Providing employees of small- and medium-sized business with peace of mind when emergencies strike is the mission of a new company co-founded by a township woman. Creative Backup Care Options co-founder and CEO, Bernadette Fusaro, and her Colorado-based partner, Tracy Cutler, are parlaying their experience in the industry to bring a backup care benefit to businesses on both coasts.

Jan. 29 A 2001 BMW caught fire in a Route 518 driveway. Police said the fire started in the engine compartment. Griggstown and Little Rocky Hill fire departments responded.

A proposal to build 20 one-story office/warehouse buildings on Weston Canal Road was approved Feb. 4 by the Planning Board. The approval is the fourth on the property since 2003.

A more than 30,000-square-foot retail center for the Summerfields at Franklin active adult community was approved Feb. 4 by the Planning Board. The center, which will be located at the corner of School House and Randolph roads, will also serve residents of Canal Walk.

Former state Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula was the recipient of two proclamations at the Feb. 3 Township Council meeting. Chivukula, who last year was appointed to the state Board of Public Utilities, was given a proclamation by the council and by the state Assembly.

Students who refuse to take next month’s computerized PARCC tests run the risk of being marked absent from school. Or do they?

625 New Brunswick Rd., Somerset, NJ (732) 563-4213 Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Board & Card Games (such as Dominoes & Checkers) – Available Daily Body & Brain Yoga with Lucy Pagnetti – Monday, 10:30 a.m. ($5.00 suggested donation/class) Bridge Lessons – Every Friday, 10:30 a.m. Chair Tai Chi with Bobbi Joels – Every Other Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. …

Township residents may find their tap water tasting a little off during February because the company which supplies Franklin with most of its water will temporarily change its water treatment methods. NJ American Water, based in Voorhees, announced that starting Feb. 1, it will treat water at its Canal Road water treatment plant with free chlorine, rather than the usual chloramines.

A 23-year-old Somerset man was arrested Jan. 28 on drug and weapons charges after a joint investigation by township police and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. Police said Kenneth James of Lenox Place was found with $1,200 worth of marijuana, $300 worth of Ecstasy and $400 worth of methamphetamines as well as a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 caliber revolver loaded with …

Jan. 22 Joseph Pantoja of New Brunswick was cited for careless driving after his car rear-ended a school bus on Landing Lane, driven by Martha Zumbana of South River.