Library Task Force Preparing for April Public Meeting

Plans for the Saucon Valley Library Task Force's April 12 public meeting are being finalized.

Flood Plain Meeting Planned for Property Owners

New Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood plain maps that include parts of the Borough of Hellertown will be outlined at a March 22 public meeting.

Township Announces Trailhead Land Acquisition

The Lower Saucon Township trailhead on Reading Drive is under development, but is now available for use by members of the public.

Borough Zoning Officer Announces Resignation

Hellertown's zoning and codes enforcement officer, Joe Chernaskey, has submitted a letter of resignation effective March 16, 2012.

Council Members Concerned About Water Street Bridge

The 1938 bridge across the Saucon Creek is an important link between Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.

Solicitor 'Still Researching' Phonebook Drop-Off Laws

Hellertown Borough Council solicitor Michael Corriere said Feb. 21 that he will continue to research which--if any--laws could help prevent a steady stream of unwanted literature from reaching some residents' doorways.

Applications Available for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

Applications for the state program are due by June 30, 2012.

Borough Authority Announces Part-Time Job Opening

The Hellertown Borough Authority has announced an opening for a part-time customer service clerk starting in March 2012.

Variance Sought for Banquet Hall at Woodland Hills

Alexander Patullo wants to subdivide 13.4 acres for the proposed banquet facility from the 162-acre former country club property he owns on Lower Saucon Road in Lower Saucon Township.

Summer Employment Applications Available from Borough

Lifeguard, pool ticket booth, pool maintenance and public works positions are available.

Borough Authority to Begin Sewer Joint Repairs

The work will begin along Front Street on Monday, Feb. 20.

Arena Tax Deal Brings Frustration, Skepticism

The Neighborhood Improvement Zone will divert $550,000 in earned income tax to a new arena and other Allentown development projects, and away from other Lehigh Valley school districts and municipalities.

Township Police Officers Recognized for Service

Lower Saucon Township Police Chief Guy Lesser presented some of his department's top-performing officers with commendations at township council's Feb. 15 meeting.

Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Landfill Expansion

Dozens of Lower Saucon Township residents attended a Feb. 15 township council meeting at which preliminary plans for IESI Bethlehem Landfill's proposed "western expansion" were discussed.

School Board Discusses Abolishing Per Capita Tax

The Saucon Valley School District could do away with its per capita tax for the 2013-2014 school year.

Landfill Presentation to Be Held Tonight

Representatives from IESI Bethlehem Landfill will present their proposed expansion plan to Lower Saucon Township Council at 7pm in the Saucon Valley High School cafeteria.

Proposed Performing Arts Studio to Be Discussed at Borough Planning Meeting

The Hellertown Borough Planning Commission will review a plan for a performing arts studio at 1304 Main Street at its Feb. 15, 2012 meeting.

Borough Resident Unhappy With Phonebook Distribution

On Feb. 6, Hellertown resident Bob Linney asked Borough Council if anything can be done to prevent unwanted phone books and other informational materials from being dropped off at local residences.

State Denies Newspaper's School District-Related Right-to-Know Request

The denial of the Express-Times' request for details of a legal settlement between the Saucon Valley School District and the family of a former student was recently upheld by Pennsylvania's Office of Open Records.

Higher Ed Tuition Likely to Rise, With or Without PA Aid

State funding goes up and down, but tuition at Pennsylvania's state universities keeps climbing.

Corbett Calls for New School District Block Grant Program

State-funded higher education took another hit in the budget introduced by the governor on Tuesday.

Residents Encouraged to Complete Library Survey, Attend Upcoming Meeting

The Saucon Valley Library Task Force is currently studying the feasibility of consolidating library services between Lower Saucon Township and the Hellertown Area Library.

Proposed Parking Changes Near 'Intersection of Concern' Tabled

At a Feb. 6 Borough Council meeting, a proposal by Hellertown police chief Robert Shupp to limit on-street parking near the intersection of Penn Street, Durham Street and Delaware Avenue was tabled after a number of concerns about it were raised.

County Approves Lease for West Easton DUI Center

Northampton County will have a new place to send DUI and work release inmates.

PA Delays Enforcement of Online Sales Tax Law

Out-of-state online retailers will not collect sales tax on goods they sell to Pennsylvania residents until Sept. 1.

Where to Expect Road Work This Week: Jan. 30-Feb. 3

PennDOT has announced the following scheduled road work in the Saucon Valley area.

Reinhard Demolition Supposed to Begin Monday

The demolition of the old Hellertown school will begin with its gymnasium.

PA Bill Would Eliminate Business Tax Shelters

The proposal would close the so-called "Delaware loophole," which has benefited companies such as H.J. Heinz Co.

Federal Tax Code Gets Hammered by GOP Senate Hopefuls

Five Republicans who hope to challenge U.S. Sen. Bob Casey in November said in a Doylestown debate that Pennsylvania taxpayers should only have to pay a flat tax or no federal income tax at all.

PA Seeks to Tighten Medicaid-Related Financial Services

Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare is seeking to get in line with most states that have one or a few entities which provide financial management services to Medicaid recipients.

Gaming Authority Approves Grant Modification Request

At their meeting Jan. 23, members of the Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redvelopment Authority unanimously approved a modification request by borough officials for a six-month extension of a grant awarded in 2010.

Council OKs Dimmick Park Stage Fundraiser

On Jan. 17, Hellertown Borough Council gave the Hellertown Enhancement Project's Dimmick Park Stage Committee permission to sell decorative pavers as a fundraiser. The group is raising money for the construction of a stage in the park.

Country Club Will Talk to Council about Sidewalk Plan

Hellertown Borough Council solicitor Michael Corriere reported Jan. 17 that Silver Creek Country Club wants to talk to council about a requirement that it install sidewalk along Durham Street in the borough.

Council Announces Preservation of Open Space

Lower Saucon Township Council announced its approval of a conservation easement on the Whitmore Prime Development property on Jan. 18.

Non-Residents Can Take Senior Center Classes, Council Decides

At its Jan. 18 meeting, Lower Saucon Township Council determined that non-residents may participate in senior center activities at Seidersville Hall, provided they pay a nominal fee.

Residents to Be Notified of Upcoming Landfill Presentation

Lower Saucon Township residents who live within a mile of IESI Bethlehem Landfill--as well as some who live further east of the sprawling facility--will be notified by mail of a Feb. 15 presentation by landfill officials to township council.

Former Township Councilwoman Honored

Lower Saucon Township councilwoman Sandra Yerger--whose term in office ended Dec. 31-- was recognized for eight years of public service at council's Jan. 18 meeting.

Simmons Announces Re-Election Campaign

The freshman Republican state representative is seeking another term representing the 131st legislative district in Harrisburg.

Local Tanning Salon Owner to Open Easton Location

Kimberly Pantaleo, who owns Oasis Sun Spa in Hellertown, will be the co-owner of a new tanning salon in the city's College Hill neighborhood.

Congressmen Speak Out Against SOPA

Congressmen Tim Holden and Charlie Dent say they do not support the Stop Online Piracy Act.