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.

Could be time for a new career.

Mackenzie, who has served in the House since 2012, is all but assured another 2-year term.

The donation by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott is part of $133.5M she's giving to the national nonprofit.

Individual school districts must now decide if their students will mask or not.

Most utilities will be raising electricity prices in December, according to the Pa. Public Utility Commission.

School districts will establish their own policies in January.

The governor said he will turn over masking decisions to local school officials on Jan. 17.

Some insects like mosquitos are thriving later in the season as temperatures reach well into the 70s.

More than a month into the school year, Pennsylvania’s mask mandate for schools is still in place while schools and parents have adopted routines for keeping kids safe while remaining in the classroom.

Local pharmaceutical company Sharp, announced this week that it will hire hundreds of new workers as it prepares a $42 million expansion project here in the Lehigh Valley.