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MARCH 20-26, 2025
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Annual Shamrock 5K held in Nazareth
On Saturday, March 15, Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1 hosted their annual Shamrock 5K in Nazareth with over 100 participants. - Photo by Gregory Morgan Photography
Northampton School Board hears budget Presentations; rescinds Superintendent’s Resignation By SAVANNAH BROWN During the Northampton School Board meeting on Monday, March 10, the board was presented with two budget presentations for consideration. First, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 Executive Director Christopher Wolfel presented the General Operating Budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year. CIU 20 provides educational, administrative and technology services to 13 school districts spanning 1,200 square miles,
which helps to create economies of scale, cost savings and better efficiencies in the delivery of important programs and services to children, especially those with special needs. CIU 20’s base budget supports the administrative services needed for operation amongst four departments, including educational support services, human resources, curriculum/professional learning and instructional materials services (education technology). Continued on page 3
East Allen Township Vol. Fire Dept. Residents ask Allen Updates supervisors on future plans Township supervisors to To encourage enrollment Consider police force as By KERI LINDENMUTH He outlined several obstacles and per-call stipend program. East Allen Township Deputy the department is facing that Work is also underway to build Township grows Fire Chief Ray Henry appeared limit volunteers, namely an ag- rooms for two live-in firefighters before the East Allen Township Board of Supervisors on Thursday, March 13. He presented several updates from the department, as well as plans to encourage enrollment. This presentation follows two February town halls. “These are things to consider as a community, as a council, [and] as a fire department,” Henry said.
Fire at Santa Fe Taco, Page 8 Home Improvement, Page 11
ing population (the average age of an East Allen Township resident is 52), a high call volume during work days, and low resident participation (only 35 East Allen Township residents have served as volunteer firefighters in the department’s nearly 50year history). “How do we create a plan to get folks through the door… and our trucks on the road in a timely manner?” Henry asked council. Several plans include an ongoing Junior Firefighter Program for youths ages 14 to 18. The department has also increased its online social media presence and in-person presence at local events. Henry is also considering advertising with signage at the local parks where hundreds of young adults play sports. The department is also continuing its tax reimbursement
who can offer support. Henry is in discussion with the local community colleges to find interested candidates. “You can always say we tried,” Henry said of these ideas. “If we don’t have answers, we need to have plans…We’re only making our community better by having that plan in place.” Henry said he has other ideas, like a staffing program, to bring before the board at a future date. However, the most important thing is to keep communication open between the department and supervisors. “Being out of touch is a big problem, and that’s one thing I never want to be,” he said. “We can look at a contingency plan and be ahead of the curve instead of behind it…that’s our responsibility to the community.”
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By KERI LINDENMUTH As Allen Township continues to welcome new businesses and residents, some citizens wonder whether it is time for the township to consider a police force. “The township has grown tremendously,” said resident Craig Poliner during the March 11 Board of Supervisors meeting. He cited future development plans, which include a Wawa, fast food restaurant and Dollar General market. Allen Township is served by the Pennsylvania State Police instead of a township police force. “You’re getting a mix of people into the township,” Poliner continued. “It is time now to look at a feasibility study.” A feasibility study would analyze the practicality and potential costs of a dedicated police force. Poliner said he broached the discussion with the neighboring Northampton Borough Police
Department, who could possibly share resources at a cost. Supervisor Gary Behler said a previous study was conducted about 10 years ago, but acknowledges the township has changed since then. Supervisor Dale Hassler worried that the potential costs of a police force could increase taxes by two to three mils. Taxes in the township have not increased in nearly 20 years. Poliner asked whether warehouses and intermodal companies in the township could support the costs, as he has seen in other Continued on page 2
84th Year, Issue No. 12 www.homenewspa.com
USPS 248-700
45 Years