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AUGUST 22-28, 2024
Lehigh Township Supervisors accept tax Collector resignation By LAURA KLOTZ Lehigh Township Supervisors announced at the August 13 meeting that they received a letter of resignation from Mary Louise Trexler, the township tax collector, which they unanimously accepted. Board member Janet Sheats made a statement thanking Trexler for her many years of service to the township, adding that she hopes Trexler’s legacy will be her commitment to the community. Zachary Bittner petitioned the board for an extension of time on his plant nursery project. He was accompanied by Brad Rock of Lehigh Engineering, who explained that they discovered issues during stormwater testing, forcing them to revise the plan and conduct new tests. The original tester has since retired, so they are currently looking for a new individual to perform the tests. The board agreed to grant an extension until October 31. Nicole Gallio addressed the board to bring them an update on Jaindl’s Lehigh Valley Resort & Spa project. Interior designs are almost finished, while some exterior details have needed to be altered, including some utility relocations. The wastewater treatment plan is expected to be ready within the next few weeks, and it is their hope to break ground on the project in the first half of 2025. Township Engineer Michael Muffley reported that construction of the fuel island at the new
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AUGUST 15-21, 2024
Looking EdbyPany Back Becky’s Drive-In Part 1 of 5
celebrates Lehigh Township building New Public Works
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AUGUST
8-14, 2024
Spreadin g joy thro Acts of ugh service
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Nor tha mp ton 50 cents Retirin Bor oug g On Bor police officer,h thanks ough acco reflects mplish ments
By KERI Northamp LINDENM officer Denniston BoroughUTH police Sr. spoke during Smith officially tired on public comment the August meeting’s rerecognized 1. His section. “[Officer said the by Mayor service was tash, Borough Northamp that is hard Smith] is Tony Police Departme ton Borough Brobst, Manager Pris- “I hope to replace,”an officer 16 officers LeRoy nt currently we can find Council Northampton he Borough can at least has someone said. In other but is budgeted August and residents during that ing him.” come close news, Mayor for 18. 1 council to replac- recently returned the meeting. “As a Pristash Lopsonski sylvania from the sential in new mayor, he State Mayors’ new officers , Sr. said Penntion meeting about law helping me learnwas es- “enthusias will bring he hopes sylvania. in Johnston,Associaenforceme more ins and departmenm” and “drive”the same nt and PennDuring the Mayor outs of the force,” t. to the Civil Service Hannah met with the meeting, said missed.” Pristash. “He Votta Coleman Pristash mayors Test application pictured will be are being accepted tatives and represenFormer gust 19 , founder s meetingfrom across helped with residents through for candidates cil memberpolice officer make of Tradition of Joyful Giving, Auconfirmed the state. The Anthony and coun- in applying to interested that the borough to patients 100 Joy Maker for Pristash s of Hanover is positions. Lopsonzsk the open at the Lehigh bags, which is on the . The group i, officer path. Police right (Image will be distribute “We are Chief Bryan provided Valley Reilly Children’ doing Submitted by Tradition Kadingo borough,” he so well as a d s by Hospital. told council. small s of Hanover Continued “We chooseSAMANTHA “We on page DIX ) daily throughou joy” is pital. 5 living communit t the conveyed retirement “I enjoy Hanover. y at Traditions helping was of Joyfulhappy to make others, so I “It’s our the way Giving,” bags for strives to of life. Our create joyful team mary Carlos said. resident Roseingful and Hannah the county. In every moments to issue a letter to for our mean- founded Votta residents Cement Co. their letter, they voiced how this Cathy day,” Executive Coleman Joyful ported that Keystone Heimsoth risk of polto use Director profit branch Giving as a change creates a “new It’s no wonder said. By SAVANNAH BROWNmet is requesting state permission nonout of her ny, Joyful to haul in lution for the creek,” as well as risks residents that a group railcars instead of trucks Bath Borough Council 15,000 LLC, and has compafelt compelled 12 to discuss hazardous materials, which they of potential catastrophic incidentsjoy Submitted Joy Maker donated of Monday, August Week the recent train into the to spread since launching at the plant. bags of Cindy Deppe Five athletesby AVA POETA to the Old Home burn as fuel for the kilndecades, Key- in the area giventhe Lehigh Valleyby volunteeri greater communit in 2022. globally “One of Berlinsville 1924, courtesy ton County from had three sis- changes Cement Comng for the than three profit organizatio derailments in the things a letter Township. Williamand Vera, and schedule, Keystonealternative fuel For more recently Northamplocal non-y Joyful Giving the Transplant has transported and risks to residents that live near we Virginia to make I recently received competed stone Cement Co. pany’s proposed al100 Joy n Joyful Giving Joy’ because is ‘Give Joy,say at Deppe, a for- ters, Iola, Games ca. They in were Clifford, Ros- transport, changes to SALDO fees, the hazardous wastes via trucks, the track. from Cindy Beck of Ameriwe believe Get will feel company’sEach bag, filledMaker bags. Wilof this writer his brothers a variety performed admirably budget items, though the cement powder product However, the cement sory-friend Eugene. As a youth, mer fine student with mini 2025 preliminary ing yourjoyful when youthat you of environmental High School. coe and and solici– not in of Olympic-style ly toys in senwith a are time to at Northampton Mr. William liam was a student at the Berlinsis hauled away by train. from 1991 vice president Storm Water Authority Paris but events hand-tied and adorned Maker bags. assemble givham, Alabama School. There he torship interviews, resolutions and distributed in In fact, a DEP permit of an en- Continued on page 7 Cindy’s father was ribbon, Joy founded a ville Elementary – as part Birmingwill be Joy Maker Our hope high Valley to patients includes construction containment Beck, a local icon who Becky’s completed seven grades. Continued of Gift of at the Le- they also bag recipients for the those ordinances. storms, Old Reilly Children’s 33 on page feel a moment is that closed rail-unloading Due to the recent Lehigh Valley landmark, Cindy recalls, “During also 83rd Year, Issue No. 2 Berlinsville, saw his first Home Weekend postponed two area, but the renewal permit Hos- Continued .com of joy Drive-In, located in years my father 83rd Year, so Brothers Band requests approval to build a hazard- www.homenewspa on page Slatington; he was Lehigh Township. events. The Bryant at the asked her movie in www.ho Issue No. 32 2 movies and films will now perform at Ciff Cowling waste fuel mixing system I called Cindy and menew of the impressed that 20 from ous amMike Seidick, spa.com plant. Park on Friday, September to share her memories readers. would later become his life’s in transBrian Dean loyal Kevin Schwartz The potential change 5 to 8 p.m. and the drive-in with our a mountain bition.” the Saton concerned a mode has were over and Paul Moore Band will perform She graciously sent At the time, there 6:30 to portation Creek Watershed AsAlbert Larry Oberly, September 21 from Monocacy quarries in the area, of material to Mr. USPS 248-700 with this dozen slate some very deep. urday, which prompted them 10 p.m. who works very closely some small, Hesch re- sociation, USPS 248-700 Next, President Frank writer. born in the Supplement William Beck was in Lehigh Continued on page 3 Pet 2024 21 • Deadline: August family home in 1909
Berlinsville slaters;
courtesy of Cindy Deppe
volunteers, including a V-plow do- ployees and new sign, made from and paint- Township Manager Alice Rehrig, and PubBy LAURA KLOTZ by a local family Police Chief Scott Fogel well-wish- nated A group of about 50 as far as ed by Rev Signs of Walnutport, lic Works Director Frank Zamafrom as the entire public ers, some traveling the Lehigh which identified the facility. the town- dics, as well members of the Harrisburg, joined The five members of Chair- works crew and Supervisors at Township Board of the munici- ship Board of Supervisors, fire company. The pubof Jones, Vice-Chair- volunteer were brightly the ribbon cutting building man Michael Pritchard, Cynthia lic works vehicles Gerald on prominent dispality’s new Public Works 8. Despite man and Janet polished and facility was adorned on Thursday, Augustof inclement Miller, David Hess as they play, and the the township the ongoing threat lot was filled Sheats, welcomed everyone with balloons in weather, the parking ducked in- made their way inside. attendance Continued on page 5 with cars and people Among those in They emside the spacious building. by a were many of the township’s entrance were greeted at the
Bath Borough Council al projects Discusses potenti nary budget For 2025 prelimi
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Public Works facility has begun, although some elements are currently on back order. He has received a plan for a new subdivision on Long Lane Road, which he will be discussing with the Planning Commission at their next meeting, and he expects to be bringing plans for a few different projects to the board’s meeting on September 10. Sandra Hopkins of the recreation board discussed the recent all-star game, at which they sold refreshments that were donated and made a profit of about $325. Leftover hamburgers were given to the police department for the National Night Out event, while the leftover hot dogs were given to the Lions Club for the tree lighting ceremony in December. Public Works Director Frank Zamadics reported that his crew had a busy month in July. They are currently working on the list of roads to receive oil and chips treatment, and he hopes they will begin putting it out this week. Once the oil and chips phase is completed, line painting on the roads can begin. Police Chief Scott Fogel said the department has been given a lot of feedback regarding truck traffic on area roads. The police department’s National Night Out event had a remarkably good turnout despite the inclement weather. The cadet currently enrolled at the police academy is doing well, and the chief anticipates having a full complement of 12 officers by next March. Fogel urged residents to call 911 when they see an incident in progress, rather than attempting to call the police station directly. Fogel also stated he is working on a grant application to upgrade the department’s car cameras, which are becoming outdated and need replacing. Fire Commissioner Richard Hildebrand reported that the volunteers have been busy dealing with downed telephone poles, which he described as having fallen “with help.” The rescue truck is in need of repairs, but he hopes they will be relatively easy. Hildebrand also stated that fire-
45 Years
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Northampton Borough Council bids farewell to Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst By KERI LINDENMUTH After 57 years, Northampton Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst bid farewell to members of borough council and residents during his final council meeting on August 15. The evening was marked with memories and plenty of laughter as council reminisced on Brobst’s rich career with the borough, starting as a public works laborer over five decades ago. “I offer my sincerest thank you for your years of service, your dedicated knowledge and your passion,” said Councilman Ronald Glassic. “You will be missed dearly.” “Thank you for your dedication, service, loyalty and love for this borough,” said Councilwoman Bonnie Almond. “Happy retirement. You deserve it.”
However, Brobst told council they’ll likely see him again very soon. “I’m gonna sit in the back corner where the chief sits,” he joked, pointing to the back of council chambers, next to a seat occupied by Police Chief Bryan Kadingo.
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I don’t know where to begin, but I know where to end... Working for the Borough of Northampton has been a joy and a journey.
Northampton Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst
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For many on council, part of a tight-knit community, the evening contained more “see you laters” than “goodbyes.” “I can’t get rid of him,” joked
Councilwoman Julia Kutzler. “He’s been in my life since I was 26 years old.” “I’ll miss you in the job, but I know you’ll be in my life forever,” she said. “We go back to 2001,” said Mayor Anthony Pristash. “You have left an indelible mark.” Pristash presented Brobst with a proclamation, naming August 16 through August 31 “LeRoy Brobst Days.” “I don’t know where to begin, but I know where to end,” Brobst said in his final closing statement. “Working for the Borough of Northampton has been a joy and a journey. I always wondered when the journey would come to a close, but I do not feel it has closed,” he continued. “I only feel that the journey is going in a difContinued on page 4
Allen Township considers Extending trash and recycling Agreement with JP Mascaro By KERI LINDENMUTH During their August 13 meeting, the Allen Township Board of Supervisors discussed the costs and benefits of extending their trash and recycling contract with current hauler, JP Mascaro. The three-year contract started in May 2022 and ends in May 2025. However, as Township Manager Ilene Eckhart and supervisors look ahead to the 2025 budget, they are weighing their options early. Representatives from JP Mascaro were present during the meeting, highlighting what changes the township and its residents could see. Allen Township currently has a fixed-price, three-year agreement with the hauler for $634,236. This includes trash pickup once a week and recycling every other week. The number of bags residents can put out for collection is unlimited. In this agreement, the
township can extend their con- questions in the meantime. In other news, supervisors tract for an additional three years. This extension, however, would granted Barker & Barker a coninclude a price increase of 12.5% tract for paving on Kensington in 2026, 5% in 2027 and 7.5% Circle and Becker Avenue. The in 2028. This increase over three contract is for $83,590. This was years is a fraction of the 60-80% the lowest bid received by the increases other municipalities are township. Finally, Eckhart said work on seeing by going out to bid, representatives from JP Mascaro said. the Howertown Road township With quarterly meetings be- building will pick up after a brief tween the township and hauler, delay. Construction is expected communication has been strong to be completed in February. Updates and photos will be posted to and complaints few. Supervisor Gary Behler said the township website to showcase the most common complaint progress. has been missed pickups, but this number is “nowhere near the Continued on page 12 level of our previous supplier” he added. 83rd Year, Issue No. 34 “I don’t want to see us go back and cut corners,” Behler contin- www.homenewspa.com ued. Supervisors agreed. No vote was held, as the contract won’t expire until May. JP Mascaro offered to answer any additional USPS 248-700
45 Years