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Adalyn Rose raises $40K from inaugural Duck Derby in Muhlenberg Township
The Adalyn Rose Foundation, a Reading-based non-profit organization, held its first-annual Duck Derby fundraiser over the weekend. With support from local sponsors and participants, $40,000 was raised for the foundation. The Derby took place at Jim Dietrich Park on Sunday, August 25th, the final day of Muhlenberg Township’s Annual RiverFest.
Schwank applauds major state investment in Reading Area Community College Capitol Project
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has announced $6.5 million in funding for improvements to the Student Union Building at Reading Area Community College. The funding comes alongside substantial increases in higher education investments in Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget. This includes a $35.1 million increase for Pennsylvania State System universities, a $15.7 million increase for community colleges, and an additional $143 million to PHEAA to make college more affordable for Pennsylvania students.
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County receives a grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County has announced a $2,000 grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation that will provide programming for local breast cancer survivors, their family members, and caregivers at no cost to them. “We recognize the vital role of BCSS in Berks County. At M&T, supporting our...
Identify confirmed in 1977 unidentified person case in Albany Township
The Berks County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of a man found deceased in a cave by hikers near The Pinnacle on the Appalachian Trail, Albany Township, Berks County, on January 16, 1977. He was identified on August 12, 2024 by FBI fingerprint experts as 27-year-old Nicolas Paul Grubb of Fort Washington, PA.
Humane Pennsylvania now offering affordable pet boarding services
Humane Pennsylvania has launched its newest service offering – affordable and accessible pet boarding services at Spike & Tilly’s Pet Resort in Berks and Lancaster Counties. As Pennsylvania’s first and only charitable boarding facility, Spike & Tilly’s Pet Resort welcomes all kinds of companion animals and pets including...
The Miller Center at Reading Area Community College announces star-studded fall lineup for 2024 season
The Miller Center at Reading Area Community College has unveiled what promises to be one of its most exciting seasons to date, featuring a dynamic lineup of concerts, live podcasts, theatrical performances, and special events. Sponsored by Performance Toyota, this fall season is packed with world-class entertainment that is sure to draw audiences from across the region.
Reading celebrates opening of new skatepark, fulfilling a decade-long dream
The long-awaited Reading Skatepark officially opened to the public Tuesday, marking the end of a year-long construction project and the realization of a decade-long dream for the local skateboarding community. The dedication ceremony, held at the skatepark’s location on the corner of South 6th and Canal Streets, was attended by city leaders, volunteers, and dozens of enthusiastic community members.
Rodale Institute receives $122K grant to advance organic hazelnut production in Pennsylvania
The Rodale Institute, a pioneer in organic farming research, has been awarded $122,000 as part of a $1.01 million federal grant package allocated to boost the sales, quality, and competitive standing of Pennsylvania’s specialty crops. The funds, provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, are part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the visibility and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry.
Reopening of Ebling Memorial Bridge delayed to October
The County of Berks recently received word from Kinsley Construction that the reopening of Ebling Memorial Bridge in Muhlenberg Township will be delayed into October of this year. Ebling Memorial Bridge was scheduled to be reopened to traffic on Spring Valley Road over Bernhart’s Creek next week. Kinsley...
SOS Berks recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day with flag raising ceremony in Reading
An estimated 25 people gathered at a ceremony on Monday at City Park in Reading for a flag-raising ceremony in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, which takes place annually on August 31. The event was organized by the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition, in partnership with the City of Reading....
Barley Snyder secures landmark victory for property rights in eminent domain case
Barley Snyder has announced a significant legal victory on behalf of Gary and Mary Wolfe in the case of Wolfe et al. v. Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad Co. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has ruled in favor of the Wolfes, overturning the Commonwealth Court’s previous decision and upholding the Court of Common Pleas’ order that rejected the railroad’s attempt to exercise eminent domain.
Helping Harvest launches Maternal Health Program Distribution
In January, Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank received a two-year $200,000 grant from the Jewish Healthcare Foundation to initiate a new Food Rx program model that offers healthy food options to pregnant or postpartum individuals in Berks and Schuylkill counties. The new Maternal Health Program is designed to provide healthy food options that support maternal and child health.
Humane Pennsylvania’s Healthy Pets Initiative continues to make significant strides in supporting pets and communities
Humane Pennsylvania has made progress in its Healthy Pets Initiative, a program dedicated to helping pets and caretakers in the community and beyond. Since the beginning of the year, HPI has achieved significant milestones in pet food distribution, feral cat sterilization, and accessible veterinary services. Spike’s Pet Food Pantry: Nearly...
Square One Markets in Hamburg secures nearly $1M for electric vehicle charging station
Sai Hamburg, LLC, a business in Hamburg, has been awarded nearly $1 million in federal funding to install a new electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently announced that the company will receive $945,555 as part of the latest round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding.
Local colleges welcome new students for the 2024 academic year
As the fall semester approaches, three local colleges are bustling with activity as they welcome new classes of first-year and transfer students. Penn State Berks, Albright College, and Alvernia University each hosted a series of events designed to help students acclimate to college life and kickstart their academic journeys. Penn...
Historic Reading Pagoda hosts exclusive tour as restoration efforts progress
The iconic Reading Pagoda, a landmark perched 620 feet above the city, opened its doors for a special guided tour on Sunday, August 25. This event, though closed to the general public, was accessible via a livestream on social media, allowing the community to virtually experience the first look inside the building since its closure in 2020.
Berks County Veterans Affairs office relocating to Spring Township
In response to an unprecedented increase in compensation claims and the growing need for private, trauma-informed care, the Berks County Veterans Affairs (BCVA) office is set to relocate to a new facility during the week of September 16, 2024. The move comes at a pivotal time as BCVA experiences a record-breaking surge in successful compensation claims, positioning the office as the #2 rated county in Pennsylvania for veteran compensation claims and revenue return.
PA Liquor Control Board awards grants in Berks to reduce underage and dangerous drinking
In an effort to curb underage and dangerous alcohol consumption, two organizations in Berks County have been awarded funding by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). These grants are part of the PLCB’s broader 2024-26 Alcohol Education Grant Program, which aims to support schools, community organizations, and law enforcement in their efforts to reduce alcohol misuse across the state.
Hawkinson announces upcoming retirement as Kutztown University President
The President of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, announced his upcoming retirement at the university’s 2024 Faculty and Staff Convocation and Celebration, Friday morning, Aug. 23. Hawkinson, the 12th president of KU, said he would step down next summer (2025, date to be determined). He will have completed 10 years as president at that time.
Reading Public Library awarded Professional Development Mini-Grant
The Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Commonwealth Libraries has announced that 14 libraries across Pennsylvania have been awarded Professional Development Mini-Grants to enable librarians and staff to develop new skills and stay up to date on current trends. In Berks County, the Reading Public Library received a $5,000 mini-grant.
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