East Penn News

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.

The church proposed a simple change to property lines that could have larger ramifications.

According to Allen Organ, shipping the giant instrument from Macungie to France wasn't that difficult, but it was customized to match the interior of the cathedral.

Emmaus is set to approve the $46 million dollar budget at council's second December meeting, marking a large investment into the borough's management of PFAS contamination.

An ordinance to swap the official fire company of Macungie and written agreement with Lower Macungie Township were both introduced to borough council on December 4.

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.

Emmaus' Old Fashioned Christmas on Saturday will ring in the holiday season for many participating businesses and nonprofits. It will be joined by other nearby festivities in the East Penn area.

Joe Samba will play a free show at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Rising River Brewing, 1955 Willow Lane, Macungie. Doors open at 3 p.m.

The Lehigh County Authority used municipal meetings to highlight what upgrades were currently planned to Lehigh County's sewer system, and what might be needed form the local governments

In a meeting dominated by discussions of the Macungie Volunteer Fire Company's future, council approved a new spending plan following a monthlong series of workshop meetings.

At Angel Tree Farms in Alburtis, you won't find prices on the Christmas trees. You make a donation and you take a tree. All proceeds go to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.

Macungie Borough Council requested its solicitor to prepare an ordinance to swap the official fire service from Macungie Volunteer Fire Department to the Lower Macungie Township Fire Department.

The borough is finalizing a multi-year process to update the zoning and land development ordinances, with many priorities centered on density, growth and walkability.

Emmaus is among many Lehigh Valley communities to host Small Business Saturday events, to encourage residents to support locally-owned businesses.

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.