Will Oliver
Bethlehem Area reporterI cover the city of Bethlehem and its surrounding area for LehighValleyNews.com. I worked previously as a staff writer turned managing editor at The Houston Home Journal in Perry, Georgia. Before that, I worked as a co-host for the Morning Show on 94.7 WTBF-FM out of Troy, Alabama. During my time in the multimedia journalism program at Troy University, I contributed to the student-run publication, The Tropolitan, and had my undergraduate capstone project printed on the front page of The Montgomery Advertiser. I enjoy drumming, disc golf, going to concerts and trying to cook. My dog, Bella, and I would love to meet you. Give me a call at 610-984-8220 or shoot me an email at willo@lehighvalleynews.com.
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Bethlehem Township officials on Monday got an update on flooding and pollution mitigation efforts taking place over the last couple of years. -
The Bethlehem Fire Department looks to secure $20,000 from the county to switch to a PFAS-free firefighting foam. The process of implementing that foam across seven of its trucks could be completed by the end of next year.
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The city is now in the two-year planning phase of the Pembroke/Stefko neighborhood overhaul. There's plans to demolish 196 units at Pembroke Village, replace them with mixed-income offerings and revitalize the surrounding area.
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Mark Sivak, the city's former budget and finance director, was sentenced to a year of probation, restitution and required to cover investigation costs incurred by the city. Other charges were withdrawn under the plea deal.
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The township planning commission voted 4-3 against recommending approval. The dissenters wanted more information following safety and traffic concerns around the intersection of Willow Park Road and Freemansburg Avenue.
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While city and parking officials wouldn't think of the West Walnut Street site as ideal for police operations, the proposal re-opened a dialogue among Bethlehem first responders.
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The school district is looking ahead to protect its land by submitting plans for a new school, all as road improvements are set to come at the nearby intersection of Freemansburg Avenue and Farmersville Road. Officials said no school is coming just yet, though.
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Council President Jason Banonis proposed cutting property taxes by more than half, citing the potential for the township to face lawsuits since Lower Saucon "is very flush with cash." The 2024 budget had been advertised to involve no change in taxes.
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The Payrow Plaza tree stands at 45 feet tall and 25 feet wide. A large crowd came out Friday to take part in the annual tree-lighting festivities.
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Bethlehem City Council allocated nearly $90,000 in American Rescue Plan money to hire a consulting firm to complete a feasibility study for a potential community center. That analysis should take seven to eight months.
- Something sweet making its way to Historic Bethlehem this Saturday
- Bethlehem swears in Reynolds for his 2nd term
- Ruling on 8 apartments in Bethlehem deferred; elevations submitted were from project across town
- Reason unclear for Retro Burger closing after 2-year run
- New ice rink, fitness center going in at family-friendly Bethlehem skating spot
- 'Small price to pay': Hellertown Council approves 1.5-mill tax increase to give fire company 'breathing room'
- Bethlehem’s Steel Ice Center presents updated plans for facilities expansion Thursday
- Bethlehem welcomes newest edition of City Council, 1st-ever elected African American member
- No criminal charges in Five10 Flats apartment fire, police say
- 13 Lehigh Valley agencies get $400K grant to fight homelessness
- Townhome project pitched for West Bethlehem dialed back; zoners OK relief
- Keeping busy in Bethlehem: A look back at news stories from the city in 2025