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Bethlehem Press on YouTube

PAYING THE PRICE-PART 2

Student loan debt has nearly tripled in the last decade. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that from 2004 to 2012, student debt increased from $364 billion to $966 billion, according to researcher Alan Pyke in an April 23, 2014, Think Progress article. A June report released by the Domestic Policy Council and the Council of Economic Advisers says 71 percent of students earning a bachelor’s degree graduate with debt, averaging $29,400 per student.

By Katya Hrichak


ILLICK'S MILL
Dolan responds to criticisms
For six months, suspicion and reports of mismanagement have plagued Bethlehem City Council member Karen Dolan and potentially doomed the nonprofit organization that runs the Illick’s Mill Fox Environmental Center. She has spent more than a decade developing the center and had served as its executive director until this past April. Critics have raised concerns about ethical, rental, utility, tax filing and construction payment issues. A grand jury inquiry led by Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli into suspected improper operation of the nonprofit has stifled funding support of the center which has been a contributing factor to its recent closing. In an exclusive interview, Dolan said she is the victim of lies, misleading information and politics.
By Nate Jastrzemski

MUSIKFEST

he night sky over Bethlehem lights up as Musikfest 2014 ends its festivities with a closing  fireworks display.

By Dana Grubb and Tim Gilman

Saurus dinosaur-like giant birds – 18-foot-tall puppet costumes with operators on stilts – proceed down Main Street during one of several daily performances the final weekend of Musikfest. In its 31st year, the festival featured Saurus as a bold new addition to its free entertainment. Three of the artistic Saurus puppets and trained personnel were provided by the Dutch street theater troupe Close Act, which has had limited appearances in the United States.

By Tim Gilman

BETHLEHEM

El Shaddai Bethlehem Ministries East Broad Street campus was the scene of a weeklong alcohol-free event, Mannafest, which ran from Aug. 1 through 10. At the family-oriented event, attendees enjoyed live entertainment, a kid zone, visual arts, an array of foods and vendors. Each day of Mannafest had a different theme and entertainment was centered on Christian ministry. Photo: On Mannafest’s Old School Night, The Harmenaires gave their wonderful harmony to Christian music.

By Dana Grubb

COMMUNITY

Kathy Duzant, Bernae Horwath and their children participate in the drum circle at SteelStacks. They received free Remo Sound Shape mini drums handed out at the door to the Musikfest Cafe.

By Katya Hrichak

ST. LUKE’S

St. Luke’s Medical Director of Oncology Services Dr. Lee Riley, St. Luke’s Anderson Campus President Ed Nawrocki, St. Luke’s past Auxiliary President Virginia Oskin and newly elected Auxiliary President Kris Warner participate in a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the dedication of St. Luke’s Auxiliary Garden.

Contributed story

SCHOOL

After studying about the ancient Greek city-states in history class, Nitschmann MS sixth graders had an opportunity to unwind from the academic studies side of school to compete in a modern day version of the Olympics in early June. Photo: The Athens city-state Olympic team recites the Olympic athlete’s pledge prior to the start of competition.

By Dana Grubb

COMMUNITY

Though there’s a garden right behind the Bethlehem Area Public Library, it has been neglected in recent years. It was once maintained by Musikfest volunteers, but that stopped when the festival stopped using Payrow Plaza as one of its venues. Fortunately, Girl Scout Troop 810, under the guidance of Troop Leader Pat Scipioni, has breathed new life into the old garden. Photo: Twins Nareh and Nazeh Tahmassian are focused on packing the dirt down around their flowers.

By Bernie O’Hare

THIS WEEK IN BETHLEHEM SPORTS

St. Luke’s and District 11 formally teamed up for a partnership Tuesday morning during a press conference held at St. Luke’s Campus in Cetronia.

Photo: On hand last week to represent the athletes of District 11 were, left to right: Eli Nabholz, Pottsville, baseball and basketball; Mikayla Stoudt, Parkland, cross country and track and field; Cameron Richardson, Northwestern, football and track and field; Meredith Sholder, Emmaus, field hockey; Avery Semler, Parkland, field hockey; Phillip Houseknect, Emmaus, soccer; and Cory Croll, Northampton, football.

By Pete Car

Bethlehem sports on the Facebook.

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Dolan responds to criticisms

Bethlehem: Council approves authority bond issue

BASD: Roy offers communication, PR plan

BASD: Changes coming to softball program

Northampton County: Discord continues with executive

Northampton County: Senior center moves to Forks township

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