Group Home Proposed for Main Street Property

Hellertown Zoning Officer Kris Russo told Borough Council July 16 that a small group home has been proposed for a property at 1360 Main Street.

Council Approves Purchase of New Garbage Truck

On July 16, Hellertown Borough Council unanimously approved a motion to purchase a new garbage truck, Money for the purchase had previously been budgeted.

Residents Voice Opposition to Football Field Shed

Two Magnolia Road residents whose yards border a Dimmick Park field used for youth football games told Hellertown Borough Council July 16 that they opposed a youth sports association's plan to erect a permanent shed structure there.

PennDOT Looking for Winter Maintenance Workers

The office of State Rep. Justin Simmons (R-131) says the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation hopes to fill positions that will supplement its permanent winter maintenance workforce.

Landfill Opponents Launch Website, Online Petition

Opponents of a proposed expansion by IESI Bethlehem Landfill in Lower Saucon Township have created a website and petition to help rally support and draw attention to their cause.

July 26 Township Planning Meeting Canceled

The July 26, 2012 meeting of the Lower Saucon Township Planning Commission has been canceled.

Water Line Struck on Easton Road; Repairs Underway

The Borough of Hellertown announced Friday morning that a water line in the 1400 block of Easton Road had been struck by a local contractor, resulting in issues with water pressure and water clarity for nearby residents.

Library Task Force Member: 'What Are We Trying to Accomplish?'

As the Saucon Valley Library Task Force prepares to move into the final stages of its existence, at least one member questioned what the ultimate goal of the group's final report is.

County Officials Undecided on Meadows Road Bridge

Northampton County officials have not determined what should happen to the structurally deficient historic Meadows Road Bridge in Lower Saucon Township, according to a report.

Official on Pool: 'We've Been Having a Lot of Trouble'

Public Works Director Tom Henshaw told Borough Council July 2 that the Hellertown Pool has been plagued by everything from unruly children to thefts in recent weeks.

Council Green-Lights Purchase of 'Goose Laser'

The green laser is supposed to repel nuisance geese without harming the birds.

Election 2012: How to Get a Valid Pennsylvania ID

With the new voter ID law in effect for November's general election, here's all you need to know about getting the proper ID needed to vote.

About 9 Percent of PA Voters Don't Have Proper ID to Vote

The PA Department of State released figures this week after comparing PennDOT and voter registration databases, including information for Northampton County.

Bethlehem Helps Pick Up Hellertown's Garbage

On July 2, Hellertown Public Works Director Tom Henshaw thanked the City of Bethlehem for sending a truck to help complete a route while both of the borough's trucks were out of service.

Splash Pad Bacteria Issue Dealt With 'Immediately'

Hellertown Public Works Director Tom Henshaw told Borough Council July 2 that an excessive bacteria count at the pool's splash pad was successfully dealt with within a day.

Local Company Submits Slag Removal Proposal

Material Recovery LLC would relocate and remove slag from the Thomas Iron Works site, Hellertown Borough Council solicitor Michael Corriere said July 2.

Borough Residents Encouraged to Join Email List

Residents of Hellertown will be able to receive an e-newsletter from the Borough simply by signing up at HellertownBorough.org.

Council Supports Halloween Parade Name Change

The Saucon Valley Halloween Parade will be known as the "Saucon Valley Spirited Community Parade" to facilitate a 2013 partnership with the Four County Firemen's Parade.

Simmons to Host Right-to-Know Law Seminar

The free seminar will be held at the Southern Lehigh Public Library Wednesday evening.

Rt. 412 Temporary Widening, Paving to Begin July 9

Motorists should expect lane restrictions and delays between 7pm and 6am, at least through July 23.

EPA Revises Contaminant Standard for Champion Site

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the maximum contaminant levels that had been in place were not realistic for the former spark plug manufacturing factory in Hellertown.

Council Approves Budget Plans for Major Projects

A long-term debt plan approved by Hellertown Borough Council June 18 will help finance renovations to Dimmick Park's grandstand and Phase One construction of the park's band shell.

Hellertown Police Use Taser for First Time

Police Chief Robert Shupp told Hellertown Borough Council June 18 that a Taser was recently deployed by a borough officer for the first time.

Solicitor: Slag Bids Are 'Currently in Negotiation'

In response to a question from a member of the public, Hellertown Borough Council solicitor Michael Corriere confirmed June 18 that negotiations are underway for the sale of slag from the Thomas Iron Works site.

Old Mill Bridge Restoration Project Moving Ahead

On June 20, Lower Saucon Township Council authorized township staff to advertise for bids to restore the historic bridge across the Saucon Creek at the end of Old Mill Road.

Council Opposes Elimination of Farmland Preservation Funding

Lower Saucon Township Council voted June 20 to oppose the state's proposed elimination of funding for farmland preservation in 2012-2013.

Council Prodded with Landfill-Related Questions, Concerns

At Township Council's June 20 meeting, Lower Saucon residents spent more than an hour asking questions and registering concerns related to the possible rezoning of land near IESI Bethlehem Landfill.

Parking Plan for Easton Road Ballfields Endorsed

On June 20, Lower Saucon Township Council unanimously endorsed a plan that will improve access to two underutilized Little League fields on Easton Road near Mockingbird Hill Road.

Tell Us: Are You OK With Guns on the Rail Trail?

Do you find a "no weapons" rule on the Saucon Rail Trail appropriate or objectionable?

Demonstrators Crash Romney Appearance

Former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell and Democratic supporters staged a counter-protest at a Bucks County Wawa where Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was supposed to have appeared Saturday.

Teachers' Contract Expires June 30; Pay Freeze Likely

The Saucon Valley School District's collective bargaining agreement with the Saucon Valley Education Association--which represents the district's teachers--is set to expire June 30.

Planners Approve Accounting Office at 1012 Main Street

The accounting office will serve the adjacent Saucon Valley Manor, as well as Whitehall Manor. A site plan presented June 12 won unanimous approval from Hellertown planners.

Holistic Pet Supply Store Proposed for Main Street

A site plan presented by a business that specializes in selling organic and natural pet food and products won the approval of the Hellertown Planning Commission June 12.

Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch Election Guide

The candidates, incumbents and issues that will be affecting Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township and Northampton County in November's election.

Landfill-Related Discussion on EAC Meeting Agenda

A discussion about rezoning that is related to an expansion plan proposed by IESI Bethlehem Landfill is on Tuesday night's meeting agenda for the Lower Saucon Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC).

Library Task Force Discusses Interim Meeting

At its May meeting, the Saucon Valley Library Task Force discussed issues and concerns raised at an April interim public meeting.

PA Has 30th Highest Rate of Injury Deaths in U.S.

Pennsylvania joins states such as Texas and Iowa by making only half of 10 key safety indicators.

Library Task Force's Final Report Expected in August

Lower Saucon Township Council was told June 6 that the Saucon Valley Library Task Force's final report will be delivered in mid-August.

Wydnor Lane Residents Tell Council of Runoff Problems

Several residents of the development recently told Lower Saucon Township Council they are frequently dealing with mosquitoes and swampy yards due to excessive storm water runoff.

Landfill Tour Being Offered to Local Residents

Steel City resident Donna Louder told Lower Saucon Township Council June 6 that a tour of IESI Bethlehem Landfill is being planned for township residents concerned about a proposed expansion of the facility.