HANOVER — A heartfelt thank you to the employees of Walmart in Cedar Knolls for generously delivering sandwiches and cookies in honor of Police Appreciation Week. Your thoughtfulness and support mean a great deal to all of us at the Hanover Police Department. We’re proud to serve such a caring community.
#PoliceAppreciationWeek #CommunitySupport
HANOVER—The Morris County Mosquito Commission will conduct aerial mosquito control operations in Hanover Township on Monday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 20, between 7:00 a.m. and completion each day.
The aerial spraying, coordinated with the New Jersey State Mosquito Control Commission and the NJ Office of Mosquito Control Coordination, will focus on treating floodplain areas to control mosquito larvae before they become flying adults.
Crews will apply VectoPrime FG, a fine granular larvicide (EPA Registration #73049-501), over areas of standing water. The treatment targets the aquatic stages of mosquito development and will not affect adult mosquitoes currently in flight.
Residents can visit the manufacturer’s website or contact the Mosquito Commission for more information on VectoPrime FG.
The operation is part of an ongoing effort to reduce mosquito populations and protect public health during the warmer months.
DOVER—Mayor James P. Dodd and the Town Council invite the community to the highly anticipated Dover Summer Festival, which will take place on Saturday, June 28, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Crescent Field Parking Lot B. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on the rain date of Saturday, August 2.
The festival promises a vibrant mix of live music, delicious food vendors, family activities, and entertainment for all ages. Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere filled with sights, sounds, and flavors that celebrate the diversity and spirit of Dover.
“This is one of our community’s most cherished events,” said Mayor Dodd. “It’s a great opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and enjoy everything that makes Dover such a special place to live.”
To support the event, the Town is offering several sponsorship opportunities, giving local businesses a chance to showcase their community spirit and gain visibility:
Interested sponsors can call (973) 366-2200, Ext. 2116 for more information.
With thousands expected to attend, the Dover Summer Festival is shaping to be a season highlight.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Transit’s rail service is set to resume on Tuesday, May 20, following a three-day strike by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). The strike began on Friday, May 16, marking the state’s first rail work stoppage in over 40 years and disrupting commutes for approximately 350,000 daily riders across New Jersey and New York City.
A tentative agreement was reached on Sunday, May 18, addressing the engineers’ primary concern: wages. The new deal includes hourly pay increases that surpass the previously rejected proposal from March. While specific terms have not been disclosed, the agreement is pending ratification by BLET members and approval by the NJ Transit board, scheduled for June 11.
NJ Transit requires approximately 24 hours to conduct necessary inspections and prepare infrastructure before full service can resume. Therefore, limited bus services and Park & Ride options will be available on Monday, May 19. Commuters are encouraged to work from home to reduce congestion during this transitional period.
Governor Phil Murphy and NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri have praised the agreement as both fair and fiscally responsible, emphasizing that it addresses employee concerns without necessitating fare increases or compromising the agency’s budget.
Commuters should visit the official NJ Transit website or follow their social media channels for the latest updates and detailed information on service resumption.
HANOVER — Local families are invited to bring their furry, feathered, or scaly companions to a heartwarming event celebrating the bond between people and their pets. The First Presbyterian Church of Whippany will host a “Blessing of the Animals” ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. behind the church, located at 494 Route 10, Whippany.
The event will feature a brief outdoor service and individual blessings for each animal. All pets and their families are welcome to attend. For those seeking a quieter moment, the church offers an open blessing period until 3:00 p.m., allowing attendees to stop by at their convenience.
The annual tradition is designed to honor the role of animals in people’s lives and to recognize the joy, comfort, and companionship they bring. Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, or other beloved pet, all are welcome to receive a special blessing.
Organizers encourage participants to bring their pets on leashes or in carriers, and remind attendees to plan for a calm and respectful environment for all animals and humans.
MORRIS PLAINS — The Morris Plains Police Department will undergo a formal assessment on Monday, May 19, as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain accreditation and uphold recognized standards of professional excellence.
The assessment is part of a program administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), which evaluates departments across the state to ensure compliance with best practices in five core areas: administrative operations, personnel management, investigative procedures, detainee handling, and general operations.
The department is seeking public input as part of this process. Community members and agency employees are invited to offer comments via telephone on May 19 between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. by calling (973) 538-2284 ext. 114. The NJSACOP Assessment Team will receive all comments directly.
Comments must be limited to five minutes and should focus specifically on the department’s ability to meet accreditation standards. Email comments may also be submitted to Chief Michael M. Koroski at [email protected].
Residents who prefer to submit written comments about the department’s performance and compliance with accreditation standards can email Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S, Accreditation Program Director, at [email protected], or send a letter to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, located at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ 08053.
Chief Koroski encourages community participation and transparency throughout the accreditation process. For additional information, contact (973) 538-2284 ext. 105.
HANOVER — Norris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed the arrest of George R. Washington, 61, Whippany, on a complaint warrant for charges related to controlled dangerous substance distribution.
The complaint warrant alleges on May 13, 2025, Washington possessed with intent to distribute one-half ounce or more, but less than five ounces of cocaine and less than one-half ounce of heroin. As a result of this investigation, search warrants for Washington’s person, a Morristown residence he was known to be associated with, and his vehicle were obtained. On May 13, 2025, those warrants were executed resulting in the seizure of approximately 65 grams of suspected cocaine, 40 bundles of suspected heroin, $800 in U.S. currency of suspected narcotics proceeds, and foil folds and plastic baggies commonly used to distribute controlled dangerous substances.
As a result of the investigation, Washington has been charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(2), a crime of the Second Degree; one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin in an amount less than one-half ounce, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), a crime of the Third Degree; two counts of Possession of CDS, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), a crime of the Third Degree; one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-3, a crime of the Fourth Degree; and one count of Money Laundering, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25(a), a crime of the Third Degree.
Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Washington remains detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a motion for pretrial detention.
Prosecutor Carroll wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, Morristown Police Department, Boonton Police Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, who worked jointly on this investigation.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and our local and county law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently and collaboratively to stop the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our community. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to dedicate resources to continue these vital investigations. We will not tolerate criminals seeking to profit off the backs of our most vulnerable.”
Editors 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 reasonable doubt.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Two individuals were arrested on drug charges following a police response to reported drug activity at a local motel, authorities said.
On Friday, April 25, officers were dispatched to the Red Carpet Inn in Hanover Township. Upon arrival, they encountered Lance Nobles, 54, of Paterson, and Crystal Rossi-Bohn, 35, of Hopatcong Borough.
While speaking with both individuals, officers allegedly observed drug-related items in the motel room. Following an investigation, Nobles was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and was released pending a court appearance.
Rossi-Bohn was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was lodged at the Morris County Jail.
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.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On Sunday, April 21, a Hanover Township police officer stopped to assist a disabled vehicle on Interstate 287, leading to the arrest of two individuals.
According to police, the officer encountered the vehicle and identified the driver as Amanda Jones, 38, of Netcong Borough. Jones was allegedly operating the vehicle under the influence and was taken into custody. During a subsequent search of the car, officers discovered drug paraphernalia.
Juan Ramirez, 29, of Kearny, who was also in the vehicle, reportedly admitted ownership of the paraphernalia and was placed under arrest. Police say additional drug-related items were later found on Ramirez’s person.
Jones was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in a motor vehicle, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several other motor vehicle violations. She was released pending a court appearance.
Ramirez was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and was lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility.
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.
HANOVER — On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Hanover Township Police Officer Patrick Thompson arrested Candie House, 23, of Wayne, for trespassing and shoplifting.
Police were called to the Walmart store after House was spotted on the premises despite having been previously advised that she was no longer permitted on the property. Officer Thompson arrested her for trespassing.
In addition to that charge, House was also charged in connection with a shoplifting incident at ShopRite that occurred on Monday, April 7. That case had been under active investigation at the time of her arrest.
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.
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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