A discount retailer planning to move into the Franklin Towne Center plaza was given Zoning Board of Adjustment permission Sept. 6 to erect two large signs on its facade. Ocean State Job Lot is taking over about 31,000 square feet of space at the shopping plaza, located at South Middlebush Road and Route 27. The store will be located between …

Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have acquired catcher John Nester in a trade with the Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association for a player to be named later. Nester enters his first season with the Somerset Patriots and the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He has prior service in the Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres organizations.

​Lancaster, Pennsylvania – The Somerset Patriots (32-22, 67-50) earned a series win over the Lancaster Barnstormers (28-24, 66-49) with an 8-4 victory at Clipper Magazine Stadium Thursday evening. Somerset took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Justin Pacchioli raced home from third on a passed ball to open the scoring before Nate Coronado added a two-out …

An unoccupied house on South Middlebush Road was destroyed in an early morning fire on Sept. 6. There were no injuries reported in the fire, according to a press release from the Franklin Township Police Department.

It no longer sports the space-age decor inspired by the original “Star Wars” movie, but the UFO Salon & Spa is still going  strong after its liftoff 40 years ago. Paul and Nancy Goldberg founded the salon on Sept. 29, 1978 in Rutgers Plaza on Easton Avenue. This was the couple’s second foray into running a salon; the first, which …

Owners of small- and medium-sized businesses who don’t want to make a large investment in office space may have a new ally in the township. PrimeWork, a company offering shared-space office solutions, has opened its first location at 100 Franklin Square Boulevard, off Davidson Avenue. The 28,000-square-foot space encompasses the entire fourth floor of the building, and features a variety …

New Britain, Conn. – The Somerset Patriots (29-21, 63-49) held the New Britain Bees (23-26, 56-56) to just one unearned run in a 4-1 Saturday night win at New Britain Stadium. Joyce Boyd (4) opened up the scoring with a two-out solo home run to left field in the top of the first inning. Endy Chavez added a two-out RBI double …

New Britain, Conn. – The Somerset Patriots (28-21, 62-49) carried a strong pitching performance and a big third inning to a 6-1 win over the New Britain Bees (23-25, 56-55) Friday night at New Britain Stadium. The Patriots quickly grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on an Endy Chavez sac fly to right field. New Britain responded, …

The Franklin High School Warriors Marching Band broke its annual band camp Aug. 31 with a soggy performance for friends and family. Gathered on the high school’s side practice field, band members previewed their new show, with the theme “Rise to Royalty.” The show is based on the story of King Arthur and Excalibur, the King’s magical sword.

Mrs. Mary Giannotto passed away Aug. 29 at her home in Somerset. She was 81 years old. Mrs. Giannotto was born in New Brunswick. She graduated New Brunswick High School, Class of 1956 and moved to Somerset in 1963. She has resided in Somerset since then. Mary spent most of her time raising her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and …