Without casting a vote Tuesday night, Pennsburg Council decided not to hold its half of Community Day later this year. The members appeared to reach a consensus to cancel their half of the annual due to concerns over COVID-19.

            Council President Diane Stevens confirmed that reality in a text message received after the meeting. Member F. Robert Seville and Mayor Charles Shagg initially expressed their support for the postponement due to the safety of the community.

            "The situation is so volatile," Stevens said during the meeting, hosted on Zoom. "I would not be able to sleep at night if something happened to someone."

            According to Member Mike Mensch, East Greenville is planning on holding its portion of the event, scheduled for Sept. 11, just like it has in past years. Mensch said he discussed the issue recently with Angie Fegely, president of the neighboring borough's council.

            One week earlier, members of East Greenville Council spoke enthusiastically about staging its half of the event. During its April 5 meeting, Member Melissa Leinbach suggested doubling the municipality's budgeted amount for the festival since last year's event was canceled in 2020 due to concerns over the novel coronavirus.

            Leinbach expressed a willingness to include ...

            Upper Perkiomen's School Board voted last week to approve a 5.37 percent budget increase for the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center budget for the next school year. The members agreed to contribute an additional $87,399 to the school during 2021-22.

            That brings the district's contribution up to $1.903 million for the school next year. Enrollment from the high school has increased significantly in recent years, according to board President Melanie Cunningham.

            As part of his report, Superintendent Allyn Roche told the members that four-day in-person learning throughout the district – which debuted April 6 – is going well. Roche said he got inside all the buildings and spoke with teachers, administrators, support staff and students.

            "I got a lot of positive feedback," Roche said during the April 6 regular board meeting, hosted on Zoom. "Everyone is doing a fantastic job."

            According to the superintendent, administrators continue to c...