The 30-year-old man was loading a compressed-air tank into a pickup truck when he became pinned, police had said.

The man pronounced dead following a forklift accident Monday in Wind Gap was a 30-year-old Lancaster County resident, Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek said.

Eli Smucker lived on Scheller Road in New Providence Township, Pennsylvania, according to Lysek.

The coroner said he pronounced Smucker dead at the scene in a warehouse that had been NAPA Distribution Center, West Second and Washington streets in the borough.

The incident occurred about 3:09 p.m. when Smucker was operating the forklift in an attempt to load an oxygen tank into the bed of a pickup truck, Slate Belt Regional police said Monday.

As Smucker exited the forklift, the vehicle moved and pinned him against a metal container on the truck, said police Chief David Mettin.

MORE: Army vet charged in father's homicide

An autopsy is scheduled to try to determine the cause and manner of death, Lysek said.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Jason Myirski is charged in his father's homicide in Northampton, mystifying those who knew the Iraq war veteran.

Christopher Line was looking at the 6-foot wooden gate that Joseph Myirski Jr. and his son, Jason J. Myirski, had built to fit between the hedges behind his Bethlehem home.

It was Tuesday afternoon. The shock had not dimmed in the hours since Line learned that morning that Jason Myirski allegedly shot his father to death in their Northampton home. If anything, the passage of the day deepened his confusion about what had gone wrong, and his anger at his friend.

"There's a kid that we're really great friends with, but also you need to look at the other side of the coin: He killed his own father, destroyed his own family and left his two brothers and his family without a father and a husband," Line said in an interview.

Joseph Myirski and Jason Myirski, who Line knows as Jay, bonded over woodworking. They'd make Americana arts and crafts to sell at area flea markets.

An American flag with one big star hung on Line's back porch, made by Jason Myirski along with his mother, Monica Myirski, and his father. Line posted a photo of the piece in August 2014 on Facebook.

Line, who is 38, met the 36-year-old Jason Myirski about 10 years ago through Machs Gute Pub and Grille on Linden Street in Bethlehem. Myirski served with the U.S. Army in Iraq and was like a "second son" to Line's mother, he recalled.

Myirski fell out of the circle of friends maybe two, two and a half years ago, Line said. Rumors got around about what was going on with him, but he'd disconnected his phone. Myirski said at his arraignment Tuesday morning on a single count of homicide that he'd been taking the opiate blocker suboxone, suggesting a battle with addiction.

"I was talking with some friends earlier," Line said. "None of us have really spoken to Jay in about a year. I knew the Jay that I grew up with in the past 10 years that was funny, charismatic, would give you the shirt off his back."

Line said he knew it was cliche but the Myirski who is charged "isn't the Jay we knew."

"Something snapped and I don't know what it was," Line said.

Army vet charged in father's homicide

Myirski worked at Nestle Purina Petcare Co. in South Whitehall Township, according to Line. He wasn't well known around the places in Northampton where a stranger might think to look for him.

Veterans at the bar Tuesday afternoon inside the American Legion Fred A. Snyder Post 353 on Dewey Avenue were talking about the shooting but didn't know him, according to the bartender. Nor could any light be shed by the bartenders at the Gin Mill and at the Alliance Hotel, just a few doors down from the Myirski home at 2350 Main St.

NJT Arms, a gun store at 2145 Main St., wasn't familiar with the veteran. Nor were staff at PACCO LLC, a suboxone clinic around the corner at 2030 Center St.

Neighbors weren't ready to talk to reporters about the family, or what happened.

Joseph Myirski Jr. leaves behind his wife and also their sons Eric and Kevin Myirski.

"They were sweet people," Line, from Bethlehem, said about his memories of meeting Jason Myirski's parents.

Line was clear that the allegations against Myirski had earned him his fate, held without bail and facing the possibility of life in prison:

"It's awful what happened and I'm in tears for Jay but at the same time, to have killed his own father ... I can't even explain to you what the emotion is. I don't even know if there's a word for it. ...

"The guy was in my wedding party. That's the Jay I know. The Jay that committed this horrible crime, I don't know who he is, and it breaks my heart. It breaks my heart that I couldn't help him."

Northampton last saw a homicide March 20, 2012, when Todd S. Lindenmoyer fatally shot his brother-in-law, Edward A. Kimak, in Lindenmoyer's 735 Washington Ave. apartment. Lindenmoyer pleaded guilty that September to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to three and a half to 10 years in prison.

Northampton was also the scene of a quadruple murder, on June 26, 2010, at 1917 Lincoln Ave. Michael E. Ballard pleaded guilty in April 2011 and was sentenced to death on four counts of first-degree murder for stabbing Denise Merhi, his ex-girlfriend; Dennis Marsh, her father; Alvin Marsh, her grandfather; and Steven Zernhelt, a neighbor. Ballard at the time had recently been released from state prison for an Allentown murder.

Earlier this year, on May 25, borough resident Joseph S. Sommer Jr., 48, was shot to death in Washington Township, Lehigh County, by 34-year-old Harry R. Bortz, also of Northampton, who then committed suicide, authorities said.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Metz grew up in the Slate Belt and served many years as a Forks Township supervisor.

Judith Greenhalgh had spent enough time around Morris Metz that she knew persistence was one of his attributes.

And commitment. And kindness.

"When he was on a mission, he was on a mission," she said Tuesday. "Morris didn't rest until the mission was finished."

Metz, the driving force behind the Lehigh Valley chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, died Monday at age 91.

A former Forks Township supervisor who lived more than 60 years in the township, Metz spent much of the last 18 years rounding up veterans for educational programs at Lehigh Valley schools, colleges, church groups and civic organizations.

The result was a living history lesson that enlightened young people about World War II and shed light for them on the sacrifices made in war, said Greenhalgh, a retired Palisades High School teacher who was director of education programming for the veterans group and a former vice president.

She met Metz in 1998 at the Terrace Restaurant in Walnutport, where the then-1-year-old Lehigh Valley chapter of the Bulge veterans met monthly.

"He was a special friend to everyone," said Greenhalgh, of Hilltown Township in Bucks County. "He was tireless in his leadership and spearheaded our local chapter and our education program."

Dwindling numbers

Metz, who served with the U.S. Army in the 94th Infantry Division and fought in Belgium and Luxembourg, headed the Lehigh Valley chapter from 2003 until 2015. Before that he was the group's treasurer.

The roster of veterans who gave presentations at schools once numbered in the 30s. Today it's down to about five -- and one fewer with the passing of Metz, Greenhalgh said.

"For many it was a catharsis," she said. "A lot of them had never spoken about their service. At the meetings there was this sense of camaraderie, and I think that's what they felt when they went out to speak to students."

Metz's son Doug said the group gave presentations to more than 100,000 students and other people in the nearly 20 years since their founding.

Born in Wind Gap, Morris Metz joined the service after graduating from Pen Argyl High School in 1943. He was a 1950 Lafayette College graduate and worked more than 30 years at Mack Printing in Wilson Borough.

He attended the last chapter meeting of the Bulge veterans three weeks ago, friends said.

"Something he said at almost every meeting: 'When the love of power is replaced with the power of love there will be peace.' I know he taught that to various groups," Greenhalgh said.

"Morris always said war was a curious thing," she continued. "One day you're taught to kill and the very next day the war is over and you have to turn all of that off."

Metz echoed that sentiment in a 2011 interview when he was asked about his friend Terry Calandra, a Vietnam War veteran who admitted he falsified records and made up stories in pursuit of a Medal of Honor.

"When you grow up, you're taught the sanctity of life," Metz said then. "But when you go in the military service and go into war, you learn to kill and destroy. You do that or you get killed.

"After you get back to a normal civilian life, you don't know if you're going to be affected by those experiences. Things may happen that cause you to take actions you normally wouldn't take. I think that's what happened."

Family man

Metz was a devoted family man who loved opera, classical music and his college alma mater. He was the patriarch who kept his immediate family and its various extensions in Baltimore and McConnellsburg, Pa., connected, said son Doug.

"He was also a great listener. He would listen first and see what he could do to make people's situations better," Doug Metz said.

Metz is also survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy; a daughter, Deborah Zarate; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Doug Metz said his father was proud to deliver on a pledge he made in a European foxhole as a young man in combat.

"He said if he ever made it out alive he'd buy a farm in the country and raise a family. The farm I grew up on (in Forks) is that farm," he said.

"My sister and I both own that farm now and own businesses on that farm and his grandson will be moving into the farmhouse that we grew up on. It's a fitting propagation to his vision."

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.

The attacker later ditched the victim near Easton Hospital, police said.

An Allentown man punched his girlfriend in the face and then tried to push her out of his vehicle, but stopped when she passed out, Colonial Regional police said.

Jahid Hombre Black, no age provided, of the 100 block of West Tilgham Street, at 5:40 p.m. July 29 allegedly began fighting with his girlfriend after he picked her up from work in Hanover Township.

Court records indicate the fight escalated over the victim believing Black drank alcohol before picking her up. Black then punched the victim and when he went to push her out the door from his car, the victim hit her head on the passenger door and passed out, according to police.

Police said Black later drove the woman near Easton Hospital, ditched her and left the scene. The woman was interviewed by investigators at the hospital and identified Black as the suspect.

Trucker ditches wife on I-78 shoulder after beating her, cops say

Black is charged with simple assault and harassment. He was arraigned before District Judge James Narlesky, who set bail at 10 percent of $5,000. Court records show Black posted bail.

The judge ordered Black stay away from the victim.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The 40-year-old suspect previously served prison time in the 2010 death of his 11-month-old daughter.

A Carbon County man who served prison time in the death of his 11-month-old daughter was charged Wednesday with nine felonies in an alleged Northampton County crime spree.

Jacob A. Taschler (Courtesy WFMZ-TV 69 | For lehighvalleylive.com) 

Jacob A. Taschler, 40, of the 800 block of Edgemont Avenue in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, broken into three homes and stole a car from a gas station last November in Lehigh Township, according to township police.

The car, a blue 2010 Subaru Impreza Outback, was spotted in Virginia by police, who learned from a national crime database it had been reported stolen. Virginia State Police took Taschler into custody Nov. 17 following a pursuit that ended when Taschler crashed into a tree, court records say.

Taschler also faces seven active criminal cases in Carbon County, where he was arraigned most recently Monday on burglary and related charges out of East Penn Township.

He was sent to the Carbon County prison in lieu of $100,000 bail. Following his arraignment Wednesday on the charges in Northampton County, he was ordered held in lieu of an additional $100,000 bail.

Taschler had been paroled June 23, 2013, after pleading guilty to endangering the welfare of a child stemming from the Jan. 20, 2010, death of his and Kimberly Ann Taschler's 11-month-old daughter, Kayla Marie Taschler. The toddler died after being left alone by the couple, strapped in a car seat for 16 hours while they smoked marijuana, WNEP-TV 16 reported.

Kimberly Taschler also entered into a plea deal, and was released on probation June 10, 2013.

Jacob Taschler left a trail of evidence behind in his break-in spree last fall in Lehigh Township, police say in court records.

Police at that time had been looking for Taschler after he fled last Nov. 13 at high speed from police in Palmerton, crashed into a field at Routes 248 and 946 in Lehigh Township and took off running, WFMZ-TV 69 reported.

MORE: Vigilance asked after reported abduction try

About 9 a.m. Nov. 14, a resident in the 3800 block of North Dogwood Road in Lehigh Township reported to police that she came face to face with a male intruder. She identified the perpetrator as Taschler in a photo lineup, according to police.

In another break-in, reported Nov. 15, Taschler carried car keys and a tire iron from a garage that had been left open in the 3800 block of Cinnamon Drive into the house, left them there and stole an Honest Tea beverage, township police said.

The Honest Tea bottle was then found in another home on the block, following a break-in reported Nov. 14. In that burglary, Taschler allegedly stole more than $10,600 worth of jewelry, $100 and a Walt Disney Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, leaving behind a green sweatshirt.

Taschler was seen wearing the Mickey Mouse sweatshirt on surveillance footage from Blue Star Convenient Mart, 3751 Lehigh Drive in the township, according to police. That's where he stole the Subaru the morning of Nov. 14 while the owner had gone in to pay for gas, having left the car running, police said.

He was arraigned before District Judge Robert Hawke on two felony counts of burglary, three felony counts of criminal trespass and two felony counts each of theft and receiving stolen property, in addition to single misdemeanor counts of theft and receiving stolen property.

He faces a preliminary hearing on the charges tentatively scheduled Aug. 17 before Hawke.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

"Worked with Joe at Nestle. Nicest guy you would ever want to meet."

Joseph E. Myirski Jr., who Northampton police say was shot dead by his son Jason on Tuesday in their home at 2350 Main St., will be remembered during a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Monday at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church at East 22nd Street and Washington Avenue in the borough.

Calling hours will be 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Ave. in the borough, according to his obituary on legacy.com.

Burial will be at Assumption B.V.M. Cemetery in Northampton.

Friend stumped by killing of father

According to his obituary:

Myirski, 64 and born in Bethlehem, worked 25 years at Nestle/Purina Pet Care as a warehouse lift operator. He had been shop steward for Teamster Local 773 there.

He had been a firefighter for the Bath Volunteer Fire Company and a Little League baseball coach in the Northampton Athletic Association.

He and his wife of 41 years, Monica, enjoyed antiquing.

In addition to his wife, he's survived by sons Eric, at home; Jason, in Northampton County Prison, and Kevin in San Antonio, Texas; and brothers Michael in Fallston, Maryland, and John in Nazareth. He had one granddaughter.

Gifts can be made via the funeral home to Northampton County or Lehigh County veterans affairs offices.

"Worked with Joe at Nestle. Nicest guy you would ever want to meet," Leatha Spaits, of Northampton, wrote on Myirski's condolences page. "We talked a lot about antiques and places him and his wife would go. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family."

Jason Myirski tentatively faces a preliminary hearing 9 a.m. Tuesday in front of District Judge Robert Hawke in Lehigh Township on a single charge of homicide. He is being held without bail.

About 3 a.m. Tuesday, Jason Myirski shot his father in the upstairs of the house, police said. He was arrested there soon after, police said. In court he said he had served 11 years in the military and had PTSD and drug problems, authorities said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Services begin Thursday for the mother and three children killed in the Berks County murder-suicide.

The obituary of a Berks County family killed in a murder-suicide honors the couple's three children.

The obituary describes 8-year-old Liana as "witty and sassy;" 5-year-old Mark, also known as "M.J.,"  as having "sweetness (that) didn't overshadow his roughness;" and 2-year-old Willow as a "warrior from birth."

The obituary states the children "flew to heaven" to be with their mother. Megan is described in her obituary as an "awesome mom," who "put her babies above all."

The obituaries of Megan and the the children do not mention the father, Mark Short. However, Mark Short's obituary states he was married to Megan and includes the three children in a Friday service.

Mark Short, 40, his wife, Megan, 33, and their children at about 2 p.m. Saturday were found dead by officials in the living room of the couple's 51 Winding Brook Drive home in Sinking Spring Borough.

Each of them had a single gunshot wound and a handgun was discovered near one of the deceased adults, according to officials. Authorities also found the family's dog deceased.

Authorities have not said which parent did the shooting.

The children leave behind grandmothers and grandfathers; aunts and uncles; and cousins. Megan leaves behind her father, Dennis Swingle; her mother and stepfather, Jacquelyn and Len Campbell; three sisters, Cristie DiCarlo, Tara Strimel, Colleen Swingle; two brothers, Troy Swingle and Lenny Campbell; grandmothers Margaret Massott and Jean Swingle, as well as nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

Mark Short's obituary does not state whom he leaves behind.

A Life Celebration is planned for the children and Megan from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at John F. Givnish of Academy Road, 10975 Academy Road, Philadelphia, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Calvary Church, 11024 Knights Road, Philadelphia.

A memorial Mass will follow at 11 a.m. and burial will be at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that the children be honored with a donation to Gift of Life Family House or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Cardiac Center.

Arrangements for Mark Short are planned for 6 p.m. Friday at Williams Lombardo Funeral Home, 33 W. Baltimore Ave., Clifton Heights. Private services for Mark and the three children will be held 8 p.m. Friday at Williams Lombardo Funeral Home.

More details emerge on 5 killed in apparent murder-suicide

'Mischievous children'

The obituary sheds more light on the personalities of the children. It playfully says the children were mischievous in their own ways.

Liana was an avid reader, currently enjoying the original version of "Alice in Wonderland." She loved school, art, dressing up, parties, Barbie dolls, princesses, and "playing tricks on her family," according to the obituary.

"Plus, she would always reveal the end of a movie," the obituary says.

MJ approved hugs, but kisses were out.

He also enjoyed "monster games," hide-and-seek, tag, swings at the playground and games that involved running after him. He mostly loved cuddling and watching a movie.

"He had a contagious smile," the obit says.

Willow was born with a congenital heart defect and underwent a heart transplant at six days old.

"Her second home for the first year was CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), where she became an expert at putting on EKG stickers and other medical procedures," the obituary states. "Yet, she loved life and was the happiest child ever."

Willow was funny, loved the Walt Disney World characters of Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse, dancing, taking walks and pulling all the tissues out of a box. She also enjoyed opening the refrigerator every few minutes, as well as opening the pantry, the obituary states.

Handwritten note was left in home of 5 killed, reports say

'Sweet, caring' mother

Megan would do anything for her three children, her obituary states.

"Instead of tears, she would want smiles, laughter and family and friends to recall the love she had for all," the obit says.

It goes on to describe Megan as organized, spiritual, a deep thinker, an eloquent writer who studied the dictionary and practiced vocabulary as a teenager. She was sweet, caring, empathetic, forgiving, giving, accepting, helpful, real, strong, honest, an advocate for organ donation, intelligent and beautiful.

"Her sudden death will leave a deep void, but the life she led for 33 years will be an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her," the obituary states. "If only we could all be like her, the world be a great place."

Ongoing investigation

The Berks County District Attorney's Office plans to hold a news conference Monday afternoon to provide additional details about the investigation into the murder-suicide.

Mark Short's autopsy was planned for this past Monday -- no other autopsies were scheduled, the DA's office said on Facebook.

Officials were tipped off to a welfare check when Megan Short failed to arrive at a lunch date she had the day of the murder-suicide with a family member. Officers from the Sinking Spring Borough and Spring Township police departments learned there were "domestic issues" between the couple.

The officers forced their way into the residence after no one answered the door. A handwritten note was discovered, which appeared to be a "murder/suicide" note, was found in the home, according to the DA's office.

Megan also was planning to leave Mark the day of the tragedy. She asked several days ago on Facebook if people could help her move on Saturday, the Reading Eagle reports.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Winding Brook Drive home and held the scene for more than eight hours. The scene was eventually released at approximately 12:45 a.m. Sunday, according to the DA's office.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The PPL Foundation grant was presented to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania.

The Foundation presented a $6,000 grant to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania on Aug. 5 at Camp Mountain House near the Poconos. 

Erin Vermeulen of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, Scouts Christy Williamson and Hayden Jebitsch and Carol Abando-Deristine, PPL regional affairs director. (Special to lehighvalleylive.com) 

The grant will benefit GSEP's Funded Initiatives Program, which supports all outreach to underserved communities and will serve more than 1,200 local girls in the upcoming year.

GSEP serves close to 40,000 girls in partnership with more than 15,000 volunteers in Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties.

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process.

Do you have community news to share? To see it posted here and possibly in The Express-Times, send me an email.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a settlement to a complaint alleging safety violations at the park.

The owner of Hickory Hills Mobile Home Park, the site of a February 2014 propane gas explosion that killed a resident, has agreed to pay $1 million to settle a complaint alleging safety violations contributed to the blast.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday approved the settlement with the Oak Brook, Illinois-based Continental Communities LLC. It is the parent company of Hickory Hills, located just north of Bath off Route 512 in Moore Township.

William Neith died Feb. 14, 2014, when his home at 118 Hickory Hills Drive exploded due to a gas leak. The resulting investigation by the PUC found 39 violations, including that Hickory Hills mobile home park and Continental Communities had not registered its two-mile propane distribution system with the state for inspection for years.

The PUC last February levied a $2 million fine for the violations, the maximum allowable by law. PUC documents show Continental Communities initially contested the fine and sought a hearing before an administrative law judge. Hearing dates were scheduled for later this month, but both sides instead reached the settlement.

The PUC on Thursday unanimously approved the settlement, and noted in a subsequent news release that the propane distribution system blamed for the explosion was removed from Hickory Hills and all residents have been switched to bottled propane gas.

Kevin McKeon, the attorney representing Continental Communities in the case, declined to comment on the settlement Thursday afternoon.

Hickory Hills residents mark blast anniversary

The PUC said a survey conducted seven years before the blast found multiple leaks and recommended the pipeline system be removed, but the work was never done. Neith and girlfriend Hilda Parsons first complained of the smell of natural gas more than a month before the explosion, according to the PUC.

On the night of the explosion, Neith was burning candles in the house because park officials assured them their home was safe, Parsons told investigators.

Nick Falsone may be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickfalsone. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The 3-month-old was found unresponsive in a crib in April on her first day at the day care center.

Northampton County's investigating grand jury will take on the case of a 3-month-old baby who died on her first day at a Lehigh Township day care center.

McKenna Rose Felmly (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

District Attorney John Morganelli on Thursday said witnesses will be brought before the grand jury by month's end and likely continue for the next three months or so.

No decision has been made on criminal charges, he said, but the testimony of witnesses will help prosecutors reach a decision.

McKenna Rose Felmly was 3 months old when she was found April 1 not breathing in a crib at Sharon's Day Care, 4358 Third St., in Lehigh Township. It was her first day at day care.

State regulators shut down the day care center four days later, saying they found evidence of "gross incompetence, negligence and misconduct."

Owner Sharon Ballek has previously said she had no comment.

State shuts down day care center

Morganelli said township and state police have been gathering information since the child's death and recently presented him with a file.

"I started looking at it a couple of days ago and decided we need to dig deeper into what happened," he said.

"We're going to put it before the grand jury to bring some of the folks in and question them in more detail. I think the grand jury process will be the best way to flush out information so I can make a decision one way or the other."

Potential charges include endangering the welfare of children and involuntary manslaughter, if prosecutors believe gross negligence was a factor, Morganelli said.

The infant was taken to Blue Mountain Health System's Palmerton Campus, where she was pronounced dead that day.

According to the state Department of Human Services, an unidentified day care center employee put the baby on her stomach to sleep in a crib during nap time. The crib was located in an area outside of the regulated child care space.

At the end of nap time, the staffer left the room to wake up other children, and was gone about 25 minutes. When the staffer returned to the crib, McKenna's lips were blue and she was unresponsive.

The employee notified a co-worker and began CPR while the co-worker called 911.

Morganelli said he doesn't have a timetable for the reaching a decision but expects to take testimony over the next few months. The grand jury meets weekly.

Morganelli said he has not spoken with anyone associated with the day care center but police have conducted several interviews and staffers have provided police with statements.

McKenna was the daughter of Adrienne Kromer and Bryan Felmly, who live in the Slatington area. She is also survived by an older sister.

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.

Daniel Braeunig must spend at least three years in prison for driving drunk and killing Dallas Poff in a crash.

Now that Daniel Braeunig has admitted he killed Dallas Poff while driving drunk, Poff's wife wants him punished to the fullest extent of the law.

The 36-year-old Williams Township man was speeding on Route 611 when he crossed over to the other lane and ran into Poff head-on, killing him.

Daniel Braeunig is shown during his February arraignment before District Judge Daniel Corpora. (Pamela Sroka | lehighvalleylive.com)

The 23-year-old Easton man's children were ages 1 and 2 at the time of the crash.

"I hope that he gets the most he can get," said his widow, Jennifer Poff, after the plea hearing Friday. "If not, that's the judge's decision."

Northampton County President Judge Stephen Baratta has the discretion to put Braeunig in prison for five 10 years when he's sentenced Sept. 9. The plea comes with a mandatory three to six year prison sentence.

Brauenig admitted he drove drunk and killed Poff at 4:22 p.m. Dec. 28, 2015, on the 600 block of South Delaware Drive in Williams Township. He also pleaded guilty to driving drunk the day before.

"He wants to accept responsibility for these acts," said defense attorney Robert Sletvold. "That's why he's here before the court."

Brauenig's blood alcohol content after the fatal crash was 0.16, twice the legal limit. He was allowed to enter an inpatient alcohol treatment program while the charges were pending.

He remains charged with fighting with his wife in April.

In February, Jennifer Poff said her husband was picking up the two children from his mother's home when he died. The family had just spent Christmas together.

She remembers her husband as a great father and friend. While the guilty plea doesn't bring him back, it does offer her some consolation.

"It's nice that (Brauenig) accepts what he did and he knows he has to be punished for it," she said after the hearing.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.

Tara Bealer taught sociology most recently at Northampton Community College's Monroe campus last fall. Watch video

A college professor on bail for allegedly dealing heroin failed two drug tests and must now wear a special monitoring bracelet.

Tara Bealer taught sociology most recently at Northampton Community College's Monroe campus last fall. She taught part time in the past on Northampton's main campus and at East Strousdburg University.

She was suspended before she could start teaching at Northampton in the spring, a college spokeswoman said.

The 42-year-old Nazareth woman was selling more than 50 bags a day from the first block of East Chestnut Street in the borough, according to police.

A fatal overdose from heroin in November 2015 led borough police to Bealer, court records say.

Kathryn Johansen said Bealer tested positive twice for marijuana since she was charged in June. Johansen works for the Northampton County Pre-Trial Services Division and is supervising Bealer while she's on bail.

Bealer has attended all of her drug rehabilitation and court sessions. Four of her drug tests came up negative. Johansen mentioned Bealer was charged with drunken driving in February, but that was before she entered drug rehab.

It was her third DUI offense and will carry a mandatory year in prison.

Johansen asked Baratta to raise Bealer's bail from 10 percent of $50,000 to 10 percent of $100,000.

"My concern is for the safety of the public," Johansen said.

Baratta said raising Bealer's bail and putting her in prison will keep her away from treatment, which Bealer has willingly attended.

He left bail at the same amount but ordered her to wear a SCRAM bracelet, which detects whether she's drinking alcohol. Johansen wasn't sure whether the bracelet can detect drug usage.

Bealer must undergo drug and alcohol tests three times a week if a bracelet isn't immediately available.

"She needs supervision out in the community because she is not remaining sober," Baratta said, adding to Bealer at the end of the hearing, "Zero tolerance. Understand?"

16 people who took funds raised by children, for children

Northampton County Judge Samuel Murray agreed to modify Bealer's bail in April to allow her to have contact with her teenage daughter.

Bealer is charged with four counts felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, one count felony endangering the welfare of a child, six counts misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, 71 counts misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts misdemeanor possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.

If you've got the time, there are plenty of area agencies looking for help.

EASTERN PA DOWN SYNDROME CENTER is holding its 17th annual LV Buddy Walk at Valley Preferred Cycling Center. Volunteers (age 13+) are needed to assist with set up, registration, kids' activities and cleanup. Shifts are 4 hours between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Sept. 24. Contact: 610-402-0184, epdscwalk@epdsc.net.

EASTON AREA COMMUNITY CENTER needs volunteers (14+ years) to assist staff with various youth activities, homework help, arts and crafts, mentoring, recreational/gym time, gardening, serve snacks and dinner, and assist with summer day camp. Adult volunteers (18+ years) must have current PA Child Abuse History Clearance and Criminal Background Check. Contact: Sahr Mbriwa, 610-253-8271, Saints1@ptd.net.

GOOD SHEPHERD REHABILITATION NETWORK has the following adult volunteer opportunities available: Gift shop, newsletter production, photocopying and hair salon transport, in Allentown; Guitar, reading and math teacher and companion in Bethlehem; Organist at Raker Center, 601 Saint John Street, Allentown. Contact: JoAnn Frey, 610-776-3125, jfrey@gsrh.org.

Volunteer for any one of a number of positions related to the Via Marathon. (File photo) 

LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK MARATHON FOR VIA, Lehigh Valley, needs volunteers (12+ years) for either 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 10 at the ArtsQuest Center to hand out runners' packets or 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 11 to be course marshals, staff water stations, or distribute food to the runners at the finish line. Shift times and locations vary. The marathon takes place through the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. Contact: Karen DeLuca, 484-239-4030, volunteers@vianet.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY SCORE, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville, is seeking experienced business people to provide free business counseling and advice in all areas of business management. Training is provided. Contact: Tracy Damani, 610-266-3000, tracy.damiani@scorevolunteer.org.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF LEHIGH COUNTY, Allentown, needs volunteers (18+ years) to do grocery shopping for homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in various areas of Lehigh County. Scheduling is flexible and based on client needs. A 40-minute orientation is required (call to schedule). Contact: Lindsay Fly, 610-841-7132, lfly@mealsonwheelslc.org.

MORAVIAN HALL SQUARE, Nazareth, needs volunteers for its Good Spirits General Store/Gift Shop. Volunteers must commit to at least one 2- or 3-hour-shift per week. Training provided after application and background check. Contact: Laurie Brunstetter, 610-746-1334, laurieb@moravian.com.

TURNING POINT OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY, Allentown, is looking for volunteers to serve as client advocates. Hours and days are flexible. Duties include answer phone calls on a 24-hour helpline and counseling victims of domestic violence about their services. Minimum of 1-year volunteer commitment is asked. Experience handling crisis calls a plus. Must successfully complete a 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate training plus on-site training. Contact: Sarah Latshaw, 610-797-0530x227, sarahl@turningpointlv.org.

For additional opportunities, contact: 610-807-0336, vc@volunteerlv.org or  visit volunteerlv.org 

Zachary Vilkauskas created a space for folks to remember Zoro at Northampton Municipal Park.

Finished earlier this month, the memorial rests under a tree at Northampton Municipal Park, across the street from the borough police station.

It honors Zoro, a police K-9 officer who died of cancer last year. It was built by Zachary Vilkauskas, of Northampton, with the help of the Northampton Borough road crew.

According to Zoro's handler, retired Officer John Mullner, the dog was a "social butterfly" who worked with Mullner from 2011 to 2015 when Zoro retired following medical complications.

This plaque sets on a large stone at the memorial site and features Zoro's service and the K9 Prayer. (Courtesy photo)Melissa Reph | For lehighvalleylive.com 

Mullner said that Zoro was beloved by the community and he would often visit local businesses and take part in the department's D.A.R.E. program. The two worked together often on building good community relations.

"I think it's fantastic," Mullner said of the memorial in honor of the police dog. "Great way to do it. Zachary did a hell of a job with it."

The Eagle Scout had proposed the idea and received approval for the project from borough council last summer.

Vilkaushas is from Boy Scout Troop 242, of Cherryville, and needed to complete a service project in order to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He fulfilled it with the creation of the memorial and has to complete two more merit badges before he fully earns the rank.

Mounted police unit gets new home

"I was reading the newspaper one day and saw the dog passed away," he said.

Vilkaushas believed honoring the dog would make a good service project and so proposed the idea to borough officials, who endorsed the idea.

Following the meeting he met Mullner who was "really helpful" and gave Vilkaushas information on Zoro that helped him design the plaque.

Mullner credited Vilkaushas for the project.

"That was all Zach," he said.

Vilkaushas designed the plaque and did all the landscaping while borough workers helped by bringing in the rock. He said the project took about a year's worth of fundraising and about six hours of manual labor. 

Located under a shade tree near the pavilions, the memorial features a metal park bench, a large stone with a plaque for Zoro as well as stone pavers, mulch and landscaping. 

Melissa Reph is lehighvalleylive.com's Student Achievement Award intern. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The 25-year-old is wanted for simple assault and escaping a prison work release program, authorities say.

Adrienne Dalie (Courtesy photo) 

Adrienne Dalie, 25, is wanted for simple assault and escaping the Northampton County Prison work release program, according to the Northampton County Sheriff's Department.

Dalie, who is known to frequent the Allentown and Coatesville areas, is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall and 150 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

The sheriff's department asks anyone with information about Dalie to call Sgt. Michael Orchulli at 610-829-6520.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

A news conference is scheduled for Monday afternoon to discuss the ongoing investigation.

A Funeral Mass was held Friday for Megan Short and her three children who died in a murder-suicide at their Sinking Spring Borough, Berks County home.

Multiple reports indicate the only mention of father, Mark Short, 40, during the service at Our Lady of Calvary Church was in passing by the church's pastor.

Philly.com reported The Rev. John Babowitch said of 33-year-old Megan Short, "The kids were her life. Every minute of the day was devoted to them."

The parents, along with their children, Liana, 8; Mark (M.J.) Jr., 5; and Willow, 2; at 2 p.m. Aug. 6 were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in the family's living room at 51 Winding Brook Drive.

Each of them had a single gunshot wound and a handgun was discovered near one of the deceased adults, according to officials. Authorities also found the family's dog deceased.

Authorities have not said which parent did the shooting.

Obit honors 3 children killed in murder-suicide, funerals set

Friday's service was planned for Megan Short and the three children only. Mark Short and the three children were remembered in a service Friday at Williams Lombardo Funeral Home, 33 W. Baltimore Ave., Clifton Heights, according to his obituary.

Those who attended Megan Short's memorial service expressed shock and grief, with many wiping away tears and huddling around a large portrait of Megan and the children, The Reading Eagle reported.

While Megan Short's family allowed the media to attend Megan Short's service, The Reading Eagle states the publication was denied permission to attend Mark Short's service.

Reports say the pastor also spoke in detail about the personalities of the children.

According to their obituaries, Liana was "witty and sassy," Mark had "sweetness (that) didn't overshadow his roughness," and Willow was a "warrior from birth." Willow was born with a congenital heart defect and underwent a heart transplant at six days old.

"Her second home for the first year was CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), where she became an expert at putting on EKG stickers and other medical procedures," her obituary states. "Yet, she loved life and was the happiest child ever."

Mourners were handed cards depicting a smiling Megan Short holding Willow, with Liana and Mark Jr. by their side, according to Philly.com. The report states Mark Short was not depicted in the photo.

The Berks County District Attorney's Office plans to hold a news conference Monday afternoon to provide additional details about the investigation into the murder-suicide.

Mark Short's autopsy was planned for this past Monday -- no other autopsies were scheduled, the DA's office said on Facebook.

Officials were tipped off to a welfare check when Megan Short failed to arrive at a lunch date she had the day of the murder-suicide with a family member. Officers from the Sinking Spring Borough and Spring Township police departments learned there were "domestic issues" between the couple.

The officers forced their way into the residence after no one answered the door. A handwritten note was discovered, which appeared to be a "murder/suicide" note, was found in the home, according to the DA's office.

More details emerge on 5 killed in apparent murder-suicide

Megan also was planning to leave Mark the day of the tragedy. She asked several days ago on Facebook if people could help her move on Saturday, the Reading Eagle reports.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Winding Brook Drive home and held the scene for more than eight hours.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

An autopsy is planned Monday.

The death of a 38-year-old Camden, N.J. man remains under investigation following a swimming incident in Carbon County.

Raymond Anthony, morgue manager with the Lehigh County Coroner's Office, identified the man as Jose Lopez-Hernandez, of the 300 block of Grand Avenue. Lopez-Hernandez shortly after 7:30 p.m. Saturday was swimming in the lake at Beltzville State Park, Carbon County when the incident occurred.

Lopez-Hernandez was pronounced dead at 3:03 a.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township.

Death of 20-year-old in Allentown under investigation

Anthony said Lopez-Hernandez's cause and manner of death will be determined following an autopsy. The death is still being investigated following a Monday autopsy.

The Lehigh County Coroner's Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are conducting the investigation. A spokesperson with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources did not immediately return a voicemail for information.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

The man collapsed and stopped breathing after getting out of the lake

A 38-year-old Camden, N.J. man was killed and two others were hurt when lightning struck as they were swimming in a lake at Beltzville State Park.

Jose Lopez-Hernandez, of the 300 block of Grand Avenue in Camden, was joined by a 33-year-old man, his 12-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter at 7:36 p.m. Saturday at the lake, authorities said.

Terry Brady, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said a park ranger at the time saw lightning and went over a speaker system to alert swimmers to get out of the lake.

Within minutes, lightning was reported to have struck the water, but no individual swimmers directly, Brady said.

A preliminary investigation showed Lopez-Hernandez managed to get out of the water, but collapsed in the beach area, according to Brady. He was "unresponsive, blue and had no pulse," Brady said.

The park ranger administered an automated external defibrillator and CPR to Lopez-Hernandez, Brady said.

Death of 20-year-old in Allentown under investigation

Lopez-Hernandez was initially taken to Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital in Lehighton and then airlifted at about 9:30 p.m. to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, where he was pronounced dead at 3:03 a.m.

The other man and his two children exhibited signs of "electrical shock" after getting out of the water, Brady said. The man and 12-year-old boy were taken to Palmerton Hospital for an evaluation, Brady said. The girl was not injured and their names were not released, he said.

Brady said all four were swimming up to their necks in the lake at the time of the lightning strike.

Raymond Anthony, morgue manager with the Lehigh County Coroner's Office, said an autopsy Monday will determine the exact cause and manner of death of Lopez-Hernandez.

The Lehigh County Coroner's Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are conducting the investigation.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Green Pond Country Club was the setting for the Class of 1943's reunion.

Members of the Easton High School Class of 1943 recently celebrated their 73^rd class reunion at Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem Township.

Those in attendance included: front, from left: Ralph Powell, Victoria Musillami Bond, Teresa Azzalina Caponigro, Ruth Siegfried Gafford, Carmello Ribaudo, Doris Scholl DiGuiseppi and Carl Oddo. Back: Sara Palmi Picone, Gladys Parr Reed, Grace Haring Deemer, Mario Costantino, Joseph Ravese, Henry Marsteller and Richard Smith.

Do you have community news to share? To see it posted here and possibly in The Express-Times, send me an email.

A news conference shedding more light on the investigation was held Monday afternoon.

Mark Short fired off five rounds -- killing his wife, three children and the family's dog -- before reloading a .38-caliber handgun and turning it on himself, the Berks County District Attorney's Office announced in a news conference Monday afternoon.

The news conference was live-streamed over the Berks County District Attorney's Facebook page.

Berks County District Attorney John Adams said 33-year-old Megan Short, the mother, had already moved some of her belongings into a Bucks County apartment prior to the Aug. 6 shooting. She had planned to move the rest of her belongings into the apartment that day.

The day before the shooting, Mark Short took the couple's three children, Liana, 8; Mark (M.J.) Jr., 5; and Willow, 2; to Hersheypark as part of an event hosted by his employer, Adams said.

"We were certain they were about to separate," Adams said. "This was an emotional time for them."

Police were aware of domestic issues between the couple. Officers in the family's Sinking Spring Borough community in July instructed Megan Short how to obtain a protection-from-abuse order.

Megan, however, never filed for the order, Adams said.

More details emerge on 5 killed in apparent murder-suicide

Following an autopsy, it was determined Mark Short, 40, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Adams said.

The parents, along with their children, at 2 p.m. Aug. 6 were found dead in the family's living room at 51 Winding Brook Drive. The children and Megan appeared to have been sleeping, were wearing pajamas and found under a blanket, authorities said.

Investigators recovered six spent .38-caliber shell casings in the home, as well as a handwritten "murder-suicide note" written by Mark Short. Out of respect for the family, officials Monday declined to share details of the note.

The handgun was found next to Mark, Adams said.

Adams did say Mark Short admitted in the note to killing his family with the handgun. Authorities said during the news conference they are unsure who Mark shot at first.

The handgun was bought by Mark on July 19 through a licensed dealer in Lancaster, Adams said.

"We have no information that she (Megan) knew her husband purchased a gun," Adams said.

Funeral services held for mom, children killed in murder-suicide

Authorities said Mark Short also was demoted from his job as a loan officer in recent weeks. Adams said officials are unaware of any mental health issues Mark Short could have had or if he went to counseling.

"He was going through a break-up of a marriage and he was emotional," Adams said.

Adams said the community likely would reel over the tragedy for some time.

"Whenever a community suffers the loss of five individuals at one time, and three of those included children ... It's never easy for a community to recover from that," he said. 

Officials were tipped off to a welfare check when Megan Short failed to arrive at a lunch date she had the day of the murder-suicide with a family member. A neighbor went over to check on the family and told Megan's mother both vehicles were in the driveway, but no one answered.

Megan's mother then called police and shared the details of the troubled marriage her daughter and son-in-law were having. In Facebook postings prior to the shooting, Megan discussed dating Mark when she was young and the couple had been together a total of 16 years.

Officers forced their way into the residence after no one answered the door. It's unclear when the actual shooting occurred, but police found the bodies together in the living room around 2 p.m.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Winding Brook Drive home and held the scene for more than eight hours.

"This was a very, very unfortunate incident," Adams said. "I don't know if anything can be learned other than when leaving an abusive relationship, it's often a very dangerous time for a victim. So we urge anyone who is in a similar situation to develop a safety plan and contact their local domestic violence agency for assistance."

A Funeral Mass was held Friday for Megan Short and her three children. Arrangements for Mark and the children were held separately also on Friday.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.