March 6, 2019
Too many opioid cases
Long before President Donald Trump declared the
opioid crisis a national public health emergency, local authorities were
dealing with the fallout. Drug overdose deaths had risen precipitously over
several years as local authorities sought answers – both to why this was
happening and how to stop it. In Bethlehem alone, reported overdoses increased
from 79 in 2015 to 209 in 2018, according to Health Bureau Director Kristen
Wenrich.
By Jarrad Hedes and Nate Jastrzemski
Parents Left Behind
Silence
filled the room and tears flowed as three parents spoke at Northampton
Community College’s panel, “Parents Left Behind,” Feb. 26. Tina Ralls, Chuck
Deprill and Donna Jacobson told their stories about living with addicted
children. For Ralls and Deprill, their children lost their long-fought battles
with opioid abuse. For Jacobson, her daughter is still here and in recovery
after a long and difficult journey with addiction. Photo: Tina Ralls of Emmaus
with a picture of her son, James Ralls.
She said his relapse was triggered when was treated for burns and given
morphine at a hospital. She later
learned that a different medicine would have been more appropriate for an
addicted patient. Ralls has found inspiration to write a book about her son’s
experience. She said that her son’s legacy is in the form of lyrics that he
wrote documenting his struggle. “He was trying.” Some of the lyrics were
prayers and others were dedicated to his parents.
By Hanna O’Reilly and Douglas
Graves
Church, chapel tours
celebrate history
Historic Bethlehem’s Church and Chapel tour is a look at
the Moravians who founded Bethlehem more than 270 years ago, and the churches
and chapels they built. These buildings
represent some of the oldest in the city.
The tour begins with guide Loretta Hein, who outlines the creation of
the 1741 Gemeinhaus, where the early Moravians lived, worshiped and conducted
everyday life. The Moravian religion is the oldest Protestant denomination that
is still in existence today. Much of
their traditions of worship and life revolve around music. They were the first
to bring trombone musical instruments to the new world. Photo: The original Oriel
Pulpit, which was removed in 1851 for design changes in the church. As a way to preserve the pulpit, it was hung
on a wall inside a winding staircase.
Pictured from ground level is a view looking up toward the pulpit that
hangs on the wall (center) with the staircase that winds around it leading to
an upper floor.
By Mark Kirlin
BC boys knock off rival
Central
Scott McClary knew Bethlehem Catholic’s battle
against Central Catholic in last Friday’s District 11 4A championship would be
emotional. One thing he may not have predicted would be the contest being a
blowout. The Hawks jumped on Central early and never looked back, coasting to a
65-49 victory at Freedom High School. It was the third straight district title
for the Hawks, who improved to 25-3 this year and added another championship to
their resume this season after winning the East Penn Conference title as well.
By Peter Car
More HS spring musicals
By Ed Courrier
OTHER STORIES
Bethlehem: City prepares for
March 16 Parade of Shamrocks
Bethlehem: Demolition begins
at Guardian Life site
Bethlehem: Van Wirt and
Carpenter run for council seats
Bethlehem: Asa Packer ES
student learn importance of helping others
Holy Name School: Author
gives some storytelling tips
Lehigh County: Armstrong
delivers State of The County … then apologizes for story that fell flat
Lehigh Valley: Polar plunge
benefits Special Olympics
Northampton County: Governor
wants voting machines updated
Northampoton County: Zrinsky
wants farmers to grow hemp
Student profiles: Curtis Dai,
Notre Dame HS
High school news: Freedom HS by Carson Swick
WEEKLY FEATURES
Around town community
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Police logs
Area obituaries
Center for Animal Health and
Welfare
Volunteers
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