MORRIS COUNTY — Advancing efforts that led to a 16% drop in the number of vehicles stolen in New Jersey between September 2022 and March 2023, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that 34 law enforcement agencies in 21 counties and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) will receive grant funding to acquire or expand technology to combat auto theft thanks to $10 million in funding made available by the Murphy Administration.

The towns in Morris County will receive:

At least one local enforcement agency in each county across New Jersey will receive grants ranging from $23,400 to $595,000 to acquire and expand existing Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology systems. These systems utilize high-speed, automated camera networks to capture and store computer-readable images of license plates in a centralized database accessible to law enforcement. This information assists law enforcement in identifying, locating, and recovering stolen vehicles, interrupting auto theft networks, and apprehending individuals involved in vehicle theft and other violent crimes.

The grants, made available by Governor Phil Murphy using federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, ensure that for the first time, all 21 counties will have usage of ALPR technology at fixed locations within their jurisdictions. The grants are the latest investments to law enforcement agencies to combat auto theft in New Jersey and reduce the violent crime it gives rise to.

“Residents across New Jersey deserve to feel safe in their communities. As we continue to address the ongoing wave of auto theft in our state, it is important that we equip our law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools they need to identify and catch these bad actors,” said Governor Murphy. “We appreciate our congressional delegation’s continued support in our efforts to combat crime here in New Jersey. We have witnessed the success that new technology, including the Automated License Plate Readers, has played in this process, and we are committed to further investing in this cause until the number of auto thefts in our state hits zero.”

“Reducing auto thefts across New Jersey is a top priority, and thanks to the leadership and support of Governor Murphy and our congressional delegation, we are investing millions of dollars to provide law enforcement officers in all 21 counties with the tools they need to protect residents, make communities safer, and save lives,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We know that car thefts on their own are bad enough, but they are also used to commit other violent crimes. By equipping law enforcement with sophisticated Automated License Plate Reader technology, we are sending a clear message of deterrence against committing auto thefts.”

“Auto theft not only victimizes the owner of the vehicle, but it can also victimize the whole community. Stolen vehicles are often used in committing crimes and can be found driving recklessly on our roadways, creating a dangerous environment for everyone,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The funding to expand ALPR technology throughout the state will be pivotal in our effort to combat this ongoing issue. The steps taken to approve this funding represent a commitment to supporting not only law enforcement but a commitment to the safety of all New Jersey residents.”

ALPR technology is a critical component in New Jersey’s comprehensive strategy to combat auto theft. This effort has led to a 16% reduction in the number of vehicles stolen statewide over a six-month period from September 2022 through March 2023.

In April 2022, Governor Murphy announced he would invest $10 million in ARP funding for ALPR technology.

NJSP will receive just over $3 million of the grant funding to deploy ALPR units along major roadways throughout the state. The intelligence gathered will be shared by NJSP in real-time through the Regional Operations Intelligence Center and Real Time Crime Centers operated by the NJSP with relevant law enforcement partners as appropriate for investigative and operational needs.

The remaining funds were made accessible through a competitive grant process open to all law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in New Jersey that serve communities demonstrating an increase in violent crime, gun violence, and/or auto theft. Funding decisions were made to ensure the broadest and deepest levels of service coverage practicable, with consideration given to the type of deliverables, the desired outcomes, and the geographical location of the project in comparison with crime statistics and data.

MORRIS COUNTY — Jigisha Desai from Rockaway, 55, has been living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for 20 years, a condition she discovered unexpectedly while undergoing surgery for a different health issue.

CKD has presented numerous symptoms and challenges. Despite these, Jigisha has persevered through various hardships, including health issues, financial struggles, emotional stress, and physical limitations, while raising two children and coping with the loss of a family business. At around 36, she developed chronic arthritis, particularly severe in her knees, which necessitated a knee replacement. However, due to her kidney condition preventing the use of painkillers, doctors recommended biannual gel knee injections instead. Living with constant pain and extreme fatigue has significantly impacted her family life.

Jigisha is currently listed for a kidney transplant at St. Barnabas in Livingston. Joyce is her transplant coordinator, reachable at (973) 322-5082. Her blood type is O+, less crucial as St. Barnabas participates in the paired exchange program. To help, please complete the living donor referral form available here, indicating “kidney donor for Jigisha Desai” in the submission.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris Museum in Morristown has introduced a new role, overseeing the development, implementation, execution, and evaluation of its three core mission-based program areas: education, exhibitions and collections, and theater.

Jess Van Nostrand has been appointed the inaugural director of public engagement and curatorial strategies.

In this capacity, Van Nostrand will collaborate with the existing leadership of Exhibitions & Collections and Theater while also directing the museum’s education team. According to a statement released by the museum, the director’s role is to ensure excellence and define success across all three program areas.

As a key partner to the executive director, this role is designed to foster coordinated and aligned efforts within the organization, especially in the areas of planning and program development.

“Central to the success of any cultural institution today is a deep connection with community stakeholders,” stated Thomas J. Loughman, reflecting on his first year as executive director. “Jess brings a rich mix of experience and insight, combined with a professional curiosity and a commitment to serve this esteemed New Jersey arts institution. We are all excited about the contributions she will make moving forward.”

Van Nostrand recently served as the director of exhibitions and public programs at the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. In this role, she managed the exhibitions program at The Arts Center at Governors Island and led the annual River To River Festival, among other public initiatives.

From 2014 to 2020, she was the assistant director of exhibition programs and gallery initiatives at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). There, she engaged in a wide array of adult education programming, including interactive arts experiences at The People’s Studio, MoMA’s pioneering educational platform for adult learning.

Before her tenure at MoMA, Van Nostrand was the founding director of The Project Room, an arts center focused on the creative process that encouraged public engagement through live events, written content, and a podcast series.

Van Nostrand is a trustee of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and has also served on the boards of directors for the Smack Mellon Arts Center and ArtTable, a national leadership organization for women in the arts.

PARSIPPANY — Amar Kakirde, a Parsippany High School alum from the Class of 2014, is set to appear on Jeopardy on May 22nd. He will be one of the contestants on that day’s episode, competing against other challengers in this well-known trivia game show. More details about the episode and the contestants can be found on the official Jeopardy website​ by clicking here.

Jeopardy airs on Channel 7, WABC, at 7:00 p.m.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.

Formal action may or may not be taken.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the agenda.

Click here for the 2024 calendar.

Mayor James Barberio
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Matt McGrath
Councilwoman Judy Hernandez