Easton News

A microcosm of Pennsylvania, Northampton County's urban areas, rural farms and middle-class suburbs make it a melting pot of different political stripes.

Easton's Nurture Nature Center has been recommended for conditional approval for its proposed planetarium, or "immersive dome," intended to expand programming capabilities.

The identities of the individuals involved in an apparent Allentown murder-suicide case on Thursday have been confirmed by the Lehigh County Coroner's Office.

Debra Biro, Melanie Heilman, Steve Lynch and Richard Morea face charges of harassment following a raucous Northampton County Republican Committee meeting involving pornographic images.

Easton's Planning Commission decided Wednesday to table a hearing for the proposed Easton Commerce Park warehouse in a bid to wait on more information from PennDOT and Wilson Borough before making a decision.

Lana's Comforting Pawsibilities offers training for pets in the Lehigh Valley via positive reinforcement, saving owners of cats and dogs alike from having to give up their precious furry friends.

Pennsylvania's 137th House District, based around Bethlehem Township and the Nazareth area, is one of the biggest toss-up legislative districts in the state. Democratic challenger Anna Thomas is embroiled in a rematch with Republican incumbent state Rep. Joe Emrick.

Easton has secured a $100,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, which will go toward public arts projects including new murals throughout the city.

The Northampton County Elections Office said it has gotten several reports of county voters receiving text messages from "AllVote.com." It's at least the second text-based scam in the Lehigh Valley that county officials are aware of.

Easton City Council will have to adjust its budget figures to reallot funds needed to complete repairs and improvements to the 3rd Street garage.

The Easton-Phillipsburg free bridge will be restricted to one lane from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 19 and 20 to complete a lighting project.

Although hospital officials say a change in location for medevac helicopter access is crucial during building of a new facility at the Anderson campus, some residents think there are more adjustments to be made.

With residents packing council chambers, Easton's Zoning Hearing Board denied a proposal for a nine building, 412-unit apartment facility near the Forks Township border.

Easton Yoga's "A Night of Ecstatic Music and Kirtan," set for Sept. 21, will feature music from Seán Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, with proceeds going toward child mindfulness programs.

Friends of the Easton Cemetery and the West Ward Community Initiative are hosting Community Day at Easton Cemetery this Saturday, with tours, activities and food for all.

The annual Lehigh Valley Polo for Equi-librium will take place at Braden Airpark on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Following the approval of two contracts for solid waste and recycling disposal, Easton officials are warning rates for residents could increase due to hauling costs.

Easton City residents can recycle their old, outdated electronics and appliances at 500 Bushkill Drive this Saturday. Most items can be recycled for free, while some others require a small fee.

Thanks to contributions from over 200 individuals and organizations, victims of the May 29 Ferry Street fire have been provided with over $67,200 in funding to help them recover.

Easton's Redevelopment Authority recommended approving variances on a former church they intend to transform into affordable housing during the city's Wednesday planning commission meeting.

The Lehigh Valley child care centers already have long waitlists, staffing shortages and high costs.

Bruce Frassinelli, 84, worked more than 25 years at The Express in Easton. He left in 1992 to become publisher of a newspaper in Oswego, N.Y. He died early Wednesday at his home in North Whitehall Township.