News-pourri

We are now accepting candidate statements for the 2019 primary election on June 4 in the following races ONLY: Somerset County Sheriff (Republican and Democrat), Somerset County Freeholder (Republican) and state Assembly Legislative District 17 (Democrat). All statements should be no more than 250 words, and include the candidate’s name, address, line of work, whether or not they are an …

West Africa was front and center at the April 23 Township Council meeting, with proclamations and a welcome for a visiting mayor. In separate proclamations, the Council recognized the township’s Sierra Leone population – said to be the most dense outside of Sierra Leone – and the Republic of Sierra Leone, both for the country’s 58th independence anniversary. The Council …

A pad for a future fast-food drive-through restaurant and an ATM kiosk in Veronica Plaza were given various stages of approval at the April 17 Planning Board meeting. The 3,000-square-foot fast-food pad was given preliminary approval because the applicant, 3 Ronson LLC, did not yet have a tenant, the board was told. The ATM kiosk, which will be branded by …

The 30th annual Tour de Franklin charity bike ride is set to take off April 28 from Franklin High School, 500 Elizabeth Ave. The event is the largest fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank. This year the day will consist of seven different events, including the 62-mile, 40-mile, 25-mile, 10-mile rides, 1-to-5-mile walk or ride, and a 5-mile and 10-mile …

Zoning ordinance modifications that tweaked a few spots in the township were further tweaked before they were adopted at the April 9 Township Council meeting. The changes – affecting properties outside the Canal Walk development, at the intersection of Mettlers and Weston Canal roads and some properties on roads off DeMott Lane – were meant to fix anomalies that did …

On March 22, 2019, Art Akins submitted his petition containing over 300 signatures to indicate the start of his run, as a Democrat, for Somerset County Sheriff.  As a long-time proactive resident of Somerset County, he has dedicated his entire professional career to protecting his local community.  The role of Sheriff will allow him to continue to serve the public …

A proclamation acknowledging the Sikh religion during one of its most significant celebrations was given April 9 by the Township Council. The proclamation, read by Mayor Phil Kramer, was for Vaisakhi, “one of the most religiously significant days in Sikh history, commemorating the creation of the Khalsa, a fellowship of devout Sikhs, by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699,” according to …

A seven-year member of the Human Relations Commission who is leaving the state to pursue her medical career was honored for her “dedicated service to the community” April 9 by the Township Council. Shirin Poustchi, an HRC member since 2012, will be conducting her medical residency in internal medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. In addition to her …

The Franklin High School Lady Warriors basketball team’s victory tour continued April 9 with a commendation by the Township Council. The Lady Warriors posted an historic season, going 34-0 – the best single-season record in state basketball history –  and winning the state Tournament of Champions for the second time in three years. According to the commendation, the team “is …

Saying a primary against Mayor Phil Kramer would be “divisive,” embattled Township Councilman Rajiv Prasad announced April 9 that he is ending his challenge . Prasad, who has been an At-Large Councilman for 13 years, filed for the Democratic primary after he did not screen before the township Democratic committee to run for re-election in November. Prasad said the decision …