In what's being called a "mutually agreed upon" decision, Allentown Parking Authority Executive Director John Morgan will leave that position on May 1st. The parking authority came under fire last year after Allentown residents complained they were unfairly or excessively ticketed. A Morning Call study found a 116% increase in the number of tickets issued between January 2022 and February 2023. The parking authority eventually loosened parking regulations, which, in part, has left it with a $1.8 million budget shortfall. Morgan joined the parking authority in 2017.
A three year old is dead after being shot Thursday inside a home in the 900 block of East Hamilton Street in Allentown. Details are few at this point, but police say the toddler died at the hospital just before 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon and that there is no threat to the community.
Authorities in Northampton County say a second juvenile is now being charged after three bomb threats were made against the Saucon Valley School District last week. Last Friday, the DA's office charged a juvenile female in the case and Thursday, it was announced a second juvenile is now in custody and also faces terroristic threats charges. DA Stephen Baratta says none of the three threats were credible.
A Lehigh Valley native is taking the reins of one of the area's most well known companies. Pen Argyl native Pete Ruggiero has been promoted to president and CEO Of Crayola. He has been with Crayola since 1997 and had most recently been the company's chief operating officer.
A big project proposed for Easton is inching forward. Easton City Council has approved a certificate of appropriateness for "The Confluence". That's a proposed mixed-use, multi-family development at the intersection of South Third Street and Larry Holmes Drive. The building's total square footage would be 290,000 containing 273 apartments, retail and restaurant space.
It's Opening Night for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. A new season means new players, new food, new entertainment and this year, new security measures. All fans entering Coca-Cola Park will first walk through metal detectors. IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes says preseason fan reaction has been positive. "We've seen an amazing response from fans who are appreciative that they can walk in and feel confident that we're checking to make sure there's no illegal weapons entering the ballpark," Landes says. The IronPigs take on Worcester tonight at 6.
Mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania must have the correct date on the outside of their envelope. A federal court this week backed last year's decision from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that said mail-in ballots must be properly filled-out in order to count. The NAACP sued over the decision, claiming the date requirement violated the Civil Rights Act. But the three-judge panel said it's a question of election law, not civil rights.
Drivers across Pennsylvania are being warned to not drive aggressively this Easter weekend. Pennsylvania State Police say the annual enforcement called "Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program" will kick off this afternoon and run through Sunday night. Police will be looking for not only drivers who are being aggressive, but also for speeders, seat belt violations, cell phones being used while driving, and more.
The 118th year of Hersheypark begins Friday. The park's Kathy Eisner says there will be plenty to enjoy. "We have 14 coasters that are going to be open and over 50 rides. Bring your family. Bring your friends. It's nice to be open again," Eisner says. Hersheypark will be open for eight, three-day weekends now through May 19th before the park opens seven days a week on May 23rd.