Casey, Toomey Comment on IRS Hearing

Wednesday's Senate hearing on the IRS 'Tea Party' scandal included Pennsylvania's Sen. Pat Toomey and Sen. Bob Casey, who both released statements after the event.

Pennsylvania's Sen. Bob Casey (D) and Sen. Pat Toomey (R) both participated in Wednesday's hearing about IRS scrutinty of conservative groups applying for tax-exempt status. Both men released statements regarding the event. Witnesses before the Senate Finance Committee were: Casey, chairman of the Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth, said:  “Pennsylvanians and Americans across the country deserve to know that the IRS and all government agencies do their jobs without prejudice or political agenda.  I intend to hold accountable those responsible for any breach of the taxpayer’s trust.  Today, as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I directly questioned top IRS officials about what took place, who was …

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Memorial Day BBQ? 8 Money-Saving Tricks (Sponsored)

Who’s NOT planning a BBQ this weekend? If the weather holds and you’ve got propane or charcoal, chances are, you’re grilling something with your friends and family. Here are new ideas for keeping your costs down. Sponsored by Home Depot.

Here at Patch, we like to be thrifty, so we talked to two barbecue experts and uncovered some really good ideas to help you save money on your next outdoor party.   1. Start with a marinade. This means planning ahead—say, Friday. But it’s worth it, says Rick Browne, host of Barbecue America on PBS, because you can pass up that well-marbled rib eye steak and buy a less tender and less expensive choice to grill like a flank steak or chuck steak. Just marinate it or brine for one or two days and then cook long and slow on the barbecue grill to break down tissues but maintain moisture. “You need to include an acid in the marinade, perhaps juice, vinegar or soy sauce, but avoid cola which is so acidic it can turn meat into a soggy mess.” Try …

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Memorial Day Weekend Traffic in Real Time

From Memorial Day parades to holiday fender benders, this live map shows delays and diversions on Upper Macungie area roads right now.

If you're on a mobile device, click here to view the map. When you're done getting gas and packing the car, check out the live results from MapQuest above to see what's standing between you and the start of your three-day weekend. Mapquest scans for parade routes, ongoing construction, block parties and traffic jams. If your route is green, you're good. If it's red, you may be headed into a line of rubbernecking fools. Good luck!

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Election 2013

Brunell Wins GOP Race for Upper Macungie Supervisor

Challenger Jim Brunell defeats incumbent Ed Earley for Republican nomination for Upper Macungie Township supervisor.

Republican challenger Jim Brunell defeated incumbent Ed Earley for the Republican nomination for Upper Macungie supervisor, according to unofficial tallies from Lehigh County. Brunell had 427 votes to Earley's 269 votes. Brunell will face the Democrat nominee, Chris Casey, in the November general election for the six-year seat. Casey was unopposed in his party's bid.

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Election 2013

Percy Dougherty Wins GOP Nod for Lehigh County Commissioner, District 2

Incumbent Percy Dougherty faced a challenge from Scott Aquila for the Republican nomination to a Lehigh County commissioner seat in a district that includes South Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Lower Macungie and Alburtis.

Incumbent Percy Dougherty beat challenger Scott Aquila for the Republican nomination for the board's District 2 seat, according to unofficial tallies. Dougherty, of Lower Macungie, will square off in the November general election against the Democratic nominee, Susan Ellis Wild, of South Whitehall, who was unopposed for her party's nod in Tuesday's primary. District 2 includes South Whitehall, Lower Macungie, Upper Macungie and Alburtis.

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2% Tax Hike 'A Realistic Number,' Parkland Officals Say

Parkland School Directors approve a proposed final budget tax increase of 2.43% for the 2013-14 school year Tuesday night. However, further savings could trim the hike to 2% by June's final adoption.

The Parkland School Board approved a proposed final budget for the 2013-14 school year Tuesday night that carries a 2.43% tax increase, translating into a 13.90-mill hike. However, Business Administration Director John Vignone said that an increase closer to 2 percent when the final budget is adopted next month "is a realistic number." The total budget for the 2013-14 school year is $143,685,085. The fund balance appropriation for the budget is $4 million, which equates to 0.56 mills to offset the tax increase. That will reduce the district's fund balance to $17 million from $21 million. "We were able to mitigate the tax impact and will continue to do so until the final budget in June," said Parkland Superintendent of Schools Richard …

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Police Blotter

Driver Cited in 2-Car Crash, Police Say

Upper Macungie Police cited 30-year-old Marc Wells of Emmaus for failure to yield following a two-car accident on Tuesday morning.

A 30-year-old Emmaus man was cited for failure to yield following a two-car accident Tuesday morning at the intersection of Route 100 and Schaefer Run Road, according to Upper Macungie Police. Police said Marc Wells, 30, of Emmaus was traveling north on Route 100 in a 2008 Dodge Ram, when he made a left turn and collided with a 2002 Chrysler Sebring driven by Clarence Burkhard, 66, of Macungie. Police said no injuries were reported.  

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How You Can Help Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado

Donating money to organizations that help victims is quick and easy.

Americans across the country are reacting with shock to the devastation caused by a two-mile wide tornado in Oklahoma. Dozens have died, and President Obama has declared the path of the tornado a major disaster area. If you would like to help, you can do so from your computer or mobile device right now. Patch will be posting stories of local folks who are working to help victims from afar. If you know of someone local was affected by the tornado or who is working to help the victims, please contact your local editor.

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