The Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors has approved the 2025 budget. The spending plan calls for no property tax increase and keeping sewer fees flat at $356 annually. However, trash and recycling fees will increase from $350 to $375.
An Easton city councilwoman is filing a lawsuit claiming she was defamed by a political action committee during her State House campaign. Taiba Sultana claims signs and posts made by PA Citizens PAC not only cost her the election, but has also led to numerous threats. Sultana's attorney said the PAC portrayed her as a criminal and anti-Semitic. Sultana lost the Democratic Primary for the 136th State House District to incumbent Representative Bob Freeman.
Pennsylvania State Police have released the name of the killed in a fire in Bucks County early Wednesday morning. 73-year-old Holly Pechter-Walters was found dead at the back door of the burning home in the 1800 block of Route 563 in Haycock Township. A state police fire marshal is working to determine what started the fire.
Pleasant Valley's school board hasn't yet decided about its superintendent's raise, but one member said last night that he's a no vote. The school district was prepared to bump James Konrad's salary up to $215,000, a $25,000 raise. But parents have objected, and last night School Board Vice President Michael Galler joined them. Galler questioned why Konrad is in-line for such a big raise after he just got a raise back in August. Galler also pointed-out that Pleasant Valley has half the students that Pocono Mountain Schools have, yet Konrad would be getting the same paycheck as their superintendent. Konrad didn't say anything at last night's meeting, and the full school board didn't make any decisions.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe testified before members of a House task force about how they've bolstered security in the wake of two assassination attempts against then-candidate Donald Trump. Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Kelly, who represents Butler, spoke about the impact the July 13th shooting had on those in attendance. "I attended this July 13th rally with my family. My wife, one of my sons and three of our grandchildren. The assassination attempt on the president-elect that day has left its mark on our community and those who were in attendance that day," Kelly said. Rowe told the hearing panel he's made changes to the agency's security practices in light of the Butler shooting.
There will be a new milkshake flavor at next month's Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association is introducing a new mint flavor on top of the more traditional vanilla, chocolate and mixed choco-vanilla shakes long enjoyed at the Farm Show. The 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show begins Jan. 4 and runs through Jan. 11, however the food court will be open starting Friday, Jan. 3 at noon.
Governor Phil Murphy convened a series of meetings this week with federal officials over the recent spate of drone sightings in the sky over New Jersey. The governor says he met with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other officials from Homeland Security as well as New Jersey Homeland Security officials and the state police about the drones. Members of New Jersey's congressional delegation also participated. The investigation continues and Governor Murphy reiterates that there is no threat to public safety.
Northwestern Lehigh is back in the PIAA 3A football title game tomorrow afternoon. The Tigers will take on Avonworth Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cumberland Valley High School. The Tigers lost the state title game last December 38-7 to Belle Vernon. Northwestern Lehigh is 15-0, while Avonworth, which is near Pittsburgh, is 12-3.
Lehigh takes on Idaho in the round of 16 FCS playoffs Saturday night in Idaho. Lehigh is 9-3, while Idaho also comes in at 9-3. The Mountain Hawks and Vandals kickoff at 9pm.
Penn State hasn't played Oregon since beating the Ducks in the 1995 Rose Bowl. That all changes Saturday night when the Nittany Lions and Ducks play in the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis. Head coach James Franklin says his team has to win first and second down on offense. "The thing that really kind of stands out when you look at Oregon is you want to stay out of obvious passing situations," Franklin says. Penn State is 11-1 and Oregon is a perfect 12-0. Saturday night's pregame is at 6:30 and the kickoff is at 8 on WAEB.