The recently-organized Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission has named Albert Lichty, the mayor of Weissport, to serve as president of the group.

During a meeting held at the Lehighton Municipal Building, the commission was formally organized and its official named was selected.

The mayor of Lehighton Borough, Wilbur “Cap” Bauchspies, was named to serve as vice president while Reuben Hill of Franklin Township was elected to the positions of secretary and treasurer.

Commission members include Lamar Houser, Parryville; Clair Rehrig, East Penn Township; and Richard Semmel, Lehighton. A delegate remains to be named by the Mahoning Township supervisors.

Last June, the six communities represented by the commission bought approximately 100 acres of land between Jim Thorpe and Parryville, along the Lehigh Canal, to be set aside for recreational purposes.