Easton News

A new Northampton County budget, introduced by County Executive Lamont McClure Tuesday, keeps taxes flat. He said he would have cut taxes, if it weren't for the County Council.

Shelly (Jacobs) Bartolacci is retiring as an Easton girls basketball coach three years after retiring from teaching. Her retirement marks the end of a 54-year association with the Easton Area School District as a student, teacher or coach.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. presented his 2024 budget to Easton City Council Monday, kicking off a series of meetings to be held over the next two months before it is finalized.

The fifth edition of College Hill Porchfest saw about 150 musicians perform at 31 improvised stages across the Easton neighborhood.

Bob Stem is the winningest football coach for two high schools — Bethlehem Catholic and Phillipsburg, his alma mater. Stem, a teacher and coach for most of his life, died Friday at age 84.

Northampton County Judge Anthony Beltrami joined the bench in 2006. He moonlights as an amateur harness driver at horse-racing tracks in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Earlier this year he was named Amateur Driver of the Year by the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

Several Christian churches will come together with prominent figures in the local LGBTQ+ community to discuss the complex relationship between the two this weekend at the Colors of Hope Conference in Easton.

The Lehigh Valley and Forks Township planning commissions are weighing the school’s plans for a $10 million lacrosse center at Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex.

Easton's garbage and recycling transportation contract is nearly double the cost of the previous one. City officials are exploring options to prevent that increase from passing on to residents.

A local initiative to develop a sustainable farm food infrastructure was instrumental in Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding choosing to appear in Easton to announce the theme for the 2024 state Farm Show in Harrisburg.

Thanks to a grant from Air Products Foundation in collaboration with the Greater Easton Development Partnership, Easton Police Department has received two new e-bikes.

Democratic mayoral primary candidates Peter Melan and incumbent Sal Panto Jr. addressed affordable housing, parking and other topics in a debate organized by Lafayette College. The election is May 16.

Easton's Democratic primary will feature a faceoff between longstanding Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and councilman Peter Melan.

The first Lehigh Valley Space Fest started Saturday. Hosted at Paxinosa Elementary School, organizers aim to inspire children and young adults to be interested in science and space topics.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The Palmer Recovery Center is the site of a free trauma-informed yoga class every Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. The class helps veterans with their mental health struggles.

Easton's Expanded Outdoor Dining Program, which stretches seating into parking spots outside local eateries, will relaunch on May 6.

The West Ward Market celebrated the grand opening of its second season in Easton on May 3, allowing residents easier access to fresh foods and community activities.

Easton officials announced Tuesday the near-completion of the 2021 budget, including an analysis of debt restructuring which has helped strengthen the city's fund balance.

Easton mayoral candidates Peter Melan and Sal Panto Jr. will partake in an audience-driven debate at Lafayette College Monday, May 8.

A historic Easton property that once housed a church, a dry cleaner and a noted artist is up for lease. The three-floor mixed-use building would be a perfect place for new business, the owner says.

Fat Jacks' has welcomed customers along Freemansburg Avenue for 32 years. Now owner Susan Kerbaugh says it's time for someone else to take the reins. The building and its liquor license went on the market this week.