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SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2022
Court of Honor Ceremony held for Troop 50’s three New Eagle Scouts
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September Photo of the Month
“A Flying Lobster?” By Carl Fischer Jr. Pictured is a Hummingbird Clearwing, a moth about two inches long that sometimes looks like a flying lobster. The center of these moths’ wings are clear. They are colorful and interesting to watch as they fly from flower to flower, retrieving nectar and pollinating as they go. Photo taken July 26 in Jacobsburg State Park by Carl Fischer Jr.
Northampton Borough Council Considers fire tax
From left to right: Elias Decker, Mason Kessler, and James Kornhausl By SAVANNAH BROWN An Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony was held on Sunday, September 25 for Scouts BSA Troop 50’s three newest Eagle Scouts, Mason Kessler, Elias Decker, and James Kornhausl, at Salem United Church of Christ in Bath. All three Scouts completed projects to obtain their Eagle rank. Elias Decker worked on redoing the cakewalk at Salem UCC in Bath. Mason Kessler built and installed three food blessing boxes, one in Easton and two in Saucon Valley. James Ko-
rnhausl rehabilitated the wooden train at the Ironton Rail Trail. Scout Cody Kessler welcomed everyone and moderated the ceremony, sharing: “This is an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time for serious reflection. The Eagle is the highest recognition that Scouting offers the Scouts. It is earned through the advancement program and only a small percentage of boys who begin Scouting receive this honor. The wearer of the Eagle’s Award is the epitome of Scouting’s best efforts and beliefs.” Continued on page 2
By KERI LINDENMUTH With the Northampton Volunteer Fire Department faced with increasing costs and an impending need for new fire trucks, the Northampton Borough Council has started to consider whether it is time for a fire tax to help support the department. Councilwoman Judy Kutzler started the discussion during council’s September 22 meeting. “We need assistance…by the entire borough populace,” she said. “Many folks and corporations have no idea that our department is only partially funded…[and] staffed by professional volunteers.” In 2023, the fire department is expected to pay $152,176 in truck payments. It also costs the department $6,000 to equip one firefighter. In the industry, turnover is high. “We are blessed if we keep one firefighter a year,” said Councilwoman Kutzler. Yearly, the fire department
sends brochures to residents asking for a donation. Response rates, however, are low. Kutzler said a one-mill tax would bring in $45 a year from each property owner, ensuring landlords who live outside the borough are contributing. “I want people who are out of town, who own these properties, to pay up,” she said. A one-mill tax now, she added, would also prevent a significant tax increase ten years from now, something the city of Allentown is seeing. Councilman Ronald Glassic commended Councilwoman Kutzler for speaking up. He said it would be easier for the borough and fire department to secure loans for new vehicles with tax money coming in. Glassic also said the borough should go after the large corporations in the area for funding. Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski, Sr. agreed. “This is something that needs
to come to light and come to life,” he said. “We are not doing this for today…we are doing this for [our] grandchildren.” With funding for volunteer fire departments difficult to secure across the area, Kutzler believes the county will soon move to a regional volunteer fire department. However, with the proper funding and equipment, the headquarters may end up in the borough. Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said such a tax has been on his mind. He said a decision is already on October’s agenda for a fire equipment fund. Council will Continued on page 5
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