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Bill Bowman is an award-winning, 40-year veteran of community news. He has written for weekly and daily newspapers, and state, national and international magazines. His investigations have resulted in the first-in-the-nation state program to purchase thermal imaging cameras for all NJ fire departments and fire academies, the halting of a massive land development deal marred by influence peddling, and the creation of a web-based database charting violations against New Jersey senior-citizen facilities.

Brooklyn Man Sentenced For Murder Of Township Resident

Daniel Matthews (SCPO) A 45-year-old Brooklyn man was sentenced on April 24 to 50 years in state prison for the 2023 murder of a Franklin resident. Daniel Matthews was convicted in March of several charge, including 1st Degree Murder, in the 2023 death of Artis Timothy Young, according to a press release from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

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In Your Opinion: Thanks To Tour De Franklin Organizers

By Bill Connell. I just spent a fine but windy day riding for the Tour De Franklin Food Bank.  I didn’t say another fine day because two years ago I got wet; very, very wet.  Still , at the end of the ride I knew I supported a good cause. A short-term loss for a longer benefit.  I say longer, not long, because …

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School Board Approves FY 2026 Budget Which Carries Slight Tax Increase

A $209 million general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2026 was approved April 24 by the Board of Education. The spending plan is powered by a tax levy of $179,484,985.

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FHS Sports: Warriors Baseball Dominates Phillipsburg, 8-1

SAAAFE! – Junior Stanley Madera is engulfed in a cloud of dust as he steals second base during the Warriors April 23 games against Phillipsburg. Senior Izaiah Robinson had a perfect day at the plate April 24, going 3-for-3 and knocking in two runs in Franklin High School’s 8-1 win over Phillipsburg. Robinson reached base four times, earning a walk …

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Energy Forum Provides Methods To Mitigate Rising Electric Rates

FIGHTING BACK – State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen talks during the April 23 energy forum about legislation he is sponsoring to help mitigate upcoming electricity rate increases. The state agency responsible for regulating utilities in New Jersey has taken an “all-hands-on-deck” strategy to help mitigate coming spikes in the amount Garden State residents will pay for electricity, residents were told at …

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FTPD Police Log: April 6-12, 2025

4/06/2025 A Somerset resident was the victim of criminal mischief in the area of Amethyst Way during the evening hours. The victim heard a loud bang while inside her residence. Upon further inspection, it appeared an unknown suspect(s) kicked the storm door resulting in $500 in damages. 

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Township Council Approves $1.1 Million In Purchases

The Township Council approved $1,075,689.24 in purchases of goods and services at its April 8 meeting. The Council awarded:

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SCVTHS Students Bring Home Competition Medals

Nine township residents who are Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School students brought home medals recently in the 2025 SkillsUSA New Jersey State Championships.  Six township residents won gold, two won silver, and one won Bronze, according to a press release from the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School.

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Life Story: Tulsie Guman, 87; Longtime Township Resident

Mr. Tulsie Guman passed away peacefully at his home in Somerset on April 17. He was 87 years old. Born in Port Mourant, Guyana, Mr. Guman was raised by his parents, Ganesh and Sukhia Guman, in a loving home alongside 12 siblings. The Guman family was well-known in their community for their pottery (goblet) and clay-making business, where Tulsie began …

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Life Story: Thomas Kurz, 60; Was Rock ‘N Roll Roadie

Thomas Kurz passed away peacefully at his longtime Somerset home. He was 60 years old. Tom was born on May 4th, 1964 to the late Joseph and Josephine (Walsh) Kurz, in Teaneck. He was raised in Little Ferry and graduated from Don Bosco Tech high school. He received his Bachelors Degree from Rutgers University. After graduation he became a roadie …

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