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Berks Weekly
Genesius Theatre to Stage Tony-Winning Musical ‘Kinky Boots’
This summer, Genesius Theatre is set to dazzle audiences with its production of “Kinky Boots,” the acclaimed musical with a script by Harvey Fierstein and music by Cyndi Lauper. Inspired by a true story and the 2005 film of the same name, “Kinky Boots” follows Charlie Price, a man who inherits a struggling shoe factory and finds an unexpected business partner in Lola, an entertainer in need of durable stilettos. Together, they embark on a journey to save the factory, discovering that they have more in common than they thought.
Lane restrictions expected as demolition begins on Penn Avenue in West Reading
The Borough of West Reading has announced a scheduled demolition project at 156 Penn Avenue, set to begin on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The project involves the removal of an apartment building that is currently in danger of collapsing. The demolition work is expected to cause intermittent lane restrictions on...
PennDOT dump truck overturns into Schuylkill River in Reading
A PennDOT dump truck overturned and crashed down an embankment into the Schuylkill River late Monday morning, prompting a multi-agency emergency response. The incident occurred at approximately 10:46 AM on an access road near the Bingaman Street Bridge in the City of Reading. According to officials on the scene, PennDOT crews frequently use this road to access areas under the bridge for maintenance purposes.
ARL issues first Code Red of the season as a heat wave is forecasted for the area
Due to a sustained heat index of over 95 degrees forecasted for Berks County, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) issued a Code Red for the City of Reading for the following periods: June 18: 1 PM – 6 PM, June 19: 2 PM – 5 PM, June 20: 1PM – 7 PM, June 21: 11AM – 8 PM, June 22: 11 AM – 7 PM.
Newmanstown woman arrested for financial exploitation of elderly victim
Mary S. Shealer, 58, from Newmanstown, PA, has been arrested for financial exploitation of an elderly person and related charges, announced the Berks County District Attorney’s Office Friday. In August of 2021, the Berks County District Attorney’s Detectives initiated a criminal investigation into allegations involving Senior Financial Exploitation/Fraud. It...
NAACP and Reading Film Office highlight literacy with week-long Juneteenth events
June 17th – June 19th, the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts will host screenings of the documentary film, “The Right to Read,” executive-produced by LeVar Burton (Reading Rainbow, Roots) and directed by Jenny Mackenzie (Quiet Heroes). Screenings will begin at 9:30 AM each day. On Juneteenth –...
Hundreds of volunteers gather to combat hunger at United Way’s Big Cheese 8
Last Friday, Penn State Berks was a hive of activity as more than 500 volunteers came together to participate in United Way of Berks County’s Big Cheese 8 event. This significant community initiative aimed to address local food insecurity by packaging nutritionally fortified meals for those in need. Tammy...
Berks County Drug Task Force seizes cache of drugs in West Reading bust
In a crackdown on local drug trafficking, the Berks County Drug Task Force arrested Eric Emilio Delacruz, 36, of West Reading Borough, following a thorough investigation that led to a raid on his residence. Authorities began their investigation in April 2024, focusing on suspicious activities in the 300 block of...
Excessive Heat Watch and Advisory issued for Berks County as temperatures soar into 90s
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Tuesday, with heat index values expected to reach up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisory is in effect from 10:00 AM Tuesday through 6:00 AM Wednesday morning. Additionally, an Excessive Heat Watch has been declared for the remainder of the week, with dangerous heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees anticipated from Wednesday morning through Saturday evening.
State protects 104-acre crop farm in Tilden Township from future development
The Shapiro Administration recently announced that Pennsylvania will purchase development rights for 2,629 acres on 28 farms in 19 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development. The farms, approved for conservation easement purchases by the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board, represent an $9.8 million investment to ensure that Pennsylvania farmers have the resources they need to continue supporting families, communities, and jobs.
Tower Health adds Robert Brigham, MD, to System Board of Directors
Tower Health recently announced that Robert Brigham, MD, has joined the Tower Health Board of Directors for a three-year term, effective March 25, 2024. “My commitment to the health system remains as strong today as when I was a practicing physician,” Dr. Brigham said. “I’m honored to rejoin the team and hope to help advance the positive momentum of Tower Health for our patients and our communities.”
City of Reading adjusts trash and recycling pick-up schedule due to high temperatures
Due to forecasted temperatures in the mid-90s and Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Watch in effect for the week of June 17th through June 21st, the City of Reading will begin trash and recycling pick-ups one hour earlier than usual. This adjustment aims to protect staff from excessive heat and...
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Juneteenth Holiday
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. June 19, known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day, is an official annual observance in Pennsylvania. Juneteenth...
Berks resident wins $1M PA Lottery Mega Millions ticket purchased online
The Pennsylvania Lottery recently awarded a prize worth $1 million on a Mega Millions ticket to a player from Berks County who purchased the ticket online for the Tuesday, June 11 drawing. The ticket matched all five white balls drawn, 1-5-7-22-24, but not the yellow Mega Ball 8, to win...
WIC Advisory Board Bill sponsored by Schwank and Cepeda-Freytiz signed into law
A bill sponsored by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Rep. Cepeda-Freytiz (D-Berks) to create a permanent advisory board for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on June 10, becoming Act No. 22 of 2024. SB 721 received...
State leaders tour Wyomissing to highlight Gov. Shapiro’s proposed $25M investment in main streets across PA
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Executive Deputy Secretary Mike Hanna, Jr. joined Senator Judy Schwank, Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Wyomissing Mayor Fred Levering, and other local leaders for a tour of small businesses in Wyomissing Thursday morning to highlight Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed investments in our main streets, downtown business districts, small businesses, and local communities.
Reading Hospital opens Fourth Full-Service Pharmacy Location
Reading Hospital opened its fourth full-service pharmacy location, making it quick and easy to have prescriptions filled, as most insurance plans are accepted. “With the addition of a fourth pharmacy, Reading Hospital is able to serve more patients and members of this community, allowing them more options for obtaining medications and prescriptions,” said Charles F. Barbera, MD, President and CEO of Reading Hospital. “We provide medications that other local pharmacies may have challenges stocking due to national drug shortages.”
Explore the rich history of Whiskey in Berks County
Berks History Center has announced a captivating event that will take attendees on a journey through the storied past of whiskey production and culture in Berks County. This educational and entertaining event promises an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and whiskey aficionados alike, and is set to take place on July 20 and 27, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. inside BHC Museum’s Terrence E. Connor Auditorium, 940 Centre Ave., Reading, Pa., 19601.
48th annual Community Days festival expands to nine days of fun and entertainment
The highly anticipated Greater Governor Mifflin League Community Days festival is set to kick off on June 28th and extend through July 6th, 2024. This year marks a significant expansion from the traditional six-day event to a full nine days of festivities, promising an array of entertainment, rides, games, and food for all ages.
Father-son fishing trip yields record-breaking White Perch in Delaware River
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission recently announced that it has certified a new state record White Perch. On the morning of Sunday, April 14, 2024, angler Christopher Barrett, 19, and his father, Craig, both of Mohnton, Berks County, departed from Ridley Township Municipal Marina in Delaware County on a 20-foot center console fishing boat. After navigating Darby Creek, the pair entered the Delaware River and began fishing just below the Commodore Barry Bridge, near Chester. Christopher and his father were using heavy duty spinning rods fitted with fish finder rigs and circle hooks baited with bloodworms to target Striped Bass and catfish but were also catching White Perch.
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