Proposed bills co-sponsored by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen that would ban steel animal traps and allow terminally ill people to end their lives were recently approved by Assembly committees. The bills, A-2451 and ACR-25, now face votes by both houses of the state Legislature. A-2451, called “The New Jersey Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act” would create a process by …

The state’s largest police and fire unions have endorsed a retired township policeman in his bid to become the Somerset County Sheriff. The New Jersey State PBA, the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives endorsed former township Lt. Darrin Russo during an event Oct. 5 at The Palace at Somerset …

Submitted by Sue Kafas. The Franklin High School Warrior Marching Band won first place in their division in the USBands competition in Somerville on October 1. The band’s overall score was 84.6, beating out its next closest opponent by 3 points.  The band also took first place awards in captions including Best Percussion, Best Music and Best Overall Visual Effect. The …

Joan Rossell passed away on Sunday afternoon at her home in Jamesburg. She was 74 years old. Mrs. Rossell was born in Perth Amboy to Anthony and Rose Badessa. She lived in New Brunswick and Somerset before moving to Jamesburg where she has lived for close to 50 years. She loved to bowl and trips to Atlantic City where she …

Submitted by Imam Syed Rizwan Rizvi. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan. The tenth day of Muharram is the Day of Ashura, which to Shīʿah Muslims is part of the Mourning of Muharram. The months of Muharram and Safar offer the yearly opportunity to …

A township resident was recently honored by Citizens Financial Group for 25 years of service. Sushvet Kantesaria’s name was inscribed on a brick that will be installed outside Citizens’ headquarters at One Citizens Plaza, according to a press release from the company. Kantesaria was one of 75 Citizens employees so honored. More than 2,000 colleagues have been honored with bricks since …

Dogs and cats and Guinea pigs and a snake received blessings Oct. 2 at the annual St. Matthias Catholic Church’s Blessing of the Animals ceremony. The ceremony is held each year on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, said Deacon Russ Demkovitz, who conducted the blessing. St. Francis is also the …

Five people were injured – and two had to be extracted – in a late-night automobile accident Oct. 1 on Route 27. Police said that shortly before 10 p.m., Miguel Salazar-Maediola, 30, of Fort Lee, was driving a 2002 GMC Denali north on Rt. 27 when he attempted to make a left turn onto Village Drive. The Denali was stuck by a 2003 GMC …

The Middlesex-Somerset County Police Benevolent Association (P.B.A.) Conference has endorsed Democratic candidate Darrin Russo in his bid for Somerset County Sheriff. “From his commitment to enhancing cyber security and building community relationships, to his plan to forge critical partnerships with the local police departments, Darrin Russo’s vision for law enforcement will better protect residents,” John Granahan, co-chair of the Middlesex-Somerset …

Villagers Theatre, 475 Demott Lane, Somerset, is continuing its Yellow Brick Road fundraising efforts with two special programs in October. Filling in the Blanks, a new play written and directed by Khy Garner, runs from October 7 to 9. Shows are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday with tickets at $15. On October 15, Carrie …