K-9 Beny says goodbye to the Allentown Police Dept

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

The Allentown Police Department has said goodbye to a longtime friend who sniffed out a lot of crime over the years.



On Thursday, K-9 Beny went on his farewell tour, after his handler Officer Matt Geake decided to retire him.



He was sent off with lots of hugs, praise, and pats on the back.



Officer Geake called it a bitter-sweet day.



"I guess happy because it's been good, but sad because of where it is," said Officer Geake.



Three weeks ago, a veterinarian found and removed a large sized tumor wedged between Beny's heart and lungs.



"It was my worst nightmare come true," said Officer Geake.



The tumor was benign, but Beny will need continued checkups to monitor potential growth.



The Slovakian German Shepherd will live at home with Officer Geake and his two other dogs.



As for the pup's plans, Officer Geake anticipates a lot of rest and relaxation.



"He's going to stay home, chill out, relax. Enjoy some time on his own. Eat when he wants to eat. Sleep when he wants to sleep, and wake up when he wants to wake up," Geake said.



But Geake admits it won't be easy leaving Beny at home in the morning. The pair has worked together every day for the last seven years.



"As soon as I open up the door and I'm like 'he's not in there…' that's the stuff I'm going to miss," Geake said.



The department sent Beny off with his final badge. The gold plate reads "Retired Patrolman."



He also leaves his post with high praise from his master.



"There's no other partner I'd want, bottom line," Geake said.



The department is currently exploring options to replace him.



There are four other K-9's on the force.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1IxfYoJ
Read More

Fun in the frigid cold: How your body reacts

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

There were dozens of people out at Bear Creek Mountain in Longswamp Township spending hours outside enjoying their favorite winter activities on Thursday night, despite the freezing cold temperatures.



"I am freezing," said one skiier. "I have handwarmers in but I still can't feel my fingers and my nose is freezing."



So what exactly is going on inside of our bodies leading to those numb and tingly feelings in the cold?



We asked an expert at the Davinci Science Center to explain.



"Our bodies try harder to protect themselves," said Science Educator Tyler Groft. "So the hypothalamus gland sends signal to preserve organs like the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys."



That means less blood flow to extremeties like fingers and toes and in the most severe cases, those body parts will turn purple and the skin tissue will begin to die.



"That's what happens when we experience hypothermia, a freezing layer of the skin becasue the body is trying to protect this area and the brain," said Groft.



Skiiers and snowboarders we spoke to say they are aware of the risks, so that's why they layer up. It's all in order to prepare themselves for an evening full of runs, on these cold, snowy slopes.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1IxfXRD
Read More

Leaders weighing options to ease traffic

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

Officials in Upper & Lower Macungie Townships are looking to alleviate traffic problems in order to prevent more build ups and back ups in the future.


First a traffic study was conducted by local engineers.


Now, officials have pinpointed 6 projects that they say could help alleviate some of the congestion.


Most of the recommendations focus around the areas of I-78 and Route 222.


"It's a major problem in this area, we have a lot of major roads, a lot of industry, a lot of warehouses," said Upper Macungie Town Supervisor Dan Olpere.


The projects include: Route 222 & I-78 interchange, I-78 Eastbound lane widening, I-78 and Adams Road interchange, Route 222 & Grim Road/Cetronia Road intersection, Route 222 & Mill Creek Road/Grange Road intersection, Rand Route 222 & Breinigsville Road.


Officials said the changes will help prevent even more problems in the future.


"You won't be able to move, especially during rush hour," said Olpere. "It will back up worse than it is today if there aren't significant improvements."


The six proposed projects will be brought to the County Planning Board on January 26.


The group will then decide which of the projects should be submitted to PENNDOT for funding consideration.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1tP7qmz
Read More

Easton, Northampton County inch closer to resolving commuter tax flap

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

A legal battle between Easton and Northampton County over the city's earned income tax rate for non-residents, or commuters, is on the verge of being settled, county solicitor Victor Scomillio told county council Thursday night.


Scomillio said the matter could be settled Thursday before President Judge Stephen Baratta when a consent agreement is presented in which the city agrees to "alleviate concerns the county had."


Last year, Scomillio sought an injunction against Easton to prevent it from collecting a 1.95 percent earned income on people who commute to work in Easton.


The county's move followed a court ruling that struck down a commuter tax in Scranton.


The city had argued that unlike Scranton, Easton was on solid legal ground.


In 2012, Easton set the that tax rate at 1.75 percent, then raised it late last year to 1.95.


Easton officials said the higher rate applied equally to residents and non-residents but Scomillio argued that the city was mixing up different sections of tax law.


Though the city and the county have apparently worked out an agreement, Scomillio said another, similar suit filed by the county's deputy sheriffs remains to be settled.


In another matter, council approved the reappointment of attorney Phil Lauer as county solicitor, at $52,405 a year.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1xWXKxp
Read More

Pennsylvania's senators discuss priorities for 2015

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

As the 114th Congress convenes, Pennsylvania's senators are gearing up for the challenges ahead.



The lists of to-do's for Senators Pat Toomey and Bob Casey are pretty long, but they each have a few they will be pushing pretty hard.



In 2015 Senator Bob Casey and Senator Pat Toomey say they are going to focus on economic growth.



"The most important thing that we can do in the congress is to focus on the middle class and on wages. If we do that the economy booms," said Casey.



"Most of that in my view will come in the category of pushing back on excessive regulation and preventing the government from blocking constructive pro-growth like the Keystone pipeline," said Toomey.



Toomey said the Republican controlled Senate will push for a broad energy policy and will likely pass the Keystone Pipeline.


The controversial pipeline system that runs from Canada to the Gulf Coast, and is waiting for federal approval for further expansion.


It's a measure President Obama has vowed to veto, citing the unknown environmental impacts of the expansion.


But Casey, Toomey's Democratic counterpart, has backed the Keystone Pipeline in the past and could do so again when the issue goes to a vote.


Casey said the pipeline is just one issue on a long list facing Congress, from infrastructure to tax reform, and the budget.


Casey said he has his eyes on raising the federal minimum wage.



"The minimum wage is an issue that relates not just to the minimum wage earners, their family their children but it also is a ladder or a rung on the ladder to climb into the middle class," Casey said.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1BGhIvJ
Read More

Local company may be planning to expand in New Jersey

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

A Lehigh County-based company is scaling back in some places, but could be boosting operations in New Jersey.


Avantor Performance Materials said its plant in the Netherlands will close.


The chemical-maker is also reducing manufacturing operations at its plant in Paris, Kentucky.


Avantor said some divisions will then shift to other plants, including its location in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.


Officials say these changes will take place over the next two years.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1FwJtL5
Read More

No contract renewal for Stroudsburg Area School Superintendent

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

The Stroudsburg Area School Board voted 5-4 against renewing Superintendent John Toleno's contract.


Toleno's contract has been hotly debated in the past.


Toleno's opponents contend that part of the superintendent's previous contract was illegal.


We're told Toleno will stay on the job through the end of the school year in June.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1BFUTbx
Read More

Regulators approve natural gas pipeline expansion in Poconos

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

Federal regulators approved a natural gas pipeline-expansion project that cuts through the Poconos.


The 11-mile loop will run through Luzerne and Monroe counties.


This "loop" will feed into the existing Transcontinental Natural Gas Pipeline.


The is no word yet on when the project will be completed.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1DDVfyL
Read More

Woman to stand trial in fire that destroyed detective's home

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

A woman charged with setting a detective's house on fire in Montgomery County is heading to trial.


Authorities said Donna Krupp set fire to a Limerick police detective's house on Commons Drive in Lower Pottsgrove Township in December.


The family was on vacation at the time.


Police said Krupp had been feuding with the detective ever since her son had been arrested.


She remains behind bars on $1 million bail.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1tOF0sM
Read More

Reading's Cam Reid selected to ECHL All-Star Team

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

It may be freezing outside, but the Royals have caught fire over the last three weeks. The team has won eight of nine to catapult themselves into the playoff picture. Cam Reid is a huge reason why.


The forward has tallied a team-leading 12 goals, while adding 16 assists, to help lead the Royals to 20 wins. As a result, Reid has been selected as Reading's representative at this year's ECHL All-Star Game.



The event is in less than two weeks (Jan. 20th) down in Orlando.



The Royals will visit Wheeling Friday night, a team that Reid helped shred Wednesday in a plus-3 performance and a Reading victory.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1AxX4yN
Read More

Cam Reid selected to ECHL All-Star Team

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

team-leading 12 goals...while adding 16 assists to help lead the Royals to 20 wins.As a result, Reid has been selected as Reading's representative at this year's echl All-Star game. The event is in less than two weeks down in Orlando.The Royals will visit Wheeling tomorrow night...a team that Reid helped shred last night in a plus-3 performance and a Reading victory.>>> As for the big club...the Flyers, broke their ten-game shootout hex earlier this weekend






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1AxX1TC
Read More

Antietam boys first to hit 10 wins in Berks County

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

The first boys team to reach ten wins this year is not Reading High, Wilson or Berks Catholic. It is the mighty Antietam Mounts out of Berks III, who are 10-1 in the early going.


Mike Green's team tallied a huge win over Wyomissing earlier this week that has put them firmly in the driver's seat for the division title.



But Andy Wrobel and the Mounts realize there is still plenty of work to be done before any championships are won.



The team is already unselfish with the ball. It just has to be more consistent when defending it.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1AxX1D9
Read More

Antietam setting the pace early in Berks County

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

sight in Lenhartsville... >>> wendy davis: Now Berks Sports.>>> rob vaughn: Here's Dan Moscaritolo. The first boys team to reach ten wins this year is not Reading High, Wilson or Berks Catholic. Its the mighty Antietam Mounts out of Berks iii...10-1 in the early going. >>> Mike Green's team tallied a huge win over Wyomissing earlier this week that has put them firmly in the driver's seat for the division title. But Andy Wrobel and the Mounts realize there is still plenty of work to be done before any championships are won.The team is






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1tOF0cj
Read More

Cold weather's impact on energy bills

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

While the temperatures plummet outside Garden Gate Natural Foods in Allentown, it's as warm as a May day inside.


"No. Absolutely not," said Richard Samar, when asked if he worries about his heating bill.


Years ago, Samar, a former PPL employee, refitted the 1937 building to be energy-efficient, even in the coldest of cold spells.


"The result, I went from $600 a month heating bill down to $400," he said.


You, too, can save. PPL offers a three-point plan. The first step is to use energy wisely.


"Go to our website, ppleletric.com. There, you'll find an array of energy-saving tips," said Brian Hay, PPL.


Hay said turning your thermostat down just one degree can save two percenet on your monthly bill.


Step two in the savings game is shopping. Two-thirds of your bill is made up of generation charges.


"You have control over that," Hay added.


Step three is shopping wisely. papowerswitch.com compares electricity rates from different suppliers.


"Look for variable and fixed rates. It's easily seen on the PUC website," Hay explained.


A year ago, many made the switch and got a huge financial shock as variable rate plans skyrocketed. A fixed rate may help you avoid a $900 monthly bill.


"Can help you really say with a budgeting and give you security knowing the price per kilowatt hour is the same for the certain fixed rate of time," Hay said.


Still looking to save? You may want to find Samar and get more tips from him.


"Some of the easiest thing is to spend 20 bucks to get a roll of insulation and put in your ceiling. Put it in an area you want to keep warm," Samar said.


The attorney general does warn against scams. There are low-income home energy assistance programs available. You can go to the AG's website for more information about that.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1IwvNMp
Read More

PARIS SHOOTING: Video of Manhunt for Suspects in Charlie Hebdo Attack

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,

















The search for two brother has focused on villages around the Retz forest about an hour northeast of Paris. Teams of assault police carry assault rifles and pistols as they walk door-to-door...


From: ABC News

Views: 161


8 ratings

Time: 01:13 More in News & Politics






from Uploads by ABC News http://ift.tt/1HX73OR
Read More

Two Maryland residents plead guilty in August death

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

Two Ocean City, Md., men pleaded guilty to lesser charges in a Maryland courtroom Wednesday in the beating death of a Lehigh County man in the popular beach town last summer.


Christopher Kendall and Caleb Ochse pleaded guilty in Worcester County Court to one count of affray--the equivalent of fighting/disturbing the peace.


The remaining charges, including manslaughter, were not prosecuted.


Thirty-seven-year-old Justin Cancelliere of North Whitehall Township was killed Aug. 24 during an argument with the two suspects.


His death was ruled a homicide.


Sentencing of Kendall and Ochse is contingent on a pre-sentencing investigation.


No sentencing date has been set.


Kendall is free and Ochse is in jail on $400,000 bond.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/14vZL6a
Read More

Schuylkill County church vandalized again

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

Vandals shattered the front glass door of St. Marks Church at the intersection of Summer Hill and Browns roads in Wayne Township on New Year's Day.


Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven report it was the second time in two months that the church had been vandalized the same way.


State police said the vandalism occurred between noon and 4 p.m. Jan. 1.


They ask anyone with information about either incident to call them at 570-739-1330.


The church's address is 151 Summer Hill Road.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1HX2DYg
Read More

Health Beat: Hidden dangers of sleep apnea in women

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

For decades, busy accountant Jenny Potts felt tired all the time.


"It was a struggle to try to put in a full day," Potts said.


She'd fight to stay awake, but had no idea what was wrong.


"Driving back and forth, I would get to the point where I would have to pull over on the side of the road and almost take a cat nap," Potts explained.


After enrolling in a sleep study, the diagnosis finally came: severe sleep apnea, a disorder that causes you to stop breathing during the night.


"Often, women will complain that they can't stay asleep throughout the night. They wake up frequently throughout the night," said Dr. Kelly Brown, assistant professor of neurology and sleep medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center.


While up to 15 percent of women have sleep apnea, Brown said it's often undiagnosed.


"I was told 20-30 occurrences in an hour is sleep apnea. I had about 124 occurrences in an hour," Potts said.


"The danger is that there are a lot of medical disorders that are associated with obstructive sleep apnea," Brown explained.


Untreated, it can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and diabetes.


"Fifty percent of atrial fibrillation patients have untreated sleep apnea, and about 50 70 percent of patients with stroke have sleep apnea," Brown said.


And get this: "Patients with poor sleep are more prone to certain cancers, particularly breast cancer," Brown said.


Treatments range from losing weight to C-Pap therapy. That's what worked for Potts.


"I'm just totally refreshed," Potts said, and focusing on work.


One interesting way Brown said she's finding people coming into her office wondering if they might have sleep apnea has to do with the popularity of activity trackers like the fit-bit or jawbone, which monitor your sleep patterns.


DOWNLOAD and VIEW medical blueprint






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1AMHsGB
Read More

Report: Grand jury recommends criminal charges against Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

A grand jury is recommending that criminal charges be filed against Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, according to a report by The Philadelphia Inquirer.


Kane has been under investigation for allegedly leaking secret information to a newspaper.


According to the report, the grand jury concluded that Kane violated grand jury secrecy rules and recommended charges that include perjury and contempt of court.


The grand jury has turned over its findings to Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, who will make the final decision whether to charge Kane, the newspaper reported.






from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1yGxQOa
Read More