The Home News Your Local News
APRIL 9-15, 2026
50 cents
Nazareth Borough Council approves Events, officer hires; Reports sharp drop in Overtime By SAVANNAH BROWN Nazareth Borough Council approved a full slate of motions across multiple departments during its April 6 meeting, addressing community events, financial matters, police personnel changes and public works contracts, while also receiving a report outlining a significant reduction in police overtime costs. Under public property, council approved a $250 donation to American Legion Post 415 to help subsidize costs associated with the annual Memorial Day Parade and authorized up to $250 for the rental of a public address sound system for the Memorial Day Parade Honors Service at Council Chambers. Council approved a June 27 Cat Country 96 promotional event at Paradise Dogs, formerly Potts’ Hot Dogs, at 307 South Broad St., scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a promotional tent on the sidewalks. Council also approved the reservation of the large pavilion in the Park by St. John’s Lutheran Church for its annual Communion Breakfast on Aug. 9, confirming that all required docu-
mentation had been submitted. A request from Kathy Heller, the Nazareth representative and coach for the U.S. Tennis Association Junior Team, to use the park tennis courts each Friday during the spring and summer from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for practices and matches was approved. Council further approved the Nazareth Rotary Club’s annual Duck Race on Nazareth Day, Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m. in the borough pool. Resolution No. 3-26 was approved, granting the Nazareth Brew Company permission for the placement of tables and chairs on the sidewalk in front of 35 Belvidere St. for 2026. While the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board requested language allowing yearlong use, borough officials confirmed an agreement limiting sidewalk use to April through October, consistent with prior approvals. Council approved payment of two library-related invoices, including $1,560 to TKE Elevator Services for yearly inspection services and $1,800 Continued on page 10
Northampton updates pavilion Rental rules, familiar face joins Zoning Hearing Board
By KERI LINDENMUTH Northampton Borough Council has officially updated a resolution regarding pavilion rentals in borough parks. During the April 2 meeting, council approved changes that eliminated the unofficial practice of waiving rental fees for nonprofit organizations. Instead, the updated policy formally allows a $25 fee reduction for nonprofits that submit a request to council in advance.
The decision followed discussions among the borough’s Building, Land & Recreation Committee, Council President Julia Kutzler and Borough Manager Brian Welsko. “There was a lot of good discussion,” said Councilwoman Judy Haldeman. “[The] final recommendation is not to waive any fees.” “The borough needs to stand firm, as it’s income,” she continued. “It needs to go back to the
park.” Under the new policy, nonprofits that provide a W-9 confirming their status and request weekday pavilion use (excluding Fridays and holidays) may apply to council for the $25 discount. Standard pavilion rental fees for 2026 remain unchanged. They are $125 for residents ($185 for nonresidents) at Municipal Park; $100 for residents ($125 for nonresidents) at Canal Street Park; Continued on page 9
State Police investigate plane Landing on I-78
Submitted by NATHAN BRANOSKY On Saturday, April 4, at approximately 9:19 a.m., PSP Fogelsville Station received a call regarding a plane on I-78 in Weisenberg Township, Lehigh County. Upon investigation, it was determined a 1995 Commander 114B plane, operated by a 65-year-old male from Michigan, departed from Solberg, New Jersey attempting to fly to Indiana. While in route, the operator reported unknown engine problems and attempted to fly to a local airport in the
area, however, landed onto I-78 Eastbound, Mile Marker 45.6, Weisenberg Township, Lehigh County. There were no injuries to the operator or the 34-yearold female from New Jersey, who was a passenger on the plane. All traffic was detoured on I-78 Eastbound to Exit 40 (Krumsville Road) in Greenwich Township, Berks County. Westbound traffic on I-78 remained open during this incident. All eastbound traffic reopened at 1 p.m. The plane was towed from the
scene to a local airport. This incident is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Assisting with this investigation: Pennsylvania State Police Troop M Fogelsville Patrol Unit, Weisenberg Township Fire Department, Cetronia Ambulance, PennDOT, ABE Operations and Safety and Fast
85th Year, Issue No. 15 www.homenewspa.com
USPS 248-700
2026 Home & Garden Supplement Publication Date: April 23 • Advertising Deadline: April 16
The Home News
255E South Best Ave. (Rt. 145), Walnutport, PA 18088 Email: sbrown@homenewspa.com • www.HomeNewsPa.com • Phone: 610-923-0382 • Fax: 610-923-0383