Happy New Year!

Well, it's an hour before midnight on the 31st of December, 2008. In a few days, I'll post "2008 - The Year in Review" - our accomplishments, and what I hope to see in the next year here in Tatamy.

Thanks to all of my readers - the statistics that I get about visitors surprise me every day. I'll summarize them one day here when I have some spare time - there's lots of data to parse through, but here are some highlights. Since I started keeping statistics in March, we have had 2,443 visitors. Out of that 2,443 visitors, 187 of you have been back more than 200 times. For that, I thank each and every one of you. Who would have thought?

I hope 2008 was a good year for you, and please accept my best wishes for a Happy, Healthy, Safe and Prosperous 2009.

Thanks for reading!
Chris

Holiday Greetings!

Merry Christmas to all of my readers, with best wishes for a fantastic 2009!

Nazareth Area High School Contraband Sweep Ended

Well, the routine search of the Nazareth Area High School ended at 10:25AM. Here's a quote from an email I just received:

This will also serve as the response to any parents or press who would contact any HS staff member during this time.

Nazareth Area High School has completed conducting our annual canine search of the building and all lockers. Any illegal contraband located within the building will be addressed as per the Nazareth Area School District Drug and Alcohol Policy. In order to facilitate this search by the administration and local law enforcement officials, building security procedures for a non-emergency situation were implemented.

To our knowledge, at this time, there was no present danger of any illegal drugs or paraphernalia present on school property. This was simply a routine search that was conducted to ensure that our students and staff are able to teach and learn in a safe and drug free environment.

The building security procedures have been lifted and all students and staff have resumed their regular duties and mode of operation.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in ensuring that our students and staff are able to operate and receive their education in a safe and drug free environment.

Nazareth Area High School Drug/Contraband Sweep

It looks like the Nazareth Area High School is being searched today for drugs/weapons/other contraband. Here's a quote from the email I received just a few minutes ago:

This will also serve as the response to any parents or press who would contact any HS staff member during this time.

Nazareth Area High School is currently conducting our annual canine search of the building and all lockers. Any illegal contraband located within the building will be addressed as per the Nazareth Area School District Drug and Alcohol Policy. In order to facilitate this search by the administration and local law enforcement officials, building security procedures for a non-emergency situation have been implemented. At this time, teachers are still continuing with their regular academic instruction.

To our knowledge, at this time, there is no present danger of any illegal drugs or paraphernalia present on school property. This is simply a routine search being conducted to ensure that our students and staff are able to teach and learn in a safe and drug free environment.

Upon completion of the canine search, the building security procedures will be lifted and all students and staff will resume their regular duties and mode of operation.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in ensuring that our students and staff are able to operate and receive their education in a safe and drug free environment.

Tax Increase

Get ready for a tax increase folks. Council last night during a (very long and drawn out) special meeting approved an increase from 9.5 Mills to 11.5 Mills.

Why raise taxes you ask? Well, let me start by saying that I'm not a fan of raising taxes - ever, especially in this economy. However . . . the Borough needs to start 'saving for a rainy day'. For years we have held the tax rate steady at 9.5 Mills. Unfortunately the economy being what it is, expenses are steadily increasing, with the income remaining relatively the same.

Sorry guys - it's just the way it is. I wouldn't be surprised to see an additional increase next year. There was some discussion at length last night about Council trying to bundle trash collection into the taxes instead of sending semi-annual bills to everyone. Stay tuned - that's a whole year away. For now, make sure that you pay your (exorbitantly large)trash bills on time!

See you around town!