County Urges Residents To 'Be Alert' in Wake of Boston Tragedy

County residents are urged to be aware of possible recycled Internet scams.

The following is a press release submitted by the county of Union. In wake of Monday’s Boston Marathon tragedy, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders urges residents to be on alert for new and recycled internet scams that use the event as a means to disseminate malware and conduct financial fraud. “When tragedies strike, we always want to make our best effort to  stay informed, reach out, and give support,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “However, we are urging the public to use caution before visiting websites and clicking links related to the Boston Marathon bombing, and are asking people be vigilant to whom they are making donations.” According to the Center for Internet Security, watch groups and cyber security experts …

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Union County Trains for Active Shooter Scenarios

Union County Prosecutor says “We can never understate the importance of safety and never underestimate the intent of some to cause devastating harm.”

In light of recent mass shooting events throughout the country, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office along with County Association of Chiefs of Police have redoubled efforts to ensure that officers are properly trained to respond to an active shooter incident.  Since 2005 more than 500 officers have completed a 16-hour training course that gives officers a history of active shooter incidents within the US and selected global cases; teaches the model response policy as determined by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. Additional training will be offered later this year. “While we hope the day never comes, this training helps officers prepare for the possibility of a mass shooting in Union County,” said Prosecutor Romankow. With the …

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Patch Poll: What News Will Groundhog Day Bring?

With the recent crazy weather and last week's frigid temps, the prospect of Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of winter Saturday is especially daunting.

Groundhog Day is Saturday this year, and the recent Arctic temperatures just broken by heavy rains, gusty winds, near-60 degree temps and power outages throughout Union County and surrounding areas are giving the day a bit more resonance than usual. According to the myth, if a groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if he does not, spring is right around the corner. Last year in Summit, a stand-in groundhog did the honors at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum to declare that winter is over. At first, the true confirmation was conflicting, as Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter, while Staten Island Chuck called for an early spring. But groundhog Essex Ed served as the tie-breaker, predicting…

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Hurricane Sandy

Merck Donates Products for First Responders in Union County

Merck, which has its headquarters in Summit, helped out first responders after Sandy so they could continue helping the residents in Union County.

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Freeholder Chairman Mirabella: After Sandy, Moving Forward

County Official looks forward in letter to the editor.

This has been an extraordinary time in Union County history, and we’ve seen some extraordinary things. We’ve seen the worst of the damage and destruction that a powerful storm can bring, first with Hurricane Sandy and then with the nor’easter Athena. We’ve also seen the best of human nature, as Union County residents pulled together to keep each other safe at the height of the danger. So many people have been involved in the response and recovery that it’s impossible to thank them all, so I’d just like to say that as a lifelong resident of Union County I could not be more proud to say that this place is my home. We’re not out of the woods yet. Tragically, two deaths in Union County have been attributed to the storm, and people are still …

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Sandy Causes Widespread Damage In Union County

County residents have begun the long process of recovering from the destruction left behind by 'Frankenstorm.'

This photo gallery from Jim Lowney with the County of Union shows some of the widespread damage from Hurricane Sandy.

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Photo: Union County Sheriff's Second Annual Police Pistol Competition

Competition held at the Union County Sheriff’s Firearms Training Facility in Springfield.

The Union County Sheriff's office held their second pistol competition on Saturday, Oct. 13. The sheriff's office reported that 28 officers from the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Plainfield, Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, Kean University, Hillside, Mountainside, Summit, Springfield, Kenilworth and Union County Police Departments competed.   Sgt. Jerry Plum of the Plainfield Police Department won first place, Sgt. Carlo Caparruva of the Union County Sheriff’s Office took second and Sgt. William Bizun of the Linden Police Department won third. 

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Teams Wanted for Union County Fall Teen Baseball League

Play begins Sept. 7, but rosters must be submitted by Aug. 27.

From the County of Union: The Union County Baseball Association, in cooperation with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, is pleased to announce another season of the Fall Teen Baseball League. As always, the league will use wood bats only. The Fall Teen Baseball League will begin play on Friday, Sept. 7. All games will be played in Warinanco Park, on the border of Roselle and Elizabeth. The format will consist of Friday evening games, and Saturday and Sunday games, for approximately six weekends. The age requirement for all participants will be 15 through 18 years of age. All players must have celebrated their 15th birthday on or before Sept. 1, 2012. Players who reach the age of …

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Watchung Stable Offers Guided Horseback Rides Every Sunday This Summer

Rides at Watchung Reservation begin at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. Cost is $28 for county residents and $39 for non-residents.

During the summer, Watchung Stable offers guided public trail rides through the Watchung Reservation every Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Registration starts 1/2 hour before the ride and is first-come, first-served — weather permitting. Each ride is 1 hour long, including mounting and dismounting. Private Trail Rides for groups from 1 to 16 people can be scheduled at mutually convenient times by calling the Stable at (908) 789-3665.  The cost is $28.00 for Union County residents; $39.00 for non-residents. Private Trail rides must add a guide/instructor fee of $30. Larger groups may be subject to an additional instructor fee. Limited space is still available for an August 12 Date Night Ride, which will begin at 3 p.m. After a late afternoon …

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