General News

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 …

It was a week late, but residents came out anyway on July 11 to celebrate Independence Day with music, food, games and, of course, fireworks. The event was held in the municipal complex off DeMott Lane. Along with the vendors, various township organizations set up tables and distributed literature and give-aways. The celebration was delayed a week because of inclement …

It was delayed by a few hours, but the 79th annual Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department July 4 parade went off without a hitch. The parade route started at the firehouse on Olcott Street, wound around Railroad Avenue and up South Middlebush Road to Amwell Road, where a left turn brought it back to Olcott. Besides the host company, participating were units from …

“Tripod” is a three-legged cat who had been missing since May 23. He’s mainly white, but has dark spots on his tail and face, and two round dark spots on one side. He’s been found, and is happy at home with his family.

Florine Magee, a resident at Parkside Senior Housing, got a shock one recent morning when she went to ride the elevator. “It was about 5:20 in the morning, and I was going to the gym to work out,” she said. “The elevator door opened, and there was a young man in the elevator. I said, ‘Do you live here?’ and he …