Patrick Colligan Patrick Murray Two people with Franklin ties are among 100 state residents recognized by an online publication as being among the most powerful non-elected political figures in New Jersey. The 2023 edition of the New Jersey Globe’s “Power List” includes Patrick Murray, a township resident and head of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, and Patrick Colligan, a township …

Robert Bruce Hawkins passed away on April 28 at the age of 77. He was born on July 18, 1945, in Somerville to Wilbur and Myrtle Hawkins. Robert was a lifelong resident of Somerset, and his unwavering commitment to serving his community made him a cherished and respected member of the New Brunswick and Somerset area. After serving honorably in …

Walter W. Friedberg, 93, passed away on April 27 at his home in Somerset. Born on June 13, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of Isador and Ida (Pearlman) Friedberg. Walter lived in Houston for a short period of time, before returning to Brooklyn and eventually finding his home in Somerset. He honorably served in the Army …

WHAT RAIN? – Cyclists riding to raise money for the Franklin Food Bank didn’t let a little rain deter them in the 34th annual Tour de Franklin. More than $126,000 was raised by the Franklin Food Bank through the 34th annual Tour de Franklin, held on April 30. More than 270 cyclists were expected to pedal out from Franklin High …

HISTORY MAKING – Audrey Taylor reacts during the 2019 NJSIAA Tournament of Champions championship game at the Rutgers Athletic Center. (File photo.) Franklin High School’s boys’ and girls’ basketball programs took hits recently with the resignations of both of their head coaches. Girls’ head coach Audrey Taylor, who gained national recognition during the historic 2018-19 season, and boys’ head coach …

GETTING CLOSER – An opening date for the new Franklin Park library branch has not been set, but the old branch is now closed. (File photo). Work continues on the new Franklin Park branch of the Franklin Township library, although it’s still not known when it will be open. A problem with sourcing a large electrical panel delayed construction for …

TALKING NUMBERS – Schools Superintendent John Ravally describes the 2024 budget at the March 9 open Finance Committee meeting. (File photo.) The Board of Education approved its $214 million spending plan for Fiscal Year 2024 at a special April 25 meeting. The $213,803,051 budget is powered by a $164,387,049 tax levy for calendar year 2023, up $7,285,784 from calendar year …

NEW SGS ADMIN TEAM – Rebekah Solomon, center, with Sampson G. Smith vice-principals Jill Santoni and Jarred Sheffrin after Solomon was appointed SGS principal at the April 25 Board of Education meeting. (Photo: Rebekah Solomon.) The Board of Education on April 25 once again chose home-grown talent in naming Rebekah Solomon as the new principal at Franklin Middle School – …

YER OUT – Franklin’s Samuele Mattia prepares to put the tag on a Phillipsburg player as he slides into second base during the April 25 game. Franklin High School’s diamond teams had mixed results on April 25, with the Warrior baseball team winning 5-3 against Phillipsburg, and the Lady Warrior softball team falling 11-6 to Ridge. In the boys’ game, …

THROWIN’ SMOKE – Junior Anthony Buroughs delivers during his seven innings on the mound for Franklin in their 7-1 win over South Brunswick. Mike Schiermeyer knocked in three runs and Anthony Buroughs pitched a complete game as the Franklin High School baseball Warriors topped South Brunswick 7-1 on April 24. Schiermeyer, a Sophomore, went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles.