DUI Lawyers in Morristown, NJ

Saint Elizabeth University has proudly served the Morristown community since 1899, founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth.

This Patch article is sponsored by Saint Elizabeth University.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Anthony Santamaria, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Vice President and Dean of Academic Operations, of Saint Elizabeth University.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization: Anthony Santamaria: Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, NJ is a private Catholic university offering personalized, values-based education with strong programs in health, business, education, and the liberal arts.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?Anthony Santamaria: Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) has proudly served the Morristown community since 1899, founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. For more than 125 years, the university has remained deeply rooted in service, education, and social responsibility. Originally established as a college for women, SEU transitioned to a fully coeducational university and earned university status in 2020. Throughout its history, SEU has specialized in transformative education, helping students discover their purpose and make a lasting difference in their communities. Today, the university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as nursing, business, psychology, education, and the health sciences. Guided by Catholic social teaching and a strong commitment to leadership and service, Saint Elizabeth University continues to build meaningful relationships that strengthen both Morristown and the world beyond.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?Anthony Santamaria: I A passion for transformative education and a commitment to service drew me to this work. I got started by following where I believed I could make the greatest difference in students’ lives.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to students?Anthony Santamaria: I encourage students to treat their chosen path as a vocation, committing fully to the work they feel called to do and striving to build a life where they would not want to be anywhere else. I also remind them never to bury their talents or let anyone else diminish them. At Saint Elizabeth University, we focus on helping students uncover and develop their unique strengths. I advise them to take full advantage of every opportunity, ask for more, and use their education to make a lasting difference in their lives and communities. True happiness begins with finding a place and a purpose that feel fully their own, and education is the foundation that helps them get there.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?Anthony Santamaria: The most satisfying part of my job is witnessing transformation. Seeing students realize their own potential, grow into confident leaders, and go on to make a positive difference in their communities is deeply rewarding. Every conversation, class, or moment of encouragement can spark something lasting. It is especially meaningful to hear from former students years later who share how their time at the university shaped their lives. I also find great fulfillment in working alongside colleagues who are equally committed to service, learning, and personal growth. Having been a part of the Saint Elizabeth community, for over 25 years, where education is not just about academics, but about building character and fostering purpose, has been a gift. Knowing that our work contributes to a larger mission of empowerment and opportunity makes every challenge worthwhile. It is a daily reminder that education is not simply a profession; it is a calling that changes lives, including my own.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?Anthony Santamaria: Saint Elizabeth University distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to transformative education rooted in service, community, and Catholic social teaching. Our focus is not only on academic achievement but on developing the whole person. We specialize in helping students uncover their talents, grow in confidence, and leave prepared to make a lasting impact in their communities. Unlike many institutions, service learning is not optional but a graduation requirement, reinforcing our mission to form leaders who serve others. Our size also allows for meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff, creating a true sense of belonging and mentorship. At Saint Elizabeth University, students are not just educated; they are empowered to find their purpose, pursue it with passion, and lift others along the way. This commitment to community, transformation, and lifelong growth sets us apart.

Former councilman John S. Windish accepted an unlawful several thousand dollars during his reelection campaign in 2018.

Updated Mon, Jun 2, 2025 at 4:50 pm ET

MOUNT ARLINGTON, NJ — A former Mount Arlington councilman pleaded guilty last week after accepting a bribe from an attorney, the NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin said Monday.

John S. Windish, 72, of Landing, was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery in official and political matters. According to court documents, Windish solicited an illegal campaign donation from a tax attorney to support his re-election effort in 2018.

An investigation revealed that Windish had accepted a $7,000 cash bribe from the attorney and promised to make him Mount Arlington’s Borough Attorney once re-elected.

According to NJ election law, candidates cannot accept a cash donation of more than $200 from a single contributor for a single election.

Windish lost the Primary Election a month after accepting the bribe and has not served in public office since.

Find out what's happening in Morristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The attorney, who is working as a confidential informant, also claimed that several other NJ officials have accepted bribes from him.

Others charged regarding bribery include Jersey City Board of Education President Sudhan Thomas, former State Assemblyman and former Bayonne Mayoral Candidate Jason O’Donnell of Bayonne, former Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro of Parsippany, and former candidate for Morris County freeholder Mary Dougherty of Morristown, according to Platkin.

Similarly to Windish’s case, the informant claims that the defendants agreed to use their influence to employ his firm for government work upon accepting the bribes.

While the cases against Thomas, O’Donnell, and Cesaro remain pending, Dougherty pleaded guilty in 2021 and was sentenced to probation and forfeiture of the illegal $10,000 payment she had received.

Mary Dougherty, the wife of Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty, had her real estate license revoked by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission after the arrest, in January of 2023.

"The fact that Dougherty’s deceitful conduct was done intentionally while seeking public office, where integrity and honesty are demanded of public officials, makes Dougherty’s actions more egregious, and demonstrates both a lack of good moral character and unworthiness for licensure," stated the revocation order.

The commission stated that even though the act did not involve Dougherty's real estate license or real estate transactions, it had an impact on her standing with the organization. The commission strives to ensure that all individuals who hold licenses demonstrate behavior that instills public trust."Being convicted of engaging in deceitful conduct in pursuit of public office, does not instill public trust and bespeaks of actions demonstrating a lack of integrity and honesty," the revocation order stated.

In Dougherty’s defense, the commission heard testimony from three recent supervisors at two real estate firms, all of whom stated that Dougherty was a competent and compassionate employee.

Dougherty's real estate license was revoked for one year as part of the official decision, with the condition that if she attempts to issue another license, she will be placed on probation for the next two years.

“Elected officials who can be bought violate the law and are not worthy of the trust given by the electorate,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Decisions by municipal officials, particularly decisions that involve the spending of taxpayer dollars, should be made with the best interests of the community in mind, not the best interests of the officials’ bank account.”

Windish, who is now barred from serving in a public office, will have to forfeit the ill-gotten $7,000, and is scheduled for sentencing in July. The State will recommend that Windish is sentenced to unsupervised probation in exchange for his guilty plea.

A popular sushi spot known for its fresh, innovative take on authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine has confirmed it is closing.

Vianella Burns, Patch Staff

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A sushi restaurant in Morristown will be serving its final meal soon, its owner reported this weekend.

Laku Sushi, located at 30 Lafayette Avenue, will be closing its doors on June 15, the restaurant announced on social media in response to a report first published by Morristown Media.

The popular sushi spot, which opened more than a decade ago, became known for its fresh and creative take on authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine. Menu staples included a wide selection of rolls, sashimi, and tempura dishes.

One standout was the “Morristown Roll,” made with shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, cucumber, and avocado wrapped in soybean paper, then topped with fresh tuna, spicy mayo, eel sauce, and wasabi mayo.

For those not in the mood for sushi, the restaurant also offered katsu—crispy, deep-fried pork or chicken cutlets served with tonkatsu sauce and rice—as well as Japanese-style ramen and a variety of teriyaki dishes.

Find out what's happening in Morristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

According to the team at Laku Sushi, the restaurant is closing due to upcoming reconstruction of the building it currently occupies.

"We loved doing business here for the last ten years and created so many memories with our customers that will live with us forever," the team wrote on social media. "Words cannot express how thankful we are for all the kind words and memories from everyone."

Until they close, Laku Sushi will be serving customers during the following hours:

MORRISTOWN − Gov. Phil Murphy joined Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson on May 22 for the formal grand-opening of the French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi's new U.S. flagship office and home for about 2,000 employees at the new M Station complex.

Many of those employees have been working there since March, the majority transferred from a former Sanofi location in Bridgewater, enjoying a state-of-the art facility designed to foster "collaboration and innovation with the ultimate goal of bringing medicines and vaccines to patients faster," the grand-opening statement reads.

The event also marks another milestone for the M Station property that is a centerpiece of redevelopment in Morristown. Professional services company Deloitte occupies the six-story M Station East, which was completed in July 2022. The accounting firm brought almost 1,500 employees from its previous location in Parsippany.

“Sanofi is an intrinsic part of the healthcare ecosystem of the United States, where we pioneeradvancements in our labs, produce medicines and vaccines that improve people’s lives, and growour talented workforce," Hughes said. "These flagship offices are designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and innovation − all in service of patients.”

A preview press tour on Monday walked through bustling areas filled with employees, some working at solitary workstations while others collaborated in groups at strategic locations designed to encourage teamwork.

$130 million upgrade

Sanofi spent $130 million outfitting the 260,000 square feet it now occupies at M Station West, built to green and smart-building standards. Facility features include flexible workspaces, wellness rooms, a health clinic, a ground-floor restaurant open to the public, and, on the roof, "the largest outdoor terrace space in New Jersey."

That terrace, appointed with patio-style furniture, features a full stainless steel commercial bar, two high-end gas grills and a large fireplace to warm outdoor events. As a bonus, it offers panoramic views of Morristown.

"Employees enjoy light-filled workspaces that utilize natural materials, largely sourced locally, as well as tactile finishes with contributions from local artists," the opening announcement states.

Morristown employees also will benefit from charging stations for electric vehicles, easy access to the nearby Morristown train station and Wi-Fi-enabled shuttles to "fully subsidized public transportation."

“Sanofi's investment in this innovative Morristown facility represents a significant vote of confidence in New Jersey's thriving innovation economy," Murphy stated in prepared remarks. "This facility will drive scientific advancement and economic growth in our state."

Located in Bridgewater for more than two decades, Sanofi was counted among the largest employers in Somerset County until it announced plans to leave in 2023. Another long-abandoned office building formerly occupied by Sanofi (then Sanofi-Aventis) in Parsippany was demolished last year to make way for a new residential development.

Based in Paris, Sanofi develops and markets both over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs, including vaccines. It reported annual revenues of $47.9 billion in 2024.