Two Reading parks and surrounding neighborhoods were transformed this weekend through neighbor engagement strategies from a Reading nonprofit. Community engagement groups Barrio Alegria and its special project South of Penn descended on Reading Rising Park on Friday, and Baer Park on Saturday. The g
Cumru Township Police conducted a child safety seat check on Monday, May 16, resulting in several violations related to Pennsylvania’s child passenger safety laws. Officers stopped 97 vehicles during the operation, which led to nine citations and two warnings issued for improper or missing child saf
A Boyertown tradition marking a decade of community support for military service members will return this Memorial Day weekend as The Peppermint Stick Candy Store & Ice Cream Parlor hosts its 10th annual “Candy for Our Troops” event from May 21 through May 25.Each year, the candy shop organizes care
The Reading Public Museum will open its doors to nostalgia and fun this summer with the arrival of Toytopia, an interactive exhibition celebrating the history of toys and games. The exhibition will run from June 14 through September 7, 2025, in the Museum’s Temporary Exhibition Galleries.Designed to
Demolition work is scheduled to begin this week at the former East Reading Pool, marking the first step in the site’s transformation into a new recreational and community-focused area. The City of Reading is moving forward with plans to replace the long-closed pool with a splash pad and additional p
The Reading Police Department has issued a community alert regarding the increased use of Orbeez-style gel blasters in city parks and other public areas. According to the department, there has been an uptick in incidents involving these devices, some of which have been altered and painted to resembl
Muhlenberg Township will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, at 9:00 a.m. at Jim Dietrich Park, with a program designed to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.The event, organized by the Muhlenberg Township Parks & Recreation Departme
Three senior centers in Berks County are among 436 statewide recipients of state funding aimed at strengthening services for older adults. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced a $3 million investment to support senior community centers across the Commonwealth, with three facilities in Berk
A 19-year-old Mount Penn man was killed Wednesday evening in a single-vehicle crash on Skyline Drive in Alsace Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police and the Berks County Coroner’s Office.Zechariah S. Johnson was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m. by Deputy Coroner Hannah Cutshaw following the c
Members of the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department were recognized for their bravery and life-saving efforts during two recent fatal fires in Robeson Township. The honors were presented during the Exeter Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, May 12.Firefighters were commended for th
Governor Mifflin School District librarian Rachel Sebastian has been named a finalist for Pennsylvania’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Sebastian, who serves at Brecknock Elementary, is one of just 12 educators statewide to receive the honor—and the only finalist representing Berks County.The Pennsylvani
The Pennsylvania State Police welcomed 74 new troopers to its ranks during a graduation ceremony held Friday, May 16, at LCBC Manheim in Lancaster County. Among them, three cadets have been assigned to Troop L, which covers Berks County and the surrounding region.Nathaniel Penko, Austin R. Sterencho
A severe thunderstorm Friday morning caused a tree to uproot and fall onto a home in Exeter Township, resulting in two people being transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department responded to the incident in the 4700 block of Oley Turnpik
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) held its 16th Annual Awards Banquet and celebrated 11 award recipients for their outstanding stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state natural assets. The event was held at Little Buffalo State Park in Newport, PA on May 13, 2025. The winner of the 2025
Visitors to Blue Marsh Lake can expect several service reductions and operational changes during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, as paving, infrastructure repairs, and staffing shortages continue to impact the popular recreation area.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Philadelphia District
The Wyomissing Fire Department is actively recruiting qualified candidates for the position of Entry Level Firefighter/EMT. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to launch a dynamic and meaningful career in emergency services.Firefighter/EMTs serve a vital role in the community, re
A Berks County student is among the winners of the 2025 “Protect. Check. Remove.” Lyme Disease Student Art Competition, an annual contest aimed at raising awareness about tickborne illnesses and promoting outdoor safety in Pennsylvania.Valkyrie Lindberg, representing Berks County, earned first place
In honor of National Foster Care Month, CHOR Youth & Family Services hosted the “Together We Foster” Meet-and-Greet Brunch Thursday at Crossroads Family Restaurant in Muhlenberg Township. The event brought together current foster families, individuals in the process of becoming certified, and commun
The Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund of Berks County Community Foundation recently awarded $70,899 in grants to seven organizations. The Power of the Purse Fund supports programs that help break the cycle of poverty by eliminating or addressing barriers for Berks County girls and/or women who
The City of Reading is organizing a community-wide clean-up effort with its upcoming “Dumpster Day” event, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025. From 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., residents will have the opportunity to dispose of bulky household items at designated locations throughout the city.The initi
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has posted an updated list of recent Retail Food Inspection Reports for restaurants and food handlers in Berks County. Inspections are a “snapshot” of the day and time of the inspection. Violations are recorded but are often corrected on the spot prior to t
United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the unsealing today of a superseding indictment (“the indictment”) charging four businessmen and two companies with conspiracy and wire fraud offenses in connection with their execution of a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme. The corporate defendant
The City of Reading is moving forward with the full demolition of 431 and 433 Penn Street, addressing significant structural concerns that pose a threat to public safety. With the approval of Mayor Eddie Morán, demolition crews began work Wednesday with the removal of the “Reading News” sign.Followi
The American Legion Reber-Moore Post 635 will continue a long-standing tradition this month with the 97th annual Shillington Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. Scheduled for Monday, May 26, 2025, the event will honor the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States military.M
