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COVER STORY-PART 1

Heroin use is hitting an all-time high in the United States.

Between 2007 and 2012, the numbers of people using the drug each year rose from 373,000 to 669,000, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or older (or 1.6 percent) had used heroin at least once in their lives, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

By Chris Parker

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

On April 16, Northampton County Council voted unanimously to approve across-the-board pay hikes, averaging 4.5 percent, for 228 county workers in 14 different clerical job titles. Deputy Administrator Cathy Allen told council it would cost about $307,000, and would be above and beyond whatever was being negotiated in union contracts. A human resources memo complained that “the county has struggled in recruiting and maintaining staff in many of the clerical positions t

Photo: After the meeting, Executive John Brown listened to Bob Werner (left), Scott Parsons (behind him) and magisterial employees who believe they are entitled to a 4.5 percent raise.

By Bernie O’Hare

COMMUNITY

The 2015 Boutique Cancer fundraiser raised more than $230,000, which will be shared with local organizations which provide cancer treatment and support services.  The Cancer Support Community, St. Luke’s Cancer Center and St. Luke’s Hospice are those beneficiaries. At a volunteer luncheon following the late May sale held at the city’s municipal ice rink, volunteers learned the results of their efforts. More than 250 volunteers, set up, sorted, displayed, priced and assisted patrons, giving more than 10,760 hours of their time, the equivalent of 62 full-time employees. Representatives of each recipient organization lauded the efforts, citing the benefits derived from the Boutique’s support. Photo: Co-chairs Karen Hein, Jan Connell and Sharon Kunsman receives floral bouquets in gratitude for the countless hours they gave to the 2015 Boutique at the Rink.

By Dana Grubb

CLASSROOM

When Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School literacy coach Linda Moyer chose former White House Chef John Moeller’s book “Dining at the White House” to help bolster culinary arts students’ writing and reading skills, little could she have anticipated that Moeller himself would join the students for an in depth dinner preparation learning experience. Photo: Culinary students Thomas Benak Jr. and Kelly Von Steuben listen as Moeller explains how ingredients in the tomato, mustard and shallot dressing need to be chopped as finely as possible so that they “come together to make it more flavorful.”

By Dana Grubb

COMMENTARY
  Ed's World
By Ed Courrier

BETHLEHEM HISTORY

Moulton A. Kleckner’s photographs of Bethlehem during the 1870s give us a glimpse of recreation in Bethlehem during in those years. His photographs reveal a peaceful community whose residents enjoyed fishing, boating, and men smoking pipes while appreciating beautiful vistas. Groups of tourists are shown reading the gravestones in the Moravian God’s Acre cemetery. The women in the photos wear hats and dresses with long skirts puffed out by layers of petticoats. The trees and lawns are neatly trimmed and the buildings and fences are well maintained.

By Karen M. Samuels

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

It would be fair to say that last weekend’s Stellar Basketball Tournament at Cedar Beach brought some surprises and two of Bethlehem’s teams were right in the middle of fortunate performances. Both Freedom and Bethlehem Catholic reached Sunday’s semifinal rounds to the surprise of many, including their own head coaches, to make a lasting impression in the summer’s marquee tournament.

By Pete Car

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

There are several meanings that the word alien might trigger. Children might visualize creatures from outer space. Adults might think of someone crossing a border. I’m using the word to refer to alien critters and plants that are not native to a region. When you choose plantings, choose wisely and buy native plant species.

By Bud Cole

Bethlehem: City zoners approve renovation variances

Bethlehem Township: Traditions suffers a minor setback in Green Pond plans

Lehigh Valley: Responses vary to proposed overtime changes

Fountain Hill/Hellertown: Local firefighters complete raining

Northampton County: Council approve pay raises

Around town community calendar

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Center for Animal Health and Welfare

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