Unsolved Murders Get Attention

Prosecutor Theodore Romankow

ELIZABETH—There is a serious gang problem in Elizabeth and Mayor J. Christian Bollwage is ignoring it, according to Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow.

Romankow leveled the accusation at a news conference announcing that his office will take control of all homicide investigations in Union County with a new specialized unit.

Previously, homicides were managed by local police departments and investigators from the prosecutor’s office working together. That process has failed to solve a greatly increased number of killings in recent years, prompting Romankow to make the change.

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County Grant Boosts Push To Revitalize Edison Tower

The Edison Memorial Tower, circa 2003

EDISON—The continued efforts to revitalize the Edison Memorial Tower received a boost via a $375,000 grant from Middlesex County.

“We’re grateful to the Middlesex County Freeholders for standing with us in our commitment to revitalizing this jewel in our community,” said Mayor Jun Choi.

The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders awarded the $375,000 in Open Space Trust Funds. The county grant money will now be used as a match when applying for funds from the New Jersey Historic Trust Fund.

The Edison Memorial Tower Corp. – the non-profit organization spearheading restoration efforts – will also add $375,000 of privately raised funds to the matching grant application, thereby allowing the organization to apply for the maximum grant of $750,000.

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Author Plans Homecoming For U.S. Book Debut

RAHWAY – Rahway native Tricia Dower will return to the town she grew up in for the U.S. launch of her book, “Silent Girl.” Dower will take part in a book reading in the Union County Performing Arts Center annex on Irving Street, part of the Rahway Arts Council’s First Thursdays program on Oct. 2.

Dower, who now resides in Canada, published “Silent Girl” in May to positive reviews from the Canadian press. “Silent Girl” is a collection of short stories set in contemporary times that were inspired by eight different Shakespearean plays.

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