East Penn News

The Emmaus Rotary, a service organization involved in many projects throughout the East Penn area, held their first "night shift" meeting to attract new members and volunteers

A new Jewish Orthodox summer camp by the organization Camp Degel Hatorah is set to take over the previous Camp Jubilee site at 1312 N Brookside Road in Lower Macungie Township after being cleared by township zoners.

The East Penn school board heard proposals as part of the budget process to hire 7 reading interventionists for elementary school students in the 2023-24 school year while also seeing presentations for policy amendments and a presentation on middle school grading procedures.

The new "Flicks and Floats" events will open the pool up at night for family-friendly films, alongside the slate of concerts that will be held through the Borough.

Registration continues until Saturday and supports two memorial scholarships for graduating Emmaus High School runners.

Emmaus Borough Council approved parking kiosks at a borough-controlled lot at 311 Main St. — a first in town. Council also approved several new hires.

Zoning approval was granted for the 54.4-acre mixed use development at 617 N. Krocks Road including apartments, a hotel and retail space. The development will now have to address comments and submit land development plans to the township.

In preparation for St. Patrick's Day, the Lower Macungie Township Historical Society on Wednesday took to Rising River Brewing for a "history on tap" event highlighting the history of Irish immigrants in the township during the mid-1800s.

The East Penn Board of School Directors discussed long term finances while casting affirmative votes to retain Superintendent Kristen Campbell, introducing online ticket sales and finalizing the school calendar for the upcoming year.

Nearly 140 candidates are running for dozens of positions on school boards across the Lehigh Valley.

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.

Let's Go Coffee Co. in Emmaus held its grand opening Friday. The business offers a wide selection of coffees and gluten-free baked goods.

Emmaus residents could see an increase in their property taxes in 2025. Emmaus Borough Council is set to discuss the proposal at its next meeting on Monday, Dec. 16.

The crash happened before dawn Monday in Lower Milford Township. Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio released the victim's identity following an autopsy Tuesday.