The Township Council officially began the search for a new police chief on Dec. 12, but the decision to do so was not without its drama. Current Police Chief Lawrence Roberts is retiring on Dec. 31. He announced his intention in June.

We took our live stream camera out and about the township on Dec. 16. Our first stop was at Tompson Park in Middlebush, across from the Middlebush Reformed Church. There, we met up with members of the Middlebush Volunteer Fire Company, who presented Santa Claus to village families.

The grand opening of the WaWa convenience store and gas station on Somerset Street on Dec. 15 was part party, part fundraiser. The celebration included music, an “historical” parade and a sub sandwich-making contest, which is where the fundraising came in.

Two Churchill Avenue families and a family dog were sickened Dec. 15 when the boiler in the basement of their home malfunctioned and emitted carbon monoxide, police said. Police were alerted at about 11:42 a.m. by staff from an area hospital, in which the staff requested a welfare check on residents at the home, according to a press release from …

Franklin High School officials have once again found a fake gun in a student’s possession. At about 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14, an “alert teacher” at the high school saw a 14-year-old male student put what she believed to be a handgun in his backpack, according to a press release from the Franklin Township Police Department.

Organizers of the effort to raise money for a proposed township gazebo took some time Dec. 14 to thank their donors, including one who got the ball rolling in a big way. It was also announced at the event that the group’s goal is to have the gazebo ready for next year’s July 4th celebration.

The beginning of Hanukkah was celebrated in Franklin during the week with events at a temple and a local supermarket. On Dec. 12, Temple Beth El held its annual menorah lighting celebration, which featured a display of menorahs owned by the temple’s congregants.

Bethel V. Yankowski passed away Dec. 14. She was 83 years old. Mrs. Yankowski was born in Elizabeth and lived there for most of her life and raised her family there. She was always sure to provide her children and husband with a comfortable home. She and her husband Michael moved to Somerset about two and a half years ago. …

George H. Andreach, 83, passed away on December 12 surrounded by his family. Mr. Andreach was born July 27, 1934 in Union to the late Anthony and Gertrude (Foran) Andreach. He grew up in Irvington and relocated to Bridgewater, where he lived for more than 40 years. He then settled to Somerset, where he resided for the past five years. …

Anthony Washington passed away on Monday December 11 at Somerset Woods Rehabilitation Center. He was 55 years old. Mr. Washington was born in Gary, Indiana but lived in Somerset since 1994. He was employed by the ARC of Somerset County in Manville. He enjoyed trips to Hawaii and was know for his happy and sweet demeanor. He loved to dance …