Rail fans in Berks County will have a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s largest operating steam locomotives when Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014 arrives in Reading on Thursday, July 2, as part of the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad’s Semiquincentennial Steam Celebration
The South Heidelberg Township Police Department is asking for the public’s help after equipment used for the township’s summer playground program was stolen from Hummel/South Mountain Park.According to police, the theft occurred sometime during the overnight hours between June 24 and June 25 at the
UGI Energy Services employees in Wyomissing spent part of Thursday assembling brand-new bicycles and providing helmets for children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County, part of a nationwide volunteer initiative tied to the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic later this summer.T
This story was produced by the Berks County bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom. Sign up for Good Day, Berks, a daily dose of essential local stories at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/gooddayberks.UPPER BERN TOWNSHIP — A week after news broke that the Trump administration plans
A Reading-based community organization is among 21 recipients across Pennsylvania selected to receive funding through the 2026 Healing the Planet grant program, an initiative supported by The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.The 18th Wonder Improvement Association, based in Reading, was
On Saturday, June 13th, 2026, on an idyllic summer afternoon, Berks Sinfonietta presented its sixth consecutive year of performances, returning to one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic natural settings at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s outdoor amphitheater. The amphitheater and the wooded grounds surrounding
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, designating July 2026 as Culinary Arts Month in Pennsylvania.House Resolution 345, adopted June 10, recognizes the role of culinary education, professional training programs and the st
The South Heidelberg Township Police Department conducted more than 27 focused traffic enforcement details during May as part of ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety across its coverage area.According to a traffic enforcement summary released by the department, officers targeted locations in So
The Berks Bards Board of Directors have announced that its new Poet Laureate Committee has agreed unanimously to name Aries Franklin Ortiz (a.k.a. The Poet Smiley) as the Berks County Poet Laureate.Susan Peña, President of Berks Bards and a member of the committee, said, “We came to the decision to
Two longtime leaders of Berks County philanthropic organizations will retire in 2027, as The Wyomissing Foundation and United Way of Berks County prepare for a planned leadership transition.The organizations announced that Pat Giles, president of The Wyomissing Foundation, will retire effective May
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh visited Boyertown on Tuesday to highlight the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to recruit and retain child care workers while expanding access to affordable child care for working families.The visit took place at Boyertown Children’s Ce
A 19-year-old Reading man has been charged following an investigation by the Berks County Detectives into the possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office.Authorities identified the defendant as Jhosua Melenciano Vasquez, of the 100 block of Wes
Families visiting the Reading Public Museum this summer can step into the life of a butterfly while learning about rainforest conservation through the museum’s newest interactive exhibition.Butterfly Odyssey opened June 15 and will remain on display through Aug. 30 in the museum’s temporary exhibiti
The Berks County Area Agency on Aging will implement a new home-delivered meals model beginning July 1, replacing its daily ready-to-eat meal service with frozen meals delivered twice each week.County officials said the change is designed to increase flexibility for older adults while improving meal
A 27-year-old Sinking Spring man died following a motor vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Reading, according to the Berks County Coroner’s Office.Emergency officials were notified of the fatal crash at 1:27 p.m. on June 18 in the 300 block of South Fourth Street. Deputies from the Berks County Cor
The Reading Police Department has announced multiple arrests and criminal charges following a three-month investigation into the disappearance of Michael Petrino Jr., who has been missing since late March.According to police, Petrino Jr. was reported missing by family members in western Lebanon Coun
A piece of Berks County history tied to the nation’s Bicentennial celebration has been restored and returned to public view just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.County officials, community partners and residents gathered Tuesday at the Berks County Heritage Center to unveil the restored Bice
Reading officials are reminding residents and visitors about a series of free Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone events coming to downtown Reading next month, bringing FIFA World Cup 2026 excitement to the city with watch parties, live entertainment, soccer activities and a large-scale block party.The
The South Central Transit Authority (SCTA) announced Wednesday that fares for BARTA Special Services shared-ride and paratransit transportation will increase effective Aug. 1, marking the first fare adjustment for the service in nearly a decade.According to SCTA, the average full fare for BARTA Spec
The Commonwealth Prevention Alliance recently presented Council on Chemical Abuse Director of Planning & Resource Development Marcia Goodman Hinnershitz with the 2026 Marcopul Award for Legacy in Prevention.The award was presented last week during the annual Commonwealth Prevention Alliance conferen
The annual Pagoda Hillclimb will return to Reading on June 20 and 21, drawing racers from across the East Coast to compete on the historic Duryea Drive course overlooking the city.Hosted by the Blue Mountain Region of the Sports Car Club of America, the event is part of both the Pennsylvania Hillcli
The Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro will mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary with a daylong living history event on Saturday, June 27.Hosted by the Daniel Boone Homestead Associates, the “Colonial 250th Anniversary Celebration” will run from noon to 8 p.m. and feature historical demonstrat
Kutztown University has named Dr. Deborah Kidder as dean of the College of Business. Kidder brings more than 30 years’ experience to KU and will begin her role Monday, June 29.Kidder most recently served as the dean of the Turner College of Business and Technology at Columbus State University from 2
This story was produced by the Berks County bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom. Sign up for Good Day, Berks, a daily dose of essential local stories at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/gooddayberks.READING — On Feb. 2 of this year, Fred Sheeler had urgent news to share with Berk
