State officials express support for retiring ‘freeholder’ title

State officials express support for retiring ‘freeholder’ title

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy announced July 9 that he supports legislation that would change the name of county elected officials from “freeholder” to “county commissioner,” abolishing the title that is both referencing a time when only white male landowners could hold public office and confusing. New Jersey is the only state that […]

County Infrastructure Grant Program awards $1.5M to towns

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The Union County Freeholders Infrastructure Grant program will fund various projects throughout the county, including parks, sewage drainage, road resurfacing and signage. In all, the Freeholders made awards to 21 municipalities as part of the sixth annual Union County Infrastructure Grant program, funding projects aimed at spurring economic development growth, and […]

Mayors stress importance of the census

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The 2020 census, a once-a-decade system of counting every person living in the United States, is still underway. The U.S. Census Bureau and local officials are urging all residents to complete the census questionnaire. This is the first census with the option of replying online. According to its website, the Census […]

Area schools, thespians nominated for Foxy Awards

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Each year Montclair State University hosts the Theatre Night Awards ceremony to promote and advance the commitment to high-quality straight play production in New Jersey’s secondary schools. The awards honor the accomplishments of individual achievement of both students and educators in the areas of performance, direction, design and technical theater, as […]

As pandemic shuts down places of worship, faith communities build new connections

As pandemic shuts down places of worship, faith communities build new connections

UNION COUNTY, NJ — On March 13, as New Jersey confirmed 50 cases of coronavirus and universities canceled their in-person classes, Masjid Darul Islam, a mosque in Elizabeth, kept its doors open for the weekly Friday prayer. Roughly 700 congregants attended. A week later, on March 20 — after the state’s confirmed cases had risen […]

Confirm events are still happening before you get in the car

Confirm events are still happening before you get in the car

UNION COUNTY, NJ — UnionNewsDaily and its affiliated newspapers print notices and calendars telling readers about upcoming events, programs, lectures and more. Due to COVID-19, a lot of municipalities and organizations are canceling or postponing events. Some of these cancellations may occur after publication, or simply not be communicated to us in time to prevent […]

Bramnick, Munoz prevail again in race for Assembly seats

Bramnick, Munoz prevail again in race for Assembly seats

Assembly minority leader Jon Bramnick and fellow Republican Nancy Munoz appeared to have beaten back a Democratic upset bid for the second straight election, prevailing in the 22nd Legislative District race despite the wildcard entrance of two “independent conservative” candidates. With 98 percent of the precincts reporting in, Bramnick had a better than 3,000-vote lead […]

Union residents assured on drinking water safety

UNION, N.J. — New Jersey American Water Company administrators gathered with state and local officials to assure residents at an Oct. 15 town hall-style meeting that their tap water is safe to drink, stating that local water sources have tested below state limits for lead. State Sen. Joseph Cryan, whose 20th Legislative District comprises Union, […]

County sprays Berkeley Heights after virus found in mosquitoes

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. — A mosquito pool in the area around Emerson Lane near the Warren border has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis, a virus that causes an inflammation of the brain, prompting Union County officials to spray insecticide in several areas of the township. The announcement was made on the Berkeley Heights township’s […]