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AUGUST 21-27, 2025
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Lehigh Township police chief resigns; 2 officers promoted cian. Todd Merkle is still willing
Photo by Gregory Morgan Photography A stunning fireworks presentation by Celebration Fireworks, Inc. on Aug. 16 concluded Moore Township’s annual Com-
munity Days. Despite the hotterthan-usual temperatures, this year’s celebration was one of the biggest yet.
By LAURA KLOTZ During the Aug. 12 Board of Supervisors meeting, multiple changes to the police department’s roster were announced, including the resignation of Police Chief Scott Fogel, the appointment of Sergeant John Henry to the temporary rank of officer in charge, and the appointment of Officer Jonathan Roth to sergeant. Members of the Lehigh Township, Walnutport and Slatington police departments were in attendance to support their brother officer as he was promoted. Officer Jonathan Roth was awarded the rank of sergeant, having completed a written test and two interviews. His wife Alexis pinned the new badge to his shirt while
he held their daughter Sophia, and Roth’s K-9 partner Cash observed the proceeding. Following the departure of most of the officers, the supervisors heard from a representative of Lehigh Engineering with regards to the Top of the Mountain Estates project. The Planning Commission has made their recommendations and the matter will be on the board’s agenda at the next meeting. An extension was granted until Oct. 30 in the event that more than one review of the plans will be needed. Sandra Hopkins of the Recreation Board reported that Santa Claus has been confirmed for the tree lighting ceremony in December, along with a balloon sculpturist and possibly a magi-
to do the decorating, and Board Chairman Michael Jones is working with him to get stands for the additional trees. The snack stand window is being repaired, but a garage door also needs to be examined. They are getting estimates to install gates at the parks in Danielsville and Berlinsville; these gates will allow greater ease of access to the ballfields for emergency vehicles as well as the Public Works crew. The members of the Board of Supervisors will attend the Recreation Board’s meeting in September in order to have a group discussion. Public Works Director Frank Continued on page 10
Allen Township Supervisors advance Speed study, road projects and Zoning Board changes
East Allen Supervisors By KERI LINDENMUTH ficial engineering study will allow pleted before the end of the month. Supervisors also approved perAdvance projects; praise theDuring their Aug. 12 meeting, the township to update its speed Allen Township Board of Su- limit ordinance and establish more sonnel changes to the Zoning Hearing Board, accepting the respervisors approved a speed limit consistent rules. EMS departments In other business, supervisors au- ignation of Steve Keller and apreview study for Farmhill and Twin By SAVANNAH BROWN The East Allen Township Board of Supervisors moved through a packed agenda on Thursday, Aug. 14, filling vacancies on the Zoning Hearing Board, approving progress on major park and Public Works projects, while taking time to recognize a dramatic life-saving effort by local EMS crews and the fire company’s hard work. Discus-
sions also touched on equipment replacement, bridge safety and resident concerns about speeding, rounding out a meeting that blended routine municipal business with moments of community pride. The board unanimously selected David Schleder to return to the Continued on page 5
Brook roads. This study will be the first in a series of township-wide speed studies by engineer Michael Schwartz. Township Manager Ilene Eckhart said residents have raised concerns about speeding throughout the township, particularly on roads with no visible speed limit signs. On roads without posted limits, the default speed is 55 mph. An of-
thorized several payments for road improvement projects. A payment of $305,286.10 was approved for paving work in Allen Village as part of the 2025 road program. Meanwhile, two additional payments totaling $13,719.22 were released for the East Bullshead Road median project. The project, which will prevent tractor-trailers from accessing the road, is expected to be com-
pointing John Bernick and Debbie Dreisbach as new members. Continued on page 3
84th Year, Issue No. 34 www.homenewspa.com
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