Easton News

Tensions are rising as the City of Easton and the Rock Church of Easton move closer to a legal battle over possession of the historic Hooper House property.

Easton's Planning Commission reviewed the city's comprehensive plan Wednesday, celebrating successes while acknowledging a wealth of work to attain their goals by 2040.

Rickhaslo "Ricky" Brown and his wife, Heather, celebrated his big win on "Wheel of Fortune" Wednesday at Rivals Sports Bar and Restaurant.

The U.S. Department of Commerce reached a non-binding agreement with Coherent Corp. that could lead to the creation of 320 jobs at its Palmer Township facility. The agreement is intended to boost production of silicon carbide substrates, a specialized crystal used to create semiconductor wafers.

A Northampton County Judge sentenced William Strunk Tuesday to 20-40 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to third-degree murder.

Easton's Historic District Commission voted against a proposal to demolish and reconstruct the McDonald's at 300 Larry Holmes Drive, citing issues with the appearance, layout and signs for the property.

Rickhaslo Brown, a West Ward resident of Easton, recently saw a dream come true when he got to appear on an episode of his favorite game show, "Wheel of Fortune."

Easton attorney Jeremy Clark will run for a seat on the Northampton County bench.

Easton City Council approved an amendment to the parking code which would allow for handicapped spots in several residential sections of the downtown district during Wednesday's meeting.

“While the decision to close was a difficult one, it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the family-owned business,” a release said of the decision to wind down operations at Easton Public Market.

Easton City Council approved a pair of resolutions which will allow them to apply for $15 million in federal grants, which they hope to use to improve the wastewater plant and sewage lines in the city.

Gas prices are up about 10 cents a gallon in Pennsylvania from this time last year, and up 11 cents in the Lehigh Valley region, according to AAA.

Easton Area School District approved a preliminary budget of over $210 million on Tuesday night, despite concerns over several details.

State revenue generated by Wind Creek Bethlehem and Mount Airy Casino will help Bangor renovate a fire hall, Lower Nazareth Township purchase a new police vehicle and improve seating at a Freemansburg amphitheater.

A proposal to develop the old Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough into 405 apartments advanced after review by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Comprehensive Planning Committee.

Chrin V-7 Associates plans to make a cornfield at the southwest corner of Hope Road and William Penn Highway in Bethlehem Township home to 264 garden apartments, 12 buildings and a 5,700-square-foot amenity structure.

Dwayne Tillman has been Easton's acting planning and codes director for months. On Monday, the nine-year city employee was confirmed to take on the role permanently.

The Diocese of Allentown announced several moves among priests in its 78 parishes — part of an annual process led by an advisory board of priests and approved by Bishop Alfred Schlert.

Thrift store and cat lounge Project Paw has become a standout in Easton, offering up cool vintage finds alongside a special area to congregate with kitties.

Mi Casa Restaurante in Easton serves traditional dishes from Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.

Problems with theft in the mail collection bins outside the post office go back at least four years. Last year police warned folks to stop using the bins and deposit mail inside the post office. The bins remained open — and the stolen checks and mail have persisted.

Palmer Township police Officer John Smoke, the school resource officer at Easton Area High School, waived his preliminary hearing in Palmer Township on Friday.