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 …

• Photos (1)

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…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)

Union County Issues Flu Advisory

Plus, eight preventative actions residents can take.

This release was submitted by Union County. The State of New Jersey is currently in the grip of one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory. With this in mind, the County of Union urges all residents to be aware and to take precautionary and preventative measures. Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through the coughing, sneezing, or talking of someone with the flu. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose. People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well…

• Photos (1)

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.

• Photos (1)

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 …

•  23 Comments
• Photos (1)

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.

• Photos (7)

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. 

• Photos (1)

Congressman Leonard Lance Visits Union County Vo-Tech

Students from UC Tech addressed Congressman Lance with questions and presentations.

Students of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools(UC Tech) greeted Congressman Leonard Lance of New Jersey's 7th district, with questions from a government class, a prepared presentation from a health sciences class and a short ballet routine on Friday morning. "What a town hall meeting, huh?" Lance said when leaving the room of an AP Government Class from the Magnet High School, who directed many well formulated questions to the Congressman. Some of the questions included Lance's view on Obamacare, which he noted he does not like to call Obamacare, but rather the Healthcare Reform. Lance stated that the country does need a healthcare reform but he does not agree with some aspects of Obamacare.  However, he did agree with other  part …

• Photos (9)

SOLD! in Union County: Summit Avenue Home Sells for $2.8 Million

Here are the homes sold in Union County last week.

Berkeley Heights Address: 617 Plainfield Avenue List Price: $374,900 Sold Price: $315,000 Beds/Baths: 4 bedrooms/3 bath Details: This split level has a basement and no garage. Address: 242 Garfield Street List Price: $469,000 Sold Price: $435,000 Beds/Baths: 5 bedrooms/2.1 bath Details: This split level has a two-car garage and a basement. Address: 69 Hampton Drive List Price: $522,000 Sold Price: $509,000 Beds/Baths: 4 bedrooms/2.1 bath Details: This split level has a one-car garage and a basement. Address: 65 Cambridge Drive List Price: $659,000 Sold Price: $610,000 Beds/Baths: 4 bedrooms/3 bath Details: This bi-level has a two-car garage and no basement. Clark Address: 14 Cellar Avenue List Price: $295,000 Sold Price: $277,500 Beds/…

• Photos (10)