“Fewer than six” of the more than 6,000 district students eligible for the controversial PARCC exams have opted out of the tests, interim schools Superintendent Lee Seitz said Feb. 26. The computerized tests – known as the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers exam – will be given to students in grades 3-11. They will be administered in …

Fifth Anniversary In Heaven Dear Olivia (“Livi”), Five years have gone by, yet it still seems as if it were yesterday. There will never be a day that you do not come to mind. We may have lost a daughter/sister, but Heaven certainly gained an angel. If only we could see your adorable face and your magnificent smile. If only …

Two leases with township farmers were extended Feb. 24 by the Township Council. The council voted to approve the second of two one-year extensions to Albert Puchalek for Catalpa Farm on Old Vliet Road. The farmland consists of 50 acres, with a fee of $51.25 per acre, or $2,562.50 for the year.

The Franklin Heat Traveling Basketball program will hold a fundraising basketball game from 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Sampson G. Smith Intermediate School, 1649 Amwell Rd. The game, called the “Terrance Barker Scholarship Classic,” will raise money for the program’s Terrance Barker Scholarship Fund and will pit players against their coaches.

A 20-year-old township man has been indicted for the October, 2014 murder of a New Brunswick youth. Dequan S. Rogers of Alcorne Street was indicted Feb. 26 for the Oct. 13, 2014 murder of Joell Burton, 17, of New Brunswick, according to a press release from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

Update: The budget was introduced at the March 10 Township Council meeting. A public hearing has been set for April 14. Original Story: The $57.2 million township budget expected to be introduced next month will carry with it a 3 percent hike in the amount to be raised by taxes, the Township Council was told Feb. 24.

A 22-year-old township man was among two men charged Feb. 24 in connection with the apparent drug-related death of a 17-year-old girl. Andrew A. Lindo of Somerset and William A. King, 22, of Edison, were charged with 3rd Degree endangering the welfare of a child, 3rd Degree hindering apprehension and 4th Degree tampering with physical evidence, police said.

625 New Brunswick Rd., Somerset, NJ (732) 563-4213 Open Monday-Friday 9 – 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. Computer …

Plans for a WaWa gas station and convenience store – which could provide up to 35 jobs – were presented to the township Redevelopment Agency at its Feb. 23 meeting. The targeted site is the former home of Guaranteed Motors at Route 27 and Juliet Avenue. If approved, it would be the first WaWa in the township.

A township employee was fired Feb. 23 as a result of his refusal to take a breath test following a weekend accident with a township plow. Police said that Raymond T. Genovese, 36, of Somerset, a public works employee at the time, was charged with driving while intoxicated and several other motor vehicle offenses Feb. 21 after being involved in an accident …