New Rules for Far Hills Race, Construction Closes Lyons Road Top Local News

Bond Refinancing Deal Should Save Bernards Schools $2.8M

With interest rates beginning to climb, this might be the last chance for government entities — those like the Bernards Township Board of Education — to save money by retiring previous bond issues sold at higher interest rates and reselling new bonds at a lower interest rate. Bernards Township Schools officials' decision to retire and resell about $25.8-million worth of previously resold bonds should save the district about $2.8 million over a 10-year period, the school district's business administrator reported on Monday night. The district also saved millions more on previous bond resales.

New Rules Apply For Some As Far Hills Race Tickets Go on Sale in Stores 

After years of saying something would be done about public drunkenness and rowdiness at the Far Hills Race Meeting — a long-running benefit the Somerset Medical Center with steeplechase horse races as the days events — new rules have been put in place. The biggest change: no booze coming for general ticket holders entering the main gates. The rules are unchanged for corporate and party tents and for tailgaters renting a spot further up the hill, however.

Jewelry, Cash Stolen in Basking Ridge

There was yet another home reportedly burglarized in Basking Ridge again last Sunday, which was yet another break-in in The Hills development. Jewelry and cash were stolen, police said. In a separate incident, cash was taken from a parked car, police said.

Construction Work Closes Lyons Road Heading North From Liberty Corner

Water main construction will close Lyons Road west of the Mt. Airy Road intersection, heading north from Liberty Corner. The construction began Wednesday and continues through Oct. 4, Bernards Police Lt. Ted Reese said.

Unbeaten Ridge Wins Over Linden In Overtime

Ridge football kept catching up to Linden during Friday night's home game (also Ridge Youth Sports night). The team didn't take the lead — until the Red Devils pulled ahead to win the game in overtime.

Former Basking Ridge Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Kidnapping, Sex Assault

A Somerset County man, whose last known address was Basking Ridge, has been sentenced to 50 years in state prison for the Halloween 2009 kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault of a woman who lost her way in Elizabeth, Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Friday.

Storm and Power Outage Preparation is Underway

The renovations underway at the township municipal building are key in preparing for storms and other natural disasters — residents also are being advised to get ready themselves. New Swiftreach 911 system to reach residents with emergency notifications to be launched this year, OEM coordinator says.