OCTOBER 17-23, 2013 Your Local News 50 cents
Breast Cancer Awareness, Page 4
The Home News homenewspa.com
School Board notes Concerns over property Tax legislation By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
BMX BIKE TRAIL is in the woods, out of sight from usual picnic and community activities at Indian Trail Park in Pennsville. – Photos by Joe Korba
BMX bike trail draws most Comment at Lehigh meeting
By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
Although there was discussion about a municipal well, financial workshop, and crew leader position, when it came to public comment at last Tuesday’s Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors meeting, a BMX bike trail found in the woods at Indian Trail Park
drew the most attention. Concern was voiced about a sign reading “No Bicycles” posted at the park the previous Friday because of the trail made long ago, but only recently discovered by Chief of Police Scott Fogel. Ronald Shaw told the supervisors that the trail is well maintained by the young-
Directors on the Northampton Area School Board on Monday voiced their concerns over two bills in the General Assembly, which would eliminate the school property tax – S.B. 76 and H.B. 76. Board president David Gogel showed a notice on the pending legislation in Harrisburg, and said that 24 out of 26 Senators support it and 86 of 102 Representatives are also for the bill. Gogel said the Bangor School Board has voted to support the bills, and suggested that the local board voice its sentiments. They did just that. Dr. Michael Baird called it a “slippery slope”, when figuring how the school districts will pay for all they need.
sters. “They keep it clean, they take care of it. When I saw the sign, I got a little upset, and the kids were upset.” The supervisors, however, brought up the question of liability. “Who takes responsibility if anyone gets hurt?” they asked. The boys have made ramps Continued on page 9
Business Manager Terry Leh said school districts will be allowed to tax for building debts of the past, but questions provisions to finance after a designated date, which could have an effect on what the district has borrowed for the new middle school. Dr. Baird said the budget and appropriations are two things to be considered. “It looks good for the politicians, but where is the viable alternative?” Schools Supt. Joseph Kovalchik said the actual system needs to be looked at. “My concern is switching over from property taxes to sales and use and personal income taxes. We’re not quite sure how to deal with it in the budget.” Continued on page 13
Legion breakfast benefits Wreaths Across America By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
The toils of war have left thousands of America’s armed forces dying or suffering injuries with loss of limbs. Gold Star Mothers is a nonprofit organization that has dealt with the death of their loved ones. They are supporting another non-profit out of Maine called Wreaths Across America that respects the graves in which their sons and daughters lie. An official ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 12 noon at Cedar Hill Memorial Park just north of the city of Allentown in which wreaths will be laid for their loved ones by local, proud Gold Star Mothers. Carol Resh of Fogelsville has organized that ceremony. On Sunday, Eckley E. Patch Post #470, Bath, held a pancake and sausage breakfast
to assist in providing funds for the wreaths. Mrs. Resh’s son, Army Capt. Mark T. Resh, was an Apache helicopter pilot before he died in the war of Iraqi Freedom on Jan. 28, 2007. He was a Silver Star recipient. Color Sgt. Joshua B. Smith, U.S. Marine Corps, died Nov. 5, 2012 during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Attending the breakfast in Bath were members of his family, Gold Star Mother Nancy Smith, her husband Brian and Joshua’s sister, Nancy Smith, of Emmaus. Continued on page 13
72nd Year, Issue No. 42
USPS 248-700 LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS Various Mulches, Soils and Stones for all your needs!
610-759-6214
619 Moorestown Dr., Bath, PA 18014 (Rt. 512)
www.sunniesidelandscaping.com
Competitive Prices! Phone orders Welcome!
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE**FREE ESTIMATES**FULLY INSURED