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Hundreds flock to Great Southside sale

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 22:31:07 GMT

Hundreds of bargain hunters came out Saturday to the 14th annual Great Southside sale in Bethlehem.

At the end of each school year, Lehigh University students donate unwanted dorm room items.

Buyers could find anything from kitchen tables to shoes to brand new bed linens.

The Lehigh community service office uses the money for their three after-school homework clubs for Southside kids.

"We like to keep our prices extremely low so the families can benefit, but at the same time we take what we can get so we can put it back into the community," said Josh Leight, a graduate assistant at Lehigh University.

Lehigh's after-school programs help local kids get on the college track.

Saturday's sale drew over 900 people within the first ten minutes... exceeding last year's turn out by several hundred.

Telford Marine gets hero's homecoming

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 22:27:58 GMT

He lost his legs because of a land mine in Afghanistan, but a local Marine is still standing tall. Saturday, he got welcomed home by close to 100 friends, family, and complete strangers in Telford, Montgomery Co.

"I didn't expect anything close to this," said Lance Cpl. Tim Donley.

Marines are supposed to be stoic, but you couldn't blame Donley for getting a little emotional.

"God has really blessed me," he said.

Donley came home to a hero's welcome.

"You've done a lot for our country," said one man, shaking Donley's hand. "Thank you very much."

Donley lost both his legs and part of his right arm in Afghanistan after stepping on a land mine in February.

"When I first got hit, well, first I wondered why my life didn't flash in front of my eyes," said Donley. "It shook me really hard … but after that I knew what I had to do. I was looking for my rifle to try to protect myself and try to protect my buddies."

Donley's parents remember when they first heard.

"We were grateful knowing that he was still alive, but in those initial hours, he was fighting for his life still," said Donley's father, Gregg.

Since then, Donley has undergone 17 surgeries, and just recently, walked on prosthetic legs for the first time. "Shorties," he calls them. Until now, Donley has been recovering at Bethesda military hospital, but now, his recovery moves home.

"He is so full of life, so full of life," said family friend Donna Spotts.

It's recovery that includes as much spiritual healing as medicinal. Donley's parents are missionaries who have spent most of their lives overseas.

"Once I'm better, I have a whole life to live ahead of me," said Donley. "And while it might not be the life that I thought it would be, it's still a life worth living."

Even if it gets a stoic Marine a little teary eyed at times.

Follow Donley's progress here.

Woman robbed in Burger King parking lot

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 22:18:56 GMT

Wilson Borough Police are investigating the strong armed robbery of a Burger King employee in the restaurant parking lot.

It happened around 3pm Wednesday at the Burger King at 300 South 25th street in the borough.

Police said a female employee was leaving the restaurant to make a deposit. She was sitting in her vehicle when a Hispanic male in his mid twenties approached her, reached into the vehicle and stole her deposit, according to police.

The man fled the area in a silver sedan and got away with an undisclosed amount of money.

The victim wasn't injured in the robbery, and no weapons were displayed.

Anyone with information on the vehicle depicted is asked to contact Detective Meehan at Wilson Borough police at 610-258-8542.

Police arrest suspected bank robber

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 22:17:43 GMT

Police in Mahoning Township, Carbon County have arrested a Luzerne County man and charged him the robbing a Lehighton bank.

Police said David Dallus Cunard, 46, of Hazleton robbed the PNC bank in Lehighton on May 31st.

Police took Cunard into custody on a warrant late Friday night at his home in Hazleton with the help of officers from the Hazleton City Police Department.

Cunard is charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and more.

He is being held in the Carbon County Prison.

White House Hispanic summit held in Philadelphia

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 22:17:07 GMT

It's a way to bring the White House to Philadelphia and surrounding areas. The White House Initiative on education excellence for Hispanics allows staff from President Barack Obama's cabinet to speak directly to people about programs to help them.

There were a lot of issues at the roundtable discussions.

Education, immigration and jobs.

Organizers said the summit is a way to get information to a part of a population that usually gets left out.

“We want to hear from them, but also share some of the administration accomplishments and priorities with them,”said Jose Rico, executive director.

The White House Initiative on education excellence for Hispanics is a way for staff members of President Barack Obama's cabinet to interact with some of the larger Hispanic communities in the country.

Staffers said it is a way for them to get out of the bubble of the White House and really find out what is going on in the communities.

There are two main goals..

“One it's to get the information out,"said Julie Chavez, associate director for the White House office of public engagement. "It's also to be able to connect with the community to figure out how can federal agencies do a better job in outreach and engagement. Not just today, but throughout the year moving forward.”

Pedro Anes represents the Latino American Alliance of northeast Pennsylvania.

He's attending the summit to make sure all of the Hispanic population in the state get needed information.

Especially those outside of the Philadelphia area.

“The folks are in the shadows," adds Anes. "They don't get exposed to this information. A lot of agencies where these programs, they don't take the intuitive programs because they feel there is no population here.”

Concerned citizens broke up into discussion groups to talk about issues like immigration, jobs, health care and education.

Staffers have been conducting the summits for three years now.

They realize the Hispanic population is growing and they want to make sure people have all the tools they need to be successful. “There is actually less information that is getting to the Hispanic community and that's why we are bringing administration officials to that community to be able to address those issues,” said Rico.

Staffers said they will take all their findings back to the nation's capitol and try to develop stronger bonds between the federal government and the community.

Police ID 3 killed after car crashes through billboard

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 22:16:37 GMT

State Police in Frackville said three people were killed in an early morning crash in Schuylkill County after the car went through a billboard.

It happened on Route 61 about a mile south of Mall Road in Blythe Township.

Police said Shawn Centeleghe, 19, of Friedensburg, was driving a car too fast for the wet conditions on the road, when he lost control driving around a left hand curve. The car then left the roadway, struck a metal guardrail, went airborne and crashed through a billboard, according to police. They said the car continued to be airborne after it went through the billboard until it struck a tree, then came to rest.

Police said Centeleghe, along with passengers Jason Engleman, 23, of Pottsville and a 16-year-old female from Pottsville died in the crash. Another 16-year-old passenger received non-life threatening injuries.

Police said no one in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt.

Route 61 was closed for about two and a half hours after the crash.

Fire Chief relives tale of terror

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:44:54 GMT

Miraculously, a bandaged leg is the only injury that Cressona Fire Chief, John Woleschok, suffered after being caught in a gun shop while it was on fire.

"It was scary, smoky," said Chief Woleschok, Cressona Fire Department, No. 1.

Officials said the fire started in Schuylkill Gun Works, on West Main Street in the borough of Schuylkill Haven.

While Woleschok was fighting the fire, he said his foot became wedged in the floor.

"My foot went down, my pants came up over my boot exposing my skin and then the flames were burning my skin," said Woleschok.

Authorities said the rapid response team, dedicated to rescuing firefighters injured in the line of duty, sprang into action to make sure chief Woleschok made it out alive.

"I was relieved to get out," he said.

Meanwhile, about 100 firefighters rushed to get the blaze under control.

At the height of the fire, several explosions could be heard coming from the gun shop.

"If you've been there before you're used to it. If you've not been through that it's very scary," said Chief Glenn Sattizahn, Schuylkill Haven Fire Department.

Officials estimate the damage to be about $500,000.

Authorities said the aftermath was so bad that the cause of the fire has been ruled undetermined.

"The ATF and the state police fire marshal were here, and the official cause was undetermined," said Chief Sattizahn.

Much of the gun shop will have be demolished, officials said.

As far as Chief Woleschok is concerned, he said he will continue to fight fires.

"I love to do it. It's like a hobby," said Woleschok. "I will keep doing it."

People run miles for Coco

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:14:09 GMT

Allentown residents pounded the pavement Saturday morning to support a three-year-old Leukemia survivor.

The 2nd Annual Miles For Coco 5K run was held at the Lehigh Parkway.

The run was hosted by the Coco Foundation -- it's goal is to raise money to help support families with children who have cancer.

Over 200 people turned out to the race.

Coco was at the race and enjoyed the ride in her stroller.

Softball tournament helps volunteer program

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:07:50 GMT

People were shouting "play ball" Saturday in Berks County.

Berks Connections held it's 6th annual charity Softball Tournament.

Players, fans, and spectators gathered to eat some water ice, raffle off prizes, and play some softball, of course.

Berks Connections is a volunteer program that supports the families of those incarcerated and helps ex-offenders re-enter into the community.

Bethlehem Catholic wins PIAA state volleyball championship

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 19:20:43 GMT

Bethlehem Catholic has won its first ever PIAA 2A state boys volleyball championship.

The Golden Hawks beat York Suburban 3-1 on Saturday at State College to take home the gold.

Becahi lost the first set before battling back to take the next three.

The Golden Hawks started the day with a 3-1 win over Dover in the semifinal round.

Becahi's championship marked the first state gold medal ever for any District 11 boys volleyball team.

International case of missing orphan has local ties

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 19:18:44 GMT

Is it a case of kidnapping or an international custody dispute?

In 2011, 69 News was there as a group of Lehigh Valley residents arrived in earthquake ravaged Haiti to help rebuild an orphanage. Now one of the orphans is missing, and a battle to get her back is beginning right here.

Where is 6 year old July Angela?

It's a question Mercy Village Home officials in Port-au-Prince Haiti and its board members here in the Lehigh Valley have been asking for a week.

Last Friday, Mercy Village says July was forcibly taken from this home in Port-au-Prince.

To give you a little background..

Mercy Village, formerly Rescue Children Orphanage, was founded in 2005 by a woman named Lynda Morrison of South Carolina.

In 2009, Morrison gave the orphange to Ramon Crespo.

The orphanage was featured in two documentaries and several 69 News reports following the 2010 earthquake.

In recent months, Lynda Morrison has contacted 69 News with concerns about Mercy Village, saying "These kids need help, they need to be rescued."

Fast forward to last Friday.

Mercy Village officials say Morrison showed up with several men. One claiming to be a judge and another claiming to be a police officer. Morrison produced what Mercy Village officials say were false documents and forcibly removed July.

Congressman Charlie Dent's office confirms it worked to prevent Morrison from taking July out of the country.

Morrison referred 69 News to her attorney in Haiti, but would not comment further. Her attorney could not be reached for comment.

"We really want to know where July is, we want to bring July back to her home. And then from there whatever the discussion can be done, it should be done from there," said Board member Dr. Iqbal Sorathia.

Sorathia says Mercy Village has filed charges in Port-au-Prince and the United Nations could file charges against Lynda Morrison.

But all Mercy Village really wants is for July to come home.

(The original version of this story contained an error pertaining to the ownership of Mercy Village Orphanage. The orphanage is directly owned by Ramon Crespo. LifeChurch of Allentown has provided funding for the orphanage in the past, but has never been the owner or operator.)

Allentown resident making Cinderella run at French Open

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 19:14:32 GMT

PARIS (AP) - Allentown resident Varvara Lepchenko has made the French Open her own personal Cinderella story.

Unseeded Varvara Lepchenko of the United States stunned 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy 3-6, 6-3, 8-6 in the third round at Roland Garros on Saturday.

The 63rd-ranked Lepchenko never had made it beyond the second round at any Grand Slam tournament.

But she rallied to eliminate Schiavone, who was the runner-up at last year's French Open, in a match that lasted 3 hours, 2 minutes.

The win comes two days after Lepchenko had upset former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic to reach the third round.

Lepchenko joins Sloane Stephens, who won Friday, to give the U.S. two unseeded women in the fourth round at a major tournament for the first time since Wimbledon in 2002.

Lepchenko will face No. 4 seed Petra Kvitova on Monday in the fourth round. Lepchenko was born in Uzbekistan and now lives in Allentown. She became a U.S. citizen last year.

69 News week in review

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 16:33:55 GMT

It's time to look back at the stories making headlines this week in the 69 News week in review.

On Tuesday, two men from Schuylkill County were arrested after police said they tied a man to a tree and left him there to die.

Police arrested Keith Reber, 48, and Daniel Dull, 25, and charged them with homicide and kidnapping.

Police said the two lured Bryan Smith, 26, into the woods behind Reber's home in Manheim Township, gagged him, and tied him to the tree.

They said the men returned to find Smith dead over 20 hours later.

Click here for more on this story.

On Wednesday, officials in Lehigh County had a mystery on their hands after 11 students and a teacher got sick during morning mass at a Catholic School.

It happened at the Saint Michael the Archangel School in Upper Saucon Township.

Firefighters, HazMat crews, and UGI officials were at the scene after four students passed out, and the others felt light headed.

But officials said gas levels in the air were normal, and there was no evidence of an elevated carbon monoxide level.

Doctors said it could have been a heat-related issue, but officials said the air conditioning was on, and the temperature was in the low 60's.

Everyone who was taken to the hospital was treated and released.

Click here for more on this story.

Also on Wednesday, Berks County police busted a drug ring they said operated in an upscale neighborhood and supplied drugs to several counties.

Nine people were arrested in a series of raids in Berks and Lancaster counties.

Police said the alleged ring leaders, Yamil Ruiz and his brother Jorge, supplied narcotics to people in Berks, Lehigh and Lancaster counties.

Police confiscated drugs worth an estimated $200,000.

Several stolen weapons were also seized during the raids.

Click here for more on this story.

On Thursday, four special needs students and a bus driver were rushed to the hospital after their bus crashed into a house.

It happened on Walnut Street in Allentown.

Police said the bus was heading east on Walnut, when it crashed with a car on 9th street.

The impact sent the bus into a home in the 800 block of Walnut street.

Four students were treated and released for minor injuries.

Police said the bus driver ran a red light and could face charges.

Click here for more on this story.

And that's your 69 News week in review.

Look into some of Bethlehem's History this weekend

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 14:20:45 GMT

Want to peek inside some of grand homes built by Bethlehem Steel? Now is your chance. Historic Bethlehem's house tour starts Saturday.

"Oak Knoll was an old Bethlehem Steel home," Homeowner Jamie Musselman said. "Built in 1940 it was one of the grand homes that was down here for the Bethlehem Steel executives," She went on to say.

The 7,000 square foot old farmhouse, sitting on 14 pristine Saucon Valley acres, is also the preview home for Historic Bethlehem's annual house tour.

"This year our theme really was when Bethlehem Steel was a way of life," said Lori Ann Wukitsch of Historic Bethlehem.

From the traditional main residence, to the contemporary guest cottage. Friday's 20th Anniversary of Historic Bethlehem Rooms With a View preview party showed off the estate Ed Martin, of Martin Towers, once called home.

Jamie Musselman and Jim Edwards are the first non Bethlehem Steel owners of Oak Knoll and big supporters of Historic Bethlehem.

"They do such an amazing job of capturing our history and educating people about or history," she said.

Lori Ann Wilson says planning for the event is a year long endeavor.

Saturday Oak Knoll will be joined by 13 other distinctive Bethlehem homes all put on display, with the goal of much more than simply inducing architectural "ahh's."

"Helps to preserve historical structures in downtown Bethlehem. Two of which are historical landmarks," Lori Ann said.

Now at least for a day you can peak inside what Steel built so many years ago.

Boat launches at Blue Marsh Lake closed

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 14:10:47 GMT

Officials have closed boat launches at Blue Marsh Lake, Berks County, due to high water and unsafe conditions.

The announcement came Saturday morning.

Officials said recent rains and flood reduction operations have caused high water and unsafe conditions in the lake.

The boat ramps will remain closed until conditions permit park officials to release the additional water and pool drops.

WWII Weekend begins with downtown battle between US, German forces

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 02:59:12 GMT

The 22nd annual World War II Weekend began Friday with the traditional "liberation of Reading."

A large convoy of U.S. and German military vehicles made its way from the Reading Regional Airport in Bern Township to center city.

Soldiers engaged in a brief gun battle on Penn Street before the Germans were forced to lay down their arms and surrender to U.S. forces.

The reenactment unfolded in front of hundreds of people, including World War II veterans, who gathered for the Downtown Improvement District's first Midday Cafe of the season.

After the battle, a pair of actors portraying Bud Abbott and Lou Costello picked up the microphones and performed the duo's famous "Who's on first?" routine.

World War II Weekend, billed as the nation's largest commemoration of the life and times of America's "Greatest Generation," will take place through Sunday at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum at the airport. The gates open each day at 8:30 a.m.

On Friday, a group of veterans took a trip down memory lane. It's a reunion that many of these pilots look forward to.

"Enjoy it very much," said William Ebersole, a member of the 506th fighter group, 462 squadron. "It's good to see a few of the friends that are still living with us."

The 506th fighter group helped fight in Iwo Jima during World War II. Many were there to protect the B-29 bombers.

These guys said they remember the flights like it was yesterday.

"I flew as a wing man," said Bill Peterson, a member of the 506th fighter group, 408th squadron. "My leader was such a good pilot that he shot them down before I had a chance. I got behind one of them one time, thinking he's miss him and just as I was fixing to pull the trigger, and get a claim, the guy bailed out."

The pilots got a chance to see a plane from the 457th squadron. When it touched down, George Wagner actually shed a tear.

"I've seen pictures of it before, said Wagner. " I guess I wasn't expecting the emotion when I saw it land and recognized it."

Wagner, whose father was the crew chief for the plane, said being with the 506th fighter group helped him feel a little closer to his father, who passed away.

"It's been a real experience meeting these guys and hearing some of their stories. It's phenomenal," added Wagner.

They're stories that Wagner hopes everyone who visits this weekend will get to hear.

In addition to many World War II veterans, more than 1,700 military and civilian reenactors, dozens of planes and as many as 200 military vehicles, from motorcycles to Jeeps, will be on hand.

69-WFMZ-TV is a sponsor of the event.

Police: Dad encouraged daughter to use knife in fight

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 02:47:22 GMT

A man is facing charges for encouraging his daughter to use a knife in a fight, Allentown police said.

Ivan Capetillo Jr. was involved in a disturbance on April 16 in the 1600 block of South 4th Street in Allentown, police said.

The disturbance was a fight between Capetillo's daughter and another student from South Mountain Middle School.

During the fight, police said Capetillo directed his daughter to "mess the girl up" and, while displaying a knife, instructed her to "cut her up."

Capetillo was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and corruption of minors.

He denies his involvement in the incident and said his daughter is a victim of repetitive bullying and assaults.

How to calm your pets during storms

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 02:35:49 GMT

We're not the only ones stressing over the weather, for many dogs loud noises like thunder can be traumatic.

Dr. Elena Sawickij with Allentown Animal Clinic says “Some dogs, they just are genetically fearful...Other dogs they associate it with a bad experience, they've had a bad experience so from there on out they're afraid something bad's going to happen.”

Sawickij says there are some do's and don'ts when it comes to calming your pet down.

“The best things to try to do is to try to distract them, try to pull out their favorite toy, a toy they haven't played with in a while. Try to give them some special treats some of the toys you can fill with peanut butter so they're distracted with something else” she said.

Other noises can be a good distraction too such as turning on a fan or music, but make sure to turn them on before the storm begins.

As for what you don't want to do, Dr. Sawickij says do not commiserate with your dog telling him “it's ok” or cuddle with him.

Doing so, tells the dog its ok to feel scared.

Also yelling or getting angry at the dog isn't a good idea either since all it does is reinforce more fear which is exactly what you want to avoid.

Nazareth preparing for PIAA opener Monday

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 00:12:14 GMT

The Nazareth baseball team won it's second straight District 11 Championship on Wednesday. The win puts the Blue Eagles back in the state tournament where they made a nice little run last year. This year's run starts on Monday. The Blue Eagles get to play close to home, they'll be at Parkland High School and facing Hatboro-Horsham Monday afternoon. It's an early start, they'll throw the first pitch at noon. Nazareth's team is different from last year's team, but there are a few guys that were in this tournament a season ago, and those players know that getting a lead is a key to getting a win this time of year.

Whitehall ready for PIAA round 2 showdown

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 23:57:56 GMT

The Whitehall soccer team was the only one of the three from District 11 to win in round one of the state tournament this week. The Zephyrs earned a one goal win over Carlisle to put them into round two tomorrow evening. Their round two showdown is a good one, the Zephyrs face Governor Mifflin who dominated a Philadelphia team in their opening round win. It's a challenge, but the Zephyrs are ready for it now that they're playing some of their best soccer this postseason.

Mustangs and Tigers resume PIAA play Saturday

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 23:56:43 GMT

The Governor Mifflin soccer team probably wouldn't argue that they got a bit of a bye in round one of the PIAA Tournament. Their win over Central High School in Philly wasn't terribly tough, they scored 7 times in a blowout. Tomorrow, the road gets much tougher. The Mustangs go back to Hamburg tomorrow evening to face Whitehall in the second round of the state tournament. The Mustangs are battle tested, of the eight teams left in the state tournament, seven are from District 3 and the Mustangs finished third in the district tournament so they have played tough competition to prepare for tomorrow. The Fleetwood girls have to go to Hershey to play their second round game tomorrow against District 3 champion Cumberland Valley. The Tigers were impressive in their opening round win too, but they'll have to play a great game if they're going to advance again tomorrow and continue to carry the torch for the Tigers program that's been so good over the years.

Woman, 75, facing possible eviction for displaying US flags

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 23:31:01 GMT

A Warren County, N.J., woman is making national news because she was told she can't display her flags on her balcony.

Punished for being patriotic.

Sound absurd? Not to 75 year old Dawn Paulus.

“I will get an eviction notice it's possible,” Paulus said.

She said the notice is for hanging three American flags from her 6th floor balcony at the Housing Authority owned John F O'Donnell Apartments on South Main Street in Phillipsburg.

“It's my constitutional right and my freedom to hang these flags,” Paulus said.

Ex-Director of the Phillipsburg Housing Authority Paul Rummerfield said this isn't an issue about freedom, the flag or constitutional rights, but instead Dawn's lease.

“Fact is it's hung from the balcony.. and the lease says nothing can be hung,” said Rummersfield.

In the lease agreement given to all Housing Authority tenants, it clearly states nothing can hung from balcony.

Rummerfield calls it a safety issue.

“How about the flower pot of the hanging basket, if something fell we would not do enough to protect them,” Rummersfield said.

Dawn can display her flag from a window or even from the balcony, it just can't be hanging.

This story has garnered national attention. Rummerfield said he's been getting threatening calls and e-mails.

As for Dawn, even she agrees she'll more than likely have to take the flag down.

You're a grand old flag

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 22:47:31 GMT

On June 14, 2012, Allentown will celebrate Flag Day, as it has for many years. There will be a ceremony at West Park, complete with plenty of Sousa music and tributes to the national banner that the Allentown Flag Day Association has honored since 1907. Born at a time of optimistic patriotism when the United States was first recognized as a world power, Flag Day remains a symbol that holds together a much changed nation, uniting Americans of all races and creeds.

Exactly how Flag Day came about is somewhat open to debate. The first national anniversary celebration of a day devoted to the flag came in 1877. The nation was then caught up in the 100th anniversary of American Independence, and the holiday to celebrate the national banner made sense on the anniversary of Congress passing a resolution in 1777 that created a flag for the United States.

Francis Scott Key put the flag on the map as a national icon when he wrote the "Star Spangled Banner" after watching the bombardment of Ft. McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812. Added to this was the flag coming into its own as symbol of a re-united nation following the Civil War.

How often Flag Day was celebrated in the 19th century after 1877 is open to question. Some places celebrated it more than others and some not at all. What is clear from the record is that although Allentown may not have been the first place to celebrate Flag Day, it and the Flag Day Association were certainly a major part of getting it adopted as a national celebration by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and eventually into a national holiday when President Harry Truman signed the National Flag Day Bill in 1949.

Perhaps the single most important individual in Allentown in getting the Flag Day Association organized and boosting the holiday into a national event was a Joseph "Joe" Hart. Largely forgotten today, he was a local presence in early 20th century Allentown that could not be ignored.

Hart, a native of Lansing, Michigan, was born in 1850. In the post Civil War era he went West to the last remaining American frontier. Here as an impressionable teenager, he not only helped out his father- who sold shirts to the soldiers in the frontier forts- but also developed a larger sense of America's national destiny.

Hart was both a natural salesman and a promoter, a talent that he developed into a career as a stage and theater manager. During that time he travelled the world and became friendly with William Cody, aka Buffalo Bill, and Sir Thomas Lipton, the tea planter and yachtsman.

Hart first came to Allentown in 1890, promoting a theatrical production of a then-popular play, "The Second Mrs. Winthrop." By 1895 he had decided to stop his wandering life and settle down in Allentown.

He took a job as salesman with Aschbach's Music House, moving into a modest home on N. Jefferson Street. He liked the city and the city liked him. Hart quickly became a leading figure in just about every fraternal organization in Allentown from the Elks to the Order of Red Men. By the early 20th century, Hart was widely known as one of the most influential Elks in the state.

It was in 1905 that Hart came up with the idea of an Allentown Flag Day event. On June 14th of that year a small ceremony was held in the Lehigh County Courthouse to celebrate Flag Day. Working with him was a number of Civil War veterans. Chief among them was Commander Abandon S. Moyer, a veteran of the War Between the States and head of the Yeager Post 13 of the Grand Army of the Republic, a national veterans association. In the crowd was then-Colonel and later General Harry C. Trexler, a major industrialist who owned the Trexler Lumber Company and the Lehigh Valley Transit Company, the region's major streetcar line.

The primary speaker was attorney Fred Gernard, who represented Lehigh County in Congress in the early 1920s. Gernard's topic was the suffering of local men during the American Revolution at the Battle on Long Island, an American defeat in 1777.

"How our hearts are thrilled when we recall the heroic stand that our forefathers made, the majority of which regiment came from among these hills and valleys, speaking the same tongue that so clearly distinguishes us," he said, referring to the Pennsylvania German dialect. The speech was followed by a conclusion and the singing of "My Country Tis of Thee"

Two years later, with Trexler's support, Hart created the Allentown Flag Day Association. Shortly thereafter, while attending the Elks national convention in Atlantic City, Hart pushed through a resolution that made it obligatory for all Elks Lodges in the U.S. and its possessions to annually observe Flag Day. Because it was a national organization with many members, Hart's action with the Elks elevated Flag Day to a new level of national consciousness, making it much easier for Woodrow Wilson to name it a national celebration.

Hart was not finished yet. In 1922 he held the biggest Flag Day celebration Allentown had ever seen, featuring the Association's most famous member, General John J. Pershing, the overall commander of American forces in Europe during World War I. Prompted by Hart to join the Association, Pershing, then a young obscure officer, had promised to visit Allentown. Now he was an international celebrity. The response in the city was so overwhelming that Pershing was heard to tell an aide "We've gone through a lot of demonstrations, lieutenant, but this beats them all."

Hart died in 1932. Shortly before his death came perhaps Hart's biggest satisfaction, the recognition by President Herbert Hoover in 1931 of the Star Spangled Banner as the national anthem, an act which he had long urged. So wave that flag.

Nearly 2,500 property owners appealing reassessment

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 22:46:32 GMT

Nearly 2,500 Lehigh County property owners are heading to court.

County officials said there have been 2,481 formal appeals filed over the recent county-wide tax reassessment, and that number will likely get even bigger.

Officials said informal reviews have been requested for about 13,000 properties.

Once those reviews are completed, officials expect about 2,000 additional property owners to file a formal appeal.

Residents protest "Delaware loophole"

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 22:45:04 GMT

Some Lehigh County residents didn't go to the Lehigh Valley Mall Friday to shop.

They were there to call on Governor Corbett to close the so-called "Delaware loophole."

Companies use that loophole to transfer profits to subsidiary companies in Delaware and avoid paying state corporate income taxes in Pennsylvania.

Verizon-- one of the companies targeted by the protestors-- said it complies with all tax laws and pays its fair share of taxes.

Legislation that takes aim at the loophole did clear the state House last month.