Northampton County News

As 2023 draws to a close, lehighvalleynews.com offers a retrospective of a variety of stories about people, places and things that make the Lehigh Valley special.

Northampton Area Board of Education said it would have been on the hook for about $9.5 million if construction contracts were cancelled for a new elementary school.

Chances are, you'll still be able to find a tree, it just might take a little extra work — and you might want to get it soon. Roger from Unangst Tree Farms explains the ins and outs of why this problem, a decade in the making, is now causing tree farms and stands to sell-out when it's barely December.

The Upper Nazareth Township Board of Supervisors Wednesday voted against rezoning land for a new industrial park next to Nazareth Area Intermediate School. Representatives for the developer said they may try again in the future.

Three Republican school board members are now part of the panel governing Nazareth schools, including two endorsed by the Moms for Liberty Northampton County chapter.

A state mandate requiring schools to identify sexual content in books could cost Lehigh Valley school districts significant time, money and resources.

Jeff Dailey was a 2004 graduate of Notre Dame High School and held its all-time scoring record for almost 20 years. He died in a fire in 2007 while attending East Stroudsburg University. On Friday night, hundreds turned out to pay homage to his legacy and family.

On display are Baez's guitars, artwork, personal letters and other items on loan from the singer.

Most unofficial election results remain the same in Northampton County, but one school board race has shifted after nearly all emergency ballots were counted Thursday.

While moderate Republicans and Democrats prevailed in most races, two Moms for Liberty candidates won seats on the Nazareth Area school board in Northampton County.

Bethlehem Parking Authority officials on Thursday announced they were awarded the 2023 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for the authority's Park Green Program.

Bangor Area High School's Team Maroon placed first at the Northampton County Conservation District’s annual Envirothon competition, held April 20 at Louise Moore Park. The school's Team White placed second.

Myers, who in January became the first Black person to serve as council president, accused County Executive Lamont McClure of political maneuvering to force him from office.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Environmental Committee on Wednesday heard a presentation about two climate action plans that must be completed over the next two years to meet the funding's requirements.

Art students from Liberty and Freedom high schools will be spending their Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons through the end of the school year bringing color to the Moravian Village retirement community.

Eight candidates are running for three seats in the Pen Argyl Area School Board. Three other openings on the board are uncontested.

Palmer Township has earned a Tree City USA designation for 2022 through the Arbor Day Foundation. Officials said the advantages of healthy trees can range from environmental benefits to enhancing the visual appeal of a neighborhood and increasing property values.

The Pa. Fish and Boat Commission awarded a $175,000 Boating Facility Grant to Northampton County for the Minsi Lake Access project, specifically for improvements to the boat launch area.

Community leaders gathered to walk around — literally — and brainstorm ways to make things safer for those who don't drive. The effort will last into the fall and involves several communities in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

The short-term rehabilitation at Gracedale is accepting patients. The county run nursing home just revamped the 32-bed unit.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission comprehensive planning committee on Tuesday directed the project developers of the proposed cultural arts center to incorporate environmentally friendly materials in its construction.

The proposal now calls for 108 homes at the Miller Farm property off Farmersville Road in Bethlehem Township. While planners tabled the application, they requested further discussion between the township, developer and other agencies.