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.

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.

Industry experts say it’s not a question of if, but when Trader Joe’s will open a Lehigh Valley store.

ArtsQuest will hold the first Upper Mac Days will be held Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25, in the Grange Park, the township's 165-acre open space.

A second building is set to join the Home Depot being constructed at 5887 Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township.

Upper Milford Township Board of Supervisors Chair and former Lehigh County Comissioner candidate Joyce Moore is seeking reelection for her position on the township's Board of Supervisors

An ordinance introduced to the Emmaus Borough Council establishes parking kiosks at a borough controlled lot at 311 Main Street and may make it easier to introduce more in the future.

Fountain Hill, East Penn, Northampton and other restaurant weeks look to bring together various local restaurants and attract people to locally owned and operated businesses

Emmaus native Ashley Coleman was named executive director of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in January 2023.

A developing community center in Emmaus, JuxtaHub is beginning to offer workshops and digital experiences using what organizers believe to be the mass media of the near future.