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NEWS


Montgomery Police Department, Health Department, and High School Renew Commitment to Teen Safety Initiative
Chief Silvio Bet announced the Montgomery Township NJ Police Department, Montgomery Health Department, and Montgomery High School are continuing their joint teen safety and awareness initiative through THINKFAST Interactive, a nationally touring prevention program.
The Montgomery News
7 minutes ago2 min read


Montgomery Police Dept Joins Forces with County Sheriff's Office for School Safety
As students returned to school today, the Montgomery Township Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office are continuing a joint school safety initiative for a second year. Parents may notice an increased law enforcement visibility at local schools as officers and school administrators work together to strengthen school security.
The Montgomery News
56 minutes ago3 min read


Lightning Strike Causes a Fire at Montgomery Retirement Community, All Residents Evacuated, Authorities Say
A lightning strike ignited a fire — mostly heavy smoke — at a 55-and-over residential building on Scarborough Road in Belle Mead, NJ, on Tuesday evening, prompting a swift multi-agency response that safely evacuated every resident, local officials said.
The Montgomery News
1 day ago2 min read


High School Football, It's More than a Game
Montgomery High School lost its opening game — on its home turf in Skillman — to Hopewell Central with a score of 34-0 on Friday, August 28. But winning is only part of the story. Montgomery Head Coach Sean Carty is still building his team, with a sophomore quarterback — Kyle Goldstein #13. It is notable that Goldstein completed six passes for 46 yards, according to player stats.
The Montgomery News
4 days ago3 min read


Kalina "Kat" Louise Trent, 21
Kalina “Kat” Louise Trent, 21. June 17, 2005 ~ August 22, 2026. Kalina “Kat” Louise Trent of Skillman, NJ, died on August 22, 2026 at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, SC, surrounded by her family and friends. Though her life was heartbreakingly short, the love, laughter, and light she brought into the lives of those around her will remain forever.
The Montgomery News
5 days ago2 min read


Fal-Rooney Camp Celebrates 20 Years
A camp counselor recently described Fal-Rooney camp as “gym class all day.” The notion struck a chord with parents and kids looking for fun activities during summer break — and during other vacation breaks throughout the school year. Fal-Rooney Camp, founded by Montgomery gym teachers Johnny Rooney and Mike Falco, celebrated its 20th year in August.
The Montgomery News
Aug 263 min read


MHS Students Bring Free, Real-World Consulting to Montgomery’s Small Businesses
Montgomery High School (MHS) student senior Dilan Mehta recognized the importance of small businesses and wanted to help the township's shop local initiative. He recently founded the Montgomery Small Business Initiative (SBI): a nonprofit, student- run consulting and internship organization that aims to pair motivated, business-minded students with local businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Montgomery News
Aug 263 min read


Twisting Pretzels
If you have an excellent memory and have been reading my articles since 2019, you may recall I shared a hot buttered pretzel recipe in the April 2019 issue. I thought it was high time to rehash my love of soft pretzels and share a classic pretzel recipe and a few bonus stories.
The Montgomery News
Aug 262 min read


Aubrie Daniel Barnes, Montgomery High School Class of 2018, Dies at age 26
Aubrie Daniel Barnes, a culinary specialist for the US Air Force, died in a car crash on July 26, 2026. He was 26.
Born on November 22, 1999 in Dade County, Florida, Aubrie lived a life defined by love, kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to family and especially to God. Throughout life's journey, he touched countless lives with a warm heart, generous spirit, and genuine compassion. Aubrie graduated Montgomery High School, NJ, in 2018 and went on to attend the Univers
The Montgomery News
Aug 252 min read


PJ's Drops "Tavern" from Its Sign, Returns to Its Roots as a Student Hangout in Its New Montgomery Eatery
PJ's Pancake House to open in Skillman in The Village Walk at Montgomery, on Monday, August 24. The Montgomery News speaks with owner John S. Procaccini of the Gretalia Hospitality Group about his vision for the new restaurant.
The Montgomery News
Aug 235 min read


Montgomery’s Long-Awaited Whole Foods Market Opens to Crowds, Signaling a Promising Future for the Promenade
The anticipation on Nevius Boulevard was palpable on Friday morning as a line of residents stretched outside the 45,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market in Montgomery Township. For a community that had watched the 54-acre site sit undeveloped for more than 15 years, the grand opening on August 21 was not merely the arrival of a grocery store; it was the realization of a complex, long-term vision for the Montgomery Promenade development. Ulta Beauty, located next door, had a so
The Montgomery News
Aug 214 min read


A Tiny Borough’s Push to Tame Traffic in a Residential Area Near a Park Entrance
For the residents of Rocky Hill, NJ, a borough of about 700 people, the struggle to maintain a small-town atmosphere in the face of regional growth is often measured in miles per hour. The latest front in this ongoing saga opened Thursday night, when Rocky Hill Council President Richard Novak traveled to a meeting of the Montgomery Township Committee to make a direct appeal for help. Novak, a consistent voice for traffic calming in the borough, sought the committee's support.
The Montgomery News
Aug 203 min read


Princeton University Art Museum, One of the World's Greatest Places to Visit, Is Right in Our Own Backyard
A tremendous treasure trove of art, with rare objects dating back to 3,500 BCE, is located right in our backyard. TIME magazine named it one of the World’s Greatest Places to visit in 2026 — yet how many locals have taken the time to make the trip? Summer is the perfect time to go. The campus — which is a work of art itself — is lush with trees, gardens, and flowing fountains. It is a brisk 15-minute walk to the museum from most parking areas.
The Montgomery News
Aug 207 min read


In Montgomery, Community Garden, Report a Concern App Rolled Out, and More in This Month's Township Administrator's Report
In Montgomery, NJ, a community garden Is underway, a report-a-concern app is now rolled out, residents are invited to paint a mosaic tile, and more in this month's township administrator's report
The Montgomery News
Aug 193 min read


Police Promote Bicycle Safety While Having Fun at a Bike Rodeo in Montgomery
The Montgomery Township Police Department, NJ, recently partnered with the Montgomery Health Department and Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (Greater Mercer TMA) to conduct a children’s Bike Rodeo at Hartwick Drive in Skillman. The event provided local children with an engaging opportunity to learn and practice important bicycle safety skills.
The Montgomery News
Aug 183 min read


Pujols Roofing Opens in Rocky Hill
Brother and sister co-owners Manny and Gisendry Pujols joined forces as a family to start their home improvement business — Pujols Roofing & Siding in Rocky Hill.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, He and Gisendry worked for other employers before opening their new business, which was originally headquartered in Morrisville, Pa. Last November, the company took the lease on a long-vacant commercial space at 130 Washington Street.
The Montgomery News
Aug 182 min read


NJDA Issues Alert Regarding New World Screwworms, A Montgomery Veterinarian Explains the Risk Is Low
NJ veterinarians recently received an e-mail alert regarding the New World Screwworm. This fly had been eradicated from the United States in 1966. On June 3, the USDA announced screwworm larvae were found in a calf in Texas. Since then, 41 cases have been reported, primarily in livestock but including one dog.
The Montgomery News
Aug 182 min read


John F. Burton Jr., 91, founding dean of the School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University, Dies
John F. Burton, Jr., 91, of Skillman, NJ, died on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Penn Medicine at Princeton Medical Center. One of the nation’s foremost scholars on workers’ compensation, he was Professor Emeritus and the founding Dean of the School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University, and Professor Emeritus in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.
The Montgomery News
Aug 162 min read


Dr. Susan Fisher, 84, founder of Kingston Animal Hospital in Princeton, Dies
Susan Fisher, VMD, of Rocky, Hill, NJ, died on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the age of 84. She was born in Philadelphia on August 18, 1941 to Benjamin and Evelyn Fisher (nee Kaufman). She founded Kingston Animal Hospital in Princeton, NJ.
The Montgomery News
Aug 162 min read


Judge Denies Pretrial Release of 18-Year-Old Premed Student Charged in Deadly Raritan Crash
A Superior Court judge ruled on Friday morning at the Somerset County Courthouse, NJ, that an 18-year-old Belle Mead resident must remain in custody while awaiting trial on vehicular homicide charges, rejecting defense arguments that a mental health episode led to the fatal July crash that claimed the life of a local woman.
The Montgomery News
Aug 146 min read


Dr. Bell and Friends: Musical Showcase and Reception
In celebration of the musical ministry that Dr. Laura Bell has provided to the Montgomery United Methodist Church and the community, the church will present a musical showcase on Sunday, August 30 at 3 pm, featuring Dr. Bell on piano: Alexa Farrah, voice; Cheryl Housten, flute; and Jing Yang, violin.
The Montgomery News
Aug 132 min read


Montgomery Township Now Faces a Fierce Data Center Battle at the Former J&J Site
Breaking News: E. Kahn Development, (EKD), filed a lawsuit on July 31 in Superior Court against Montgomery Township. The developer is claiming that local officials passed a data center ban without a valid reason amid ongoing disputes over the future of the 257-acre property, which is zoned for limited-manufacturing. On June 18, the Montgomery Township Committee held a final vote on an ordinance that would effectively ban the construction of data centers in the township.
The Montgomery News
Aug 133 min read


Police Conduct Unannounced Truck Inspection, Find 37 Violations in Montgomery - 13 with Serious Safety Issues
In an effort to prevent crashes before they occur, the Montgomery Township Police Department, in partnership with the New Jersey State Police, conducted an unannounced roadside truck inspection on August 12 on Route 601. It resulted in 19 inspections with 37 total violations. Of those inspections, 13 resulted in out-of-service violations, while seven involved weight violations.
The Montgomery News
Aug 132 min read


Montgomery Planning Board Clears Way for New Electric Substation
The Montgomery TownshipPlanning Board voted unanimously on Aug. 10 to approve a major infrastructure project that officials say is vital for the region’s long-term power grid. Public Service Electric & Gas (PSEG) has been granted final site plan approval to construct a new Class H electric substation on a seven-acre parcel at 151 Trent Place in Belle Mead, NJ. The project, which seeks to modernize the local energy network, is designed to relieve strain on the overloaded Sunny
The Montgomery News
Aug 113 min read


The New Loop Roads Are Open, Major Traffic Pattern Shift at Route 518/206 in Montgomery
Montgomery, NJ - Three loop roads, Nevius Boulevard and Bolmer Corner at Montgomery Promenade and Village Drive at the Village Walk at Montgomery, opened as scheduled this weekend. Local officials celebrated with ribbon cutting ceremonies this morning, and tested out the new pedestrian walkways. In the near future, left-turn restrictions will be implemented at the Route 206/518 intersection to further improve the flow of traffic, according to township officials.
The Montgomery News
Aug 103 min read


What America Means to Two Montgomery Students Who Each Won a Nat'l Contest
Montgomery Township Committee congratulated two Montgomery, NJ, school district students at their August 6 meeting at town hall for winning the 2026 America's Field Trip Contest in two categories. Fifth-grader Dhruv Srikanth earned first place in the artwork category and his brother, Veer Srikanth (a ninth-grader at Montgomery High School), earned first place in the essay category. The contest is part of the America 250th celebration initiative.
The Montgomery News
Aug 93 min read


In Montgomery, Navigating a delicate balance between public safety objectives and privacy concerns related to surveillance cameras
Montgomery Township, NJ, Police gave a presentation at the August 6 Township Committee meeting on the township's use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, which consists of a network of seven surveillance cameras designed to track vehicles associated with criminal investigations, missing persons, arrest warrants, and more. Municipal leaders and law enforcement are navigating a delicate balance between public safety objectives and community concerns regarding pr
The Montgomery News
Aug 74 min read


Montgomery School Board Member Appointed to Lead Monty/Rocky Hill Alliance
Montgomery Township Committee appointed School board member Victoria "Cookie" Franco-Herman as the new chairperson of the Montgomery/Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance and Youth Services Commission (MAC-YSC), at its August 6 meeting.
The Montgomery News
Aug 72 min read


Major Traffic Pattern Shift at Route 518/206 in Montgomery as 3 New Roads Open This Weekend
Two loop roads, Nevius Boulevard and Bolmer Corner, will open on Friday, Aug. 7 in Montgomery Township, NJ. A third new road, Village Drive, is tentatively scheduled to open on Monday, Aug. 10. Over time, additional left turn restrictions will be implemented at the Route 206/518 intersection to further improve the flow of traffic, according to township officials.
The Montgomery News
Aug 64 min read


Whole Foods Market on Route 206 in Skillman to Open August 21
Whole Foods Market will open a new 45,000-square-foot store, located in the Montgomery Promenade shopping center on Route 606 in Skillman on August 21. The store will open at 8 am on opening day, and regular store hours will be 8 am to 9 pm daily.
The Montgomery News
Aug 62 min read


In a Fishtown Garage, a Montgomery High School Grad Revives the Lost Art of Gathering
Joe Lockwood, a 28-year-old trumpeter and 2016 graduate of Montgomery High School, NJ, and his partner Morgan Walbridge opened a recording studio and gathering space in the artsy Fishtown section of Philadelphia.
The Montgomery News
Aug 54 min read


A Belle Mead Man Involved in a Hit-and-Run Fatal Accident Is a Pre-Med Student, the Victim Was a Mother of Two
Siddartha Surapanani, an 18-year-old Belle Mead, NJ, resident charged with vehicular homicide and fleeing the scene on foot, is a biology major in Seton Hall University's joint B.S./M.D. program, according to his LinkedIn page. The victim, Deepa Sripathy, 44, of Bridgewater, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was a married mother of two, according to her obituary.
The Montgomery News
Aug 33 min read


Dianne L. Senko of Belle Mead, 70
Dianne L. (Merlo) Senko of Belle Mead, NJ, died early morning on Saturday, July 25, surrounded by loved ones, after a four-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. She was 70.
The Montgomery News
Aug 32 min read


The Russian School of Mathematics Honors Local Students
The Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) brought together more than 1,300 students, parents, and teachers across New Jersey at its annual award ceremony, recognizing 320 students for their achievement in mathematics and their participation in national and international competitions. Among them were 136 students from RSM Princeton, RSM's largest New Jersey location, including many students from Montgomery.
The Montgomery News
Jul 312 min read


Planning Board Approves Site Plan for a 196-Unit Senior Housing Project
A 20-acre vacant lot at Route 206 and Scarborough Road in Belle Mead is one step closer to becoming a 196-unit community known as Thrive at Montgomery. The Planning Board approved the developer’s minor subdivision and final major site plan at its July 27 meeting. This development has been "in the works" since early 2014.
The Montgomery News
Jul 302 min read


Zoning Changes Reflect Evolving Needs and Priorities — from Manufacturing to a Senior Community
Zoning evolves based on foundational planning principles, economic shifts, public needs, and legal obligations. One property, a 154-acre parcel located at Scarborough Road and Route 206 in Belle Mead, has a fascinating zoning history that illustrates the evolving needs and priorities of a community over a 65-year period. In is now zoned for senior citizen continuing care facility.
The Montgomery News
Jul 304 min read


Who’s Running for Montgomery School Board?
The terms of the following Montgomery School Board representatives will expire in December: Christina Harris, Vanita Nargund, and Victoria “Cookie” Franco-Herman. As of the July 27 deadline at 4 pm, nine people had filed petitions with the Somerset County Board of Elections to run for the board. Harris, who has served on the board since February 2019, was the only incumbent to file.
The Montgomery News
Jul 302 min read


Ben Franklin Visits Borough Hall
Answering a call across two and a half centuries, Benjamin Franklin was guest of honor at a well-attended reading of the Declaration of Independence in Rocky Hill Borough Hall on July 8, just prior to the monthly borough council meeting. Dr. Franklin (portrayed by reenactor Donald Crouthamel of Sellersville, PA, a family friend of borough resident Gina Sciaraffo), smilingly acknowledged the cheers and shouts of “Huzzah!” as he entered the room.
The Montgomery News
Jul 302 min read


18-Year-Old Belle Mead Resident Charged with Vehicular Homicide and Fleeing the Scene on Foot
Siddartha Prasad Surapanani, 18, of Belle Mead is charged with 2nd degree vehicular homicide after an accident in Raritan, just north of Hillsborough, on Monday, July 27, police said.
The Montgomery News
Jul 282 min read


23 Orchard Campus Matters to Next Gen Entrepreneurs
In 1980, a company widely called “the first independent software vendor,” Applied Data Research, built its headquarters at 23 Orchard Road in Skillman. By the time the campus had grown into a 234,000-sq-ft, 44-acre office property, it had become a critical part of Montgomery’s business identity. Later, Johnson & Johnson filled its halls. Today, those halls are mostly empty.
The Montgomery News
Jul 233 min read


Preparing for Growth: Welcoming New Opportunities While Supporting Our Local Businesses
Over the past several months, one topic has generated considerable discussion throughout Montgomery Township’s business community: the upcoming opening of Montgomery Promenade. The MBA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local businesses, promoting economic growth, encouraging residents to shop locally, and fostering connections between businesses, residents, schools, nonprofit organizations, and local government.
The Montgomery News
Jul 233 min read


Douglas Herring Appointed to Vacant Seat on Montgomery Township Committee
Members of the audience chanted "speech," after the Montgomery Township Committee unanimously appointed Douglas Herring at its July 16 meeting to fill a seat recently vacated by former deputy mayor Vince Barragan. Herring, who is a local attorney, photographer, and an active volunteer with the Montgomery Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), complied.
The Montgomery News
Jul 173 min read


In Montgomery, A New Leader to Be Appointed to Fill Seat Vacated by Deputy Mayor Vince Barragan
Montgomery leaders are expected to appoint a new township committee member tonight, replacing Vince Barragan who resigned in June and moved to Princeton. The Montgomery Democratic Organization with assistance from the the Democratic County Committee selected three candidates for consideration: Amanda Baumunk, Brian M. Cige, and Douglas Herring.
The Montgomery News
Jul 164 min read


Local Revolutionary War Hero (Unsung) - Simon Duryee 1757-1814
Simon Duryee was born November 30, 1757 of Joost Duryee and Maritie Van Liew. He was baptized Seymen Derye the next year. He grew up on what we know today as Washington Well Farm on what is now Route 518 in Skillman, NJ. He is buried in the Duryee family burying ground at that site. Simon’s early military career remains elusive.
The Montgomery News
Jul 163 min read


Peter M. Ryan from Belle Mead Built a Successful Career in IT, Dies at Age 64
Peter Michael Ryan, 64, died at home in Phoenix, AZ, in June. He was born in Brooklyn, NY and he grew up in Belle Mead, NJ. He graduated from St. Paul’s Elementary School in Princeton and Notre Dame High School in Lawrence Township, and he earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Vermont.
The Montgomery News
Jul 151 min read


In Montgomery Township, an Eid Celebration Defined by Local Support
The Rahma Center and the Montgomery NJ Muslim community celebrated Eid al-Fitr on a quiet Wednesday in late May, amid a spirit of gratitude, and unity. In an era where faith-based communities across the United States navigate a landscape of growing trepidation, the atmosphere in Montgomery felt markedly different—defined by a deliberate, visible embrace of local security and neighborly grace. The celebration was a testament to a partnership between the township’s Muslims and
The Montgomery News
Jul 153 min read


Important Update on New Jersey E-Bike Safety and Regulations
As electric bicycles continue to grow in popularity, the Montgomery Township Police Department is encouraging all residents to become familiar with New Jersey's updated e-bike laws and to make safety their highest priority.
The Montgomery News
Jul 132 min read


Montgomery Settles Jewish Police Officer’s Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit for $80,000
Montgomery Township, NJ, quietly agreed to pay $80,000 to resolve a lawsuit by a longtime police officer who alleged retaliation after complaining about anti-Jewish comments made by a police sergeant, according to a July report posted by TransparencyNJ.
The Montgomery News
Jul 134 min read


Emma Scrudato and Jacob Chang: The Montgomery News July Athletes of the Month
Each month, Montgomery High School Athletic Director Kris Grundy polls local coaches to select a female and male scholar athlete to spotlight on this page. In addition to a feature article, each athlete receives gift certificates to The Tiger’s Tale and Beniamino's Cucina and Pizza. Emma Scrudato and Jacob Chang are The Montgomery News July Athletes of the Month.
The Montgomery News
Jul 92 min read


Montgomery High School Golf Team Captain Jacob Chang Led with Integrity and Grit
Heading into the South Jersey, Group IV finals, Jacob Chang had already solidified his place on the Montgomery High School, NJ, golf team. The senior earned the captaincy back in the fall, had regularly shot under 80 for head Coach Joe Bassford’s group, and was the model of honesty. Then Chang shot an 83 at the sectional final, a score most can only fathom but one that bumped him out of Bassford’s top four as they headed to the state championship.
The Montgomery News
Jul 92 min read
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