General News

The 4th Annual CanalFest will feature arts and crafts, food and music when it kicks off at 11 a.m. Oct. 18 at East Millstone Park. The annual festival is a fundraiser for the Franklin Township Food Bank as well as being an opportunity for township residents to learn about township businesses and organizations and mingle with fellow residents, according to a …

The world should not stigmatize Sierra Leone because of the outbreak of the ebola virus, one of the country’s diplomats said in a Sept. 26 press conference at the municipal building. Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu, minister plenipotentiary to the United Nations, was one of a number of West African immigrants and residents who spoke during the press conference, held by Concerned …

Evidence from the infamous Hall-Mills murder case will be displayed from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 10 in the jury assembly room of the Somerset County Courthouse, 20 North Bridge St., Somerville. The exhibit items will include photographs, clothing, a love letter and journal entries, as well as fingerprints, bullets and shell casings recovered from the murder scene. The display is sponsored by …

The Township Council on Sept. 23 honored resident Bill Grippo for his fundraising efforts for the annual July 4 celebration. Grippo, a former township councilman and current MacAfee School principal, has been raising money for the annual event steadily since 1020. “If you’ve enjoyed the 4th of July since 2010, that’s Bill Grippo,” Councilman Carl R.A. Wright (D-Ward 4) said …

State Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, (D-12) has been nominated to fill a vacancy on the state Board of Public Utilities by Gov. Chris Christie. Chivukula is a former mayor and Township Councilman. He has served in the state Assembly since 2002, and has been that body’s deputy speaker since 2007. Chivukula’s nomination  was announced with a number of other Christie nominations, including the …

Fundraisers for several local organizations were held Sept. 14. From noon to 4 p.m., the Franklin Township Food Bank and PBA Local 154 sold hot dogs and other items for $1 each at the Corner Cafe, DeMott Lane and Amwell Road. Also offered for sale was the $2 “PBA Burger.” All proceeds went to those two organizations.   Starting a …

Hot dogs for $1 are the featured menu item Sept. 14 during a Hot Dog Sunday fundraiser for the Franklin Township Food Bank and the Township Police PBA Local 154 at the Corner Cafe and Grill, Amwell Road and DeMott Lane. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be offered for $1 each from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Corner …

The woman who hopes to replace U.S. Rep. Rush Holt in Congress paid a visit Aug. 16 to the township Democratic organization. State Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, (D-Mercer) stopped by the Franklin Democrats’ annual picnic in Colonial Park. Watson Coleman is running for the NJ 12th Congressional District seat being vacated by Holt. She faces Republican Aleita Eck in the …

Here’s a little bit of trivia for ya: From 1972 to 1975, the township was home to the Big Man and his family. The Big Man being, of course, Clarence Clemons, long-time saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Clemons eldest son, Clarence Clemons III – who goes by Nick – has fond memories of his time in Somerset, even …

Patrick Colligan, a 23-year veteran of the township police department, was installed July 15 as the president of the state Policemen’s Benevolent Association. The ceremony took place at The Pines in Edison. Colligan was the delegate for PBA Local 154 – the township’s chapter – for 12 years. He has served on several committees at the state level, and has served as …