheriff James M. Gannon and Alan Robinson, Undersheriff for the Bureau of Corrections, recognized Warden Klein and Corporal Valvano. Sheriff Gannon said, “Warden Klein and Corporal Valvano are exceptional Morris County Sheriff’s Office representatives. Chris has professionalism and a demeanor perfect for running the best County Jail in the State. Erica has impacted many and made a difference in more lives than anyone I know. I am so proud of them and their work as officers of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.”

Join the Morris County Historic Preservation Driving Tour

By
Frank Cahill
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Ayres Knuth Farm

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners and the Morris County Historical Society will hold a press conference on Tuesday, June 24, at noon at Ayres Knuth Farm, 25 Cooper Road in Denville, to officially launch the Morris County Historic Preservation Driving Tour.

The new, publicly accessible online guide spotlights 18 historic sites across the county, each receiving more than $1 million in preservation funding through the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust. This public event will unveil the new series of webpages on morriscountyhistory.org, encouraging residents and visitors to explore Morris County’s historic landmarks through self-guided driving tours.

The county commissioners will be joined by state and local officials, members of the historic preservation community, and local historians who have supported the preservation of these critical sites throughout the county.

The event is free and open to the public and will include a photo and video exhibit of the featured sites, guided tours of Ayres Knuth Farm, and light refreshments. 

Featured locations span communities throughout Morris County, including sites in the Town of Boonton, Denville, Kinnelon, Madison, Mendham, Morristown, Mount Olive, Netcong, Parsippany, Pequannock, Riverdale, Rockaway Township, and Roxbury.

Future tours highlighting themed topics such as industry, agriculture, cemeteries, and schoolhouses are also in development.

If you plan to attend this event on June 24, RSVPs are appreciated. Please email the Morris County Historical Society at [email protected] or call (973) 267-3465.

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Waives Adoption Fees for Adult Animals

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Adoptable adult pets at Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter are ready to find their forever homes—adoption fees waived June 20–22.

MORRIS COUNTY — In a heartwarming effort to find loving homes for more pets, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees for all adult animals beginning Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22. During this special weekend event, adopters can take home any eligible adult cat or dog at absolutely no cost.

“Adult pets often wait longer than kittens and puppies despite being wonderful companions,” explained Lorri Coppola, Executive Director of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter. “Our goal with this promotion is to remove financial barriers and match these loving, animals with caring families.”

Each adoption includes:

  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Age‑appropriate vaccinations
  • Microchipping

While the adoption fee is waived, the shelter will still conduct standard adoption screening to ensure each animal is matched with the right home.

“We have so many incredible adult pets—snuggle seekers, adventure buddies, and quiet couch companions—all ready to bring joy to your home,” added Coppola.

Adoption Hours:

  • Weekdays: 12 PM – 4 PM
  • Weekend days: 12 PM – 5 PM

Visit Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter at 194 Route 10West, East Hanover, NJ, or browse adoptable pets at www.njshelter.org. Walk‑in visitors are warmly welcomed.

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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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