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Morris County Correctional Facility Passes State Inspection

By
Frank Cahill
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The Morris County Correctional Facility, located at 43 John Street in Morris Township, serves as the primary detention center operated by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon announced that the Morris County Correctional Facility has completed and passed its New Jersey Adult Correctional Facilities Inspection for the year 2024. Every year, the correctional facility undergoes strict scrutiny from the State of New Jersey to ensure that State standards are being met. Evaluations are made on the physical plant, the professional staff, and the services provided.

This year’s inspector was Program Specialist 4 Christel Jackson-Lee. The inspection lasted five days. Cpl. Michael Chereches acted as facility liaison and accompanied Inspector Jackson-Lee while she was at the facility.

Initial reports by Inspector Jackson-Lee regarded how impressed she was with the facility, specifically stating how clean and sanitary the jail was. Inspector Jackson-Lee commended the staff on the professionalism exhibited and the knowledge possessed by the employees, garnered as she interacted with them.

The Manual of Standards for New Jersey Adult County Correctional Facilities outlines the obligations for the care and custody of all individuals residing at correctional facilities in the State. Assessor Jackson-Lee determined the Morris County Correctional Facility complied with all New Jersey Administrative Code 10A:31 standards.

During the exit interview, Inspector Jackson-Lee stated, “As always, I came to your agency, and I see the most professional operation one could hope for. The staff, stretching from the Undersheriff to the most inexperienced officer, displays the utmost professionalism to me and to the inmate population. When I interviewed the inmates, they were complimentary when speaking about this facility. The inmates couldn’t be happier, from the food to the cleanliness, and especially medical services.”

Sheriff Gannon remarked, “I am pleased and very proud of our personnel at the correctional facility. They maintain peaceful order in a state-of-the-art facility, all while walking the toughest beat in Morris County. I do not doubt that Warden Chris Klein and his Command Staff will continue to strive to enhance the performance of our correctional police officers and improve the care and custody of those housed in our jail. The people of Morris County expect no less.”

The Morris County Correctional Facility is part of the triple crown distinction of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office which is defined as the attainment of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Accreditation for Law Enforcement, American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation for Corrections, and National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Accreditation for Corrections. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has also received the Highlands Forensics Certification pertaining to crime scene processing and evidence management.

Three Madison Students Graduate From College of the Holy Cross

By
Frank Cahill
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Aidan Bergin, Matthew Gero, and Meghan Webber of Madison proudly celebrate their graduation, with Bergin and Webber earning Summa Cum Laude honors for their academic excellence.

MADISON — Holy Cross celebrated the 733 bachelor of arts degree recipients at its 179th Commencement held in person on Friday, May 23, at the DCU Center in Worcester. Dr. Linda LeMura, president of Le Moyne College and the first female layperson to be named president of a Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States, delivered this year’s address to the Class of 2025 and received an honorary degree.

In her remarks, LeMura emphasized that the goal of a Jesuit- and specifically a Holy Cross- education is to unite two identities: the dreamer and the doer, following the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

“Graduates, my wish for you today, and every day, is that you will hold tight to your skills and to your dreams,” said LeMura. “Treasure them both. Your dreams will inspire your work, and your work will inspire your dreams. Never let go of the whimsical, poetical, visionary dreamer that lives in every one of you.”

In addition to LeMura, Holy Cross also awarded an honorary degree to Sister Barbara Rogers, RSCJ, a longtime leader of the Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart.

The following students from Madison recently earned degrees and academic recognition:

  • Aidan Bergin, Summa Cum Laude
  • Matthew Gero
  • Meghan Webber, Summa Cum Laude

The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,200 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has positively impacted society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional, and civic life.

New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission Announces $200,000 Alternative Energy Grant

By
Frank Cahill
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An emergency standby generator like this one represents the kind of resilient, off-grid energy solution supported by the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission’s $200,000 alternative energy grant—ensuring vital services in Puerto Rico can continue uninterrupted during power outages.

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission (PRC) announced its forthcoming inaugural alternative energy grant. The state-funded grant will be used by awarded entities to purchase and install an emergency standby generator, solar panels, or another energy project independent of the grid. Applications for this opportunity open Friday, May 23, at 5:00 p.m.

This funding will allow chosen community organizations in Puerto Rico to continue their services, programming, education, and other daily operations without reliance on the unpredictable energy grid.

“Opening the pathways between New Jersey and Puerto Rico, both culturally and economically, has been a priority for this Administration. This grant is just one of the ways our Administration is cultivating long-lasting business and governmental relationships,” expressed Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the Puerto Rico Commission as Secretary of State.

The project is open to Puerto Rico-based entities and New Jersey-based entities. However, it must be located in Puerto Rico. Priority will be given to applicants who complete this project with a purchase from a New Jersey business or manufacturer.

“Through our exploratory conversations to assess needs on the Island, the Commission decided to design this grant to allow maximum flexibility and innovative solutions to this existing problem of unreliable power that interrupts the daily lives of Boricuas,” said Executive Director Awilda Pomales-Diaz. “We are confident that this grant will have a lasting and positive impact on the vulnerable communities on the Island and strengthen our two interconnected regions.”

The New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission was first established after Hurricane Maria with a law signed by Governor Murphy on January 9, 2020. The combined impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria led to a complete failure of Puerto Rico’s grid, leaving residents in the dark for days or weeks after every significant rainfall.

“As the prime sponsor of the legislation creating the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission, I am incredibly excited to review these proposals and continue these forward-thinking initiatives,” said Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez.

Examples of eligible projects and purposes for the $200,000 include solar panels, generators, and solar-powered devices such as phone charging stations or standby power for medical refrigerators storing insulin.

“We encourage all eligible entities to apply. This grant is actively paving the way for a prosperous future in Puerto Rico and Statewide,” said PRC Chairwoman Peggy Anastos.

The grant timeline will run from Friday, May 23, 2025, to Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Applications on the System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE) will open May 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Visit PRC.NJ.GOV for grant details.

For additional questions or assistance with the application process, please email [email protected] or visit PRC.NJ.GOV.

Jefferson Township High School DECA to Host Inaugural Golf Fundraiser

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township High School’s DECA chapter will host its first annual Summer Golf Outing Fundraiser on Monday, June 23, at 1:00 p.m. at Bowling Green Golf Club in Oak Ridge.

The event invites community members to enjoy a day on the green while supporting DECA students and their career development initiatives. Entry fees are $130 per player or $520 per group, including a welcome gift, golf cart, and dinner. In addition, attendees will have the chance to win raffle prizes throughout the day.

Organizers are also seeking local sponsors to support the event and student programs. Interested businesses or individuals can find sponsor information by clicking here.

Player registration is available online by clicking here.

Morris County Library to Host “Lunch & Learn” Event Focused on Aging and Community Services

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER—Morris County residents are invited to a special “Lunch & Learn” program hosted by the Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. The event will occur on Friday, May 30, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Morris County Library at 30 East Hanover Avenue in Whippany.

This engaging session is designed to inform the public about essential services available to older adults and individuals with disabilities and highlight valuable community programming initiatives. The program aims to foster greater awareness and accessibility for county residents.

Registration is required to attend. Interested participants can sign up online by clicking here.

Following the presentation, attendees will be treated to a light lunch, which will offer a relaxed setting to network and further engage with presenters and community members.

The “Lunch & Learn” initiative reflects Morris County’s ongoing commitment to supporting an informed and inclusive community, particularly for populations who benefit from aging and disability services.

Dover Set to Honor Our Fallen Heroes at 2025 Memorial Day Parade

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DOVER — In the heart of Morris County, the Town of Dover continues to uphold a cherished tradition that brings residents together in remembrance and gratitude. On Monday, May 26, the community will line the streets again for Dover’s Annual Memorial Day Parade, which honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

The parade, hosted by Mayor James P. Dodd and the Dover Town Council, will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., with participants gathering an hour earlier at Rutan Drive. The procession will make its way down Blackwell Street, culminating at Hurd Park on Route 46, where a memorial ceremony will follow.

More than just a parade, this is a moment of solemn reflection for a town that deeply values its connection to service, sacrifice, and patriotism.

A Tradition of Honor and Reflection

Each year, the parade is led by members of the American Legion, Legion Riders, and the Color Guard, whose presence reminds us of the dignity and discipline of those who served. The event will once again feature a keynote address by a high-ranking officer from Picatinny Arsenal. This respected tradition reinforces the close relationship between Dover and our military partners.

This year’s Grand Marshal will be one of Dover’s very own—a local Hometown Hero whose service and character reflect the values we hold dear as a community.

Community Participation and New Additions

This year’s lineup includes familiar favorites and some exciting new additions, demonstrating Dover’s continued commitment to honoring those who served.

  • The Dover Fire Department will proudly showcase its Hook & Ladder Company, Ambulance Corps, and Dover’s historic Steamer and Old Engine, honoring the town’s legacy of public service.
  • Soldiers from two units of the U.S. Army National Guard, joined by a military Humvee, are making their first appearance, bringing a powerful symbol of today’s armed forces to our streets.
  • The parade will also feature performances by the Dover High School Marching Band, the stirring sound of the Mackay Bagpipers and Drums, and a spirited show of support from the Latin Brotherhood Bikers Association (Newark Division).

Equally inspiring is the turnout from local youth sports leagues, non-profit organizations, and classic car clubs—all walking together in unity to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.

Memorial Day: A Time to Remember

While Memorial Day weekend may mark the unofficial start of summer, for Dover it has always been a time of reflection. As we enjoy the freedoms that have been secured by the sacrifices of others, the town urges residents to remember that Memorial Day is not just for a picnic—it is a day of remembrance.

Mayor Dodd, along with members of the Town Council, invites everyone—families, veterans, students, and neighbors—to come together, wave their flags, and take part in this meaningful celebration of life, liberty, and legacy.

I encourage all readers to attend this year’s parade and ceremony on behalf of Dover Focus. Stand with us as we remember those who gave everything for our country. It’s a tradition that defines Dover—and one we’re proud to help carry forward.

For more information, please get in touch with Town Hall at (973) 366-2200 ext. 1112.

Re-elect Hanover Township Thomas Ace Gallagher for Township Committee Tuesday, June 10

By
Frank Cahill
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Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher

HANOVER — Thomas Ace Gallagher has officially declared his candidacy for re-election to the Hanover Township governing body. His long history of dedication to excellence and creative problem solving has led to pragmatic and just solutions to many of the issues confronting Hanover Township.  Mayor Gallagher’s decision to join the race is driven by his belief that under his leadership, Hanover Township will continue to make ambitious strides toward being an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Thomas Ace Gallagher states, “Today, more than ever, we need strong, honest, results-based leadership.” Throughout his many years on the committee, Thomas Ace Gallagher has displayed integrity, selfless service, loyalty, creativity, fiscal responsibility, and personal courage. Focused strictly on the issues, Mayor Gallagher has never been beholden to special interest groups or political agendas and continues to foster a transparent, collaborative, and inclusive environment.

Thomas Ace Gallagher believes he is well-suited to enhance the quality of life of Hanover Township residents. His platform will focus on:

  • Working to help grow the business community to create new opportunities for increasing ratables, which will lead to lower property taxes
  • Streamlining building permit and planning processes for small businesses and especially for homeowners
  • Implementing fiscal policies that will enhance financial stability
  • Updating zoning laws. Mayor Gallagher has already created an aggressive strategy to repurpose outdated zoning. This is a huge encouragement for businesses to come to Hanover Township (a perfect example is the former Morris County Mall).

Energized by challenges and driven by an authentic desire to serve others, Gallagher has many achievements that set him apart from other candidates, some of which are:

  • Gallagher was nominated and elected to the executive board of the Morris County League of Municipalities and was also selected to serve on a special subcommittee, one of six to challenge Trenton’s unfair high-density housing mandates.
  • Mayor Gallagher worked to create the Whippany/Passaic Flood Remediation Task Force. With Hanover Township as the chief agency, seven municipalities work together and share services. This coalition turned New Jersey into the leader in flood remediation. In less than three years, it is already making an incredible difference.
  • Gallagher serves as a trustee for the 200 Club of Morris County because he values thanking all first responders who put their lives on the line every day for the public.
  • Gallagher has and continues to work with many agencies, municipalities, school systems, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, faith-based groups and the Mental Health Association to support and create programs in the community sharing his vision to ensure that children and their families have access to prevention, education, assessment and intervention. Offering seminars on suicide prevention and addiction services, he has stepped up to initiate the growing need for mental health services in school districts.

“Thank you for your support. I am excited about the opportunity to continue to serve and work together towards a more prosperous future.  I look forward to contributing my skills and passion to our shared successes and helping to make Hanover Township the best community where we all live and work,” states Gallagher.

*To contact Mayor Thomas Ace Gallagher, please follow him on Facebook at Thomas Ace Gallagher and/or Thomas Ace Gallagher for Hanover Township Committee. [email protected] (973) 441-0114.

Christopher Langsdorf Recognized as LVC Student-Athlete

By
Frank Cahill
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Chris Langsdorf

MORRIS PLAINS — Christopher Langsdorf of Morris Plains is one of more than 200 student-athletes who competed for the Flying Dutchmen during the Spring 2025 season. Langsdorf, a graduate of Morristown High School, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Digital Communications.

Langsdorf was a member of the baseball team. The Lebanon Valley College Baseball team concluded the 2025 season with a 22-20-1 overall record and a 13-8 mark in Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom competition. The Dutchmen earned a trip to the MAC Freedom Semifinal and delivered an exciting 8-4 victory in the series opener at Stevens Institute of Technology on May 2. LVC’s top moments of the year also included a series win over No. 18/No. 21 Misericordia University, the defending national champions.

A member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC), Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), and Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), Lebanon Valley College offers 26 sports.

More information about LVC Athletics is available at godutchmen.com.

About Lebanon Valley College

Lebanon Valley College, founded in 1866, offers 50 majors in the health professions, sciences, business and digital media, arts and humanities, and education. Hands-on learning, internships, and research are emphasized. LVC offers five direct-entry (bachelor’s to master’s) programs in Accounting/MBA 3+1, Athletic Training 3+2, Clinical Mental Health Counseling 3+2, Engineering 3+2, and Speech-Language Pathology 3+2, and a nationally recognized six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. There are over a dozen graduate degrees, including an MBA and master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Education, Exercise Science, and Intelligence and Security Studies.

Close faculty-student relationships and mentoring are hallmarks of the LVC experience on its beautiful 370-acre campus. The College encourages student participation in athletics, with 40% competing as NCAA Division III student-athletes in the Middle Atlantic Conference, and student leadership and involvement in over 90 clubs and organizations, many of which are community-service focused. LVC offers generous financial aid and guaranteed merit scholarships that exceeded $52 million in 2023-24. Career success is integrated into the curriculum through the Edward and Lynn Breen Center for Career and Professional Development, starting during the first year on campus.

Located eight miles from Hershey, Pennsylvania, this college of 1,600 undergraduate and 400+ graduate students produces alumni who attend prestigious graduate and professional schools and are employed by top companies and school districts.

Hanover Police Respond to Disturbance Following Three-Vehicle Crash

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER — On Wednesday, May 21, at approximately 5:26 p.m., Hanover Township Police responded to a motor vehicle crash involving three vehicles in the parking lot of a gas station on Ridgedale Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers immediately began assisting the occupants of the vehicles. While rendering aid, officers observed one of the drivers acting suspiciously outside his vehicle. As officers engaged him, the individual became erratic and stated he wanted to die. He was found to be in possession of a pair of scissors, refused to comply with officers’ commands, and repeatedly asked officers to shoot him.

Officers quickly moved bystanders to safety and attempted to de-escalate the situation. Pepper spray was deployed, and the individual was safely subdued without further incident. He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

A child in one of the vehicles sustained a moderate injury and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Another child from the same vehicle was transported as a precaution. Other occupants were evaluated at the scene but declined medical attention.

Both vehicles in the crash sustained heavy damage, though the gas pumps were unaffected. The incident prompted a significant response from police, fire, and EMS personnel. The gas station parking lot was temporarily closed but has since reopened.

The incident remains under investigation.

East Hanover’s Gabriela Mallack Earns Bachelor’s Degree from Cedarville University

By
Frank Cahill
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Gabriela Mallack

EAST HANOVER — Gabriela Mallack earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Cedarville University.

Cedarville University, located in southwest Ohio, is one of the state’s largest private universities with an enrollment of 6,384 students. The university offers various undergraduate and graduate arts, sciences, and professional programs. Recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the nation’s top three evangelical Christian universities, Cedarville is known for its strong academic programs, high graduation and retention rates, and a vibrant Christian campus community.

For more information, visit cedarville.edu.

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