Run for Alli, Homicide Update — Top News in Union County Patch Towns This Week

Runners of all ages took one or more laps around Saturday afternoon as part of the "." In, of Westfield, was hit by a motorist who fled the scene while she was jogging in Harriman State Park, NY. A cross country runner, Lowenstein sustained serious injuries but friends were happy to report Saturday that Alli is getting stronger every day. Proceeds will benefit the Lowenstein family. Those who are interested in contributing can visit http://www.indiegogo.com/funrunforallilow .

Now more than a month after the death of Clark's Vera Pecoraro, the Union County Prosecutor's Office and Clark Police Department report that the investigation into the homicide is ongoing and they have no more information to release as of yet. Patch continues to receive many requests for updates on the case and will continue to report back periodically. Police say there was

Representatives from New Jersey American Water fielded questions and comments from residents and town council Tuesday. Their presentation prompted a more than 40-minute dialogue about the recent .

54, of Westfield, is attending the Republican National Convention later this month to support presidential candidate Mitt Romney, whom he believes has the experience "to address the country's fiscal crisis by downsizing government, reforming the tax code and reducing the federal deficit." Palatucci said he is looking forward to a "great time" in Tampa, Fl. where he will listen to his close friend and former law partner Gov. Chris Christie deliver the keynote address.

Turf fields have been a hot topic in many Patch towns in Union County. Westfield resident Scott Robb spoke with Patch about his opposition to the proposal of the lighted turf field in Westfield. Click to view videos in which Robb discusses his concerns.

Meanwhile....

A standing-room-only crowd turned out once again at Garwood Borough Hall Tuesday night as council voted five to one to approve a bond ordinance that will provide funding for the borough’s long-planned Athletic Field Complex.

Council received grant from New Jersey Department of Transportation. Under grant criteria, construction must begin on Oct. 15 and end on Nov. 30.

A man offered to cut trees at female resident's home. When she called for her husband, the man quickly left. The suspect described as Hispanic, 5'10", 150 lbs, thick black hair.

Proceeds from an event planned for this evening will be used to assist the Bilson family of Cranford, whose home was destroyed in a fire on June 24.

The truck became ensnared in the lines while making a turn, according to witnesses. No on was injured.

Officers in towns around Union County — and throughout New Jersey — will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

New Jersey Superior Court upholds ruling that drivers can be prosecuted if a minor passenger in their vehicle is not wearing a seat belt at the time of a crash.

Assemblywoman Nancy F. Muñoz has said that her backing of a May patient transport bill was influenced by the death of her husband, Assemblyman Eric Muñoz, who tragically passed after suffering a heart ailment in 2009. She said her husband didn't have access to the specialty care unit he needed. Muñoz represents several towns in Union County.

With the book doing millions in sales, it's helping to boost sales of certain items at a local shop.