AREA — Voters in Scotch Plains on Tuesday rejected the installation of an artificial turf baseball field while Garwood Democrats held slight leads in races for three borough council seats. The referendum in Scotch Plains, which was defeated 4,521 to 1,738, centered on whether to repeal a $3.8 millio...

CRANFORD — Unofficial election results showed Republicans leading by a thin margin Tuesday night in Cranford. Michael Petrucci (3,138 votes) and Deirdre Koczur (3,134) led incumbent Democrats Mayor Brian Andrews (3,093) and Paul Gallo (3,042) in the race for two township committee seats up for grabs...

MOUNTAINSIDE — Mountainside Mayor Paul Mirabelli was re-elected to his fourth consecutive four-year term on Tuesday, defeating Independent challenger Thomas Murphy, a former borough police officer who was once accused of sexual harassment in the workplace, by a margin of over 1,000 votes. Republican...

WESTFIELD — During its meeting Monday evening, the Westfield Planning Board deemed that two new ordinances are consistent with the town’s Master Plan.General Ordinance No. 2023-31 amends the municipality’s Land Use Ordinance regarding swimming-pool enclosures. The current ordinance requires that all...

AREA — New Jersey Democrats managed to maintain control of their legislative majorities on Tuesday despite tight margins in certain districts. “Thisisasignificantaccomplishment forDemocratswhoareovercomingtough political challenges with hard work and effective campaigns,” said Senate President Nick ...

By DEVON GOHDECLARK — After suffering a terrible motor vehicle accident back in July, board member Lorraine J.Aklonis was able to return to her seat on the board of education after going through rehabilitation and physical therapy.“I thank you all for your good wishes, your texts, and your phone cal...

SCOTCH PLAINS — After an extended discussion, the zoning board of adjustment last week gave its approval for a homeowner to install an in-ground swimming pool in his back yard.John Cicero said the rectangularshaped, 12-foot by 24-foot pool would be situated six feet from the side-yard property line,...

By LAUREN S. BARR FANWOOD – Fanwood’s incumbent mayor and council members won reelection unopposed Tuesday night. Democratic Mayor Colleen Mahr won a sixth four-year term, with 1,430 votes. Council President Jeffrey Banks (1,400) and Councilman Anthony Carter (1,405) won new three-year terms, ensuri...

GARWOOD — In Garwood, the three Democrats running for council seats had slim leads on Tuesday night, before all the mail-in and provisional ballots had been tallied. Incumbent Vincent Kearney led with 592 votes in his bid for a second term, while his running mate, Karina Boto, had 577. They led Repu...

GARWOOD — A 71-year-old Garwood man who was renting a home on North Avenue was killed Friday evening in a three-alarm fire that tore through the multi-family residence for several hours. The Garwood Fire Department was dispatched to the 100 block of North Avenue at approximately 4:52 p.m. in respons...