A man has admitted to being behind a rash of burglaries at campgrounds in Berks County.

Codey Allen Himmelberger was charged Monday with burglary and related offenses, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Troopers said they have investigated more than 15 burglaries in the Hamburg and Shartlesville areas of the county since Thanksgiving.

Numerous campers at the Mountain Springs Camping Resort and the Appalachian RV Resort, both in Upper Bern Township, were burglarized, as well as businesses and garages in the Shartlesville area, police said.

Himmelberger, 27, of Hamburg, confessed to the break-ins while being questioned by state police, officials said.

Bail has not been set.

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli says he needs to raise a half million dollars by the end of January to run for Pennsylvania attorney general.

Morganelli has contacted 1,000 people, asking each of them to contribute at least $250 to his campaign this month.

"Without your substantial help, I just won't be able to compete," Morganelli wrote to potential supporters. "Every dollar counts."

The Democrat has not yet formally announced he is a candidate for attorney general.

Morganelli was the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania attorney general in 2008, but was defeated by Republican Tom Corbett, who later became governor.

"I need every friend and supporter that I have to make their best, possible maximum financial contribution within their means." wrote Morganelli in his appeal letter.

" I just cannot be seriously under-funded if I am to be successful. It is absolutely essential that all of you who receive this make some contribution for me to meet this goal."

If all those supporters gave him $250, that would only get the Democrat halfway to the $500,000 he says he needs by Jan. 31 "to run a strong campaign for attorney general."

But he indicated he already has donations in his campaign war chest, saying: "If you have recently contributed to my campaign, you can ignore this."

Morganelli said he needs the money by the end of the month because the primary election will be April 26 and petitions to get on the ballot will begin circulating on Jan. 26.

Contributions can be made online via a credit card through Morganelli's "secure" . Checks payable to Morganelli PAC Pa.  can be mailed to 835 Barnsdale Road,Bethlehem, Pa. 18017.

In his appeal, Morganelli wrote that he is the most senior district attorney in the state -- and that he intends to run for attorney general.

"For over 20 years, I have been an outspoken, 'tough on crime' DA," he said.

"I want to run for Pennsylvania attorney general where I will continue to be an independent voice for victims of crime, and repair an office that has been badly damaged.

"My experience is unmatched. I will restore confidence and competence in this important office."

Eighty-eight-year-old Evelyn C. Miller has been identified as the victim who died in the house fire that occurred Saturday morning in Hunterdon County.

She owned the home at 5 Higginsville Road in Readington.

While the fire does not appear to be suspicious, investigators from the Hunterdon County prosecutor’s Arson Task Force and the Readington Township Police Department are continuing the investigation.

“Our condolences go out to Ms. Miller’s family during this difficult time," said County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III, in a news release.

At 6:06 a.m. Saturday, firefighters and police found the home engulfed in flames. When rescue personnel entered the home to search for victims they were hampered by intense heat, flames and smoke, according to Kearns. After battling back the flames, firefighters discovered the deceased body of the elderly female.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteer first responders for their sacrifice and exemplary service," said Kearns in the news release.

"Emergency service personnel responded to the fire from the Flagtown Fire Department, Three Bridges Fire Department, Readington Township Fire Department, Raritan Township Fire Department, Hillsborough Fire Department and the Whitehouse First Aid Squad.

"It is important to keep in mind that our volunteer first responders leave their homes and families at all hours of the day and night, weekends and holidays, to go out to and render aid to the residents of Hunterdon County.

"The dedication and bravery of these men and women does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”

A natural gas leak forced an evacuation and road closure in Berks County on Monday.

UGI said it got the call at 8:44 a.m. Monday to respond to the area of Park and Hill roads in Maidencreek Township.

A contracting crew doing work in the area hit an eight-inch steel pressurized line, prompting the leak, officials said.

UGI said its crews arrived on scene about 10 minutes after being dispatched and controlled the situation without further incident.

Some 30 people were evacuated from a nearby business as a precaution, officials said.

Park Road, between Guldin and Pleasant Hill roads, was closed to traffic until late afternoon while UGI crews repaired the broken line, officials said.

The Lehigh County corner said he has not yet determined how a 5-year-old boy found Saturday in the Lehigh County died.

Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said an autopsy was performed on Vega's body Monday morning.  He declined to rule on the manner or cause of death pending the completion of the investigation and forensic testing.

Grim did add there was no injury to the child. He said he will release a cause and manner of death once he receives more test results and the investigation is complete.

Jayliel Vega went missing late Thursday night on the east side of Allentown. 

Hundreds of people searched for the boy hoping he'd be found alive, but his body was discovered in the Lehigh Canal Saturday afternoon.

On the day his trial was to start, 26-year-old Franz Bernard pleaded guilty in Northampton County Court Monday to assaulting a masseuse in Nazareth.

Bernard admitted to choking and punching an employee while inside the Green Massage in Nazareth.

He pleaded guilty to simple assault, unlawful restraint and harassment.

Before sentencing, Bernard told the judge he went to the business expecting more than a massage.

He also said he was embarrassed, very sorry, that he acted wrong and was in court to try to make things right.

Because he has no prior record, he was sentenced to one to 12 months in jail for the simple assault and to pay a $500  fine. He also was sentenced to one to 12 months for unlawful restraint, with a $250 fine.

The harassment charge was merged with the assault charge.

Bernard already has spent 72 days in Northampton County Prison for the crime. Based on the time he's served, he will go directly into 36 months of probation rather than spending more time in jail.

Bernard also needs a psychological evaluation, including a batterer's assessment. He must stay out of massage parlors, have no contact with the victim and find a full time job.

For 40-plus hours police, volunteers and rescue crews combed Allentown in a desperate search for 5-year-old Jayliel Vega.

"The bracelet probably would have saved his life," said Martha Lieberman, head of Lehigh Valley's Project Lifesaver.

Allentown police said nothing is 100 percent. Lieberman said her program finds the missing within a half-hour 99 percent of time.

Aimed at those with neurological disorders who wander off, Project Lifesaver works in conjunction with the Allentown and Bethlehem police departments. A bracelet transmitter and a radio signal locate the missing individual.

Lieberman said since this weekend's search, she's been flooded with interest from families.

Julian Kern of Allentown is one of them. Both of his children have autism, with his 5-year-old son prone to wandering off.

"We bought special locks for the doors, but he can open a window and jump out," said Kern, who is now meeting with Lieberman to find out program specifics after he helped search for Jayliel. "Because, the whole time I'm thinking this could basically be my child."

Capt. William Reinik heads the program for Allentown police. Since Project Lifesaver restarted a year ago, Reinik said seven families have paid the $350 onetime fee to sign on , but he stressed nothing is foolproof.

"This is an assist in finding someone that is going to wear the bracelet. There are a lot of variables in terms of prevention that sometimes are not met," he said.

Lieberman said she is hoping to meet with more families in the coming weeks, and prevent future tragedies.

A trial is underway in Northampton County for a man charged in a double shooting.

Tchella Bellamy is accused of opening fire in Wilson in 2014. Now, a jury will decide if he's guilty of attempted murder.

It will be interesting to see what testimony will be presented by the prosecution in this case. Both victims survived the shooting, and as of last year, they were not cooperating with police.

Just six months ago, a witness at the preliminary hearing, who identified Bellamy as the shooter, tried to recant her statement.

Investigators said, on July 20, 2014, three people were sitting on the porch of a home in the 1500 block of Washington Street in Wilson. Bellamy shot Shane Waldon and Latek Smith, police said.

The prosecution told the jury the victims refused to testify, and both are currently in jail on different charges.

The key witness in the case will be the brother of Latek Smith, who was in the home at the time the shooting occurred.

The defense told jurors it does not deny a shooting took place, but said police can't make a positive identification that it was Bellamy who pulled the trigger.

As for the key witness, the defense said he may only be testifying to get a deal on a pending drug charge in Northampton County.

Bellamy was on the run for months after the shooting until he was arrested in New Jersey.

The prosecution showed jurors a video of a man walking up Washington Street, then people running from the home, with the man running behind them shooting.

The defense pointed out police never found the weapon, and no fingerprints were pulled from the shell casings.

The trial will continue at 9 a.m. Tuesday. That is when Smith, the prosecution's key witness, is expected to take the stand.

A Berks County community is showing its support for a little girl who lost both her parents to a case of domestic violence.

Family members of Stacy Beilhart, who was killed by her boyfriend before he took his own life inside their home in Mount Penn last week, have set up a GoFundMe page for the couple's six-year-old daughter, Michaela, who is now being cared for her by Stacy's parents.

"While they are able to provide for Michaela's day-to-day needs, the future is uncertain. Michaela deserves a future as bright as Stacy's smile," the family said in its post on the page. "In that spirit, we are creating a fund that will help to put Michaela through college, afford major life milestones or alleviate the financial strain of unforeseen expenses."

Since the page was created Sunday, more than $7,300 has been donated toward the $25,000 goal.

"Thank you in advance for all of your love and generosity," the family said in its post.

Stacey was laid to rest Monday at Gethsemane Cemetery in Laureldale.

Reading's new mayor took office Monday, promising "a lot of positive change" in the city.

Wally Scott, a Democrat and retired district judge, took the oath of office during a ceremony on Washington Street in front of Reading City Hall. Cheers erupted from the hundreds of people, who came out and braved the cold weather.

The festivities, themed "Reading's new beginning," included the Reading High School marching band, the dance team and ROTC, and representatives of the city's faith community.

"It's a great day in Reading, and it's a great honor to serve the people," Scott told 69 News after he was sworn in. "I will speak loudly on how great a people we have here and I'll also speak loudly on what a great city we have."

One of Scott's first actions was to replace the city's managing director, Carole Snyder, who was informed of the decision over the weekend by the then-mayor-elect.

During his speech, Scott introduced Snyder's successor, Reimundo Encarnacion, whose name he will put before council as his appointee.

"I'm not making any changes because we have a bad person," Scott said. "I'm making changes because we have two good people that will work with us, and that's what I'm looking forward to."

Scott said he wants to keep Snyder on staff for six months as a consultant.

Snyder told 69 News that she was disappointed by Scott's decision to replace her, but she understands that a new mayor brings new changes.

Scott also told the crowd he plans to ease water bills for citizens and work with the district attorney's office to reduce crime in the city.

"I think what we have to do is take off of our street corners drug dealers," said Scott. "I promise you in the first 90 days you're going to see a lot of positive change and you're going to see a lot of inspiration."

Scott became mayor-elect by first defeating the former mayor, Vaughn Spencer, in last May's Democratic primary election. He then topped Republican Jim McHale in the general election in November.

Supporters are hoping Scott keeps his promise of bringing change and lifting people's spirits.

"I expect the best in Reading within the next four years and hopefully four more after that," said Peter Rosario.

"He believes in the city, he loves the city and he even lives in the city," said Wanda Negron.

Reading City Council held a separate swearing-in ceremony at Reading Area Community College's Miller Center at 6 p.m. Monday. Veteran Councilman Jeff Waltman was sworn in as council president.

Police are investigating an accident involving a pedestrian near a busy shopping center in Berks County.

A man was walking across Paper Mill Road, not far from the entrance to the Broadcasting Square shopping center in Spring Township, when he was struck by a car shortly after 5:30 p.m. Monday, officials said.

The impact shattered the car's windshield.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.

A Montgomery County native who was killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan has been returned to his family in the Lehigh Valley.

Staff Sergeant Peter Taub's body was escorted from Dover, Delaware to a funeral home in Northampton County Monday with police escorts-- American flags draping off of vehicles on the route.

"We owe it to him, we have our freedom because of his loss," said Len Hoben a 'Rolling Thunder' biker.

Lehigh Valley bikers joined the ride for the 30-year-old husband and father and fire departments also paid their respects along the drive.

"Show respect for our military personnel. They are out there fighting for us, our freedoms, and it's a sign of respect," said Shawn Gaffney, a biker of 'Common Ground MC.'

A few days before Christmas, Staff Sergeant Taub and five other service members were attacked and killed by a suicide bomber riding a motorcycle near an air base in Afghanistan. The Montgomery County native leaves behind his wife, a 3-year-old daughter and another child on the way.

His wife's family, from the Lehigh Valley, thanked the community for their outpouring of support. The bikers say they do it because they want these service members to get the welcome they never received.

"It's a lot different from when I was in the service. I served in Vietnam and we didn't come home to anything. Some of us weren't even allowed to wear uniforms home. So things have changed because of guys like this. It's all about family," said Hoben.

"We are very blessed to be here and be able to do what we do," said biker George Wirth who rides with 'Patriot Guard."

Loved one's have set up a GoFundMe page for Taub's widow and children.

A historic Allentown home has a new owner.

The Hess mansion was sold to Allentown native, Dan J. Kroll, for its asking price of $1.2 million.

From the 1940s to the late 1960s, Max Hess called the nine-bedroom, six-full and three-half bath house his home. The two-acre property includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, pool house with its own ice cream parlor, tennis court, cherry blossom orchard and above-garage apartment.

According to the realtor, this is the first home in the Allentown School District to sell for more than one million dollars for as long as the Multiple Listing Service has been around.

Brad Osborne unanimously was re-elected chairman of the Lehigh County commissioners for 2016 Monday night.

Commissioners also elected Michael Schware vice chairman, but that vote was split along party lines.

All six Republican commissioners voted for Schware and all three Democratic commissioners voted for Geoff Brace.

In a ceremony before the organizational meeting, two new commissioners — Dan Hartzell and Marty Nothstein — were sworn by Lehigh County President Judge Edward Reibman.

The 64-year-old Hartzell, a Democrat, is a retired Morning Call reporter who lives in South Whitehall Township.

The 44-year-old Nothstein, a Republican, is executive director of Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown. He resides in Lowhill Township.

While neither has prior political experience, Nothstein was the top vote-getter in the November race for commissioner, followed by Hartzell.

In both cases, name recognition helped. Nothstein is an Olympic champion cyclist and Hartzell wrote a column called “The Road Warrior” for the local newspaper.

Also sworn in to four-year terms were Amanda Holt and Osborne.

Holt was appointed a county commissioner in July 2014 and won election to a full term in November.

Osborne was elected to his second four-year term in November. He first was elected to the commissioners in November 2011.

Nothstein, Hartzell, Holt and Osborne were the winners among eight candidates who ran for four county commissioner positions last fall.

Osborne told the audience it takes about 20,000 votes to be elected a commissioner in Lehigh County, which he called significant.

During a brief meeting following the swearing-in ceremony, Schware nominated Osborne to be elected chairman of the commissioners.

No other nominations were made and Osborne was approved 9-0.

Osborne previously served as chairman in 2012, his first year on the board, and again in 2015.

He thanked his colleagues for the privilege of again being their chairman, saying: “I consider this position not one of power but of service.”

He promised open communication, candor and to make sure the voice of every commissioner is heard.

After voting for Osborne as chair, Hartzell’s second official act as a commissioner was partisan and unsuccessful.

Hartzell said when he covered county commissioners many years ago, there was “an unwritten rule, sort of a tradition,” that if the chairman of the board was from one political party, the vice chairman would be from the other party. He called that “a gesture of togetherness among the board.”

Having said that, he nominated fellow Democrat Geoff Brace as vice chairman.

Holt nominated Schware for the same position.

No one else commented on the nominations before the vote.

Schware was elected 6-3.

When voting for Brace, Commissioner David Jones, the third Democrat, said he was casting “a party loyalty vote.”

This is the first year Schware will serve as vice chairman. He was appointed a commissioner in 2012 and elected to a full term in November 2013.

The commissioners meeting room inside the county government center in center-city Allentown was filled with families, friends and supporters of the four commissioners being sworn in at 7 p.m. Monday.

Each commissioner made brief remarks after being sworn in.

Hartzell said he feels a sense of responsibility to try to do his best for everyone, those who voted for him as well as those who didn’t.

As the third Democrat on a nine-member board in a county with a Democratic executive, Hartzell said he also hopes to improve the working relationship between the board and the administration.

Holt told the audience: “It is an honor to have been elected of the people, by the people and for the people — and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly.

“We can all be grateful to live in a land that allows for the protection of our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“In this city known for protecting a symbol of that liberty, I say let freedom continue to reign these next four years.”

Nothstein thanked everyone who helped him realize “yet another dream.”

He said it will be “a privilege and honor to represent the citizens of Lehigh County and to advocate on the issues in which I so deeply believe. This is a wonderful place and it is my heartfelt goal to make it even better.”

Nothstein said he’s raced bicycles all over the world and often was asked what part of the world he most preferred.

“My answer always came with ease, without the slightest hint of deliberation: the Lehigh Valley and, specifically, Lehigh County. I was born and raised here. No matter where I went, the special appeal of home was never lost on me.”

Osborne promised to help lead the effort to partner with his colleagues, the administration, staff and other elected officials “on solutions that serve our residents fully and with fiscal discipline.”

Osborne said he will establish and continue “productive relationships grounded in respect and open communication.

“I will evaluate ideas and initiatives based on their merit and not be predisposed to ideological solutions.”

He promised to serve with humility, serving with the best interests of county residents, rather than himself, in mind.

Osborne also thanked former county commissioners Lisa Scheller and Vic Mazziotti for their lasting contributions to the community.

Commissioner Percy Dougherty suggested commissioners set goals for the coming year, either by meeting together or individually with Osborne.

Dougherty also noted commissioners have had strained relationships with the county’s administration in the past year and said: “It’s time we put some of that behind us and move forward.”

He said commissioners need to work cooperatively with the administration — but not as rubber stamps — on making some major decisions, including the future of the county’s Cedarbrook nursing home in South Whitehall Township.

Dougherty also suggested renewing leadership meetings between the commissioners’ chairman and vice chairman and county Executive Thomas Muller and other members of his administration.

Also during their meeting, commissioners voted to continue meeting at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in 2016, with some date changes in October, November and December.

County clerk David Barilla said that meeting schedule will be posted on the county’s website Tuesday, “barring technical difficulties.”

Roxanne Michaels of Emmaus, who said she’s worked for the county for 22 years, called on all commissioners to spend some time speaking to employees and learning about their jobs in an effort to improve county government.

“I have not seen any commissioner ask for input from any worker in this county,” she said.

Allentown City Council held its annual reorganization meeting Monday night in which council newcomers Roger MacLean and Candida Affa, along with Councilman Jeff Glazier, were officially sworn in.

MacLean, who is a former Allentown City Police Department Chief, recognized family and friends for their help and support.

Glazier has 15 years of public service experience. "It's an honor and a privilege ... ”I look forward to a productive four years with you,” he said to his colleagues.

Affa said she will fully commit herself to serving the city.

"I will work very hard," she said. "I will be conscientious, and do my best to work with honesty and integrity."

Also during the meeting, Ray O'Connell was unanimously re-elected council president and Daryl Hendricks, a former Allentown City Police Department Captain, was unanimously elected council vice president.

Hendricks replaces Councilman Councilman Julio Guridy, who served as vice president in 2015.

"I'm going to do the best I can to represent the people, especially the police department," Hendricks said.

Outgoing Councilman Joe Davis, who was not at the meeting, was recognized by his council colleagues for his service.

O'Connell noted Davis' work ethic and dedication.

"He walked the walk and talked the talk," O'Connell said.

"He was thorough in everything he did," Hendricks added. "He was always involved with the community.

Mayor Ed Pawlowski also offered comments. He stressed the positive changes Allentown has experienced.

"Allentown, as you all know, is transforming," he said.

Pawlowski additionally said despite future challenges the city may face, the trends show the city moving forward.

He also recognized the citizens of Allentown.

Dave Colver, a Palmer Township supervisor for nearly two decades, was re-elected board chairman Monday night.

"It's been a lot of fun," said Colver, who has been chairman of the board for 17 years. Colver is beginning his fourth six-year term.

The board also re-elected Mike Mitchell as vice chairman.

Colver said the construction of a new $6.9 million public works building, which should be completed later this year, is one of the projects that are finally getting done after years of planning.

Monday night's reorganization meeting in Lower Macungie Township proved to be a family affair.

Ronald R. Beitler was sworn in as the township's newest commissioner and joined his son, Ronald W. Beitler, creating a somewhat unique father-son legislative duo.

Also taking the oath of office for another term was Commissioner Douglas Brown, who moments later was elected to serve as board president. Commissioner Benjamin Galiardo was elected to serve as vice president.

The legislative body also approved the reappointments of township Manager Bruce Fosselman, township Secretary Renea Flexer and Treasurer Jeff Waltemyer.

Commissioners also appointed incumbent Thomas Beil to another term on the planning commission along with Robert Rust. Both men will serve a four-year term.

Two other incumbents — Thomas Sesta and Scott Aquila — were appointed to new three-year terms on the zoning hearing board. Sesta will serve as a voting member, while Aquila will serve as an alternate.

In other business, commissioners approved four separate PennDOT traffic signal permit applications for the Grandview Crossings development. The development includes a Weis Market and 204 apartments. The approvals were at Willow Lane and Route 100; Alburtis Road and Route 100; Gehman Road and Route 100; and Willow and Sauerkraut Lanes.

The approvals for each intersection were slightly different, and included such features as optimization of signal timings, road widening, the aesthetic look for the new signals, vegetating islands and crosswalks.

All new traffic signals are to include pad-mounted controller cabinets, battery back-up facilities and emergency generator hook-ups. All the applications were approved.

Also Monday, commissioners failed to grant a refund of about $9,500 in traffic impact fees held in escrow for Faith Evangelical Free Church. The church, located at 6528 Hamilton Blvd., had constructed a three-story addition on the property. The addition replaced modular units used previously for religious education.

The church conducted a traffic study of afternoon peak hour counts on March 10 and 13 of last year prior to the opening the new facility. They then conducted surveys, post-opening, on May 19 and 29. Both studies were done between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The findings indicated the church addition did not have a noticeable impact on traffic, prompting the church's request to return the traffic impact fees.

Commissioner Brian Higgins said he found it "odd" that traffic would not be impacted by the addition, and requested more information on how the study was conducted. The matter was tabled until the church could provide more information.

Northampton County Council's newly elected president said Monday he believes a countywide reassessment of real estate is long overdue, as the county continues to spend more than it brings in in the face of costly projects on its to-do list.

"I think we need to reassess," John Cusick said. "We have not reassessed properties for over 20 years."

Reassessments determine property owners tax bills.

Cusick said fairness was the reason he wants a reassessment done, not more revenue. The cost of a reassessment will determine whether the county can afford to have one conducted, he said.

The county collects about $96 million in taxes to fund its $360 budget, which has been plugged by taking $9.3 million from its dwindling reserve fund this year.

Also high on Cusick's list is finding a way to make the county's nursing home, Gracedale, which is projected to run a deficit of $4.7 million, operate more efficiently.

Cusick, a former council member and former board president, is one of two new board members who joined the board Monday night. He is a retired New Jersey school teacher, who took the seat from another retired New Jersey teacher, Peg Ferraro, in November's election.

Fellow Republican Matt Dietz, a commercial pilot from Wind Gap, took the seat formerly held by Democrat Scott Parsons, who joined council in 2011 after beating Ron Angle.

Seth Vaughn was also elected as vice president.

Council will hold its next meeting Thursday.

A slow start to the winter season left ski resorts missing out on their busiest time of the year, because it was just too warm.

It was a situation that led leaders at Blue Mountain to get creative in order to make up the profits.

"With our aerial park and laser tag courses," Melissa Yingling of Blue Mountain said.

Now that the winter season feels like it has finally arrived, the resort is gearing up for crowds anxious for some fresh powder.

Blue Mountain will officially be opening a handful of trails on Thursday.

"We are anticipating big crowds when we open," Yingling said. "People are anxious to hit the slopes."

The cold weather also means packed warming centers for people who have nowhere to go.

In Allentown, guests who stayed near 10th and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Monday night say they are grateful for the accommodations.

"It is very heartwarming that you know we have people that do care about people that are suffering, that have no place to rest their head," guest, Joshua Hernandez said.

With temperatures below freezing, the beds, blankets and pillows inside mean a safe haven from the single-digit temperatures.

Firefighters in Montgomery County battled a house fire Monday night.

Flames broke out just after 10 p.m. in the 600 block of Wissahickon Avenue in Lansdale. Fire showing from the rear of the home when firefighters arrived, and a call was made to evacuate the house.

No injuries were reported, and there's no word on a cause.