Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
Good morning, Bethlehem.
🏘️ Community
Today, The Brown and White walked South Side and talked with local residents and business owners who noted improvements in neighborhood development—new shops have opened while concerns over limited youth programs and poverty remain.
Their conversations offer a clear snapshot of the ongoing changes and challenges in the community.
💼 Business
Kerry Group from Ireland said it will open a big coffee roasting and extraction factory in Hanover Township that will create 61 jobs and keep 16 workers—state funds of $516,880 and training grants back the project.
The new facility will use the old Martin Bauer Group building to boost local food and beverage production.
🎭 Culture
Melvins will perform at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem at 8 p.m. on Oct.
2. Guitarist Buzz Osborne said the band is known for blending punk with classic rock influences—tickets are available at the venue's box office and on the website.
A local writer recounts how a fresh look at mountains has deepened a connection to nature—from memories of hikes in Vermont to recent climbs on South Mountain.
He said he plans to explore more when winter ends and spring begins.
📰 Economy
Today, the Lehigh Valley will host a Manufacturing Forum where LVEDC President Don Cunningham will present federal data showing a 28.8% increase in manufacturing jobs since 2010—three times the national rate.
The region’s success includes expansions by companies like B. Braun and Filter King that are adding hundreds of jobs while supporting over 700 manufacturers and $9 billion in annual output.
PPL Electric Utilities filed its first distribution base rate request in a decade to invest in a stronger, smarter grid—boosting system resilience and customer service for its 1.5 million customers.
If approved, new rates will add about $13 a month for residential users and take effect on July 1 to help fund ongoing upgrades against severe weather and rising costs.
🏛️ Government
On November 4, Lehigh and Northampton counties will vote for county, municipal, and state judicial officers as well as on local ballot questions that affect taxes and services.
The ballot includes a county executive race, a commissioner contest with a candidate facing drug charges, and local referendums in Chapman and Williams Township—set against the backdrop of typically low off-year turnout.
🏥 Health
Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month has ended in our area, but the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley said it will continue its mission—keeping funds raised in the community to support local families.
The foundation will host a fundraiser run at Hausman's Fruit Farm on Oct. 18 to boost its programs.
📰 Lifestyle
A writer new to Bethlehem shared that his trips to Twin Peaks and South Mountain reconnect him with nature, recalling memories from Vermont and San Francisco.
He said exploring the local mountain as the seasons change brings him a sense of closeness to his past — a blend of personal history and fresh beginnings.
🏈 Sports
Senior linebacker Tyler Ochojski leads Lehigh’s defense with 3 sacks and 4 tackles for loss as he aims for another Patriot League Championship and a shot at the NFL draft.
He inspires his teammates with leadership and work ethic — qualities shaping his journey on and off the field.
🎉 Bethlehem Events
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Dan Tepfer – Inventions/Reinventions Dinner Concert & Fundraiser
Evening — Time TBD — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Ticketed event — Experience a journey through Bach’s works infused with modern improvisation by pianist Dan Tepfer.
aGirl & aGuy Band Performance at Oktoberfest
3-4 p.m. — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Entry info unavailable — Enjoy lively music under the beer tent at Oktoberfest.
Pepperwine Concert
3-4 p.m. — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Cost not specified — Enjoy the melodic sounds of Pepperwine and immerse yourself in a remarkable music experience.
Hairball Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — Tickets from $44 — Experience an electrifying night of live music with Hairball.
Mark Morris Dance Group Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant creativity of the Mark Morris Dance Group, focusing on community, access, and diversity.
Kathleen Edwards Concert
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Musikfest Café — Tickets available — Experience Kathleen Edwards as she performs her holiday hit 'It's Christmastime (Let's Just Survive)'.
Cheap Trick Concert
7:00-9:30 p.m. — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy a night with the legendary rock band Cheap Trick in a cozy venue.
Bachman Turner Overdrive Concert
7:00-9:30 p.m. — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with classic rock legends Bachman Turner Overdrive in Bethlehem.
Wycked Night: The Ultimate Halloween Bash
9 p.m.-12 a.m. — Wind Creek Event Center — $10 cover — Dive into a thrilling night of costumes, music, and performances at Bethlehem's spookiest bash.
IL Divo Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the harmonies of IL Divo in a vibrant setting.
🏠 Bethlehem Real Estate
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💼 Bethlehem Job Board
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📣 Bethlehem Announcements
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