East Penn News

Jonathan A. Richards, 41, of Shillington, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.24% at the time of the crash — three times the legal limit, authorities said.

Lower Macungie Township in a busy meeting granted approval to the Raising Cane's fast food restaurant, a mixed use apartment and office complex, and additional street lights in addition to the massive Lehigh Valley Town Center project.

The 58.8-acre Lehigh Valley Town Center project was granted unanimous approval by Lower Macungie Township commissioners, with developers saying they expect construction to begin on the TopGolf portion in 2024.

The classic & antique car festival is expected to bring thousands of visitors and hundreds of cars to the park, dating back to the early 1900s.

The Lower Macungie Township Historical Society is set to raise money for and produce a historical docudrama film focused on the 1799 Fries Rebellion, which led to a federal crackdown in the Macungie area during the John Adams administration.

Emmaus grad and Lehigh County Democratic Committee senior advisor Aidan Levinson is set to join the new Commission on Next Generation Engagement, established by Governor Josh Shapiro in June to advise the administration

The proposed Raising Cane's location in Lower Macungie Township is finally on the way to the Board of Commissioners as new strip mall plans were introduced and procedural changes occurred due to a board shakeup.

Ryan Mackenzie, the longtime Lehigh County state representative, will need to emerge from a crowded Republican field to challenge U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, the three-term incumbent.

The Lower Macungie commissioners chose to table a conditional use decision for the proposed Lehigh Valley Town Center Project, set to be constructed by Jaindl Land Company.

The public conditional use hearing, which would give official approval for the Lehigh Valley Town Center project, is set for Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

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.