East Penn News

Lower Macungie Township is getting $250,240 for traffic signal improvements by PennDOT's Green Light-Go program — part of a series of upgrades on major roads in the Wescosville area.

Members of United Auto Workers Local 667 have voted nearly unanimously to authorize a strike against Mack Truck Lehigh Valley if a new contract is not reached by Oct. 1.

The Berks Fiddle Festival, an annual celebration of folk music, held its 40th anniversary edition at Bear Creek Mountain Resort on Sunday. "It's the music that's in my heart," said one festival-goer.

The Islamic learning center Al-Maqasid plans a two-campus, nine-building complex that will host seminary training, K-12 education, religious services and recreation facilities. It will be years in the making and cost about $100 million, according to organizers.

Various local craftspeople, businesses, food amenities and more will be on display and available for attendees at the annual Emmaus Farewell to Summer festival

Emmaus Borough Hall is returning to 28 S. 4th Street after over $5 million in extensive renovations that began in December 2021, with the first meeting set to take place Tuesday night.

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.

Visitors are being encouraged to bring unopened cat food to donate and to adopt a cat at Purr House on Sunday, Sept. 3.

East Penn School District approved a new five-year contract with Assistant Superintendent Laura Witman during Monday's school board meeting.

Over 1,400 classic cars gathered in Macungie Park, and organizers estimate about 11,000 people came out to see them and reminisce.

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.

Debbie Klotz passed away last week after battling pancreatic cancer. Friends and family paid tribute to the Lower Macungie Township woman by bringing Christmas toys for children in need to her viewing.