Blown Breaker Chases Residents from High Rise

Saucon Manor in Hellertown was evacuated when a breaker blew on a nearby utility pole Friday afternoon. Surrounding streets were closed after emergency and fire personnel responded to the scene.

Parts of Water and Northampton streets in downtown Hellertown were temporarily closed Friday afternoon, as emergency and fire crews responded to an incident at the Saucon Manor senior high-rise on Northampton Street. A Hellertown police officer confirmed at the scene that the response was due to a blown breaker on a utility pole next to the building, which lost power. As of late afternoon a PPL crew was at the scene to repair the damage to the breaker. At least one nearby worker reported hearing a loud "boom," according to a second-hand account provided by a Main Street business owner. Residents of the high-rise were temporarily evacuated while fire officials evaluated the status of electrical service in the building. There were no reports…

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'Family Weekend' Being Planned Around October Parades

The weekend of Oct. 19-20, 2013 is when the borough will host both the Saucon Valley Spirit Parade and the 4-County Fireman's Parade. A special 'Family Weekend' is being planned around those events.

On April 15, Saucon Valley Spirit Parade Committee Chairman David Heintzelman told Hellertown Borough Council about plans to make Saturday, Oct. 19 part of a "Family Weekend" in Hellertown's Dimmick Park and at Dewey Fire Co. No. 1, with the theme of "Honoring First Responders." That theme will be fitting, since in addition to the annual Saucon Valley Spirit Parade, the borough will host this year's 4-County Fireman's Parade on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. A highlight of the parades will be a performance by the Philadelphia Police & Fire Pipes and Drums. Wrapped around the parades will be Saturday and Sunday festivities that Heintzelman said in a letter will "bring families together and celebrate what this community is all about." "We are …

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Obituaries

William J. 'Jack' Geyer III, 60, of Lower Saucon [Obituary]

William J. 'Jack' Geyer III, of Lower Saucon Township, died Friday, May 3, 2013.

William J. "Jack" Geyer III, 60, of Lower Saucon Township, died Friday, May 3, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network, Fountain Hill. He was the husband of Mary Elizabeth "Libby" (Schweder). He was born in Allentown on June 20, 1952 to William J. "Bud" Jr. and Lorraine E. (Wetzel) of Lower Saucon Township. Jack worked in the Geyer Tire Family Business for many years. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Hellertown; a volunteer for Dewey Fire Company No. 1, Hellertown for 25 years as a lieutenant; and also assisted with the Dewey Ambulance Squad.  SURVIVORS In addition to his wife of 30 years; parents; children: J. Barrett and his girlfriend Nancy Harte of Hellertown, Meghann E. of Hellertown. He was predeceased by a brother: …

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'Oldies Night' Fundraiser Planned

The March 23 fundraiser at Dewey Fire Co in Hellertown will benefit the Saucon Valley Spirit Parade and the 2013 Four County Firemen's Convention, both of which will be held in the borough in October.

On Saturday, March 23, plan to wear your dancing shoes for a good cause. That's when an "Oldies Night" fundraiser will be held at the Dewey Fire Co. Social Hall in Hellertown. According to a flyer for the event, music will be provided by Freddie Fredericks. The proceeds raised will benefit both the Saucon Valley Spirit Parade and the Four County Firemen's Convention, which will be held in Hellertown in October. The Oldies Night will be held from 8pm to midnight (doors will open at 7:30pm). Beer, soda and light snacks will be served, and the kitchen will be open. Tickets, which are $15 in advance ($20 at the door), can be ordered by calling 610-838-9072. Another fundraiser planned by Saucon Valley Spirit Parade organizers is a springtime …

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Main Street Fire Quickly Knocked Down

A dwelling fire at 315 Main St., Hellertown, was quickly extinguished by volunteers Wednesday evening. The fire was in a building next to Sure Shine Car Wash. Photos are courtesy of Randy Yardumian.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated. An earlier published version incorrectly stated that Randy Yardumian is a member of Dewey Fire Company. We apologize for the error. A fire that broke out on the first floor of an apartment building at 315 Main Street in Hellertown was quickly brought under control Wednesday night. The blaze was initially reported as a working fire in a three-story building shortly after 7:30pm, but within minutes an updated Breaking News Network alert was issued confirming that "ventilation and overhaul (were) in progress" at the scene. Hellertown resident Randy Yardumian--who is a member of a fire department in another jurisdiction--captured photos of the response and reported that the fire was knocked down by …

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In Case You Missed It: Dewey Santa Run Photos

Dewey Fire Company volunteers chauffeured Santa Claus throughout Hellertown during their annual Santa Run on Sunday. The sight of Santa atop a fire truck brought many residents out of their homes, waving and smiling.

Photos: 2012 Dewey Santa Run Spreads Smiles

Dewey Fire Company volunteers chauffeured Santa Claus throughout Hellertown during their annual Santa Run on Sunday. The sight of Santa atop a fire truck brought many residents out of their homes, waving and smiling.

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Dewey Santa Run Will Begin at Noon on Sunday

The annual Dewey Fire Company Santa Run will bring smiles to residents throughout the borough this Sunday, Dec. 23.

If you plan to be in Hellertown Sunday afternoon, expect to hear lots of sirens. But don't worry. The sirens will be used for a good cause, namely, to help announce Santa as he's escorted throughout the borough by the volunteers of Dewey Fire Company No. 1. A beloved event that brings neighbors and friends outside, Dewey's annual Santa Run has become a pre-Christmas tradition for many Hellertown families. The tour will begin at noon, Fire Chief Rick Delmore announced, and won't end until Santa is transported all throughout the town via a fire engine convoy. There's no snow in the forecast for Sunday but the weather is predicted to be clear and cold, so Santa should feel right at home.

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Josh Popichak

10:02 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012

The exact route isn't typically announced in advance (that's why I said to listen for the sirens), but the entire run usually lasts several hours.   more ›

Local BBQ Caterer Plans New Year's Eve Bash in Borough

Hellertown-based Smokin' Outlaw BBQ is selling tickets for a New Year's Eve shindig at the Dewey Fire Company Social Hall.

If you want to ring in 2013 with a party, you don't have to plan one yourself or hope that a generous friend will invite you to theirs. And bonus, you won't have to leave the Saucon Valley to attend a rockin' one. That's because Smokin' Outlaw BBQ is planning a New Year's bash that will be held (conveniently enough) at the Dewey Fire Co. Social Hall in Hellertown. "Dancin’, Drinkin’, & Quein’ in the New Year" will feature music (plus an LED and laser light show) by DJ Slick Vic and lots of food prepared by Smokin' Outlaw BBQ, a Hellertown-based catering company that specializes in barbecued meats. On the menu for Dec. 31, 2012 are items such as: In addition to the wide array of food planned, tickets include draft beer, wine and party …

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Breakfast With Santa Set for Saturday, Dec. 15

The Saucon Valley Jaycees will sponsor Breakfast With Santa at Hellertown's Dewey Fire Co. Social Hall.

The Saucon Valley Jaycees have announced that they will be holding their annual Breakfast With Santa on Satuday, Dec. 15, 2012. The event will take place at the Dewey Fire Co. Social Hall, 502 Durham St., Hellertown. There will be two seatings--one at 8:30am and another at 10am. Pancakes or eggs will be served. In additon to getting to meet Santa, there will be bike raffles, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. Tickets are only $5 and reservations are required. Call Lori at 610-838-3478 for reserve your spot.

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