Easton News

A new citizen-led nonprofit has officially launched in Easton, bringing together residents and community advocates concerned about rapid downtown development, preservation standards and public access to planning decisions.

A rainy Memorial Day weekend forecast is forcing some schedule changes across the Lehigh Valley, but several of the region’s biggest annual events say they’re moving forward — rain or shine.

Straight No Chaser will perform at the theater at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5. And the stage play "Waitress" at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16.

Planning and Codes Director Dwayne Tillman said records dating to a 1977 certificate of occupancy consistently identified the Hotel Hampton property as a hotel and not a rooming or boarding house.

A Northampton County Councilwoman last week accused former county Executive Lamont McClure of trying to pressure her to vote for a 20-year special taxing district that could have sent $26 million in public funding to a project to turn the former Dixie Cup factory into housing.

The developer behind the Dixie Cup project was seeking a 20-year agreement that could have generated about $26 million.

Former residents and several people close to the fire department described years of deteriorating conditions and limited enforcement inside the Hotel Hampton, including blocked or missing exits, rodent infestations, malfunctioning or ignored smoke alarms and more.

The iconic Dixie Cup structure is set to be restored as part of Skyline Investment Group’s plans to turn the long-vacant industrial site into more than 400 apartments.

Bob Brooks, a Democratic candidate running for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, has asked a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed against him by Carol Wiley, his former mother-in-law. She alleges he owes her more than $162,000 from a lawsuit she filed in 2018.

The Hotel Hampton boarding house had not undergone fire inspections since at least 2017, despite a history of code violations, fire alarm problems and prior safety concerns, according to a newly completed federal investigation.

More than 800 people have completed a free online instructional program to build their knowledge base of all things Lehigh Valley.

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.

Easton's Wood Avenue will receive some much-needed work, including repaving, new ramps and new safety islands now that the city council has approved a near-$1.8 million deal with Grace Industries.

Police are warning folks not to deposit mail in the dropbox outside the Palmer branch of the Easton Post Office. They say several checks have been stolen from the mail.

The tavern at 2722 Freemansburg Ave. is under contract to be sold to new owners, who plan to keep it as a sports bar but under a new name.

Tickets to most shows for the State Theatre's new season go on sale to theater members on Aug. 2 and the public on Aug. 9 at the box office or statetheatre.org.

Easton's West Ward Market hosted the 17th annual Zucchini 500, challenging children and some adults to craft their own veggie racer for a thrilling summer competition. Or is it a fruit?

Easton's Greater Shiloh Church has opened a new mobile shower unit on West Canal Street, catering to homeless people and others in need of a shower and fresh supplies.

Gracedale, the Northampton County nursing home, will convert the first floor of its vacant Southeast Wing into a day care center that will offer free services to employees of the facility and the county’s emergency operations and forensic centers.

Easton City Council was hit with plenty of public commentary on their presence in the community Wednesday, with residents applauding member Taiba Sultana while chastising others for perceived inaction.

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.

Restaurant Week returns to Easton on July 16, with a plethora of delightful plates to please just about any palate.