Bear Spotted in Lower Macungie

Officials in Lower Macungie Township have reported multiple sightings of a bear recently. According to State Game Warden Dustin Stoner, the Pennsylvania Game Commission received three calls from residents who captured the bear on their doorbell surveillance camera videos.

The bear seems to be moving around, and as a result, game commission officials have determined that there is no need to capture and relocate it, stated Stoner on Tuesday afternoon. Specific details about when and where in the township the bear was spotted were not available as of Tuesday.

This October hasn't been the first time a bear was seen roaming in the Lehigh Valley. Similar sightings occurred in various parts of Bethlehem Township around the same time. The Pennsylvania Game Commission emphasized that in the fall, bears are actively seeking food to fatten up before their winter hibernation. Most bear encounters happen when bears discover easily accessible food sources near human habitats. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal in Pennsylvania, and the best way to prevent bears from entering properties is to remove or secure potential food sources, such as trash.

Lower Macungie Township Crash Claims Life of 67-year-old Woman

A 67-year-old woman died from injuries she sustained in Monday afternoon's crash in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio said Tuesday morning.

According to Buglio, Kathy Ann Schuessler was the passenger of the SUV that collided with a pickup truck in the 900 block of Mill Creek road. The crash occurred around 12:55 p.m. Monday, Buglio said.

According to Buglio, Schuessler died from her injuries at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest less than two hours after the crash. Her cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries and the death was ruled an accident, Buglio said.

Pennsylvania State Trooper Nathan Branosky said Monday that the driver of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries in the crash, while the condition of the SUV's driver is unknown. The Lehigh County Coroner's Office, Pennsylvania State Police and the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office are investigating the crash.

Chilly weather has settled into the Lehigh Valley, and it's expected to become even colder. By Wednesday night into Thursday, temperatures are projected to drop even further, indicating a high likelihood of a widespread freeze, as per the weather service.

Daytime temperatures in the upcoming days won't offer much relief, struggling to reach the upper 40s. However, there's a glimmer of good news in the forecast: a minor warmup is expected towards the end of the week. Weekend highs are likely to hover around 60 degrees, and for a change, there's no rain in the forecast.

Significant Quantity of Fentanyl Discovered in the Home of a Drug Counselor 

In a recent development in Allentown, a Forks Township man employed as a drug counselor was arrested following an investigation conducted by the Northampton County Drug Task Force, as announced by the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office. The authorities executed a search warrant at the residence of 56-year-old Jeffrey Cooper on Steeplechase Drive. The search, focused on gathering documents related to alleged drug dealing, uncovered 600 bags of the potent synthetic opioid painkiller fentanyl. Subsequently, a second search warrant specific to drugs was obtained, leading to the discovery of $2,000 in cash, a handgun, and the confiscation of two Cadillacs and approximately $100,000 worth of designer watches and jewelry.

The investigation originated from the Allentown Police Department's probe into alleged offenses in Lehigh County. Cooper was apprehended on Thursday at Fifth and Walnut streets in Allentown around 3 p.m. He was charged with possession and attempted delivery of fentanyl. According to court records, Cooper was arraigned on two counts each of felony drug possession with intent to deliver and criminal use of a communication facility, as well as misdemeanor drug possession in Lehigh County. He was released on Tuesday after posting a $30,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for November 6 to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with the charges in common pleas court. The alleged offenses in Lehigh County occurred on October 26 and September 13.

Additionally, Cooper was arraigned in Northampton County on a felony charge of drug possession with intent to deliver, along with a misdemeanor drug possession charge, both related to events on the same day in Allentown. He was remanded to Northampton County Prison with bail set at $35,000. Another preliminary hearing in this case is tentatively scheduled for November 7 to assess the evidence.

Emmaus Beats Parkland in OT 3-2 For 13th Straight Final

In the District 11 4A boys soccer semifinals Emmaus and Parkland clashed in a high-stakes match, renewing their rivalry from the past two championship games. Brayden Dang, a defender for Emmaus, emerged as the hero in overtime, scoring his second goal of the season and securing a 3-2 victory for the Green Hornets. This win marked Emmaus's 13th consecutive appearance in the district championship game. They will face Freedom, who defeated Northampton 5-3, in the final at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Whitehall.

Parkland seized the lead when Sam Masenheimer's rebound turned into an assist for Logan Thresh, putting the Trojans ahead 1-0. Emmaus responded swiftly, with Marcus Puentes equalizing just before halftime. Masenheimer once again gave Parkland the lead in the second half, but Ryan Kiernan's quick response leveled the score at 2-2.

In the 13th minute of overtime, Emmaus earned a corner kick. The ball found its way to Dang, who capitalized on a chaotic situation in front of the net, slotting it in with his left foot and sealing the victory for Emmaus.

Emmaus Girls Field Hockey Wins Impressively Over Northampton 8-0

In the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader, Emmaus dominated Northampton with an 8-0 victory, displaying a level of control and teamwork that left little room for suspense. Melea Weber, the EPC MVP and a committed player for North Carolina, set the tone by scoring the first two goals in the opening quarter. She completed her first-half hat trick, contributing significantly to the Green Hornets' commanding 7-0 lead at halftime.

Sharlise Solano furthered Emmaus's lead by scoring two goals within the first six minutes of the second quarter. However, the standout moment of the night came from Autumn Held, whose midair deflection showcased exceptional skill and added to Emmaus's impressive goal tally.

Held netted two goals alongside Weber's hat trick, Solano's pair of goals, and a goal from Haley Kvacky. Emmaus's convincing victory now positions them for a chance to claim their 35th consecutive district championship. They will face archrival Parkland in the upcoming final, aiming to maintain their winning streak.

Emmaus Girls Soccer Beats Easton 1-0

In a repeat of last season's semifinal victory, Emmaus secured their spot in the District 11 Class 4A girls’ soccer finals by defeating Easton 1-0. The game hinged on a strong defensive performance by the Hornets and a well-executed offensive play that resulted in Emmaus's lone goal. They will face Parkland in the district title match on Thursday.

Emmaus came close to scoring an insurance goal when Cooper's header from the right side was saved by Easton's goalkeeper with 25 minutes remaining. Easton mounted a late challenge, but Emmaus goalie Ashley Stine made a crucial save with 13:50 left, denying Jordan Lytwyn's shot on goal and preserving the Hornets' lead.

Throughout the game, the Emmaus defense displayed exceptional anticipation, staying a step ahead of the Red Rovers' attackers. Stine made six saves, and Emmaus managed to prevent Easton from earning a single corner. This victory marks Emmaus's second consecutive appearance in the district finals. The Class 4A finals are scheduled for Thursday night at J. Birney Crum Stadium.

Really?

• Momilogy is the study of mummies.

• Astacology is the study of crayfish.

• Deltiology is the study of postcards.

• Fromology is the study of cheese.

• Tsiganology is the study of gypsies.

• Splanchnology is the study of entrails.

• Gelotology is the study of the laughter.

Smile a Bit

The scene is a funeral wake. Several people have given moving tributes to the deceased, and now the grieving widow asks if anybody else would like to add anything. A man stands up.
‘May I say a word?’ he asks.
‘Of course,’ says the widow.
‘Plethora,’ says the man.
‘Thank you: that means a lot to me,’ replies the widow.

November 02