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FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 5, 2025
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Photo of the Month
Looking by Back Ed Pany Bath Portland Cement Company: Part 3 of 4
Winter snowfall at Kreidersville Covered Bridge; by Liza Harvilla
Northampton Borough Council Gives update on Tri-Boro; Hears plan for Northampton Mr. and Mrs. Franks in Cuba; photo from “Bath and Its Neighbors” By ED PANY & members of the Portland leased the BPCC plant and Fire Dept. cadet program BARBARA WIEMANN Cement Association came assumed operational con-
By KERI LINDENMUTH During their meeting on Thursday, Feb. 20, Northampton Borough Manager Brian Welsko, Mayor Tony Pristash and members of council gave residents the latest update on a safety investigation into Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club after residents reported stray bullets on their properties. Tri-Boro has been cooperative in its work with the borough, providing a weekly update to Welsko that outlines safety enhancements and other ongoing efforts.
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The latest update, covering Feb. 6 to Feb. 16, reported the number of people using the range, random range checks, security system updates and any incidents. The club has added two QR codes that members can use to report incidents. One has been placed at the main gate and the other in the parking area. During this period, the club also purchased three additional security cameras. To maintain transparency and address concerns, the club is hosting a public meeting on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Mayor Pristash added that the borough police department is continuing to do its part in investigating the incidents. Resident Barry Frantz told council during the
meeting that another resident living near the range found a stray bullet on their property. This was posted to the neighborhood Facebook page on Feb. 20 and reported to police. However, Frantz added there has been a “very noticeable” decrease in noise from the shooting range. “They [Tri-Boro] are obviously reacting to our concerns,” he said. “We just want to make sure that we can make our neighborhood safe.” Council told residents that, in addition to reporting incidents to borough police, they should also report incidents to the state’s Game Commission. In other news, the Northampton Borough Fire Department will once Continued on page 3
In today’s column, the third installment of the series, the Bath Portland Cement Company will pass into history. The property will become home to a new cement company. Mrs. Barbara Wiemann, former librarian at the Easton Area Public Library and historian for the Governor Wolf Historical Society, has researched the history of the Bath Portland Cement Company and has allowed us to print her scholarly writing for our loyal readers. Professional Recognition BPCC continued to make improvements to the plant, attracting attention from professional groups. Since BPCC was considered one of the finest units ever built, a large contingent of engineers, architects, contractors and
to East Allen in 1919 to tour the plant. The group followed the complete operation from transport of the raw rock from the quarry to packing the finished product; during their tour, the plant manufactured 3,000 barrels of cement. After the tour, the visitors journeyed to Allentown to ride the famous concrete William Penn Highway to Easton. In 1922, the Engineers Club of the Lehigh Valley visited BPCC to study the company’s waste heat recovery plant. Sale and Plant Closing As a small but modern plant, BPCC was an attractive takeover target by the largest Lehigh Valley cement company, Gen. Harry Trexler’s Lehigh Portland Cement Company. In March 1925, LPCC
trol. In November, BPCC shareholders voted to dissolve their company. With Continued on page 3
Over $12K raised for firefighters Page 2
Northampton School Board Page 5 Nazareth Library to host local author Page 8
2025 Home & Garden Supplement Publication Date: March 27 Advertising Deadline: March 19
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