Parkland News

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.

Upper Macungie supervisors soon may vote to adopt a new law meant to address resident complaints of loud noise. The draft of the new law would significantly reduce the maximum allowed noise levels in both the residential and industrial sections of the township.

South Whitehall next year will start a pilot Hometown Heroes Banner Program, displaying banners with local veterans’ photos.

South Whitehall Board of Commissioners on Wednesday reviewed potential rule changes to township parks to try to stop what the township called "unsafe and unnecessary" behaviors.

Several Lehigh Valley high school performing arts students took home Freddy Awards at the ceremony held Thursday, May 25 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton.

Planners recommended final approval for Timberidge Luxury Apartments, which would have 72 units and be located at Timberidge Town Center Drive and Levans Road.

South Whitehall Planning Commission reviewed a 78-unit housing development at Chapmans and Blue Barn Roads at its meeting Thursday.

Upper Macungie’s Planning Commission discussed a sketch plan for a proposed warehouse at its meeting Wednesday. The warehouse would be located across from the municipal building.

The two opposing candidate groups in the Parkland School Board race have won the Democratic and Republican nominations, according to unofficial results.

The Parkland School District budget that was voted on and approved Tuesday night includes a 2.5% property tax increase. The tax hike is district's highest in the past seven years, but is still the lowest millage rate in Lehigh County.

National issues are seeping into local races, turning elections into proxy partisan fights over race and gender.

Former journalist Ann Wlazelek pays tribute to her mother in a new book.

Debates in the South Whitehall commissioners race have taken place on the candidate's Facebook pages. The posts have primarily debated candidate Ben Long's positions and campaign style.

Candidates have formed two groups: one made up of mostly incumbents, and the other made up of Republican challengers. Transparency, spending and projected overcrowding in the district's middle and high schools have become key issues in the race.

The budget includes a 2.5% increase to the millage rate, the biggest increase in seven years. The district would still have the lowest millage rate in Lehigh County.

The project promises to connect counties, offer a trail through nature and speed things up for emergency responders — using old railroads.