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.

Incumbents Maury G. Robert and Ron R. Beitler are joined on the ballot by challenger Gregory S. Chaputa, all noting land preservation and managing development as a priority.

Borough council on Monday night heard a presentation on options to mitigate PFAS in its residential drinking supply. None of the proposals are cheap.

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

One of the most notable points touched on was the plan to build a districtwide mathematics website to give both students and guardians a greater understanding of the math course sequence and to provide additional math resources online.

Emmaus has Let's Play Books, a shop that is now expanding to a second location. The new store, called The End: a bookstore, opens in Allentown on Saturday for Independent Bookstore Day.

Mad Dogs Hot Dogs in Macungie is no longer closing after owners announced a buyer of the restaurant.

"Mad Dogs Hot Dogs" in Macungie, a popular lunchtime spot known for its wide and creative variety of hot dog topping combinations, will close at the end of April, according to the owners.

A juvenile suspect has been charged with misdemeanor counts as a result of a state police investigation of sewing needles in food at the Giant.

East Penn School Board on Monday discussed adding special needs and support staff to the district in continued budget discussions.

In the small Borough of Alburtis, candidates for the election are a mix of old and new members of the council

Township commissioners approved a zoning ordinance modification that helps to clear the way for the Lehigh Valley Town Center project that includes a TopGolf, an aquarium or nature center, and hundreds of apartments.

Dozens of folks urged Lower Macungie Township commissioners to help manage feral cat colonies on private land. Said one person: 'We don't want you going in there and having a private trapper come in and extinguish the cats.'