CELEBRATING LIFE – FHS junior Matthew Rodriguez salutes at his book publishing party February 27 in the school’s library. The last six-plus years have been volatile ones for Matthew Rodriguez. The Franklin High School junior has gone from being in a seven-month coma when he was 11 years old, to celebrating the publication of his first book on February 28 …

01/25/2026 A Somerset resident was a victim of theft by deception. The victim was contacted by an alleged employee of the Morris County Jail. The unknown suspect stated he could help the victim’s family member if she sent $1,450. The suspect advised the victim that she was scammed once he received the payment. 01/26/2026 A 44-year-old Somerset woman was arrested …

THANKING THE SCHOOL BOARD – Jason Yanchuck, the newly minted district Assistant Athletic Director, speaks to the school board at the February 26 meeting. A high school track coach was named as the new district Assistant Athletic Director at the February 26 Board of Education meeting. Jason Yanchuck, who is the Franklin High School girls’ track & field team coach, …

Because March is recognized as National Nutrition Month, the Senior Wellness Centers are hosting a range of programs that educate seniors about nutrition and offer easy to follow tips for maintaining a balanced diet that will support their overall health and wellbeing. March is also known for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The program schedule offers participants many opportunities to socialize …

Marjorie Jo Lancsak of Somerset passed away on February 23 at home with her husband by her side. She was 73. Born in Billings, Montana, she moved around a lot as a youngster living in Butte, Montana, Fargo, North Dakota, and Superior, Wisconsin as her father worked for the railroad. She moved to Somerset at the age of 12 where …

EXPLAINING THE ACADEMY – Amy Arsiwala and Eric Siegal talk about the new Warrior NexTech Academy for middle school students, set to debut in the fall of 2026. The new Warrior NexTech Academy for middle schoolers was unveiled at the February 26 Board of Education meeting. The program is designed as a “school-within-a-school,” with students from both the Hamilton Street …

TEEING UP – Junior Alivia Stewart prepares to sink one of her six free throws in the February 26 NJSIAA CJ Group 4 Tournament game against Manalapan High School. The top-seeded Franklin High School Lady Warriors basketball team won big in their NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 Tournament first round game on February 26, dominating Manalapan High School 75-17. The Lady …

The search firm helping the Board of Education with its search for a new schools Superintendent has set two public meetings in March to receive input from township residents. The sessions are scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. on March 5 and March 9. The March 5 session will be virtual, while the March 9 session will be in-person. Schools Superintendent John …

Otis Watson passed away on February 19 at his home in Somerset. He was 70 years old. Otis was born in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, on January 27, 1956. He often spoke of his early years there, living with his sharecropper grandparents and working in the fields picking cotton. At a young age, he moved to New York City with his …

Ordinances that expand who can conduct marriages, change the late date for pet registrations, and modify the fees and accepted materials for convenience center drop-offs were introduced by the Township Council at its February 24 meeting. The first ordinance, 4498-26, deals with fees and other matters related to the convenience center. The ordinance raises by $5 the various fees for …