County News

Northampton County Council bid farewell to four members Thursday evening, including its first Black president, Kerry Myers.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure announced Monday he approved the county's 2024 budget, leaving in place amendments made by the County Council last week.

In a letter to Gov. Josh Shapiro, state Rep. Milou Mackenzie asked the Department of State to provide Northampton County with instructions on how to avoid more Election Day mistakes with their voting machines.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure on Friday named a human resources department manager as his acting director of administration. She joined the county in May 2022.

Northampton County Council voted Thursday to adopt a 2024 budget that keeps property taxes flat.

Northampton Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College and 13 other institutions have yet to receive operating funds authorized in the fiscal-year budget lawmakers approved over the summer.

The state Department of Environmental Protection's Energy Programs Office will host five public engagement sessions in December, four in-person and one virtual, as officials work to create a priority climate action plan to address the negative effects of climate change.

Mark Pinsley announced Friday, Dec. 1, that he will run for auditor general in 2024. The position oversees financial and performance audits of Pennsylvania state government.

County Executive Lamont McClure reiterated Thursday he will not step down after the county experienced widespread problems with its voting machines on Election Day. Despite the problems, the county's Election Commission certified the results last week.

Rep. Susan Wild served as the ranking Democrat overseeing the congressional investigation of scandal-plagued Rep. George Santos. She said she was repeatedly shocked by his flagrant disregard of ethics.

The grant is used to uplift eligible municipalities across Northampton County.

A proposal introduced Thursday night would create an annual $250 property tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS workers in Northampton County.

Nitya and Rudra Thakkar, Cole Hubert and Samuel VanNorman of Saucon Valley High School, along with Harrison Vicic of Moravian Academy will join three different Lower Saucon panels this school year.

Kalynych served within a number of roles in his time as a first responder. Lower Saucon council presented a resolution in his memory, recognizing his accomplishments and family in attendance on Wednesday.

Pennsylvania State Police and the Northampton County District Attorney's Office have scheduled a news conference for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday regarding a double-homicide investigation in North Catasauqua.

Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate last week's double homicide in North Catasauqua. A search warrant filed in district court revealed new details in the investigation.

The Connect Lehigh County program will make police aware of where participating private groups and residents have installed security cameras. Police hope this can help them quickly collect video evidence as they investigate crimes.

Lehigh County commissioners began reviewing the $520 million budget proposed for 2024. It anticipates the hiring of new positions and wage increases for nonunion employees, but no new property taxes.

Travelers departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport will have to use the arrivals lane upon entering the property because of a repaving project.

Former Allentown City Councilman Josh Siegel, now a state representative, accepted two tickets from the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to see the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Houston Astros at last fall's World Series. The gift may have violated the city's Code of Ethics.

The Great Allentown Fair crowned its queen on opening night Wednesday, Aug. 30. Kamryn Fink, of Germansville, succeeded 2022 fair queen Allison Emanuel, of Laurys Station.

While three out of four Lehigh Valley residents are either “very” or “somewhat” concerned with loss of open space, about a third expressed concerns about the quality of air and drinking water in the region. Read the latest in our "Life in the Lehigh Valley" series.