An All Taylor Swift Themed Dance Party Inside the SunnyBrook Ballroom

An All Taylor Swift Themed Dance Party Inside the SunnyBrook Ballroom is scheduled to go down this coming Friday! (Largest Ballroom East of the Mississippi)

Taylor Themed Drinks

Tickets only $15 in advance and $20 at the door

Friday July 14th

Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8pm

No Food, Full Bar available

All ages event.

50 Sunnybrook Road Pottstown, PA 19464

Get tickets here:

https://www.souljoels.com/shop/tickets/taylor/ 

Pottstown Local Scoop’s Local Business Spotlight: PRMG Mortgage

In the heart of our local community, a group of dedicated professionals has been working tirelessly to make homeownership dreams come true for the past 15 years. Today, we shine our local business spotlight on PRMG Mortgage in Douglassville, led by the accomplished Branch Manager, Jamie Tritz.

Jamie Tritz and her team have established themselves as reputable local lenders in Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties, earning the trust and respect of homebuyers and real estate professionals alike. With a wealth of experience, Jamie has a long-standing history of providing a seamless, professional, and personal mortgage experience. Her dedication to continuous communication with all parties involved — from realtors and buyers to title groups and insurance agents — ensures that the mortgage process runs smoothly from start to finish.

PRMG Mortgage prides itself on its unique approach to customer service. The team’s family-oriented ethos means clients are treated as more than just loan applications; they’re part of the PRMG Mortgage family. Coupled with exceptional customer service, availability, and a stellar reputation, Jamie and her team are devoted to finding the best mortgage loan program tailored to each client’s specific financial situation.

But their commitment doesn’t stop at providing top-tier mortgage services. Jamie Tritz and her team believe in giving back to the community that has welcomed them with open arms. Their sponsorship and involvement in local events and clubs, such as the Red Corner Benefit, Amity AC Soccer, Reading Realtor Berks Association, and Legacy of Love, to name a few, underlines their commitment to strengthening and supporting the local community.

Looking towards the future, PRMG Mortgage’s plans are rooted in their core mission: helping families achieve homeownership. They continually strive to collaborate with local real estate groups to educate community members about the home-buying process and the programs available to assist them in becoming homeowners.

Today, we applaud PRMG Mortgage not only for their professional dedication and service in the mortgage industry but also for their commitment to enhancing the life and spirit of our local community. Their continued work is a testament to what can be achieved with a blend of professional excellence, community spirit, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Wanted in Berks County

Authorities are currently searching for Kevin Afre, aged 32, whose most recent known residence was located in the 800 block of Hampden Boulevard, Reading.

Afre is being sought after on charges of strangulation.

According to the police, on October 30th, an altercation took place between Afre and a woman, during which he allegedly choked her and forcefully pushed her to the ground. The woman managed to resist and eventually break free from his grasp. Subsequently, Afre departed the premises. Additionally, there is an outstanding warrant for his arrest relating to probation violations.

Afre is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 185 pounds. Law enforcement agencies are actively seeking any information that could lead to his apprehension.

Bowin Romano

Authorities are currently seeking Bowin Romano, aged 44, whose last known address was in the 100 block of Diamond Drive, Tilden Township, on charges of retail theft.

According to the police, on February 27th, Romano was captured on surveillance footage engaging in a fraudulent activity at the Walmart located in Muhlenberg Township. Specifically, he was observed switching price tags on various items. Store personnel, along with a Muhlenberg police officer, intervened and stopped Romano. It was determined that he had stolen items with a total value of $384.

Romano is described as approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 175 pounds. The warrants division of the sheriff's department urges anyone with information regarding Romano's whereabouts to contact them at 610-478-6390. For a comprehensive list of Berks County's most wanted individuals, please visit www.countyofberks.com/departments/sheriff/most-wanted.

From Pottsgrove Police Department

Jaren Blake Wyllie

The victims involved in this case entered into a contractual agreement with the defendant, who operated under the business name PROjex, LLC, as a home contractor. The contract was signed on November 11, 2021.

Initially, an upfront payment was made to the defendant for the agreed-upon work, followed by additional payments. However, despite the payments made, the contractor commenced the work but failed to complete it, resulting in the home being rendered uninhabitable.

Subsequently, it was revealed that the contractor possessed a license registered under someone else's name, and there was no record of a contractor license in his own name. It became evident that he had used the other contractor's license without authorization to undertake this project.

Additionally, the defendant did not possess insurance coverage. It is worth noting that three other individuals fell victim to the actions of this contractor. Collectively, the total amount of money lost by all four victims amounted to at least $158,475.61.

• (18) 3922 (A)(1) Theft by Deception-False Impression - 4 Counts

• (18) 3921 A Theft by Unlawful Taking - 4 Counts

• (18) 3925 (A) Receiving Stolen Property - 4 Counts

• (73) 517.8 (A)(2) Home improvement fraud(F3) - 4 Counts

• (73) 517.8 (A1) False Statement to Induce Agreement for Home Improvement - F3 - 4 Counts

• (18) 4101 (A2) Forgery (A2) - F3 - 3 Counts

From Pottsgrove Police Department

BENJAMIN DAVID LANDER

Subject removed items offered for sale at the Home Depot, passed all points of sale, and entered a white van with a business name on it and fled the area.

Theft amount totaled $1,783.19. Through the officer's investigation, he was able to positively identify the actor.

• (18) 3929 (A)(1) Retail Theft (1 Count)

• (18) 3925 (A) Receiving Stolen Property

Location

Home Depot - 295 Armand Hammer Blvd, Pottstown, PA 19464

From Pottsgrove Police Department

ANTONIO RIVERA DIAZ

Subject concealed merchandise offered for sale at the Home Depot, then passed all points of sale without paying for those items. Total amount for items taken was $621.55

Charges

• (18) 3929 (A)(1) Retail Theft

Location

295 Armand Hammer Blvd. Home Depot Pottstown, PA 19464

From Pottsgrove Police Department

LARON KEVIN PHILLIPS

Subject took several items offered for sale and placed them in a bag, and then left the store without paying for said items. Subject was found a short distance away and was arrested, but then failed to appear for his hearing with Judge Kropp.

A Bench Warrant was issued.

Charges

• (18) 3929 (A)(1) Retail Theft (1 Count)

• (18) 3925 (A) Receiving Stolen Property

Location

Landis Supermarket - 2190 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

From Pottsgrove Police Department

DepartmentCHRISTOPHER S RETNER

Age: 57

Race: White

Gender: Male

Height: 5' 11"

Weight: 170 lbs

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Blue

November 3, 2022, this subject was involved in a motor vehicle accident while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Charges:

• (75) 3732.1 (A) Aggravated Assault By Vehicle

• (75) 3735.1 (A) Aggravated Assault By Vehicle While DUI

• (75) 3802 (a)(1) Driving Under the Influence

• (75) 3802 (D)(1)(ii) DUI: Controlled Substance - Schedule 2 or 3 - 1st

• (75) 3802 (D)(2) Driving Under the Influence of Controlled Substance (75) 3802 (D)(3) DUI: Controlled Substance - Combination Alcohol/Drugs (18) 2705 - Recklessly Endangering Another

• (75) 3736 (a) Reckless Driving

• (75) 3309 (2) Disregard Traffic Lane (75) 1543 (A) Driv While Oper Priv Susp or Revoked

• (75) 3742.1 (A) Accident Involving Death/Injury-Not Properly Licensed etc

Location

2845 E. High Street Pottstown, PA 19464

Governor Josh Shapiro Unveils Ambitious Plan to Bridge Pennsylvania's Digital Divide through Broadband Expansion

Governor Josh Shapiro has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance broadband access across Pennsylvania, aiming to bridge the digital divide in the state.

The governor unveiled these ambitious plans during a special event held at the Carnegie Free Library in Beaver Falls on Friday. This crucial initiative has received substantial support in the form of over a billion dollars in federal funding.

Over the course of five years, the state will implement a strategic plan to extend high-speed internet connectivity to areas currently lacking reliable service. The primary objective is to ensure that all communities have access to dependable broadband, recognizing its significant impact on health, education, and economic outcomes for Pennsylvanians.

Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of investing in broadband infrastructure as a means to foster economic growth and strengthen communities. He highlighted the need for accessible, reliable, and affordable broadband throughout the state, emphasizing its relevance for every family and community, irrespective of their zip code.

The funding is anticipated to be secured, enabling Pennsylvania to commence the expansion project in the upcoming year. This milestone endeavor is set to bring transformative changes and increased opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth.

Threads Surges Towards 100 Million Users in Just Four Days, Apple Veteran Phil Schiller Joins Platform

Threads, the social media platform, is rapidly approaching 100 million users within just four days, with a significant development being the addition of Apple veteran Phil Schiller to the platform.

Schiller, widely regarded as one of the greatest senior vice presidents of marketing at Apple, made headlines in the past when he deleted his Instagram account due to the removal of beloved filters to accommodate Android phones. Notably, Threads requires an Instagram account for usage.

Having previously deactivated his Twitter account during a turbulent period, Schiller reappeared on the online scene with a new Mastodon account.

It is worth mentioning that Apple brand accounts are prevalent across various platforms, but until now, they had not ventured into Mastodon. However, the landscape has significantly changed within Threads over the past three days, with multiple Apple entities, including Apple News, Apple Books, Apple Music, Shazam, and Beats by Dre, creating accounts on this new social platform.

Furthermore, it is highly likely that more Apple-related accounts will emerge in the near future. Joining Threads is a simple process for those who already possess an Instagram account. Apple maintains a prominent presence on Instagram, encompassing accounts for Apple, Apple TV, and Apple Fitness+. Currently, Beats has made posts on Threads, while the others serve as placeholders.

This development holds significance as it demonstrates Apple's commitment to this nascent Twitter-like platform, particularly considering that the company has not embraced Mastodon to the same extent.

For Threads, it further underscores the platform's swift mainstream adoption, which is evidenced not only by the imminent milestone of 100 million users but also by Apple's active participation.

Upcoming Local Events

• Open Mic at SoulJoel's Tuesday July 11th at 7:00 PM

• Create Generational Wealth with Real Estate - Pottstown, PA July 12th - 9-11 AM EDT

• Warehouse Warriors / Free Outdoor Show at Rivet! July 14th - 6-10PM

• 5th Annual Lew’s Crew Ride for Veteran & First Responder Suicide Awareness - July 15th, 9AM-4PM

• Jimmy Shubert returns to SoulJoel's inside SunnyBrook

• The Alley Arts & Craft July Event - July 30th, 12PM-5PMGot an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

PHILLIES

Miami Marlins Defeat Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 as Bryan De La Cruz Shines with Four Hits, Including a Home Run

Bryan De La Cruz's exceptional performance, featuring a home run and a total of four hits, propelled the Miami Marlins to a 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

Jesús Sánchez and rookie Dane Myers also contributed to the Marlins' success by hitting home runs. With a record of 53-39, the Marlins concluded the first half of the season with their best record in franchise history.

Starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo (8-5) showcased his skills by striking out nine batters and conceding only four hits over 6 1/3 innings. Despite allowing two runs, Luzardo's impressive performance earned him the win. However, he was replaced after hitting Bryson Stott, who had managed two hits against him. During the walk to first base, Luzardo and Stott engaged in a brief exchange of words.

Phillies' star player Bryce Harper was held out of the lineup as a precaution due to soreness in his right elbow. Harper had been hit by a pitch on his surgically repaired elbow in the previous game and exited the field after the third inning.

The Marlins' offense displayed great cohesion, as every batter except Luis Arraez managed to record a hit against Phillies starter Aaron Nola and the two relievers. Arraez, unfortunately, went 0-for-4, causing his major league-leading batting average to drop to .383.

After a franchise-tying 13-game road winning streak, the Phillies suffered defeats in the final two games of the three-game series against Miami.

Miami took an early lead with Sánchez's two-run home run in the first inning, launching the first pitch from Nola (8-6) over the center-field wall. Myers and De La Cruz added solo home runs, while Jean Segura contributed an RBI single in the third inning, extending the Marlins' advantage to 5-0. Myers, a 27-year-old rookie who was called up from the minors on July 3, has recorded hits in six of the seven games he has played.

Nola's outing concluded after six innings, during which he surrendered five runs, eight hits, and struck out six batters. The final strikeout, recorded against Joey Wendle in the sixth inning, marked the 1,500th strikeout of Nola's career.

The Phillies managed to narrow the deficit with Edmundo Sosa's two-run home run in the fifth inning, but De La Cruz added an RBI single against Phillies reliever Matt Strohm in the seventh, solidifying the Marlins' lead.

FLYERS

Philadelphia Flyers Sign Goaltender Alexei Kolosov to Three-Year Entry-Level Contract

The Philadelphia Flyers have officially signed goaltender Alexei Kolosov to a three-year entry-level contract, as announced on Sunday. The specific terms of the deal involving the 2021 third-round draft pick have not been disclosed.

Kolosov, aged 21, displayed impressive performance during the previous season as he recorded a 13-21-5 record with a 2.55 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage in 42 regular-season games with the KHL's Minsk Dynamo.

Hailing from Belarus, Kolosov has accumulated a career record of 28-39-7 in 79 KHL games, all of which were played with Minsk. Throughout his tenure from 2020 to 2023, he maintained a 2.73 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.

The signing of Kolosov adds depth and potential to the Flyers' goaltending roster, and the team is optimistic about his contributions in the seasons to come.

USMNT

Matt Turner's shootout heroics send USMNT into Gold Cup semifinals

In a thrilling showdown in Cincinnati, the United States men's soccer team bested Canada in a penalty-kick shootout, securing their place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals.

Matt Turner, the American goalkeeper, blocked two penalties, setting the stage for a tense conclusion. The tiebreaker was determined in the fifth round, as Canada's Charles-Andreas Brym's shot ricocheted off the crossbar.

The game initially ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time and stood at 2-2 after an additional 30 minutes of play. During the penalty shootout, Cade Cowell, Gianluca Busio, and Jesús Ferreira managed to score for the United States.

The US team is set to face Panama in the next round in San Diego. In another semifinal match, Mexico will confront Jamaica in Las Vegas. The U.S. is striving to match Mexico's record with an eighth Gold Cup championship in 17 attempts.

In the extended play, Jacob Shaffelburg put Canada in front in the 109th minute. However, the U.S. retaliated quickly with an equalizing own goal just five minutes later. Earlier, FC Cincinnati's Brandon Vázquez had taken the lead for the U.S. in the 88th minute, but Steven Vitoria of Canada leveled the score in the final moments of stoppage time with a penalty kick.

The match also featured a pair of controversial calls. The first instance occurred when U.S. defender Miles Robinson was charged with a handball after a video review, which resulted in Vitoria's equalizing penalty. Later, during a Canadian corner kick, a potential handball by Robinson was reviewed again. Though the replay seemed to show a penalty, the referee ruled it as a foul after seeing Busio was knocked down by a Canadian player before the handball.

The previous encounter between the neighboring countries took place in Las Vegas on June 18, where the U.S. emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline in the Nations League final.

United States Midfielder Brenden Aaronson Joins Union Berlin on Loan from Leeds for German Top Flight

Brenden Aaronson, the United States midfielder, is set to join Union Berlin in Germany's top-flight league for the upcoming season on loan from Leeds.

After Leeds suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, Aaronson has agreed to a season-long deal with Union Berlin.

"We extend our best wishes to Brenden as he embarks on his journey at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei," stated his club.

The 22-year-old Aaronson, who joined Leeds from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee of around £25 million ($32 million) in the summer of 2022, made 36 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Union Berlin secured their first-ever qualification for the Champions League, making it an exciting move for Aaronson. His brother, Paxten, also plays in Germany for Frankfurt.

During his time at Leeds, Aaronson scored one goal in 40 appearances across all competitions. He becomes the third player to leave on a season-long loan following the club's relegation, with Diego Llorente joining Roma and Robin Koch signing with Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week in similar deals.

Former Norwich manager Daniel Farke has been appointed as the head coach, entrusted with the task of guiding the club back to the Premier League.

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