Lehigh County News

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.

Mayors in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton are coming together to fight against worsening climate change and strengthen sustainability across the region. Two of the three cities have their own climate action plans.

The first new building on Muhlenberg’s campus in more than a decade, the Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation, 2400 W. Chew St., opened in January. The 20,000-square-foot, three-floor building cost $13.2 million and is one of the first buildings in the world expected to achieve a rigorous sustainability certification for buildings that give more than they take.

All guests ages 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old “in order to be admitted to, or remain in, the park” after 4 p.m. until close.

Behavioral health services are moving from the current Allentown VA clinic. Veterans will soon receive mental health treatment at a new office.

South Whitehall commissioners granted preliminary/final approval to plans for the new Parkland School District operations center at their meeting Wednesday.

Michael J. Marko, who was killed in a torpedo bombing of his ship 79 years ago today, is among World War II veterans whose stories are being kept alive by the nonprofit national storytellers.

A proposed new roller coaster at Dorney Park cleared the final hurdle from South Whitehall Township.

Hasshan Batts, executive director of Promise Neighborhoods of Lehigh Valley, has been named a Fulbright Specialist. He will travel abroad to share his expertise with other countries in areas of violence prevention and health care.

Politics reporter Tom Shortell sat down with WLVR's Brad Klein to discuss the upcoming May 16th primary election, including a few standout races.

FD Market, the eco-friendly refillery and houseware store, will be closing their original Emmaus location at the end of the month to better meet their customers where they are in Saucon Valley.

Upper Macungie’s Planning Commission will vote on whether to recommend approval for the final land development plan at their meeting in May.

Swarms of non-biting midge flies last week were spotted in Bethlehem. LehighValleyNews.com spoke with Marten Edwards, chair of Muhlenberg College's biology department, to find out more about the insects.