MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Washington Township Police Chief Michael Bailey announce the conclusion of the criminal investigation into the Saturday, April 18 motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a sixty eight year old male on West Mill Road in Washington Township.
On April 18, 2015 at 5:28 p.m., Washington Township Police received a 911 call of a motor vehicle crash in the area of 338 West Mill Road. A 1961 Chevrolet Corvette was struck by a 2013 Lexus SUV. The sole occupant of the Corvette, a 68 years old male, was injured and died as a result of his injuries.
The investigation revealed that the 1961 Corvette was travelling West on West Mill Road. Also during this time a 2013 Lexus RX was traveling East on West Mill Road. The Lexus crossed over the center double line for unknown reasons striking the Corvette head-on, causing the fatal injuries to the sole occupant of the Corvette.
After a thorough investigation by law enforcement, and in coordination with the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police Forensics Laboratory, no evidence of criminal conduct was found on the part of the driver of the Lexus. Analysis of the driver’s blood did not reveal the presence of any substance that would have impaired one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. As such, no criminal charges are forthcoming arising out of this incident.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank Police Chief Michael Bailey and the Washington Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section, the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their collective assistance in this matter.
New Jersey's Future First paid for and produced over ten campaign flyers during the Primary
PARSIPPANY — State and Federal filings from the Super PACs at the heart of the 2015 Parsippany GOP Primary are beginning to appear on NJ ELEC and IRS Websites, albeit very late. NJ’s Future First (NJFF) and it’s parent PAC, America’s Future First (AFF) submitted their first filings just days before the June 2015 Primary.
While both Super PACs incorporated in July 2014, the Internal Revenue Service did not receive AFF‘s first filings until May 11, 2015, just days before the June 2 Parsippany Primary. Per law, reports are due to the IRS quarterly; April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 31.
America’s Future First (AFF)
For the period July 1 through September 30, 2014 and due the following month, the IRS did not receive AFF‘s first filing until nearly 7 months after the due date. For that reporting period, $61,254.45 was raised by the Super PAC from donations from three different sources.
Adams, Rehmann & Heggan Associates, Inc, an engineering firm, donated to AFF six times during the first reporting period for a total contribution of $21,000. Adams, Rehmann & Heggan was recently awarded a no-bid professional services contract with the Township of Parsippany. According to the Parsippany Finance department, on July 1, 2015 Adams was paid $18,797.50 for engineering work provided to the township.
Another firm with close ties to the township also donated to AFF during the first reporting period. Fairview Insurance, the Township’s Insurance Broker of Record donated $35,254.45. Business & Government Insurance Agency, Inc of Woodbridge donated an additional $5,000 to the Super PAC.
For the reporting period October 1 through December 31, 2014 and due by January 31, 2015, AFF submitted its filing 4 months late and it was received by the IRS on May 11, 2015 as well.
During the second reporting period, AFF received $26,490.20 in donations from four different sources. The law firm of Archer & Greiner of Haddonfield, NJ, a firm the Star Ledger reported as being one of the largest legal clients of New Jersey under Governor Christie, donated $1000 to AFF. Adam’s Rehmann, & Heggan Associates donated an additional $12,950.00 which brought their total contribution for 2014 to $33,950.00.
Ryan Graham
Fairview Insurance donated an additional $540.20 during this reporting period, but the Director of Business Development for Fairview Insurance and liaison to the Township of Parsippany, Ryan Graham, son of the founder of the firm, donated $12,000.00 to the Super PAC during this reporting period.
It should be noted that the April 15 and July 15, 2015 contribution reports have still not been received by the IRS. The IRS confirmed this with Parsippany Focus this afternoon.
In 2014, aside from retaining the law firm Duane Morris, America’s Future First donated all of its funds to New Jersey’s First.
New Jersey’s Future First (NJFF)
Unlike its parent Super PAC, New Jersey’s Future First has not filed any reports with the IRS. However, NJFF must file disclosure forms with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (NJELEC). Since its inception, NJFF has been required to file 13 campaign disclosures with NJELEC. Nearly all were filed late, some nearly 10 months late.
In total, NJFF has received $158,200.00 in donations; all from one source. America’s Future First. Since AFF reported donations of $87,744.65 for 2014 but has not yet filed any reports for 2015, at least $70,455.35 was raised during the first part of 2015.
It is very difficult to decipher NJFF’s ELEC filings as each report has critical errors. For example, NJFF reports on all of its forms that no amount over $300 was ever received by the Super PAC, yet the exact opposite is true. In fact, through June 23, 2015 AFF has contributed $156,200.00 to NJFF, $155,900.00 more than the $300.00 contribution limit.
Among the Super PAC’s biggest expenses was Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio’s former political consultant, Alan Zakin. According to ELEC filings NJFF has paid Zakin $26,550 with what appears to be additional $3440 still due to him.
Another $76,500.00 was paid to Bluewater Operations out of Clifton, New Jersey. Bluewater provided the campaign headquarters for the Super PAC, paid the Super PAC’s campaign workers and provided “street money” in Parsippany during this past Parsippany GOP primary. Bluewater is no stranger to controversy.
Ryan Graham and Alan Zakin
As previously reported in Parsippany Focus, During an April 1, 2015 meeting with Morris County Republican Chairman John Sette, Freeholders John Krickus, Dave Scapicchio, and Denville Councilwoman Deborah Smith, Alan Zakin shared with the group that he was working with an organization spearheaded by Fairview Insurance Executive Ryan Graham that was going to spend money in the Parsippany Republican Primary to aid incumbent Councilman Mike dePierro and his team to help defeat incumbent Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. and his running mates. Although Super PACS may support candidates, there can be no interaction between the Super PAC and an individual candidate.
Although Councilman dePierro has steadfastly denied any involvement with either NJFF or AFF and denied that he had ever visited the Super Pac’s headquarters in Lake Parsippany, two witnesses have told Parsippany Focus that they witnessed both Mr. dePierro and his running mate former Councilman Vincent Ferrara at the Super PAC’s office.
“These Parsippany Super PACS are becoming a political cancer which must be stopped from spreading.” Councilman Louis Valori told Parsippany Focus recently. “These Super PACs are corrupting the foundation of honest government and it must stop now.”
Sources tell Parsippany Focus that the Election Law Enforcement Commission has opened an investigation into ELEC violations.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the 2015 Labor Day Statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Beginning Friday, August 21 and running through Monday, September 7, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs. Launched across the U.S. in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during the busy summer travel season, including the Labor Day holiday period.
“More than 10,000 people are killed in the United States each year in alcohol impaired driving crashes, and these crashes cost our society nearly $50 billion annually,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “There is a zero tolerance message for this campaign. If drivers are caught operating their vehicle while impaired they will be arrested.”
In 2013 alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 27 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities. As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two• week campaign.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2015 crackdown offer the following advice:
If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going
Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you
Spend the night where the activity is
Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive
Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired
If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you to your doorstep.
Rideshare company Uber, a ride share company, available 24 hours offers a $20.00 discount to new users. Click here to receive the discount.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany donated school supplies to the Parsippany Food Pantry, to be distributed to needy families in Parsippany.
Kiwanis Club Secretary (center) Karen Gajewski and Immediate Past President/Foundation President (right) Carol Tiesi presented the school supplies to Parsippany-Troy Hills Acting Director Human Services Michele Picone.
For more information on the Kiwanis Club, click here.
MORRISTOWN — The case against a 22-year-old Mountain Lakes man accused of killing a Kentucky family of three in a motor vehicle crash on Route 80 in Rockaway Township is headed for a grand jury. Bhavuk Uppal has been charged with death by auto, driving while suspended and driving while intoxicated in the July 11 crash.…
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County health officials are joining the state campaign this summer to get the word out that leaving unattended children in cars is a bad idea at any time, but can be a health danger to kids in the hot summer months.
You may think your errand will just take just a few minutes, but running an errand while leaving your child – or your pet — alone in a car often stretches longer, putting your child at risk of heatstroke and even death.
Striving to educate parents that the risk far exceeds any convenience, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) has partnered with statewide business organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving children alone in vehicles.
DCF has been distributing window stickers to retail stores, supermarkets, financial institutions, insurance agents, state-licensed child care centers, and more featuring a simple but important message: Never leave your child unattended in a car. Not even for a minute.
“A hot car can become like a hot oven in just a matter of minutes on summer days,’’ said Carlos Perez, Jr, Health Officer for the Morris County Office of Health Management. “The rule of thumb should be never to leave your children or pets in a hot car, even for what you think will be a minute or two. It’s a bad idea.’’
“We urge Morris County residents to heed this common sense message and avoid potential problems,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Doug Cabana, who is the county governing board’s liaison on health issues. “Maybe they’re grabbing a gallon of milk or using the ATM and think it won’t take much time, but it’s never okay to leave a child alone in a car,” said DCF Commissioner Allison Blake.
The Department of Children and Families has produced an online video alerting parents and caregivers to the danger.
Last year, according to DCF, 31 children nationwide died from heatstroke because they were left unattended in vehicles. Since 1998, 12 children in New Jersey have died from vehicle-related heatstroke. Vehicle interiors hit unbearable temperatures quickly. A relatively cool day at 60 degrees outside could heat a car to 110 degrees inside. Parents and guardians can take easy steps to avoid leaving children unattended in cars. Adults can leave a stuffed animal in the child’s unoccupied car seat. Once caregivers place the child in the car seat, they can move the stuffed animal to the front seat. The stuffed animal will act as a visual reminder to remove the child from the vehicle upon reaching the destination. Other steps adults can take to keep young children safe include:
• Removing kids from the vehicle before unloading groceries or other items;
• Looking inside at the vehicle’s front and back seats before locking the door and walking away;
• Not allowing children to play in or around an unattended vehicle;
• Always lock your car and secure the keys so children can’t get to them;
• Installing a trunk release mechanism to avoid kids getting trapped inside the trunk; and
• Calling 911 immediately if you see a child unattended in a vehicle.
For more information, click here.
For more on Morris County health issues, click here.
TRENTON — Details of nearly $1 million spent by State Police troopers to protect Gov. Chris Christie while he’s traveling the country can remain a state secret, a state Superior Court judge ruled. Judge Mary Jacobson issued an order Friday that will keep past expenses incurred by Christie’s Executive Protection Unit out of the public eye.…
PARSIPPANY – A 68-year-old Dover woman who wasn’t wearing her seat belt was ejected onto the highway after the sport utility vehicle she was a passenger in struck a guardrail on Route 80 Monday evening, State Police said. Shortly before 6 p.m. state police received a report of a serious motor vehicle accident on Route 80…
For some, Frank Gifford will be remembered as the player who made professional football matter in New York for the Giants. For others, he’ll be thought of as the broadcaster who helped bring the NFL into living rooms on Monday night as a tempered voice to go along with the bombastic Howard Cosell. But for Chuck…
RANDOLPH — There is still time to enroll at County College of Morris (CCM) for the Fall Semester. Those who would like to take classes this fall should apply online and register for classes now at www.ccm.edu to get the best choice of classes.
The college also will be holding final in-person registration sessions later this month on its main campus at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Once they have applied, students can register in-person in the Student Community Center during the following dates and times:
Tuesday, August 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Full-time students can save up to $50,000 or more by starting their first two years at CCM. Along with that savings, CCM students benefit from smaller class sizes and a selection of more than 50 associate degree programs, along with a full slate of certificate programs.
Students should apply to the college prior to the final in-person registration dates. A $30.00 application fee is required. Those who apply late and have not completed the testing process may be limited in the courses they can select.
MORRIS COUNTY — Bradley is a cool dude! He is friendly, playful and fun! Bradley was rescued from a high kill shelter in North Carolina and is now living in a foster home in New Jersey.
Bradley is about 9 to12 months old and he weighs about 30 pounds, which is a small size for a labrador. As you can see, he is a handsome pup, with a beautiful shinny black coat and white on his chest.
This is what Bradley’s foster family has to say about him “Bradley is a happy pup and when he wags his tail (always) he wiggles his whole back side. Bradley enjoys playing with balls, plaything with other dogs and he is willing to go for walks or go for a run. He is gentle with our young children and he is a pleasure to have in our home.”
Bradley is quite the character and he will charm you!
If you are interested in adopting this puppy, please email FHDR@att.net for an adoption application. To see more photos of Callie or to see our other adoptable pets, click here.
Looking for a bright little button to add smiles to your life? Then Callie is the puppy for you! Callie is about 10-11 weeks old and has a beautiful unique look. Her legs are brindle, her body is black, she has a long thin tail, she has the cuties long ears and she has whiskers!! Just cute as a button!
Callie a happy puppy because she is now living in a nice foster home in NJ after being rescued from a high kill shelter in North Carolina. Her foster family says “Callie is a playful and friendly puppy. She likes meeting people and she has a nice sweet personality. Callie spends her days exploring in the yard, playing with toys, going for walks and playing with our dog. Callie is good with our young daughter, she is playful yet calm. Callie is so sweet, we know when you meet her you will fall in love!”
If you are interested in adopting this puppy, please email FHDR@att.net for an adoption application. To see more photos of Callie and/or to see our other adoptable pets, click here.
MORRIS PLAINS — Rock n’ Roll Ball and VFW Post 3401 raises funds for K9s For Warriors and Community Hope with a benefit concert at the VFW Post in Morris Plains on Saturday, August 1. Lindsay Klein, John Hodorovych, and the WDHA street team were present.
“Two great organizations to get behind,” said Dan Glenn, co-promoter for the event along with Joe Gorgolione.
Rock n’ Roll Ball is an organization where quality bands and musicians unite and network with one another, while the audience experiences the results.
K9s For Warriors is dedicated to providing service canines to our warriors suffering from post-traumatic stress and/or traumatic brain injury, as a result of military service post 9/11. Their goal is to give a new leash on life to rescue dogs, and military heroes, empowering warriors to return to civilian life, with dignity and independence.
Community Hope is an outreach program providing housing and many other essential services to transitioning veterans.
The mission of the VFW is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
The bands performing during the event were Audio Empire, Bubba Grouch, Subcommittee, Till Now, The Jake Mosca Band with members of Suitable for Transfer and Eli.
ELI is an alternative rock band from Parsippany. ELI was formed in 2010 by Conor Schaar and Mike Sliker on Halloween night. After bonding over Seether and Slipknot in a high school cross-country practice, they had a jam session and clicked right away. They quickly built up their chemistry to become a very tight rhythm section. Paul Machado taking influence from classic rock such as Led Zeppelin and grunge rock such as Nirvana, he made an interesting fit into the duo’s sound. Members of the band include: Conor Schaar – Bass & Vocals; Paul Machado – Guitar & Vocals and Michael Sliker – Drums & Percussion. For more informaton on ELI, click here.
Sponsors of the event included WDHA 105.5, Bednar Landscape Service, Music Den, Anthony & Sons Bakery, Wash N Wiggle, Garden State Harley, California Closets, Arthur’s Tavern, Breaking Games, Denville Animal Hospital, Frank’s Red Hot Pepper Sauce and Morristown Agway.
Dan Glenn, Becia Melesky and Jim Auriemma, Commander VFW Post 3401
Members of the band “Till Now” performing
Members of the band “Till Now” performing
Members of the band “Till Now” performing
Denneth Gronemann and Kenny Urbaez from Denville Animal Hospital
Morristown Agway
Young Living
Wash N Wiggles was one of the many sponsors
105.5 WDHA sponsored the event with giveaways and games
Township DPW workers and volunteers from the community spent their Saturday morning cleaning along the river
PARSIPPANY — The Deptartment of Public conducted the 9th Annual Rockaway River Clean-up on Saturday, August 8. Volunteers met at the Lake Hiawatha Swim Club at 8:00 a.m. The Township supplied gloves and cleaning materials to facilitate in the clean up.
The team cleaned up areas around the Rockaway River, along Lake Shore Drive, Knoll Road, Vail Road and Greenbank Road.
Over a dozen bags of trash were collected and other debris removed. This is the first time in several years that Rockaway River has been cleaned from the other side of the wall.
Clean Communities Coordinator Eddie Celardo and Department of Public Works Director Greg Schneider led the teams.
Township DPW workers and volunteers from the community spent their Saturday morning cleaning along the river
Clean Communities Employees gathering supplies
D.P.W. Director Greg Schneider giving the group a safety briefing
The Reeber’s Volunteered their time to clean along the Rockaway River
The Reeber children picking up debris
Jack Lips and Eric Schlosser gathering garbage near the Montville Bridge
Ralph Weber was on Safety Watch
Volunteer Rich from the Watershed Group gathered many bottles behind the wall
Controversy surrounding the death of Bobbi Kristina Brown continues to swirl. The administrator of her estate amended a wrongful death lawsuit to claim her boyfriend, Nick Gordon, gave the daughter of late pop singer Whitney Houston a “toxic cocktail,” according to The New York Post’s Page Six. The lawyer for her estate filed the lawsuit in…
If you ever wonder just how self-defeating the political process can be, consider this: The dark money spent by shadowy tax-exempt groups will continue to pour down like silver over political campaigns, because the agency in charge of policing those private donations has decided that it is no longer worth enforcing the rules. This is not…
Gov. Chris Christie wasn’t the only one from Jersey to get a prominent presidential debate spot in the eyes of Fox News. The Monmouth University poll also made the cut: It was one of five national polling organizations Fox used to determine the top 10 Republicans who fought it out in their first debate on the…
Get those outdoor plans taken care of this weekend because rain is expected to move into the region for the first couple of days next week. Pleasantly warm days are expected Saturday and Sunday, with highs mostly in the low- to mid-80s, according to the National Weather Service. A low-pressure system coming in from the Great…
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, August 8, Parsippany Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Eye Level participated in “Staples Small Business Showcase,” sponsored by the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.”
Parsippany OEM members Nicolas Limanov, Al Goldberg and Robert Beck were distributing literature, demonstrating ham radio equipment and answering questions from the public.
Parsippany OEM was recruiting new members during the event. If any one is interested in joining OEM, please email Eric Hubner, director, at cert@parsippany.net.
Center Director, Jean Charte, participating in Staples Small Business Showcase.
In addition, Eye Level of Morris Plains, was distributing information about the education center and had give-a-ways to all the children.
Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, said “This is a great opportunity for chamber members to display their goods and services to the customers of Staples and to increase their brand awareness.”
This monthly event, “Staples Business Showcase” is available to all PACC members and local non-profit groups.
For more information on “Staples Small Business Showcase” please contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 or email flcahill@parsippanychamber.org.
MORRISTOWN — Parsippany Mayor James Barberio and the Township Council were back in court this morning for oral arguments in the case Township Council vs. Mayor James R. Barberio. At issue was whether the Township Council is permitted to hire its own attorney to assist in an investigation of Mayor Barberio, Township Attorney John Inglesino and the billing practices of his law firm.
In April 2014, the Council voted to retain attorney Wilfredo J. Ortiz, II from the law firm of Dario, Albert, Metz & Eyerman to provide legal assistance in its investigation. When Mayor Barberio refused to authorize the contract, the Council sued. Mayor Barberio counter-sued, arguing that the Council had over-stepped its authority and that two Council members were conflicted from voting, thereby rendering the original resolution null and void.
During a conference in Superior Court in Morristown on July 10, Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz asked both sides to meet with their respective lawyers to come up with a list of attorneys that might perform the investigation. Judge Minkowitz recommended that Barberio provide a list of three possible candidates that the Council would chose from. The Council agreed, as did Mayor Barberio in comments made to the Star Ledgerat the time.
Ultimately, Barberio refused to the compromise which led to oral arguments in front of Judge Minkowitz this morning.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Minkowitz relied primarily on a 2005 case which landed in front of the NJ Supreme Court, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK v. SHARPE JAMES. In that case, the Newark Council had attempted to hire its own attorney without mayoral approval. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of James stating that the Council had over-stepped its authority under the Faulkner Act.
Judge Minkowitz ruled today that Parsippany’s Council did not have the authority under the Faulkner Act to unilaterally chose its own attorney, but he also noted that the Township Council required legal representation and had the legal authority to approve or disapprove of any attorney Barberio may put forward to the Council. In his decision, Judge Minkowitz ordered the mayor to provide the Council with an attorney and should the Council not approve his selection, the mayor must continue to put forth a name until the Council agrees.
Under the Faulkner Act the powers vested with the Township Council include:
a. The override of a veto of the mayor;
b. The exercise of advice and consent to actions of the mayor;
c. The conduct of legislative inquiry or investigation;
d. The expression of disapproval of the removal by the mayor of officers or employees;
e. The removal of any municipal officer for cause;
f. The adoption of rules for the council;
g. The establishment of times and places for council meetings;
h. The establishment of the council as a committee of the whole and the delegation of any number of its members as an ad hoc committee;
i. The declaration of emergencies respecting the passage of ordinances;
j. The election, appointment, setting of salaries and removal of officers and employees of the council, subject to any pertinent civil service requirements and any pertinent contractual obligations, and within the general limits of the municipal budget;
k. Designation of official newspapers;
l. Approval of contracts presented by the mayor;
m. Actions specified as resolutions in the “Local Budget Law” (N.J.S. 40A:4-1 et seq.) and the “Local Fiscal Affairs Law” (N.J.S. 40A:5-1 et seq.); and
n. The expression of council policies or opinions which require no formal action by the mayor.