 | A sleepy Texas town is getting quite the wake-up call after the death of former US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. Barricades and bomb dogs were around the courthouse. Inside, hundreds of potentials... | From: ABC News Views: 0  0 ratings |
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Some are braving those frigid temperatures...to enjoy a nice day on the ice. >>jim vaughn: WFMZ's Hilary Lane is live at the Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink with more. Hilary? Hi Melanie and Jim.The afternoon public ice skating session here at the rink just wrapped up moments ago.but for the past few hours...people of all ages were out here, bundled up, making the most of this frigid February day.. >>mos15:35:58 are you taking a little beak from the cold...yes >>ReporterToday...taking frequent breaks inside was necessary...as the temperature continued to drop here at the Bethlehem Municipal Outdoor Skating rink.>>MOS 14:13:06 I'm feeling pretty cold >>ReporterIn order to combat the chilly temps..many dressed in layers...>>MOS14:37:58 she has a sweatshirt, a jacket, a shirt underneath, she has snowpants and a regular pants...two pairs of socks...pretty good. did all those layers keep you warm..yes>>14:13:28 i have a layer on and my corderoy slacks to keep warm>>Reporter and Elaine Costco tells us she looks forward to shedding those layers...and taking her granddaughter to a much warmer venue tonight...>>Reporter 14:13:23 we will go bowling from hereThere is another public skating session beginning at 7:00 tonight...so if you plan to skate or do any type of outdoor activity, make sure to layer up and take frequent breaks inside.
Some braved the frigid temperatures to enjoy a day on the ice on Thursday, as temperatures continued to plummet.
For many at Bethlehem's Municipal Public Skating rink, taking frequent breaks was a neccessity.
"I'm feeling pretty cold," said one skater.
In order to combat the chilly temps, many dressed in layers.
"A sweatshirt, a jacket, a shirt underneath, snowpants and a regular pants, two pairs of socks," said another skater.
Elaine Costco brought her granddaugther skating at the outdoor rink. She said she was looking forward to shedding the layers and bringing her granddaughter to a much warmer venue on Thursday evening.
"We are going bowling," said Costco.
Sometimes our four-legged friends need a little help slimming down, shaping up, or bouncing back from an injury.
That's where an animal therapy center in Lehigh County comes into play.
The Animal Therapy Center in Bethlehem Township offers therapeutic services for pets.
Most of its patients, according to Dr. Kim Mayers, are recovering from surgery or suffering from a congenital problem.
One of those dogs is Molly, a one-year-old Corgi diagnosed with hip dysplasia.
"Her hip isn't formed properly. It causes her pain," Dr. Mayers said.
The pup is undergoing therapy to avoid surgery.
With the help of the doctor and a physical therapist, Molly does aquatics exercises to improve her muscle strength.
The center has a resistance pool and two underwater treadmills.
"The water is warm, that is soothing for the muscles and can help. You can also get really good hip extension," Mayers said.
After even just 20 minutes of activity, it's clear Molly is tiring out.
But her doctor said it's helping, even after just two months of treatment.
"She is definitely stronger," Dr. Mayers said.
But not all of the canines that walk into the facility are there to treat a medical problem.
Some are just there to exercise.
Janet Frank brings her 8-year-old Labrador retriever named Annie in for movement.
The agility dog is competing in a national contest in April, and Frank is trying to keep Annie's weight in check.
"I felt like she needed to take a few pounds off," Frank said. "Being cooped up in the winter isn't fun for a lab, this gets her some activity because I don't want to walk her in the winter."
Dr. Mayers said the facility also has clients interested in just keeping their dog active.
"We do have dogs that come in for general conditioning. So, an older dog that is having some trouble moving, getting in the car," Dr. Mayers said.
The center also provides services for cats.
Inside the Lehighton American Legion and behind the banquet hall bar is local history captured on canvas.
The Carbon County fairgrounds, Lehighton Cemetery, airplane hangar, the Lehigh River can all be seen in the giant scene.
The panoramic view was painted by local Artist Franz Kline nearly 70 years ago.
"A treasure. A Franz Kline painting and we in the post think it's very valuable," Floyd Brown said.
Legion member Floyd Brown isn't just painting with a broad brush of optimism.
Kline, who died in 1962 is considered, along with Jackson Pollock, a leader in the abstract expressionist movement of the 1940's and 50's.
On of his untitled black and white painting from 1957 sold for around 40 million dollars in 2012.
Back in the 1940's Kline would drink with 93 year old World War 2 Vet Cornelius McHugh. McHugh says he wasn't impressed then and still isn't today.
What do you think about the painting behind the bar?" I asked McHugh.
"If it wasn't a Kline, I wouldn't give you a nickel for it," he said.
Floyd is hoping others disagree.
"Maybe sell it, put it where it belongs in an auction where people all over the world can see this thing," he told us.
With the proceeds Floyd wants to make the Legion solvent, donate to the Wounded Warriors and the local high school..but father time has drawn a bit of snag.
"Throughout the years we watched this painting, it's just deteriorating," he explained.
You can see where canvas is creeping away, bubbling up and tearing off the wall.
Both Brown and McHugh know if the painting isn't sold soon, this potentially valuable piece of art may not be worth saving.
"It means a lot to me and to people in this community and many don't want to see it go but sooner or later someone has to step up to the plate and do something with it," Brown added.
A new medical center is opening its doors in Monroe County.
Officials cut the ribbon at the new West End Healthcare Center today in Brodheadsville.
The building is part of the Pocono Medical Center. Inside.. Visitors will find offices for primary care physicians and specialists.
Officials say this project was several years in the making and the location is especially important.
"So rather than travel 15, 25 miles to receive care in certain cases, now this care, with the great specialties and great physicians, they're right there in their community," said Jeff Snyder, CEO and President of Poconos Medical Center.
A man has learned his fate after being accused of running an online black market, with ties to our area.
A jury is convicting Ross Ulbricht with running the underground website called the Silk Road.
Prosecutors say the site allowed customers to reach drug dealers worldwide.
The site had digital local ties. The FBI said its back-up servers were located in Conshocken, Montgomery County.
Allentown Police arrested a man wanted for killing his father and grand mother in Reading.
Johnny T. Branford was arrested in Allentown Thursday evening, according to Reading Police.
Police put out a plea earlier Thursday for the public's help in locating Branford
Johnny T. Branford is the son of one victim, Johnny M. Branford, and the grandson of the other, Mary.
Police found the woman and her son dead Saturday night inside their home in the 600 block of North 11th Street.
Officers had gone to the home at the request of family members, who said they were unable to make contact with them.
Johnny M. Branford filed a protection from abuse (PFA) order against his son on Dec. 24, police said.
Investigators said they have also obtained video of Johnny T. Branford driving his father's car and using his grandmother's debit card after the homicides.
Branford is currently wanted for a probation and parole violation in Lehigh County, police said.
Check back for more information on this developing story.
 | Sex Factor. A new reality show concept: a reality porn competition of never-filmed-before stars. But are these young, ambitious porn seekers aware of what they are getting into? | From: ABC News Views: 0 0 ratings |
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Art, culture, the outdoors and diverse restaurants are things that will draw tourists to Berks County in the future, according to consultants.
Consultants spent months interviewing residents and sending anonymous visitors to Berks to find new ways to market the area.
"It's always hard for resident to view where they live as a visitor destination, but you are. The assets here are amazing," said Bill Geist, Zeitgeist Consulting. "Our team fell in love with our visit when we came to visit in October. So, you've got all the pieces, it's just how do we assemble the pieces."
The consultants announced Thursday that their research showed people like the trails, parks, arts and the diversity of restaurants. They also said Reading may no longer be the "Outlet Capital of the World," but shopping is still a draw.
"Shopping isn't something we should just walk away from, but it's a different kind of shopping. It is the small, cute boutiques and antique stores scattered throughout the rural area of the county that are going to be more attractive to the consumer going forward," Geist said.
Consultants said visitors never complained about safety.
They said the next step is finding more money to promote greater Reading.
It's the end of the road for plummeting pump prices. After a record price decline that lasted 123 days nationwide, gas costs are climbing once again, and fast.
According to AAA, the last two days have marked the swiftest spike since March 2011.
In the Reading area, drivers are paying an average of $2.33, more than 10 cents above the price one week ago.
"I don't like it at all," said Berthy Smith. "It should be coming down!"
At the Lukoil in West Reading, gas is $2.39, nearly 20 cents higher than it was four days ago, said franchise owner Hamid Chaudhry.
"It's kind of mind-boggling as a dealer because we didn't expect that," Chaudhry said.
It's a hike that hits customers, as well as purveyors. According to Chaudhry, less money saved outside means less money spent inside at the station's convenience store.
"When the prices go up, they spend a lot less money in the store, and that's where gas stations make their money. We don't make any money on the gas. We make our money by selling food," he said. "As it is, Berks County is one of the more expensive gas in the area, so this is a double whammy."
As for what's causing the increase, AAA cites two factors: refinery issues and more stable crude oil prices.
While the price is expected to continue rising through February, drivers are still expected to pay a dollar less than they were paying last winter.
"I mean, I can remember when it was $4 a gallon, so this isn't too bad," said Ron Weiler of Reading.
Some drivers told 69 News they're simply happy for the days we had with declining costs.
"It was a nice break," said Pat Dolan, "but I don't think we expected it to stay there."
You can always find current gas prices around the region in the "pump picks" section of WFMZ.com.
It was a busy afternoon for five schools in Berks County Wednesday. Governor Mifflin pushed back their National Signing Day ceremony to Thursday and for good reason. The spotlight was able to shine an an exceptional class.
Governor Mifflin honored nine athletes, five of them Division I and four of them Division II.
The complete list is as follows:
John Catchmark - Baseball - Kutztown
Katie Fink - Field Hockey - Boston College
Garrett Henry - Football - St. Francis
Niko Hulsizer - Baseball - Morehead St.
Jan Johnson - Football - Penn St.
Jared Luckanitz - XC & Track - Kutztown
Eric Mock - Baseball - Penn St.
Kelly Muenster - Lacrosse - Slippery Rock
Hannah Simone - Field Hockey - Slipper Rock
---
In Fleetwood, football standout Tyler Emge will continue his career at Shippensburg.
The Raiders have plenty of Berks flavor this year.
Emge ran for 2,000 yards in Berks County last season. He was one of our Ticket Takers of the Year on Big Ticket.
Congratulations to Tyler Emge, the Governor Mifflin group and the entire Berks County class over the last 48 hours.
at 360 million dollars.>>> rob vaughn: Now Sports.>> wendy davis: Here's Dan. It was a busy afternoon for five schools in Berks County yesterday. Governor Mifflin pushed back their National Signing Day ceremony to today...and for good reason, the spotlight... >>> shining on an impressive list of athletes who will continue their careers at the next level.The school honored nine young men and women this afternoon...all of them to compete at the Division i or ii level.The d- i talent includes Garrett Henry for football, Niko Hulsizer in baseball and Katie Fink in field hockey.And Penn State, the destination of a pair of Mustangs...Eric Mock on the diamond and Jan Johnson on the gridiron.>>>>>> Here is the complete list from today's ceremony...John Catchmark completes the baseball trio. That'll be a team to watch this spring. He's heading up the road to Kutztown.There's Fink the field hockey standout...heading to Chestnut Hill and Boston College. Hulsizer, bringing the glove and bat to Morehead State... Johnson and Henry, of course... football at Penn State and St. Francis respectively.// Jard Luckanitz...will stay in Berks County...he'll do cross country and track at ku. Mock...as you've seen, also going to Penn State.Kenny Muenster...to play lacrosse at Slippery Rock.And field hockey player Hannah Simone will join her at the Rock.>>> And in Fleetwood, football standout Tyler Emge will continue his career at Shippensburg.The Raiders, with plenty of Berks flavor this year.Emge...ran for 2,000 yards in the Berks County last season. He was
911 recordings are shedding new light on a police-involved shooting that left a man dead in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Those recordings indicate police declined help from counselors in dealing with the mentally ill victim.
The first call to Warren County 911 came from a mental health counselor asking for a welfare check on Thomas Read Jr.
That's after counselors found out Read, 36, was writing threatening letters to neighbors and displaying them by hanging them with a knife.
While police were en route, dispatchers notified them of issues with Read's medication and that he had a history of violence.
The counselors told dispatchers they felt the solution to the problem was taking Read to the hospital.
"He sounds like he's got to go to the ER," said one caller. "So, either he goes or I come out. One or the other if her is there."
According to the recordings, officers did not take the counselors up on their offer to help. Instead, they asked for another squad car as the situation escalated.
"County, check on car at South Main," said the dispatcher.
"Armed individual with a knife screaming now," replied the officer.
As more officers arrived, one of the counselors made one more plea for help.
I know you got called out to see Thomas Read over at 463 South Main," said the caller. "You know if the officers need me to come out?"
"At this point and time, I believe they're having some issues over there," said the officer.
"Should I go out?" asked the caller.
"I would stay away for right now. We'll have them call you," said the officer.
After that call -- "Shots fired. Get a squad down here." -- was heard over the radio.
Three officers fired their weapons. Read died.
Warren County Prosecutor Richard Burke said the shooting was justified because Read didn't comply with commands to drop a knife he was holding.
Phillipsburg police did not return our calls for comment.
According to the Express-Times, the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services is conducting an investigation into the incident, but the agency told us it could not confirm or deny that information.
A man wanted in Lehigh County is now a person of interest in the killings of two family members in Reading, police said Thursday.
Johnny T. Branford is the son of one victim, Johnny M. Branford, and the grandson of the other, Mary.
Police found the woman and her son dead Saturday night inside their home in the 600 block of North 11th Street in Reading.
Officers had gone to the home at the request of family members, who said they were unable to make contact with them.
Johnny M. Branford filed a protection from abuse (PFA) order against his son on Dec. 24, police said.
Investigators said they have also obtained video of Johnny T. Branford driving his father's car and using his grandmother's debit card after the homicides.
Branford is currently wanted for a probation and parole violation in Lehigh County, police said.
Anyone with information on his current whereabouts is asked to call Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913. A cash reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
Police put out a plea Thursday for the public's help in locating a man they're seeking as a person of interest in the killings of two family members in Reading.
Johnny T. Branford is the son of one victim, Johnny M. Branford, and the grandson of the other, Mary.
Police found the woman and her son dead Saturday night inside their home in the 600 block of North 11th Street.
Officers had gone to the home at the request of family members, who said they were unable to make contact with them.
Johnny M. Branford filed a protection from abuse (PFA) order against his son on Dec. 24, police said.
Investigators said they have also obtained video of Johnny T. Branford driving his father's car and using his grandmother's debit card after the homicides.
Branford is currently wanted for a probation and parole violation in Lehigh County, police said.
Anyone with information on his current whereabouts is asked to call Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913. A cash reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
A doctor from the Pittsburgh area is under arrest for allegedly practicing and writing prescriptions on a suspended license in Berks and Philadelphia counties.
Dr. Jopinda Pal Harika, a psychiatrist, was charged Thursday with Medicaid fraud, theft by deception, tampering with public records and related offenses, Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane announced.
The charges stem from a grand jury investigation, which found that, during a 32-day license suspension, Harika saw at least 565 patients and wrote prescriptions for at least 453 patients, Kane said.
The crimes, according to Kane, were committed at three mental health agencies through which Harika was contracted: Reading Behavioral Health Services, Reading-based Child and Family Support Services and Philadelphia-based Multicultural Wellness Center.
"A doctor's mission should be to provide the best treatment possible for patients, not exploit them to make money," Kane said. "No one is above the law and we will not tolerate abuses of the Medicaid program, which provides health care to citizens most in need."
The agencies billed nearly $59,000 to Medicaid for services provided by Harika, who was paid $73,380 in salary by the agencies, Kane said.
The case will be prosecuted in Cumberland County, where the claims were processed.
Dr. David Higgins lives a busy and active life, but a few years ago, some mysterious symptoms threatened to slow him down.
"I was having trouble swimming, and I was having trouble running," Higgins said. "Stiffness, soreness, lack of control,"
Higgins was diagnosed with Parkinson's, a disease that affects movement.
"It does not make me feel good about the future," Higgins said.
But neurologist Dr. Irene Litvan said the future is looking brighter for people like Higgins.
She's studying a new therapy for Parkinson's that’s already being used to treat high blood pressure
"So the good thing is multiple people have taken it,” said Litvan, professor of neurology at UC San Diego Department of Neural Science and director of the Movement Disorder Center.
Isradipine works by blocking calcium channels in the body. Researchers believe calcium may be over-expressed in people with Parkinson's. Animal studies show calcium blockers may slow Parkinson's, and people who take the drug for high blood pressure are less likely to develop the disease.
"Hopefully, it will slow the progression of the disease, and ideally, it would stop the progression of the disease," Litvan said.
A Phase II study found it was safe to use in Parkinson's patients. Now, a larger trial will determine if isradipine can slow the disease. Higgins is hopeful.
"There is hope for more effective therapies and perhaps even a cure," said Higgins.
Until then, he'll stay as active as he can for as long as he can.
Litvan said patients would probably have to take the medication for the rest of their lives to benefit. Researchers are still enrolling patients in this clinical trial.
DOWNLOAD and VIEW research summary and an in-depth interview with the doctor
Schuylkill County is getting out of the nursing home business.
County commissioners accepted a $12.25 million offer from Nationwide Healthcare Services to buy Rest Haven, located at 401 University Drive in North Manheim Township.
With the addition of Rest Haven, Nationwide, of Brick, New Jersey, will own seven nursing and rehabilitation centers.
According to commissioner Chairman Frank Staudenmeier, after Nationwide takes ownership, current Rest Haven employees will remain employed at the facility.
The facility includes 55 acres of land.
County commissioners voted in August to sell the facility.
"Incredibly important to me in making this selection was the fact that Nationwide has a proven track record of revitalizing and successfully operating nursing homes, all while improving resident care and enhancing operations," Staudenmeier said.
The transfer of ownership is expected to take place in late spring.
The Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone District Authority (ANIZDA) Wednesday afternoon approved a $2.75 million credit facility increase now totaling $7.75 million for developer J.B. Reilly's City Center Investment Corporation who over the last year has largely been responsible for the growing revitalization of downtown Allentown.
Appearing before the board for City Center, Vice President of Sales Jim Harbaugh said the reasons for the credit line increase with Univest Bank and Trust of Souderton are "increased scope and increased costs" particularly for retail and restaurant projects on the 500 block of Hamilton Street where the former Federal Grille and Colonial Barbershop once operated.
Increased development efforts in the 500 block of Hamilton Street are no surprise since the new hi-rise Center City Three office building located on the site of the former Colonial Theater is scheduled to open this spring.
According to Harbaugh, what he's prospecting for 536 Hamilton to replace the former Federal Grille is a restaurant offering a lower-priced menu to a broader array of consumers.
In addition, he said although new retail is planned next door for 538 Hamilton, site of the former Colonial Barbershop, no specifics were given since rental contracts have not been signed.
However, he noted 538 Hamilton has considerable structural issues especially on its upper floors that need to be addressed in addition to much needed utility repairs, thus increasing costs to the developer.
Harbaugh said 530-532 Hamilton which already houses on its upper floors business incubator Velocity containing 11 new companies with approximately 30 workers has another mid-priced restaurant planned for its ground floor.
Allentown Director of Community and Economic Development Sara Hailstone commented the credit facility increase request is essentially for the same development projects the board originally approved back in 2013.
However, she remarked, "We are happy to hear about new investment."
