East Penn News

Ron W. Beitler is seeking reelection to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, he announced in a news release Tuesday.

Joshua and Tracy Dechant were charged Sunday with two felony counts each, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said in a release.

Emmaus is one step closer to remediating two of its PFAS-contaminated wells. PFAS are also called "forever chemicals" because they are slow to breakdown in the environment and are linked to a variety of health issues.

The new plan, presented to Lower Macungie Planning Commission on Tuesday, now consists of 13 homes in Cherry Ridge Estates, instead of the original 20.

Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong, with less than a year left in his term, emphasized the need for nonpartisan cooperation, funding and "not being a lame duck" toward the end of his service during a visit to Emmaus Borough Council. He also brought a funding announcement.

The borough heard from five passionate applicants, some brand new to politics — and rejected them all in favor of an eight-year council veteran. Still, they encouraged the other applicants to run for election and even offered to help with paperwork.

The money, administered by the National Park Service, along with $1,850,000 already committed by Lehigh County, will be used to replace the Cast House roof. Other work will focus on water infiltration of the furnace and rehabilitation of related buildings.

LehighValleyNews.com’s top stories of 2024 reflect a mix of community concerns, business developments, and breaking news. The stories were selected based on those that were most popular, drawing the most readers this year.

Tigirlily Gold will perform on Friday, Jan. 31, as part of Philadelphia country radio station WXTU-FM 92.5's Ski Day at Bear Creek. Also performing will be 2020 "American Idol" contestant Megan Knight.

Emmaus residents packed council chambers on Monday to complain about a 26% tax increase for 2025. Council voted 6-1 to approve the increase.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Nowhere Coffee Co. co-owner Lauren Vargas says her landlord, borough council President Chad Balliet, has a conflict of interest in recent health inspections of the property. The borough manager denied that and defended the process after an Emmaus Borough Council meeting Monday night.

"The Fries Rebellion," a historical docudrama by the Lower Macungie Township Historical Society, wrapped filming last week.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

A coffee shop two months ago lauded by President Joe Biden as a shining success of small business appears to be on its way out of Emmaus following an extended landlord-tenant dispute.

An empty lot near Little Lehigh Creek may be developed in Lower Macungie, but only after further changes to the plan.

Early budget discussions among the East Penn School Board show expenses are projected to significantly increase in the next five school years.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort's race of self-built cardboard sleds needed some modifications this year because of melting snow, but participants in Sunday's festivities couldn't be stopped.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

A ribbon cutting for Lehigh Valley Hospital Macungie was held Friday. The neighborhood hospital is a small scale emergency department.

The proposed Mill Creek Pointe apartments in Lower Macungie would put 180 units across 30 six-unit structures and a community center across the street from the school. But it's facing strong opposition.

After over a year of both the local pub and Macungie Diner being empty, businesses are re-emerging in the borough to the delight of patrons whose options have been limited.