NorCo EMS Has Advice for Residents and Businesses Impacted by Flash Flood

From Northampton County:  Northampton County Emergency Management Services continues to work with municipal officials to gather accurate and detailed damage assessments following the severe flash flooding event that took place on Sunday, July 16, 2023.

As of today, Wednesday, July 19, ten total municipalities (public entities) have reported municipal damages:

• Bangor Borough (infrastructure, roadways)
• County of Northampton (bridges)
• East Bangor Borough (roadways)
• Forks Township (infrastructure, roadways)
• Lower Mount Bethel Township (roadways)
• Palmer Township
• Plainfield Township (infrastructure, roadways)
• Stockertown Borough (park, recreational trail)
• Tatamy Borough (municipal park)
• Washington Township (infrastructure, roadways)

 

Four municipalities have enacted Disaster Declarations due to damages sustained:

• Bangor Borough (7/17)
• Lower Mount Bethel Township (7/16)
• Plainfield Township (7/18)
• Washington Township (7/17)

 

Accumulative (countywide) damages are estimated to be $400,000 - $500,000, with multiple municipalities yet to report their estimated recovery and response costs. This estimated cost to date includes approximately $400,000 in damages to county bridges.

 

Northampton County Emergency Management Services is receiving reports of residential damages (Individual Assistance) from over 65 households across eight municipalities at this time:

• Bangor Borough
• Bushkill Township
• Forks Township
• Lower Mount Bethel Township
• Portland Borough (business)
• Stockertown Borough
• Upper Mount Bethel Township
• Washington Township

 

Residents and/or business owners affected by the flood events experienced on Sunday, July 16, are strongly encouraged to report damage to their local municipalities and also complete the damage questionnaire on the Northampton County Emergency Management Services website http://ncem-pa.org/ to start the countywide assessment process. This will ensure that the County sends detailed damage reports to both PEMA and FEMA to receive funding for those impacted. All assessments received by Northampton County Emergency Management Services have been or will be entered into the Commonwealth’s damage reporter system as the information is received.

 

A Crisis Clean-Up Hotline has also been established to connect those affected with information and possible assistance: 844-965-1386. The Crisis Clean-Up Hotline is not affiliated with any local, county, state, or federal agency.

NorCo Council Interviews Four Candidates For Vacant Controller Position

In alphabetical order, Northampton Copunty Council interviewed four candidates yesterday for the vacant Controller's office. Whomever is selected will hold the $65,000 office until the end of the year. In November, voters will decide between John Cusick and Tara Zrinski. 

Nurit Baron: According to her LinkedIn page, she's a graduate of  Douglass College, where she majored in English Literature and Computer Science with a concentration in economics. She's been employed as an English teacher (in Japan), corporate trainer, upgrade analyst and business analyst.

She's quite political. She managed campaigns for both Mark Pinsley and Tara Zrinski, both of whom are far to the left of most Democrats. She was the Sec'y and Treasurer of Lehigh Valley For All (who agree with us) and is the Treasurer of the Northampton County Council of Democratic Women. 

She told Council member John Goffredo that she is ethical and honest, and would be neutral with respect to Zrinski and John Cusick, both of whom are candidates for Contrtoller. "I'm quite a neutral person, anyway, I'm not an extreme person. I don't believe in blue team, red team."

Her association with Zrinski and Pinsley says differently.  

When asked how she'd prepare a budget for her office, she said, "I would ask a lot of questions, especially of Mr. McClure and the Council ... ."

This answer tells me that, as accomplished as she is, she fails to understand that a Controller must be independent of both the Executive and Council. The Controller's Office is actually a separate branch of government under our Home Rule Charter. The last persons for whom she should have questions would be either the Executive or Council. 

Altynay Kanatbekoff: She's definitely the total package. According to her LinkedIn page, she has a bachelor's degree in accounting from KIMEP University (Kazakhstan) as well as a Master's degree from Columbia in International and Public Affairs. She is a certified fraud examiner, and  is currently working on getting her CIA and CPA licenses. 

She a vet. Not just any vet, but served with the 82d Airborne, which is highly regarded by anyone who ever served in a combat unit. Her husband still serves in active duty, which would make a four-year commitment difficult for her. That's why she decided against running.  

She and her husband have four daughters who are competitive swimmers. 

Get this. She's fluent in English, Russian, French, Kazakh and Kyrgyz.

She should be working for the state department, not Northampton County. In fact, she did, as a freelancer. She says she's out now, but I don't believe it for a minute. She's clearly a secret agent brought in to keep an eye on Steve Barron.   

Kanatbekoff is the only candidate who actually has experience in the private sector as a real financial analyst. When working for Seville Transactions, her job was to analyze high risk transactions to identify possible fraud. She also owned several businesses. 

This is what you want in a Controller. She's already employed by Northampton County as a financial auditor in the Controller's office. 

"Bucky was not just our colleague, he was a friend," she said of Bucky Szulborski, whose unfortunate death created the vacancy in the Controller's office. She obviously knows the office. 

"We need super-qualified people like you in government," said Council member Ron Heckman. He pointed out that she is risking her career service position. She agreed, but said she would be happy to stay after the election if the newly elected Controller wants her. "The county would be foolish if they didn't hire you back," said Heckman. 

She said she sees no need to hire a replacement for her. She has completed all her assignments. 

Scott Parsons:  He's a former member of County Council, where he served two terms. He also was employed by Public Works. He said he "could hit the job running." He said it would take other appointees three or four weeks just to figure out the phone system. He apparently was unaware of Kanatbekoff's application. 

Nadeem Qayyum: He's a former Democratic Controller candidate, where he was rejected by 60% of the Democrats who voted. He pointed to his education in law. He indicated he would be transparent and would ensure that county funds are managed efficiently. he said he would bring "a positive impact on the community."  

In response to a question from Zrinski, Qayyum said he would give up his position in the bar for five months. That should be easy because he has a law degree from Pakistan, but is not a lawyer in the US and is not a member of the bar. He likely misunderstood the question. I think his poor understanding of English is why. 

Council will decide on an appointment tonight. 

This should be a no-brainer. 

NorCo Council to Consider Contract For Voluntary Employee Health Center

NorCo Council's Finance Committee will today consider a proposed contract between the County and Integrity Health for an exclusive and voluntary health center that caters to the county workforce. 

Why do this? 

It's a great convenience to employees, even those who already have a primary care physician. But it should help the county reduce the cost of medical care as well. Since 2014, Northampton County has imposed no increases in the co-pays of county employees. But medical costs continue to rise in a county that is self-insured. This year's budget projects a $6.5 million increase. The total cost of medical care to county employees is estimated at nearly $30 million.

According to its website, Integrity Health offers "customized, patient-centered, cost-effective health programs built on the wisdom of coordinated care." It operates at six locations in New Jersey, with a seventh in Lycoming County. Its Chair is Doug Forrester, a former Republican candidate for the US Senate (2002) and Governor in New Jersey (2005). He founded Integrity after his daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury.  From X-Rays to chronic disease management to routine lab tests, it offers extensive primary care. 

I do not have the salient contractual details, including cost. That information will be disclosed when Council's Finance Committee considers this matter

UPDATED: Four NorCo Municipalities Declare Disaster After Sunday's Flash Floods

Four Northampton County municipalities (Bangor, Lower Mount Bethel Tp, Washington Tp and Plainfield Tp) have enacted disaster declarations as a result of Sunday's flash flooding.  According to county emergency management, 10 municipalities in total have reported damage.

Bangor Borough (infrastructure, roadways)
County of Northampton (bridges)
East Bangor Borough (roadways)
Forks Township (infrastructure, roadways)
Lower Mount Bethel Township (roadways)
Palmer Township
Plainfield Township (infrastructure, roadways)
Stockertown Borough (recreational trail/park)
Tatamy Borough (municipal park)
Washington Township (infrastructure, roadways)

Residents and some local businesses are also reporting damages. Emergency Management Services strongly encourages them to work with their municipal officials to determine the damages. "If you have experienced damages and are unable to make contact with your municipal officials, please contact Northampton County Emergency Management Services at 610-746-3194 x3228. This will ensure that the County sends detailed damage reports to both PEMA and FEMA to receive funding for those impacted."

A Crisis Clean-Up Hotline has also been established to connect those affected with information and possible assistance: 844-965-1386. The Crisis Clean-Up Hotline is not affiliated with any local, county, state, or federal agency."

There's a questionnaire for homeowners and residents damaged by the flooding LOCATED HERE.

UPDATED 11:04 AM

NorCo Controller Candidates to be Interviewed By County Council Today

Northampton County Council will interview candidates today for the Controller seat that became vacant after Richard "Bucky" Szulborski passed away. This will occur during a public meeting of Council's Personnel Committee. Council has until the end of July to decide on someone. Whoeveris appointed will serve until the end of the year, when an elected Controller takes over. That elected Controller will either be Tara Zrinski or John Cusick. 

Bethlehem City Council Should Donate Sidearm to Retiring Cops

When Bethlehem police officers retire, many of them choose to purchase their sidearm. They obviously have sentimental value. Moreover, they are probably the weapon with which a retiring officer is most familiar and accurate. These sales have always been perfunctory until Hillary Kwiatek was elected to City Council. She has consistently voted No to allowing officers to buy these weapons. She claims it's a matter of conscience, but it's actually blatant virtue signaling. 

Here's suggestion for Bethlehem City Council. It's time to enact an ordinance that allows a retiring officer in good standing to leave with his firearm and the city's thanks.  

Gracedale Daycare Will Launch on July 25

According to a county news release, a daycare will formally launch on at Gracedale Nursing Home on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

Designed by USA Architects, it will be located on the first floor of the vacant Southeast Wing.

There will be no cost for the daycare services for Gracedale, Emergency Operations Center, and Forensic Center employees.

It will be operated by The Learning Locomotion.

Total cost? $562,399, split among General Contractor – CMG of Easton, Inc.; Mechanical (HVAC) – JBM Mechanical; and Electrical – Billitier Electric.

This daycare was approved by a 7-2 vote of Northampton County Council in May 2022, with John Brown and John Goffredo voting No.

It is a pilot program that might be expanmded in the future for other county departments or discontinued.

Afghan Refugee Family Seeks Housing

Pam Varkony is a writer, speaker and woman's advocate who has travelled at least twice to Afghanistan. She has asked if anyone can help a family of refugees find housing. Here's what she has to say.

"The following is one of those "shot in the dark" inquiries...

"As you may know, I've been working with and writing about Afghans who escaped in August of '21. The Balkhi family was stranded in Uzbekistan for a year, finally making it to the US when the father was granted a scholarship by Lehigh U. which entitled him and the family to student visas. They arrived here with nothing. Lehigh provided housing. A group we affectionately call "Team Balkhi" formed around them for support...food, clothing, transportation.

"The father, Rohullah, graduated in May with his MBA. He has a job offer from Vitaulic effective as soon as his asylum claim is approved. The family's Lehigh housing ends Aug 30. They need a three bedroom apartment or house they can afford, nothing fancy. They would like to be in Nazareth or nearby. When Maria told me she met with you, the light went off... Bernie lives in Nazareth and he knows everyone."

"They are lovely people and the kids are very well behaved. If you have any thoughts or leads as to where this family might find housing, I'd be very grateful for the information.

Thank you...

Pam

Pam can be reached at Pam@PamelaVarkony.com.

A Very Close and Exciting Tour de France

I've spent most of my adult years with little interest in professional cycling. I've been to T-Town a few times to watch the racing, but have never really followed cycling as a sport. That changed in a big way last year, when for the first time, I watched the daily re-caps of the annual Tour de France. I was mesmerized by the rivalry between Slovenian Tadej Pogacar and Dane Jonas Vingegaard. Pogecar had won the grueling 21-stage, 2,200-mile event for two years straight. Could Vingegaard, who had been working in a fish factory, pull off an upset? He did, and what really drew me to him as a person was the absolute class and true sportsmanship he displayed during the race. In a descent following a mountain climb, Pogacar slid off the curvy road and took a tumble with 22 km to go. At this point Vingegaard could have just dropped him. Instead, he waited for his rival to catch him. I've never seen anything like that in any sport. For that reason, I've been a fan ever since. I think it's the greatest sporting event in the world. 

This year, once again, the real race is between Tadej and Vingegaard. After 16 days of racing, the Dane is clinging to a 10-second lead. Neither has won a stage, but their overall time is what gives them both an insurmountable lead. 

Along the course, fans crowd the roads as cyclists fly by. They run alongside, wave flags and generally cheer but give the athletes space. 

Some are irresponsible, pouring beer on or punching riders. 

They must be from Philly. 

The rider in the overall lead wears a yellow jersey. The rider who does best on the mountains wears a polka dot jersey. The fastest sprinter wears green.  The fastest rider under 26 wears white. This can change daily. 

The cyclists have a much-needed day of rest today. On Tuesday, the race resumes with its shortest stage, a 22 km time trial. 

Why I Decline To Host RFK, Jr. Comments

RFK, Jr., is an apple that fell pretty far from the tree. He relies on conspiracy theories as opposed to facts. Last week, he made this assertion: "COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.” 

A 30-second search on Google reveals that he's full of shit. COVID-19 infected and killed without regard to religion, race or ethnicity. It is a very egalitarian virus, except when it comes to older people like me. It hates geriatrics, and for good reason! 

Except for this thread, I will decline comments promoting Kennedy or his kooky theories. He's promoting anti-Semitism and Sinophobia. We've had enough of that over the centuries, doncha' think? 

Fourth Insurance Company to Exit Florida

On Wednesday, I suggested you think twice about moving to Florida. I can understand a winter home there, but never understood why people would want to live in a climate that is unbearable most of the year. I pointed out that Farmers Insurance is leaving Florida. Some of you just denied anything is happening at all, and attacked me and CNN, although my source was USA Today. Others deemed it an attack on MAGAs because they are concentrated there. Climate change deniers came out in force as well. Without doubt, there are those who use this to score political points, but the only point I was making is that having a home located near a coastline is pretty much a bad idea. It makes no difference whether it is a red or a blue state. And now, AAA is joining Farmers as the fourth insurance company that will decline renewing auto and home insurance for some Floridians. 

How about sunny California? Insurance companies are leaving that state as well. AIG, Allstate and State Farm decline new customers because of the wildfires. 

I prefer a state with milder weather and four seasons. Like this state. In another 100 years or so, Easton might be a beachfront. 

Pew Analysis of 2022 Midterm Is Mostly Bad News For Democrats

As we all know, Republicans now control the US House. An analysis by Pew Research concludes that it is actually GOP turnout, and not vote switching, that made the difference. This increased turnout is likely the result of dissatisfaction with the direction in which this country was heading under Joe Biden and a Democratic House. At the same time, Democrats sat on their hands. They voted for Biden in 2020, but stayed home in 2022. It is not a huge difference, but was enough to turn the House red. 

My view is that this Democratic malaise will continue if Biden continues his campaign for President. 

Here's a few other finding: 

1) Voters under 30 continued to strongly support the Democratic Party, voting 68% to 31% for Democratic candidates.

2) Ideological polarization by party was nearly complete in 2022 (i.e., not many will split tickets)

3) Voting in person on Election Day increased sharply in 2022 compared with 2020. (This is a mistake by Republicans becaue they are failing to identify low propensity voters and get them to the polls early)

4) White voters without college degrees made up a majority (54%) of Republican voters in 2022, compared with 27% of Democratic voters. (This is indicative that Democrats are losing a key voting block, the working poor.)

5) Voters ages 50 and older were a larger share of the total in 2022 (64%) than in any of the past three elections.

6) Hispanic voters continued to support Democrats, but by a much smaller margin than in 2018.

7) Black voters continued to support Democrats by overwhelming margins. 93% voted Democratic.

8) The Republican advantage among White evangelical Protestants was somewhat larger in 2022 than in the past three elections. 86% votes Republican.

Who Helped Luis Campos After He Collapsed During a Run?

On Friday, I told you that Easton City Administrator Luis Campos collapsed while out on a run in his College Hill Neighborhood. I've since learned he's doing well. That's certainly due to his own physical condition, but also to the people who helped him.

Easton City Council person-elect Frank Pintabone made it a point to track these folks down and acknowledge them on Facebook:  

"Today, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to four extraordinary individuals who deserve all our appreciation and thanks!

"In times of unexpected emergencies, it's truly heartwarming to witness the

remarkable acts of kindness and bravery displayed by the people in our community. Two incredible residents of Easton, Ginger [Consatntine] and Andrew [Brandon], went above and beyond when our City Administrator Luis Campos faced an unforeseen crisis. Without hesitation, they jumped into action, providing immediate assistance to Luis.

"But it doesn't end there. In just a matter of seconds, Officer Nimmons and Hinnis arrived at the scene, taking charge and ensuring the situation was under control.

"Their quick response and professionalism were crucial during this challenging time.

"I want to emphasize that it's because of these four amazing individuals that our story today has a happy ending! Their selflessness, courage, and dedication to helping others are truly inspirational.

"Please join me in giving a BIG shout-out to Ginger, Anthony, Officer Nimmons, and Officer Hinnis for their outstanding efforts and outstanding commitment to our community. Let's show them the appreciation they rightly deserve!"

Easton police officers are trained in CPR.

I don't know about social workers. 

Register of Wills Named NorCo's Associate Court Administrator

NorCo Deputy Court Administrator Janelle Crisafulli advises that Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans Court Gina Gibbs has been named Associate Court Administrator, starting August 7. She will succeed the well-respected Ruth Vega-Velez, who has retired. 

Gibbs immigrated to this country at age 19. She managed to earn an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree, while working full-time and supporting her children. 

She began her employment with the county in 2008 in the Solicitor's office as an "exempt" employee, meaning she was a political hire. Three years later, she was appointed Deputy Director of Elections. This enabled her to transition from an "exempt" employee to a career service position, where she would have some job protection.

Her appointment as Register of Wills was controversial. County administrators passed over a 13-year veteran and Deputy Register who also had applied for the job and had the recommendation of the outgoing Register of Wills.

Executive Lamont McClure, who played no role in Gibbs' appointment, told me he wishes her the best in her new role. 

Gibbs' appointment had to be cleared by the state administrative office of Pa. Courts as well as Court Administrator Jermaine Greene 

Think Twice About That Move to Florida

Farmer's Insurance is leaving the Sunshine State, making it the fourth major insurance company to exit in the wake of pay-outs as a result of extreme weather events. The average cost of a homeowner's policy is now $6,000, about four times the cost elsewhere. 

Ron Angle and the Bank Robber

Bob Cartwright used to brag that Portland is the Cancun of the Lehigh Valley. He'd tell me its water tastes like Perrier, and caution the rest of us are all downstream. I hear lots of stories about Portland and the Slate Belt from that region's seanchaí, Ron Angle. He's a master storyteller, which leads me to believe there must be at least some Irish in him, despite his claims to the contrary. Cartwright claims Ron inherited this gift from his father Fred.

Ron is the best story teller I know. Some of them may even be true! I love the written word, but there's nothing like listening to a seanchaí. Angle has loads of stories, featuring numerous topics. But he always returns to Portland, where he grew up, and the Slate Belt.

Here's one of his tales. Angle was once involved in a bank robbery, and wasn't the robber! In fact, he nearly foiled it.

Ron at one time worked for the Second Nat'l Bank of Pen Argyl. He started out as a teller, but became a repo man who excelled at collecting bad debts. His methods were often unconventional, and probably illegal, but they worked. They include a trip to Philly's deepest and darkest ghetto, where he once found himself surrounded by a group of angry blacks when they caught him trying to repossess a Caddy. The owner had removed the battery, and Angle was caught when he put in a new one.

He carried a gun, and I suppose he could have used it, but he would have died. That is probably the day he discovered that he has a much more powerful weapon - his tongue. He not only talked his way out of this jam, but left this gang on good terms.

The only person I know who was as good at getting into a pickle, and then talking his way out of it, was my Dad.

Bank officials were quick to promote Angle because he delivered, and he eventually found himself with a hot Mustang and in charge of security. This was in the early '70s, before cell phones, but Angle wanted a car phone. The bank refused to spend the money, a decision it would soon regret.

There had been a rash of bank robberies in the area, so Angle was visiting all the branches each day to see if all was well. This included what is now an eatery called Dat's What I'm Talking About.. It's in Plainfield Township, right beyond the fork separating Rte 191 and Sullivan Trail. Angle pulled in and could see people standing inside with their hands up in the air.

He pulled into the parking lot, and saw one car, a beat-up old junker, that looked out of place. He pulled into the other side of the parking lot, and waited for the robber to make his exit. His plan was to run the guy over and then shoot him.

But when the robber exited the branch, he was not alone. He had the branch manager with him as a hostage. And instead of going to the beat-up old car (which turned out to belong to a neighbor), the robber had the manager get in his own car.

As they left, Angle followed along Route 191, going right by state police cruisers with their emergency lights headed in the opposite direction, responding to the robbery. Eventually, the bank robber realized he was being followed, and picked up the speed, but Angle was in a Mustang. The guy eventually pulled into a parking lot and spun the car around and fingered to Angle to come over. Angle shook his head No, but the robber pointed a gun at the manager's head. So Angle pulled alongside, and the robber told him not to follow or the bank manager would be dead. He said he'd release the manager once he was sure he was free, and then took off.

Angle waited a few minutes and then took off, but this time was looking for the bank manager. He found him near the Belfast exit off Route 33. The robber had parked his car there and had now made his getaway.

Angle and the manager returned to the bank and explained what had happened to the police, whom Angle said were moving in slow motion. Instead of hopping onto Route 33, troopers were more interested in his date of birth and his addresses for the last 17 years.

The bank robber was long gone before the staties started looking for him.

But he continued to rob banks. On his 11th robbery, he screwed up. He had walked into the bank and they closed the door behind him. It was quitting time, but he thought they were onto him and freaked out and ran. Police caught up to him walking along Route 191, but they still did not have enough.

The FBI was able to piece it all together and eventually arrested the guy.

They actually made their arrest while he was coaching a baseball game in New Jersey.

The guy had a gambling problem and owed a lot of money to mob loan sharks. He was a retired Jersey State Trooper. In exchange for his cooperation, he got a five year sentence for 11 robberies.

There is an old link to the robber's arrest in The Daily Intelligencer from July 9, 1971, but I am unable to reproduce it here because it is copyrighted.

By the way, the day after the robbery, the bank got Angle a car phone.

Blogger's Note: I first wrote about this in 2016, but decided to repost it because Ron andhis wife Sharon passed by the aftermath of a bank robbery in Upper Mount Bethel yesterday, and he reminded me of his own experience. 

Lower Saucon Tp To Hold Landfill Expansion Meeting During Noon Hour

If you want to do something legally, but want as little input from the public as possible, you schedule the required public meetings at times when most members of the public are unable to attend. That's precisely what Lower Saucon Tp has done. It has scheduled a meeting today to consider a new zoning map and text amendment because its first try was killed in court. The meeting is scheduled at 12:30 pm, a time that demonstrates a disdain for the people that Lower Saucon Tp Council should be serving. 

McClure's Gift Ban Ordinance Finally Introduced

After months of foot-dragging, Northampton County Council last week finally introduced the gift ban ordinance first proposed by Executive Lamont McClure in April. It only took them three months to get around to it. 

Northampton County's Home Rule Charter has a pretty clear prohibition on gifts, but the County's Administrative Code contains so many exceptions you can drive a Mack Truck through it.  What McClure has proposed is akin to Governor Josh Shapiro's gift ban. 

Ironically, the ordinance is sponsored by Council member Ron Heckman, who did nothing but complain about it. 

NorCo Council Gives $25,000 For St. Luke's D&L Racefest

Northampton County Council voted unanimously at its meeting last Thursday to help fund the St. Luke's D&L Racefest on November 12 with $25,000. This money comes from hotel tax revenue, which must be spent for tourism facilities as well as community development initiatives that enhance tourism. This grant was also endorsed enthusiastically by Executive Lamont McClure. He told me he plans to run the marathon and qualify for Boston. He runs nightly between pickleball matches. 

Racefest is actually a combination of four separate races: a marathon (26.2 mi) extending from Allentown to Easton; a marathon relay race made up of teams who run 5 different stages; a half-marathon between Bethlehem and Easton; and a half marathon walk between Bethlehem and Easton. 

Council member Tom Giovanni is leading the relay team consisting of himself, John Cusick, John Goffredo, Lori Vargo Heffner and anchor Ron Heckman. Council member Tara Zrinski refuses to participate, claiming it's a conflict. 

VIA sponsored this event for many years. It included a four or five stage relay and a 22-mile run that was called the Ironman.  The first time I ran it, I accidentally signed up for the Ironman,. Attorney Chris Spadoni ran with me for the first leg. Though I torment him relentlessly as County Council Solicitor, he is an excellent running coach. He kept me from running too fast. It is largely thanks to his pacing that I was able to finish 22-miles. After that, I participated a few more times over the years. It was a grueling race because it was in July, not November. One year, there was no water between Freemansburg and Easton. 

I'm glad to see the race taking place in November instead of July. It's a lot easier to run when in the Fall. I also like that the former 22-mile race has been converted into a marathon at which people can qualify for Boston. 

I've ridden this trail regularly this summer from the Easton end. Most of it is shaded. Running alongside a river keeps you cool and the D&L Trail cuts the wind. What I particularly dislike is the mile or so leading to the boat launch by Rte 33. The trail is like a railroad bed there, with gravel chunks that are too large. I won't run that stretch and even cycling alongside it is miserable. I'd prefer to go up Hope Road and get on the Palmer Bike Path. That's more hilly, but a few hills are actually good for long-distance runners. The surface is macadam and more forgiving than the huge lumps of gravel tossed along the trail to the boat launch. The D&L between the boat club in Bethlehem Township and Freemansburg is also prone to wash-outs. 

D&L gave a lengthy presentation to County Council last week, but I'll spare you the details. Events like these are obviously very good for tourism, hotels and local businesses. An added bonus is that the trail avoids roads. 

The registration fees are expensive. The marathon fee starts at $110 and goes up to $160 as more people enter.     

UPDATED: Dellicker Announces! Expect to See Three Republicans in Lehigh Valley's Congressional GOP Primary

Last week, I told you that Allentown Attorney Maria Montero has filed the paperwork to run for U.S. Congress (Pa.-7) as the GOP candidate. Over the weekend, I learned that State Rep. Ryan MacKenzie will be huddling with advisors this week as he ponders dipping his toes in the Potomac River. I also learned that Kevin Dellicker, who was defeated by Lisa Scheller in the last GOP Congressional race, has been booked as a guest by radio host Bobby Gunther Walsh on Wednesday to discuss his plans. He is reportedly backed by developer David Jaindl. 

If all three run, which seems increasingly likely, this should make it easier to elect Montero. She can be tagged as a carpetbagger, though she is from this area. She is the sole female. 

It should also make it easier for Susan Wild, who can keep her powder dry while Republicans are forced to spend.  

UPDATED 12:15 pm: Dellicker announces candidacy! - According to Lehigh Valley Archair, Kevin Dellicker has released a statement announcing his candidacy.

Dellicker's announcement:

"Today, I am announcing my candidacy for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 7th District.

"It's no secret that Washington is broken. While this level of dysfunction may boost TV ratings and fundraising, it hurts our families and communities. What Washington needs is less talking heads and more leaders who will roll up their sleeves and work to bring commonsense solutions that benefit our families and communities. My career as a small business owner, veteran, and military officer has given me the right experience, skillset, and leadership to represent our community and work toward real change and solutions.

"I’m not a professional politician. I’m not looking for a new career in Washington. I’m running to protect and expand the Republican majority, get the job done, and then return home to Germansville. I’m running because this is my home too. I was raised here and my wife Susan and I raised our boys here. We need a voice in Washington who is one of us and will represent all of us.

"I’m excited to connect with the remarkable individuals, families, and small businesses that make our region the great place that it is. I look forward to having real conversations on the issues that matter to us all: strong families, good jobs, and safe communities.”

NorCo Opts Out of State Civil Service to Streamline Hiring in Human Services

For years, Northampton County has been plagued by caseworker vacancies in Children, Youth and Families (CYF). Without question, this is a stressful job with a high burnout rate. But according to county Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski, an underfunded and understaffed state civil service commission has made things worse. It's been slow in providing lists of caseworker applicants, sometimes taking months. Thus is pre-COVID.  The lists it has provided has been full of errors. 

Caseworker vacancies in CYF can mean the difference between life and death for some abused or neglected children, so Wandalowski has wanted to opt out of civil service since 2019 and do the hiring in-house. This has already happened in Berks and Bucks Counties, she said. According to The Sentinel, Cumberland County is currently in the process of withdrawing from the state civil service commission because of similar difficulties in filling vacancies. The state civil service commission actually encourages counties to opt out so long as career service regulations are in place.

It took four years, but Northampton County is no longer part of the state civil service commission. Executive Lamont McClure advised Council's Human Services Committee last week that it can now do its own hiring. 

Gracedale Continues to Improve

Gracedale Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King updated Northampton County Council last week with very positive news about the county-owned nursing home. It underwent its annual survey by the state Department of Health (DOH) on June 6-8. Last year, DOH noted five deficiencies, which was below the state (8) and national (8.5) average. This year, things were even better, Health inspectors only found two problems. 

Stewart-King explained that one deficiency concerned a requirement that a resident be walked a certain number of feet per day. Though this was done and marked as done, staff neglected to record it in one instance. The second problem dealt with a doctor's order for a dressing on a resident's wound. The wound had actually healed but the order was still in place. Stewart-King said her staff should have asked to have the order discontinued.  

In conducting their survey, DOH inspectors examined 44 charts and spoke to residents and staff. The state website has a two-month lag in posting survey results, so are unavailable for public review.  In their exit interview, Stewart-King reports that inspectors "noticed a change over the past few years among staff and residents."  Some of them lauded the "positive teamwork attitude and happy residents."

That's certainly different from what is usually heard at election time. 

Stewart-King said she has one goal at Gracedale - to provide "the best life that our residents can have."  She is proud of her staff, acknowledging the work is demanding. "It's a tough job. You're taking care of someone's life. Sometimes it's rewarding and sometimes it's frustrating because people yell at you because they can't do anything. They come into a nursing home and sometimes it's their last place to go. They're frustrated. They've lost their independence. " 

As a result of this positive survey, Stewart-King predicts that Gracedale's Medicare rating will rise from its current 3 stars (average). It's current 4-star health inspection will go up to 5 (much above average). 

According to that most recent survey, Gracedale's staffing now is rated at 3 stars (average) .  

Stewart-King indicated the home is working on improving its low quality measures (1 star), which she attributes to sending residents to the hospital instead of providing care in-house. 

Gracedale's average census in May was 415. The current average census is 430. (There are 682 licensed beds). 

Its average nursing hours per resident per day (called PPD) is 3.3., above the 2.87 state minimum. Starting 7/1/24, the PPD minimum will be 3.2. 

She hired 20 workers in May, but lost 19. She is forced to use agency nurses to fill staff shortages and told Council that even hospitals are now losing nurses to agencies that pay high wages but provide no benefits. 

She also updated Council on the performance audit being performed by an independent agency. 

Easton City Administrator Luis Campos Collapses While Running

Lehigh Valley Live reports that Easton City Administrator Luis Campos is in critical condition after collapsing during a run in Wednesday. Luis also served as Northampton County's Administrator. 

It was hot Wednesday. I was on the bike for a longish ride, but had plenty of water and rode mostly in shaded areas at a slow pace. Running is a far more demanding (and punishing) activity. 

Northampton County Council's former Clerk, Frank Flisser, was an avid long-distance runner. He suffered a stroke while on a run, and managed to get home before seeking attention. 

I hope Luis has a quick recovery. He and I had our issues when he was at Northampton County, but I respected him. He always had kind words for my grandson. 

Take warmer weather seriously. 

Despite Veto, NorCo Voters Will Decide on Term Limits For County Office in November

Lori Vargo Heffner

Northampton County Council last night overrode an Executive Lamont McClure veto of a plan to allow voters to decide this November on term limits for the Executive, Controller and Council members.  

On June 15, Council decided by a 6-3 vote to allow voters to decide whether County Council members and the Executive should be term-limited.  By a 6-2 vote, with one abstention, they also agreed to ask voters whether the Controller should be term-limited. 

Under the proposal, which will be put to voters in November, the following term limits would apply: Executive and Controller - no more than two successive terms; and County Council - no more than three successive terms. 

The legislation would permit elected officials to return to office after taking a break. For example, after serving two consecutive terms, an Executive or Controller could return to the office once held, but would have to sit out one term. 

If adopted by voters, these term limits would go into effect for the terms starting in January 2024 (County Council and Controller) and January 2025 (Executive).

Voting for the measure were sponsors Lori Vargo-Heffner, John Goffredo, John Brown, Tom Giovanni and Kerry Myers. All but Vargo-Heffner are Republicans.

Voting No to term limits for the Executive and County Council were Democrats Kevin Lott, Tara Zrinski and Ron Heckman. Voting No on term limits for the Controller were Kevin Lott and Ron Heckman. Zrinski abstained because she is running for Controller and felt conflicted, even though Council Solicitor Chris Spadoni advised her there is no conflict as a matter of law. 

On June 23, McClure vetoed this plan. He argued that Council had stressed a need to be consistent, but used inconsistent language in the enabling ordinances. He took no stand, however, on the merits of the proposal and decided against addressing his veto in his report to Council last night  

The override was supported by the same six Council members who voted to allow voters to decide whether these offices should be term limited. The veto was supported by the same three Council members who oppose term limits for county elected officials, although Council member Tara Zrinski abstained from the vote for Controller because she's running for that office. 

Tara Zrinski

Zrinski opposed asking voters to make this call in a municipal election because voter turnout is lower than in a Presidential or midterm election. She added that voting on term limits in this election, in which she's incidentally a candidate, would drive turnout by one party over the other, "and that can be seen as influencing a race."

Hmmm. Election interference? Where have I heard that before?

"I do not see the sea of people that we normally get for something that is urgent," she continued. 

Council member Kevin Lott agreed with Zrinski. He questioned Council's motive, noting that he's heard no one complain about a need for term limits among county elected officials. He added there was no study and no experts, but Council instead rushed. "I think something this important should have had a lot more thought," he observed. He also made the argument that local government usually has a problem attracting candidates, and this just pushes them away. "I think it's downright a bad idea to have term limits on local government."

John Goffredo

Council member John Goffredo responded to Lott and Zrinski. "I don't like the insinuation that there's a conspiracy going on ..., "he began. He noted that term limits on a local level would set a "good example" for higher government. "There are people running the country that I wouldn't let run a calculator, in my opinion." He added that support for term limits is widespread from both sides of the political equation, and argued it would open the doors to get more people involved in county government. Moreover, he likes the idea of asking people who voted in a local government election to decide on term limites for county officials. "This is a local government topic that we're talking about. I think it's the perfect election for it to be up in."

Zrinski called Goffredo "naive" and continued her argument that the referendum on term limits would be a "tool to drive out voters."

Zrinski: "This is not something that our constituents want ..."

Goffredo:  " - because we voted for it ... "

Zrinksi: "I'm not done yet. Thank you so much."

Goffredo: "Don't yell." 

Zrinski: "Please let me finish. ... No one has stated why this is happening right now in such an immediate way within two months and what I think that I want to say is that none of us here sitting on Council are Strom Thurmond, None of us sitting on Council today are decrepit. We all have our faculties.

(Council members start to laugh).

Zrinski: "Why would you laugh at that? We all have our faculties and if we wanted to step down, we could. ... ." 

Goffredo: "It's coming up now because we voted on it and it passed democratically. It's going on a referendum democratically. If people say they want it, they will then vote for it. I don't understand why I'm being lectured on how the democratic process works when we're following it right here and now. If you don't like it, vote No. If you like it, vote Yes." 

Council member Ron Heckman supports term limits for state and federal officials but thinks they are unnecessary on a local level.  He dismissed Zrinski's argument that this referendum should wait for a Presidential. "I actually prefer the people who vote in local elections. They really take this stuff seriously. And if it's 25 or 30 per cent, that's who votes." He also rejected the conspiracy theory being urged by Zrinski and Lott. "I don't want us to get caught up in the whole nonsense that brought about the other side on January 6. Let's not pretend that couldn't happen to us if we start having litmus tests." 

Council member Lori Vargo Heffner was the last to speak. She was recently vilified as a DINO by presumptive Council member Kelly Keegan for supporting the term limits proposal. She was even besieged by unions. This is nonsense. I periodically ask readers to weigh on on what government reforms they would like to see. Term limits are always near the top of the list, and by people of both conservative and liberal persuasion. It is neither a Democratic or Republican idea. Here's what she said: "I just want to thank my colleagues on Council for participating in the governance process. This was not just done willy-nilly. It was done over time. It was done in committee. It was done with a lot of thought and everybody who sat in those committee meetings added their thoughts, added their opinions, tweaked it and moved it. ... There's been a lot of insinuations about the why and the who and the motive and whatever, and I just think the County Council has done its job and I appreciate everybody here who participated in that process. And anybody who doesn't think it's a good idea and doesn't want to give it to the voters - that's all this is, giving it to the people to vote on. We don't determine what this is today. It goes on a referendum and they decide. And it goes in an election where Republicans, Democrats and independents get to decide. Not hidden in a primary next year. So if people can't figure out how to use this to get more voter participation, I don't know what to say to them. But I appreciate this Council's not being willing to push something down the road, not address the Home Rule Charter ... "

My takeaways:

1) When someone states she has all her faculties, she usually does not. 

2) I oppose term limits for local elected officials, but am enough of a small "d" Democrat to allow the voters to decide. I expect it will pass overwhelmingly.

3) There is no conspiracy to drive turnout one way or the other. Term limits are neither a Democratic nor a Republican idea. 

4) The Trumpesque vilification of Lori Vargo Heffner over this matter by future Council member Kelly Keegan was completely unwarranted. 

Did Trump Dox Obama?

According to the INKY, former President Donald Trump doxed former President Barack Obama.  In response, one of his myrmidons allegedly traveled across the country with deadly intent: 

"Taylor Taranto, 37, who prosecutors say participated in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, kept two firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition inside a van he had driven cross-country and had been living in, according to a Justice Department motion that seeks to keep him behind bars.

"On the day of his June 29 arrest, prosecutors said, Taranto reposted a Truth Social post from Trump containing what Trump claimed was Obama’s home address. In a post on Telegram, Taranto wrote: 'We got these losers surrounded! See you in hell, Podesta’s and Obama’s.' That’s a reference to John Podesta, the former chair of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Democratic presidential campaign.

"Taranto also told followers on his YouTube live stream that he was looking to get a 'good angle on a shot.'"

Doxing someone is in itself legal, but it certainly helps establish criminal intent as prosecutors ponder Trump's state of mind when he exhorted a mob to take over the capitol building on January 6, 2020. 

I personally believe doxing someone's specific address should be a crime. It is a dangerous practice employed all too often by left and right extemists.

Former Allentown Resident Files for Wild's Congressional Seat

Maria Montero, who grew up in both Northeastern Pa and Allentown, has filed a Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission for the seat currently held by Susan Wild. 

A Republican, Montero graduated from St. Joseph's University and Widener School of Law. After graduating from law school, she moved back to the Allentown area to practice worker's compensation law. She has said that "a major family event pulled me into the family business, El Torero Spanish Newspaper." That major family event appears to be the arrest and subsequent conviction of Ricardo Montero for the sexual assault of a 15 year-old girl. Whatever happened, obviously, is no reflection on Maria.

She states that she took over the newspaper. She adds that she co-founded  Power of Women Networking Initiatives and volunteered with Catholic Charities. Under Governor Corbett, she was the Exec Director of the Governor's Advisory Committee for Latino Affairs. She is also a member of the board of Pa. Parks and Forests Foundation.

She appears to work in Philadelphia at the Pa Convention Center, but has recently relocated her residence to somewhere in the Lehigh Valley. 

In 2019, Moreno did seek the nomination of her party in a special election to fill Pennsylvania 12th Congressional district, but was unsuccessful. 

It is likely that State Rep. Ryan MacKenzie will also be seeking the Republican nomination for Congress.  

NorCo Council Taking Controller Applications

From NorCo Council: Notice is hereby given that the Northampton County Council is accepting the names of individuals who are interested in filling the Northampton County Controller position. Any individual filling the Controller vacancy must comply with Northampton County Home Rule Charter Section 103 "General Qualifications" which provides, "During his term of office each elected official shall be a citizen of the United States and shall reside continuously in the County. Each elected official shall have resided in the County continuously during the year preceding the commencement of his term of office."

Individuals interested in filling the Controller vacancy should send a letter, together with a written resume, to the Office of Northampton County Council, c/o Kerry L. Myers – President, Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042, or by email to lzembo@norcopa.gov .

Applications must be received in the Northampton County Council office by July 13, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Notice is further given that the applications of those interested in filling the Northampton County Controller vacancy will be reviewed and the applicants interviewed at the Northampton County Council Personnel Committee meeting to be held July 19, 2023, commencing at 4:00 p.m., prevailing local time, in the Northampton County Council meeting room, room No. 3116, third floor, Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA. Individuals with questions may contact the office of the Northampton County Council by telephone at (610)829-6596.

A Possible NorCo Solution to Workforce Housing

Bethlehem, in particular, has lamented its dearth of housing for working people.  City officials, however, have played their part in creating this crisis. They've raised taxes for three out of the last five years. The only thing that stopped them from doing so over the past two years was an influx of federal funds to fight COVID. This in turn resulted in runaway inflation. Northampton County's tax bill is the lowest among most municipalities. It was even reduced two years ago. That helps reduce the cost of housing. It is building 50 homes for workforce housing on 11 acres in Forks Tp. I have a suggestion for doing more. 

Northampton County maintains something called "the repository." It's a judicial limbo for properties unsold after a tax sale.  Northampton County has nearly 50 of these tracts right now.  In most cases, little can be done with them. The lots are too small. But this is precisely where underutilized tiny homes come into play. 

I believe the county, in conjunction with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, could help municipalities create zoning overlay districts for tiny homes. Changes to building codes should be advocated as well. 

Instead of ruining existing farmland, tiny homes on small lots in already dense areas would add to the tax base, provide homes that people can actually afford and give them access to most of wht is needed with a five-minute walk. 

How NorCo Council Must Fill Controller Vacancy

On Friday, Northampton County advised news outlets that Controller Richard "Bucky" Szulborski had passed away. I have no information on funeral arrangements and will pass that along as soon as I get it. It almost seems disrespectful to discuss Bucky's successor, but he must be replaced quickly. A Controller has to sign off on multiple financial documents.

The procedure for filling a vacancy in elected office is set forth in the Home Rule Charter. Thus, the vacancy has existed since Friday. 

Under the Charter, "A vacancy in the office of an elected official shall occur upon his death ...  ." Szulborski was an appointed, not elected, official. But he was appointed to fill "a vacancy in the office of an elected official."  Thus, it makes no difference that he himself is unelected. The vacancy is in the office, not the person. 

How is the vacancy filled? Here's what the Charter provides:

(1) "If a vacancy in the office of an elected official occurs during the last two (2) years of the term of office, the County Council within thirty (30) days after the occurrence shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy by resolution. If the County Council fails to appoint an individual to fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the vacancy, the Court, upon the petition of any member of the County Council or any five (5) registered voters of the County, shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy within fifteen (15) days after the filing of the petition. The individual appointed to fill the vacancy shall take office immediately upon appointment and shall serve the unexpired term of office of the elected official."

(2) "If a vacancy in the office of an elected official occurs during the first two (2) years of the term of office, an individual shall be appointed in accordance with the preceding paragraph of this subsection to serve only until the certification of the results of the next election to be held in the County no sooner than sixty (60) days after the occurrence of the vacancy. At this election the registered voters of the County shall elect an individual to fill the vacancy. The individual elected to fill the vacancy shall take office immediately upon the certification of the results of the election and shall serve the unexpired term of office of the elected official."

Since the vacancy in the office of Controller occurred in the last two years of the term of office,  Paragraph (1) applies. First, it  provides that County Council (not the Executive) makes the appointment. Second, it must be done within 30 days of the occurrence of the vacancy. Third, if Council fails to act within that time, any Council member or any five registered voters can request the court to make the appointment. Fourth, if the Court makes the appointment, it must do so within 15 days of the request. Fifth, County Council must act by resolution. 

Under the Charter, a resolution can be introduced by a single member of County Council. No second is needed. See Sec. 604(b). It must be introduced in written form, with a copy provided to each member. See Sec. 604.  It must be supported by a majority of the Council members, not the majority of a quorum,. See Sec. 601. In other words, if only five members are at a meeting, they must all support the resolution for it to pass. 

Who should Council appoint? 

At this time, two Council members - John Cusick and Tara Zrinski - are running for Controller. It would be unwise for Council to appoint either candidate. Politically, it would ignite a firestorm  among supporters of the rejected candidate. It would also create a vacancy on County Council, which would be bad government. 

Are there nonpolitical choices? I'd say yes, if they are willing to serve. After nearly 42 years with the county, lead auditor Paul Albert recently retired. He's be ideal. The county's retired budget administrator, Doran Hamann, is another excellent choice. Finally, there's former Controller John T Schimmel. He's a Republican, but was apolitical. 

Updated 12:50 pm. Bucky Szulborski's obituary is listed at Cantelmi Funeral Home. He was 74 and is survived by his brother, sister-in-law, a nephew and two nieces. His services will be private. 

Gettysburg: "Let no man be deceived this morning that the city of Harrisburg "

The July 4 edition of the Sunbury American is a four-page newspaper, with most of the news on the second page. It's a very large page. The transcript you see below is only about half of it.  The reporting concerning the actual battle is surprisingly accurate, given the restrictions placed on journalists by a Union military that would prefer to keep Confederates guessing as to movement and strength. It's very clear that Confederates received no warm welcomes from civilians in Carlisle, Chambersburg and York. There were also concerns about "Copperheads," the name given to Copperhead Democrats who sympathized with rebels. 

We are pretty polarized today, but nothing like what was happening at this time in 1863, both at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. 

LATEST NEWS

Battle Near Gettysburg

Near Gettysburg, July 1

A heavy engagement has been going on since 9 o'clock this A. M., between the rebel force of Longstreet and Hill and the First and Eleventh corps, under Gens Reynolds and Meade.

The locality of the fight is beyond Gettysburg, on the Chanbersburg Pike.

Portions of the fight have been very severe and attended with heavy loss. Thus far the onset of the enemy has been successfully resisted by the two corps mentioned and the Third and Twelfth are now coming up.

I regret to aay that Maj. Gen. Reynolds was mortally wounded, and has since died.

STILL LATER.

Washington, July 2.

The latest dispatches received from General Meade are dated last night; they state that the corps engaged with Ewell's army were Reynolds' and Howard's.

Pleasanton succeeded in inflicting a serious injury upon Stuart's cavalry. General Reynolds was killed. The reports received from all quarters are encouraging.

FURTHER PARTICULARS

Baltimore July 2.

Gen. Reynolds was killed at the battle near Gettysburg. His body arrived here this morning, and was taken to the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. Gildersleve. We regret to learn from an officer who brought down the body of Gen. Reynolds, that Brigadier General Paul was killed in the same fight in South Gettysburg. Gen. Paul commanded the third brigade of the First Army Corps.

Cols. Stone and Wistar were both wounded and taken prisoner.

Col. Wistar commanded a Pennsylvania regiment, the Bucktails, and Colonel Stone also commanded a Pennsylvania regiment in the second brigade of the First Army Corps, snd was acting brigadier of the second brigade.

 Newton took command of the First Army Corps on the fall of Major Genernl Reynolds.

LATER.

We learn from one of the officers of Gen. Reynolds staff, that our force passed through Gettysburg at 10 o'clock yesterday morning and when a quarter of a mile west of the town encountered Longstreet and Hill, who attacked Reynolds' corps, which was in the advance. It stood the force of an attack until relieved by the Third corps. The rebels made a strong attempt to flank our position, but were repulsed, and it was here that Generals Reynolds and Paul were killed by a volley from the infantry of the Rebels.

At the close of the evening, the whole Army of the Potomac had reached the field, and Gen. Meade had all arranged for the renewal of the battle this morning. The loss of the enemy is fully equal to ours - Our loss to officers is severe. Colonels Wistar and Stone and others are wounded.

THE INVASION,

THE SITUATION.

[From the Harrisburg Telegraph of the 1st Inst.]

Let no man be deceived this morning that the city of Harrisburg is safe from rebel attack; that they have left our immediate vicinity, and retracing their steps towards Virginia. Such is not the fact. It is true that thev hare retreated from our immediate front, but there is no doubt that they are concentrating their forces in the mountains between Carlisle and Gettysburg. Remember that they left Chambersburg, and after their citizens returned to their homes, believing that they would not be molested again. the rebels returned, which enabled them to steal mote the last time than thev obtained on their first visit.

Danger to Pennsylvania nnd the North is still imminent - everything depending upon the encounter between Lee and Meade. If our armv should be defeated, we have no hope except in the large armies raised in the North. No efforts should be spared to bring forward military organizations everywhere. We have the best of reasons for giving this intimation.

ARRIVAL OF THE REBELS

During the afternoon of Saturday the advance guard of rebels arrived at Carlisle, which consisted of twelve regiments, who encamped ut the Garrison, one brigade encamped in the College grounds, and another brigade at Bosler's Mills, at the head of the Letort Springs.

They had twenty pieces of artillery with them, nnd under the command of Gen. Ewell.

Gen. Senkins rode at once towards Mechanicsburg, with a force of about fifteen hundred cavalry. Gen. Johnson had a force of near five thousand men around Plainfield nnd Mount Rock.

ROBBING STORES

On Sunday morning the marauders commenced robbing the stores nnd houses of citizens, Mr. Lyne, the hardware merchant, lost about $4,000 worth of hardware.

Mr. Saxton, another hardware merchant, was completely robbed of everything in his store.

Small grocery stores were also completely cleaned out, nothing worthy of notice was left behind. F. Showers, lost about seven hundred barrels of whisky.

A GOOD SECRETER.

The Rev. Mr. Smiley, who keeps a clothing and boot and shoe store, was more fortunate than his neighbors. He had upwards of $20,000 worth of goods secrcted, in such a complete manner that all their efforts to find them proved unavailing. Several copperheads had discovered that his goods were removed, and our Rererned friend was compelled to move thcm several times to keep their hiding places unknown. Several men were especially busy to give informationn against loyal citizens, and told them where the goods were secreted.

PRIVATE HOUSES

were disturbed only where goods were secreted, but nearly every house was searched and wherever goods were found they were carried off.

NEWS FROM VICKSBURG

Whilst the rebels were in Carlisle they received the news that Vicksburg had fallen, which dispirited them very much.

OUTRAGEOUS TREATMENT OF UNION PRISONERS.

One hundred and twenty-six prisoners which they had captured at Gettysburg, were paroled this morning in the market house. These men were robbed of their boots, shoes and stockings, and obliged to walk from Gettysburg to Carlisle. The articles taken from them were immediately placed on the feet of rebels.

DEPARTURE OF TROOPS

Gen. Ewell's forces commenced to leave Carlisle yesterday morning at 8 o'clock, their rear column got out about 8 o'clock. Some 250 cavalry were still in and around the town at 12 o'clock, at which time the Barricks had not been burnt. They moved towards Mount Holly on the Baltimore pike. The force under Gen. Johnson stationed at Mount Rock and Plainfield, also retreated last night at 11 o'clock.

DESERTION.

Several hundred deserted from their ranks. The largest portion of them were very tired of the war.

REBELS AT YORK.

The rebels have also left York for the same direction. The highway robber. Gen. Early, issued the following impudent address to the citizens before leaving, after having robbed them of everything that he could carry. Read it:

York, Pa., June 30, 1863.

to the Citizens of York:

I haved abstained from burning the railroad building; and car shops in vour town because after examination I am satisfied that the safety of the town would bo endangered, and acting in the spirit of humanity which has ever characterized my government and its military authorities, I do not desire to involve the innocent with the same punishment of the guilty. Had I applied the torch without regard to consequences, I would have pursued a course that would have been fully vindicated as an act of just retaliation for the unparalled acts of brutality perpetrated by your own army on our soil. But wo do not war upon women and children and I trust the treatment you have met with at the hands of my soldiers will open your eyes to tho odious tyranny which it is apparent to all you are yourselves practicing.

J. A. EARLY,

Major General, C. S.

THE MILITARY SPIRIT.

The rebel invasion has aroused our people completely, thousands are arriving here to shoulder the musket. The rebel raid, so far, has done an immense amount of injury, but it will shorten the war very much. Our people are now thoroughly united and aroused on tho subject, and will fight the rebels to the bitter end. Lee has done us a great deal of good in that respect, and we shall profit by it.

FROM YORK COUNTY.

A refugee who arrived in this city last night from Wrigbtsville, says that the rebels only succeeded in colleetiug $27,010 in money, and $7,000 in goods, of the amount levied on the people of York. At York they destroyed fifty freight cars.

A lot of frame buildings were destroyed at Wrightsville, including a foundry aud the postal office, by the fire from the bridge.

HARRISBURG, July 1,

The movement of the troops on the Cumbeland side of the river, to day, were all strictly confidential. No passes were isued to citizens to cross the river, and reporters, particularly, were positively forbidden to cross or in any way to make use of information concerning the operations of the Army of the Susquehanna. Of course these facts will heighten public expectations.

We learn from persons who left Carlisle this morning at four o'clock, that the rebels evacuated the town at eleven o'clock last night. They state that the rebels were in great consternation, and left in such a hurry that they were unable to destroy the Garrison.

They robbed the grocery store of Mr. Joseph Halbert whilst he was actually dying and made themselves jolly on his [illegible] whilst he was lying dead in the house.

The railroad track is torn up from Carlilse as far as the poor house, a little over a mile. A large force of hands from the Pennsylvania railroad went over to the other side this morning and we presume that the road will be fully repaired in a day.

The rebels left without destroying tbe United States barracks. This is a most singular proceeding; Thoy must expect to come back, otberwise it would have been destroyed.

THE DOINGS OF THE REBELS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

HARRISBURG, July 2.

We saw and conversed with a gentleman last night, who had just managed to effect his escape from Franklin county. Ho gives a horrible description of the ravage of tho rebels in Chambersburg, nnd within a circle of ten miles around that ancient borough. Every article that the rebel desired to eat or to wear, was ruthlessly wrested from the people. After the stores of Chamberasburg had been stripped, private residences were entered, and then searchcd from the attic to the cellar. In robbing the stores, the rebels destroyed what they could not carry off. Suuar was trampled under toot. Coffee was scattered on the side-walks. Rebel canteens were filled with molasses. Webs of muslin, roll of cloth, hats, shoe, hardwuru, drugs, medicines, and every article of manufacture or merchandise, were seized, placed in wagons, and sent toward the Potomac. After the stores had been thus relieved, citizens were attacked on the streets, their hats taken from their heads, their coats pulled from their backs, nnd their feet relieved of their shoes or boots. It wus evident, too, that the rebels had the assistance of the copperhead spies of Chambersburg, as they would visit a citizen, nnd announce tu them that they wanted certain articles, coupling with the announcement the information, that they (the rebels) would point to the spot where the articles were concealed, and if they were not voluntarily given up, they would be taken by force, even nt the peril of the life of the owner. One citizen of Chambershurg had secreted iu his cellar three barrel of fine sugar. He was called on by the rebels, informed that they knew the fact, nnd then asked to hand it over. One lady was told that she was suspected to have abundance of jewelry, that it was secreted in a certain part of her residence, and that if she did not show where it was, her house would be fred to light the chivalriu thieves to the spot where the jewels were secreted. In many of the houses of Chambrsburg the clothing of the male inmates was so completely cur ried off that the owner can scarcely appear in public, unless it is as a Georgia captain once reported ou parade, iu a shirt and a pair of spurs.

Our informant, on whose statement this description is written, says that Franklin county will not fully recover from the effects of this raid for years to come. It has completely ruined many of the most prosperous men of ChamberMiurg and vicinity. And it has made an impression ou the minds of all, which will hereafter put an end to much of treason sympathy which heretofore abounded iu that locality.

A BATTLE IN PROGRESS.

Nine o'clock, p. m. A battle is now in progress. Heavy cannonading has been heard all evening, and we have no doubt Gen. Meade's forces have surprised the enemy on the South Mountains between York Springs nnd Mt. Holly, or Gen. Knipe's forces have encountered them and are attacking their rear guards.

Half past ten. - A large fire can be seen in the direction of Carlisle, and is surmised that the rebels have returned to burn the Barracks.

"Everything Is Quiet in the Neighborhood of Gettysburg"

Today is the anniversary of the first day of the three-day battle between rebel and union forces at Gettysburg in 1863. The Union victory, coupled with the astonishing surrender of Vicksburg to Union General Ulysses S Grant on July 4, marked the turning point of the Civil War. 

This battle was fought during a time in which telegraphs facilitated communication. But there was no social media to provide minute-by-minute reports of what was happening. People and even the military relied instead on newspapers. The Potter Journal published on July 1 included  a one-week old story that warned the rebels were coming, but no one was sure exactly where. Readers were told, "Everything is quiet in the neighborhood of Gettysburg ... ."  Lee had split his corps and was shielding his movement along the South Mountain.  Today, the battered but unbowed Army of the Potomac would again face the Army of Northern Virginia. But this time it would be on their soil and on ground of their own choosing.  

WASHINGTON, June 24,1863. — All is quiet in our front today. Reconnaissance to the Rappahannock show that there is no Rebel force on this side above Kelly's Ford. We hold all the gaps of the Bull Run range.

Four wagons containing ammunition, etc, were captured and destroyed by some of Moseby'a partisans, yesterday, near Cub Run, on the Chantilly road, and several of them have been captured.

The Rebels are within 25 miles of Harrisburg. The enemy's column halted about dusk about eight miles the other side of Carlisle and went into camp. The authorities are in telegraphic communication with Greysaer's Station, two miles from the Rebel pickets. Their line tonight is very strong.

The result of tomorrow is looked for ward to with much anxiety. Gen. Knipe may give the enemy battle at Carlisle, or can fall back to the Susquehanna. A battle will undoubtedly be fought or the place evacuated before tomorrow.

Gen. Couch has thrown a strong column in the neighborhood of Gettysburg - on the enemy's right flank. This, in connection with certain movements by the Army of the Potomac in their rear, will make it a dangerous experiment for them to hold the line of the Susquehanna.

Numerous arrests have been made today on the south side of the river of parties suspected of being Rebel spies and guerrillas, but on the cases being investigated, most of them proved refugees.

The clerks and attaches of the State capital today organized themselves into a company for the defense of the city. The works on the opposite side of the river have been completed, and guns have been mounted.

The Philadelphia Grey Reserves, 1000 strong, are still here, but refuse to be, mustered in. Their conduct is severely commented on by the other troops.

Gen. Andrew Porter arrived here today, and tendered his services to the authorities.

Everything is quiet in the neighborhood of Gettysburg and Hanover Junction. Great activity is being displayed in that quarter to prevent any demonstration o the line of the Northern Central Railroad.

A Rebel operator at 10 o'clock tonight attacked the wires at McConnellsburg, and opened communication with Pittsburgh. He told a long story about Jenkins, and what he intended doing. No reliance is placed inoit.

It is reported here and believed that Gen. Milroy has been relieved of his command.

It is known here to a certainty that, 20 regiments of Rebel infantry passed through Chambersburg today. They were moving towards Harrisburg, and are undoubtedly Gen. Ewell's corps (late Stonewall Jackson's). Importaut events are likely to transpire tomorrow.

Later and trustworthy accounts from Frederick all state that there are no rebels near there, and that the force in the Valley beyond South Mountain has made no movement in this direction. There are no regiments east of Boonsboro, which is four miles west of' South Mountain.

Information at headquarters goes on to confirm the previous accounts of a very heavy force being in the Valley west of Boonsboro. They wore moving northward, but it is not ascertained whether they were taking the Chambersburg road or the road leading toward Gettysburg. The artillery accompanying the body of  Rebels is said to number 69 pieces.

Some of the students of St. James College, near Hagerstown, arrived at Baltimore this evening, who passed through the rebel lines yesterday. The accounts given by them agree as to the force being large, and as to the number of cannon One student estimated the column he saw at 5,000 strong.

Gens. Lee and Longstreet were both at Winchester on Friday last with 100,000 men. They intended to cross the Potomac in two days.

Large Rebel trains, wagons, provisions, tents, etc., were moving North through Hagerstown, Martinsburg and Boonsbore on Sunday last.

Geu. Rhodes' Rebel division, 10,000 strong, left Hagerstown on Tuesday for Chambersburg. Gen. Jobnson's Rebel division 12,000 strong with 13 pieces of artillery, had crossed at Shepherdstown.