General News

SPONSORED NEW LAW – A bill co-sponsored by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen targeting retail theft has been signed into law. Legislation designed to strengthen penalties against retail theft was signed into law April 1 by Gov. Phil Murphy. The bill, A4755, was co-sponsored by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-17). The law introduces several provisions aimed at deterring criminal activity while …

Franklin High School’s production of “Cinderella – The Enchanted Version” will be presented over the next two weekends at the school’s Theatre. The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, inspired by the 1997 television movie starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, tells the story of Cinderella – a kind young woman forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Cinderella is transformed …

EXPRESSING THANKS – Geetha Ponmudi, former president of New Jersey Tamil Sangam, thanks the Township Council for its commendation at the March 25 Council meeting. The New Jersey Tamil Sangam was formally thanked at the March 25 Township Council meeting for its donation of a bench to be installed by the cultural gazebo in the Municipal Complex. The New Jersey …

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO! – Runners take off in the Garden State Track Club’s 10-Miler March 23 in Colonial Park. An estimated 700 runners took part in the race. Close to 900 runners from New Jersey and elsewhere were estimated to toe the line on March 23 at the annual Garden State Track Club’s 10-Miler and Cookie chase …

The 5th annual “March Madness” Tricky Tray to benefit the Franklin High School Athletic Boosters was held March 22 at the high school. More than 300 people showed up to vie for more than 300 baskets and other prizes. A Booster Club officer estimated that at least $20,000 was raised. Baskets included gift certificates for dinners, Caribbean vacations, and gym …

BEAUTY QUEEN AVIATOR – Jabili Kandula, Miss New Jersey USA 2024, speaks to members of the Franklin High School aviation club on March 19. It’s not often that a beauty queen visits Franklin High School. well, it never happens. Until march 19, when Jabili Kandula, Miss New Jersey USA 2024, spent about an hour with members of the FHS aviation …

TALKING CHICKENS – Township Councilmember Ed Potosnak discusses the proposed residential-area chicken regulations at the March 11 Council meeting. An ordinance governing the keeping of chickens in residential areas was introduced at the March 11 Township Council meeting. Councilmember Ed Potosnak (D-Ward 2), who introduced the ordinance, said chickens can serve several purposes, including being “great entertainment.” “But in addition, …

SIGN CONTROVERSY – This sign in the front yard of a DeMott Lane home has sparked a response from Mayor Phil Kramer, Councilmember Ed Potosnak and state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen. A DeMott Lane resident is once again causing controversy with a sign placed on his front yard. The sign pictures a small boy under the large text: “Boys have a …

FOOD BANK FUNDRAISER – Derek Smith, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Bank, center, speaks to two attendees during the seventh annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at the DoubleTree Hotel. It was all smiles among the Franklin Food Bank officials March 9 after the seventh annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank, held at the DoubleTree Hotel. The event …

CELEBRATING WOMEN – Township Councilwoman Kimberly Francois, Somerset County Commission Director Shanel Robinson, Somerset County Surrogate Tina Jalloh, and Township Deputy Mayor Shepa Uddin (left to right) talk to attendees at the March 7 Thinai America International Women’s Day celebration at the Township Library. Celebrating the successes of local women in politics was the theme of the International Women’s Day …