2018 Election: Township Democrat In Historic Freeholder Victory; Former BOE Members Leading
Township Deputy Mayor Shanel Robinson helped make history Nov. 6 when she became one of the first two Democrats elected to the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders in nearly 40 years. Election Day 2018 also saw the apparent return of two former Board of Education members and the victory of an incumbent. Robinson, along […]
Stanley, Merris, Potosnak Leading In School Board Race
Two former Board of Education members and an incumbent are leading the pack in the quest for three open seats. Former member Pat Stanley leads all candidates with 8,231 votes, followed by incumbent Laurie Merris with 7,018 and former board member Ed Potosnak with 6,254. Final winners cannot be declared because half of one district […]
State Assemblyman: Franklin ‘Not Equipped’ To Handle Gas Compressor Disaster
The township is “not equipped” to handle any potential disaster that could occur at a planned gas turbine compressor station targeted for a 52-acre tract in Little Rocky Hill, state environmental officials were told Nov. 5. That was the word from state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-17), one of more than 100 people who were scheduled […]
Two Township Residents Among County Photo Contest Winners
Two township residents were among the winners in the fourth annual “Show us Somerset County Through Your Camera Lens” photo contest for residents and county staff. John Carroll won first place in the amateur architecture and urban design category, and Julie Daigle won second place in the community and events category. Each category winner received […]
Updated: St. Matthias’ ‘Fr. Doug’ Resigns Amid ‘Serious Questions’ About Church Finances
Update: The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the matter, according to Det. Jeanne Trillhaase, the SCPO spokeswoman. She said the office “can’t provide details since the investigation is active and ongoing.” In a Nov. 5 meeting with parishioners, Metuchen Diocese Bishop James Checchio said that Fr. Doug, as he is known, admitted to “borrowing” […]
Township Council Honors Nigerians On Country’s Independence Anniversary
Franklin’s Nigerian population was honored by the Township Council on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of Nigerian independence. The council at its Oct 23 meeting presented a proclamation to the township’s West African Community organization, commending it “through its Chairman, Ambassador Foday Mansaray for their continued efforts and Commitment in promoting sovereignty by cultural […]
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Held For Claremont Elementary School
It’s been open since Sept. 20, but the Claremont Elementary School was officially opened Nov. 1 with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. The school is the newest building on the district’s roster, having been the centerpiece project in an $84 million facilities referendum in 2014 that also resulted in the realignment of the district. “This has […]
Townhouse Development Approved For Cedar Grove Lane
A townhouse project targeted for Cedar Grove Lane, which was the subject of a lawsuit, received final approval Nov. 1 by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Known as The Grove at Somerset, the 34-unit development is planned to be built on nearly eight acres between the Jain Center and Cedar Hill Landscaping, across the street […]
More Than 400 Township Homes To Be Switched To Dual-Stream Recycling
How recyclables are separated and picked up will change for a number of township residents in early December. About 425 homes will be switched to dual-stream recycling, which means they will be getting separate containers for cardboard and paper products and for glass, cans and plastics. Those affected lie within the area bordered roughly by […]
Expanded Photo Galleries: Township Schools Celebrate Halloween
It’s the time of year again when ghouls, goblins and superheroes roamed the hallways of township schools. Various Halloween events have been held throughout the township for about the past week; the Franklin Reporter & Advocate dropped in on Franklin Park School and Franklin High School on Oct. 31 to see how students there celebrated […]
