MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris County resident was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon for allegedly stealing items from the Acme Supermarket in Denville Township, as reported by the local authorities.
On November 7, at approximately 4:22 p.m., the police received a shoplifting report at the Acme Supermarket.
Upon arrival, they found that the suspect had left the scene. After a brief search of the vicinity, they located the suspect, identified as Evangelos Moutafis, 43, of Morristown, at the Denville Train Station.
Police arrested Moutafis after discovering stolen merchandise from the Acme Supermarket and drug paraphernalia in his possession.
He faced charges of shoplifting and possession of drug paraphernalia and was subsequently released on his own recognizance, pending a court appearance.
However, due to an active warrant for his arrest from the Wharton Borough Municipal Court and his inability to post bail, he was handed over to the Wharton Borough Police Department upon release from the headquarters.
MORRIS COUNTY — Repairing OUR World – United Against Hate kicks off United Against Hate week featuring the screening of the riveting documentary, “Repairing the World – Stories from the Tree of Life” which will be held on Sunday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Adath Shalom, 841 Mountain Way, Morris Plains. The event is co-sponsored by more than 15 synagogues, churches, Morris County Human Relations Commission, Diversity Council of Morris County, Parsippany Interfaith Council, and Randolph PEACE.
As the Pittsburgh community was experiencing grief and fear, neighbors came together, drawing upon connections to meet fear with courage, adopting the slogan “Stronger than Hate”. A diverse community worked to heal from the impacts of antisemitism, racism, hate speech, etc. The film gives voice to a multi-faith, multicultural cross-section of Pittsburgh survivors, family members, leaders, and community members to show the power of unity in crisis.
The powerful program features a story of hope and how we can do something to stop the spread of hate in our local communities where united we can effectively make a change that can be felt in people’s lives. It is a beautiful redefinition of what it means to be a good neighbor and community member.
MORRIS COUNTY — In Morris County, Republicans continued their winning streak, maintaining a half-century record where Democrats have not secured a countywide election victory.
In the county commissioner race, incumbent Republican Tayfun Selen emerged victorious over Democrat Jonathan Sackett, albeit with a narrower margin. Selen secured 54% of the votes, compared to Sackett’s 46%.
Tayfun Selen initially joined the Morris County Commissioners in 2020 to fill a one-year unexpired term and subsequently won re-election for a full term in 2021. This year, he encountered a challenging primary from Paul DeGroot, who had bested him in a 2022 congressional primary. However, with support from the county GOP, Selen triumphed with a 54% to 46% vote margin.
On the other side, Jonathan Sackett is serving his second term on the Rockaway Township Council and holds the position of chair for the Rockaway Democratic Committee.
HANOVER — Hanover Township Police Officer Megan Prager detained William Burford, 44, of Morristown, and Peter Kominek, 46, of Parsippany, on charges of assault and theft on Wednesday, October 11.
Responding to a disturbance call at the Red Carpet Inn, Officer Prager discovered that Kominek had taken Burford’s cell phone, leading to an altercation where Burford used a pocket knife to retrieve his phone.
Both individuals were taken into custody and brought to Hanover Township Police Headquarters.
Burford faced charges of aggravated assault, while Kominek was charged with theft. They were both released, pending their respective court appearances.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the actors are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HANOVER — Hanover Township Police Officer Robert Miele apprehended a 24-year-old Morristown resident, Carlos Ulloasanto, on charges of controlled dangerous substance (CDS) possession on Sunday, October 8.
Responding to a call at a Cedar Knolls home about a disturbance, Officer Miele entered the home with permission. Inside, he found a group of people partying, but no signs of a fight.
During interactions with the attendees, Officer Miele discovered a packet suspected to contain cocaine, easily visible to all.
Ulloasanto, a guest at the party, exhibited unusual behavior and had a noticeable white powder on his nostrils.
He was taken into custody, facing charges of CDS possession and being under its influence. Ulloasanto was later released, awaiting his court hearing.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the actors are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HANOVER — If you need to renew your driver’s license and registration, and don’t want to make a trip to the local DMV, no worries. An upcoming visit from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s (NJMVC) mobile unit at the Morris County Library will give residents the chance to do these tasks and more.
The MVC “Agency on Wheels” will be available on November 20. The unit will be at the library from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Morris County Library is located at 30 East Hanover Avenue, Whippany. Click here to make an appointment.
The mobile unit has a limit of 40 customers per date with an additional 10 customers to be placed on a standby list. A social security card or 2022 W2 form, current pay stub, or 1099 form are required to participate, as well as six points of ID.
Some services that will be available include:
Driver Licenses – The Mobile Units provide the opportunity for drivers to renew their license, obtain a duplicate license, change their name or address on their license, add a boat endorsement, add a veteran designation, register to vote, and/or make organ donation selections.
Non-Driver Identification Cards – The Mobile Units can provide residents with photo identification that may then serve as a primary or secondary form of personal ID.
Registrations – Drivers may renew their registration or obtain a duplicate registration card for their vehicle in the Mobile Units.
REAL ID – Mobile units can provide REAL ID to a limited number of customers. Customers who have scheduled appointments for REAL IDs must arrive no later than 11:30 a.m. on the day of the appointment.
License Plates – The Mobile Units allow drivers the option to surrender license plates.
Placards – Drivers may obtain a Persons with a Disability, Purple Heart, or Disabled Veteran placard from the Mobile Units.
Examination Permits – Customers can apply for an examination permit to take a written (law/knowledge) test. However, the written test itself is not available in the Mobile Units
REAL ID appointments are limited and must be scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. only.
Issuance of a REAL ID requires additional proof of identity. Click here to see what to bring to satisfy these requirements.
HANOVER — Hanover Township Police Officer Brian Morrisroe arrested Mr. William Connolly, 51, Morristown for receiving stolen property on September 23.
Officer Morrisroe responded to a road rage incident on Ridgedale Avenue and after speaking with the parties involved it was determined that Mr. Connolly was driving a vehicle that did not belong to him.
He was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property. He was also issued a motor vehicle summons for unlicensed driver. He was transported to the county jail pending his court date. Additional charges pending surveillance camera review.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the actors are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Group shot of Morris County veterans and public officials.
MORRIS COUNTY — As the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal program has grown in popularity, the Board of County Commissioners hosted two Veterans Day Observance ceremonies on November 8 and November 9 this year to publicly honor 28 local veterans, who were accompanied by family and friends.
State and federal authorities also issued honors to the former service members at these events, including State Sen. Anthony Bucco (Morris-25) and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (Morris-25), Kellie Doucette, District Director, and Willy Tolba, Veterans and Military Affairs Liaison of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s Office. State Sen. Joe Pennacchio (Morris-26) and U.S. Rep. Tom Kean also sent “Citations of Commendations and Praise” that were issued to each veteran at both events.
Making this year’s events extra special, Parsippany Council President Loretta Gragnani and Vice President Michael dePierro, who were receiving honors with veteran service, were surprised to discover they were also being honored for many years of dedicated public service to the county.
Commissioner Director Krickus, Mike dePierro, Loretta Gragnani, and Commissioner Deputy Director Myers.
Gragnani, whose husband, Adam, was posthumously honored for his service as a Navy veteran, is the current president of the Parsippany Township Council after serving on the council for two consecutive terms. In addition, she has served on the Board of Adjustments since 2006 in Parsippany, the township she has resided in for 54 years.
DePierro has spent more than 40 years on the Parsippany Council, which, if coupled with the six years he served on the Parsippany school board, makes him the longest-serving elected official in Morris County who is still active. He is the only Parsippany official to be inducted into the New Jersey State League of Municipalities “Elected Officials Hall of Fame.”
They both plan on officially retiring from public service at the end of the year.
After honoring them at the start of the 7:00 p.m. regular public meeting on Wednesday, Commissioner Director John Krickus began the presentation of Distinguished Military Service Medals to Morris County veterans.
“Of all the titles I have had as an elected official, there is no title I am prouder of than United States Marine… During the time I served, I remember that our Vietnam Veterans were not treated the way they should have been. Thankfully today, I think we have a great widespread respect for our veterans, and I hope that always continues. You can challenge the war, but don’t challenge the warrior; they’re just serving our country,” said Krickus, a Marine Corps veteran.
He also noted that November 10, marks the 248th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
The second ceremony took place on November 9th at the Morris County Veterans Services Office (VSO), where a ribbon cutting was also held to celebrate the opening of a new space for veterans’ services in the county-owned offices at the Morris View Health Care Center off West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township. The added room more than doubles the space available to support veterans and their families.
Commissioner Stephen Shaw, whose father, Robert Kent Shaw, was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, reflected on the significance of the county’s Veteran medal programs.
“I did not know anything about my father’s military service until after he passed away. He was awarded a medal posthumously two years ago, which prompted me to look into his military service and realize what he went through and the sacrifices that he made in Korea,” said Shaw.
“The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation does a phenomenal job researching and compiling information on the county website for a compendium of veterans from Morris County, going back to the Revolutionary War,” Shaw added.
In preparation for the 25th anniversary of the beginning of the War in Afghanistan coming up on October 7, 2026, the Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation invites local soldiers and sailors to participate in its latest Veterans Compendium project.
Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, Rev. David A. Hollowell, Sr. and Commissioner Director Krickus.
The Honored Veterans in Brief
The late Frank C. Cestone, Denville
Served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1950 until 1954, specializing in metal smithing and rigging. He worked aboard a blimp, Airship Squadron Three, one of the Navy’s “lighter-than-air” units.
Jesse William Christmas, Hanover Township
Served in the U.S. Air Force from August 2011 to September 2014 during the Global War on Terror as a cyber transport systems specialist.
Javier Colon, Town of Boonton
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mr. Colon deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq for the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom during the 12 years he has served with the National Guard. He was called up via President Proclamation to serve during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael N. Cutter, Morristown
A U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, he was on active duty from 1962 to 1965, before transferring to the Reserves and continuing to serve until 1968.
Kimberly S. Dean, Chester Township
A veteran of the U.S. Army, she served from April 1998 until her retirement in July 2023. She is a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, having served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Michael J. dePierro, Parsippany Troy-Hills Township
Served with the U.S. Air Force from October 1959 to August 1962 during the Vietnam War era, training elite servicemen in single-sideband communications systems before their units went into combat in Vietnam.
Kevin M. Enriquez, Riverdale
A Marine, he served during the Global War on Terror from September 2012 until September 2016.
The late Adam J. Gragnani, Parsippany Troy-Hills Township
A veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War era, he enlisted in February 1962 and served until October 1966.
John “Jack” F. Haren, Morris Plains
Served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from April 1970 to June 1975 as a member of the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
David A. Hollowell, Sr., Morris Township
A Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Army from February 1966 to February 1968, he supported the Army Geospatial Center as a computer programmer and systems analyst.
Stanley A. Kasiski, Hanover Township
A Vietnam veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968, he served on active duty until 1970 when he transferred to the U.S. Army National Guard. His career in the National Guard spanned 23 years.
William Klimczuk, Mount Olive
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served on active duty from October 1996 to 1999, with additional time in the Reserves until 2003. He served in El Salvador and in Operation Enduring Freedom during the Global War on Terrorism.
The Late Edward William Klingener, Sr., Town of Boonton
A Vietnam-era Veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1965 before he transferred to the Reserves. He served at the Boca Chica Marina at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Key West, Fla., and rescued a man while serving on a crash crew during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was attached to the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 11 (VAW11) in North Island, Calif., where the squadron did shakedown cruises on the USS Coral Sea and USS Ranger. He was stationed off the coast of Vietnam on the USS Hancock CV-19.
Lemuel C. Leeper-Tilghman, Roxbury Township
A veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard, he served from May 2010 to April 2021 in the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Steven J. Levine, Pequannock
A U.S. Navy veteran, he served during the Vietnam War from June 1964 to September 1967.
Alistair H. Maclennan, Chester Township
Alistair H. Maclennan of Chester Township served in the Marines from 1965 to 1966 before he was honorably discharged.
The late Brian McCluskey, Denville
A Vietnam Veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy from April 1972 to September 1977 as a quartermaster in ship navigation.
Robert J. McDonnell, Lincoln Park
A Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Army from September 1966 to August 1968, he served with 1st Signal Brigade, and as operations officer of 37th Signal Battalion. He and other officers with degrees in electrical engineering deployed the Troposcatter Microwave Communications System and other cutting-edge communication technology throughout the U.S. Army I Corps.
The late James L. McElwee, Morris Township
A Vietnam Era Veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 and continued to serve as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard in Morris County for more than two decades.
Damonique Simkins Murray, Dover
A veteran of the Gulf War, she served in the U.S. Army from November 1991 to August 1999.
Jasmine Navarro, Wharton
Jasmine Navarro of Wharton served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2010 during Operation Iraqi Freedom and has continued to work as a Department of Defense civilian in South Carolina, Saudi Arabia, Arizona, and currently at Picatinny Arsenal.
Joseph C. Notowicz, Morristown
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during the Vietnam War from March 1967 until March 1970. Serving in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery in Europe, he handled logistical, maintenance, and supply tasks.
Ronald J. Pellegrino, Wharton
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Navy Reserve, and New York Naval Militia, he served from October 1985 to May 1997, including duty in Panama, during the Cold War and in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He continued to work in the defense sector and as a Department of Defense civilian, now serving at Picatinny Arsenal.
Anthony “Tony” P. Romano, Morris Township
A Vietnam-era Veteran, he served with the U.S. Army on active duty from 1956 to 1958, before he transferred to the Reserves. In July of 1956, aboard a military ship en route to France, he did critical mechanical work as an electrician supporting the military supply line to the front lines.
James Tarsitano, Jr., Jefferson Township
A Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force from August 1963 to July 1969, he earned the Air Force Medal 900-3, known as the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, among other accolades.
Louis F. Tremallo, Jr., Morris Township
A Vietnam-era veteran, he served with U.S. Army National Guard’s 112th Field Artillery at Morristown Armory, for six years from July 1969 until July 1975.
Marc Weinberg, Denville
A Vietnam War Veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from May 1966 to February 1969.
The late Warren E. Wilhide, Sr., Morris Township
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954, stationed at Chuncheon Air Base in Korea and with an anti-aircraft battery defending the U.S. Capitol and White House in Washington.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County County Clerk Ann Grossi, Esq. (Republican) secured re-election with 56% of the votes, amounting to 58,482 of the 103,633 total votes cast. Her opponent, Caroline O’Brien, (Democrat) received 44,994 votes, equivalent to 44% of the vote.
As a Constitutional Officer in New Jersey, the Morris County Clerk serves a term of five years. Ann Grossi has been in office since January 2014 and is at the end of her tenth year. This re-election would mark the start of her third term.
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, a Parsippany native has already devoted ten years to the role. Her tenure as a Morris County freeholder and a councilwoman for Parsippany-Troy Hills has fortified her experience. Grossi has expressed her unwavering commitment to the Clerk’s office and the citizens it serves. Grossi’s re-election campaign hinged on her dedication and her extensive legal and administrative background, which she believes are crucial to capably managing the County Clerk’s Office functions. She vows to tackle upcoming challenges with the same efficacy that has marked her past decade in office.
Grossi said she was also proud of the quality of services that her office provides.
“I receive compliments from the public all of the time, which reinforces my vision for the Clerk’s Office since it is a direct service provider to the public.
During her tenure, Ann Grossi has overseen the introduction of several programs and services aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the Morris County Clerk’s Office.
Key initiatives include:
The launch of a free mobile app designed to streamline services for residents.
A property fraud alert system that offers free protection for property owners against fraudulent activities.
The establishment of free email subscription alerts to keep the community informed.
The maintenance of active social media platforms to engage with residents and provide timely updates.
Operation Give Back, a discount book for veterans with more than 300 local merchants participating. or Veteran.
Furthermore, Grossi’s office has modernized the process for handling passport applications by:
Passport department does allow walk-ins, or to help with better planning, appointments are available
Creating a comprehensive passport acceptance division, which also offers passport and visa photo services.
Providing specialized county identification cards, catering to military veterans, Gold Star Families, and seniors.
Offering Notary Public services to residents.
In addition to these services, her office has developed an election night reporting website, providing real-time updates and enhancing transparency around election results. These advancements reflect Grossi’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovative solutions to serve the residents of Morris County more effectively.
Editors Note: Results are unofficial. Early Voting and Initial Mail-In Ballots Counted and await Final Mail-In and Provisional Ballot Results.
DOVER — Ex-Mayor James Dodd achieved a resounding victory in Tuesday’s election, securing 70% of the vote in a bid to retake the position he previously occupied for four consecutive terms. The official swearing-in ceremony for Dodd is scheduled for Monday, January 1, at 6:00 p.m., and will take place at the Dover Municipal Building located at 37 North Sussex Street.
The Rescue Dover team: Arturo B. Santana, Claudio Toro, James Dodd and Sergio Rodriguez
“Rescue Dover” achieved full victory, electing Claudia Toro and Sergio Rodriguez and Re-Electing Arturo B. Santana.
The “Unity For Education” slate endorsed by “Rescue Dover,” secured all three available seats on the Board of Education. The victorious candidates included Victoria Pinales with 923 votes, Washington Pro with 758 votes, and Maria Solines with 848 votes.
Four-term Dodd was first elected mayor in 2003, but started facing trouble in 2018 when Edward Correa led a successful effort to take over the Democratic municipal committee; Carolyn Blackman then defeated Dodd a year later, becoming the town’s first Black and first female mayor.
In the June Primary, Dodd competed against the incumbent Mayor Carolyn Blackman and Edward Correa. Dodd emerged with a majority of 50.6% of the votes, totaling 844. Blackman secured 24% of the votes, which amounted to 405, while Correa obtained 25%, equal to 418 votes.
Position
Party
Candidate
Votes
Mayor
Democrat
James Dodd
1,396
Independent
Dennis Touhey
587
Council – Ward 1
Democrat
Claudia Toro
323
Republican
Gaile Rodriguez
115
Council – Ward 2
Democrat
Sergio Rodriguez
377
Republican
Wendy Huron
197
Council – Ward 3
Democrat
Michael Scarneo
319
Republican
William Shuler
207
Council – Ward 4
Democrat
Arturo B. Santana
225
Republican
William Inglis
86
Democrat Michael Scarneo, who ran independently of the aforementioned candidates, was also re-elected.
Editors Note: Results are unofficial. Early Voting and Initial Mail-In Ballots Counted and await Final Mail-In and Provisional Ballot Results.
