Curb and Sidewalk Update

The Borough is required to replace its curb ramps with ramps that contain updated federal requirements. Replacement of a single curb ramp is $5,000: therefore, an entire intersection generally costs approximately $20,000. The Borough continues to apply for CDBG grant money through Lehigh County to work on these projects. In 2023, the Borough received $35,000 in CDBG money to do improvements.

We have been informed by the county that we should anticipate receiving $157,550 for 2024. These funds will be used to replace handicap ramps along Main, Chestnut, and some adjacent streets. As Penn Dot informed us that they plan to repave Chestnut and Main Street in 2025, we will be required to replace the ramps on our section of the cross streets during this time. This grant in 2024 will be a great help towards accomplishing this goal.

2022 Volunteer of the Year

Our Emmaus 2022 Volunteer of the Year recently retired as chair of the Emmaus Shade Tree Commission for many years. For his tireless commitment to Emmaus and our healthy tree environment we have been fortunate to have Reds Bailey, a certified arborist as a vocal advocate for trees in our community.

Over the years Reds saw value in all trees and would seek ways to protect and preserve trees in Emmaus. Between 2012 and 2020 he chose outstanding trees in residential landscapes to receive "tree awards," marked with a temporary sign.

Please join us in celebrating these special individuals and all Borough volunteers who generously give their time and talent to serve our community. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with our Borough Commissions, please call Borough Hall at 610-965-9292.

Road Work - October 16th -October 27th

Road reconstruction will begin on Alpine St, Fernwood St, and Banner St, starting Monday, Oct. 16th until Friday, Oct. 27th between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm Roads may be closed with detour signs posted. Alpine St trailhead will be closed.

*reprinted from Emmaus Newsletter with permission

Third Person Dies From Tanker Crash on Turnpike

Over the weekend, tragedy struck on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension in Montgomery County, claiming the life of a third person involved in a horrific crash. According to Cpl. Joe May, a spokesperson for the state police, the passenger of a car that was struck by a tanker trailer on Saturday morning has succumbed to their injuries.

The severity of the crash and the subsequent fire have made it difficult for authorities to confirm the identities of the victims. Consequently, the investigation continues, and the identities of those involved have not been disclosed.

A third person has died following a fiery crash over the weekend on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension in Montgomery County. Cpl. Joe May, a state police spokesperson, said Monday the passenger of a car that was hit by a tanker trailer Saturday morning on Interstate 476 had died. The crash closed I-476 in that area for hours while emergency responders cleared and investigated the scene.

Real Estate Scam Alert - Owner at Risk for $115,000

A 64-year-old resident of Salisbury Township recently experienced a dramatic shift in emotions after falling victim to an online real estate scam, losing over $115,000 in the process.

The scam unfolded when the victim, in the midst of purchasing a property in Florida through a legitimate title company, received instructions from scammers posing as representatives from the title agency. These impostors, using an email address similar to that of the genuine company, directed the victim to wire $115,214.67 for closing costs to a Capital One account.

Trusting these instructions, the victim transferred the money as directed. Yet, before the funds could be withdrawn from the Capital One account, the fraud came to light. Investigation revealed that the account in question was unrelated to the title agency; it had been frozen by Texas authorities due to similar fraudulent activities.

Prompt action by Salisbury Township Police Detective Diano Reavis and Lehigh County Chief Deputy District Attorney Joseph R. Stauffer led to the issuance of a search warrant. This ultimately resulted in the return of the victim's funds from the frozen account. The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement agencies collaborate across jurisdictions to trace the fraudulent account's origins.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin emphasized the prevalence of such scams, especially targeting older citizens, urging the public to remain vigilant. He commended the swift response of Reavis and Stauffer in resolving the case. For assistance or to report elder abuse, individuals can contact the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office Elder Abuse Task Force at 610-782-3700.

Eagles Beat Dolphins 31-17

In the showdown between teams which had been criticized for supposedly not beating any good teams this season, the Eagles prevailed, 31-17, over the Miami Dolphins Sunday night at Lincoln Financial Field.

Hurts threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score to spark the Eagles, getting another monster game from receiver A.J. Brown, who caught 10 passes for 137 yards and one TD.

The Eagles limited Tyreek Hill, the league’s most explosive receiver, to 11 catches worth 88 yards and running Raheem Mostert, who led the league in touchdowns to zero points. At the intermission Hurts had matched Tagovailoa with one touchdown pass. Hurts had also scored himself, his sixth TD run of the season as part of the Eagles’ 17-10 intermission lead.

The Eagles put the game away with a spinning, powerful three-yard run by Kenneth Gainwell with 4:50 left in the contest. It gave the Eagles a 31-17 advantage with 4:46 to go.

Phillies Drop Game to Diamondbacks 5-1

Tommy Pham and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. powered the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Monday night's game, forcing a thrilling Game 7 in the NL Championship Series. Pham and Gurriel Jr. showcased their prowess with back-to-back home runs, while Merrill Kelly's impressive performance included eight strikeouts.

The Phillies, usually formidable at home, struggled against the Diamondbacks' pitching prowess, managing only six hits and experiencing their first home postseason loss in seven games. Aaron Nola took the mound for the Phillies but couldn't contain the Diamondbacks' offense. Both Pham and Gurriel found the left field seats, marking the first homers Nola had allowed all postseason.

Kelly, who had faced challenges in Game 2, successfully navigated through this game, showcasing his resilience. Ketel Marte contributed to the Diamondbacks' lead with a run-scoring triple in the fifth inning, extending his postseason hitting streak to an impressive 15 games.

With the series now tied, the stage is set for an electrifying Game 7, where the winner will earn the opportunity to face either Houston or Texas in the World Series..

Really?

What’s another term for funambulist? Tightrope walker.

Ouch! The blindness and burning effects of pepper spray can last for more than 4 hours.

Makes sense: The German word for skunk is “stinktier”.

Smile a Bit

A doctor, a lawyer, a little boy and a priest were out for a Sunday afternoon flight on a small private plane. Suddenly, the plane developed engine trouble. In spite of the best efforts of the pilot, the plane started to go down. Finally, the pilot grabbed a parachute, yelled to the passengers that they had better jump, and bailed out. Unfortunately, there were only three parachutes remaining.

The doctor grabbed one and said "I'm a doctor, I save lives, so I must live," and jumped out. The lawyer then said, "I'm a lawyer and lawyers are the smartest people in the world. I deserve to live." He also grabbed a parachute and jumped. The priest looked at the little boy and said, "My son, I've lived a long and full life. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you.

Take the last parachute and live in peace." The little boy handed the parachute back to the priest and said, "Not to worry, Father. The 'smartest man in the world' just took off with my back pack."

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