"God's Acre" or "Indian Graveyard" at Nazareth's Indian Tower

It's called the "Indian Tower," and is the highest elevation (731.63 ft above sea level) in what was originally Nazareth's 5,000 acres. It never was a lookout tower but is the site of what Moravians call God's Acre or the Indian Graveyard. It was in use between 1744 and 1762, and is the final resting place of 67 Moravians, including four Native Americans. Only a few are marked in any way, but there is a slab of stone that must be a marker for at least one of these early inhabitants. As the weather gets cooler, I like to walk through here with my buddy, a huge Black Lab. That's during the day. Once it gets dark, it's good spot for teens and amateur astronomers to stargaze. 

Sometime on Friday or Saturday night, someone left an offering at the tumulus of one of the deceased Moravians. Two unopened cans of beer (Miller Lite and Yeungling Light), a flavored cigar and a bouquet of flowers. I think the American flag was already there. 

I don't know why, but I thought that was very nice. 

Nazareth's Mr. Hankey On His Way Plainfield Tp

In November 2021, Allen and Hart Hower sold their 93-acre farm, located in Plainfield Tp, to Nazareth Borough Municipal (BM) Authority for $850,000. The property is probably worth three times as much except for one thing - it is subject to an agricultural conservation easement The Howers not only sold their own rights to develop the property but restricted all future owners from doing so as well.  Under an agreement with Northampton County in 2008, they were paid $606,347 to preserve about 82-acres for agricultural purposes. Given that the use of this tract is mostly limited to planting crops of animal husbandry, why on earth would Nazareth BM Authority buy it? To spread shit, of course. Starting in April, it has clearance from the state EPA to treat the property with what is called class B biosolids. That's a very  saying shit. It's not raw shite. They pop it in an oven first and bake it a bit, just like pizza. But Plainfield Tp citizens have been railing about this for some time. I don't blame them. After all, this is Nazareth shit we're talking about here.  Have you ever seen what they eat here? From pasties (the meat pie, not nipple cover) to Moravian sugar cake, it's no wonder this tiny borough is littered with port-a-potties all over the place. More specifically. this is my shit, for which there really should be a special category.  There's a reason UGI is constantly digging up the streets here. 

Plainfield residents have done what they can do. They've complained to the BM Authority and to the Borough itself, only to be told to shut up. Northampton County Council has listened to them several times, but there's really nothing a county government can do. You see, spreading treated sludge is considered a "normal farming practice" protected under Pennsylvania's Right to Farm Act.  

Exec Lamont McClure made this clear last week at County Council's Energy Committee. Its jurisdiction apparently includes fecal matters, although I'd argue that every one of Council's committees talks shit pretty much nonstop.  "I wish I could stop it, but I can't," said the Exec, before turning around and hurriedly walking away. 

Hey, when you gotta' go, you gotta' go.  

Before making his exit, McClure said that the law needs to change. Maybe it does. But all kidding aside, the reality is that, except for judges and Donald Trump, we all drop anchor from time to time.  Incinerating it or dumping it in the ocean seems far more harmful than spreading cooked crap over farmfields.

The real outrage here is that Nazareth BM Authority had land within a stone's throw of its treatment plant with which it could spread sludge. Instead of doing so, it sold the land for $53.1 million to a warehouse developer. 

I believe the Right to Farm Act should be amended, but not to ban sludge. Instead, any sewage disposal authority should be confined to disposing of human waste within its own service area unless it can demonstrate with a Declaratory Judgment action that it has no option. 

Despite Unhealthy Air, Nazareth Carnival Begins

As I write this, the air quality index in the Lehigh Valley is at 403, making the air unhealthy for everyone. Allentown acted responsibly and postponed a meeting to discuss a citizens' initiative that would send social workers, and not police, in response to may 9-1-1 calls. Nazareth's annual carnival, which benefits a fire company that should know all about the dangers of smoke inhalation, went on anyway. Vigilance Hose chose profits over people. 

Summer's Here

Over the cold winter and windy spring dog walks, Nazareth Borough Park was mostly empty. Other than other dog walkers and park workers, there was no one to see. Even the rabbits and deer must have been in Florida. That has been changing over the past few weeks. First it was the skateboarders. Then the basketball and baseball players. Yesterday, the pool opened, and people were lined up an hour before starting time.

Nazareth To Consider Curfew Next Year

I missed last night's Nazareth Borough Council meeting after being assured there would be no action taken on a proposed curfew for minors. I had conflicts. I am nonetheless happy to report that Nazareth Borough Council, to its credit, took no official action on any measures at last night's meeting to stay in compliance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act I am even happier to report, based on several sources at the meeting, that Borough Council will delay its consideration of a curfew ordinance until January. This is smart. Two members are leaving at the end of the year. Their replacements, who waged campaigns and have spoken to residents, will have a better understanding how they feel.

I did speak to a Borough Council member yesterday. This person tells me that, while the minutes contain very few references to teen crime, this was the subject of several neighborhood block watch meetings.

I also spoke to a resident who supports the curfew, but thinks most teen crime is committed during the day. She states it is in the form of drug sales at Shafer Elementary's park, and learned that piece of information from her own son. I am told this go on in broad daylight, not under cover of darkness.

If she knows this, so do Nazareth police. But as one officer (from another department) told me yesterday, "It is one thing to know about drug sales It is another to prove it."

I remain leery, but am willing to listen to evidence showing there is a rational basis for this significant restriction on the freedom of assembly. My own observations, as a long-time resident, is that these concerns are overblown.

I never thought I would say this, but Nazareth Borough Council did the right thing last night.   

Nazareth Borough Council's Meeting Tonight Violates Sunshine Act

Nazareth Borough Council was poised to vote Monday night on a large number of items. Though the borough website fails to list its most recent agenda, a no-tax-hike budget for next year would seem to be the entree. A curfew on minors (discussed here yesterday) is a side dish. But that meeting never occurred. Last night's meeting was postponed until tonight at 6 pm. According to the Borough website, "The December 2nd snowfall has caused Council President Daniel Chiavaroli to postpone the Monday, December 2nd Council Business Meeting. Instead, Council will conduct business on Tuesday evening, December 3, 2019 at 6:00 pm at Council Chambers." Tonight's meeting, if conducted, will violate Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act.

Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act was adopted to "insure the right of its citizens to have notice of and the right to attend all meetings of agencies at which any agency business is discussed or acted upon." Thus, all public meetings require public notice. Under state law, Nazareth Borough Council "shall give public notice of each special meeting or each rescheduled regular or special meeting at least 24 hours in advance of the time of the convening of the meeting specified in the notice."

"Public notice" is defined as

(i) Publication of notice of the place, date and time of a meeting in a newspaper of general circulation, as defined by 45 Pa.C.S. § 101 (relating to definitions), which is published and circulated in the political subdivision where the meeting will be held, or in a newspaper of general circulation which has a bona fide paid circulation in the political subdivision equal to or greater than any newspaper published in the political subdivision.
(ii) Posting a notice of the place, date and time of a meeting prominently at the principal office of the agency holding the meeting or at the public building in which the meeting is to be held.
(iii) Giving notice to parties under section 709(c) (relating to public notice).

In this case, Nazareth Borough Council did post a notice of the place, date and time of tonight's meeting at Borough Council chambers. But it failed to advertise the meeting. This renders tonight's meeting unlawful.

Under the Sunshine Act, a rescheduled or special meeting must be advertised at least 24 hours before it occurs. "An agency shall give public notice of each special meeting or each rescheduled regular or special meeting at least 24 hours in advance of the time of the convening of the meeting specified in the notice." There is no obligation to advertise if it is a recessed or reconvened meeting. But this is a meeting that has yet to occur. It is a rescheduled meeting. Hence, it must be advertised at least 24 hours in advance.

I have reviewed legal ads in both Express Times and Morning Call, and there is no advertised public notice of tonight's meeting. It is therefore unlawful.

As Joe Biden might say, "This is a big fuckin' deal!" The reason is because a budget could be adopted. A court, in its discretion, could declare all business transacted at tonight's meeting void. This would include both the curfew and the budget. It could even sanction Borough Council members.

So what should Borough Council do? They plan on honoring several borough luminaries, as well as he Nazareth football team. Neither of these items requires any official action. So they should meet as planned. But after bestowing their good wishes, the meeting needs to be rescheduled so it can be properly advertised.

If Borough Council expects minors to obey the law, it can set the right example by following the law itself. That would be far more meaningful than an ineffective curfew.

Updated 10:15 am: Nazareth to take no official action tonight! - I have been informed Nazareth officials will take no official action tonight. They will reschedule and advertise.

Nazareth Should Impose Curfew on Borough Council, Not Kids

Nazareth is at it again. After being buried for several years in civil rights litigation filed by cops and citizens alike, it is on the brink of doing something bound to inspire even more lawsuits and lawyer bills. Specifically, our borough betters are considering a curfew (read it here) aimed at kids.

According to police, this is the result of unspecified "incidents" during late evening and early morning. That's horseshit. A review if Borough Council minutes, going back to the beginning of the year, shows there's been no public hue and outcry over some dangerous teen menace.  Moreover, aside from trying to sell revolvers in some sweetheart deal and appointing supervisors and investigators, there are no warnings from the police. There was an increase in police activity during one month over the summer, which is to be expected. In short, this curfew is the solution to a nonexistent problem.

If such a curfew were adopted, there is no doubt in my mind it would be arbitrarily enforced against those whose parents have no connections as well as the borough's minority population. In the not-too-distant past, Borough police included an officer who openly admitted he hated black people.

In addition, it would violate a settlement agreement in a civil rights lawsuit under which the Borough agreed to respect the First Amendment rights of citizens, which presumably include this nonexistent teen menace.

Moreover, study after study has shown they are ineffective.

If Borough Council really wanted to eliminate crime, they should start with two members of Council who were placed on first offender programs for theft and corrupt activity. There's even a member whose name is "Crook!"

Council will be discussing this Tuesday night, 7 pm.

NASD's $1 MM Ball Field Draws Wrath of Nazareth Residents

From Becky Bartlett's report on last night's meeting of Nazareth Area School District: Two residents from Nazareth spoke out about the $1 million in construction at the baseball field at the Intermediate School. A Borough Councilman asked the [school] board why the district didn’t work with the borough concerning improvements to the town baseball field and read a letter he wrote to [Superintendent Dennis L.] Riker — a letter, he said, had never been answered. He accused Riker of behaving unprofessionally, pointed out that relations with previous administrations had been much friendlier and that the Intermediate School field was at risk for sink holes. (Editor’s Note: I have personally seen sinkholes in that area since the school was constructed)

Another Nazareth resident wanted to know why there wasn’t more communication between the district and the town on this issue, claiming that, in his experience, the project was likely to cost $1.8 million dollars when it was all finished. He pointed out that the town ball field was already established and the extra expense offended him as a taxpayer. Board member [Adam] McGlynn claimed the town field was too wet to use and that students had been forced to practice in the parking lot. The resident pointed out that he’d played ball as a student and practicing in the parking lot was a common.

[Board member] Kenneth Butz aggressively pushed back, saying the town wouldn’t keep circuses and car shows off the field and that insurance won’t allow kids to practice on parking lots anymore. [Board member] Linda Stubits, looking a bit appalled, expressed concern about the deterioration in community relations and asked someone to find the minutes from the last meeting between the district and the borough.

Prompted by a question about why the district hadn’t communicated with the borough, Butz admitted that, in the past, the deal for the district to play on the ballfield had been a handshake deal.

Blogger's Note: The above excerpt should tell you that Becky Bartlett's Upper Nazareth Township Meetings provides excellent and remarkably unbiased coverage of Upper Nazareth Township and Nazareth Area School District. She is also succinct, unlike me. 

Should Nazareth School Director Step Down?

Should Nazareth School Director Linda McDonald resign? Should a court be asked to remove her? These are questions currently being considered by Nazareth parents who are upset that recently elected school director Linda Director Linda McDonald may have been improperly elected.

McDonald has served on the sometimes contentious school board before, and in various capacities. She's been president and VP . But she resigned, effective January 11, 2016. She told the Board she was moving to Massachusetts at the end of 2015.

At the time of her resignation, she was employed at Essroc as a development analyst. Essroc does have a plant in Massachusetts.

According to an anonymous letter I received over the weekend, McDonald registered to vote in Massachusetts and even voted there in the November 2016 election.

Recently, McDonald found a new job with Air Products as a business support coordinator. Her LinkedIn page indicates she started there in July 2017.

In October 2017, she purchased a home in Upper Nazareth at Westminster Way.  In November 2017, she waged a write-in campaign for school director and won.

But did she reside in the school district for a full year before her election?

Section 322 of the Public School Code provides that a school director must be a citizen, at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and a resident of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of election or appointment. It is questionable whether McDonald meets this residency requirement.

According to my information, she has attended no meetings since her election, but she will be brought in as needed by some of the more senior directors who are unconcerned about whether she was lawfully elected so long as she votes with them.

I have reached out to McDonald but have heard nothing.

The appropriate way to remove McDonald from office is by quo warranto. Only the District Attorney or his designee has such authority.

Nazareth's Downtown Manager Wows NorCo Council

Nazareth Downtown Manager Stephanie Varone wowed NorCo Council yesterday with a description of what she's done since being brought on board 3 1/2 years ago to revive the tiny borough's struggling shopping district. "This is really a success story," said NorCo's Economic Development Director, Tim Herrlinger.

Technically, Varone works for Nazareth Economic Development Comm'n. When she was first hired, it was for 20 hours a week. She now works 30. She is paid $20,000 by Nazareth Borough Council, with another $15,000 coming from Northampton County.

Describing Nazareth as "the little engine that could," she predicted that it could be "a little New Hope." She called her organization "the hub of all that's happening in Nazareth."

And here I thought it was poker machines.

Varone said that, unlike other downtown managers, she took no college courses in economic development. She instead studied marketing. "To me, Nazareth was a business that needed to be promoted," she said.

So how did Varone promote Nazareth?

• She squeezed borough council for 40 banners in the downtown district to make the shopping district look good.
• She created Nazareth Now, listing events and local businesses in a positive light.
• At the county's suggestion, she started a farmers' market on Saturdays in the Nazareth Circle. It has grown from 6 to 27 vendors. Saturday is now the top retail day in the shopping district. But she warned that farmers' markets have grown 400% in the Lehigh Valley.
• She's pursued facade grant opportunities with Northampton County, and has turned a $50,000 public investment into $140,000 worth of facade improvements.
• She has personally recruited eight new businesses over the past three years, from the Xpresso Cafe to her own boutique, which she calls Smooch on Main. (That's where Ken Kraft buys his lipstick.) This is $797,000 in leases and a $2 million investment.
• She persuaded borough council to build a municipal parking lot to handle foot traffic.
• She has recruited two brew pubs, indicating that craft beer vendors usually develop a following. One of these, which may or may not be called Kerrigan's, is expected to open in December or January. A lease has been signed for a second brew pub, called Birthright Brewery, at 57 S Main Street, site of the former Nazareth National Bank. She expects to see it in business within 60-90 days.

Varone failed to mention that one of the businesses she recruited, the Run Inn from Emmaus, ran out. It is now a vacant storefront. An art gallery she touted is never open. The only things I see there are utility shut off notices. She also apparently had a hand in persuading a well-established pest extermination business, Rid-Et, to leave. She complained about a giant insect in the storefront window. While that may be counter to the New Hope image she is trying to create, it is precisely the kind of shop that makes sense to the practically-minded people who live in Nazareth. 

Varone admitted that Nazareth has had some bad press recently. You'll have this when a police chief chains and perp walks accused litterbugs while the Mayor is skimming from poker machines. You do tend to get a black eye when a council member obstructs a state police investigation into illegal gambling at the clubs. If truth be told, there's been far too little said.

She noted that she's been called a cheerleader, and that's true because I'm the person who called her one. "I like that, actually," she told Council, stating she is "flattered"

"I will do whatever it takes to have something positive in the news," she said.

I perceive my role a little differently. My first obligation is to be honest with my readers. That in the end is the best way to spur business growth.

I exposed corruption in Nazareth. This included a state grant for a private social club at which Council member Larry Stout is a bartender. It also included a grand jury investigation of then Mayor Carl Strye's little skimming operation.

At a borough council meeting, Varone called me "venomous" and a "cancer," so you know she's a pretty good judge of character.

She is a cheerleader, and a good one. She has made a difference in Nazareth. But businesses will stay away from a town full of corruption. Allentown is Exhibit 1 in that argument. Businesses will also avoid a top-heavy police department that is failing miserably. Exposing this wrongdoing may have short-term consequences, but in the long run, improves the economic climate. 

(Blogger's Note: I missed the first part of Varone's presentation, but watched it online.)

In Memoriam Trooper Josh Miller

Yesterday was the 8th anniversary of a Nazareth nightmare. Daniel Autenrieth was supposed to dropping off his children at his ex's Nazareth home. Instead, he entered the house with a gun, threatened her, and left with their none year old son. A 40-mile pursuit ended in a gun battle between state troopers and Autenreith. Troopers Robert Lombardo and Josh Miller had stopped Autenrieth's car and were rushing the car when the shooting started.

Miller was hit in the neck and Lombardo was wounded in the arm. In the meantime, Tatamy police officer Fred Lahovski and a state trooper approached from a different direction and covered the boy with their bodies. Autenreith and Trooper Miller both died that night.

Trooper Miller gave his life for a borough that never even bothered to say Thank You.

They're Finally Making a Movie About Me

All I can say is it's about time. According to Lehigh Valley Live, Main Street will be closed today, right in front of my estate. The official line is that they are shooting scenes for a movie about - yawn!- the changing role of women in the '60s. But as anyone with any sense knows, it's really a movie about me. Bernie the Blogger is the tentative title. I have no idea who is playing me, but am told it will start with a perp walk by Nazareth's notorious Sticker Gang, in shackles and chains. Poker machines will be part of the plot. I asked for numerous sex scenes, but the Director told me he wanted something people could believe. Free cupcakes will be offered to inconvenienced motorists      

Disgraced Ex-Mayor to Run For Nazareth Borough Council

(I have crossed out Strye's exact street address)

Nazareth's ex-Mayor, Carl Strye, was accepted into the ARD program in late September, following a brief hearing before Judge FP Kimberly McFadden. That's a special program for first offenders in which the slate is wiped clean after a period of probation,which in his case is 12 months. He had been charged with felony theft for skimming $8,000 from the Vig, one of the Nazareth area's many social clubs. An admitted thief should have no say in what goes on in a police department, so I was gratified when the District Attorney insisted that Strye resign. He also had to admit what he is - a thief.

Yesterday, Strye filed nomination petitions for Nazareth Borough Council, 3rd ward.

Rumor Mill: Has Trachta Had His Last Cupcake? (Updated)

Several sources in Nazareth tell me that Chief Thomas Trachta has had his last cupcake. Late last week, he reportedly returned his uniforms and cleaned out his office. I personally experienced his vindictive behavior when he tried to have me arrested for blogs critical of him. I also experienced it when he as police chief started looking for my car so he could write up parking tickets for parking 13" away from the curb (he apparently measured it) and other such bullshit. But that's nothing compared to what he did to the Sticker Gang. In a thin-skinned reaction to tiny "FT" stickers that decorated the borough, he had the trio arrested, chained and led on a perp walk in front of a fawning press. All charges were eventually dismissed, and a judge told him he needs "to suck it up, cupcake!"

The infamous Sticker Gang was awarded $39,000 in a settlement announced last week. Nazareth also agreed to adopt three major policy changes concerning the first amendment, pretrial publicity and staged perp walks.

Commissioner Randy Miller tells me he has heard the same rumors, but does not know whether they are true. He indicated that Trachta still has a police cruiser in his possession and that the door to his office is locked. I filed a right-to-know with Miller, but will have to file one with Nazareth.

Miller also told me that Trachta was scheduled to be off this week.

Trachta has sued Nazareth himself. There is no indication that the case is settled on the record, but on February 6, Borough Council authorized negotiation of a settlement in at least one unstated matter. What I'm hearing is he was paid $70,000 to walk away, which should have happened years ago.

Does this mean Nazareth has turned a corner?

Not at all. In January, disgraced ex-Mayor Carl Strye was placed on the Nazareth Day Commission. He's back at Vigilance Hose, too, and still sits on the Ambulance Board. He reportedly is running a stealth campaign for Borough Council.

Updated 11:00 am

Nazareth Settles Stickergate for $39,000, Adopts Three Major Policy Changes

(The Sticker Gang with their legal Dream Team. From L to R: Dan Logothetis, Attorney Gary Asteak, Trevor Gehret, Attorney Phil Lauer, Jeremy Peters and Attorney Mark Minotti)

The infamous Sticker Gang has settled its civil rights suit against Nazareth. Filed in the United States District Court, the suit was filed last year by Trevor Gehret, Jeremy Peters and Daniel Logothetis. They were represented by prominent civil rights Attorney Joe Welsh, along with Phil Lauer. Nazareth, Police Chief Thomas Trachta, Patrolman Dan Troxell and the entire Borough Council were named as Defendants. The lawsuit sought compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees, for civil rights violations, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, assault, battery and the intentional infliction of emotional address. In addition, the lawsuit sought injunctive relief for constitutional violations. The case was settled today in exchangew for a flat payment of $39,000 and the adoption of three major policy changes in Nazareth.

This lawsuit is the result of tiny "FT (Fire Trachta)" stickers, which were springing up all over Nazareth nearly two years ago, along with the dandelions.

They were small but everywhere. Mailboxes, telephone poles, benches and even crime prevention signs.

The FTs were someone's way of saying FU to Police Chief Thomas Trachta.

After a major investigation conducted by perhaps the dumbest cop on the planet, Chief Trachta served notice that there will be no free speech in Nazareth, a point that Borough Council has tried to make with me on several occasions.

Not only did Trachta arrest the trio that ultimately became known as The Sticker Gang, but he conducted a staged perp parade in front of a fawning press.

He detained these desperadoes until both papers arrived. Then he paraded them outside, up from the police station to District Judge John Capobianco's courtroom. They were shackled and handcuffed, so the dailies could snap pictures of these evil criminals doing what is called a "perp" walk. The Morning Call video shows Jeremy Peters getting at least one shove by a cop who wants him to move faster.

It was actually more of a parade, along the entire length of the bank building. It was done to publicly humiliate this trio and impress a powerful image of guilt in the mind of the public. People charged with littering were treated as though they had just attempted to assassinate the President.

It was also totally unnecessary. Trachta could have easily escorted them up the stairway from the police station into the courtroom.

Online comments in both newspapers expressed outrage at this abuse of police power. Chief Trachta has been called a megalomaniac, egotistical maniac, Nazi, moron, transplanted clown, Barney Fife and out-of-control.

The Sticker Gang was represented by a legal Dream Team of three of the area's most prominent criminal defense attorneys - Phil Lauer, Gary Asteak and Mark Minotti. When they arrived at the courthouse, they introduced themselves to Trachta and tried to shake his hand. He refused. "That's the first time that ever happened to me," noted a baffled Lauer, who has devoted a career to major criminal cases on the federal and state level and is well-respected by law enforcement.

As the case developed, there was no real evidence that any of the Sticker Gang members had actually done the dirty deed. But there was evidence that, in addition to manufacturing a victim, Trachta and Troxell tried to get the feds involved. Troxell actually testified that he contacted the United States Attorney's Office for the stickers found on mailboxes, bringing some chuckles from the defense team. Postal Inspectors apparently have better things to do.

The Sticker Gang had been facing misdemeanor criminal mischief charges (eight counts each), as well as disorderly conduct, harassment and eight counts of scattering rubbish.

"There's nothing here to support the misdemeanor charge," concluded Judge Jacqueline Taschner. "Nothing." She indicated all the evidence from the Commonwealth showed an expression of political belief, not an intent to damage any property.

She then told Chief Trachta that he, like she, is a public figure who has to expect some criticism.

"Suck it up, cupcake!" she advised.

She also tossed the harassment and disorderly conduct charges for much the same reason. That pesky First Amendment kept getting in the way. Mark Minotti, legal scholar for the Dream Team, furnished the judge with another Superior Court decision finding that a person wearing a "Fuck You" T-shirt inside a courtroom is not disorderly, as a matter of law. He noted that disorderly conduct charges cannot be used as a dragnet for all irritations. It is a statute intended to preserve the public peace.

Troxell made a last-ditch effort to get the judge to at least buy a scattering rubbish charge. But he failed there, too. He said he found some stickers in a Valero gas station parking lot, but conceded to Attorney Lauer that he was unable to say how they got there or whether the Sticker Gang was even responsible.

The settlement of $39,000 includes attorney fees, so monetarily, this is a good deal for Nazareth. But Attorney Joe Welsh told me his clients were more concerned with policy changes that would prevent this from happening again.

The three policy changes can be summarized as follows:

1) Free Speech. - Nazareth police will respect citizens’ rights to free speech, including speech with which an individual police officer disagrees or even finds offensive. Officers will exercise discretion in making arrests that might raise questions of free speech, and when possible, will consult with an online supervisor, the on-duty Assistant District Attorney or borough solicitor.

2) Publicizing arrests. - This will be a function of the departmental head law enforcement executive, in consultation, where necessary, with the Borough Solicitor. Blotter information (name, unit block of residence and charges) regarding all individuals arrested for misdemeanors and felonies will be provided to local media for publication unless doping so would identify a sexual assault or domestic violence victim, or would compromise an investigation or prosecution. In announcing arrests, there will be no personal asides

3) Perp walks. - The practice of parading criminal defendants before a fawning media will stop. While they have the absolute right to film and/or photograph prisoners during transport between facilities, Nazareth is under no obligation to create such opportunities and, as a policy, will refrain from doing so.

Updated 8:55 pm. Trevor Gehret's Statement: "Thank you all who supported #StickerGate. Bernie O'Hare thank you for making this a big deal in Nazareth and brining the real issues to life. This journey is over but let's not forget the importance of #StickerGate our judiciary system (cupcake calling and all) and of course a well structured United States Constitution.

"Thank you to all who stood by us in this journey and believing in our cause our friends, family, loved ones and co-workers. A special thank you to our "Dream Team" of attorneys for their hard work and dedication. Today marks the official end to a long battle. Policies were changed to better Nazareth and push it further in to the future. I will see you all in 2020 as I make a run for POTUS.

"Stay safe, stand up for your rights and never forget #SuckItUpCupcake ."

Nazareth Buys Nixle For Snow Emergencies, Then Fails To Use It

As I write this story, Nazareth police cars are driving up and down Main Street, lights on, using loudspeakers to warn residents of an snow emergency. But Nazareth is failing to use technology at its fingertips. Nazareth subscribes to Nixle at a cost of $3,000 per year. One of the chief justification for its purchase is that it could be used to warn people of snow emergencies so they avoid a $100 fine, or worse, having their car towed. But Nazareth being Nazareth, it failed to use Nixle to advertise the snow emergency. In fact, the last time Nazareth used Nixle was to report that police found some sports equipment.

Update 10:38 am: Today, at 10:08 am and 11 hours after its snow emergency was in place, Nazareth finally issued a snow emergency alert on Nixle.

Nazareth's Ex-Mayor Strye- "The Truth Will Come Out"

Nazareth ex-mayor Carl Strye, who was forced to resign in disgrace after being caught skimming money from poker machines at a local club, was feeling no pain on New Year's Eve at Not-So-Holy-Family, his new hang out. He has a strange New Year's message. He claims the truth will come out soon, though the truth has already come out. He's an admitted thief. He's says this will be the "year of the KARMA." According to the Chinese Zodiac, this will actually be the Year of the Cock.

Here's Strye's Facebook rant.

All day Facebook friends and family will be wishing everyone a Happy New Year. I too will join in the madness and also wish all my Facebook friends and family a very safe and Happy New Year.
On a personal note, 2016 was not a very happy year for me. Oh yes, three or four individuals targeted me and i had to make decisions because of their revengeful actions. I hope they feel proud of what they have done, (NOT).The truth will come out in the near future. However, I am a very positive person, always looking at the good and not the bad. Always putting other people ahead of me and always there when someone needs a laugh or a lift.
No matter how bad or how stupid it may have been, there is one thing I do believe in, I believe 2017 will be the year of the KARMA, Everyone who actually knows me know exactly what I am talking about. And when it happens, I will sit back, smile a little and move on.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! There is no sense looking back, but only to a positive future, I will say it one more time, It is a great day in Nazareth, PA
Thank you to all of my true friends and family for your support!
God Bless all of you and may your New Year be one of the best!

Nazareth Police Officer Commended For Emergency Delivery

Officer Schleig with the
two lives he saved.  

A few weeks ago, I told you that Nazareth Police Officer Stephen Schleig conducted an emergency delivery, on election day, of a healthy baby girl. Last night, he received a well-deserved letter of commendation from Nazareth Borough Council.

This is the second time Schleig has been commended. The first was for his quick action in saving the life of a 54 year-old man, Jeff Fogel, who had gone into cardiac arrest.

Here's what Schleig himself has to say on his Facebook page:

Well, I've been honored again tonight and have received a second letter of commendation award for saving another life. This time with the delivery of an new born baby girl. What's really cool is that my friend Mr. Fogel who I had the honor being able to help the first time I received a letter of commendation award, was able to be there tonight. I will forever be bound to these two until the day I take my last breath. God Bless you both.

Even better is the comment he received from Fogel's daughter Amber:

I will forever be grateful for you saving my dads life! Ill never forget how composed you were and how great of a job you and the rest of the ambulance teams did to bring him back to life! It's a blessing to know you! Such a wonderful man! Glad to have you protecting and caring for everyone you meet!

This is the guy that Nazareth Borough Council tried to run out of town.

Nazareth Refuses To Pay Benefits To Retired Road Crew Worker

Roger Herman

Roger Herman loves his job on Lower Nazareth's road crew. What he really likes about it is that the people he works for, from Manager Timm Tenges to Supervisors to residents, let him know he is appreciated.  And why not? Outside of public safety, road maintenance is the most important function in most townships, boroughs and cities. As most elected officials will themselves tell you, the road crews and first responders who keep our streets clean and safe are the real face of local government. They turn the wheels of government from their police cruisers and plows. When a little boy or girl wanders off, chances are that one of them will notice before anything unfortunate happens.

Things are different in the Nazareth Circus, also known as  Borough Council. A small and insular group of autocrats think that they, and not the people on the front lines, make things happen. They refused to do anything about Mayor Carl Srtye, who actually admitted to skimming money from a volunteer fire company. They rallied around him until the District Attorney insisted that he resign if he wanted ARD, a special program for first offenders.

These Council members have also interfered in police operations. One of them, Larry Stoudt, was actually charged for interfering with a state investigation into illegal gambling at the local social clubs. He illegally pressured the Chief to run the license plate of someone he suspected was an undercover agent

They look down their noses at the road crew, too, disparaging them as "the Mexicans."

Herman is one of those Mexicans. He used to work on Nazareth's road crew. He was hired there in October 1994. He was unhappy at how he and his fellow workers were treated. He belonged to a union, but the steward was Larry Stoudt's nephew, Robert. .

After 21 years, Herman decided it was time to go somewhere else. He gave notice that he was retiring in June 2015. In addition to rolling over his pension, he asked the Borough to reimburse him for his clothing allowance, accumulated sick pay and longevity. This request was pursuant to a written employment contract with the borough, under which he was contractually entitled to these benefits.

Herman received a response from Solicitor Al Pierce on July 10, denying his request.

"Nazareth Borough Council has accepted your resignation, effective 6/26/15. Nazareth Borough Council has determined that your termination did not constitute retirement and that you are therefore not eligible for a half a year's clothing allowance, longevity pay for 2015 and sick day pay. Council has authorized the payment of wages as provided by the final payroll for your period of employment."

I was unaware that Nazareth Borough Council had the authority to ignore its own employment contract. I decided to look at the minutes of their July 6, 2015 meeting to see whether Herman's resignation was accepted, as Pierce claims. I also looked to see if the Borough Council rejected his claim for benefits, as Pierce claimed.

As I suspected, the minutes make no such mention. That means one of two things. Either Borough Council made these decisions behind closed doors in violation of the state Sunshine Act, or Pierce is talking out of his ass.

Now Borough Council is allowed to discuss personnel matters in the back room, but all decisions must be made publicly. In Nazareth, the state Sunshine Act is regarded more as a recommendation than as law. That's what you'd expect from an outfit that thinks it can unilaterally disregard an employment contract, especially when it involves one of the "Mexicans."

Herman ended up suing.

"You can only take so much," he told me, and hired Connie Nelson, a prominent Easton lawyer and former assistant District Attorney.  His is the seventh lawsuit filed by an employee against Nazareth since 2013. Unlike the other lawsuits, which involve the deprivation of civil rights, Herman just wanted his benefits. He went to small claims court, and got a judgment against Nazareth for $10,976.88 on 2/4/16, following a hearing before Magisterial District Judge Robert Hawke.

At that hearing, Al Pierce the Solicitor suddenly became a witness. His associate, Scott Steier, tried the case. That way they could charge Nazareth double for their time.

Instead of just paying Herman, Nazareth appealed, and Herman had to file a complaint in county court.

Though Connie Nelson attached a copy of the contract and his own demand to her complaint, Pierce and Steier tried to get it bounced

As you probably guessed, they got bounced instead. A perplexed Judge Emil Giordano overruled their preliminary objections, noting that Herman has stated "a prima facia breach of contract claim."    

But Pierce and Steier have been able to pad their bill a little more, even though they must know they have a loser.    

"I want the taxpayers to know that they're just wasting money," Herman told me. 'The only ones making out here are the lawyers."

Chief Thomas Trachta and Officer Stephen Scheig have three active suits against Nazareth. A complaint filed by probationary officer Adam Shimer was dismissed, but he managed to get a job as a full-time police officer in Palmerton. Fred Lahovski and Connie McGinnis settled their lawsuits. Lahovski was paid $440,000, which is the largest sum I've seen awarded to police officer for a civil rights claim in the Lehigh Valley.

Herman just wants Nazareth to keep its word and pay him the $10,000 he is due.

The PC Police in Nazareth

A Nazareth Borough Police Department Facebook post, since deleted, has caused quite a stir in Northampton County officialdom. Commissioner Randy Miller, who must be dumping Nazareth for the PC police, told The Express Times that the page is not really the "official" Facebook page, though it is, as evidenced by his ability to have the message removed.  He made clear that he in no way endorses its dangerous message, and told The Morning Call it was the handiwork of a "rogue"cop. DA John Morganelli worries that the advisory encourages vigilantes to take the law into their own hands, though it in fact does the opposite.

Before I go further, let me share the portion of the now-deleted message found to be so offensive.

"We ask and encourage those of you who are responsible and educated enough to exercise your 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. Providing you can and are legally able to possess a firearm and that you follow the Pennsylvania laws and local ordinances when doing so ... If when ever possible CALL 911 FIRST, if you believe you see someone or something suspicious. Do not engage and use Extreme Caution!"

This post is a reaction to a homicide and carjacking in nearby Palmer Township. A week ago, Palmer Township resident Michael Davis was ambushed and shot in the face by two unknown assailants upon his return home from work at Verizon. The following night, Michael DeRose, who works at the very same Verizon as Davis, was ambushed as well and forced into the back of his car. He was able to escape.

These incidents appear to be related.

My only concern with this Facebook post is whether it was cleared with Palmer Tp investigators. They are tasked with the heavy responsibility of solving this murder and carjacking. I can see no reason why they'd object to a story that informs and educates the public  That was the whole point of last week's news conference. They are seeking the public's help. Still, I'd ask them first since things can change fast and this is their case.

Other than that, there is nothing improper about the post. It at no time calls on anyone to be a cowboy. It specifically urges readers to "CALL 911 FIRST" and "[d]o not engage." It also states that its message only applies to persons who will follow the law.

If you are going to complain about people arming themselves, why does the concealed carry law exist at all? Why do we even have a Second Amendment?

Let me be clear. Most of my readers know that I support tighter gun laws. I believe that people who have exhibited violent tendencies, or who have fantasized about shooting people, should be denied gun permits. I also think a person who has a gun permit should be required to take periodic gun safety courses so he does not accidentally shoot himself. I also think they should be strongly encouraged to practice ...on a range. Because I'm a klutz, I'd never carry. But the right exists and should exist.  This is far from vigilantism. It is the Constitution.

The Constitution trumps officials who worry about being politically correct. This may have served Randy Miller well over the years, at least until he came to Nazareth. Now, in addition to throwing a Nazareth police officer under the bus, he has misled the press about the Facebook page, claiming it is not a sanctioned page.

This statement is completely untrue.

The page was first established in 2009, by Michael Sinclair, when he was police chief. After he left, entries were made by Officer Peter Dewey. He left for Bushkill Township, and full-time officers with Nazareth police continued to update the page from time to time. In fact, it includes several stories featuring Miller himself.

If Miller is unfamiliar with Facebook, as he claims, he really needs to learn. It's actually a great investigative tool and is relied on by most police departments.

If Miller really wants to be politically correct, perhaps he should confront the racism that exists on Nazareth Borough Council. But they might not renew his contract.