News-pourri

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 …

PLANE CRASH INVESTIGATION – First responders gathered along Hilltop Lane March 30 in the investigation of a single-engine plane crash that killed its pilot. A small plane on its way to North Carolina from Princeton crashed in a wooded area off Hilltop Lane March 30, killing a person believed to be the pilot, authorities said. The pilot, who was not identified …

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 …

ACCEPTING COMMENDATION – Franklin Youth Center’s Joel Painson holds the award won by the Center for its student-led promotional video, “Sounds of Tomorrow” at the March 25 Township Council meeting. Staff and students from the Franklin Youth Center were honored at the March 25 Township Council meeting for winning an award for their promotional video. The award was given by …

TRANSGENDER DAY CEREMONY – Township Councilmember Ed Potosnak speaks during the Council’s recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility, which is March 31. The Township Council recognized March 31 as the Transgender Day of Visibility at the March 25 meeting with a proclamation. The proclamation said the day is “a day to honor the lived experiences of transgender individuals, acknowledge the …

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 …

LEADING THE DISCUSSION – Mark Healey, the Township’s Principal Planner, at the March 26 Planning Board meeting,where a proposed Master Plan reexamination and BI Zone ordinance amendments were discussed. The Township cannot legally outright ban future warehouse development in Franklin, but officials hope actions that are planned for the next few months will give planners more control over where they …

Four candidates for Township Council ward seats have been endorsed by the Franklin Township Republican Municipal Committee. The candidates are Ward 1: Chris Lezny, Ward 2: Jan Brant, Ward 3: Sophia Georges, and Ward 4: Benjamin Guy III. The Committee is not fielding a candidate for Ward 5. “These four candidates represent the best of Franklin Township — experienced professionals, …

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 …