Community Corner

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Year in Review: Most Read Stories of 2012

These are the top read stories in Scotch Plains and Fanwood for the year 2012, according to Patch statistics.



1.  November 2, 2012 — UPDATED 4PM: SP Warns Residents About Unlicensed Contractors

Patch was updating readers on what was happening in Scotch Plains and Fanwood in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. As information came from the township, borough, police departments, PSE&G and the county, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch would post it as soon as possible for residents of both towns. The immediate week after Sandy hit residents of both towns were struggling without power, while some Scotch Plains residents were without power for nearly 13 days. This article was updated numerous times throughout the days after Sandy and was the most read article for the year of 2012.

2.  June 7, 2012 – Ponderosa Park Opens in Scotch Plains

Scotch Plains residents and nearby residents were elated when the brand new Ponderosa Park opened on Cooper Road. The 20-acre park features walking trails, multipurpose fields for soccer or lacrosse, a variety of playground equipment and swings, and a spray fountain in the center of the play area and with 96 spots, parking is not a hassle for visitors.

3. November 3, 2012 – PSE&G Releases Timeline of Power for Scotch Plains and Fanwood

Before Sandy hit Patch reached out to emergency professionals in Scotch Plains and Fanwood about what they were doing to prepare for the storm.  Once Sandy hit, this article was updated with the amount of power outages in town and any updates on restoration.

4. December 18, 2012 – Mother and Child Pronounced Dead Following Scotch Plains House Fire

A 32-year-old woman and her 3-year-old son were confirmed dead at Overlook Hospital following a fire in their Church Avenue home on Dec. 18. An investigation revealed the fire to be a homicide/suicide, after the Scotch Plains Police Department and the Union County Homicide Unit discovered rags covered in an accelerant blocking the door to the second-story bedroom where the mother Katherine Halverson, her son Jeremy McDonald Jr., and the family dog were found unresponsive.  According to officials, the day before the fire occurred Halverson appeared in court and had custody issues with Jeremy McDonald Sr.

5. May 14, 2012 – New Scotch Plains Pub Needs a Name – Got an Idea?

In 2010, five Scotch Plains High School Alum decided to open a bar and restaurant in downtown Scotch Plains and they found the perfect location adjacent to the Municipal Building at 450 Park Avenue. The only problem they faced was choosing a name. Patch asked YOU if you had any ideas and the name that won was Darby Road! The Pub and Restaurant officially opened on Sept. 26.


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