General News

The Franklin Food Bank is one of 14 local feeding organizations receiving a total of $1 million in grants from West Orange-based RWJ Barnabas Health. The grants are meant to help organizations serving vulnerable communities across the state, according to a press release. “As both an anchor institution and a partner in our communities, we recognize that food and health …

The Somerset County Board of Commissioners is reminding residents that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits may not be available on Nov. 1 due to the federal governmental shutdown. The state has been notified by the federal government that if the shutdown continues, funding for November SNAP benefits will be delayed, according to the County statement. SNAP benefits that were loaded …

UNDER CONSIDERATION – The Eagle HD Portable Bariatric Power Wheelchair is one of three mobility devices under consideration for purchase by the County Parks Commission. The Somerset County Park Commission is looking for the public’s input on the planned purchase of an all-terrain wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device. The device would be used to help visitors enjoy trails and other …

SQUAD LEADERSHIP – East Millstone First Aid Squad Deputy Chief Christine Van Deursen and President Marylyn Kampo (left to right) at the Jeni Fund fundraiser on October 25. More than $7,000 was raised for two organizations – including the East Millstone First Aid Squad – at a fundraiser held at Twenty/20 Taphouse on Cedar Grove Lane on October 25. The …

A variety of items is being collected now through December 13 under the “Help Our Troops” collection drive. Items such as canned meals, feminine hygiene products, pain relievers in tablet form, and powdered electrolyte packs are sought. Click here for the general needs list. Contributions will be accepted at the Township Senior/Community Center and the main branch of the Franklin …

NO KINGS – Some of the estimated 1,500 people who came to the township to participate in the No Kings 2 rally at the Cultural Arts Gazebo. An estimated 1,500 people from the township and elsewhere packed the green at the Franklin Township Cultural Gazebo October 18 for the “No Kings Day 2” rally. The rally was one of reportedly …

The following are the latest updates in the Township’s 2025 street resurfacing program: Sebring Rd Area Resurfacing – COMPLETED Sebring Rd – PAVED Annapolis St – THIS STREET HAS BEEN PULLED FROM THE PROJECT. WILL BE ON FOR NEXT YEAR.  Lexington Rd -PAVED Phillips Rd – PAVED Francis St – PAVED Link Rd -PAVED School Ave -PAVED Lewis St – …

Groups on opposite ends of the political spectrum will share the same space on October 18, and both are promising the coexistence will be peaceful. Franklin Township Indivisible, Somerset County Indivisible, and other groups are planning to participate in the nationwide No Kings series of rallies by holding one from noon to 2 p.m. at the Franklin Township Cultural Arts …

PURCHASE EXPLAINED – Township Manager Robert Vornlocker said the money for the surveillance system is coming from a grant. The Township Council voted to spend nearly $340,000 on a multi-faceted surveillance system at its October 14 meeting. The Council will pay the total over four years, with the first year’s payment being $87,225. Money for the system comes from a grant, …

Explaining Proposed Ordinance – Mayor Phil Kramer describes the proposed ordinance that would restrict the use of on-site generators. Hoping to preclude any thought of a developer creating a data center powered by generators burning combustible materials, the Township Council on September 30 took the first step in restricting the use of on-site generators. The ordinance would prohibit the routine …