BETHLEHEM, Pa. — There was a little bit of everything happening in the Lehigh Valley over the past year.
And as for the city of Bethlehem, it’s been 12 months chock-full of news of historic preservation projects, political protests, park upgrades on the horizon and first-responder agency advancements and staffing woes.
Here’s a year-in-review, mostly in chronological order, highlighting some of more than 200 LehighValleyNews.com stories focused on Bethlehem and the surrounding area:
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
A “welcome” sign along West Union Boulevard in Bethlehem.
Q1
Halfway through January, Bethlehem swore in seven new firefighters in front of a town hall full of BFD faithful.
Mayor J. William Reynolds called federal funding freezes “an existential threat” to citizens on Jan. 29.
On Feb. 5, public commenters at a Bethlehem City Council meeting said officials should pass a welcoming city ordinance amid increased activity from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement around the country.
Distributed
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Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center Facebook page
The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center confirmed Wednesday the ailing bald eagle rescued from Saucon Park that later died in quarantine tested positive for bird flu during a necropsy this past week.
In the weeks following, a mature mother bald eagle known for nesting in Saucon Park died of bird flu.
Around that time, concerned advocates of immigrants used the dais at City Council to ask for broader action in protecting undocumented residents.
Officials ultimately did not propose a welcoming city ordinance this past year.
Police Chief Michelle Kott said her department would remain “laser-focused on trying to provide the best quality public safety services to our community” while also following federal law.
In early March, Bethlehem shared its 10-year park improvements plan with the public for the first time — with a playground at Friendship Park as a backdrop.
The spot at 247 E. North St. is in for nearly $2 million in upgrades, including a public-access splash pad and new basketball court.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
Wind Creek Bethlehem cut the ribbon on its new and improved table dealer training school on the second floor of The Outlets at Wind Creek. Photo taken on March 28, 2025.
Near the end of March, Wind Creek Bethlehem announced the opening of its new table games dealer training school at The Outlets at Wind Creek.
And in honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility, more than 100 people joined together at City Hall to raise a flag in support of their fellow humans during what they said are turbulent times.
Q2
Come April, and through the rest of the year, public commenters remained active at City Council meetings.
Some advocated for their friends who were experiencing homelessness and lived in tents along the D&L Trail, as was the case at the April 1 meeting.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
At a ribbon-cutting at the lower level of Saucon Park, Bethlehem officials unveiled the area’s new equipment and critical maintenance completed or in progress, courtesy of a $200,000 state grant received in 2023. Photo taken on April 10, 2025.
Flooding from Hurricane Ida took the retaining wall at Saucon Creek out of commission in 2021. Using a $200,000 state grant, the city facilitated a number of upgrades for Saucon Park even beyond the wall improvements, such as a new swing set with ADA access and a sensory space and calming area.
Later in April, the 1782/1834 Grist Miller’s House at Bethlehem’s Colonial Industrial Quarter opened its doors again to the public for the first time in 20 years.
1 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
2 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
3 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
4 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
5 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
6 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
7 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
8 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
9 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
10 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
LehighValleyNews.com
11 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
12 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
13 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
14 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
15 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
16 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
17 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
18 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehm
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
19 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the InternationalWorkers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
20 of 20
— May Day march in Bethlehem
About 250 people of all ages gathered in Bethlehem for the International Workers’ Day, or May Day, march at the South Bethlehem Greenway near New Street on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The bunch moved slowly but surely across the Fahy Bridge for a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall on South Lehigh Street, where the headcount appeared to at least double.
Will Oliver
Come May Day, a workers’ rights march in Bethlehem brought together about 250 people ahead of a rally at the United Steelworkers union hall, where the occasion appeared to at least double in participants.
The following week, a massive apartment fire in South Bethlehem turned out to be the largest one regional Red Cross officials had seen in more than a decade, according to an organization spokesperson.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
Lucid Diagnostics Clinical Specialist Eric Liu inflates an EsoGuard test balloon on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
On another note regarding Bethlehem Fire, the department’s union was the first statewide to make use of a new esophageal precancer testing option for its members, current and retired.
Mayor Reynolds, a Democrat, won the mayoral primary election in May against Bethlehem City Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith. Reynolds’ campaign focused on paying down city debt, creating jobs and investing in public safety and infrastructure.
In early June, Lehigh Valley Health Network, now part of Jefferson Health, broke ground on an emergency department expansion that would about double the size of the existing ER at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.
An early morning “worksite enforcement operation” conducted by federal immigration entities at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats building in South Bethlehem ended with 17 construction workers being arrested for alleged violations.
1 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents demonstrate at a rally Thursday, June 12, to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building in South Bethlehem the day before. Protestors marched from East Third Street to Bethlehem City Hall.
Makenzie Christman
2 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
3 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
4 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
5 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
6 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
7 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Makenzie Christman
8 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
9 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
10 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Makenzie Christman
11 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
12 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered and spoke out at a rally in Bethlehem at City Hall on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid that took place the day before.
Will Oliver
13 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
14 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
15 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Makenzie Christman
16 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Makenzie Christman
17 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Makenzie Christman
18 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched across the Philip J. Fahy Memorial Bridge to Bethlehem City Hall.
Makenzie Christman
19 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Makenzie Christman
20 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
21 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
22 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
23 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
24 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
25 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Signs near Bethlehem City Hall at a rally on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Makenzie Christman
26 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
27 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
28 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
29 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
30 of 30
— Bethlehem ICE protest
Residents gathered at a rally in Bethlehem on Thursday, June 12 to protest a federal immigration raid at the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building the day before. Protestors marched from E. 3rd St. to Bethlehem City Hall.
Will Oliver
The following day, hundreds of people protested the arrests just across from the hotel site, also marching to City Hall.
Fire Capt. Matthew Griffin was chosen the Bethlehem department’s newest chief. He was the third in just over a year.
Donna S. Fisher
/
For LehighValleyNews.com
The Bethlehem star, top right, shines from South Mountain on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Traffic on the Fahy Bridge and Lehigh University are at left. The star recently received an upgrade of 238 LED lights.
Later in June, city Electrical Bureau Chief Greg Cryder shared more on the Bethlehem Star’s 238 new LED bulbs shining atop South Mountain. The replacement in April was the Star’s first in 15 years.
And to close out June, a broad piece on the Moravians and their role amid America’s founding came together ahead of the Fourth of July.
1 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
View of the south facade of the Brethren House. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
2 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Moravian University representatives Michael Corr, left, and Mike Cook stand in front of the Brethren House which today is part of Moravian University’s Center for Art and Music. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
3 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
4 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House, left, at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
5 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Brethren House was a military hospital from December, 1776 to April, 1777. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
6 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
View of the north side of the Brethren House. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
7 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Detail of the south side of the Brethren House. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
8 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Vintage harpsichords and a piano are held in the George Washington Room. It is said that George Washington was entertained with organ music in this room (the second floor George Washington Room) on July 25, 1782. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
9 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
It is said that George Washington was entertained with organ music in this room (the second floor George Washington Room) on July 25, 1782. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
10 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
It is said that George Washington was entertained with organ music in this room (the second floor George Washington Room) on July 25, 1782. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
11 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
It is said that George Washington was entertained with organ music in this room (the second floor George Washington Room) on July 25, 1782. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
12 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
A rare view of the basement of the Brethren House. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
13 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Mike Cook gives a tour of a domed room in the basement of the Brethren House. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
14 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
One of four large fireplaces that heated the Brethren House which was uncovered from under plaster possibly in the 1970s. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
15 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Windows in the Brethren House basement facing south. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
16 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Mike Cook gives a tour of a domed room in the basement of the Brethren House. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
17 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
One of four large fireplaces that heated the Brethren House which was uncovered from under plaster possibly in the 1970s. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
18 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
One of four large fireplaces that heated the Brethren House which was uncovered from under plaster possibly in the 1970s. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
19 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
20 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
A 1932 report card from the Moravian College for Women is at right. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
21 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
22 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
A piece of what is thought to be original hardware in the Brethren House. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
23 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
View of first floor hallway looking from Brethren House into West Hall. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
24 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of Moravian University’s 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is now part of the school’s Center for Art and Music. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
25 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of Moravian University’s 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is now part of the school’s Center for Art and Music. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
26 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of Moravian University’s 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is now part of the school’s Center for Art and Music. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
27 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of Moravian University’s 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is now part of the school’s Center for Art and Music. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
28 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Artwork depicts musicians performing from atop the Central Moravian Church Bell Tower. Tour of Moravian University’s 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is now part of the school’s Center for Art and Music. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
29 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Moravian University representatives Michael Corr, left, and Mike Cook stand in front of the Brethren House which today is part of Moravian University’s Center for Art and Music. Tour of the 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
30 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of Moravian University’s 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is now part of the school’s Center for Art and Music. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
31 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of Moravian University’s 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is now part of the school’s Center for Art and Music. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
32 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of Moravian University’s 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is now part of the school’s Center for Art and Music. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
33 of 33
— Bethlehem Brethren House Tour
Tour of Moravian University’s 1748-built Brethren House at Church and Main Streets in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is now part of the school’s Center for Art and Music. Photography by Donna S. Fisher
Donna S. Fisher
Q3
Mid-July was marked by five years since the passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis. Hundreds gathered at Rose Garden Park to pay their respects.
In August, Norfolk Southern railroad police asked for city police assistance in breaking up a homeless encampment along the Lehigh River.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
Lehigh Little League’s 9-10 All-Stars on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, were recognized by Bethlehem City Council for the team’s recent Eastern Regional Tournament title. It was the league’s first regional title in its 74-year history and more than two decades since its previous state championship win.
Lehigh Little League brought home its first regional title in 74 years of play — and its first state championship win in more than two decades.
Later in September, a new recording studio opening in West Bethlehem sought to nurture community through creative projects.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
Daiyana Rodriguez (left) and Nicole Boncik (right) stand under a beloved linden tree on Rodriguez’s Rauch Street property.
Two Bethlehem homeowners rallied neighborhood support against developers planning to put up townhouses on adjacent lots. The development also potentially could put legacy shade trees at risk of having to come down, they said.
Soon after, the city Zoning Hearing Board denied an appeal from one of the developers — marking at least a temporary win for opposing homeowners. The other developer’s bid for a zoning variance was later denied in November.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
The Heller-Wagner Grist Mill, located along West Walnut Street in Hellertown.
Just over in Hellertown, the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill on West Walnut Street officially was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Q4
In October, Stefko-Pembroke neighborhood residents, some in Halloween costumes, came together to learn more about a major neighborhood redesign in the works.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
A trunk-or-treat celebration at Bethlehem’s Northeast Community Center on Fritz Drive drew a few hundred people on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.
The following week, ArtsQuest announced the latest behind a new $32 million cultural arts center going up along West Third Street in South Bethlehem.
Protesting President Trump’s policies, thousands of marchers took to Broad Street in Bethlehem after a half-hour rally at Rose Garden Park, ending outside City Hall at Payrow Plaza. It was the second “No Kings” protest of the year.
1 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
2 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
3 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
4 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
5 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
6 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
7 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
8 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
9 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
10 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
11 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
12 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
13 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
14 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
15 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
16 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
17 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
18 of 19
— “No Kings” protest in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
19 of 19
— “No Kings” in Bethlehem
“No Kings” protesters in Bethlehem on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, filed into Rose Garden Park to share their disdain for President Donald Trump and his policies. A pointed but peaceful occasion with music, fellowship and reflection, the group took to Broad Street after a half-hour, heading eastbound more than a mile to City Hall with city police assistance.
Will Oliver
Some white paint went a long way for one stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue prone for passing traffic to crash into cars parked on the curb.
A Bethlehem Fire union study showed the department, with a number of vacancies and retirements at hand, does not meet a number of national emergency-response standards.
Democrats won all four open seats on Bethlehem City Council in the November general election. Mayor Reynolds also secured another four-year term.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
The incoming three-story, 19,580-square-foot academic field house is expected to open its doors on the first day of the 2026-27 school year, Notre Dame High School officials said on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
Over in Bethlehem Township, Notre Dame High School broke ground on a new three-story academic field house set to open to students the first day of the 2026-27 school year.
After two years, the new Walnut Street Garage opened in late November between Main and New streets.
Thanksgiving brought out dozens of people to New Bethany in South Bethlehem for a giveaway of turkeys and other holiday staples.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
Brought to life each year the day after Thanksgiving, the huge Christmas tree placed outside City Hall and the public library, along with other trees along city roadways, are hard to miss among Bethlehem’s spread of holiday traditions. Photo taken on Nov. 28, 2025.
A 43-foot Christmas spruce came to life outside City Hall the day after Thanksgiving, bringing a swarm of people to Payrow Plaza.
Despite continued push from the public in support of expanding firefighter staffing, a city council majority in December denied budget amendments proposed to make the appropriate hires. The city is conducting a related study on staffing and apparatus in 2026.
As for Hellertown’s fire force, borough officials in December approved a stipend program offering extra financial incentive for daytime personnel.
The Bethlehem Police Department is having staffing troubles of its own ahead of a new collective bargaining agreement at the end of 2026, according to officials. Officers are left “doing more with less,” Chief Kott said.
Will Oliver
/
LehighValleyNews.com
Norfolk Southern railroad police and Bethlehem P.D. stood watch as an excavator razed a portion of a Bethlehem homeless encampment along the Lehigh River on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
On a frigid mid-December morning, authorities from Norfolk Southern and the city began overseeing the displacement of a homeless encampment near the Lehigh River.
At the following City Council meeting, officials approved a 2026 municipal spending plan calling for no increase to the property-tax rate.
On Christmas Eve, 10 Christian clergy members called for solidarity with Palestine. One prominent local Jewish clergy member asked for broader discussions on the matter between the two parties.