The borough's downtown manager is eyeing 4 empty storefronts as new dining spaces.

Nazareth's downtown manager has a goal to fill empty storefronts by the end of the year with some new dining options.

Stephanie Varone is eying four specific locations for new business ventures -- the site of the former Koehlers Pharmacy, 35 Belvidere St.; the Nazareth Furniture building, 75 S. Main St.; the Nazareth National Bank building, 76 S. Main St.; and Nazareth Run Inn, 57 S. Main St.

At least one of the options is being fast-tracked to house a long-awaited brewpub by September. A great deal of the borough's downtown revitalization depends on these dining areas, Varone said in a recent interview from her Smooch boutique.

"I would hope we're on the fast-track to get some restaurants in and now we now have space to do so," she said.

On tap

Come early fall, a brewpub owned by Bethlehem residents Tim and Honoree Kerrigan is targeted to open at the site of the former Koehlers Pharmacy.

The couple previously wanted to move the pub into the Lafayette Ambassador Bank building, 131 S. Main St., but those plans fell through in December 2015. That building has since been transformed into luxury apartments in back of the main and second floors. Additionally, Souful Journeys Healing Arts, offering a variety of therapeutic, medical and spa treatments, now is housed on the main floor.

Varone described the pharmacy site as a good location for fulfilling the Kerrigans' vision. The main floor has 2,000 square feet for a full-service restaurant with bar, she said.

"We're so excited to have a full restaurant and brewpub to join our roster in the downtown," Varone said. "It's been a goal for awhile to have a place where customers can get craft beer and farm fresh foods."

Another location -- just a block away at the former Lafayette Ambassador building -- also might be shaping up for an upscale to moderate dining option.

The sale of the Nazareth National Bank Building on May 8 has allowed for an estimated 20,000 square feet of space, totaling three stories. The 6,500-square-foot main floor could provide an area for a restaurant or retail space.

The upper two floors can occupy office space, Varone said.

Main Street Nazareth LLC bought it from BB&T for $450,000, according to Northampton County property records. Main Street Nazareth LLC is hoping to sell or lease the building, a representative of the company said.

"Some ideas for the space would be an upscale to mid-range steakhouse or family restaurant," Varone said.

But the company representative said to date, there have been people interested walking through the building, but no firm deals put forth.

"We haven't heard much; nothing's been concrete," the representative said.

Nazareth Furniture's 50-year run is ending. Here's what's next

Dining al fresco

Nazareth Furniture is expected to end its more than five decade run in business by the end of June. Inventory in the past week was continuing to be sold off at discount prices.

Jay Orwig, owner of the building who operates his property management business under the name J+R Orwig Properties LLC, will then work on renovating the 40,000-square-foot, five-story building. Varone expects the overhaul to take at least several months.

The main floor, which previously housed the furniture showroom, is envisioned to some day become either a single, larger restaurant or a mixture of smaller eateries and boutiques. And Orwig hopes to gain approval to build an outdoor patio for dining al fresco.

The outdoor patio would bring something unique to the downtown, where most of the eateries only offer indoor seating, Varone said.

"What could be better than dining al fresco in a historic, quaint downtown ... with friends and family?" she said.

Orwig also has plans to build eight, 936-square-foot apartments on the three floors above the main floor. A parking lot would be built at the back of the building for apartment tenants.

A fourth downtown space for dining includes the 3,500-square-foot building that formerly housed Nazareth Run Inn. A partnership issue between the owners led to the site's closure in November, according to Varone.

But, she said, that loss could become a gain for another business opportunity.

"With 3,500 square feet, it's a lot bigger than it looks," Varone said. "We really need to embrace more areas for dining in this borough. There needs to be more options."

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Ryan Wasser used his authority as a juvenile probation officer to try to force an 18-year-old to have sex with him.

A former Notre Dame High School wrestling coach took a plea deal Monday that will allow him to stay out of prison for trying to coerce a teen to have sex with him.

Ryan Wasser, 33, was a Northampton County juvenile probation officer when he used his position to try to persuade an 18-year-old juvenile delinquent to have sex with him.

He sent the girl inappropriate text messages and threatened to have her probation revoked if she wouldn't have sex, according to Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Abraham Kassis.

Wasser pleaded no contest to official oppression. A charge of obstructing the administration of law was dropped. By pleading no contest, Wasser didn't admit he used his position of power to influence the girl, only that there is enough evidence to convince jurors of his guilt.

Northampton County Senior Judge Leonard Zito sentenced Wasser to a year of probation, a sentence agreed to by Kassis. The sentence falls within state guidelines for the misdemeanor charge.

Wasser lost his job as a result of the charges, according to defense attorney Phil Lauer.

The Bushkill Township man was appointed wrestling coach at Notre Dame High School in Bethlehem Township in 2012 but resigned abruptly in January 2015.

"There have been a lot of consequences personally (for Wasser)," said defense attorney Phil Lauer. "He's gone from a high place to a very low place."

He supervised the girl from January 2012 through January 2015, Kassis said. A federal lawsuit filed by the girl against Wasser says he also supervised her when she was 14 in 2010. The federal lawsuit remains pending.

Lauer said Wasser twice applied to enter a special program for first-time offenders but was rejected twice. Had he been accepted into the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program, he could have had the charges wiped from his record by meeting the program requirements.

Ex-juvenile officer sued for allegedly coercing teen to have sex

Instead, Lauer negotiated the plea deal.

The federal lawsuit says Wasser asked a male juvenile delinquent to share a picture of the girl in a bikini with him. Wasser frequently told the girl she was pretty and asked her how many sexual partners she had, the suit says.

He allegedly told her he'd "get her out of there as quickly as possible" and helped her get her own apartment when she turned 18. Then he called her late at night, insisted that she allow him to visit, and persuaded her to give him a massage, the suit says.

He also convinced her to exchange nude photos, the suit says.

He threatened to "send her away" if she didn't comply with his requests, the suit says. People age 21 and under can be placed in juvenile detention and Wasser could recommend that a judge violate her probation, according to Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli.

Lauer said "there are some concerns about the accuracy of some of the allegations" the girl made to police, but there's enough evidence to warrant the plea deal.

Wasser had no comment at the plea hearing.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.

Colonial Regional police said the car was turned off and parked in the parking lot of the parents' workplace.

A Philadelphia couple is accused of leaving their three young children strapped into car-seats in a parked minivan while they worked the graveyard shift.

Luciene DaSilva Brito Santos, right, and Itamar Rodrigues Dos Santos, left. (Courtesy photos) 

Charged are Luciene DaSilva Brito Santos, 37, and Itamar Rodrigues Dos Santos, 42, both of the 1300 block of Well Street.

A Colonial Regional officer at 12:34 a.m. April 20 was on routine patrol when he found the three young children allegedly sleeping unattended in a 1999 Chrysler Town and Country. The minivan was parked in the lot of Regal Cinemas, 3740 Easton-Nazareth Highway in Lower Nazareth Township.

Driver crashes stolen car, hitches ride with passerby, cops say

The children were ages 7, 5 and 3 and were in car-seats with blankets on them, court records indicate. Police said the car wasn't running, no adults were in sight and the exterior doors to the movie theater were locked.

After multiple attempts to locate someone inside Regal Cinemas, a cleaning person came to the front door and identified herself as Brito Santos. Officers contacted Dos Santos, who also was cleaning inside the theater.

Both allegedly admitted to police the three kids were their children. The couple told investigators they left the children for about 30 minutes while they cleaned at the theater and had more work to do, police said.

The pair were identified by Brazilian passports and were staying in the United States on visas, according to court records.

Dos Santos and Brito Santos both are charged with child endangerment and leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle. The pair were each arraigned Monday before District Judge John Capobianco, who set bail at $1,000 each.

In lieu of bail, both were taken to Northampton County Prison.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Blood was found in the home and along a sidewalk in front of the house, police said.

A Nazareth woman punched in a window to gain entry into a borough home, police said.

Charged is Mary Elizabeth Zamora, 26, of the 100 block of South Cedar Street.

Borough police Sunday were called to a home in the first block of North Main Street for a report of an unwanted guest. Officers told Zamora to leave the property, and she initially obliged, police said.

Court records do not indicate the relationship between Zamora and the resident.

Police were then called again at 10:21 p.m. Sunday because Zamora allegedly returned screaming and banging on a locked front door. Zamora broke out the glass pane at the top of the door, which is next to the deadbolt, police said.

The female victim had to push Zamora away to prevent her from gaining entry into the house, police said. Investigators found blood inside the home and along the sidewalk in front of the house, according to police.

Cops: Woman hits mom with glass vase after all-nighter with friends

Zamora later was found by officers and allegedly admitted to returning to the house. She told officer she "punched out the window" and said of the victim, "I can only take so much," according to court records.

Zamora exhibited signs of intoxication with slurred speech, bloodshot, glassy eyes and the odor of alcohol coming from her breath, police said.

Zamora is charged with criminal trespass, defiant trespass, harassment and criminal mischief. She was arraigned Monday before District Judge John Capobianco, who set bail at 10 percent of $5,000.

Court records indicate Zamora posted bail.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The incident occurred on Sunday at Wegmans in Lower Nazareth Township.

Colonial Regional police are searching for a woman they say stole $417 worth of face cream from Wegmans and fled.

(Courtesy photo) 

The theft happened Sunday at the store along Route 248 in Lower Nazareth Township. The woman made off with several packages of the RoC brand cream.

She is depicted in store surveillance photos as wearing a dark jacket, a blue baseball cap and carrying a tote bag with a zigzag pattern on it.

Easton man jailed in threat to kill wife, take child, cops say

Anyone with information is asked to call Colonial Regional police at 610-861-4820. Callers can remain anonymous.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Two people died and one was seriously injured in a collision May 10, 2017, on Route 248 in Upper Nazareth Township.

Upper Nazareth Township police are piecing together how a crash occurred that killed two people last month along Route 248.

Chief William Cope said Tuesday a preliminary investigation determined an Acura driven by Jonathan Morales Lopez, 19, of the 4000 block of Scherman Boulevard in Bethlehem Township, was headed east toward Nazareth about 9 p.m. May 10.

For an unknown reason, Lopez's car drifted into the westbound lane, Cope said.

David Zellner, 71, was westbound with his wife, Brenda Zellner, 70, of the first block of South Penn Dixie Road in Upper Nazareth Township. Family members said the couple were headed home -- less than a mile away -- after having dinner.

Lopez, a Freedom High School graduate and oldest of four siblings, worked at a local pizza parlor. But it remains unclear where he was headed at the time of the accident.

Cope said the impact of the Acura was head-on with the Jeep, at the Jeep's driver's side corner. Both Lopez and Brenda Zellner were pronounced dead at the scene. David Zellner remains hospitalized in stable condition, said his daughter, Kristen Zellner of Harrisburg, on Tuesday.

2 die, 1 badly hurt in Upper Nazareth crash

A reconstruction team continues to assess if speed was a factor in the crash. The speed limit in that area is 45 mph, Cope said.

The accident occurred on a rural stretch of Route 248 outside Bath -- just east of a curve on a downgrade between Michael's School Road and Penn Allen Road. Weather at the time was clear and dry, Cope said.

"We do not believe weather played a factor at all," the chief said.

The accident included two of four fatalities in four different crashes along busy Route 248 within two months.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Battle of the Bulge Association held its 16th Annual D-Day remembrance picnic in Nazareth.

Seventy-three years later, Nathan Kline can still remember the fear he felt when he saw Germans shooting at his airplane as Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944.

Eight thousand ships filled the English Channel, he recalled, and the invasion was almost cancelled due to weather, making the conditions less than desirable. 

"I'm very proud to be part of the invasion," the 92-year-old Kline said Tuesday at Nazareth Borough Park during the 16th Annual D-Day Remembrance Picnic.

American flags waved and voices echoed "God Bless America" to kick off the picnic, which brings veterans, their families and the community together to remember and honor D-Day veterans.

The battle is described as "the largest invasion in history" in "the war to end all wars."

"Our freedom is not free," said Judy Greenhalgh, a member of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Battle of The Bulge Association that helped organize the event. "So many people sacrificed for our freedom and it's important to let them know how much we appreciate it."

Kline, a retired U.S. Air Force major from the Allentown area, wasn't the only D-Day veteran in attendance. Others included Robert Gangeware, of Wind Gap, and Richard Schermerhorn, of Allentown.

Gangeware served with the U.S. Army in the 90th Infantry Division and the 357th Infantry Regiment. Schermerhorn served with the Army's 531st Engineer Shore Regiment.

"It's something I'll never forget," the 95-year-old Shermerhorn said of D-Day, adding that the English Channel was flooded with ships for as far as you could see. Anyone who says they weren't scared is lying, he added with a chuckle. 

What patriotism means to a 92-year-old WWII veteran

Alongside members of the association, Eagle Scout Jack Wiener expressed his sentiments to the veterans, saying that simply thanking them would "understate the gratitude" of all Americans. He encouraged them to continue to share their experiences, as it inspires him to hear them and teaches him more than a textbook ever could.

As chapter president John Kuhn read the words originally spoken by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower on D-Day 73 years ago, the veterans choked back tears.

"The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you," Kuhn read. "...I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory."

As well as honoring D-Day veterans, other World War II veterans were asked to stand and be honored as well. Seven veterans stood and accepted the thanks of those around them. Some wore WWII hats, while another sported American flags on his walker.

Although a day of honor and celebration, attention was brought by some to the apathetic attitude toward the flag, patriotism and the nation's history.

Kuhn spoke of the importance of knowing the history, the Constitution and why Americans have the freedoms that they do. He described such knowledge as a necessity so as to not take the sacrifices of those who serve for granted.

Military re-enactor Dave Pucci further emphasized that point by addressing those who burn the American flag as a means of protest. He shared a story from when he was in college, when he asked his father what he thought of the burning of the flag. The response was eye-opening.

"Ask the veterans whose coffins were draped with that flag. If they say it's OK, than maybe I will to," he said.

With that, many in the audience nodded their heads as their eyes filled with tears.

As bugler Ed Brace played taps at the conclusion of the ceremony, veterans saluted and the flag danced in the wind. 

"It was an honor (to be honored at the picnic)," Schermerhorn said. "We should never stop honoring all veterans."

Alyssa Mursch may be reached at amursch@lehighvalleylive.com. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The woman's attorney said he is trying to work out a "mutually beneficial resolution."

An Upper Nazareth Township woman was charged with welfare fraud in the state's food stamp program.

Stephanie N. Dezzi, 32, of the 100 block of Fourth Street, was charged April 20 with receiving $3,440 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits -- food stamps -- when her financial situation didn't justify it, according to the Pennsylvania Inspector General's Office in Allentown.

Dezzi gave up her right to a preliminary hearing on the charge, which is a felony due to the amount, and carries possible penalties of seven years in jail and a $15,000 fine, according to court records and the statute.

When Dezzi applied for assistance on Oct. 9, 2015, she reported she was living with her two children and no one else, authorities said. She also said she was working part-time at Century 21 and provided proof of income, court papers say.

When she submitted a semi-annual report on May 3, 2016, she didn't state any change in her circumstances but did not verify her income, so her benefits were suspended, according to court records. She then requested the benefits be terminated and they were ended effective April 30 of that year, court papers say.

Dezzi's husband Raymond is employed full-time with the Forks Township Police Department and in 2014 earned $80,537 as a corporal, records show.

"This household income and accurate household composition was unreported to the Northampton County Assistance Office," court papers say. The charge was filed in District Judge Antonia Grifo's court in Downtown Easton.

Northampton County Assistant District Attorney James Augustine said the crux of this type of case is whether Dezzi and her husband were living separately while she received the benefits. While she says they were maintaining separate homes, there's evidence gathered by the inspector general's office that they were together, Augustine said.

"That's going to be the issue," he said.

The Dezzis own a home in Upper Nazareth. Under the law, Stephanie Dezzi would have to repay the $3,440.

Township police Chief Greg Dorney said Raymond Dezzi faces no charges and his job was in no way impacted by the case against his spouse.

While the Dezzis were married the whole time in question, neither Dorney nor Stephanie Dezzi's attorney Thomas Joachim would say if the couple were separated at any point in those six months.

Stephanie Dezzi faces a formal arraignment Aug. 3 in Northampton County Court.

"We're working on a mutually beneficial resolution on this matter," Joachim said Tuesday.

Augustine said cases like this don't usually go to trial.

Stephanie Dezzi does not have a criminal record. Acceptance into Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition -- a probationary program that, if successfully completed, leads to the charges being removed from her record -- is seldom allowed in such cases but possible, he said.

Augustine said he discussed a few options with Joachim but they haven't reached an agreement.

"I'm sure we can work something out," he added.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Recent arrests left openings on the sheriff's department's list.

With the recent arrests of three of the Northampton County Sheriff's Department's Top 10 fugitives, three others have been elevated to the list.

Kyle S. Bracey

Replaces: Secundino Cruz

Age: 24

Height: 6 feet, 2 inches

Weight: 180 pounds

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black

Main charge: Robbery

Last known sighting: Brooklyn, New York

Bracey pleaded guilty Nov. 13, 2014, to robbing a Lehigh University student of her purse on Aug. 15, 2014, on Asa Drive in Bethlehem, court records show. S

everal related charges with withdrawn in the plea deal. He was sentenced to a maximum of 18 months in prison and was released the same day as his plea due to time served, records show.

He was brought in several times on parole/probation violations, the most recent on Dec. 2, when another bench warrant was issued, records show. He still owes $1,489.22 in fees and fines, records show.

Robert Eric Barrigher

Replaces: Samuel Rodriguez

Age: 32

Height: 5 feet 9 inches

Weight: 145 pounds

Eyes: Brown

Hair: black

Main charge: Criminal trespass

Last known sighting: Easton

Barrigher pleaded guilty April 24, 2015, to breaking into a Wilson Borough home on Nov. 8, 2014, with two other men to steal copper pipes, records show. The men did more than $2,000 damage to the vacant house, police said at the time.

He was sentenced to three to 12 months in jail on the criminal trespass charge, followed by 36 months of probation. Charges of burglary and related offenses were withdrawn, records show. A violation hearing was scheduled Sept. 25, 2015, but didn't happen, leading to a warrant for Barrigher's arrest.

Luke Andrew Caffrey

Replaces: Johnnie Kashaun Johnson

Age: 34

Height: 6 feet 1 inch

Weight: 245 pounds

Eyes: Hazel

Hair: Brown

Main charges: Fleeing, simple assault, criminal mischief

Last known sighting: Stockertown

Caffrey pleaded guilty Sept. 1 in two cases. He was charged with assaulting a 16-year-old girl and spraining her wrist on May 9, 2016, and pleaded guilty to simple assault and criminal mischief, records show. He was sentenced to one month in jail and 12 months of probation. He also pleaded guilty to fleeing an officer after a high-speed chase April 15, 2016, in the Nazareth area, records show. He received the same sentence as the other incident. Several charges were withdrawn.

A probation violation hearing was scheduled Feb. 22, but he did not appear, records show. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

If you know the whereabouts of one of the county's Top 10 fugitives, you are asked to call 610-829-6520 or click on the "summit a tip" link on the county's Top 10 page. Tips are kept anonymous, the sheriff's department said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

See who will compete in the tournament in Philadelphia later in June.

Toni Anne Hahn will play for the University of Rochester.

Last summer, Nazareth Area High School graduate Toni Anne Hahn was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma.

One year later, the former Blue Eagle is cancer-free and is eyeing her return to the softball diamond.

Hahn will head to the University of Rochester in August after being forced to sit out last school year.

"It's so important because I don't know what I would do if I wasn't playing softball," Hahn said. "The coach (Margaret Yerdon-Grange) was so understanding about it because she had cancer herself when she was only 20. She had a really good understanding of what I was going through. She's been so great through the whole thing."

Hahn, who will study biochemistry at Rochester, was presented with the Kyle Miller Courage Award at the USSSA High School All-Star Classic on Wednesday night at Patriots Park in Allentown.

"I had no idea," Hahn said about receiving the award. "People like to keep things hidden from me because I don't like attention. So I probably would've told them not to."

She's been in remission since November.

But unable to play the game she loved this season, Hahn wanted to be a part of it somehow. She served as an assistant coach for her sister Paige Hahn and the rest of the Blue Eagles this spring.

"I've always wanted to coach," Toni Anne Hahn said. "I coached in the fall with a rec team. I was an assistant coach for a 6th and 7th grade team this spring too at Lower Nazareth. I was at all the games anyways so I just started coming to practices."

Hahn can take a break from coaching next season as she will be back on the diamond.

Josh Folck may be reached at jfolck@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshFolck. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook.

He is among four involved in the May 27 theft at a warehouse in Lower Nazareth Township, police said.

Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who they say participated in a heist of baby formula from a Lower Nazareth Township warehouse.

Colonial Regional police on Thursday afternoon released a surveillance photo of the man taken on May 27 at C&S Wholesale warehouse, 4820 Hanoverville Road.

He is among four involved in the heist that morning at the warehouse. Two have been arrested and charged, but two others, including the man in the photo, managed to escape.

Warehouse security told police one of the four suspects worked at the warehouse. He and another man used his identification card to gain access to the warehouse. Once in, they allegedly transported cases of baby formula to a loading deck using a forklift. The formula was loaded into two vehicles - a white Kia SUV and a grey Acura SUV - waiting at the dock.  

Police said they arrived as the suspects were in the act. The driver of the Acura, identified by police as Elvis Polcano, allegedly tried to speed off in the vehicle but crashed and was arrested.

Responding officers also collared Alberto Portes, who was the suspect who worked at the warehouse and allegedly used his identification card in the theft. He was riding in the Acura with Polcano, police said.

Warehouse worker charged in theft scheme

The other two suspects ditched the Kia SUV and "were able to blend in with the crowd of employees and subsequently fled the scene," Colonial Regional Detective Gary Hammer says in a news release.

Police are requesting the public's help in identifying the person in the picture. Anyone who knows him is asked to call the Colonial Regional Police Department at 610-861-4820 and ask for Hammer. The caller can remain anonymous.

Portes, 25, of the 600 block of North Law Street, and Polcano, 20, of the 200 block of South 14th Street, both in Allentown, are each charged with theft. Polcano faces additional charges of reckless endangerment. Both were sent to Northampton County Prison following arraignments last week. 

Nick Falsone may be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickfalsone. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Folks in Lower Nazareth Township say their street has become a thorougfare for speeders.

When Kim Goerlich built her home in Lower Nazareth Township 14 years ago, the mother of two said she was drawn to the quiet neighborhood.

On lazy summer days, the family could sit on their front porch off the 4300 block of Christian Springs Road and take in the scenic view of the country road that totals about a mile.

But in recent months, Goerlich said, that relaxation has turned to stress just in walking to the end of the driveway to get the mail.

Speeding motorists have more than doubled the 25-mph speed limit, causing parents to keep their children in cars until buses arrive in the morning and preventing them from riding bicycles in the street. At least one resident said the front of his home has been the scene of numerous serious crashes.

Residents believe new housing developments have led to increased traffic throughout their neighborhood, and others are using Christian Springs Road as a cut-through to Route 191 and Route 946.

"It's like Grand Central Station," Goerlich said. "I don't think there isn't a single neighbor who hasn't called the township or Colonial Regional (police)."

Multiple accidents

Joe Calantoni, who lives in the 4200 block of Christian Springs Road, has witnessed a handful of accidents since he moved in around 1986. Drivers have wiped out his mailbox, struck a cherry tree in his front lawn and taken down a utility pole on the land between his house and a neighbor's.

The utility pole crash pulled out a transformer. "It's amazing what's happened on this little road. It's crazy," Calantoni said.

The Valley's most dangerous roads, intersections

On Monday, a driver struck a deer crossing Christian Springs Road near Goerlich's home. She said the animal was thrown several feet onto the front lawn of a neighboring property.

"There's just enough of a bend there where it happened and that you can't see around," Goerlich described. "There was hair (from the deer) all over the road."

"There's always been a problem, but now it's out of hand," Calantoni said. "Drivers use the road like it's a test track."

Colonial Regional police officers arrived to investigate after the deer accident. The result was a speed machine put up Tuesday morning along Christian Springs.

But some residents aren't optimistic that will do anything to prevent the speeding.

While walking his dog one morning prior to the deer crash, Calantoni tried to get a female driver to pump the brakes by giving a friendly wave to slow down. The woman stopped, looked at Calantoni and accelerated down the street, he said.

"No one has respect," Calantoni said. "We need the police in here. The pressure has got to get on the police to do something about it."

Police enforcement

Colonial Regional police have implemented some traffic-calming measures to reduce speeding on Christian Springs Road, such as placing white lines near bus stops and stationing a parked cruiser throughout the neighborhood.

But Goerlich said savvy drivers caught on to the "dummy" cruiser and started ignoring it.

Parents have since put signs on their properties, stating, "Drive Like Your Kids Live Here." At least five buses travel through the neighborhood to pick up children at various stops.

Parent Amy Strockoz, who has an elementary-aged son living in the 700 block of James Drive, calls herself the "adamant mom," also telling passer-by motorists to slow down.

"They fly up and down the road," Strockoz said. "Nine (homes) within my road alone have young kids."

The majority of residents say the only way speeding will be curtailed is if officers start ticketing drivers or giving out harsher penalties. It's unclear how many speeding citations -- if any -- have been given out in the neighborhood recently. Colonial Regional Police Chief Roy Seiple couldn't immediately be reached for information.

Township Manager Timm Tenges said he was unaware of the speeding and no residents have come forth expressing concerns at recent board of supervisors meetings. He planned to bring the concerns to Seiple for more enforcement.

"We're concerned as well," Tenges said. "We'll pass it onto police, and hopefully, put a little stop to it."

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Deputies tried to execute 21 warrants.

The Northampton County Sheriff's Department's Criminal Warrants Division made several arrests late last week as deputies attempted to serve 21 warrants, according to a news release.

Kyle T. Bisher, 26

Bisher was taken into custody at home in the 100 block of South Whitfield Street in Nazareth. He didn't show up for a preliminary hearing Nov. 15 on drunken-driving-related charges from Aug. 6, 2016, court papers say. The bench warrant was issued in April; bail was set Friday at $7,500 with a 10 percent option and he remained jailed as of Monday morning, records show.

Heather L. Danner, 38

Danner, of Upper Mount Bethel Township, was picked up at 133 N. Chestnut St. in Bath, the sheriff's department and records say. She was wanted in a Jan. 4, 2015, incident where she cashed a fake $587 check, authorities say. She pleaded guilty May 28, 2015, to a theft by deception charge and received 24 months of probation, records show. Her probation was revoked on Sept. 2 and she was jailed, then she was paroled on Oct. 20, records show. But on Jan. 26, a bench warrant was issued for her arrest, court papers say.

Renee Ross, 49

Ross, of the Pen Argyl area, was arrested at work in the borough on a bench warrant tied to March 18, 2016, charges of DUI and DUI highest amount, records show. She was set to receive alternative sentencing on Feb. 21 of this year but the hearing was continued, records show. The warrant was issued May 1 for her arrest and her bail was revoked, records show. She remained jailed on Monday morning.

Kenneth Bradford, 41

Bradford, of the 600 block of West Wilkes-Barre Street in Easton, remains in custody in lieu of 10 percent of $10,000 bail after March 23 charges of DUI and DUI highest amount, records and the sheriff's department. He missed his May 23 preliminary hearing and a warrant was issued, court papers say. He surrendered after family members were contacted by deputies, the sheriff's department said.

MORE: Driver in fatal crash is briefly jailed

John C. Meckes, 26

Meckes, of the 500 block of South First Street in Bangor, was charged with DUI and various other offenses related to a two-vehicle crash Oct. 28 on Route 22's Cemetery Curve in Easton in which two people were hurt, records show. He missed his preliminary hearing on March 7 and a warrant was issued March 16, records show. He made the $2,000 bail with a 10 percent option last week after surrendering following deputies' contact with family members, records and the sheriff's department report.

Steve J. Webb, 23

Webb, of the 100 block of South Church Street in Nazareth, surrendered at the sheriff's department in Easton on issues related to June 15, 2015, charges of DUI and DUI highest rate, records show. He was admitted on Jan. 15, 2016, into a special probationary program which, if successfully completed, could have allowed the crime to be removed from his record, records say. He was taken out from the program on Feb. 3 of this year and the warrant was issued April 3 after a criminal court proceeding didn't happen, court papers say. He's free on his own recognizance with his next court appearance set for July 31, records show.

Michael Calantoni, 48

Calantoni, of the 400 block of Main St. in Stockertown, was arrested with the assistance of Easton police at 121 S. Seventh St. in the city, the sheriff's department said. Calantoni pleaded guilty on March 30 to a bad check charge from Sept. 7, records show. He received 24 months of probation and was ordered to repay $1,883.20 but when his status was reviewed May 30, he was behind on payments, records show.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Knights of Columbus award scholarships to two Holy Family School 8th grade grads.

Knights of Columbus Council 4282 "Our Lady of the Sacred Heart," of Nazareth, awarded two scholarships to Holy Family School eighth-grade graduates Christina Amrick and Christopher Miller.

Christina and Christopher wrote the best essays addressing the topic of how they, as Catholics, will be active participants in their faith.

The scholarships, worth $750 each will be used to attend Bethlehem Catholic High School.

Do you have education news to share? To see it posted here and possibly in The Express-Times, send me an email.

Sketch plans were submitted in May 2017 for the Chrin Commerce Center in Palmer Township and Tatamy

The latest sketch plans show a pharmacy, hotel, restaurant, convenience store and bank in the Chrin Commerce Center.

Perhaps just as noteworthy is what's missing from the latest plans.

The sketch plans submitted in May to Palmer Township and Tatamy don't have the retail club store or supermarket on a concept plan submitted in May 2015.

That doesn't mean those stores won't ever come to the 800-acre site going up around the new Route 33 interchange. It just means they're not coming yet, municipal officials say.

Tatamy Mayor Anthony Jaskowiec said Chrin also envisions two office buildings at Tatamy Road and Mill Race Drive near the Mondelez warehouse.

"They don't have any tenants or buyers, so those plans are up in the air," he said.

Chrin doesn't have any tenants lined up for any of the businesses submitted in the recent sketch plans, according to municipal officials in Palmer and Tatamy. Chrin representatives did not return messages seeking comment.

However, municipal officials believe Chrin is close to a deal with a hotel tenant. The bank, pharmacy, restaurant and convenience store would complement the hotel. Those businesses would also give employees at the warehouses springing up in the center a place to shop, according to Tatamy secretary Deanne Werkheiser.

Sketch plans show the pharmacy at the corner of Main and Eighth streets in Tatamy. The other four buildings are slated for Palmer Township in the area of Trolley Line Road.

Werkheiser said the proposed convenience store/gas station has been compared in size and type to a Wawa or a Sheetz, although it's unknown what business, if any, is in negotiations with Chrin.

At meetings two years ago, Chrin officials discussed bringing in a specialty supermarket akin to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, Werkheiser said. These would offer an alternative to the Wegmans, Giant and Weis only a short drive from the commerce center.

It's unclear whether club retailers like Costco, Sam's Club or B.J.'s Wholesale are interested in the Chrin Commerce Center. Palmer Supervisors Chairman Dave Colver said Monday he has heard nothing about any club retailer's interest in the center.

Jaskowiec said municipal officials will meet with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation later this month to discuss driveways and roads leading into the center.

Hotel, restaurant, convenience store and bank slated for Palmer

The May 2017 sketch plan shows a road accessing Main Street from the center between Trolley Line Road and Eighth Street. Chrin would need special permission to put in this road.

It's also unclear whether a two-way Broad Street will extend into the center from Tatamy. The sketch plan shows a right-turn-only lane exiting the center which excludes a straight connection to Broad Street.

The mayor said road issues such as these need to be hammered out before the plans can advance further.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.

Nazareth Ford was awarded a 2016 President's Award.

Ford Motor Co. has recognized Nazareth Ford with a 2016 President's Award, given to the top-performing Ford dealerships in the nation.

Dealerships nationwide compete but only about 10 percent are honored based on performance and accomplishments, according to Ford.

Pictured above with the President's Award plaque at the dealership in Lower Nazareth Township are, from left, Brian Lachewitz, George Rocchino, Robby Blocker, Ken Olver, Steve Randall, Debbie Leibenguth, Mike Strauser , President Joseph Shauger, Josh Bower, General Manager Tod Bower, Jay Charlie, Christina Wilson and Nicole Rivera.

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The patron had an unsteady balance, slurred speech and glassy eyes, police said.

A drunken New Jersey patron is accused of damaging a Lehigh Valley Taxi cab and spitting on the driver.

AP Photo 

Charged is Gheorghi Mihaliov, 31, of Parlin, Middlesex County.

Colonial Regional police at 3:09 a.m. Sunday were called to East Main and South Walnut streets in Bath. Rafael Parrilla, the taxi driver, told police he was summoned to Bath to pick up Mihaliov and take him to Easton.

Police said Mihaliov handed Parrilla $50 for the ride. Parrilla then asked him where specifically in Easton so he could put the location into his GPS to determine the exact mileage and cost, according to police.

Mihaliov then allegedly demanded the $50 back and Parrilla gave him back the cash. Mihaliov opened the cab door, spit on Parrilla and kicked the door, police said.

Mihaliov ended up damaging the inside locking mechanism when he kicked the door, preventing it from closing properly, court records indicate. Lehigh Valley Taxi currently is assessing the value of the damage, court records state.

Slate Belt woman accused of having meth at gas station

Colonial Regional officers found Mihaliov sitting in the parking lot of The Fox Gentleman's Club. He lacked balance, had slurred speech and glassy eyes, according to police.

Mihaliov is charged with criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. He was arraigned before District Judge Roy Manwaring, who set bail at $500.

In lieu of bail, Mihaliov was taken to Northampton County Prison. Court records indicate he has since posted bail.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

A witness reported the man unresponsive for about an hour early Tuesday in the 7-11 parking lot.

An Upper Nazareth Township man allegedly was found passed out in a van outside the 7-11 convenience store with drugs inside the vehicle.

file photo 

Charged is Ryan D. Gallagher, 34, of the 500 block of East Lawn Road.

Gallagher at 3:39 a.m. Tuesday was found by a township officer unresponsive in a van parked in the parking lot of 7-11, 14 E. Lawn Road, police said. A witness reported the van being parked for about an hour.

The officer was able to wake up Gallagher and found a small pill container next to his foot. Gallagher allegedly gave the officer permission to open the container, which contained methamphetamine.

The officer also searched Gallagher, seizing two ball point pen tubes burnt at the ends; two Clonazepam pills; and five tablets of Alprazolam. Both of the prescription medications treat anxiety and panic disorder; police said Gallagher did not have a valid prescription for either.

Gallagher is charged with possession of a controlled substance (three counts) and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arraigned before District Judge Roy Manwaring, who set bail at $10,000 unsecured.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

High Honor Roll - Grade 8 Asmaa Adnane, Amber Allen, Gabrielle Ames, Megan Bailey, Muskan Bajwa, Alex Baver, Stephen Beck, Austin Bentzinger, Hayden Berner, Mateus Bitencourt, Sabrina Bonsignore, Cody Breidenbach, Kylie Brown, Ashleigh Browne, Talya Brugler, Richard Bugbee, Joseph Burke, Collin Burkhart, Elena Calantoni, Annalise Caracappa, Evan Carach, Eric Carlson, Sydney Carpenter, Arianna Casner, Christopher Clark, Megan Conklin, Gerard Courtney,...

High Honor Roll - Grade 8
Asmaa Adnane, Amber Allen, Gabrielle Ames, Megan Bailey, Muskan Bajwa, Alex Baver, Stephen Beck, Austin Bentzinger, Hayden Berner, Mateus Bitencourt, Sabrina Bonsignore, Cody Breidenbach, Kylie Brown, Ashleigh Browne, Talya Brugler, Richard Bugbee, Joseph Burke, Collin Burkhart, Elena Calantoni, Annalise Caracappa, Evan Carach, Eric Carlson, Sydney Carpenter, Arianna Casner, Christopher Clark, Megan Conklin, Gerard Courtney, Abigail Daems, Sean Daly, Jaxon Daugherty, Janna Day, Holly Dearworth, Alyson DeMarco, Taylor DeStefano, Kyra Dezzi, Alexis Doherty, Branden Doherty, Olivia Dorko, Ethan Doyle, Adam Fatebene, Marissa Faust, Bria Fisk, Connor Force, Virginia Frace, Kyra Goerlich, Joseph Gromlowicz, Kadance Heist, Makenna Hoff, Ethan Honsel, Leah Hopf, Juliet Hoven, Trevor Howell, Allison Inglis, Brynn Jacoby, Maya Jamann, Carson James, Angelina Keck, Dakota Koch, Garrett Koch, Alexander Kociuba, Kadison Landes, Andrew Lazar, Jenson Lewis, Julie Lindfeldt, Hannah Long, Gabriel Louw, Cade Lutz, Julia Lynch, Kathryn Maholick, Kaylene McDonald, Connor McGaughran, Zoe Mendonis, Ewan Moore, Michael Nigohosian, Tyler Novak, Eesha Pabbathi, Lianna Paccio, Armaan Pandher, Melissa Patton, Courtney Paulson, Amanda Pearson, Michael Peterson, Grace Plumhoff, Adria Ragazzo, Kareena Ratnesh, Molly Regan, William Reinert, Logan Reiser, Abigayle Reph, John Riley, Kolby Robertson, James Sands, Brayden Saylor, Gianna Schaeffer, Bryanna Schienholz, Nathan Schmidt, Shannon Seidel, Evan Serafin, Muneet Sheera, Owen Slimm, Anna Soldano, Ryan Strzelecki, Evan Suwalski, Alexandra Talarico, MaryJo Torres, Kylie Tugend, MeiLi VanHise, Jennifer Vaughn, Sean Ward, Andrew Wells, Grace White, Alanna Wilderotter, Alexander Witkowski, Emily Witmer, Makayla Wolfe, Nina Wypler, Sophia Zelasko, Alicia Zhang, Alexandra Zuluaga.

Honor Roll - Grade 8
Kohl Abt, Nicholas Adams, Sean Ament, Neel Amin, Austin Andres-Mendoza, Quintyn Attanasio, Richard Bachman, Matthew Bayda, Kendall Beitler, Nolan Bianco, Emma Blair, Nathan Bogar, Savannah Bogari, Thomas Bohl, Aidan Boucher, Braden Bowers, Defne-Su Bozkan, Jakob Braman, Gianna Buckley, Amber Buskirk, Jaiden Cabrera, Dillon Carrigan, Jordyn Charf, Drew Clearie, Michael Condomitti, Liam Condon, Yaireliz Crespo, Trent Cressman, Bella Cuevas, Arista Danise, Sydney DeFranco, Ashley DeWalt, Patrick Dunne, Aidan Dupee, Kenneth Dyer, Natalie Eberly, Rivers Edwards, Portia Ellis, Joshua Ennico, Alexandria Fehr, Mary Fuentes, Tyler Gates, Elijah Geiger, Connor Gregus, Rebecca Hahn, Robert Hahn, Eric Hayford, Jack Hilarczyk, Tyler Hoffman, Sarah Honsel, Abigail James, Caleb Johns, Ashton Johnson, Brenna Johnson, Logan Johnson, Mackenna Kingsley, Ashley Knause, Macy Kocher, Tyler Komosinski, Alexa Kortbawi, Anthony Kositz, Kylie Kostenbader, Sara Kozerski, Joselyn Lamberton, Jadon Lapp, Margaret Lefebvre, Aaliyah Liaci, Kaitlyn Lockard, Katherine Madson, Vasty Mather, Ethan McCartney, Courtney McNally, Faith Mitchell, Travis Moyer, Matthew Mullen, Kyle Nguyen, John Nigohosian, Stephan Nigohosian, Daniel Novak, Liam O'Connor, Tyler O'Hagan, Madeline Orth, Paris Paladino, Madisyn Palenchar, Tayler Palenchar, Alec Paradiso, Timothy Pasquel, Brandon Pieper, Stavros Piliaris, Maria Pilla, Benjamin Pinel, Kelly Puccio, Charleen Rahman, Jayde Rizzotto, Renee Roberts, Daniel Ruggiero, Dexter Rumsey, Christian Schmidt, Margaret Schneebeli, Christopher Simone, Maisie Singer, Lea Sitaras, Isabella Smith, Joi Smith, Karson Smith, Rylan Stump, Ethan Swanker, Savanah Thomma, Anita Vera, Kyle Vlasaty, Traven Vogt, Ryan Vuono, Ryan Watters, Alton West, Mason Wichern, Chandler Woo.
High Honor Roll - Grade 7
Madeline Ahearn, Stefano Albarracin, Liam Allen, Natasia Andriolo, Christopher Apruzzi, Kayla Bacak, Hailey Baker, Chloe Barzin, Brady Bast, Morgan Bayda, Rachel Billet, Emma Blackham, Hayley Broad, Michael Brougham, Emma Browning, Riley Chiles, Cassandra Coco, Aaliyah Cohen, Kaylee Connell, Grace Cuevas, Thomas Daggett, Shambhavi Dave, Elizabeth Deaner, Julia DeMore, Robert Dewey, Claire Eberly, Jessica Elliott, Kaelan Ellis, Alyssa Ernst, Gabrielle Febbo, Kole Federico, Alyssa Felix, Emily Firman, Kaelyn Gerencher, Natalia Giammetta, Alex Gundry, Gabrielle Gundry, Abigail Gunn, Sydney Halasnik, McKenzie Harris, Colin Henchy, Megan Holland, Tyler Horn, Ethan J. Horvath, Paige Horvath, Vjay Hou, Seth Hubler, Brooke Johnson, Sierra Jordan, Skyler Jordan, Victoria Jordan, Maria Kaminska, Emma Kane, Kiera Karve, Cameron Koch, Mason Koch, Ryan Kresge, Sarah Kryemadhi, Ariana Kwiatek, Kiera Laslo, Aaron Leopold, Kelly Leszcynski, Eva Level, Madison Lilly, Noah Lyon, Carleigh Macy, Marlina Maldonado, Joseph Manento, Rohan Mareddy, Amy Meriwether, Philip Mohrman, Ainsley Moore, Veronica Morris, Benjamin Moyzan, Samuel Netzley, Andrew Nicolae, Ashley Oakley, Eesha Patel, Robert Pitsko, Nathan Pynchon, Grace Rasmussen, Molly Rea, Kelly Regan, Samuel Rodrigues, Tyler Rohn, Alayna Rosynek, Kaylee Schiavone, Neethi Sheka, Mackenzie Shoup, Blake Shuler, Colleen Shuler, Brian Six, Daniel Smith, Ohm Sohagia, Faith Stevens, Norah Stivala, Jacob Stoner, Kiana Stump, Shifra Suthakar, Sarah Topping, Paige Uelses, Kaitlyn Vaccola, Scott Vakiener, Megan VanRensburg, Caitlin Voloshen, Kaylee Weiss, Owen Wescott, Hope White, Kara Wilson, Andrew Younes.
Honor Roll - Grade 7
Salma Adnane, Tyler Aide, Collin Albert, Alexis Altemose, William Angelozzi, David Araujo, Nathan Aravich, Donato Atkinson, Gregory Bagshaw, David Baldanza, Carter Bandics, Hunter Bittenbender, Kayleigh Bobeck, Logan Bonser, Nolan Booth, Ashley Breault, Cailyn Brown, Gabriella Buezo, Ryan Burke, Jacob Carl, Ava Colagiovanni, Jacob Cole, Nathan Cook, Ashley Cordes, Julia Curran, Olivia Dailey, Grace Dawe, Nicholas Dawe, Kayla Denke, Lucas Derr, Sophia Doran, Marisa Eager, Maxwell Ehrlich, Nathan Elvin, Sophie Emeigh, Abigail Entwistle, Anna Estrada, Ryan Fairchild, Luca Famularo, Owen Ferguson, Lucas Forrest, Jonathan Frame, Jason Fuquay, Alexa Gabrie, Juliette Gass, Abigail Gensits, Anthony Gerencser, Norah Girton, Kevin Givone, Alexandra Goodricke, Amelia Gregus, Luke Gromlowicz, Nathan Guzman, Abigail Haffner, Connor Hageman, Brian Harris, Vincent Hebel, Jake Hilarczyk, Seth Hockenberry, Ethan D. Horvath, Caroline Hunter, Aiden Kane, Hope Kester, Julie Kisselbach, Anissa Komosinski, Anupriya Kooma, Alexander LaBar, Rose Lasso, Brynlee LaStella, Peyton Laurin, Abigail Leach, Chase Levey, Matthew Lucas, Logan Lusareta, Jayden Lyon, Julia Major, Aiden Mannix, Gianna Marchese, Aidan McBride, Maren McGuire, Claire McIvor, Zachary McKinney, Kenzi Merritt, Daniel Mikulski, Gavin Mills, Jayden Mullin, Abbas Naqvi, Jason Nguyen, Brady Norton, Robert Olson, Sarah Osmun, Nish Patel, Dionisi Pellegrino, Trysta Petchonka, Lily Pierson, Chloe Post, McKenna Reavis, Liam Redman, Julianna Rice, Mason Rinker, Logan Sanders, Kaylee Schaberg, Rachael Schaffer, Chase Skrapits, MaKana Snyder, Jordan Soffera, Lily Stachelczyk, Lewis Stahl, Bryahna Stanat, Gehrig Stellato, Oliver Stride, Christopher Swanson, Sierra Swanson, Aneesh Tayi, Caleb Thurnau, Timothy Vaughn, Dylan Vo, Lorelei Vogt, Ian White, Koye Whitman, Sean Womer, Tyler Xing, Skye Yons, Kiley Yotter, Kaila Zborezny, Gavin Zelko, Michael Zemba, Zachary Zym.