McCord: Driver and Vehicle Fees Should Count as Tax Increases

The state treasurer says increasing transportation investment is a good idea.

Santorum Blasts Obama’s Approach to Government

The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania is seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2012. He recently spoke in Ankeny, Iowa, as part of his 50-city "Courage to Fight for American Values" tour of that state.

Boscola Wants Table Game Revenues Moved to Property Tax Relief Fund

Senate Republicans and a taxpayer advocacy group are against the bill proposed by the state senator from Northampton County.

Township, Borough Councils Want Regional Police Study

Both Hellertown Borough and Lower Saucon Township councils recently approved sending a letter of intent to participate in the study to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Grants Presentation Held in Borough Park

Many local dignitaries were on hand for the July 14 ceremony, in which the mini-grant recipients of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor's Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape Initiative were formally announced.

Lower Saucon Road to Be Closed for Several Days

PennDOT announced Friday that part of Lower Saucon Road will be temporarily closed for a pipe replacement project this week. A detour will be in place while the road is closed.

Zoning Board Denies Auto Detailing Shop's Application

An amended application for an auto detailing shop at 720 Main Street was denied by zoners due to environmental concerns and not enough proof of burden.

Zoning Board Gives Dunkin' Donuts Green Light

The Hellertown Zoning Hearing Board recently granted a special exception and parking variance to a franchise owner who wants to open the donut shop at 730 Main Street.

PennDOT Agrees to Install Walls, But Runoff Issue Remains

Engineer Bryan Smith told Hellertown Borough Council that a stormwater runoff problem made worse by the installation of new handicapped ramps near Detwiller Plaza will not be fully mitigated by the construction of "cheek walls."

Borough Manager Discusses Mid-Year Financial Audit

Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Kichline told Borough Council that a recent audit revealed that income from real estate transfer taxes is down.

Commission Recommends Higher Vehicle and Driver Fees, Gas Tax Increase

The Transportation Funding Advisory Commission created by Governor Tom Corbett is looking to generate $2.5 billion in new revenue.

Mandatory Sentences Take Some Blame for Massive Prison Spending Increases

Officials say easing rules will decrease state prison population, costs.

Salaries on the Rise at State Universities

Many faculty members will see more money despite budget cuts and tuition hikes.

Hellertown Police Chief: Tasers Now in Service

Police Chief Robert Shupp recently told Hellertown Borough Council that officers completed training in the use of tasers and began carrying them July 14.

Borough: Bringing Your Own Grill is Prohibited

Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Kichline told Borough Council park rules forbid grilling in public parks unless it's done on a borough-owned grill.

Impact Fee Debate Will Shift Back to Legislature After Commission’s Report

Southeastern lawmakers still want statewide revenue from impact fee.

Where to Expect Road Work This Week: July 18-22

PennDOT has announced scheduled maintenance work on these area roads.

Pooling Included in Marcellus Shale Commission Recommendations

Some say not enough time was given to the controversial issue.

Universities Raise Tuition Following Deep Budget Cuts

Students will take the brunt of the cuts.

Turzai Unveils Plan to Privatize State Liquor Stores

House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) argues that the tax reforms in the bill are revenue neutral.

Governor’s Office Anticipates Bond Sale in Coming Months

Treasurer Rob McCord or Auditor General Jack Wagner would have to approve it.

Council Discusses Pool Attendance, Grilling in Park

Councilwoman Gail Nolf said pool manager Ed Kolosky has reported a good season so far. At the July 5 meeting, council Vice President John Bate also questioned whether grilling and tailgating are permitted across the street from the pool in Dimmick Park.

Zoning Officer: Deadline to Replace Trees Is Aug. 1

Hellertown Zoning and Codes Enforcement Officer Joe Chernaskey issued a reminder to residents who need to replace shade trees at Borough Council's July 5 meeting.

Foreclosure Crisis Hitting Home, Resident Tells Council

Resident Joe Delfoe recently asked Hellertown Borough Council members if something can be done about a bank-owned property in his neighborhood.

Local Marines Honored at Second Sunday Concert

Six Marines based in Allentown received certificates of appreciation from U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, State Rep. Robert Freeman, Hellertown Mayor Richard Fluck and Lower Saucon Township officials at the July 10 concert in Dimmick Park.

Borough Engineer Discusses Planned Improvements

A project to improve pedestrian safety and locate amenities around Hellertown Borough Hall will take shape next year, Bryan Smith told Borough Council July 5.

Sidewalk Work Questioned, Criticized at Council Meeting

At Borough Council's July 5 meeting, resident and Hellertown Plaza Clock Association member Joe Delfoe was critical of work recently done next to the plaza by a PennDOT contractor, and the timing of the ramps' installation was also questioned.

Borough Resident Tells Council How Pool Was Fixed

Delfoe, a retired electrician, helped assess the damage to the Hellertown Pool's pump after it was struck by lightning earlier this month.

Where to Expect Road Work This Week: July 11-15

PennDOT has announced scheduled maintenance work on Rt. 378 in Lower Saucon and Route 412 near the Hellertown-Bethlehem boundary.

Anti-Texting Laws May Not Be Enough to Curb Crashes

Recent study suggests that accidents go up after enacting laws.

Liquor Store Privatization Battle Begins, Again

Turzai plan would also change taxes on alcohol.

Sunday Hunting a Possibility in Pennsylvania

Legislation in House and resolution from commission support it.

Census Will Change County Council Districts

Three municipalities are expected to be in new districts next year.

County Council Reverses Preservation Vote

Move had given funding to Slate Belt project, but now council wants more appraisals.

Property Tax Reforms Still Leave Big Loopholes for School Districts

A taxpayer group says the reforms are less than significant.

Political Analysts Say Corbett Fulfilled Promises

His decision to create a Marcellus Shale Commission was a politically savvy move, one analyst says.

Council Opposes Proposed Auto Detailing Business

The detailing business Horst and Horst is seeking to open at 720 Main Street would be located next to an artesian well, councilman Mike McKenna told Hellertown Borough Council June 20.

Board's Discussion of Student Parking Fees Postponed

The Saucon Valley School Board will discuss the parking fees at its next meeting, which is scheduled to be held July 26.

School Board Appoints New Solicitor

The board appointed Mark Fitzgerald of Fox Rothschild, LLP, to replace Ellis Katz of Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams, LLP, at its June 28 meeting. Jeffrey Sultanik, a partner with Fox Rothschild, was also appointed District Negotiator at the meeting.

Future of Three Borough Properties Focus of EPA Workshop

The two-day event was funded by a Sustainable Communities Building Blocks grant awarded to the borough earlier this year. The properties whose potential for redevelopment was discussed included The Movies, Champion Spark Plug and an old chromium factory.