Sale of Former Parsonage Green-Lit By Council

Lower Saucon United Church of Christ in Hellertown plans to sell its former parsonage, but an apparent error in county record-keeping was threatening its ability to do so, Borough Council was told Jan. 17.

Parking May Be Restricted Near 'Intersection of Concern'

On Jan. 17, Hellertown police chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council that a recent traffic accident at an unusual borough intersection has highlighted the possible need for further restrictions on parking in the area.

Resident's Handicapped Parking Request Denied

On Jan. 17, Front Street resident Lori Martin told Hellertown Borough Council that her family needs a second on-street reserved handicapped parking space. Council cited borough policy in denying her request.

Police Chief Discusses Lost Dog Success Story

On Jan. 17, Hellertown police chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council that the department's newly-established system of caring for and reuniting lost dogs with their owners passed its first test earlier this month.

Borough Police Chief Issues 2011 Report

Hellertown police chief Robert Shupp highlighted his end-of-year report in front of Hellertown Borough Council members and the public on Jan. 17.

Apple Tree Lane Neighbors Attend Zoning Hearing

The residents attended the Jan. 16 Lower Saucon Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting to voice concerns about variances being sought for a property at 1817 Apple Tree Lane.

State Rep Wants to Know About Winter Road Hazards

State Rep. Justin Simmons (R-131) says he wants to hear from constituents when it comes to local road hazards created by winter weather.

PennDOT Summer Intern Positions Available

The internships are open to full-time college students. Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 2.

PA Electricity Customers Could Pay More to Salvage Solar Industry

The plan is opposed by governor Tom Corbett, but has enough signatures to pass the House.

UPDATED: Dog Found on East High Street; Police Seek Owner

Hellertown police say the dog is a male Shih Tzu.

PLCB Approves Higher Liquor, Wine Prices

Privatization advocates say the market should determine prices, rather than a government agency.

Mayor's Family Welcomes Great-Grandchild

The family of Hellertown mayor Richard Fluck is celebrating the birth of Matteo Giovanni Lazaro, who was born on Jan. 11, 2012.

PA Policy Change Aims to Limit Food Stamp Eligibility

The change could put more pressure on food banks and charities.

Op-Ed: Reapportionment is Good for Lehigh Valley

In the following opinion piece, State Sen. Pat Browne (R-16) argues that reapportionment will benefit residents in Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties.

Reinhard Demolition Could Begin Within Days

The vacant Hellertown school building has been prepped for a date with the wrecking ball.

Task Force Discusses Potential Enhancements to Hellertown Library

Several potential expansion and enhancement options were presented to the Saucon Valley Library Task Force on Dec. 8, as well as a mock budget reflecting those options.

Traffic on Local Road to Be Disrupted by Gas Main Project

PennDOT announced Monday that the installation of a gas main along a section of Saucon Valley Road in Upper Saucon Township will result in lane restrictions through the end of January.

PA Freezes Pay for High-Level State Jobs

About 13,000 state employees have been affected by the pay freeze.

Auditor General: Turnpike on Brink of Financial Doom

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner says the General Assembly should repeal Act 44 to ensure the PA Turnpike's financial viability.

With Corporate Tax Revenue Lagging, Some Question Breaks

One expert, however, says that Pennsylvania's corporate tax revenue could be lower because some businesses are currently unprofitable.

PA Dems Call for Higher Gas Tax, Fees to Pay for Infrastructure

More lawmakers want transportation to be a top priority in 2012.

Former Union Head to Challenge Simmons

Former Easton Area teachers union president Kevin Deely has announced that he will run as a Democrat for the 131st District seat.

Rep. Bob Freeman Named a 'Legislative Hero'

The liberal group Keystone Progress has honored Freeman and 19 other lawmakers.

Township Council Re-Elects President, Vice President

Glenn Kern was re-elected council president and Tom Maxfield was re-elected vice president at Lower Saucon Township Council's Jan. 3 reorganization meeting. A new council member, David Willard, was also sworn into office at the meeting.

Borough Council Leadership Remains Unchanged

On Jan. 3, Philip Weber and John Bate were re-elected president and vice president, respectively, of Hellertown Borough Council. A new council member, Joseph Pampanin, was also sworn in at the meeting.

Compost Center to Open for Tree Drop-Offs

The Saucon Valley Compost Center on Springtown Hill Road in Lower Saucon Township will be open on a limited basis this month for residents to drop off Christmas trees and yard waste.

Pa. House Passes Bill to Strengthen Retail Theft Penalties

The theft of an item valued at $1,000 or more would become a third-degree felony if House Bill 1000 ultimately becomes law in Pennsylvania.

Township Council Approves Online Survey Subscription

Numerous organizations will be able to utilize the online surveys.

Borough Hopes to Upgrade Its Computer Network

Councilman Tom Rieger says the current network is under strain and more infrastructure is needed to support expanded capabilities.

Borough Council Leadership Unlikely to Change in 2012

At a reorganization caucus following Hellertown Borough Council's Dec. 19 meeting, council members expressed support for the re-election of Philip Weber as council president and John Bate as council vice president.

Official: Mid-Rise Can't Be Forced to Install Generator

Hellertown Borough Council was told Dec. 19 that the Front Street Apartments has a clear certificate of occupancy.

Township Council Approves Animal Shelter Contract

Lower Saucon Township officials announced, however, that they will continue to look for more desirable alternatives for dealing with strays.

Reinhard Demolition Delay DEP-Related, Council Told

Demolition of the aged Reinhard School building in Hellertown was scheduled to have begun earlier this month.

Heintzelman Nominated to Fill Gaming Authority Seat

On Dec. 19, Hellertown Borough Council unanimously approved recommending borough businessman David Heintzelman to fill a seat on the Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority board.

Police Chief Details Development of Kennel for Strays

On Dec. 19, Hellertown police chief Robert Shupp told borough council that stray dogs picked up in the borough will be temporarily held in a kennel near the grist mill beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

Op Ed: Record Rains Bring New Challenges for Borough Authority

The following letter is from the Hellertown Borough Authority, which administers water and sewer services to thousands of Saucon Valley residents.

Where to Expect Road Work: Dec. 19-23

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

Rare Coin Shop Proposal Wins Planners' Approval

A variance by the Hellertown Zoning Hearing Board is still required before owners Karony and Kerry Borger can open the business on East High Street.

Fake ID Apple App? Bob Casey Says 'No'

Apple nixes app that creates simulated state licenses, following senator's request.

Township Council Reviews Trailhead Sketch Plans

On Dec. 7, Lower Saucon Township Council members voted 3-2 to in favor of a plan that calls for a single two-way driveway as opposed to two one-way driveways at a proposed parking lot along the Saucon Rail Trail at Reading Drive.