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It’s peak lightning season: The number of strikes in N.J. may surprise you
A freak weather event like getting struck by lightning was not something that crossed Robin Lally’s mind that much – until July 2008. That’s when the Dover woman was driving home from the shore with her husband to find police and fire fighters descending on her house, which had just sustained a serious lightning strike. The…
Synthetic Marijuana Grab on Route 80
PARSIPPANY — New Jersey State Trooper Sonia Perez stopped to assist a man walking on Interstate 80 in Parsippany-Troy Hills, on Wednesday, July 1. A brief investigation at the location revealed the man to be in possession of synthetic marijuana.
Juan Dockey, 26, of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, was arrested and taken to Netcong Barracks to be processed. The continuing investigation at the station resulted in the seizure of 370 grams of synthetic marijuana, prescription pills, and drug paraphernalia.
Dockey was charged with possession of synthetic marijuana and prescription legend drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and distribution. He was lodged at Morris County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail with no 10% option.
The above photo are of some types of synthetic marijuana for the parents who don’t know what it looks like. It’s marketed towards kids, so be on the lookout.
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.
County Counsel O’Mullan Retires After Four Decades of Service
MORRIS COUNTY — Dan O’Mullan is retiring after four decades of legal service to Morris County, including the past seven years as chief Morris County Counsel.
O’Mullan served for nearly 30 years as an assistant and special counsel appointed by the county freeholders. He was then named Acting County Counsel in 2008 and was appointed as the county’s permanent chief legal advisor in 2009.
He was honored with a special resolution by the freeholders on June 24, in the presence of his wife, Helen, and two sons, Michael and Matthew.
“Dan O’Mullan served with great dedication, intelligence and integrity, and with the best interests of Morris County in mind,’’ said the resolution read by Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo.
Before working for Morris County, O’Mullan was an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission, a Special Deputy Attorney General, and an Assistant Hudson County Prosecutor. The Fordham University Law School graduate was appointed an assistant Morris County Counsel in 1980.
O’Mullan, who also has long been a partner in the Cedar Knolls-based O’Mullan and Brady law firm, will be replaced by attorney John Napolitano, Randolph, who took the oath of office on Tuesday, June 30
Students named to Dean’s List at Grove City College
PARSIPPANY — The following students were named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2015 semester at Grove City College.
Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0.
Matthew Adamo was named to the Dean’s List. Matthew was a senior Computer Infmtn Systems major. Matthew is a 2011 graduate of Homeschooled and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elias Adamo (Cynthia) from Lake Hiawatha.
Daniel Greenfield was named to the Dean’s List with Distinction. Daniel was a junior Biochemistry major. Daniel is a 2012 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and is the son of Mr. and Ms. Scott Greenfield (Kimberly) from Parsippany.
Lauren Schmitt was named to the Dean’s List with High Distinction. Lauren was a senior Music Education major. Lauren is a 2011 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Schmitt, Jr. (Marion) from Parsippany.
Morris County Jail receives perfect score; Nationally accredited 12th year in a row
The New Jersey Department of Corrections concluded their annual independent inspection of the Morris County Correctional Facility this week and again, the Correctional Facility received a perfect score of 100%.
This came just after the American Correctional Association (ACA) gave the correctional facility a score of 98.6%, making this the twelfth year in a row the correctional facility was nationally accredited.
The review was conducted by three out-of-state independent correctional professionals.
This accreditation is one of prestige as only 160 jails of the over 3,000 in the United States have ever accomplished this feat. These two national accreditations finish up the three essential national assessments, earning the Morris County Sheriff’s Office the Triple Crown Award for the 11th year in a row.
The Triple Crown Award’s distinction have only been earned by 36 of the 3,083 Sheriff’s Offices nationwide. This also comes on the heels of just having received reaccreditation from The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) with a perfect score of 100% for all essential standards and a 94% in the non essential standards.
Sheriff Edward Rochford would like to congratulate the men and women of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections for their continued outstanding work.
Three car accident sends one driver to hospital
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Anthony Tuorto, 46, was traveling south on Route 53 near the Brooklawn Drive intersection, and was stopped in traffic. Ms. Samantha Vanghan, 44, was traveling behind Mr. Tuorto and was stopped in traffic, when Mr. Patrick Hentze, 26, hit her vehicle from behind pushing her vehicle into Mr. Tuorto’s vehicle. This accident occurred on Tuesday, June 30 at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Mr. Tuorto was driving a 2011 Subaru Impreza, and was the vehicle was driven away from the scene.
Ms. Vanghan was driving a 2013 Audi A5, and the vehicle was towed from the scene by Powder Mill Towing.
Mr. Patrick Hentze was driving a 2008 Toyota Pick Up, and the vehicle was towed from the scene by Powder Mill Towing.
Mrs. Vanghan was transported to St. Clare’s Hospital by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services.
Patrolman Dave Cavilere investigated the accident.
At the time of this article, there were no summons issued.
Par-Troy All Stars Win District 1 Title Championship
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Par Troy East Seniors All Stars 2015 defeats Dover 5-0 to win the District 1 Title.
Nicole Ruggiero went 2-3, helping PTE to a 5-0 victory and the district crown over Dover on Tuesday at Gallo Field. She singled in the second inning and doubled in the seventh inning. Caitlin Brennan struck out 11 hitters en route to the victory. Ruiz took the loss for Dover. She pitched seven innings, walked six, struck out seven, and allowed five runs.
PTE never trailed after Ruggiero’s single in the 2nd. Alivia Mercuro had a big two out RBI single later in the game to seal the win. Caitlin Brennan received a lot of defensive support from her team. Only 1 error from the defensive helped her preserve back to back shutouts. Next up for Par Troy East will be Triboro Little League for the Section 1 championship.
Games will be on Gallo Field at the Par Troy East Complex on Monday, July 6, Tuesday, July 7 and Wednesday, July 8 at 5:30. It winner will be best of 3.
Goddard School holds graduation for Pre-Kindergarten Class of 2015
PARSIPPANY — The Goddard School, 311 Smith Road, held graduation for Pre-Kindergarten Class of 2015 on Friday, June 26.
The following students received their diploma during the ceremony: Damian Barone, Emma Bray, Kayla Cangelosi, Caleb Furmanek, Siya Gaware, Samuel Hader, Dhruv Harsh, Miles Herbig, Advik Kamath, Ethan Leung, Matthew Liau, Jessie Liu, Mahrosh Mannan, Adem Misirlioglu, Shonali Murthy, Shaan Naidu, Aabha Paranjpe, Maya Parikh, Roy Poikayil, Sushanth Vodlakonda, Avika Sharma, Pranav Sharma, Alexandra Stella and Tyler Truesdale.
Ten Parsippany Residents Graduate The College of New Jersey
PARSIPPANY — The following students participated in the 2015 Commencement Ceremonies at The College of New Jersey on Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22.
Christopher Frey, Kirpa Chohan, Frank Caccavale, Byron Kou, Elizabeth Dinsmore, Paul Flores, Disha Patel, William Westerman, Alissa Velazquez and Willian Hua are all graduates of the Class of 2015.
Your predictions: Who’s headed to Drumthwacket if Christie wins the White House?
PRINCETON — We know Gov. Chris Christie wants to occupy the White House as the country’s next president, but who’s headed to the governor’s mansion in Princeton? Drumthwacket, the official residence of the New Jersey governor since 1981, is located on Stockton Street near the Battle of Princeton site. Built in 1835 by Charles Smith Olden,…
Seeking Information Regarding a Vehicle Believed to be Involved In a Possible Hit and Run
MADISON — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Madison Police Department are seeking information from the public concerning a possible hit and run that occurred in Madison.
On Saturday, June 20, at approximately 9:45 p.m, a 53 year old male was found to be critically injured in the area of Main Street and Prospect.
Law enforcement believes that the male’s injuries are the result of a possible hit and run. The investigation has led to information involving a vehicle leaving the scene of this incident and traveling east on Main Street towards Chatham.
The vehicle in question is believed to be a 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Damage may be minimal and possibly concentrated to the front part of the vehicle.
The following is the surveillance photograph of the vehicle:
The Madison Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this vehicle, as well as speaking with anyone with information regarding this incident and/or the circumstances leading to this male’s injuries.
Any person with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Madison Police Department at (973) 593-3000, the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at (973) 267-2255. All calls will be kept confidential.
Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will host the annual “Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks” on Saturday, July 4. Rain date Sunday, July 5. Come out and enjoy an evening of music by “The Trip” and fireworks at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive.
The concert starts a 7:00 p.m. and fireworks start at dusk. Read Parsippany Focus in case of inclement weather.
Some reminders from Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department:
Alcoholic beverages, pets, fireworks, smoking and bicycles are strictly prohibited at the event. Those individuals found in possession of prohibited property will be ejected from the event and possibly receive a summons.
Security Checkpoints will be located at all entrances to the event.
All bags, coolers and packages brought to the event will be subject to inspection by law enforcement.
- All traffic exiting the event by way of Rita Drive will be directed to Littleton Road. (Route 202) north bound.
- All traffic exiting the event from Brooklawn Drive to Littleton Road. (Route 202) will be directed onto Littleton Road. (Route 202) south bound.
- Fieldcrest Road is closed to all through traffic from Atlantic Drive to Littleton Road in both directions from 9:45 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
- Littleton Road (Route 202) will be closed to all through traffic from Halsey Road to Park Road in both directions from 9:45 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
- Due to the heavy volume of traffic, any vehicles found parked in a normally prohibited area or in a marked emergency prohibited parking zone will be subject to summons and possibly towed and impounded. There will be no parking permitted on Brooklawn Drive or Rita Drive.
- Additional parking will be permitted at Littleton School as well as Brooklawn Middle School. Shuttle buses will NOT be provided.
- Handicapped parking will be made available on a first come/first serve basis at the Glencove Road entrance to the school. Golf cart service will also be made available from this area for individuals with disabilities.
The fireworks display will begin at dark.
Morris Habitat for Humanity Accepting Applications Homes to be Built
BUDD LAKE — Morris Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for two affordable homes being built on Wallman Way in the Budd Lake section of Mount Olive, Morris County. These two-story homes will features three bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, living and dining rooms. The homes will be handicap accessible with an adaptable bedroom and bath on the first floor. The maximum sale price for these homes will be $155,000 and is based on selected applicant’s income.
Besides income qualifications, applicants must be able to afford normal monthly payments for utilities, taxes and an interest-free mortgage. Other qualifications include a clean credit history and that their current housing is inadequate for their needs.
The most important part, as far as Morris Habitat is concerned, is the willingness of the family or individual to complete the full Habitat Application Process. This process includes full personal disclosure and attendance and participation in home buyer education and willingness to contribute “sweat equity” in the amount of at least three hundred (300) hours helping to build their home.
Carolyn Haraksin, the Director of Homeowner Relations for Morris Habitat, handles the application and selection process, which includes a special orientation, home visits and interviews. Recently she stated that, “working with prospective families has been the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had,” and went on to say that, “helping them to become active members of their new community brings me in contact with hundreds of people that make this program so special.” Once the homeowners are selected through a lottery system, a Morris Habitat family partner to guide the future homeowners is assigned and workshops are scheduled to prepare the families for home ownership.
Anyone interested in applying must attend one of the mandatory one-hour Orientation Meetings at the Morris Habitat office the following dates:
Morris Habitat for Humanity, 274 South Salem Street, Randolph
Wednesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m.
To register for one of these orientation sessions, email info@morrishabitat.org with a subject line “Homeownership – Budd Lake”. The e-mail should include name, telephone number and which session you will attend. The sessions start right on time, with no one will be admitted late. We love kids but space is limited. Please leave your children at home if possible.
To find out more about the program and application process check the Morris Habitat website or contact Carolyn Haraksin, Director of Homeowner Relations, at carolyn.haraksin@morrishabitat.org or by calling at (973) 891-1934, extension 107
Caption: Cute and tidy 2-story homes to be built in the Wallman Way area of Budd Lake for low to moderate income housing.
About Morris Habitat for Humanity
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles by building homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.
Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 305 families though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. During the past year Morris Habitat has completing 5 units, with 15 under construction, and finished 10 home repair projects. Thirty eight projects are in the pipeline for 2015-2017. In addition, proceeds from the ReStore, opened May 2007, have built 14 homes and diverted 4,400 tons of useable material out of landfills. Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph. Store hours: Tues 12 – 8 p.m., Wed & Fri 10 – 6 p.m., Thurs. 10 – 8 p.m., sat 10 – 5 p.m.
Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will host the annual “Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks” on Saturday, July 4. Rain date Sunday, July 5. Come out and enjoy an evening of music by “The Trip” and fireworks at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive.
The concert starts a 7:00 p.m. and fireworks start at dusk.
For updates and information on parking and traffic, Parsippany Focus will publish details later this week.
The Trip, winner of Gigmaster’s Top Cover Band Award three years in a row. Performing 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and the MOST CURRENT ROCK and TOP-40 HITS, The Trip is extremely versatile with a huge song list; authentic and energetic, with extremely talented musicians whose seasoned experience can cover any event. We do Concerts, Corporate Events, Clubs, Private Parties and Weddings! THE TRIP has ROCKED for Microsoft, Disney, IBM, HP, Budweiser, and many more Fortune 500 companies. Professional, Accommodating and Fun.
Christie campaign rolls out his leadership team; Morris County leaders on list
Chris Christie announced his New Jersey leadership teams made up of more than 200 Republican leaders and elected officials, as well as business leaders from across the state who are supporting his candidacy.
Local Morris County elected officials or business leaders include:
New Jersey Political Leadership Team
Rodney Frelinghuysen, Congressman, NJ-11
Members of the New Jersey State Senate:
Anthony R. Bucco, State Senator, District 25
Joseph Pennacchio, State Senator, District 26
Members of the New Jersey General Assembly
Anthony R. Bucco, Jr., Assemblyman, District 25
Jay Webber, Assemblyman, District 26
Betty Lou DeCroce, Assemblywoman, District 26
New Jersey Republican County Chair
John Sette, Chairman, Morris County
Members of the New Jersey Republican State Committee
Larry Casha, Committeeman, Morris County
Christina Ramirez, Committeewoman, Morris County
Morris County Republican Countywide Elected Officials
Edward Rochford, Sheriff
Ann Grossi, County Clerk
William Hank Lyon, Freeholder
Doug Cabana, Freeholder
Kathy DeFillippo, Freeholder
Tom Mastrangelo, Freeholder
John Cesaro, Freeholder
John Krickus, Freeholder
David Scapicchio, Freeholder
New Jersey Finance Leadership Team
Todd Christie, Ernst & Young, Mendham
Arthur Corwin, Arthur Corwin Civil Engineering, Morristown
Ed Deutsch, Mcelroy Deutsch Mulvaney & Carpenter, Morristown
Craig Domalewski, Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski, PC, Randolph
Michael Gilfillan, BCS Capital, Madison
Christine Gilfillan, Madison
John Inglesino, Inglesino, Pearlman, Wyciskala & Taylor, Parsippany
Jerry Langer, Langer Transport Company, Montville
John Sette, Lohman & Associates Inc, Morristown
While it became official only Tuesday, most people in New Jersey knew as much for months. What they don’t know is who is running New Jersey.
In 2014, Christie spent about a third of the year out of state campaigning for Republican gubernatorial candidates. This year, there has been hardly a week when the Governor has not spent some time out of New Jersey. After Tuesday’s announcement in Livingston, Christie was conducting an evening town-hall-style event in New Hampshire; He is scheduled to be in New Hampshire through Fourth of July.
Elected officials rarely give up office to run for another one. In the private sector, an employee who needed a year off to do something else would have to take an unpaid leave or resign. If you are a governor or U.S. senator, you keep your day job and its salary, benefits and prestige while pursuing something better. Taxpayers are not asked if they mind or if their interests are being served.
Editors Note: Individuals are serving in a personal capacity. Company names are provided for convenience only. Although not Morris County Former Gov. Tom Kean is not on the list; Neither is longtime Christie critic state Senator Mike Doherty (R-23) or Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll (R-25); Also missing areU.S. Rep. Scott Garrett, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, Assemblyman Chris Brown (R-2), Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-39), state Senator Joe Kyrillos (R-13).
NJFOG wins its OPMA case against the Trenton Board of Education
TRENTON — The New Jersey Foundation for Open Government (NJFOG) filed a lawsuit (Docket No. MER-L-11-15) against the Trenton Board of Education earlier this year. The suit involves multiple violations of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).
New Jersey Foundation For Open Government (NJFOG) previously announced that OPRA counts were decided in our favor, with a hearing on OPMA counts scheduled on Monday, June 29.
NJFOG announces that it has won its Open Public Meetings Act case against the Trenton School Board.
Mercer County Judge Mary C. Jacobson signed the Order on June 30. NJFOG has obtained two injunctions against the Board. Judge Jacobson’s June 30 order is available by clicking here. The case pleadings, including the motion for summary judgment and opposition, are available by clicking here.
This case is one of a growing number of lawsuits brought by NJFOG for the public’s benefit in order to give teeth and clarity to the OPMA and OPRA laws and to increase compliance by public agencies statewide
PTE All Star Senior Softball beats Dover 10-0 in District Finals
PARSIPPANY — The 2015 Par-Troy East Senior Little League All Stars beat Dover 10-0 in six innings on Monday at Gallo Field after a seven-run explosion in the fourth inning.
PTE scored in the fourth on an RBI single by Claudia Bennett, an RBI single by Nicole Ruggiero, an RBI single by Luisa Barone, a two-run double by Eliz Quigley, an RBI single by Alivia Mercuro, and an RBI single by Caitlin Brennan. PTE was led by a flawless day at the plate by Bennett, who went 3-3 against Dover’s pitching. PTE’s Brennan kept Dover off the scoreboard for all six innings she was on the rubber. She pitched a shutout, allowing no runs on two hits while striking out eight. PTE didn’t relinquish the lead after scoring two runs in the second inning when it scored on a two-run single by Ruggiero.
Game 2 of the best of 3 series will be on Gallo Field on Tuesday, June 30 at 6:00. If PTE wins on Tuesday they will capture the District 1 Senior Crown and move on to sectionals next week against Triboro.
Christie takes the stage to Bon Jovi music
TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie has been a lifelong Bruce Springsteen fan, and often enters his town hall meetings to the strains of his songs. But Tuesday morning, when Christie announced he is running for the 2016 Republican nomination for president, it was the music another New Jersey rock act that blared over the loudspeakers: Bon…