Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have announced the re-signing of outfielder Luis Montanez and the addition of catcher Damaso Espino. Montanez was among the Atlantic League leaders with his .313 batting average, 39 runs scored, 63 hits, 13 doubles, six home runs, and 41 RBI in 52 games played for the Patriots last season before signing with the Los Angeles …

U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12) stopped by the Franklin Middle School March 31 bearing a gift. Holt presented the school with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building. He said a staffer last year noticed that the school’s flag “looked a little tattered,” so he requested that one be flown over the capitol in preparation to replace …

Update 2: The Blackwells Mills and Griggstown causeways were reopened early in the morning of April 2. The Blackwells Mills and Griggstown causeways were closed March 30 due to flooding from heavy rain of the previous two days. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for that general area until 2 p.m. March 31. Rain is expected to …

After seven years with the school district, interim schools Superintendent Evany Pagan is moving on to another position. Pagan, who was assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction before taking on the interim role at the beginning of February, next week will become the assistant superintendent of schools for the Passaic school system. The Hillsborough resident said her leaving was “bittersweet.” …

A Lumberton man was convicted March 27 of 1st Degree Armed Robbery in connection with an October 2011 robbery at a township Radio Shack store. Michael Mitchell, 31, was convicted after a trial in state Superior Court, Somerville, according to a press release from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. In the release, authorities said Mitchell and an accomplice, Emendo Bowers, …

One of the state’s top environmental law enforcers has a message for those who would illegally dump on state-owned open space. “You do not want to be the next person we catch doing this,” the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Knute Jensen said against a backdrop of mounds of dumped items on state-owned property off Blackwells Mills Road. Jensen joined …

Know a senior citizen who’s made a positive impact on others’ lives? Then nominate that person for a “Profiles of Positive Aging” recognition. The program ,now in its fifth year, honors residents aged 60 and older who inspire others and bring continuity to the fabric of their communities, according to a release about the award. The program is sponsored by …

A crackdown on illegal dumping in state parks, forests, wildlife management areas and natural areas will be announced by the state’s top environmental officers at noon March 27 at a Blackwells Mills Road site. State Department of Environmental Commissioner Bob Martin and DEP Deputy Commissioner Michele Siekerka will announced the effort at the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park location …

By Richard Seamon, Somerset. It was with great interest that I read the story regarding the town council presentation of the proposed $57 million municipal budget.  As a licensed professional Civil Engineer, I found the discussion of resurfacing township roads to be extremely important and long overdue.  In fact, I recently attended training from the New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association …

  Franklin High School’s production of the Tony Award-winning “In The Heights” runs March 28 and 29 and April 4 and 5 at the school theatre, 500 Elizabeth Ave. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for all performances. Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance. Advance tickets are available by emailing hsvmd@gmail.com.