A two-term mayor of Allentown has died. Bill Heydt passed away Sunday at the age of 86. President of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Tony Iannelli says Heydt deserves a lot of credit. "He began the resurgence in the downtown and we were going through a tough evolution at that time," Iannelli says. Current mayor Matt Tuerk says some of what Lehigh Valley residents enjoy today are the result of Heydt's work. "He worked hard to make the Wegmans a reality, which is a pretty significant shopping attraction in the city of Allentown. Probably one of the most significant ones and one we're still honoring to this day is Lights in the Parkway," Tuerk says. Heydt, who is Allentown's last Republican mayor, served from 1994-to-2002. After decling to seek a third term, he 'did' run again in 2005, but lost to Ed Pawlowski.
A Florida man will be arraigned June 3rd on murder charges in Lehigh County. In March 2023, 26-year-old Alberto Rios-Santiago allegedly shot and killed Blessing Taveras at an after-hours club in the 1000 block of Union Boulevard in Allentown. Two others were wounded by gunfire. Rios-Santiago remains in Lehigh County Jail without bail.
Lehigh Valley Health Network held a beam signing and raising ceremony Monday at its newest neighborhood hospital in Hellertown. This hospital will be a three-story, 90,000-square-foot building and will include a full-service emergency room with 11 beds and ten inpatient beds for those requiring an overnight stay or further care.
A deadly fire that broke out in a Berks County home Monday morning took the lives of two people and sent several others to the hospital. Three people were rescued from the house in Robeson Township, just east of Reading, and taken to a local hospital. Officials say three firefighters were also injured fighting the fire, with two being transferred to the burn center at Lehigh Valley Hospital. There is no word yet on their conditions.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have announced they will play under a unique alternate identity in an upcoming game. The IronPigs say in a nod to the region's history intertwined with the production of steel, the team will play as the Steelworkers, on Saturday, May 10. The IronPigs say they will transform into the Steelworkers for one night only, on Saturday, May 10th as part of their Forged by Fire Night when they play host to the Worcester Red Sox at Coca-Cola Park. The first pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. The IronPigs say the new Steelworkers identity will include a full uniform, logo, and merchandise suite.
Dauphin County officials say an emergency dispatcher did not "appropriately escalate" the 911 call from the alleged suspect in the arson at the Governor's Residence. According to Chief Clerk Eric Hagarty, the dispatcher did not escalate the call "in accordance with County policy" after Cody Balmer allegedly admitted to setting the fire earlier this month. During the call, Balmer reportedly claimed Shapiro had "plans for what he wants to do the Palestinian people," and also had his friends killed. Hagarty noted the error did not result in any further harm, but said the issue is being taken "extremely seriously."
Pennsylvania residents are being reminded that the deadline to register to vote in the commonwealth's May 20th election is quickly approaching. The deadline is Monday May 5th. Folks can register to vote and get more information at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov.
Two months after winning the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles were honored Monday at the White House. President Trump heaped praise on Super Bowl MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts. "He had a great season and a great game. He finished with 32 touchdowns on the year, turning in one stellar performance after another. A terrific guy and a terrific player," President Trump said. Hurts wasn't there to hear the compliments. He wasn't in attendance due to what he called scheduling conflicts.