PARSIPPANY — On Monday, March 26, Girl Scout Cadettes learn how to create a news article on Parsippany Focus at Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road. The troops attending the presentation were Troops 95609, 95610, 95089 and 94372.
The Girl Scouts will earn three badges during the media journey
Along their media journey the Girl Scouts will earn three badges, the girls will learn how to monitor, how to influence and how to cultivate media.
The publisher came to the library to help educate the girls as part of their media journey, and to teach how to create an informational article.
Mrs. Bruggeman, a Parsippany Girl Scout leader, took a picture of all the Girl Scouts and Frank Cahill. We uploaded the picture to the Focus servers, then wrote a caption under the picture. Then we wrote the story answering the questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. We then described the badges that we are earning for the media journey.
Mr. Frank Cahill also discussed and showed us the proper identification reporters use.
We also read other articles and answered the questions required to write a story.
Mrs. Maria Messana, a Parsippany Girl Scout leader, organized the presentation with Parsippany Focus.
The Cadettes are students from Brooklawn Middle School and Central Middle School.
MT. LAKES — April is a busy month at the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA when they will be offering a variety of free evening programs that are open to the community.
On Thursday, April 12, Dr. Julie Scarano, DC, will present “Eat Well, Move Well, Think Well” where you’ll discover all the different ways to make yourself feel better that doesn’t include food!
On Tuesday, April 17, come to a Must-See Documentary Night on “Bag It. Is Your Life too Plastic?” You’ll learn where bags and other plastics end up, and at what cost to the environment, marine life, and human health.
On Thursday, April 19, you’ll hear from some legal and financial experts on what you need to know about “Tax Reform: What the New Laws Mean to You.”
Finally, on April 24, the Y will host a “Gluten-Free Workshop” with a variety of speakers/topics, including tasty samples. All programs begin at 6:00 p.m. and pre-registration is requested by calling (973) 334-2820 or register online by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Law enforcement officers from the Morris County Park Police Department will be cracking down on distracted drivers during April as part of New Jersey’s UDrive. UText. UPay. enforcement campaign.
Beginning Sunday, April 1 and running through Saturday, April 21, the high visibility law enforcement initiative will target motorists who engage in dangerous distracted driving behaviors such as talking on hand-held cell phones and sending text messages while driving.
“Distracted driving is possibly the most serious safety issue on our roadways today,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed in distracted driving crashes and an estimated 391,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.”
In New Jersey, driver inattention was listed as a contributing circumstance in 52 percent of the state’s crashes in 2015. Driver inattention was in fact listed as a contributing factor in crashes at a rate nine times higher than that of the next highest contributing factor (speed).
The campaign is being carried out during the month of April, which the National Safety Council has designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The New Jersey campaign is modeled after similar successful high visibility enforcement programs such as Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“Park Police Officers are encouraged to be on the look-out for these violations year-round, but we will be especially vigilant during the month of April. Drivers can consider this their warning,” said Chief Gabe DiPietro of the Morris County Park Police Department.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education 2017-2018 school calendar year, included four snow days. Unfortunately, with recent storms, schools were closed for a total of seven days, and students must make up for three days.
The first snow day make up was on March 12.
The Board of Education has scheduled two make up days as half day on Friday, March 30 and a half day on Tuesday, June 5.
(Note: Since June 5 is the primary election scheduled at most schools, Police Officers present at all polling locations.)
Professional Development for staff will be scheduled for the afternoon of June 5.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Sargent said “As pretty as the snow looks when it drifts so gently to the ground, I am certain you share the same inner frustration as I at the number of storms that have impacted our area – and our school calendar. It is very late in the season to be making changes to our school calendar – and, yet, here we are needing to make adjustments that will allow us to meet the state requirement of having students in school for 180 days.”
New Jersey Department of Education defines a school day in session is a day on which the school is open and students are under the guidance and direction of a teacher(s); and the day must be 4 hours or more to be considered a full day (or at least 2½ hours for kindergarten) (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.3(a) and (b)). Schools must be in session a minimum of 180 days and the number of school days in session does not include summer school.
In determining how we will modify the school calendar for staff and students, I adhere to the following guidelines: Student and staff attendance should be optimal; Effective and relevant instruction should occur and Minimal impact to families and staff.
These changes will allow high school seniors to graduate on time with diplomas in hand. It will also allow our families and our staff to enjoy an uninterrupted spring break, the importance of which should not be underestimated.
Students with other obligations for March 30 and June 5 should honor those obligations. It is not the desire to create conflict with pre-planned family events. Time with family matters and parents should feel comfortable and confident in their decision to adhere to their plans. School will be in session and the awesome teachers will be present to lead and instruct all students present.
MORRISTOWN — Estimated 13,000 people chant ‘Enough is Enough’ during March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24.
The local event was organized by Bella Bhimani, a sophomore at West Morris Mendham High School, the walk was a non-partisan, student-led march against gun violence.
Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty addressed the crowd at the beginning of the March starting Morristown Town Hall. Dougherty said “Get behind people that will support the right to protect our children in schools and on the street, enough is enough. Protect our kids, not guns, enough is enough. Let me hear it. Enough is enough, Who do we care about? Our children. Enough is Enough. And that let echo in every town and every city and every state in these United States of America. God Bless you all for coming out here and protesting and standing up for your rights and trying to protect the people who need protecting from the people that won’t protect us. So keep it up, I will stand with you, I will walk with you. God bless and Keep it Up.”
Estimated 13,000 people chant ‘Enough is Enough’ during March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and his wife Mary during the March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24
According to the March for Our Lives website “Weapons of war have no place in our communities. Our nation requires a comprehensive assault weapons ban that prohibits the future production and sale of these weapons and provides a solution for dealing with those assault weapons that are already owned, such as a buyback program or registration. Limiting high-powered weapons to the military has worked elsewhere to eliminate the opportunity for mass shootings.”
MCDC, MD Representative Steny Hoyer, and Chairman Chip Robinson were proud to march alongside the student leaders at the Morristown March for our Lives this afternoon.They stand with these students, and with candidates who are committed to ending gun violence.
The student activists emphasized that they would soon have access to the ballot box as they hope to build support for candidates who support universal background checks and bans on assault-style weapons.
Large majorities of Americans say they support gun control measures like universal background checks. Yet when put directly to the people in a referendum in recent years, the results have been mixed.
Mikie Sherrill, Candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District, during the March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24
Morristown police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies provided security. There were so many participants that lead marchers returning to Town Hall passed marchers at the end of the line still completing the loop.
Sonja Maddox and Parsippany resident Judy HernandezEstimated 13,000 people chant ‘Enough is Enough’ during March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24
Marchers flooded streets across the globe in public protests on Saturday, calling for action against gun violence. Hundreds of thousands of marchers turned out, in the most ambitious show of force yet from a student-driven movement that emerged after the recent massacre at a South Florida high school.
At the main event in Washington, survivors of mass shootings, including the one in Florida, rallied a whooping crowd — “Welcome to the revolution,” said one of the student organizers — and spoke of communities that are disproportionately affected by gun violence. “It is normal to see flowers honoring the lives of black and brown youth that have lost their lives to a bullet,” Edna Chavez, 17, said of her South Los Angeles neighborhood.
In New York, marchers bundled in bright orange — the official color of a gun control advocacy group — charged toward Central Park. And in Parkland, Fla., less than a mile from where the shooting took place last month, one protester’s eyes brimmed with tears, surrounded by the echoing chant, “Enough is enough!”
For more information on “March for Our Lives” click here.
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer T. Armenti responded to a residence on Josham Lane for a burglary. After a brief investigation it was determined that the victim’s 25 inch Sanyo Television was stolen while he was away between February 14 and March 13. Josham Lane is located in the Knoll Garden Apartments in the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
PARSIPPANY — The annual “Scouting For Food” drive National Boy Scout Good Turn took place on Saturday, March 24. Boy scouts from Troop 173 collected donations of non-perishable food from neighborhoods throughout Parsippany. 2,646 items including soups, baby formula, pasta, pasta sauce, personal care items, canned vegetables, canned fruit, baby cereal, peanut butter, powdered milk, hot or cold cereal, dried fruit, and canned meats were collected by 38 scouts and delivered to the Parsippany Christian Church Food Bank on Vail Road to help replenish their shelves. The food bank is currently serving over 300 families in the Parsippany community.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is once again collecting used or broken smartphones, cell phones, iPads and other tablets, iPods and MP3 players from now until the end of April. All money earned by recycling these items will be donated to Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) of Morris County. JBWS provides a safe house and transitional living accommodations for victims of abuse, who are often forced to leave their homes with only the clothing they are wearing. For additional information on JBWS, please contact info@jbws.org.
Collection boxes are located at Boiling Springs Savings Bank on North Beverwyck Road, Cerbo Lumber & Hardware at 1855 Route 46 Eastbound, Green Pond Dry Cleaners on Baldwin Road, IHOP Restaurant in the Arlington Plaza Shopping Center on Route 46 Westbound, Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouses at 440 Littleton Road, Four Knives Deli at 166 Halsey Road and at Village Nails & Spa at 1711 Route 10 Eastbound in the Kohl’s Shopping Center.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
The April General Meeting is on Monday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m., at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. All area women are welcome.
For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, or click here to view their website.
PARSIPPANY — Local resident Nick Sauter has been a pillar of the community for countless years and has touched the lives of so many as a former vice principal, athletic director, teacher, football and track coach at Passaic Valley High School.
As an active member of St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Little Falls, he’s been a member of the vestry, and was involved with the church’s food pantry for many years. He’s helped countless local families who are struggling to get the assistance they need.
A graduate of Passaic Valley High School in 1973 and Rutgers University in 1977, Sauter discovered he was in need of a kidney last year, according to his sister-in-law Donna Tissot. Nick continues to suffer from end stage renal failure, also known as end stage kidney disease, and is in need of a living kidney donor to undergo kidney transplant.
When Nick’s story was first published in May 2017, he was already receiving dialysis three times a week, but in the meantime Nick developed a blood infection that traveled to his 21 year old knee replacement. Due to the infection, Nick had to sustain two additional surgeries on his knee this past year and his hopes for a kidney was put on hold. Nick went through three months of physical therapy along with his dialysis. With these ongoing challenges, his sister-in-law Donna Tissot says, “Nick tries to stay positive through his good and bad days”. For those who are dependent on dialysis, life is grim and challenging and time is of the essence to find a healthy living kidney donor in order to go through transplantation.
Anyone who might be interested in being a donor, or knows of someone who would like to be a donor, please contact Parsippany resident Donna Tissot at (973) 714-7016 who will provide additional information and connect you with the transplant coordinator. In the meantime, the appropriate links and forms have been included:
Saint Barnabas Medical Center Living Donor Referral Form, click here.
Saint Barnabas Medical Center The Living Donor Institute, click here.
As Nick’s blood type is A-, interested donors can also be type A-, as well as O, A+ and O+.
However, in addition to blood type there are other ways to determine if someone is a match so please do not let your blood type deter you from thoughts of being a donor.
The family is still hopeful that by continuing to get the word out they will soon find a match for Nick so he can once again lead a normal life and enjoy watching his family grow.
Nick and his family are very thankful for the outpouring of love and support and thank you from the bottom of their hearts.
PARSIPPANY — Mike Ilic has earned recognition from the New England Wrestling Association.
Sharif Shamsudin, and Former Council Vice President Robert Peluso congratulating Michael Ilic
Brendan Marion was tabbed as the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Co-Rookie of the Year while head coach Steve Hall ’87 took home the association’s Coach of the Year award. Tyler Marsh added to the Crimson and Gray honors by being selected the All-NEWA first team while six others drew honorable mention praise from the conference and 13 were named to the all-academic team.
Marion had an outstanding freshmen year going 26-6 and finishing fifth at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship. The 165-pounder helped lead the Engineers to a dual meet record of 18-4, their best since 1994. WPI finished third at the NEWA Duals and second at the Northeast Regional. Marion was the RIT Invitational Champion, the NEWA Duals Outstanding Wrestler, and was also named a Scholar All-American with a 3.52 GPA in Aerospace Engineering. He shared top-rookie billing with Southern Maine’s Austin Shorey and was named to the All-Rookie team along with Mike Ilic, who was above .500 with six pins, at 174.
Hall was selected the NEWA Coach of the Year after winning the NCAA Northeast Regional Coach of the Year award last month. Since that accolade, the Crimson and Gray, bolstered by seven regional place winners, collected a second place finish at the 17-team regional tournament and Marsh represented the team at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. WPI also boasted four Scholar All-Americans.
Marsh, a mechanical engineering major and repeat NWCA Scholar All-American, finished second at 157 pounds at the NCAA Northeast regionals and concluded the campaign with a 31-5 record and a team-best 13 pins. The sophomore garnered co-rookie and All-NEWA second team honors a year ago. Mike is a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 2016.
Austin Shrewsbury, a second teamer last season, garnered his second honorable mention nod at 285 (29-8, 6 pins) while Michael Curtis collected his third at 197 (27-10, 12 pins). Dan Wensley and Stephen Jendritz were repeat selections at 184 (27-9, 3 pins) and 133 (29-10, 5 pins), respectively. Ben Zogby earned his first at 125 (20-9, 5 pins) as did Marion at 165.
Academically, the Engineers were 11th nationally, and fourth in the region, with a 3.49 GPA. The group was led by national honorees Marsh, Zogby, Chase Lind at 165 and Marion. In addition to Marsh, Zogby and Lind, repeat regional selections featured Curtis, Nick Day, Andrew Ellis, Jendritz, Pete Nash, Jack Nigro, Wensley and Tyler Wilson. Marion and Jake Smith represented the Class of 2021. To make Academic All-NEWA a wrestler must have been a major contributor to the team and have over a 3.2 GPA.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation’s first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. WPI’s talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university’s innovative Global Projects Program. There are more than 40 WPI project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
Today as I watch the coverage of the March for Our Lives in Washington DC I realize that I do not know where Jay Webber and Mikie Sherrill, who are running for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District, stand with regard to strengthening the laws required to control the sale of guns. I am sure that both of them, like all of us, are shocked and saddened by the non-stop gun inflicted violence in our streets, schools, movie theaters, and churches. However knowing that Jay and Mikie share our horror is simply not enough.
What we need to know now is if either of them has accepted or plans to accept money from the NRA or any of its affiliates. What we need to know now is if either of them plans to support efforts to ban the sale of automatic weapons. What we need to know now is if either of them plans to support the strengthening of background checks. What we need to know now is where they stand on all of these questions and what they plan to do if elected to represent us in Congress.
Where Jay and Mikie stand will determine how a vast majority of us (Republicans, Democrats and Independents) will vote in November and we will vote !
So Jay and Mikie tell us today – Where you stand so that we can decide whether or not to stand with you in November.
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday March 22, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano took the time out of his busy schedule to visit with the Northvail School third graders. The third grade is currently learning about their local government. He explained to the children how as Mayor he works with all of the township’s departments and services such as the town administrators, police and fire departments, parks and recreation, and utilities.
Mayor Soriano talking to the third grade students at Northvail
The children were given the opportunity to ask Mayor Soriano questions about his job as Mayor. He took the time to answer each of their questions. One student asked, “What is the most difficult task you have had as Mayor so far?” He told the children about a recent challenge helping the hundreds of residents who were left without power during the recent snowstorm. Mayor Soriano spoke to the power company throughout the restoration period and even went personally to assist older community members shovel their driveways. Another student asked “What do you want the people living in the community to do for Parsippany?” He encouraged the students to volunteer in the community and help their neighbors whenever possible.
He also offered the students advice by quoting one of his favorite quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” He explained to the children that they should try to find the positive in any given situation and always face challenges and conflict with a positive attitude and kindness.
The third-grade teachers Mrs. Diggle, Mrs. Garcia and Mrs. Messier would like to thank the Mayor for sharing his time with the children. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Mayor Soriano and learning about his role as a leader in our community.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Lampros Nicos responded to a cell tower on Eastmans Road for a reported theft. Upon his arrival he met with a technician who stated between February 20 and March 17 sixteen batteries with an approximate value of $6,000.00 were stolen.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
PARSIPPANY — While investigating a complaint at Quick Chek, 490 North Beverwyck Road, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers made contact with Robert Barthelus, 27, Lake Hiawatha. This incident occurred on Saturday, March 17 at 10:51 p.m.
After a brief investigation it was determined that he had an active warrant for his arrest issued by the Morristown Municipal Court.
He was advised of the warrant and was also found to be in possession of marijuana. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing.
While at Police Headquarters, Mr. Barthelus was charged with possession of less than 50 grams of Marijuana and failure to give CDS to Law Enforcement
He was released on his own recognizance on the Parsippany charges pending his court date. He was also released on his own recognizance pending a new court date for his warrant from Morristown Municipal Court.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, March 14 at 11:52 p.m. while travelling South on North Beverwyck Road behind another vehicle, Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer John Garza observed a 2017 Ford Fusion driving North in the Southbound lane.
The Ford then swerved back into the correct lane narrowly missing a head-on collision with the vehicle in front of his patrol car.
Officer Garza was able to turn around and conduct a motor vehicle stop on the Ford Fusion in the area of North Beverwyck Road and Farrand Drive.
Officer Garza made contact with the driver, Robert Horvath, 60, Lake Hiawatha. After a brief investigation he was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.
While there Mr. Horvath was charged with Driving While Intoxicated
and Careless Driving.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
This resolution was not worth the time, and no real due diligence was performed in examining its need as NJ officials have not passed any laws. Perhaps as a law enforcement officer Councilman Carifi should of excused himself? Again mixing marijuana in the soup of drugs and opiates only demonstrates opinions not science, and dePierro’s mentioning of the Institute of Science Engineering Medicine is not correct in concluding the issue of marijuana addiction. Another ridiculous contention is that police have no way to detect if a person is stoned on pot while driving. Only probable cause by police would allow a person to be pulled over.Erratic driving, or a tail, light out, and it would proceed from that situation. Marijuana can be smelled and then discovery of perhaps alcohol to add to the list after probable cause.
Trumped up morality
This resolution is like most political situations today out of sync with facts and the majority of knowledgeable citizens. Will Parsippany arrest people if the State passes legal marijuana? Meanwhile pharmaceutical drugs and health insurance,for profit infect the soul of our society.
Better thought resolutions
This resolution was inappropriate and proves nothing, and was used to divide not unite people. Alcohol related trash litters our landscapes and streets, and even in places like ShopRite is openly promoted and in forms easy to drink and drive. An Ordinance to prevent the sales of small liquor bottles, or plastic styrotrash would’ve shown some degree of real concern for the issue of addiction and quality of life.
In retrospect what could the real difference be between medical marijuana or legalizing decriminalizing this plant? The greed issue mentioned at Council by the public is better aimed at the for profit health care and drug corporations that exploit us.
Legal drugs may or may not cause or increase
Drowsiness. Dizziness. Restlessness. Weight gain (the risk is higher with some atypical antipsychotic medicines) Dry mouth. Constipation. Nausea. Vomiting. Heart Palpitations. Hallucinations. Do not operate machinery or motor vehicle anxiety or suicidal feelings. All these from prescription drugs.
Lawsuit: Parsippany zoning tactics illegal
The public be reminded it was councilman dePierro that voted against his own community in the Waterview episode. Despite overwhelming public opposition, no just cause and a council No Vote. He sided with a rude and inconsiderate RD developer, for a questionable tax rateable changed the character of a beautiful neighborhood forever, (perhaps to insure his own salary paid for by our tax dollars). He will rave about the Carfi lawsuit, but remains silent on the lawsuits brought against us by RD developer and others related to waterview. He also purposely mislead and misinformed the public on the issue of public housing using that as a tactic to side with RD developer against his own community. Waterview landscape could not have been taken for COAH type housing. That is a fact that can be proven.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Girl and Boy Scouts of all ages are invited to join Temple Beth Am in celebration of “Scout Shabbat” this Friday night, March 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Scout Shabba celebrates the shared values of Scouting and Judaism, and scouts of all faiths are invited to attend. Scouts are asked to attend in uniform.
An RSVP is requested; call Lynn Anne Cutler at (9730887-0046 x12, or email school@tbaparsippany.org, with name, troop/den town and number, and the number of scouts attending.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the indictment of Jose M. Mejias, Ines M. Rivera-Rodriguez, and Casimiro Richiez-Martinez on numerous CDS charges arising out of their distribution of cocaine and fentanyl in Mount Olive Township, Rockaway Township, and Rockaway Borough.
The CDS distribution charges relate to five separate alleged distributions of fentanyl and/or cocaine. This investigation culminated on September 21, 2017, when a motor vehicle stop was made by the Rockaway Borough Police Department, which resulted in the arrests of Jose M. Mejias and Ines M. Rivera-Rodriguez. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of approximately seven ounces of cocaine and 2,450 dosage units of heroin. The estimated street value of the illegal drugs seized is in excess of $20,500.
Jose M. Mejias, arrested in September 2017, was indicted on the following charges:
one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of five ounces or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the First Degree;
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 J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(2), a crime of the Second Degree;
one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount of one ounce or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(4), a crime of the Second Degree;
five counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), crimes of the Third Degree;
five counts of Distribution of Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), crimes of the Third Degree;
five counts of Possession of Fentanyl, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), crimes of the Third Degree;
two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount less than one-half ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), crimes of the Third Degree;
two counts of Distribution of Cocaine in an amount less than one-half ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), crimes of the Third Degree;
four counts of Possession of Cocaine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), crimes of the Third Degree;
one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of five ounces or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the Second Degree;
one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount of one ounce or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(4), a crime of the Second Degree; and
one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), a crime of the Third Degree.
Ines M. Rivera-Rodriguez, arrested in September 2017, was indicted for the following charges:
one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of five ounces or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the First Degree;
one (1) 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 J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(2), a crime of the Second Degree;
one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount of one ounce or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(4), a crime of the Second Degree;
two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), crimes of the Third Degree;
two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), crimes of the Third Degree;
two counts of Possession of Fentanyl, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), crimes of the Third Degree;
one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount less than One-half ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), a crime of the Third Degree;
one count of Distribution of Cocaine in an amount less than one-half ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), a crime of the Third Degree;
three counts of Possession of Cocaine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), crimes of the Third Degree;
one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of five ounces or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the Second Degree; and
one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount of one ounce or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(4), a crime of the Second Degree.
Casimiro Richiez-Martinez, arrested in February 2018, was indicted for the following charges:
one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), a crime of the Third Degree;
one count of Distribution of Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), a crime of the Third Degree;
one count of Possession of Fentanyl, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), a crime of the Third Degree; and
one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), a crime of the Third Degree.
Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force and its participating agencies), the Mt. Olive Police Department, the Rockaway Borough Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts related to this investigation.
Prosecutor Knapp said, “This investigation targeted individuals responsible for importing and distributing a steady supply of Fentanyl in Morris County. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and its Narcotics Task Force partners will continue to combat the opiate epidemic through enforcement efforts targeting for profit drug dealers.” This investigation was conducted under the direction of MCPO Captain Brian Keane, Commander of the Narcotics Task Force, and Detective Lieutenant Luis Sanchez of the Mt. Olive Police Department.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed Resolution No. R2018-45, “Endorsing Governor Murphy’s Directive to The Board of Public Utilities to investigate and hold hearings on how Jersey Central Power & Light responded to the recent Winter storms leaving thousands of Township Residents without power.”
The resolution passed 3-2, with Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani voting against the Resolution.
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., stated “I think it is important that this issue be looked into. I know the crews on the road worked very hard at restoring power but if something was not handled correctly by upper management then that needs to be addressed, so that power outages are handled more efficiently in the future. The investigation may turn up nothing but at least the state is doing its due diligence. I have no idea why Mr. dePierro and Ms. Gragnani would vote no in supporting this investigation. I have spoken to many residents in town who were without power for many days, they deserve answers.”
“This resolution focuses on the company’s management. Their preparedness and investment not the efforts of the workers,” said Council Vice President Janice McCarthy.
Councilwoman Emily Peterson stated “With this resolution we give the residents of Parsippany the opportunity to report what happened to them during the storm response, good or bad. We want to give people the opportunity to tell their story when and where it matters.”
“JCP&L is a utility that reports to the Board of Public Utilities. The BPU is already investigating JCP&L’s slow response to the outages at the Governor’s request. I read that JCP&L had 1400 telephone poles down and 2800 miles of cable to run. This was compounded by downed trees blocking many roads. The BPU will determine if better planning or preparations could have improved upon that. No-one likes to experience power outages, including my family. My home was without power for 11 days during Hurricane Sandy. I just felt that this Resolution was unnecessary. We will all read about the results of the BPU’s findings and recommendations for improvement when their investigation is complete, stated Councilman Michael dePierro.
The resolution read:
TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
RESOLUTION R2018-045: RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL ENDORSING GOVERNOR MURPHY’S DIRECTIVE TO THE BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INVESTIGATE AND HOLD HEARINGS ON HOW JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT RESPONDED TO THE RECENT WINTER STORMS LEAVING THOUSANDS OF TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS WITHOUT POWER
WHEREAS, many residents and businesses of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
(the “Township”) have been without power since the March 2, 2018 Nor’easter storm; and
WHEREAS, thousands of additional Township residents and businesses lost power during the March 7, 2018 snow storm; and
WHEREAS, at the height of the most recent storm, more than 350,000 New Jersey residents were without power; and
WHEREAS, Jersey Central Power & Light (“JCP&L”), which services the Township, has been identified as the utility company responsible for the most outages; and
WHEREAS, JCP&L has failed to restore power to Township residents and businesses in a timely manner, which has jeopardized the public health, safety and well-being of Township residents; and
WHEREAS, Governor Philip D. Murphy has directed the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (“BPU”) to complete an assessment and investigation of how state utility companies responded to these winter storms leaving hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents without power; and
WHEREAS, Governor Murphy has further announced that as part of the investigation hearings will be held in areas served by JCP&L.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, County of Morris, State of New Jersey as follows:
That the aforesaid recitals are hereby adopted and incorporated herein as if repeated in full;
The Township Council hereby endorses Governor Murphy’s directive to the BPU to complete an assessment and investigation of JCP&L’s response to the recent winter storms and its inability to timely and efficiently restore electric service to the residents of the Township.
The Township Council hereby requests that the Mayor pursue all available actions to ensure that the BPU hold hearings in the Township as part of its investigation so that JCP&L’s response to winter storms in the Township can be properly assessed and remedies to JCP&L’s deficient service can be identified;
If any part of this Resolution shall be deemed invalid, such parts shall be severed and the invalidity thereby shall not affect the remaining parts of this Resolution.
A copy of this resolution shall be available for public inspection at the offices of the Town Clerk.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND LAWFUL COPY OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AT ITS MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2018.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed Resolution R2018-044 on Tuesday, March 20. The resolution “Township Expressing Its Opposition to Proposed Legislation to Permit the Recreational Use of Marijuana in the State of New Jersey,” was passed 3-2. Councilwoman Emily Peterson and Council Vice President Janice McCarthy voted against the resolution.
Councilman Michael dePierro
Before introducing the Resolution, Councilman Michael dePierro stated “There are studies, one of them from National Academies of Scientists, Engineering and Medicine. They did a pretty thorough study, and I can’t pretend to understand a lot of medical journals and technical journal, but the statement I made when I introduced this ordinance was prenatal, perinatal and neonatal exposure. With this substance taken enough times; Alcohol is more soluble, so your body dissipates everything you drank, within seven hours its out of your body. It’s gone. But marijuana component in there THC is fat-soluble, that’s absorbed by the fat cells in your body, and it stays there for a very long time. And the second time you smoke and get more, it builds up, its cumulative in your body. This can affect young people and it definitely affects pregnant people or women who expecting to become pregnant.”
TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY RESOLUTION R2018-044: RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS TOWNSHIP EXPRESSING ITS OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO PERMIT THE RECREATIONAL USE OF MARIJUANA IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
WHEREAS, recent news stories have indicated that the Governor of the State of New Jersey will move to legalize recreational marijuana use within bis first 100 days in office; and WHEREAS, the United States of America outlaws recreational cannabis pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC Section 811; and
WHEREAS, only eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana; and
WHEREAS, Colorado, one of the states that legalized recreational marijuana has seen an increase in documented traffic deaths involving drivers that had used marijuana (in 2013, the year before marijuana was fully legalized in Colorado, there were 55 documented traffic deaths and in 2016 the number was 125); and
WHEREAS, in 2016 the Rocky Mountain High Density Drug Trafficking Area (RMHDDTA) annual report shows that the number of medical marijuana centers in Colorado is greater than the number of Starbucks coffee shops, and the number of recreational marijuana outlets is greater than the number of McDonald’s Restaurants; and
WHEREAS, the RMHDDTA report also demonstrates that marijuana use among Colorado teens aged 12 to 17 is 74% above the national average; and
WHEREAS, medical marijuana is generally carefully controlled for the amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol generally referred to as “THC”; recreational marijuana, on the other hand, is specifically designed to have as much “THC” as possible; and
WHEREAS, “THC” is known to impair physical function in the user including reaction time while operating a vehicle and the user’s ability to perceive danger; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey utilizes Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) to determine whether someone is under the influence of a drug including marijuana when operating a motor vehicle and there is no current objective standard for operating under the influence of drugs like marijuana as compared to standards established for driving while intoxicated (.08%); and
WHEREAS, the enforcement of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs such as marijuana is very difficult; and
WHEREAS, many health professionals consider marijuana a “gateway” drug; and
WHEREAS, the opioid epidemic is well known to residents of the County of Morris and the State of New Jersey even though opioids are currently “legal” and available by prescription and has not been controlled and, in fact, has become an epidemic.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills that its opposes legislation that would permit the recreational use of marijuana in the State of New Jersey; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parsippany Township Clerk shall forward a certified true copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of New Jersey, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey, the members of the Morris County Legislative Delegation, the members of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the Mayor and Council of all municipalities within the County of Morris.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND LAWFUL COPY OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AT ITS MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2018.
Dear Editor:
