Parkland News

A new hospital in the St. Luke’s University Health Network is now open. The ribbon was cut on the orthopedic hospital Wednesday and patients will start being seen at the South Whitehall Township location next week.

Upper Macungie supervisor and former township staffer Kathy Rader had her final meeting with the board Thursday. Rader first joined the board in 2006, and she worked for the township from 1985 to 2016.

Upper Macungie's Board of Supervisors adopted the 2024 budget on Thursday. The property tax millage rate will stay at 0.64, but the refuse and recycling fee will increase by $30.

South Whitehall Township residents will not have to pay more in township taxes next year, but the waste collection fee will soon increase.

The North Whitehall Township Board of Supervisors approved the implementation of a four-day work week for municipal staff after a ten-month trial period.

Vice President of the board David Kennedy announced his resignation at Wednesday’s meeting. He said he is moving out of the township to be closer to his grandson.

The Parkland School Board has officially entered its post-election era, but the directors still have one more two-year seat left to fill.

The township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday to approve the final 2024 budget, which keeps the property tax rate at 0.6 mils. The budget accounts for three new staff positions, large building projects and increased funds to the township’s volunteer fire companies.

The North Whitehall Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday to table, or delay the vote on, the preliminary plan for 55-plus residential community Strawberry Acres.

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.

Parkland School District is set to receive a large boost in funding in Pennsylvania’s new budget — $2.4 million to be exact.

The Wicked Chef, a fast-casual restaurant serving sandwiches, salads and sides, reopened July 2 after closing due to the pandemic.

Covered Bridge Park visitors have been grilling along the banks of and inside of Jordan Creek, taking township picnic tables into the creek and placing tables and chairs in it — all actions that have contributed to an increase in police presence.

North Whitehall Township now is projected to have a $1.6 million surplus by the end of the year, which would bring its total cash reserves to about $16 million.

Freezin' with Aubrie has targeted Butterscotch Krimpets — yes, like those of Tastykake snack cakes fame — to bring an exclusive snack to Dorney Park.

Dorney Park soon will host “Summer Nights,” an immersive Caribbean and Latin American celebration offering authentic food and entertainment.

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.