NEW LIBRARY BRANCH – Library officials expect the current Franklin Park Branch to close around March 21, with this new branch opening several weeks later. The new Franklin Park branch of the Public Library should be opening around the middle of April, a library official recently said. The “tentative” date for a temporary certificate of occupancy for the branch, located …

NEW SIGNS COMING – The Open Space Advisory Committee discussed new signs for Naruta Park, pictured here, and was asked to consider renaming the Negri-Nepote Grasslands Preserve to honor two deceased township residents. The renaming of the Negri-Nepote Grassland Preserve and new signs for what will be Mettler and Naruta Park was discussed at a recent meeting of the Open …

STATE AID INCREASE – Schools Superintendent John Ravally said the increase in state aid is “timely.” (File photo.) The Franklin Township school district is targeted to receive more than $21 million in state aid for its K-12 program in Fiscal Year 2024, a nearly 38 percent increase in the amount it received for Fiscal Year 2023, according to figures recently …

ESSAY WINNER – Megan Hauss, who won an Honorable Mention in a contest sponsored by the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women, poses with her parents at the D&R Towpath in Franklin. (Photo courtesy SCCSW.) Franklin High School Senior Megan Hauss won one of five honorable mentions in the Somerset County “Inspirational Women” Youth Essay Contest. Hauss’ essay …

A 23-year-old township man faces attempted murder and weapons charges after he allegedly tried to kill a man in Somerville, police said. Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the area of North Gaston Avenue and East High Street at about 3:09 a.m. February 25 after police received reports of loud noises and vehicles speeding, according to a press release from …

A 35-year-old North Brunswick man faces multiple drug charges for allegedly running a drug production facility out of a Cedar Grove Lane hotel room. The February 27 arrest was the result of a two-month investigation carried out by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force into the distribution of controlled dangerous substances from the hotel, according …

WILL NOT RUN – Township Councilwoman Crystal Pruitt announced at the February 28 Council meeting that she will not seek a second full term on the governing body. Citing the travel demands of her job as the reason behind her decision, Township Councilwoman Crystal Pruitt announced February 28 that she would not run for re-election this November. Pruitt, a Democrat …

A Hamilton Street developer is suing the Township over claims that political pressure scuttled an apartment building project targeted for the Hamilton Business District. The developer, John Park, claims in the suit that after township officials became aware of his project – comprised of two four-story buildings holding 233 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and retail space, and a covered …

Jane was a devoted wife to Frank Angelo Resta (deceased 1991), a loving mother to four children: June (Dennis), Frank (Celeste), Debra, and Ed (Lisa). An admiring grandmother to Andrea (Rob), Justin (Bena), Carlie, Carina, Ryan, Corey (Anna) and Sara. Jane was a mental health warrior. She loved family, friends, dance, and fashion, and she cared, loved and appreciated all …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. A confluence of things has me in a thoughtful mood.   Let me share.  Don’t Miss Out! No other media outlet covering Franklin Township brings you the depth of information presented by the Franklin Reporter & Advocate. Period. We are the only truly independent media serving the Eight Villages. But we can only do that with your …