News-pourri

Marchers take their message from Middlebush Park to the Public Safety Building on June 26. Close to 100 people gathered June 26 at Middlebush Park for a march for justice to the Public Safety Building on DeMott Lane. The march was to honor people of color who have been killed by police.

Franklin residents celebrating Juneteenth took to the streets June 20 with a loud, joyful celebration of Black emancipation. Juneteenth celebrates the day in 1865 – June 19 – when Union Gen. Gordon Granger read aloud in Galveston, Texas, General Order No. 3, which announced the emancipation of slaves.

The Somerset County Park Commission has announced that reservations are now being accepted for picnics in county parks, including Colonial Park. Events may be scheduled now for Wednesday, July 1, 2020 and beyond. Social distancing guidelines should be followed, and face coverings are strongly recommended. Portable bathroom facilities will be available.Each of the two pavilion picnic areas available at Colonial …

Township police officers mustered in front of the Public Safety Building on June 16 to publicly reaffirm their Oath of Honor to the community. The officers also heard from a number of the township’s faith leaders, all of whom expressed their support for the FTPD and offered their services if needed.

Viewers of the Mayor’s Town Hall heard that township restaurants are preparing for outdoor dining starting June 15. The township is helping local restaurateurs prepare for outdoor dining, the Williams pool is getting ready to open, and all parks are open for full capacity. Those were some of the topics covered June 11 during Mayor Phil Kramer’s virtual “Town Hall.”

Township Councilwoman Crystal Pruitt kicked off a Council discussion about racial equality at the June 9 Township Council meeting. The issue of racial equality and equity was discussed by Township Council members during the June 9 Council meeting. This was the Council’s first meeting since two racial equality and anti-police brutality marches were held in the township. Some Council members …

Saying there’s no time to arrange for the program, the township has canceled the annual summer camp in favor of a virtual camp. Township Manager Robert Vornlocker made the announcement during the Township Council’s June 9 virtual meeting.

The Township Council on June 9 passed a resolution condemning the murder of Minneapolis resident George Floyd. Floyd was killed when a former Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The former cop has been hit with several charges, including 2nd Degree Murder.

Protestors hold up their signs during a rally before the march to the police station. Hundreds of people marched up DeMott Lane June 4 in a continuing protest against police brutality and for racial justice. The march, as was the one earlier in the week in Franklin and others ocurring around the world, was spurred by the killing of Minneapolis …

Schools Superintendent John Ravally, in a letter representing the district’s senior leadership team, said they wanted to assure the district that they “are motivated to bring change to the systemic racism that has oppressed Black and Brown people in this country for far too long.” (File photo). The color of a person’s skin “should not dictate how one is treated …