Local News

This may be a good weekend to take down those interior Christmas decorations but if you must do any of that kind of work outdoors, make sure you're well protected from the elements.

Temperatures, especially overnight, will be the coldest of the season this weekend. In most of the region tonight, the temperature will struggle to make it to double digits. The wind chill values will plunge as low as 7 below after midnight.

Despite plenty of sunshine, Sunday's daytime temperatures will be in the low twenties while overnight, it will again dip down to 10 degrees.

There's something magical about the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. It may be bitter cold with snow on the ground, but this rarely matters as you hike through acres of trees with family and friends.

Award-winning writer Rick Hansberry will attempt to capture this magic in his newest short film, "Branches," to be filmed at Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton. The movie will be available for Christmas 2010.

"I'm very, very excited about the project," said Hansberry. "It's been years in the making."

A Weatherly police officer is facing criminal charges of unlawful contact with a minor, which is a felony, and corruption of minors, which is a misdemeanor.

Anthony James McFadden, 49, of Weatherly, was arrested yesterday by State Police at Hazleton barracks.

Police allege that McFadden engaged in inappropriate telephone conversations with a 15-year-old juvenile.

According to the police information report, the offense took place from Sept. 24 to Nov. 2 in Weatherly.

The arrest occurred following an investigation conducted by the state police.

Kindergarten registration in the Lehighton Area School District will be held on March 2, 3, 4, and 5.

All Kindergarten registrations will take place at the dstrict administrative nuilding, 1000 Union St., near the high school. Before bringing a child to register, parents/guardians should contact Brenda Strausberger at (610) 377-7880 to schedule an appointment. Scheduling appointments avoid delays during the registration process. Appointment times will be scheduled from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:45 p.m.