Rick Holmes

Vermont

Columnist and Blogger at Freelance

Columnist, blogger and family man, mostly retired

Articles

Wildwater Kingdom sees big crowds as people look to beat the heat

2 days ago | wfmz.com | Rick Holmes

S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – When it's as hot as it's been the last four days, Wildwater Kingdom — the aquatic oasis of the Lehigh Valley — beckons thousands of sunbathers to frolic, laugh and lounge on a lazy river ride. Just to operate the water park's Lazy River takes a quarter of a million gallons of water, and it takes an entire team to keep the attractions clean and safe. The voices of a few, spoke for many Wednesday. "Very, very hot," said one boy.
Man arrested after firing shots during police pursuit that spanned two counties

2 weeks ago | wfmz.com | Rick Holmes

WEST ROCKHILL TWP., Pa. - Authorities announced the peaceful end to a shots-fired incident that prompted a police chase through upper Montgomery County and into Bucks. The incident culminated in a standoff with police that ended when a man was taken in custody Wednesday afternoon. It began just before noon when with authorities received multiple 911 calls for shots fired by a man in a black Mustang. Additional emergency calls reported the man threatened a bicyclist and shot into nearby woods.
New live cam provides convenient way to watch river otters play 24/7

1 month ago | wfmz.com | Rick Holmes

ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- Whether swimming or lying on the rocks, the otters always put on a show. As of Tuesday, you can watch the river otters 24/7 on a new live cam. It's part of a new partnership between WFMZ and the Da Vinci Science Center. The otter cam is live right now, available on WFMZ.com and the WFMZ+ app. You can watch the otters in their home, from the comfort of yours. "They like to play.
On the loose: Potbellied visitor makes neighborhood oink with excitement

1 month ago | wfmz.com | Rick Holmes

PEN ARGYL BORO., Pa. – People heading to work Monday morning in Pen Argyl, Northampton County, say a potbellied pig beat them out the door, leaving them to wonder how it got there. Many people are guilty of of letting their pets out once in a while and even losing track of them. But when that big pig went out on the town Monday morning, neighbors took notice. Neighbors say the potbellied pig is named Niko.
'Helping those in need': Food Truck Food Drive this Saturday at Dorney Park

2 months ago | wfmz.com | Rick Holmes

SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - The Pope always spoke about helping those in need. And for all of us, there is a chance to do just that tomorrow morning at the WFMZ Dorney Park Food Truck Food Drive. For about 60 years, Second Harvest Food Bank has served families in the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania. Much of the work is done by people like Brianna McFarland, who volunteers three times a week.
Businesses talk benefits of tax incentives, discuss need for more workforce investments at roundtable with Rep. Mackenzie

2 months ago | wfmz.com | Rick Holmes

HANOVER TWP., Pa. - Some major players in the regional and national economies converged in Lehigh County Wednesday. Members of the local, state, and federal Chambers of Commerce met with Congressman Ryan Mackenzie at B. Braun of America in Hanover Township. The Chambers are united and looking for 3% annual economic growth. That will require a pro growth tax code and there are some important milestones coming up. Eight years ago, Congress passed the landmark Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Community reacts after school bus crash in NJ; driver is accused of driving while intoxicated

2 months ago | wfmz.com | Rick Holmes

KNOWLTON TWP., N.J. - A school bus driver is accused of drinking and driving, then crashing his bus on a New Jersey interstate in Warren County. The school bus driver is facing several charges. He is being accused of being drunk behind the wheel. 25 children were among the passengers on that bus. There was one minor injury, but otherwise, the children were okay.
Baby animals visit seniors at Fellowship Community for Easter

2 months ago | wfmz.com | Rick Holmes

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. -- It was an afternoon of fun, feathers and fur for senior residents at Fellowship Community in Whitehall. A mom and her two daughters from Kempton, Berks County visited dozens of people who live there ahead of the holidays. They have spent years raising their own animals and today they shared the love. Bird is the word at Fellowship Community. And so is duckling, rabbit, and nubian lamancha goat.
Fiery crash involving 2 tractor trailers on Northeast Extension closes part of highway in Lehigh County

2 months ago | wfmz.com | Jacob Kise |Rick Holmes

LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. - A fiery crash involving two tractor trailers on the Northeast Extension has a section of the highway near Emmaus in Lehigh County closed Tuesday. Multiple lanes are blocked on I-476 North, according to 511pa.com. As of 4:24 p.m., at least one lane opened on the northbound lanes. The turnpike was closed at the Quakertown exit. Drivers are advised to expect delays. Viewer video showed flames and heavy smoke billowing into the sky in the area.
Pa. State Police complete rollout of body cameras, say they will help in influencing how policing is perceived

2 months ago | wfmz.com | Rick Holmes

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania State Police have completed the rollout of body cameras. PSP leaders believe the devices have a profound influence on how policing is perceived. State Police have used money from their budget to acquire thousands of cameras, which troopers say will help improve the preparation of reports and testimony. "Approximately 3000 troopers will wear these cameras on a daily basis," said State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris.