County News

If party status is granted, county officials have the right to participate in zoning hearings, as Bethlehem Landfill officials seek approval to expand.

The FCC's equal time rule means Lehigh County commissioner candidates will be entitled to hours of air time on La Mega 101.7 — if they want it.

Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong credited partners and his administration for maintaining the region's high quality of life.

Stephen Baratta and Terry Houck exchanged more salvos Thursday in a heated race for Northampton County district attorney. Houck said he's considering filing an ethics complaint against the retired judge.

County Executive Lamont McClure announced that the county is conducting a broadband study and will gather public input through a survey.

Kevin Dellicker, a Republican who ran for the Lehigh Valley congressional seat, said federal investigators should look into the improper release of his military records.

North Whitehall supervisors voted to fund them at their meeting last week, and South Whitehall has received a grant to help cover the cost.

As the region diversifies, relations across racial groups are seen as a key element of quality of life. A new survey finds overall ratings as mostly positive, but different age groups rate the state of race relations differently.

Members of the council's Finance Committee criticized County Executive Lamont McClure's handling of the studies they requested last year. He threatened to walk out.

Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the construction of a 49-unit apartment building and parking garage on West Hamilton Street. The complex would house primary occupants 55-and-older and adults with disabilities. Representatives of the neighboring music school voiced concerns about increased traffic and the safety of students, parents, and staff.

Residents at an open house for South Whitehall Township's draft comprehensive plan said they worried about industrial development and traffic.

Northampton County Council held a regularly scheduled meeting Thursday, but a clerical error meant they couldn't take any official action.

Some Lehigh Valley school districts are reviewing their safety protocols for responding to injuries at area football games after Damar Hamlin's recent collapse brought renewed attention to the dangers of the sport.

She served as deputy director of administration and the county's chief information officer.

A rockslide shut down Route 611 north of Portland, Pa., in early December. Last week, PennDOT said the road isn't expected to reopen for another 7 months. On the heels of pandemic losses, many merchants said they don't know if they can withstand this hit.

Our Lady of Good Counsel and Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishes will merge and keep those churches open. However, the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul in Portland will be closing, the Diocese of Allentown announced.

Lehigh County expects to apply for up to $2.7 million from a new state program that offers to help low- and middle-income homeowners improve their properties and remove any health hazards.

Jeff Warren, a former city council member who also served on Hanover Township's board of supervisors, is running to represent District 3 on Northampton County Council.

Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners has named its leadership positions for the new year.

In December, Northampton County Council adopted an ordinance placing new restrictions on County Executive Lamont McClure's plans for a clinic treating county employees. After Thursday night's vote, it's set to go into effect.

The 71-year-old victim was found unresponsive in his garage on Dec. 25, two days after a winter storm knocked out power to thousands in the region.

The grant will cover pre-construction and land development expenses in Upper Saucon Township. The new YMCA has been on the drawing board for years. Officials hope to open in in 2025.