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Bill Bowman

Bill Bowman is an award-winning, 40-year veteran of community news. He has written for weekly and daily newspapers, and state, national and international magazines. His investigations have resulted in the first-in-the-nation state program to purchase thermal imaging cameras for all NJ fire departments and fire academies, the halting of a massive land development deal marred by influence peddling, and the creation of a web-based database charting violations against New Jersey senior-citizen facilities.

Life Story: Leon Reese, 80; Was Vietnam Veteran

Leon Reese, 80, of Somerset, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, surrounded by the loving embrace of his family. Born on April 4, 1945, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the late Griffith and Olga (Magus) Reese, Leon lived a full and vibrant life across several New Jersey communities, including Roselle, Elizabeth, Roselle Park, Millington, Stirling, and, for the past …

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FTPD Police Log: June 15 – 21, 2025

06/15/2025 A 41-year-old Somerset man was arrested for shoplifting from a business located on Easton Ave. He exited the store without paying for merchandise valued at $313. He was apprehended after he initially ran from responding to patrol officers. He was processed and released on a summons.  06/16/2025 A house of worship located on Rt. 27 was the victim of …

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Life Story: Marianne Jane Wong, 87; Was School District Nurse

Marianne Jane Wong, 87, passed away on June 18 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville. She fought an inspiring battle with stage four pancreatic and liver cancer, after already surviving two bouts of breast cancer. Marianne never let it slow her down or prevent her from fully enjoying her last year with dear family and friends. There was …

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Griggstown Causeway Improvements Unveiled At Somerset County Meeting

EXPLAINING THE PLAN – Debbie Hartman, a consulting engineer for Somerset County, explains the proposed plan for the Griggstown Causeway that is hoped will improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. Somerset County officials on July 1 unveiled a $2 million project that is hoped will alleviate traffic congestion problems at the Griggstown Causeway. If approved, the plan would not come …

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Ham Radio Enthusiasts Gather In Township For Field Day Activities

DOT, DOT, DASH, DASH, DOT – Josh Kozlow attempts to contact another Morse Code operator at the American Radio Relay League Field Day June 28. A group of Ham Radio enthusiasts are gathered in a parking area off Route 518 to take part in a two-day annual event that’s a combination festival and competition. The group, members of the David …

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Thinai America Sponsors Book Reading At Township Library

READING IS FUN – Board of Education member Bill Grippo reads to students June 28 at the main branch of the Township Library. About a dozen students gathered in the Township Library’s main branch June 28 for a special reading of a classic book. The book was “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” by Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. …

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FTPD Police Log: June 8-14, 2025

06/08/2025 Patrol recovered a stolen motor vehicle from an outside jurisdiction in the area of Cedar Grove Ln. Patrol responded to a motor vehicle crash and observed one of the vehicles heavily damaged. The unknown driver fled prior to the arrival of patrol. It was determined that the vehicle was stolen. No one was injured as a result of the …

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Township Resident Victim Of Million-Dollar Crypto Scam

A township resident was allegedly scammed out of millions of dollars in crypto between the first of the year and June 13, police said. The victim reported that he invested $1.5 million into a crypto currency web site, which investment increased in value to $28 million. The man attempted to withdraw his earnings via the social media app WhatsApp, but …

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Updated Status Of Various Street Resurfacing Projects

The following is an update of road work projects in the township. Newkirk and Evergreen Resurfacing – Concrete work is in progress. Weather permitting milling and paving will begin when concrete work is completed. Rodgers Ave Area Resurfacing -All paving completed. Restoration and striping still to be completed. Rodgers Ave – Paved Waldorf St – Paved Hunt Rd -Paved Continental …

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FHS Class Of 2025 Told To ‘Chase The Unfamiliar’ At Graduation

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS – Aaryan Patel, the Franklin High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian, gives his address during the June 26 graduation ceremony in Warrior Stadium. Don’t fear the unknown, but, rather, chase it, was the advice given to the Franklin High School Class of 2025 by its Valedictorian at their graduation ceremony on June 26. “Class of 2025, don’t be …

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