Whitehall-Coplay Press

Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th, was recently honored with The Friend of the Farm Bureau Award for consistently voting in favor of the farming community.

"The award recognizes those members of congress who support policies that help farmers obtain profitability with less regulatory interference and increase demand for U.S. products through new uses and enhanced trade opportunities," said Arland Schantz, governmental relations director for the Lehigh County Farm Bureau.

Photos of an event held to benefit Relay for Life

Coplay Borough Council members contend they are not violating the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act by holding committee meetings behind closed doors.

"Committee meetings, we don't have to schedule anything," said Council President Lou Bodish Tuesday night when asked by The Press for a schedule of committee meeting dates, times and minutes. He confirmed the meetings are not advertised or open to the public.

When told by The Press the borough may be in violation of the Sunshine Act, a state law requiring open government meetings, Bodish said, "It is not."

Full of energy and excitement, many dogs barked and sniffed throughout the grounds of Whitehall Parkway during the Whitehall Doggie Day and Pet Parade Saturday, Sept. 29.

The event, sponsored by Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce, allowed residents to bring their dogs to the park to participate in different events.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Animal Health and Welfare Center, Peaceable Kingdom and Lehigh Valley CART.

Vendors' booths filled the park and dogs with their owners perused the animal-friendly marketplace.

Whitehall High School teachers serve fast food as a fundraiser for the student activities club.

Residents should have received information in the mail on the Coplay Lions Club's annual fundraiser.

A self-addressed envelope along with a one-page summary of the organization's mission, programs and projects, was sent recently to each borough resident.

"The Coplay Lions Club provides many services ... some of which you may not be aware," said Lions President Frank Luizer, in the summary.

Although the walls and waters of Whitehall Township's three public swimming pools are a bright blue, they're operating in a sea of red.

In a report released Monday at the township commissioners meeting, Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said a financial accounting was performed on the summer programs run by the township.

"The pools, once again, will run in the red for about $100,000," Hozza stated. The township has three pools – Cementon, Parkview and Jefferson.

Whitehall Fire Department Captain Erik Bammer, left, and Lt. Michael D. Hartranft were honored at Lehigh Valley Health Network's seventh annual Spirit of Courage Awards Oct. 2 on the LVHN Muhlenberg campus. Bammer and Hartranft arrived at a home on Thebes Turn Road Nov. 30, 2011, to find smoke and flames coming from the building. They entered the house in search of the owner, who had gone back inside for his pets. They found him unconscious on the floor alongside his dog. Thanks to their swift action, they were able to carry him outside quickly, where Cetronia ambulance EMTs revived him.

OCTOBER

THURSDAY 11

The Whitehall Township Environmental Advisory Council meets at 7 p.m. in the township municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.

TUESDAY 16

The Whitehall Township Zoning Hearing Board meets at 7 p.m. at the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.

WEDNESDAY 17

The Whitehall Township Planning Commission holds a workshop meeting at 6:30 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the public meeting room at the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.

Oct. 1

· Station 37 tried unsuccessfully to rescue two cats from the storm drain in front of the Giant Store, MacArthur Road, 3:23 p.m.

Oct. 2

· A motor vehicle accident with injuries on Route 22 westbound between MacArthur Road and 15th Street brought out Stations 35 and 36, 11:09 a.m.