Emmaus Spotlight Newsletter Issue #037

Emmaus Spotlight Newsletter Issue #037

In this Emmaus Spotlight Issue…
Friday, December 8, 2023

  • Local Business Spotlight

    • Want to Feature YOUR Local Business?

  • Crime

    • Driver Tries to Elude Police

    • Allentown Gas Station Robbed by Gunmen

    • Woman Jumps out of Window to Avoid Attack

  • Local News

    • Emmaus Will See a Slight Tax increase in 2024

  • 🌞Emmaus PA Weather

  • Sports

    • Bryce Harper Interested in Seeking a Contract Extension

    • High School Varsity Schedules

  • Local Events

    • Soul Sisters’ Studio December 8

    • Entertainment at the Emmaus Theater

  • Trivia/Humor

  • Emmaus Spotlight Polls

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Driver Tries to Elude Police - Causes Crash and Injuries on Route 22

A car involved in a police chase on Route 22 was hit by a tractor-trailer on Tuesday night, resulting in minor injuries to a state trooper. The incident unfolded when an officer attempted to pull over a sedan for reckless driving around 9 p.m. on Route 22 West in Hanover Township. Ignoring the trooper's signal, the driver tried to merge onto the Fullerton Avenue off-ramp but failed to navigate a sharp right curve, veering through grass and onto the berm. The car collided with a light pole and an embankment, overturning onto its driver's side, partially obstructing the right lane of Route 22 westbound.

As the trooper attempted to apprehend the driver, a tractor-trailer traveling in the right lane collided with the overturned vehicle. This collision caused the car to spin clockwise, leading to an impact with the trooper. The sedan's driver also sustained minor injuries. The driver was arrested and charged with fleeing or attempting to elude an officer.

Allentown Gas Station Robbed by Gunmen of $9,000

State police are currently seeking two individuals responsible for robbing approximately $9,000 from a Lehigh County gas station last week. The incident occurred at Vulcan Gas, situated at 1761 Airport Road in Hanover Township around 5:30 a.m. last Saturday. According to police, two men entered the station and demanded the clerk to fill a bag with "all of the money."

Although one of the men implied he had a firearm, no gun was visibly brandished. The clerk believed he caught a glimpse of a portion of the gun from under one of the men's sweatshirts. The perpetrators left with the bag containing roughly $9,000 along with 25-30 vape pens valued at around $500. State police urge anyone with relevant information to contact them at 610-861-2026.

Woman Jumps out of Window to Avoid Attack

As per Emmaus police reports, a woman took drastic measures to evade her armed boyfriend by leaping out of a third-floor window on Thursday morning. Contacting the police herself, she detailed the harrowing experience of being held at knifepoint by Dustin Morrow at his residence in the 600 block of Furnace Street. The victim recounted that she managed to flee when Morrow became momentarily distracted while examining his wallet.

Law enforcement officers located Morrow at his residence, and after a reported brief standoff, the Emmaus police, along with the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team, peacefully arrested the 29-year-old Morrow. He faces multiple charges, including kidnapping and assault. Morrow was released on $50,000 bail following his arrest.

Emmaus Will See a Slight Tax increase in 2024

The tax rates in Emmaus are set to experience a slight increase to accommodate higher expenses in a budget that showcases over $10 million more in revenues compared to the previous year. For the year 2024, borough property taxes are scheduled to be established at 8.3155 mills, marking an uptick of 0.134 mills, equivalent to a 1.6% rise from the 2023 rate of 8.1815 mills.

To put it into perspective, a mill represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value.

The general tax fund will see a marginal increase from last year's millage rate of 6.3154. Additionally, the street light fund is set to increase from 0.15 mills in 2023. However, both the fire fund tax and special roads fund tax will remain unchanged. As per the preliminary budget for 2024, a surplus of $1,370,240.16 is anticipated.

Sports News of Interest

Bryce Harper Interested in Seeking a Contract Extension

In his initial five seasons with the Phillies, Bryce Harper has cemented his status as a Philadelphia icon, spearheading the team's ascent to prominence in the National League. Despite being contracted until 2031, Harper is already contemplating the conclusion of his career within the city of Philadelphia. During the Winter Meetings, Harper's agent revealed his client's intent to initiate discussions with the team regarding a contract extension.

Having inked a substantial 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies before the 2019 season, Harper has consistently delivered according to his contract terms. The southpaw batter clinched the NL MVP title in 2021 and guided the team to the NL pennant in 2022. Initially joining as an outfielder, Harper's shift to first base occurred following a right elbow injury in '22, and it appears he will continue in this position for the Phillies in the foreseeable future. In '23, Harper participated in 126 games for Philadelphia, amassing 21 home runs, 72 RBIs, and an impressive .900 OPS.

High School Varsity Schedules

Soul Sisters’ Studio 
Charcuterie Christmas Theme Workshop December 12 - 6:30 to 8:30 pm
https://www.soulsistersemmaus.com/events/

Entertainment at the Emmaus Theater

ArtsQuest is offering a $5 discount to skaters at the Steelstacks ice rink for the rest of the season. 

Really?

Is there a bird capable of flying at greater altitudes than a jet plane?
Typically, most commercial airplanes cruise at altitudes ranging from 33,000 to 42,000 feet. However, the Ruppell's Griffon Vulture holds the distinction as the highest-flying bird ever recorded, astonishingly reaching altitudes of up to 37,000 feet. These vultures primarily inhabit the Sahel region in Central Africa. Adapted for efficient oxygen intake, their bodies enable them to effortlessly soar to incredible heights.

Bird strikes involving airplanes have been reported at altitudes ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 feet above ground level. An exceptional incident occurred in 1973 when an aircraft flying over the Ivory Coast collided with a Rüppell's vulture at an altitude of 37,100 feet, compelling the plane to make an emergency landing.

Elephant Humor - I Apologize for These Also….

Why are elephants bad dancers?
They have two left feet.

What do you get when you cross a fish with an elephant?
Swimming trunks!

Why couldn’t the elephant ride the bus to school?
Its trunk wouldn’t fit under the seat.

What album could an elephant listen to all day long?
Tusk by Fleetwood Mac.

Why do elephants need trunks?
Because they don’t have handbags.

How can you tell if an elephant is under your bed?
Your nose will touch the ceiling.

 December 8

Emmaus Spotlight Polls