MARCH 14-20, 2013 Your Local News
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First Day of Spring March 20
The Home News homenewspa.com
Moore Twsp. drafting Ordinance to spell Differences in solar energy By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
Solicitor David Backenstoe is drafting an ordinance for Moore Township that will define the differences in solar energy that is created. In it a solar energy system is where there is one or more rooftop panels generating 18 kilowatt hours or less. A solar energy facility is one in which electricity is generated on a large scale of more than 18 kwh, such as what was proposed in both Moore and Lehigh Townships over the past couple of years by MetroTec. These definitions will be added as amendments to the township’s solar energy ordinance after they are advertised. Moore Township is not only energy conscious, they are a leading municipality in conservation, it was pointed out
at the Board of Supervisors meeting last Tuesday, March 5. The county recognizes Moore as a model township on conservation in the Hokendauqua Creek watershed. Zoning Officer Jason Harhart will review the latest findings for the Northampton County Soil Conservation District. It was announced by Chairman David Tashner, Sr. that the township’s recycling center will be closed for a week to work on improvements. Other Matters • The supervisors accepted the resignation of part-time police officer Robert Weider. • Leroy Bealer was hired as a part-time worker at the recreation center at a rate of $12 an hour. He has a Class A driver’s license. • It was announced that the First Regional Compost Continued on page 9
Read Across America
Dress code back to committee; Middle school plans move ahead
By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
The Northampton Area School Board voted 7 to 1 Monday night to send the controversial plans for changes in the dress code back to the policy committee. With the administration building conference room filled with parents who were prepared to give their ideas, Director Jane Erdo proposed ending the public discussion and sending it back to committee for review and then see how they will proceed with any changes for the school year 2013-14. The consensus among board members was to have small forums. (More on what the members said later in this story.) Of greater importance was the action taken by the board to move forward with the $80.3-million middle school project. It will begin with changes to Stadium Drive the first week in May; construction of the new school will begin as the former Northampton Branch of the Bethlehem Vocational-Technical School is removed, and all the new middle school buildings completed in the year 2015. When that is accomplished, the present middle school will be demolished, with students then occupying the new school.
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Display at Northampton Middle School - story on Page 4
Schools Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik said, “The middle school was talked about for 20 years. Now that we will have it, it will make a huge impact on our community [for] the next 50 to 100 years.” Director Cory Fenstermaker said talks began when he was a youngster. As the years progressed, Student Council was added to the agenda. “It’s nice to see that as I get older this (the middle school) is something that is moving forward.” Board President David Gogel expressed his thanks to the architectural team that has gotten the ball rolling.
----------------------Now that we will have it, it will make a huge impact on our community [for] the next 50 to 100 years. Joseph Kovalchik -----------------------
The directors, upon approving the following nine items, broke out in applause, satisfied that at last the project is coming together. The list included: (1) Attachment C and PlanCon Part “G” to the Pa. Dept. of Education for Continued on page 11
Instructional Make-Up Days at NASD
At this time, the Northampton Area School District is still required to make up two instructional days due to inclement weather. All District schools and offices will be open for all students on: •Thursday, March 28, 2013 (will be used for the cancellation on Friday, November 2, 2012) All District schools and offices will be open for students in Grades K-11 on: •Monday, June 10, 2013 (will Sports ......................6 & 7
Special Pet Section..........2
Senior Citizens ............10
Pete G. Ossip..................3
Obituaries ...................14
Engagements..................4
Classifieds ..............16-18
be used for the cancellation on Monday, January 28, 2013, for students in grades K-11) High School: •Students in grade 12 must report to school on Graduation Project Day, Friday, May 24, 2013, from 7:24 a.m. until 10:35 a.m. Graduation information, the senior class presentation, and end of year activities will be discussed. Students in grades 9 and 10 will not report to school on this day. Continued on page 19
72nd Year, Issue No. 11
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