Good News 2024: Morris County Year In Review

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — As 2024 comes to a close, we’re looking back at some of this year’s most heartwarming and inspiring stories across Morris County.

From community members giving back, to local athletes making it to the Olympics in Paris, here are some good things that happened throughout Morris County this year.

Morris Native Among 18 Players On Olympic Roster For U.S. Men's Soccer Team

John Tolkin of Chatham, a 21-year-old also known as "JMi," was one of two Garden State soccer players named to the Team USA roster during this year's Olympic Games.

Support Soars To Save Iconic Morris Co. Restaurant Bill's LuncheonetteAn old-school luncheonette that has been a staple of the Morris County community for over seven decades has been given a second chance, thanks to the generosity of local residents.

Bill's Luncheonette, located at 455 North Road in Chester, had announced last week that it would be closing for the foreseeable future. However, thanks to a GoFundMe campaign aimed at helping the family-owned business overcome its financial challenges, more than $40,000 has been raised, providing hope for its future. Supporters have rallied behind the beloved establishment, ensuring it might continue serving the community for years to come.

Chester Officer, Family Complete '2000 Challenge' For Opioid Recovery

An alumnus of the Dover-based Milestone House set an ambitious walking goal to celebrate his 2,000th consecutive day of sobriety, and Chester's police officer, along with his family, joined in the effort to support him.

Championing Local Businesses Is Teen Entrepreneur's Focus With 'Shop Morris County'

A 15-year-old entrepreneur is taking his passion for business development and promotion to new heights, with the goal of supporting Morris County businesses along the way.Giovanni DiDomenico launched Shop Morris County with a simple Instagram post last year, while still in eighth grade. Since then, the initiative has steadily grown, as the Parsippany native showcases locally-owned shops, restaurants, services, and community events.

Adam Sandler Spotted In Morris County Over Labor Day Weekend

Even celebrities appreciate a great cup of coffee, and earlier this year, Adam Sandler took a break at a local coffee shop in Morristown. The movie star and comedian visited LOKL Cafe, the European-inspired coffee shop located at 80 South Street. Sandler not only enjoyed a cup of coffee but also showcased his barista skills by stepping behind the counter and lending a hand to the café's employees.

Community Rallies Around Teen Injured In Morris County Crash

After an 18-year-old was seriously injured in a car crash earlier this year, the Morris County school community united to support her and her family. On Nov. 21, Whippany Park High School hosted Molly Mack Day to raise funds for the family of Molly Mack, the 18-year-old soccer captain.

Local Teens Help Repair Homes During Mendham Church's Mission Trip

The group of 33 teens, along with 15 chaperones, partnered with a Kentucky-based nonprofit to help families repair and rebuild their homes during a week-long service trip to Paintsville, a town of approximately 4,200 people in Johnson County, Kentucky.

Fairy Tale Forest To Reopen After 20-Year Closure In Morris County

Fairy Tale Forest, a beloved attraction dedicated to European fairy tales such as Mother Goose, Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs, Peter Pumpkin, Rapunzel, and Hansel & Gretel, closed more than two decades ago but has made a magical return this year. Visitors can now step into their favorite classic stories, both figuratively and literally, with life-sized attractions based on Grimm's fairy tales.

Hiker Rescued From Pyramid Mountain In Morris County, Police Say

Rescue crews faced challenging terrain as they worked to assist an injured hiker who became stranded on a trail on the Kinnelon side of Pyramid Mountain. The man, a resident of New Providence, was safely removed from the woods on an all-terrain vehicle and quickly taken to a local hospital for treatment and recovery.