Franklin Township High School will be one of 26 schools in New Jersey to offer Advanced Placement African American studies, starting in the 2023-2024 school year. The course, created by the College Board, is currently being taught in one New Jersey school and 60 schools across the country. The course is in its first year of a two-year pilot program.

ACTION! – The designation of Franklin as a “Film Ready Community” by the state is hoped to bring to the township more movie crews, such as this one filming David Duchovny’s “Bucky F*ing Dent” over several days in September 2022. Fresh on the heels of Franklin being designated one of the first “Film Ready Communities” in the state, the Township …

One of the cannabis business applications supported by the Council plans to locate in Franklin Court on Hamilton Street. (Photo: LoopNet). The Township Council on March 14 approved its 65th, 66th and 67th supportive resolutions for cannabis businesses that want to set up shop in the township. One of the resolutions is for a business – West Orange Farms – …

RISING WATER … RATES – Mayor Phil Kramer said increases in what the Township pays for water forced its hand in raising rates to township customers. An ordinance amendment that calls for a 15 percent increase in water rates was introduced on first reading at the March 14 Township Council meeting. The hike would be the first such increase in …

AWARD WINNERS – Members of the TEECS Model UN Team won a number of awards at the recent National High School Model United Nations Conference held in New York City. (Photo: TEECS). The Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School Robotics and Model UN teams are making names for themselves on big stages. Members of TEECS Model UN team won several awards …

Robert C. Zisk, Sr., of Somerset passed away on March 12. He was 67. Born in New Brunswick, he was a lifelong resident of Franklin Township. Bob worked as an Operations Manager for Brenntag Northeast in New Brunswick and Branchburg before his retirement. He was also a longtime volunteer for the Franklin Township Little League. Bob was a fan of …

BUDGET TIME – Public Safety Director Quovella Maeweather prepares for her comments to the Township Council at its first 2023 budget hearing on March 13. Budget requests for a number of township departments were heard at a special March 13 Township Council hearing. The hearing was one of two that will be held before the township’s 2023 budget is introduced, …

Alex Kharazi, leader of the township Interfaith Coalition, has been tapped by township Democrats to run for a Township Council At-Large seat. (File Photo). A political newcomer and three incumbents will carry the banner for township Democrats in the June 6 primaries for Mayor and At-Large Township Council members. Leading the ticket will be Mayor Phil Kramer, who is seeking …

BUDGET TIME – Schools Superintendent John Ravally explains some elements of the tentative FY 2024 district budget at the school board’s special open Finance committee meeting on March 9. Update: The Board of Education on March 16 voted to introduce it’s tentative FY 2024 budget. It now goes before the Somerset County Executive Superintendent for review, and final adoption in …

SHERIFF’S K-9 UNIT – L to R:  Somerset County S/O Edward Pawlick & K9 Mac, S/O Daniel Soffer & K9 Caesar, S/O David Daneker & K9 Patriot, S/O Michael Kromar & K9 Casanova, S/O Justin Nielsen & K9’s Anna and Benning in front.  (Photo: Somerset County Undersheriff Tim Pino.) Three K-9s in the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office will receive donated bullet …