The proposed 2026 $40,228 budget for the Hamilton Street Business District was introduced at the Township Council’s January 27 meeting. The budget is powered by $34,000 in assessments to businesses in the District, as well as the use of $6,228 in surplus money. The District roughly runs the length of Hamilton Street from Franklin Boulevard to the New Brunswick border, …

The Township Council approved more than $400,000 in contracts for goods and services at the January 27 meeting. The contracts awarded were: A $43,654 contract to Vialytics America of Edison for road asset management software. The contract is for one year, with the option to renew four additional years. $400,000 for recreational and enrichment programs to the following companies: YMCA …

Betty Lee Gray DeMonic, 86, passed away on January 21 at her home in Hightstown. Betty was born at home, July 4, 1939 in Hinton, West Virginia. Her mother, Alice Parker Gray, of Hinton was the organist for Ascension Episcopal Church and a medical laboratory technician at Hinton Hospital. Alice graduated from Marshall College and studied at George Washington University …

12/28/2026 A business located in the area of Elizabeth Ave. was the victim of a shoplifting on 12/24/25. An unknown male exited the store without paying for merchandise valued at $500. A Somerset resident was the victim of a theft on 12/26/25. The unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s lost wallet and used the victim’s credit card to make purchases at …

“There is a special bathroom in heaven for the father of all girls.” John B. Hadley, 77, passed away peacefully on January 23, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Whitehouse Station. He was the greatest example of how to love deeply and live joyfully. John was born on September 1, 1948, in Summit to the late G. …

Michael D. Walker Sr., 65, passed away on January 26 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. Born on January 9, 1961, in Queens, New York, Michael was raised there before relocating to New Jersey in 1992, where he made his home in Somerset. He graduated from Lawrence High School in Cedarhurst, New York, in 1979 and went …

SOLUTION FOR ACCIDENTS? – Township Councilman Carl Wright suggested using stop signs and restricted parking on Hamilton Street to reduce accidents at two side streets. A Township Councilman on January 27 floated an idea that he says could help motorists avoid accidents at two Hamilton Street intersections. Councilman Carl Wright (D-Ward 4) said he’d like to install stop signs at …

Screenshot Linda Seneca, 83, of Somerset, passed away on January 21 in Melbourne, Florida. She was born on November 4, 1942, in Elizabeth to Tova and Nina Goldenberg. Linda was a graduate of New Brunswick High School, Class of 1961. She dedicated more than 35 years of service as an executive secretary at Johnson & Johnson. Known for her strong …

FOCUS – Lady Warriors Sophomore Nola Bright prepares for a free-throw during the January 24 game against St. Rose. The Franklin High School Lady Warriors basketball team rose to the occasion at the More Than A Highlight Showcase event on January 24, defeating St. Rose 60-29. The Showcase is meant to highlight girls’ basketball talent, and featured play from teams …

BIG STORM BREWING – The snow storm that is expected to hit our area this weekend could be the most impactful storm in the last five years, the state Climatologist said. (File photo). The upcoming snow storm expected to hit the area late Saturday into Sunday could be the most impactful storm in five years, according to the state Climatologist. Dave …