Hellertown Area

A department survey shows the membership currently faces rising operational costs, a lack of manpower and burnout, declining member buy-in, infighting among the ranks and “being torn down in Township meetings.”

A new bridge in Lower Saucon Township allows pedestrians to navigate from Hellertown to Quakertown uninterrupted. A grand opening ceremony was held Saturday.

Cathy Gorman is still the acting township manager for Lower Saucon after a 4-1 vote affirmed her position. Despite concerns council members raised about her workload, Gorman will also continue responsibilities for her other roles of township finance director, assistant manager and right-to-know officer.

Lower Saucon Township approved a decade-long funding agreement with Hellertown Area Library, ensuring broader access to library services for residents starting next year.

Lower Saucon Township Council on Wednesday approved its 2025 budget with no increase in its real estate tax, but two members argued the budget was incomplete, and possibly illegal, as presented.

Mayor David Heintzelman said adding two full-time police officers would prevent excess overtime and ensure the safety of both residents and the officers themselves, all while remaining fiscally responsible.

Starting the first of the year, township residents will be able to take their leaves, grass and tree trimmings to the Saucon Valley Compost Center for no annual charge, as was the case previously.

Built in 1790, the nationally recognized site is one of a few contributing structures at the Heller Homestead, which serves as a township park and museum along Friedensville Road near the Lower Saucon-Hellertown border.

Bethlehem Area school directors approved the purchase agreement for 315 Columbia St. in South Bethlehem at their Monday meeting. The space would serve as a satellite campus for the Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech School.

Flag folding ceremonies, scholarship presentations and appreciation for veterans took center stage at DeSales University for its annual Veterans Day event.