Heidi Heleniak

Recent Articles

McLaughlin Named to 2021 TIME100 Next Lineup

Dunellen native, Sydney McLaughlin was named to Time Magazine’s “2021 TIME100 Next” list, an expansion of the flagship TIME100 franchise recognizing 100 emerging leaders it considers to be shaping the future of entertainment, health, politics, sports, business and more. Other honorees include singer Dua Lipa, comedian Amber Ruffin, and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin, as well as noted scientists fighting COVID-19 and activists addressing today’s cultural issues. Many of the issue’s profiles were written by celebrity guest contributors who have seen the growth of the future leaders they were writing about. McLaughlin’s was written by track and field legend Allison Felix whom McLaughlin first met four years ago before her first Olympics and Felix’s fourth. The special issue is available on newstands and online now. Continue Reading →

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Dunellen Police Report | January 2021

On 1/29/2021 at 3:00 pm, a Dunellen resident was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (3rd degree) and possession of drug paraphernalia after suspicious items were observed following investigation into a fire at a residence on Center Street. Police seized nine (9) adult marijuana plants as a result of the investigation. He was brought to Dunellen Police Headquarters for processing and later released with a court date. On 1/28/2021 at 11:11 pm, a Dunellen resident was arrested and charged with contempt of court following a motor vehicle stop on North Avenue. He was found to have a warrant for his arrest out of Scotch Plains. Continue Reading →

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2021 Dunellen Curbside Recycling Schedule

recycling sign pen and ink arrows

In 2021, Dunellen residents will continue to have curbside recycling pickups every other Wednesday by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA). As in recent years, the updated informational brochure is available only via a downloadable pdf file. All curbside recyclable items, such as bottles, cans, paper and small flat cardboard can be mixed together in a single recycling container as they are kept separate from trash. However, recycling placed in plastic bags will not be collected. Recycling must be placed curbside prior to 6am. Continue Reading →

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Mayor Cilento’s State of the Borough Address | January 2021

nj government state level building

Reorganization Day Speech
Mayor Jason F. Cilento
January 1, 2021

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Dunellen Borough Council, and Borough staff. I first wish to extend to you and yours a happy and healthy New Year! Thankfully, we all have the good fortune of continuing to be connected with the great Borough of Dunellen, and I look forward to continuing to work with the following members of the Borough Council into 2021: Jessica Dunne, who is now serving her second term; April Burke; Stacy Narvesen; Daniel Cole Sigmon; and Trina Rios. I also welcome our newest Councilperson, Tremayne Reid, who serves as Dunellen’s first African-American representative elected to the Borough Council. Additionally, congratulations to the newly appointed Council President, Jessica Dunne; I know you will serve the position with honor. Continue Reading →

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Dunellen Police Report | December 2020

On 12/30/2020 at 4:53 pm, police received a walk-in report of burglary. The victim, a resident of Penfield Place reported that sometime during the previous day an unknown person had accessed his apartment and removed several items.

On 12/29/2020 at 10:23 am, police responded to Walnut Street for the report of theft. The victim reported that two juveniles had stolen several political signs from her front lawn. On 12/26/2020 at 6:36 pm, police responded to Orange Street for the report of an unconscious man. When examining the victim, they observed signs of an opioid overdose and administered Narcan Naloxone. Continue Reading →

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Dunellen Police Report | November, 2020

On 11/29/2020, a Dunellen resident was arrested and charged with witness tampering and persons prohibited from weapons possession following investigation into an incident on 10/20/2020. He was extradited from New York, brought to Dunellen Police Headquarters for processing, and later remanded to the Middlesex County Jail. On 11/29/2020 at 2:12 am, a Plainfield resident was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle stop on Front Street. He was brought to Dunellen Police Headquarters for processing and later released to a sober friend. On 11/28/2020 at 11:31 pm, a Middlesex resident was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle stop on North Avenue. Continue Reading →

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Dunellen Police Report | October 2020

On 10/31/2020 at 11:28 pm, a Dunellen resident was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle stop on South Avenue. He was brought to Dunellen Police Headquarters for processing and later released to a sober family member. On 10/31/2020 at 2:50 am, a Piscataway resident was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle accident on Fourth Street. She was brought to Dunellen Police Headquarters for processing and later released to a sober friend. On 10/31/2020 at 1:57 am, a Dunellen resident was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after a motor vehicle stop for operating with no headlights. Continue Reading →

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Dunellen’s Halloween Traditions Adjust for COVID

Halloween has not been cancelled in Dunellen. Its traditions are merely being adapted to the current global health crisis. Below is information on the various activities going on. DUNELLEN:

HALLOWEEN PET COSTUME CONTEST: The Dunellen Public Library is sponsoring an online pet costume contest. Tag the Dunellen Public Library on a photo of your pet in a costume you post on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Kathy’s Top Dog Salon. Continue Reading →

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Meet your Council Candidates | Personal Statements

Below are the personal statements that each of the council candidates has provided Dunellen411. Incumbents Kenneth W. Bayer (R) and Jessica Dunne (D) are running on a shared ticket. Tremayne Reid (D) and Kelly Seader (R) are running for their first political position but have been volunteering in community organizations. Statements are listed in alphabetical order. KENNETH W. BAYER (R)
My name is Kenneth W. Bayer. Continue Reading →

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