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MARCH 19-25, 2026
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Annual Shamrock 5K held in Nazareth
Looking by Back Ed Pany Life During the Great Depression: Part 9 of 9
Photos by Gregory Morgan Photography By HOME NEWS STAFF Runners, walkers and joggers of all ages filled the streets of Nazareth on Saturday, March 14, for the Shamrock 5K hosted by Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1. Participants showed off their best green St. Patrick’s Day attire
as they made their way along the course, embracing a festive atmosphere centered on fun, community and giving back. Proceeds from the event will support the fire company’s volunteers, helping provide essential gear and equipment
needed to keep the community safe. Awards were presented to top finishers as well as for best overall costume, most Irish spirit and firefighters’ favorite, based on creativity, enthusiasm and overall fun.
Northampton Area School District Lowers deficit to $9.3M but major Cuts remain possible
By KERI LINDENMUTH The Northampton Area School District continues to face a multi-million-dollar deficit for the 2026-27 school year, one that may put student extracurriculars at risk and a significant tax increase on the horizon. Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik and Business Administrator Craig Neiman presented an updated preliminary budget to the Northampton School Board during their March 9 meeting. The updated budget reduces the deficit for the upcoming school year from $12.7 million to $9.3 million, with $2 million in cuts coming from 21 eliminated
positions. These job losses impact 5% of administrators, 3% of teachers and 4% of support staff. However, Kovalchik warned that the district is going to feel the impact of these cuts. “The bottom line is people are going to be doing a lot more work,” he said. “That’s just what it boils down to, because the work is not going to stop.” The district continues to explore more costcutting options, including transportation and school programming. Currently, $11 million is budgeted for the transportation department. Kovalchik said the district is exploring the
possibility of opt-out waivers for students, parent transportation programs for special education students and bussing hubs that would decrease the number of runs buses make for charter school students. During the meeting, the board was presented with two further cost-cutting plans. One proposes a major tax increase of over 4%, while the second suggests program cuts that school Director Michael Baird called “draconian.” The first option decreases the deficit for the upcoming school year to $3 million by eliminating $1 million from capital reserve Continued on page 9
It is June 1935; we are at the graduation exercises for Northampton High School. We are wondering what Dr. George A. Eichler will say to the graduating class. Eichler, a Laury’s boy and World War I veteran, would serve as superintendent in the Northampton School District for 31 years. Eichler said, “Now you are graduating, what of the future. A few fortunate ones will have the opportunity to continue your education in a formal way. Most of you will now take your place in a more or less cruel world on your own responsibility. The world in which you have prepared for may not be waiting for you with open arms. One of the saddest spectacles of recent years has been the turning of thousands of ambitious and well-prepared high school graduates into a society which had no need or place for them.” Eichler continued. “This is not an optimistic picture but one that is true under present day conditions. If you cannot go away to school or secure a position do not be discouraged for, we are assured a better day is dawning. Within your power keep the splendid idealism and courage of your school days.” One of the students who graduated during this
Dr. George A. Eichler -Photo by Larry Oberly Depression era was Dr. Frank Tanczos from Northampton High School at the age of 14. The following is a story from the Cement News dated Nov. 8, 1935; it gives this account of the young graduate: “Tanczos now a full-fledged student at Moravian College and upon completion of his 4-year course he will be 18, the youngest that any Moravian Continued on page 5
85th Year, Issue No. 12 www.homenewspa.com
USPS 248-700
45 Years