News-pourri

The Franklin Township Police Department has become more diverse over the past several years, but it still has a ways to go before it reflects the demographics of the township, township officials said on February 23. Demographic statistics of the department were reviewed during the Township Council’s virtual meeting by Councilwoman Crystal Pruitt (D-At Large). “This is something that is …

Local businesswoman Shepa Uddin was named the newest member of the Township Council on February 23. The newest Township Council member is a local businesswoman who owns a catering business with her husband. Shepa Uddin was chosen by the Township Council on February 23 from three candidates selected by the township Democratic Party to fill the unexpired term of former …

Five new Franklin Township Police command staff members were ceremonially sworn in during the Township Council’s February 23 virtual meeting. “These men and women excel,” township Public Safety Director Quovella Spruill said during the meeting. Those sworn in to their new ranks were Lt. Florindo DiMarzio, Sgt. Leah Spahr, Sgt. Michael Opaleski, Sgt. Patrick Clyne and Sgt. Trevor Wilson. “We …

Participants are being sought for a study to determine if airborne contaminants in the homes of COVID-19 patients can be dissipated by portable air purifiers. The study is being conducted by the Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute. “We believe that the high rates of transmission in homes are because people share their breathing air,” principal investigator Howard Kipen …

Schools Superintendent John Ravally said in a letter to parents that the district is looking to increase in-school learning opportunities for students. A plan that could eventually lead to all students having the opportunity to return to in-person learning later this school year is being studied by school district officials. The new plan would basically eliminate the hybrid remote learning …

Members of Assemblyman Danielsen’s staff distributed some of the clothing to representatives from the Zakee Bowser Foundation. (Photo: Assemblyman Joe Danielsen.) More than 1,100 pieces of winter clothing were donated to the annual “Head to Toe” Winter Clothing Drive sponsored by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen. Danielsen (D-17) delivered the clothing to the Zakee Bowser Foundation, Unity Square, and the Salvation …

The Planning Board on February 17 approved an application for a Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant targeted for Veronica Plaza. The decision was a follow-up on a 2019 approval granted by the board for a generic 3,000-square-foot restaurant with a drive-through window. It was anticipated at that time that when a client was found for the space, the developer would return to …

Hugh McCann’s photo of the Van Liew-Suydam House won the grand prize in the 2020 “Show Us Somerset County Through Your Camera Lens” contest sponsored by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners. Three Franklin residents won prizes – including the grand prize – in the 2020 “Show Us Somerset County Through Your Camera Lens” contest sponsored by the Somerset …

Township Democrats have selected a slate of three candidates to fill an unexpired set on the Township Council. The Council will choose one person from the three at its February 23 meeting. Township Councilman Will Galtieri resigned his Second Ward seat earlier this month, citing as his reason his move to a neighboring town. Galtieri was in the final year …

Township library director January Adams, right, speaks to the Board of Education while Board of Trustee member Nicholas Ciampa looks on in this file photo. The Franklin Township Public Library has received a $1.3 million state grant for the construction of a new branch. The grant is part of the state Library Construction Bond Act, according to a press release …