Please note, the Red Hill Fire Company is soliciting donations for the victims displaced by the fire.  The incident has left all residents homeless and without many essential items to start the recovery process.  The fire company is collecting items such as clothing, food, gift cards, and monetary donations for the victims.  Please see https://www.facebook.com/Thedoghouse71 for more information on how you can help.

            Volunteer firefighters were called to the 400 block of Main Street at 12:03 p.m. on Tuesday when fire broke out on the second floor of 438 Main St. in Red Hill.

Firefighters direct a stream of water into the second floor window as flames race through the second floor.

            The first firefighters to arrive reported flames coming from the second floor of the duplex building.  The fire quickly spread to the third floor. 

            Aerial firetrucks were set up in the front and rear of the structure to facilitate the firefighter's operation and water was used from a hydrant in the 500 block of Main Street. Traffic was detoured around the scene from Sixth and Main streets to Fourth and Main streets in the borough.

            After firefighters knocked down the bulk of the fire, the stubborn blaze continued to burn within hidden areas of the structure.  Firefighters were still encountering flames as they opened up walls, ceilings, and the roof at 1:15 p.m.  Emergency service personnel were still on the scene at 2:30 p.m.

            According to Montgomery County property records, 438 Main St. is owned by ...

            Last week's Marlborough Board of Supervisors meeting was dominated by two topics, the 2023 budget and the continuing effort of John Haines IV to build a museum/welcome center on his Geryville Pike property.

            The 2023 Marlborough Township budget will not require a tax increase thanks in large part to $625,000 that will carry over into the 2023 budget.

           Due to the boom in the housing market and the real estate transfer tax, taxes came in $68,000 over projection. Building permits resulted in a gain of $25,000 in 2022. Both contributed to $2,213,304 in "total revenue available for appropriation."

           The largest projected 2023 expenses for the township are the police department ($581,617) and payroll withholdings and benefits ($468,570).

            "No real major changes are being included in the 2023 revenues other than [potential] grants," said Township Manager Secretary/Treasurer Marybeth Cody. "All expense items have been increased due to the rise in inflation rates."

           Next year's budget is projected to carry a surplus of around $163,000 into 2024. That number could increase to over $250,000 if American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds are included.

           Projected use of ARP funds in 2023 include ...