It looks like Lehigh County property taxes will be going higher in 2020. In a 5-3 vote, county commissioners approved an amendment to the proposed 2020 budget that will hike taxes on county property owners by nearly 4 percent. All three Democrat commissioners, Amy Zanelli, Geoff Brace and Dan Hartzell, voted in favor of the tax hike as did two Republicans, Marc Grammes and Nathan Brown. Three other Republicans, Brad Osborne, Marty Nothstein and Amanda Holt voted against the tax hike.
Four months after it's purchase of the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Wind Creek has now officially taken over. All the signs have been changed and a ceremonial ribbon was cut Thursday to commemorate the change. Stephanie Bryan is with Wind Creek and says the resort is going to be getting bigger. "There are things we plan to do here will grow this community. More rooms, more jobs for Wind Creek Bethlehem," Bryan says. Wind Creek plans to add an indoor water park and another hotel tower to the site on the former Bethlehem Steel property.
A man is facing charges after police turned up a major stash of drugs at a Bethlehem home. Police say they seized about $500,000 worth of heroin, fentanyl, crack, cocaine and pills, among other narcotics from a Willow Park Road apartment. Timothy Wilkins was arrested on several drug charges. Police say they also confiscated about $13,000 in cash during the bust.
A Lebanon County man is facing charges for allegedly robbing a woman changing her child's diaper. State police say Dave Kochel pushed a gun into the body of a woman who was changing her child in the back seat of a car in the parking lot of the Kohl's in Monroe Township on Wednesday. He allegedly demanded money. The woman have him her money but also managed to get his license plate number as he drove off. Troopers found Kochel a short time later and arrested him.
You probably remember several years ago when we had a snowy Halloween. PennDOT does and is gearing up for winter weather whenever it arrives. PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards says if you have to navigate snowy weather, make sure you utilize all the latest technology available to you. "I encourage motorists to check out www.511pa.com whenever they travel. In addition to 960 traffic cameras and roadway alerts, winter roadway conditions are available for major highways," Richards says. She says her department has more than 600,000 tons of salt and 2000 plow trucks at its disposal for the upcoming winter.
The 74th annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show is underway at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. Through next Sunday, more than 1400 horses and their riders will compete for a share of $650,000 in prize money. The event also features 60 boutiques with clothing, artwork, antiques and more. The Pennsylvania National Horse Show benefits its foundation, which provides support for therapeutic riding programs and rescue groups.
The crowds are back in Hershey again today, but not because of Hersheypark. The Antique Automobile Club of America's Eastern Division Fall Mett is underway at the Hershey Lodge. The event allows bidders to attempt to buy one of more than 200 vehicles for sale as well as 129 pieces of memorabilia.
Gov. Phil Murphy is pushing his preschool expansion plans today. Murphy announced last month that 28 New Jersey school districts were being added to those who can receive state aid to create or expand on their early childhood education programs.