Easton News

As 2023 draws to a close, lehighvalleynews.com offers a retrospective of a variety of stories about people, places and things that make the Lehigh Valley special.

Mahogany Reynolds-Clarke, founder and executive director of Just Be You Academy & Performing Arts, held a presentation on Kwanzaa at Easton Area Public Library's Palmer Branch Thursday evening.

Father and son Tom and Michael Meischeid have taken control of Bar-Don Lanes, a Palmer Township bowling alley that has been operating since 1958.

Both the number of guests and vendor sales were up substantially over 2022. The Winter Market begins Jan. 6.

Lafayette College will host the 2024 vice presidential debate this coming September, drawing the world's eyes to its Easton campus. Nicole Hurd, the college's president, hopes it will be an opportunity to highlight the liberal arts school and the greater Easton community.

Here is a list of Mass and church services in the Lehigh Valley in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.

The 4th annual Winter Village in Easton brought in over 56,000 visitors from over 20 states.

Authorities believe the same person or people are responsible for the break-ins due to the proximity and times of the calls. Police say there have been 16 reported thefts the past week and more unsuccessful attempts to enter locked vehicles.

According to a survey conducted by Breakthrough Research, Easton's cherished Crayola has been ranked as one of the most "authentic" brands in America.

Easton City Council approved its 2024 budget with no overall increases Wednesday night, though garbage fees and parking rates will be bumped up.

Gas prices are up about 10 cents a gallon in Pennsylvania from this time last year, and up 11 cents in the Lehigh Valley region, according to AAA.

Easton Area School District approved a preliminary budget of over $210 million on Tuesday night, despite concerns over several details.

State revenue generated by Wind Creek Bethlehem and Mount Airy Casino will help Bangor renovate a fire hall, Lower Nazareth Township purchase a new police vehicle and improve seating at a Freemansburg amphitheater.

A proposal to develop the old Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough into 405 apartments advanced after review by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Comprehensive Planning Committee.

Chrin V-7 Associates plans to make a cornfield at the southwest corner of Hope Road and William Penn Highway in Bethlehem Township home to 264 garden apartments, 12 buildings and a 5,700-square-foot amenity structure.

Dwayne Tillman has been Easton's acting planning and codes director for months. On Monday, the nine-year city employee was confirmed to take on the role permanently.

The Diocese of Allentown announced several moves among priests in its 78 parishes — part of an annual process led by an advisory board of priests and approved by Bishop Alfred Schlert.

Thrift store and cat lounge Project Paw has become a standout in Easton, offering up cool vintage finds alongside a special area to congregate with kitties.

Mi Casa Restaurante in Easton serves traditional dishes from Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.

Problems with theft in the mail collection bins outside the post office go back at least four years. Last year police warned folks to stop using the bins and deposit mail inside the post office. The bins remained open — and the stolen checks and mail have persisted.

Palmer Township police Officer John Smoke, the school resource officer at Easton Area High School, waived his preliminary hearing in Palmer Township on Friday.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have arranged for their own debates with CNN, ABC and CBS, cutting out the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. The commission had selected Lafayette College to host its vice presidential debate in September.