State, teachers’ union quarrel over steep increase in health insurance premiums

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The state teachers’ union and officials in Trenton are making accusations at one another after the revelation that insurance premiums for public education employees will jump 13 percent next year, making for a 21-percent increase in two years. “Teachers, most of whom are also New Jersey taxpayers, can avoid these unnecessary premium […]

County elections dominated by handful of towns

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The Republicans control every council seat in five towns in Union County. The Democrats hold every seat in eight municipalities, plus nominally a ninth. This leaves only handful of towns relatively competitive on a partisan basis throughout the county for the elections Tuesday, Nov. 7, yet there are issues from Mount Laurel […]

Mountainside resident brings awareness, advocates for the victims of little-known, crippling disease

Mountainside resident brings awareness, advocates for the victims of little-known, crippling disease

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — The efforts of one Mountainside man have made significant strides in improving local awareness and research funding for a rare disease. Approximately one in 2 million people are diagnosed with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, or FOP, which turns muscles and soft tissues into bone. To raise funds, Whyte has founded an annual comedy show, […]

Three debate for Union committee seat

UNION, NJ — Property taxes, development and the committee system of government were top of mind at the Union Township Committee debates on Monday, Oct. 23, in the Municipal Building at an event organized by the Union Area League of Women Voters. Three candidates are vying for one three-year seat on the five-member committee this year: […]

Overlook becomes first hospital in state to use new stroke reduction procedure

Overlook becomes first hospital in state to use new stroke reduction procedure

SUMMIT, NJ — A new preventive procedure that is more accessible to seniors is now offered at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center, helping patients to reduce the risk of stroke. The procedure is known as transcarotid artery revascularization, or TCAR, and is a minimally invasive operation that uses a stent to open up and reduce […]

Linden council, NJ Transit haggle over station repairs

LINDEN, NJ — The Linden Train Station, along NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor line, has fallen into disrepair, one city councilman says, but there is pushback from NJ Transit as to who should pay for necessary fixes. Linden 3rd Ward Councilman Peter Brown wants NJ Transit to pay for what he says are major repairs. But officials […]

Four years after slaying, Union man found guilty of murdering, dismembering girlfriend

Four years after slaying, Union man found guilty of murdering, dismembering girlfriend

UNION, NJ — Nearly four years after a Cranford woman’s body was found cut up in five separate garbage bags along the Passaic River in Newark, her 47-year-old boyfriend has been convicted in the brutal killing. Matthew Ballister was found guilty on all counts including first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree desecration of human remains, third-degree […]

Union High School senior wins Unsung Hero Award

Union High School senior wins Unsung Hero Award

UNION, NJ — A Union High School senior has received the 2017 Union County School Board’s Unsung Hero Award. Tahjee Jean was recognized by the school board for his work in the Peer Ambassadors Leadership Program and the Empowerment Mentoring Group at UHS. The award, given each year to a high school junior or senior who […]