Springfield schools’ looping policy stirs parents

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — A bullying claim by the mother of 9-year-old student who has not attended her Springfield elementary school for almost six weeks has escalated to address the practice of “looping.” Concerned parents are questioning district policy regarding the elementary school placement protocol, which keeps teachers and students together as they progress from one grade […]

Berkeley Heights’ veteran honors extend past Nov. 11

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — Veteran awareness and appreciation in Berkeley Heights goes beyond the existence of Memorial Park near Park and Plainfield avenues, according to Gay Hollowell, chairwoman of the park’s Renewal Committee. The organization’s educational outreach program seeks to honor veterans daily at the community level. “Operation: We Remember is going on as we speak,” […]

Democrats gain seats in Republican town strongholds

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Democrats swept three council seats in Summit, four council seats and the mayoralty in Westfield, picked up spots in Berkeley Heights and Springfield and nearly upset five-term Assembly incumbent Nancy Munoz in unofficial election results Tuesday, Nov. 7. Both Munoz and running mate, eight-term incumbent Jon Bramnick, prevailed over Lacey Rzeszowski and […]

Geography impacts opioid addiction in Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Gov. Chris Christie has made battling opioid addiction in New Jersey a priority during his second term in office and last week President Trump declared it a “national emergency.” New Jersey, and Union County in particular, have been impacted by the health crisis for a specific reason, according to one local health […]

Springfield dentist agrees to repay $250,000 to Medicaid

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — A Springfield dentist has agreed to repay $250,000 to Medicaid for improper billing during a 4 ½-year period, the state comptroller announced in an Oct. 12 release. Louis Tratenberg, who runs a practice in Springfield, will repay the money in seven installments through April, according to the settlement between the comptroller’s office and […]

Ryan’s installation as the Cranford police chief has generational roots

Ryan’s installation as the Cranford police chief has generational roots

CRANFORD, NJ — Newly installed Cranford Police Chief Ryan Greco’s roots in Cranford extend not only to his pre-school years, but four generations before that. So being installed as the 11th police chief in the township’s history had more significance than a career promotion for him. “I am extremely humbled but excited about this new position,” […]

Rahway tries to lure artists with subsidized housing

Rahway tries to lure artists with subsidized housing

RAHWAY, NJ — Rahway is trying to lessen the reality — if not the image — of the struggling artist by giving preference to artists in a federally-subsidized apartment complex the city hopes to fill with 58 tenants by the end of January. The Willows at Rahway is located on the site of the former Elizabethtown […]

Cranford candidates offer differing views on 750 Walnut Avenue proposal at debate

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford Deputy Mayor Patrick Giblin pointed to Trenton when asked about the proposed “750 Walnut” project, but Republican Richard Buontempo simply decried the plan and declared “a vote for me, is a vote against” it at the League of Women Voters candidates forum at the Cranford Municipal Building on Thursday, Oct. 26. Democrats […]