Township government officially became an all-Democratic institution Jan. 1 when the team that swept the November election was sworn in to their seats. Taking their oaths were Mayor Phillip Kramer, Councilwomen Kimberly Francois and Shanel Robinson and Councilman Rajiv Prasad, all of whom are At-Large members.

Muslims who truly follow the teachings of their Prophet Muhammad should unite and reject terrorist “thugs” such as ISIS. That was one of the messages Jan. 1 at the 2016 “Prophet Day” celebration of Muhammad’s birth, held at the Masjid-e-Ali Mosque on Cedar Grove Lane.

Editor’s Note: Starting with this honor, the Franklin Reporter & Advocate will annually recognize one person who, in our opinion, has made the greatest impact on Franklin Township in the preceding year. Our inaugural award goes to Franklin Township Police Lieutenant Darrin Russo. On Dec. 2, 2015, Franklin Township Police Lt. Darrin Russo had a split second to make a decision …

Outgoing Mayor Chris Kelly has some advice for the man who’s going to be filling the seat come Jan. 1, 2016. Well, actually, he has a lot of advice.

A dropped cell phone helped lead police to a North Brunswick man authorities allege shot another man in the course of trying to rob a Franklin Boulevard business on Dec. 6. The suspect, Rajon L. McMillian, 24, was arrested at 2 p.m. Dec. 30 after he appeared at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office in Somerville, according to a press release from the prosecutor.

[put_wpgm id=1]   A 38-year-old Bridgewater man was listed in critical condition with “significant life-threatening injuries” after a double shooting Dec. 29 on Eugene Avenue, police said.

Police are investigating the circumstances behind a Dec. 28 accident that killed a 59-year-old Franklin Park man. Police received a call at 7:52 p.m. reporting that a pedestrian had been hit behind the Stop and Shop located on Route 27 in Franklin Park, according to a press release about the incident.

Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have announced that shortstop Robert Andino has been signed by the Miami Marlins and will report to Triple-A.

With more than $60 million invested in Somerset County businesses and more to come, Unity Bank is a leader in serving its neighbors and supporting local businesses. The bank, with a branch in the Cedar Grove Center on Cedar Grove Lane, supports many neighborhood projects in Franklin Township and believes “a vital part of our mission is to give back …

625 New Brunswick Rd., Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 563-4213 Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Body & Brain Yoga with Lucy Pagnetti – Monday, 10:30 a.m. Advance registration required; a $5.00 donation is suggested per class. Body and Brain Yoga is a dynamic mind-body practice that combines stretching, flowing movement, deep breathing exercises and meditation in a simple and …