Monday afternoon brought a new light into Rush Township.

The township's new user-friendly website

www.rushtownship.org was presented for the first time. It was a crucial step toward the future that will make important information readily accessible to residents.The program began with a welcome from Chairman Stephen W. Simchak. He then introduced William F. Hanley, projects director, representing Congressman Tim Holden's office, who spoke for a moment on the Internet. Also present was Sen. David Argall, who told a story of a young Scout that showed him the way to the information highway.The website was unveiled by David C. Haupt, president of Precision Design, the Hazleton-based advertising, marketing and Web development firm that developed the website. They are known for creating some of the largest and most used websites in the region.By visiting

www.rushtownship.org a multitude of information is available. There is a section dedicated to government that includes documents, hours of operation and directions, bid requests, staff and supervisors, and special boards.Another section is the guide to services available such as planning commission, police and fire departments, garbage, water and sewer, the road department, zoning and permitting, and tax information.The area page is all about the region, including recreation with a list of parks and playgrounds, education and economic development which contains useful details about the TIDE Industrial Park and other businesses such as Silberline, Inc. and Air Products.Something else you can find on the website is township history. A click of a button and it is revealed that the township is named in honor of Judge Jacob Rush. According to the website, Judge Rush served as the first president judge of the Third Judicial District when Schuylkill County was still part of Northampton County. Judge Rush was the younger brother of Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.A news page will keep the readers up to date on articles of interest.A calendar page and contact information page are also available.Supervisor Robert J. Leibensperger, who took office earlier in the year, helped get the website project off the ground. Leibensperger said that the website is a work in progress and that they will be adding to it as necessary.The supervisors encouraged the township residents to utilize the website and take advantage of the information available. .