Parkland News

John Frederick Fifield, 21, pleaded guilty May 6 to charges in a 2021 crash of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence — both felonies.

Lehigh Carbon Community College will play intercollegiate sports one more year. But that's contingent on hiring an athletic trainer in the next 10 days, otherwise the Cougars have already competed for the last time, according to the college.

Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in North Whitehall now has two party spaces available to rent for groups attending the theater.

Upper Macungie Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved final plans for Americold Logistics’ cold storage warehouse expansion and Twin Ponds, a mixed-use housing development.

As of 4:05 p.m. July 1, Dorney Park’s parent company Cedar Fair Entertainment officially merged with Six Flags. The combined company will retain Six Flags as its corporate name and trade under Cedar Fair’s ticker, FUN.

Al Granger bought an abandoned Lehigh Valley farm in the 1980s and turned it into a luxurious inn and spa. He was known for his vision and innovation — and for being ultra-tough on those he employed.

The first annual KidsPeace Dodgeball Tournament was held Thursday. It raised money for the Orefield-based nonprofit, which provides behavioral and mental health services to children.

South Whitehall Township will hold its first Summer Movie Series event from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday in the township municipal building’s grass circle, 4444 Walbert Ave. It will also hold an information and feedback session about its Transportation PLAN.

Farmers Kenneth and Heather Skorinko are planning to open a craft distillery with a tasting room. They would build a 2,400 square foot pole barn at 1990 Neffs Laurys Road in North Whitehall to house it.

South Whitehall Planner Gregg Adams is retiring on June 30 after 25 years with the township. Adams helped steer the township through two comprehensive plans and the Ridge Farms controversy.

Robert Steckel became superintendent of the Whitehall-Coplay School District in 2021. “I’ll have more to say at a later meeting, but I am here to assist the board with the search process and ensure that a smooth transition occurs to whoever the successor is," he said.

The Upper Macungie Board of Supervisors discussed a new noise ordinance for the township, but disagreed on how exactly it should be enforced.

South Whitehall Board of Commissioners on Wednesday heard a proposal for a new PJ Whelihan’s in Ridge Farms, a mixed use housing development at the intersection of Cedar Crest Boulevard and Walbert Avenue.

Upper Macungie Zoning Hearing Board on Wednesday unanimously approved a revised plan for a warehouse at Nestle Way and Schantz Road.

King’s Real Estate Management & Development Company is in the process of building King’s Route 309 Business Park, a commercial development on 12 acres at Schneck Road and Route 309.

Upper Macungie Township has been at the center of a debate about how much the township can and should limit further warehouse development — and how to manage the ones already built and operating. (Second of 5 parts)

The Parkland School Board on Tuesday gave Robert Seel, Class of 1961, his long-awaited diploma. Seel left during his senior year in January 1961 to serve in the military.

Cetronia Volunteer Fire Company will hold an open house from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Upper Macungie Planning Commission on Wednesday reviewed a preliminary/final plan for Sunset Orchards, a proposed housing development near the intersection of Shantz and Ruppsville roads.

Parkland School Board on Tuesday hired Renee Mosser to fill the position of Director of Visual and Performing Arts for the district. She steps in following the resignation of Frank Anonia.

A Pride flag was vandalized after being stolen from the front porch of a rabbi's Lehigh Valley home. The recovered flag, in tatters, is flying once again. "What they did to the flag has an added measure of hostility and danger associated with it," the rabbi said.

South Whitehall Township is seeking comments on a draft for its "South Whitehall Landscapes" plan, which is set to be the township’s guide to landscape preservation, including preserving open space, historic spaces, and agricultural and natural resources.