Inches of Snow in Our Area, More Snow Possible

The first winter storm over the weekend delivered nearly as much snowfall to the Lehigh Valley as the entire previous winter. Even on Sunday, while the storm persisted with rain and flurries into late morning, the region was still in the process of clearing up from the snowfall. Reports from the local National Weather Service office indicated varying accumulation across the Valley, with some areas recording up to 8 inches while others (Emmaus and Macungie) received approximately 4 inches by Sunday afternoon, the storm is expected to move away from the area, ushering in clear conditions for the evening and Monday.

However, concerns arise as another storm could potentially impact Lehigh Valley residents on Tuesday. According to forecasts, this upcoming storm might bring about 2 to 3 inches of rainfall, with possibilities of higher amounts in certain areas. The ground in the Lehigh Valley remains moist due to recent snowfall, compounded by an especially rainy December.

Radon Testing Critically Important

Pennsylvania grapples with one of the most severe radon issues in the country, with elevated levels of radioactive radon gas detected in all counties.
However, many areas within the commonwealth have not undergone adequate testing, emphasizing the critical nature of this concern. The sole method to ascertain radon levels in your residence is through testing.

Fortunately, conducting these tests is straightforward. DIY test kits are both user-friendly and cost-effective. In recognition of January as National Radon Action Month, officials affiliated with the American Lung Association are encouraging residents to test their homes and take necessary measures if heightened radon levels are identified.

A limited quantity of complimentary radon test kits is accessible for commonwealth residents, including those in the Lehigh Valley. These kits, made available through funding from a grant by the state Department of Environmental Protection, can be obtained at lungradonkits.org/pa. Additionally, Radon Lehigh Valley also offers free tests locally.

Whooping Cough Outbreak Serious in Our Area

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is actively monitoring a pertussis outbreak in Monroe County following multiple confirmed cases primarily within the Stroudsburg Area School District. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has seen a surge in occurrences across Pennsylvania in recent years, particularly among high school students and their close contacts. The Department of Health notified the district of identified cases among its students. Collaborative efforts from Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network have been instrumental in providing care to both pertussis patients and individuals exposed within Monroe County.

Whooping cough, characterized by a highly contagious respiratory infection, often manifests as severe bouts of coughing followed by a distinctive high-pitched inhalation sound resembling a "whoop." Historically considered a childhood ailment before the development of a vaccine, pertussis remains a significant concern.

Former Teacher to Serve 20 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor Student

A past teacher within the Bethlehem Area School District has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison due to offenses connected to his involvement with a student. Christopher Schweikert, formerly a social studies teacher and volleyball coach at Freedom High School, admitted guilt in September to numerous counts of child pornography.

These charges stemmed from the discovery of videos depicting Schweikert engaged in sexual activities with an individual under 18 years old. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl administered Schweikert's sentencing on Friday at the Reading federal courthouse. Alongside the prison term, Schweikert has been ordered to undergo 15 years of supervised release and pay $3,000 in restitution, as per Schmehl's ruling. 

6 Eagles Named to Pro Bowl

The NFL announced the players for the next Pro Bowl. The Eagles that made the team are:

Wide Receiver A.J. Brown (starter, 3rd selection), Guard Landon Dickerson (reserve, 2nd selection), Tackle Lane Johnson (starter, 5th selection), Center Jason Kelce (starter, 7th selection), Linebacker Haason Reddick (reserve, 2nd selection), and Running Back D'Andre Swift (reserve, 1st selection).

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

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?

What are knismesis and gargalesis? The scientific terms for soft and hard tickling.
Since 1960 the average American male has gained 2 inches in height.
Before he played baseball, Babe Ruth trained to be a tailor.
Measles: Before vaccination was introduced in 1963, 90 percent of American children contracted the illness. In 2012 most school districts won’t admit a child unless they’re vaccinated, a practice that has virtually eradicated the disease.
Horses, ferrets, ground squirrels, dolphins, and foxes can all get diabetes.
The temperature on the moon can get hot enough to boil water.

Humor

After dying in a car crash, three friends go to Heaven for an orientation session. They are all asked the same question: "When you are in your casket and family and friends are mourning over you, what would you like to hear them say about you?"

The first guy responds: "I would like to hear them say that I was one of the greatest doctors of my time and a great family man".

The second guy says: "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and a school teacher who made a huge difference in the children of tomorrow".

The third guy thinks for a while and then replies: "I guess I'd like to hear them say 'Look - he's moving’.