The cannabis business in Franklin Township is on track to becoming a nearly $28 million industry by the end of the year. That translates to more than $500,000 in 2025 sales taxes that will be paid to the township by Franklin’s dispensaries and cannabis cultivators. Cannabis businesses pay 2% in sales taxes to the Township. Taxes paid by the 17 …

Lance Evan Eisen, 66, passed away on December 8 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 2, 1959, in Newark, New Jersey, Lance was the son of the late Sanford and Frances (Rothman) Eisen. After spending his early years in Edison, Lance later resided in Franklin Township before ultimately …

FRANKLIN’S FAMOUS – Members of the Franklin High School Madrigals show the commendations they were awarded December 9 by the Township Council for being named NBC’s “Star Choir” for 2025. The Franklin High School Madrigals’ victory tour continued on December 9 when they received a commendation from the Township Council. The Madrigals, performing under the name, GoldN’Blues Choir, was named …

There were no increases in the Fire District Commissioners’ stipends approved December 9 by the Township Council. The proposed stipends were approved by voters in the four districts in the February Fire Election. The Council approved the following stipends: Fire District No. 1 $9,000.00 (Commissioners except Chair) Fire District No. 1 $9,500.00 (Chairman) Fire District No. 2 $8,250.00 each Fire …

By Bill Connell. I hate winter. That has nothing to do with my muse. I just wanted to say it. While I was sheltering in place from the cold I went down  a rabbit hole on YouTube about fire trucks. Apparently over the last 20-25 years there has been immense consolidation in manufacturing of fire trucks.  Unfortunately, this has not led to …

Mr. Raymond Ekstowicz passed away on November 29 at Somerset Woods Care Center in Somerset. He was 75. Mr. Ekstowicz was born in Bayonne and raised there. He graduated from Bayonne High School. He enlisted in the Unites States Army Reserves and served his country faithfully. In 1977, Mr. Ekstowicz and his wife Anne moved to Somerset, where the young …

SIGNING DAY – Miles Muldrow and Casey Gomez Miranda at the signing day ceremony December 4 in the Franklin High School gym. Two Franklin High School Warriors set to play for Division 1 teams were honored December 4 with a signing day ceremony. Football player Miles Muldrow and softball player Casey Gomez Miranda signed their National Letters of Intent before …

EXPLAINING THE PROJECT – Engineer Tyler Vandervalk explains the modified proposal for a convenience store/gas station on Elizabeth Avenue at the December 4 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting. A proposal to turn a car repair shop into a convenience store at Elizabeth and Cedar avenues ran into heavy flak at the December 4 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting. The plan, …

ONE MORE TIME – Engineer Shri Kotdawla talks about the changes made to plans for a retail/office center at New Brunswick Road and Davidson Avenue at the December 3 Planning Board meeting. The third time was the charm for a developer wishing to build a 25,000-square-foot mixed-use retail/office center at the corner of Davidson Avenue and New Brunswick Road. The …

By Jenny C. Kafas, Volunteer to Franklin Township’s Environmental Commission The Franklin Township Environmental Commission asks patrons and restaurant owners alike to join in on “Skip the Stuff,” a movement whose goal is to end unnecessary usage of plastic utensils and single serving condiment packages handed out in restaurants by making these items available only as necessary. If you’re like …