Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a former Bethlehem school resource officer ended up with decades in prison

Coming up: Girls In STEM on the Bethlehem Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Good morning Bethlehem! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a former Bethlehem school resource officer ended up with decades in prison
  • Why Bethlehem is topping national lists of magical Christmas getaways
  • How did a win over Bethlehem Catholic spark Whitehall’s state champ?

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A bit of rain and snow, with a high of 38 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and windy, temps: high: 43, low: 28.
  • Thursday: Cloudy with areas of drizzle, with a high of 41 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Former Bethlehem middle school resource officer sentenced to 10–20 years on sexual assault charges (wfmz.com) — Bethlehem residents are learning that a former city police officer and middle school resource officer has been sentenced to 10–20 years in state prison, plus probation, after pleading guilty to serious sexual offenses. Authorities say the case began with allegations involving a Bethlehem middle school student and led to a lengthy investigation and lifetime sex offender registration.
   

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Skip New York and visit these magical US Christmas towns instead (themanual.com) — Bethlehem gets national attention here as one of the top U.S. Christmas destinations, praised for its Moravian heritage and Christkindlmarkt. The piece compares the city with other festive spots like Leavenworth and North Pole, Alaska, emphasizing travelers’ growing interest in smaller, more immersive holiday towns over big-city celebrations.
   

3. Southern Lehigh's Brock Frable, Whitehall's Willmont Kai show heart in battling back at Beast of East (mcall.com) — Local wrestling fans will see Whitehall star Willmont Kai compete at 132 pounds in the upcoming Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic after he bounced back to place third at the Beast of the East, including a win over Bethlehem Catholic’s Reef Dillard. The story also highlights Southern Lehigh’s Brock Frable and several other Lehigh Valley wrestlers who showed resilience at major regional tournaments.
   

4. Museum exhibit explores German influence on Christmas trees (wtap.com) — A new exhibit at the Blennerhassett Museum in West Virginia traces 150 years of Christmas tree traditions, including a key moment from Bethlehem. Educators highlight the first documented American Christmas tree in 1747 in Bethlehem’s Moravian community, connecting our city’s early holiday customs to broader German-influenced celebrations across America.
   

📸 Around Bethlehem

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📣 Bethlehem Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: he is home.
    Eli is a pointer so he follows the fox tracks which have been many lately. Our dog just got loose and we are not able to find him. We live on… (Nextdoor College View Estates)
  • Fire crews respond to a house fire on Woodlawn Street in Allentown, PA, with heavy fire reported in the rear extending to the roof and one victim needing EMS.
    10:36AM on Dec 21: A working structure fire with heavy fire in the rear extending to the roof was reported at 131 Woodlawn St, Allentown, PA, with… (Nextdoor )
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager Up to $20/per hour to start in Bethlehem. Apply here.
  • Walmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Floor Clerical in Bethlehem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bethlehem here.

Ok Bethlehem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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