City of Lebanon, PA Government

06/22/2026

Come join us at 8AM on Wed., July 1st at Coleman Memorial Park for the unearthing of the time capsule buried in 1976! Bring your lawn chair and be entertained by our history! It should be cool under the trees...

06/21/2026

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Sherry L. Capello, Mayor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 21, 2026
To: All Media
From: Mayor Sherry Capello

Re: City of Lebanon Provides Update on June 16 Downtown Fire

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 9:11 a.m., the Lebanon Fire Department was dispatched to the 700 block of Cumberland Street following reports of flames visible through the roof of a downtown building. Lebanon City firefighters arrived on scene within two minutes and encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions emanating from the third-floor rear roof area of the former Downtown Lounge property located at 734 Cumberland Street.
Upon arrival, Fire Chief A.J. Sweitzer conducted a comprehensive 360-degree assessment of the incident to evaluate fire conditions, identify access points, ensure firefighter safety, and determine the extent of fire spread. Due to the location and complexity of the fire, a second alarm was immediately requested to provide additional manpower and resources.
Firefighters deployed approximately 1,450 feet of 1¾-inch hose line and initiated fire suppression operations from the front and the rear of the structure utilizing a fire escape for access. As crews advanced, it became evident that the fire was extending horizontally through the length of the building. Fire ground operations made a decision to employ trench ventilation techniques to halt the progression of the fire and protect adjoining structures. This decisive action played a critical role in preventing further destruction and preserving a significant portion of this historic downtown block.
At 9:21 a.m., a third alarm was requested to provide additional personnel for sustained firefighting operations. After several hours of coordinated efforts, firefighters successfully brought the blaze under control.
The City extends special thanks to Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services for providing drone technology that assisted incident command. Appreciation is also extended to the City's Emergency Management Coordinator, for his support and coordination throughout the incident.
The fire was ultimately determined to have originated at 736 Cumberland Street. Firefighters performed exceptionally well in containing the blaze and protecting neighboring structures, preventing what could have been a far more devastating loss to the downtown business district.
As a result of the fire, 15 individuals and 3 businesses were displaced. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit responded to the scene and has assumed responsibility for the fire investigation, which remains ongoing.
I commend the firefighters involved for their swift, skilled, and professional response under challenging conditions. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the Lebanon City Police Department, Lebanon City and County Fire Police, the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services, the City's Emergency Management Coordinator, and Lebanon City Public Safety Inspectors for their dedicated assistance throughout the incident.
The following mutual aid agencies responded and provided invaluable support:
• South Lebanon Fire Department
• Neptune Fire Company
• Neversink Fire Company
• Annville-Cleona Fire Department
• Keystone Hook & Ladder Company
• Rural Security Fire Company
• Glenn Lebanon Fire Company
• Weavertown Fire Company
• Bunker Hill Fire Company
• Citizen Fire Company
• Fort Indiantown Gap Fire Department
• Mount Zion Fire Company
• Campbelltown Fire Company
• Newmanstown Fire Company
• Hershey Fire Department
• Hummelstown Fire Department
• Pine Grove North End Fire Company
• Womelsdorf Fire Department
• City and County Fire Police
• Salvation Army
• First Aid & Safety Patrol
• Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services
• Lebanon Police Department
• Pennsylvania State Police
The City of Lebanon is fortunate to be served by a highly trained, courageous, and unified network of first responders who answer the call without hesitation to protect lives, property, and our community.
This fire marks the second significant downtown fire in six months, underscoring both the vulnerability of our historic building stock and the importance of maintaining a strong, well-equipped fire service. Once again, our firefighters and emergency responders demonstrated extraordinary professionalism, teamwork, and dedication in protecting our community.
As recovery efforts begin, the City stands firmly with the residents and business owners affected by this incident. We remain committed to assisting those who have been displaced and to supporting the restoration and continued revitalization of our downtown.
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06/19/2026

🌳 Did You Know? 🌳

Thinking about pruning, planting, removing, or replacing a tree in the beauty strip (the area between the curb and sidewalk)?

The City of Lebanon's Shade Tree Ordinance contains important regulations regarding tree planting locations, approved tree species, pruning requirements, branch clearances over streets and sidewalks, and the replacement of dead or damaged shade trees. A Shade Tree Permit is required before any shade tree is planted, pruned, removed, or replaced within the beauty strip.

Not sure which tree is right for your property? The Shade Tree Commission can help you select the most appropriate tree for your location and ensure it complies with City regulations.

To obtain a Shade Tree Permit, contact the Department of Public Works. The permit fee is $25, and staff will coordinate a visit from the Shade Tree Commission as needed.

Department of Public Works: 717-639-2800, Option: 4

06/19/2026

Looking for fun, educational, and affordable activities for your kids this summer? The City of Lebanon is thrilled to offer a series of engaging mini camps designed for children aged 6–12. Each camp is limited to 30 participants, ensuring personalized attention and unforgettable experiences!
🌿 Nature Camp - Spots Available: 2
Dates: June 29–July 1
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Nature Barn – Stoever’s Dam
Cost: Free for city residents; $20 for non-residents

♻️ Recycling Ranger Mini Camp -Spots Available: 13
Date: August 5
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Nature Barn – Stoever’s Dam
Cost: Free for city residents; $5 for non-residents

🚒 Firefighter for a Day Mini Camp
Dates & Times:
July 22: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM -Spots Available: 18
July 28: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM -Spots Available: 17
Location: Northeast Park
Cost: Free for city residents; $5 for non-residents
Note: Campers may register for only one session.

🕵️ Detective for a Day Mini Camp -Spots Available:
Dates & Times:
July 8: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM -Spots Available: 13
July 13: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM -Spots Available: 17
Location: City Hall
Cost: Free for city residents; $5 for non-residents
Note: Campers may register for only one session.

Download the registration here:
https://www.lebanonpa.org/.../2026-Summer-Camp...

Complete and mail the form with payment (checks payable to "City of Lebanon") to:
City of Lebanon
Attn: Alyssa Quinones
735 Cumberland Street
Lebanon, PA 17042

Contact: For more information, call (717) 639-2800 (Option 5) or email [email protected]

Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities for your children to learn, play, and make new friends this summer! 🌞🌳🚒🕵️‍♂️

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

Check out this totally RAD opportunity for teens in Lebanon County! 🕺🎸

Walk This Way through the decades at Camp ROCKSS Teen Nights—three FREE evenings packed with fun, friends, and activities at the Optimist Playground (Southwest Park), Lebanon!

80's Night – June 23
90's Night – July 21
00's Night – August 18

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Registration preferred)

ETM, LFHS, Compass Mark, and SARCC will be offering educational opportunities centered around teen wellness, crafts, games, snacks and a teen movie from the decade of the night.

✨ It's going to be groovy!

06/15/2026

The Lebanon City Police Department is rolling out a new parking ticket system beginning June 15, 2026.While receiving a parking ticket is rarely cause for celebration, the new payment process should make resolving one a little easier.Under the...

06/14/2026

Lebanon City Hall offices will be closed on Monday, June 15 in observance of Flag Day.

The Recycling Center will be closed, and there will be no street sweeping on this day. Regular office hours will resume the following business day.

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777, and serves as a reminder of the pride, unity, and freedoms represented by our nation's flag.
As part of this observance, the American flags displayed outside Lebanon City Hall will remain proudly flying in honor of our country and those who have served to protect it.

Thank you and have a safe Flag Day!🇺🇸

06/12/2026

"Lebanon Selected as an Official Whistle Stop for America's Most Famous Steam Locomotive!"

🚂 ALL ABOARD FOR HISTORY! 🚂

The City of Lebanon is proud to announce that Lebanon has been selected as an official whistle stop for one of the most iconic trains in American history!

On Tuesday, July 7, from 12:35 PM to 1:20 PM, Union Pacific's legendary Big Boy No. 4014—the world's largest operating steam locomotive—will make a special stop in Lebanon as part of a historic coast-to-coast journey commemorating America's 250th Anniversary.

This once-in-a-lifetime tour is a collaboration between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern and features not only the famous Big Boy, but also several historic passenger cars from Union Pacific's Heritage Fleet, along with two commemorative locomotives: No. 1616 Abraham Lincoln and No. 1776 America 250.

To celebrate this extraordinary occasion, the City of Lebanon will host a community celebration honoring our nation's rich railroad heritage and the role trains played in shaping communities like Lebanon.

Event activities will include:
🎶 Live music and talk with Laura LeBeau & "99.7 WiLBuR Radio, Lebanon's Radio Station!"
🚂 Historical presentations on rail transportation and Lebanon's historic train stations
📜 A portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
🇺🇸 Food, Drinks, and other vendors celebrating the Big Boy and America's 250th Anniversary

Railroads helped build America, connected communities, fueled industry, and transformed the Lebanon Valley into the thriving region we know today. This special visit offers a unique opportunity to experience living history and witness one of the greatest engineering marvels ever built.

Mark your calendars, bring your family, and join us as we welcome Big Boy No. 4014 to Lebanon for this unforgettable America250 celebration!

Parking information, viewing locations and information on public transportation is included in this post. Lebanon Transit will detour Route 17 and will make a run every 30 minutes between 9 AM and 3 PM. Also visitors may park at other locations in the city and ride to the transfer station at 7th & Willow and walk a short distance to the train site.

Edit: Anyone interested in purchasing a Big Boy collectible before the event is welcome to stop by the City of Lebanon Administration Office, located at 735 Cumberland Street, 2nd Floor.

This commemorative collectible ornament is perfect for displaying year-round. Quantities are limited, and will be available while supplies last.

06/12/2026

Wed., July 1st at 8AM, we will unearth the time capsule buried by the City's Bicentennial Committee! While the capsule is being dug up, we will hear from: Bonnie Loy with the 250th Committee; Shane Keenan with the Historical Society will share what life was like in 1776 and what important items they may have wanted to bury in the time capsule; and 2 surprise guests who attended the 1976 burying will share their memories. We also will share our thoughts on living in 2026, what we would like to see added to the time capsule for the 300th unveiling and we will discuss what life may be like in 2076. Lastly, we will have display posters of related historic items. Help us bridge the generations on July 1st!!!!