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Berks Weekly
NWS issues heat warnings for Berks County as extreme temperatures expected
The National Weather Service has issued two weather advisories for New Jersey and Pennsylvania, warning residents of extreme heat conditions over the next few days. An Excessive Heat Warning is currently in effect until 6:00 AM Wednesday. During this period, dangerously hot conditions are expected, with heat index values ranging from 101 to 106 degrees. Following this, an Excessive Heat Watch has been issued, effective from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening, with anticipated heat index values between 100 to 104 degrees.
Community theater set to dazzle downtown Reading
When dealt a devastating blow, a hero has two options: give up and succumb to the woes of fate; or rise and become a beacon of hope to the world. A theater project between community engagement organization Barrio Alegría and the Reading Public Library aims to explore what a hero is made of, especially when the cards are stacked against them.
Local officials urge unity following attempted assassination of former President Trump
Following the attempted assassination of former President Trump Saturday evening in Butler, PA, several local elected officials in Berks County released statements condemning the violence and urging unity. Berks County Statement on the Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump: “The Berks County Board of Commissioners offers our deepest sympathies and...
Reading nears CRIZ designation, officials celebrate economic prospects
The City of Reading is on the verge of a significant milestone with the recent progress toward securing a City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) designation. Mayor Eddie Morán and State Representative Manny Guzman have expressed their excitement about this development, highlighting its potential to transform the city’s economic landscape.
Reading Police investigate fatal shooting in City Park
The Reading Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Wednesday evening, July 10th, 2024, in City Park. Officers responded to the area of City Park, 1100 block of Washington Street, at approximately 9:30 pm, for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived and found a 19 year-old adult male victim identified as Rafael Tinoco-Villagomez with a gunshot wound to the chest. Tinoco-Villagomez was transported to Reading Hospital where he died from his injuries.
Senator Judy Schwank secures $250K for Berks County Mobile Shower Initiative
Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) has announced $250,000 in grant funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development for a mobile shower unit for the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness. BCEH is the nonprofit responsible for Berks County’s Continuum of Care program, which coordinates community efforts to address homelessness by...
Renowned Physician, Author, and Artist Dr. Olapeju Simoyan featured at The Art and Craft Gallery of Hamburg
The Art and Craft Gallery of Hamburg is hosting Dr. Olapeju Simoyan as its featured artist for July 2024. Dr. Simoyan, a Reading area resident known for her work as a physician, author, musician, and photographer, will showcase her captivating collection of wildlife and travel photography throughout the month at the gallery’s 320 State Street location.
PennDOT/BPD-I set to begin I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge Replacement Project
Motorists are advised that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will begin pre-construction activities for the I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge Replacement Project in preparation for the replacement and widening of the existing bridge over Maiden Creek and PA-143. Construction contractors, Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors (BPC) and...
Experience the Summer Library Tour: The Great Alphabet Adventure
The Summer Library Tour, a cherished partnership between Yocum Institute for Arts Education and Berks County Public Libraries, is back to bring engaging arts education, creative performances, and innovative programs directly to local libraries. This partnership has been enriching the community for many years, creating opportunities for connection and learning through the arts.
Reading Police investigates robbery incidents at local credit unions
The Reading Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect following two attempted robberies at local credit unions on July 8, 2024. On July 8th, 2024, at approximately 12:15pm, officers responded to Visions Federal Credit Union located at 35 N 6th St. for the report of a 911 hangup. Upon arrival Officer’s learned that a male had entered the credit union and approached a teller’s window, and stated that he had a firearm, demanding money.
TSA prevents Mohnton man from bringing loaded gun onto plane at Philadelphia International Airport
A Berks County man was cited by police Monday, July 8, at Philadelphia International Airport after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers detected a firearm among the man’s carry-on items at one of the airport security checkpoints. The .45 caliber gun was loaded with 11 bullets, including one in the chamber.
Splash Pad for Davy Dedication at Womelsdorf Swimming Pool
The community of Womelsdorf is set to celebrate the dedication of a new all-abilities splash pad at Womelsdorf Swimming Pool in honor of Davy Craft, a courageous 12-year-old boy born with Baraitser-Winter syndrome, a condition diagnosed in only 50 people in the world. The dedication ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM, with a rain date scheduled for July 13, 2024.
Lester DuGuay: 60 years of dedicated service to youth sports
On Tuesday, July 2nd, City Hall Council Chambers resonated with applause and heartfelt tributes as Mayor Eddie Morán presented Lester DuGuay with a commendation for his 60 years of unwavering service to the youth of Reading. The ceremony, held on DuGuay’s 89th birthday, celebrated his extensive contributions to local sports and the indelible impact he has had on generations of young athletes.
Swim beach closed at Blue Marsh Lake due to high levels of e-coli bacteria
Swimming at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area of Blue Marsh Lake is currently restricted due to high bacteria levels. Two weeks ago, the swimming area closed on June 28th and reopened July 2nd for the same reason. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Monday that Water sample results...
Debra Townsley named Interim President at Albright College
Albright College’s Board of Trustees has appointed Debra Townsley, Ph.D., to a full year position as interim president effective July 1, 2024. With more than 40 years of higher education experience, Townsley has filled the roles of president, interim president, academic dean, department chair, and business professor at institutions in five states. Specializing in identifying and implementing a strategic vision and plan for long-term institutional success, she is a transformational leader with experience in controlling spending while increasing enrollment and fundraising.
Helping Harvest elects two new board members; Dan Buckley and Susan Farr
Helping Harvest has announced two new Board Members elected on June 28, 2024. Dan Buckley is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the institution. Following a brief career in banking, Dan spent 23 years as a teacher, including the past 18 years at Whitfield Elementary in the Wilson School District. He retired from teaching at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Dan and his wife, Jo, have two grown children and live with their pup, Wrigley, in Sinking Spring.
Houlahan calls for answers from IRS after extended closure of Reading Taxpayer Assistance Center
Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) sent a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Danny Werfel on the sudden announcement of an extended closure of the IRS’ Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) in Reading. Houlahan asked for a meeting on the circumstances of the closure and urged the re-opening of the office as soon as possible.
Utility relocation, drainage work: PennDOT upcoming roadwork July 8, 2024
PennDOT maintenance forces and private contractors have scheduled several construction projects in Berks County this week. To help our readers avoid travel delays, here are a few of the most notable projects. In Ruscombmanor Township, daytime lane restrictions will be in effect at the PA 12/PA 73 intersection for utility...
City launches Reading 311 Mobile App for enhanced citizen services
The City of Reading has launched the Reading 311 Mobile App, replacing the current Reading iRequest app, offering residents and businesses instant access to essential city information and streamlined communication channels. The Reading 311 Mobile App is designed to empower residents with a convenient platform to request various city services,...
Annual First Swing Golf Clinic teaches more than just golf
Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing and the Eastern Amputee Golf Association recently held the 11th Annual First Swing & Learn to Golf Clinic at Sittler Golf in Sinking Spring for patients with disabilities and their families. More than 40 participants from Berks County and beyond attended the free event, where...
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