PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Councilmembers Janice McCarthy and Emily Peterson invited residents of the 11th Congressional District to join them for a “Morris Meet and Greet” in support of and featuring Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill on Monday, August 10, at 5:30 p.m.
Councilwoman Janice McCarthy
As local elected officials, McCarthy and Peterson understand that Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has been a strong fighter for New Jersey in Congress, and want to bring residents together to hear from the Congresswoman ahead of the November 3 election.
“Congresswoman Sherrill has been an essential voice for New Jersey and the residents of Parsippany throughout this crisis,” Peterson explained, adding, “Her leadership is more proof that we need strong leaders in office who will always work to take care of residents in our communities. It is vital we do everything we can to return her to the House this November.”
Councilwoman Emily Peterson
McCarthy strongly encouraged residents to attend, noting, “This event will be a fantastic opportunity to hear from Congresswoman Sherrill and understand the many things that she and her team have been doing to support our community.”
Residents who are interested in attending may sign up before the event by clicking here or at pardems.org.
An email will be promptly sent to those who sign up indicating more information on the event.
MORRIS COUNTY — The following statement is being issued on behalf of the entire Morris County Freeholders by Freeholder Director Deborah Smith:
“At the outset, you should know we share your frustration over what seems to be an inordinate delay in reopening our roads and restoring power to many neighborhoods. What you need to know is that our county Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is actively working with utilities and first responders in all 39 towns to expedite the recovery.
Freeholder Director Deborah Smith
“In a phone conference this morning, including OEM, local police and emergency officials, JCP&L reported that of the 150,000 Morris County customers impacted by the storm on Tuesday, 92,361 remain without power. By this afternoon, JCP&L reported they got that down to 84,622 customers.
“The utility explained Morris County was the third hardest-hit county in the state and said the key to restoring power and clearing roads is the ongoing repair work JCP&L is conducting at multiple substations that were knocked out by Isaias.
“Today, as in previous daily phone conferences, local police and officials expressed frustration with Verizon and JCP&L, especially regarding downed trees, poles, and wires that have isolated entire communities. As this situation unfolds, we want to assure you that our county OEM is in constant contact with all local first responders, who are relaying their priority lists of road closures, water supply interruption, sewer interruption, power outages and potential hazards in every neighborhood in every town.
“OEM has been providing each town in need with additional generators to keep major facilities operating, coordinating the clean-up effort, and enlisting the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to provide equipment and manpower to every town in need of support.
“Many towns have set up “cooling stations” for people in need of water and ice, while emergency officials and the county Human Services Department are keeping in direct contact with every hospital, care facility, and senior complex in our county.
“Due to the COVID pandemic, our Human Services Department already developed a process of checking on our most vulnerable populations. But today our OEM reminded each town to conduct their own welfare-checks on vulnerable citizens who may require emergency services, particularly those without power who may need to relocate to the homes of family and friends.
“Our Morris Area Paratransit System (MAPS) is active and available to vulnerable Morris County residents who may need to relocate. Additionally, anyone in need of assistance is being urged to dial 211. Because police and fire departments are focused on keeping residents safe and resolving dangerous situations, please do not dial 911 unless you face a life-threatening emergency.
“While the power outages and road closures are troubling for many families, all of us in Morris County have successfully pulled through similar situations in the past, including Hurricane Irene, the October 2011 Snowstorm and Superstorm Sandy because we have worked together, remained calm and provided our first responders with the resources necessary to restore our community to normalcy.
“Please rest assured, we will get beyond this crisis.’’
The Morris County Board of Freeholders includes Director Deborah Smith, Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Doug Cabana, Kathy DeFillippo, John Krickus, Tom Mastrangelo, and Tayfun Selen.
NORTH JERSEY — Governor Phil Murphy announces an additional $15 million in CARES Act funding to support small businesses across New Jersey through the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program at A-List Hair Studio in North Brunswick on July 28, 2020.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Officer Josh Williams arrested Ms. Rachel Grant, 28, Parsippany, for DWI, on Monday, July 29.
Ms. Grant was originally stopped for a motor vehicle violation when it was determined she was intoxicated.
Ms. Grant was charged with possession of CDS and drug paraphernalia. She was also issued summonses for DWI, failure to follow the marked course, failure to maintain lane, failure to keep right, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, reckless, careless, failure to signal, failure to yield, tailgating, speeding, and failure to stop for an emergency vehicle.
She was released to a friend pending her court date.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall is now reopened to the public, and we’ve put a number of procedures in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced the decrease of indoor gathering capacity limit in response to the increase of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey.
Indoor gatherings are now limited to 25 percent of a room’s capacity, but regardless of the room’s capacity, the maximum limit shall be 25 persons, down from 100 persons.
For purposes of determining this limit, any private residence or residential unit shall be treated as a single room.
However, this change will not be applicable to the following events: weddings, funerals, memorial services, religious services, celebrations, or political activities. These events may continue under the previous rules that limited these events to 25 percent of a room’s capacity, but with a limit of 100 persons.
“In order to protect public health, we are retightening the restriction on indoor gatherings due to uptick of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy.
“We cannot stress enough that large and crowded indoor gatherings, where social distancing isn’t being practiced and face masks aren’t being worn, are not safe. Until there is a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases, these restrictions will continue to be in place.”
The Order takes effect at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 172, allowing any public employee eligible for enrollment into the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) to immediately enroll upon hire, rather than waiting two months.
Previously, under Executive Order No. 115, the two-month waiting period was waived only for public employees hired specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This Order, which will last for the duration of the Public Health Emergency, applies to any public employee eligible for enrollment into the SHBP who is hired on or after March 9, 2020.
“New Jersey’s skilled workforce is essential to the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and the lack of health benefits coverage for newly hired personnel may be a deterrent to attracting and hiring the key staff necessary to continue our work during the pandemic,” said Governor Murphy. “We must ensure that our workforce has seamless access to health care, including preventive services and medical care relating to COVID-19, throughout this once-in-a-century pandemic.”
This order will take effect immediately. Click here to download Executive Order 172.
PARSIPPANY — Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is one of the biggest festivals in India, is celebrated on Monday, August 3, across the country. It’s an occasion marking brotherly love between siblings. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie ‘Rakhi’, a colorful band signifying love between siblings, on the wrist of their brother.
Heather Haque tied Rakhi band on Mahat’s wrist
Heather Haque, 31, a transgender resident of Parsippany because of her emotional attachment with Mahat Jalan, an actor, and model, tied a Rakhi band on his wrist.
“Acceptability, love, and attachment are more important to me than what others of Hindu society might think,” says Mahat.
When Mahat came to the United States in January, he became friends with Heather. His approach towards life is different, and his perspectives are open-minded, unlike other Indian men who were often rude towards trans people. “I need respect, and Mahat has so far respected my thoughts. I’m glad to have such a brother in my life,” said Heather.
MORRIS COUNTY — Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will now begin written driver tests, including commercial drivers, starting Monday, August 3, announced the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The tests will be given by appointment in all licensing centers except Oakland and Flemington, they said.
The demand is high, stated DMV officials so drivers are encouraged to make an appointment. Appointments can be made up to thirty days in advance click here.
Road tests restarted June 29, also on an appointment basis.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was notified at approximately 4:30 a.m. on reports of a stabbing in the Mill Run Apartments, on Harry and Judy Drive, off Route 10 in the Powdermill section of Parsippany. Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and The Morris County Sheriff’s Department are on the scene.
Sources at the scene indicate a domestic dispute which led a female to stab a male. At this time there is no danger to the general public.
Parsippany Focus is waiting for an official statement from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and will update this article when additional information becomes available.
The crime scene at Mill Run ApartmentsMill Run Apartments, Harry and Judy Drive
