Macungie Fire Fighting Services to Transition to Lower Macungie

During the Council's Monday meeting, a unanimous decision was made on a three-year agreement to transition Macungie's fire services from the troubled Macungie Volunteer Fire Department to the Lower Macungie Fire Department. This paves the way for the official adoption of these services by year-end.

The agreement follows a lengthy process, prompted by escalating concerns. Issues with the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department culminated in August when officials failed to furnish a requested audit. Moreover, worries surfaced regarding the insufficient number of active firefighters available for service.

Due to ongoing mismanagement concerns and doubts about the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department's capability to effectively handle fire incidents, the Macungie Borough Council has decided that designating the Lower Macungie Fire Department as the official fire protection unit for Macungie Borough is in the best interest of its residents. Over recent months, Lehigh County Dispatch had to summon neighboring fire companies alongside the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department due to apprehensions about staffing and potential delays in response times, as stated by the council.

'Breakthrough' Drug Proven to Slow Alzheimer's Given to 1st Patient at Harborview Medical Center

A Mount Vernon resident from Washington became the inaugural recipient of the recently developed Alzheimer’s drug, lecanemab, administered at the University of Washington (UW) Medicine’s Memory and Brain Wellness Center on December 1. This groundbreaking medication has raised hopes as it has demonstrated a 27% reduction in cognitive decline.

Doug Davidson marked the outset as the first individual to receive this "breakthrough" drug, recognized for its ability to alleviate cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients, at Harborview Medical Center. Lecanemab obtained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the summer of 2023. UW has hailed it as the maiden FDA-approved medication that can alter the trajectory of Alzheimer’s.

UW highlighted that lecanemab is sanctioned for individuals exhibiting amyloid plaques alongside mild cognitive impairment or very mild Alzheimer’s dementia. Prospective candidates considering lecanemab should be aware that its advantages are moderate and may be challenging to discern, while also acknowledging the accompanying risks.

Man Killed By SUV in Upper Macungie

On Monday night, tragedy struck in Upper Macungie Township as a Lehigh County resident lost his life after being struck by a vehicle.

According to township police, the 69-year-old man was hit by an SUV around 7:15 p.m. while attempting to cross Tilghman Street in the 5600 block. He was swiftly transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident.

Identified by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio, the deceased individual was Bruce C. Foley, a resident of Lower Macungie Township. The cause of Foley's death was attributed to multiple traumatic injuries, deemed accidental in nature.

Scientists Potentially Unravel Mystery Behind Sickness Affecting Pennsylvania Dogs

Researchers believe they may have identified the source of a mysterious respiratory sickness affecting dogs in Pennsylvania and over a dozen other states across the nation.

Veterinarians have encountered significant challenges in determining both the origin and effective treatment for this enigmatic sickness, which has resulted in the death of some dogs. The illness typically begins with a persistent cough lasting several weeks, accompanied by symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes. In severe cases, it can rapidly progress to pneumonia and fatal outcomes.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has confirmed recent instances of this "atypical respiratory illness" in the state. Statewide, veterinarians have been put on alert. Pet owners are advised to minimize their dog's interaction with canines from other households and to verify the health status of their pets' recent visits to dog groomers and boarding kennels during this holiday season.

Local Communities Informed About Proposed County-wide Sewer Upgrades Totaling $600 Million

The Lehigh County Authority, responsible for managing water and wastewater services across many municipalities in the county, anticipates an expenditure of nearly $600 million over the next ten years to overhaul almost 1,000 miles of underground pipes.

The aim is to modernize the county's aging water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, amplifying its capacity and resolving various issues affecting multiple municipalities..

Furthermore, the plan aims to accommodate new connections, expand sizes to mitigate overflows caused by weather-related events, and address regulatory oversight concerning system overflows and permit violations. According to the Authority, this Act 537 plan constitutes the most significant investment ever undertaken in our region to safeguard public health and the environment.

Eagles signing three-time All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard

On Monday, the Eagles made public their signing of three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, aiming to fortify what was considered the weakest spot on their roster.

At 28 years old, Leonard may not showcase the same prowess he once did during his prime in Indianapolis. Nevertheless, his veteran presence is anticipated to provide valuable assistance to the Eagles' defense throughout the remainder of the 2023 season.

While expecting Leonard to return to his former All-Pro level might be unrealistic, his presence should significantly aid a position where the Eagles are in dire need of support.

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Soul Sisters’ Studio 
Empowerment Breathwork Workshop December 8 - 6:30 to 8:30 pm
https://www.soulsistersemmaus.com/events/

Entertainment

Winery Comedy Tour At Sleepy Cat
Fri Dec 29 2023 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm
Sleepy Cat Urban Winery, West Allen Street, Allentown, PA

Musikfest Announces Two Music Acts

Old Dominion, best known for its multi-platinum hits “Break Up With Him,” “Snapback” and “Written in the Sand," was announced Monday as the second headliner for the 10-day Bethlehem festival. The group will play the main Steel Stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Rapper Ludacris was announced as the first headliner a week ago. He'll perform Saturday, Aug. 10.
Musikfest will run Aug. 2-11, with an Aug. 1 preview night.

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.
Parthenology is the study of virgins.
Splanchnology is the study of entrails
Gelotology is the study of the laughter.

Humor

A couple going on vacation but his wife was on a business trip so he went to the destination first and his wife would meet him the next day.
When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email.

Unfortunately, when typing her address, he mistyped a letter and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife whose husband had passed away only the day before.

When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.
At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:

Dearest Wife,
Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow.
P.S. Sure is hot down here.

 December 5

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