Lehigh County News

South Whitehall commissioners voted to drop the college requirement for new police officers, among other changes to the recruitment process.

For some, even two-and-a-half centuries later, the Declaration of Independence makes for a fun read and a historic reminder.

The Schnecksville zoo's annual Independence Day Celebration included patriotic enrichment for the animals, free flags for guests, as well as live music from the Allentown Hobo “Almost” Marching Band.

North Whitehall supervisors tabled the final plan for Timberidge Luxury Apartments after a lengthy debate about potential curbing and sidewalk installation.

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is asking people to consider donating blood over the 4th of July holiday. This time of year, the organization says donations drop off, but the need stays the same.

A cappella singing group Straight No Chaser will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. 6th St., Allentown. Tickets, at $49.50-$69.50, are available at www.millersymphonyhall.org or 610-432-6715.

One the first day of sweet corn sales at Newhard Farms on Friday, the lines were long and the smiles were in abundance.

After an outbreak earlier this month among the Humane Society's shelter dogs, the organization says it's now safe to adopt their animals. They are set to re-open to the public on July 1.

3M Co. has committed up to $10.3 billion, payable over 13 years, for remediation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

South Whitehall Township is creating a preservation plan called 'South Whitehall Landscapes.' Tuesday was the kickoff meeting for the plan's creation.

Part 1 of 3: The Lehigh Valley LGBT Community Archive tells the story of the LGBTQ community in the Lehigh Valley. The archive's earliest records go back to the spring of 1969, when the local homophile organization Le-Hi-Ho was formed.

Cetronia Fire Department has a new chief: Ricardo Diaz, who has served the all-volunteer agency for 10 years. Most recently the deputy chief, he was appointed after former chief Jay Heicklen retired on May 1.

In the wake of an antisemitic group spreading hateful flyers across the area, Rep. Susan Wild and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley are making it clear that hate has no place in the Lehigh Valley.

Lehigh Valley Zoo officials this week publicly announced the birth of a bison calf, adding to the population boom of new animals at the zoo this year.

A survey undertaken by the Borough of Emmaus resulted in residents not wishing to implement a costly quiet zone for nighttime trains.

The Southern Lehigh Public Library Board of Directors voted to create a fact-finding committee related to the Lower Saucon Township proposal to join their library over continuing their partnership with the Hellertown Area Library

Catasauqua, East Allen Township, Hanover Township, North Catasauqua and Northampton Borough have spent years crafting a joint development plan on how to best steer development within their borders. Allen Township, though, isn't participating.

Building projects that would address overcrowding in the Parkland School District will cost between $169 million and $391 million, according to a presentation at the school board meeting this week.

There is $1.5 million in funds to be distributed to those in need by Community Action Lehigh Valley.

The water main broke late Tuesday and service has been restored to residents. Officials say the thoroughfare will reopen later today.

Paraprofessionals can get certified for free while continuing to work in their schools.

The Parkland School Board renewed a sports medicine and school health needs agreement with St. Luke's after state Sen. Jarrett Coleman urged them not to. He suggested the health network should find better ways to spend the money.