News-pourri

The controversy over a sound system in Middlebush Park will likely erupt again at the Oct. 14 Township Council meeting, as a large contingent of Pop Warner families are expected to attend to oppose an ordinance banning speakers in the park. The council on Sept. 22 passed a resolution banning any type of sound system in the park, which is …

The 4th Annual CanalFest will feature arts and crafts, food and music when it kicks off at 11 a.m. Oct. 18 at East Millstone Park. The annual festival is a fundraiser for the Franklin Township Food Bank as well as being an opportunity for township residents to learn about township businesses and organizations and mingle with fellow residents, according to a …

The world should not stigmatize Sierra Leone because of the outbreak of the ebola virus, one of the country’s diplomats said in a Sept. 26 press conference at the municipal building. Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu, minister plenipotentiary to the United Nations, was one of a number of West African immigrants and residents who spoke during the press conference, held by Concerned …

Evidence from the infamous Hall-Mills murder case will be displayed from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 10 in the jury assembly room of the Somerset County Courthouse, 20 North Bridge St., Somerville. The exhibit items will include photographs, clothing, a love letter and journal entries, as well as fingerprints, bullets and shell casings recovered from the murder scene. The display is sponsored by …

The Township Council on Sept. 23 honored resident Bill Grippo for his fundraising efforts for the annual July 4 celebration. Grippo, a former township councilman and current MacAfee School principal, has been raising money for the annual event steadily since 1020. “If you’ve enjoyed the 4th of July since 2010, that’s Bill Grippo,” Councilman Carl R.A. Wright (D-Ward 4) said …

Franklin Township has been named the 26th best place to live by Money Magazine. The monthly lauded the township for its “wide range of ethnicities, income, and home prices,” adding that the township i “ideal for those who love the outdoors; a third of the town is farmland or recreation preservation and features over 60 miles of walking trails.” The …

Although at least one other town has repealed a similar ordinance, the Township Council doesn’t need to take any action on its curfew ordinance, the governing body was told Sept. 23. Curfews have come under fire from the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union as being unconstitutional. The township’s ordinance – which generally prohibits children under 18 years of age …

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 …

The replacement of 49 windows at Rutgers Preparatory School and roof repairs for the Stage House Tavern were among the approvals granted Sept. 2 by the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission. Peter Richardson, Rutgers Prep’s director of operations, told the commission that more than four dozen windows needed to be replaced. “They’re old and brittle,” he said. “One already cracked when a …

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 …