Alburits Raises Its Taxes 20%

Alburtis Borough recently decided to increase its real estate tax rate by approximately 20%, marking its first hike in a decade. This adjustment, to a new rate of 4.58 mills compared to the previous 3.75 mills, comprises a 4.50-mill general purpose tax and an additional 0.08-mill for fire services. Officials attribute this change to escalating expenses and impending capital projects.

First Snow of the Year Arrives This Weekend

AccuWeather forecasts that a winter storm will affect southeastern PA. Most areas will receive between 1 and 3 inches of snow. Regions farther west and north, extending west of Reading and into the Lehigh Valley, are expected to encounter higher snowfall amounts, ranging from 3 to 6 inches. This powerful storm is anticipated to significantly impact roads and travel over the weekend, potentially causing slippery conditions. Moreover, there's a possibility of flooding along creeks and rivers. Sub-freezing temperatures forecasted for Sunday night could create extremely icy conditions.

Proposed New Wawa to be Built at Former Site of Brass Rail

The upcoming meeting of the Allentown Planning Commission on January 9 features an agenda item regarding a land development proposal for a Wawa at 3015 Lehigh St. in Allentown, the site currently occupied by the cherished Brass Rail restaurant. The proposal outlines intentions to merge two of the three existing lots and develop a convenience store alongside a gas station on the premises.

Gavin Holihan, Lehigh County's new DA, vows Tougher Stance Against Violent Crime

In a brief news conference after the swearing-in ceremony, the Allentown resident identified violent crime as his top priority. Holihan said he would direct his office to focus less on petty criminals to devote attention where it needs to be.

Holihan said he also wants to work more collaboratively with other organizations to address the issues that lead to violent crime. Before the election, he spoke about building inroads with underserved communities that don't always trust law enforcement. On Tuesday, he spoke about not waiting for people with mental health problems to commit crimes before getting them the help they need.

Bethlehem Bans Sale of Puppy Mill Animals

Bethlehem officials on Tuesday voted to ban the sale of animals from “puppy mills” in pet stores within the city limits, joining other cities like Allentown and Easton. Animals specifically protected by the new ordinance would include dogs, cats, and rabbits.

The new language defines these "mills" as, "large-scale commercial breeding facilities where the health and welfare of the animals are not adequately provided for ... "

According to the ordinance, any pet store found to be in violation would be required to pay a maximum of $500 per animal offered for sale. Any violating shelter or rescue operation paying for an animal from a breeder would face a maximum $250 penalty per animal purchased. "Responsible" breeders still would be able to sell directly to customers within the city limits.

Emmaus’ Mario Landino Named Morning Call’s Defensive Player of the Year

Landino capped a spectacular career at Emmaus High School. His statistics include 97 tackles, including 20 for loss and three sacks. Mario will attend Indiana University next and hopes to play on the interior line at the school. We wish Mario all the best and thank him for all his efforts.

High School Varsity Schedules

Emmaus Boys Varsity Basketball Schedule

Emmaus Girls Varsity Basketball Schedule

Emmaus Boys Varsity Wrestling Schedule

Emmaus Girls Varsity Wrestling Schedule

Events

Upcoming Happenings

Winter Bridal Show:
Experience the Lehigh Valley's most extensive and prominent bridal exhibition taking place on Sunday, January 7th, from 12:00 noon to 4:30 PM at Ag Hall, situated within the Allentown Fairgrounds. Discover numerous exhibits showcasing food and cake tastings, fashion displays, DJ services, photo booths, reception venues, floristry, catering, favors, makeup artists, and much more.

Auto Mania:
For over three decades, Auto Mania has stood as Pennsylvania's premier indoor heated automotive Flea Market. This year's event is scheduled to grace the Allentown Fairgrounds from Friday, January 19th through Sunday, January 21st. Improv Comedy Festival:

Dive into laughter at the Improv Comedy Festival hosted at SteelStacks in Bethlehem on Friday, January 26th, and Saturday, January 27th. The festival promises entertainment featuring teams from the Lehigh Valley, NYC, Baltimore, Boston, Toronto, and beyond.

Really?

• In Florida, unmarried women may not parachute on Sundays.

• Vermont law states that restaurants may use margarine instead of butter, provided they note it on the menu in two-inch letters and serve it in triangle-shaped portions.

• In Idaho, it’s illegal to sell chickens after dark (unless you have a permit).

• You may not loiter in the Detroit city morgue.

• Running for office in Simsbury, Connecticut? It’s illegal to campaign at the dump.

• Anyone who detonates a nuclear bomb within the city limits of Chico, California, is subject to a $500 fine.

• If there’s a donkey sleeping in your bathtub after 7:00 p.m. in Oklahoma, you’re breaking the law.

Humor

1. “I'm sick of following my dreams, man. I'm just going to ask where they're going and hook up with ’em later."
—Mitch Hedberg

2. “Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room.”
—President Merkin Muffley (Peter Sellers), Dr. Strangelove

3. “My mother always used to say: The older you get, the better you get, unless you’re a banana.”
—Rose (Betty White), The Golden Girls

4. “Halloween is the beginning of the holiday shopping season. That’s for women. The beginning of the holiday shopping season for men is Christmas Eve.”
—David Letterman

5. “Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.”
—Jack Handey

6. Bob: “Looks like you've been missing a lot of work lately.”
Peter: “I wouldn't say I've been missing it, Bob.”
—Bob (Paul Wilson) and Peter (Ron Livingston), Office Space

7. “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence in society.”
—Mark Twain

8. “Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow Internet to see who they really are.”
—Will Ferrell

9. “I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.”
—Rita Rudner

10. “Ned, I would love to stand here and talk with you—but I’m not going to.”
—Phil Connors (Bill Murray), Groundhog Day