40¢
71st Year, Issue No. 23 USPS 248-700
JUNE 7-13, 2012 A General Circulation Newspaper Serving The Community Since 1942
SERVING BATH, CHAPMAN, NORTHAMPTON, NAZARETH BOROS; ALLEN, E. ALLEN, MOORE, LEHIGH, BUSHKILL, LOWER NAZARETH & UPPER NAZARETH TWPS.
Bath gets update on land Plans by water authority By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
MAYOR DONALD WUNDERLER has a poppy pinned on him by Robin Meixsell of the Bath American Legion Auxiliary.
Legion and auxiliary Mark poppy month
Eckley E. Patch Post #470, American Legion, and the American Legion Auxiliary of the post celebrated and remembered the armed forces veterans during the past month. On May 1, poppy chairperson Robin Meixsell pinned the first poppy on Bath Mayor Donald Wunderler, commemorating May as Poppy Month. Throughout May,
Auxiliary members were stationed at various businesses in Bath offering poppies. A premier event undertaken by the Auxiliary was the selection of Little Miss Poppy. Chosen was Kaylyn Boronski, daughter of Tony and Bobbi Jo Boronski. She will carry that title for the year 2012. On Sunday, May 27, after paying tribute to deceased Continued on page 10
Bath Water Authority chairman George Gasper and a member of Barry Isett Associates appeared before Bath Borough Council on Monday. They gave the officials an update of the improvements that are part of the authority’s land development plans. They reported that a new sewage treatment plant will be constructed. In preparation for the project, the Authority met with Pa. DEP, Penn Vest and the Northampton County Conservation Authority. Gasper said the Authority, signed a consent order to have the plant built by the end of 2014. They will need to provide monthly progress reports. Construction is expected to start in January 2013. In another project, the Authority will put in a new water tank on Holiday Hill, starting on July 1. It should be completed later this year. Crime Watch? • A resident at 110 S. Chestnut St. questioned if the former Crime Watch could be reinstated. Noting incidents that are happening in the vicinity of her residence, she said she had called Colonial Regional Police about problems that were encountered, but then suffered retribution from vandals. Council President Robert Fields said he will note the incidents at CRPD’s meeting this week. Crime Watch was formerly held at the engine house on Center Street. Councilwoman Carol Bear-Heckman said she had spoken to CRPD Chief Roy Seiple about having Crime Watch again. If there is enough interest, that may happen.
Later in the meeting, Councilwoman Kathryn Roberts noted that a member of the Northampton County Drug Task Force told her that Bath is considered “methamphetamine central.” She also noted that meth is more dangerous than heroin. Other Matters • A resident complained about free publications that are being distributed in the
borough by city newspapers, and they aren’t wanted. Borough Manager Tom Petrucci said the Morning Call Weekly and Main Street Marketplace are being distributed and he has received several complaints. He advised residents to call to have the Main Street Marketplace stopped by calling Bill Hanna, ExContinued on page 9
Council briefed on rental Property inspection program Bath Councilwoman Kathryn Roberts recently attended a seminar in Wilkes-Barre that had a rental property inspection program as one of its main topics. She gave many details about it at Council’s meeting on Monday. As part of the program landlords would have to pay an annual, renewable fee for a license, so that the number of rentals in the community can be determined. She said it is not designed to bring in more income for the municipality. There is concern about rentals over burdening school systems. Regulations would call for proper maintenance of properties by the landlord. And if violations are found,
the borough manager would make an inspection to determine if they affect the health and safety of the tenants. Mrs. Roberts said if Council is interested in having such a rental property inspection program, a workshop would be needed on the subject. She added that the Wilkes-Barre speaker would be available to come to Bath to explain the program in greater detail. Councilman Robert Kearns and president Robert Fields asked that she get a copy of the model ordinance that has withstood Pennsylvania Supreme Court scrutiny, and members of Council will examine it. But he added there are greater priorities that have to be completed first.
INSIDE THIS WEEK:
KAYLYN BORONSKI is Little Miss Poppy in Bath, and stands amid an array of poppies. – Contributed photos
Natural Perspectives ...... 5 All-Star Classic ............ 6 Paw Prints.................. 11 Food Bank Garden ......... 12 Nazareth Council ........... 16
SONS OF UNION VETS bowing heads in prayerful silence are Eric Kromer, Irvin Kemp, Sean Kromer, and Robert Wagner. (Story on Page 3.) 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