Parkland News

Developments consisting of hundreds of housing units came before the Upper Macungie Planning Commission during Monday's workshop meeting, one being the Sunset Orchard plan that drew ire from nearby residents. The developers are seeking preliminary approval.

Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate last week's double homicide in North Catasauqua. A search warrant filed in district court revealed new details in the investigation.

The controversial political action committee Back to School PA gave $5,000 to the conservative Republican candidate group Elevate Education at an event Monday.

The Whitehall Township commissioners gave conditional-use approval for the age-restricted residential community as well as a land development/major subdivision plan for a retail center on MacArthur Road.

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.

Starting Friday, Sept. 15 is Halloween Haunt, a nighttime event meant to thrill and terrify in equal measure, running select nights through October 28.

The South Whitehall Board of Commissioners approved a five-year waste management contract with J.P. Mascaro & Sons after debate over multiple bids at a prior meeting. The approved bid, the lowest five-year quote the township received, is set to increase next year's cost for the township by 62.54%.

58 jobs at Coca Cola's Upper Macungie syrup plant are to be cut by the end of the year due to reorganizing effort by Coca-Cola to a third-party

The Parkland School Board approved Edward “Eddie” Ohlson Jr. as the new varsity boys basketball coach, replacing Andrew “Andy” Stephens, who will become athletic director when Bill Dreisbach retires in September.

Five public schools and two charter schools made the list of the Top 100 high schools in Pennsylvania, according to U.S. News & World Report.

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.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is opening to the public on Friday, May 12, with a preview day for season pass-holders on May 7.