Officers Who Saved Resident's Life Receive Award

The Hellertown Police Department's first-ever Lifesaving Award was presented to Investigator Michael Dattilio and Officer Mike Scicutella during the department's annual awards ceremony.

A number of Hellertown police officers were honored for their contributions to keeping residents safe at Borough Council's Monday meeting. Police Chief Robert Shupp presented his department's annual awards to officers he said went "above and beyond" in performing their duties over the past year. Among the awards presented were the following: Excellence in DUI Enforcement: Cpl. Matt Andree, Ofc. Carl Fischer, Ofc. Tim Piotrowski, Ofc. John Donato Excellence in Narcotics Enforcement: Ofc. John Donato, Ofc. Kevin McCartney, Ofc. Tim Piotrowski, Cpl. Matt Andree, Ofc. Dominick Fragano, Inv. Michael Dattilio, Ofc. Michael Twerdi, Ofc. Mike Scicutella Officer of the Year: Ofc. Michael Twerdi Shupp explained that the winner of the Officer of the …

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Borough Hall Streetscape Project Taking Shape [Photos]

Major mprovements are currently being made in and around Hellertown Borough Hall. They include the construction of pedestrian areas and walkways, new signage, a 'green' bus shelter, and the installation of bicycle racks and lighting.

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Walter

11:04 am on Saturday, April 13, 2013

A Tax Increase   more ›

Hellertown Mayor Seeks Fifth Term

Richard Fluck, who's been the mayor of Hellertown since 1997, has announced he is seeking a fifth term in office.

Richard Fluck has declared his candidacy for a fifth four-year term as Hellertown's mayor. He will be unopposed in the primary election. Fluck, a Democrat, has been mayor of the borough since 1997. Prior to becoming mayor he was a member of Hellertown Borough Council and served as its president. Over the past 16 years Fluck said he's worked closely with council, the police department, business owners and local revitalization advocates. "I want to continue to draw businesses to town," he said, referencing his efforts to promote commerce in the borough. A father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Fluck said he is "visible" as an elected official. "I always return calls," he said.  If re-elected, he added, "I'm going to work for the people…

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Feral Cat Colonies Target of Trap-Neuter Program in Hellertown

The Borough of Hellertown has partnered with No Nonsense Neutering to bring a 'Trap-Neuter-Return' program to neighborhoods where feral cat colonies are causing problems.

No Nonsense Neutering and the Borough of Hellertown want to help reduce the number of feral cats in several "colonies" that have formed throughout town. With that goal in mind, a free seminar on NNN's "Trap-Neuter-Return" program was held at Hellertown Borough Hall Feb. 28. The program is being introduced in the borough at a time when there are at least several cat colonies causing issues for residents who live west of Main Street, Borough Manager Cathy Kichline said. The borough is seeking grant money to help cover the per-cat fee that No Nonsense Neutering charges. Known feral cat colonies exist near the Hellertown Democratic Club at the west end of Thomas Avenue, near the Front Street Apartments, and near the intersection of Main and …

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Hellertown Streetscape Project Underway

The downtown streetscape improvement project is focused on the area surrounding Borough Hall, which is at Main Street, Easton Road and Water Street.

A project that is supposed to improve both the aesthetics and functionality of pedestrian areas around Hellertown Borough Hall is now under way, according to Borough Manager Cathy Kichline. The project is the Borough Hall Streetscape Project, which is being funded by a Pennsylvania Communities Transportation Initiative grant. Kichline said in an email Tuesday that "improvements to the area will include a 'road diet'–decreasing the asphalt and creating a larger green space on the north side of Borough Hall, (and) reduction of the width of the pedestrian crosswalk from Borough Hall to the fountain from 102 feet to 24 feet." Other planned improvements include: An orange sign posted last week at the entrance to Easton Road--next to Borough …

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Trap Neuter Return Program Coming to Hellertown

At their Feb. 4 meeting, Borough Council approved a recommendation by Borough Manager Cathy Kichline that a trap-neuter-return program be implemented in response to a rise in the number of feral cats in Hellertown.

  Editor's Note: The following letter from No Nonsense Neutering was shared by the Borough of Hellertown on Thursday. It is also posted on the borough's website, as well as the borough's Facebook page. There is GOOD news for Hellertown Borough caretakers. The Borough of Hellertown understands the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program and will be offering to pay the FULL fee for FERAL cats to be fixed at No Nonsense Neutering (NNN) from the borough effective today (Feb. 7, 2013). There is address information which must be completed at admission. A rabies shot is always included and left ear-tip required. For borough residents who have inside-outside cats: Your free-roaming cat should be microchipped or wear a break-away collar. If an un-neutered…

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Borough Pool Committee to Hold First Meeting

The first meeting of the Hellertown Pool Committee will be held Monday, Dec. 10 at 6:30pm at Borough Hall. Among other things, the committee will examine daily rate increases that were enacted mid-season this year.

It may be December, and the holidays, but it's never too early to start thinking about swim season for some. And if you're particularly passionate about the Hellertown Pool, you should consider attending the first meeting of the new Hellertown Pool Committee, which will be held Monday at 6:30pm at Borough Hall. The committee is being formed to consider possible changes to admission fees and rules for the 2013 summer season. Daily rates for residents and non-residents were doubled mid-season this year, after borough council members heard numerous complaints about behavior and police responded to incidents of theft at the popular recreational facility. Some pool supporters blamed an influx of patrons from outside Hellertown and Lower Saucon …

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Annual Light-Up Night Details Announced

Hellertown's annual Light-up Night will be held Friday, Nov. 23 at 6pm at Borough Hall.

Now that Halloween's over, thoughts are turning to the holiday season, which will "officially" begin the day after Thanksgiving. That Friday, Hellertown will host its annual Light-up Night. The Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the family-friendly event, recently announced the following details for this year's Light-up Night. When: Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 - 6pm Where: Hellertown Borough Hall, 685 Main St., Hellertown Highlights: 6pm - Hot chocolate and cookies, plus a performance by the high school band. 6:30pm - Community caroling led by local Girl Scouts. 6:40pm - Mayor's Welcome and Tree-lighting Ceremony. 6:45pm - Santa arrives by fire truck. 7pm - Visits with Santa inside Borough Hall (pictures will be …

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Council Considering Tax Increase, Layoffs

Hellertown Borough Council announced Monday that it's considering a one mill tax increase and possible layoffs in order to balance the borough's 2013 proposed budget.

Residents of Hellertown could see a modest tax increase next year. The preliminary version of the borough budget approved 6-1 by Hellertown Borough Council Nov. 5 includes a one mill property tax increase, which is equivalent to $50 per year for a home with an assessed value of $50,000. One mill is equal to $130,659 and the current (2012) borough millage rate is 17.75, which is equivalent to a tax burden of $887.50 per year on a house with an assessed value of $50,000, according to information shared by the borough. An increase of the millage rate to 18.75 mills would thus increase that annual burden to $937.50 on a home valued at $50,000. The lone council member to vote against the preliminary budget as Thomas Rieger. Council also …

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