Parkland News

A Lehigh County judge heard arguments Monday in a case that will decide whether a 501,000-square-foot warehouse will rise on 71 acres near Route 309 and Orefield Road.

The $68 million, five-building expansion to the existing high school at 2700 N. Cedar Creek Blvd. will be voted on for final approval by the township board of commissioners in January.

The submission proposing the construction of 2.6 million square-feet of data center facilities closely aligns with Air Products' existing plan for warehouses on the 194-acre property.

Specifics for the plan are still under wraps as Upper Macungie Township is processing the application. The proposal would develop the data center at the former Air Products headquarters on Hamilton Boulevard.

Parkland School District officials on Monday presented early estimates for their 2026-27 budget. It includes a $20 million deficit, and could lead to a tax increase next year.

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh/Bucks, introduced the bill in 2023 after a student brought a knife to Schnecksville Elementary School. Parents didn't learn of the incident until a week later.

Parkland Superintendent Mark Madson, Assistant Superintendent Michelle Minotti and Chief Financial Officer Leslie Frisbie were awarded five-year extensions on Tuesday, the district said in a news release.

Parkland's school board voted unanimously Tuesday to stop payments to charter schools until a state budget is in place.

A crop farm in Lehigh County was included in the latest round of Pennsylvania's Farmland Preservation Program. Twenty-three other farms across the state were also preserved.

A Lehigh County detective Monday explained his process for obtaining a cell phone from Francis Anonia, Parkland School District's former performing arts administrator charged with secretly recording a student changing clothes. Anonia's lawyer asked a judge to throw out key evidence in the case.

The third annual Fall Fest at Covered Bridge Park is coming to South Whitehall. It will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m Oct. 7.

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is holding its first annual Ghouls & Glitter Pride Night at Dorney Park.

Chris Kiskeravage, the Allentown Fire Department’s retired assistant chief for training, lost his battle with cancer June 9.

A four-vehicle crash shuttered Interstate 78 eastbound in Upper Macungie Township early Wednesday, state police said.

The proposed budget in North Whitehall Township accounts for a new summer program, farmland preservation and more funds for volunteer fire companies.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The Parkland School District acquired the property at 3599 Broadway, next to Cetronia Elementary. The former landowner had previously planned to put a drug and alcohol recovery house there.

Parkland School District Superintendent Mark Madson recommended the district build additions to the high school to address its growing student population.

The new sportsplex in South Whitehall will have 47 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, along with basketball and volleyball courts. It's in the old Westend Racquet Club.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Dorney Park's Halloween Haunt has a new maze called The Ghost In The Machine. It features the backstory of the upcoming Iron Menace roller coaster.

The South Whitehall Planning Commission recommended final approval for Phase 1B of Ridge Farms.