Exeter Township Advances Chick-Fil-A's Expansion Plan for Enhanced Drive-Thru and Kitchen Facilities

The Exeter Township Planning Commission unanimously endorsed a preliminary plan for Chick-Fil-A's adjustments at Exeter Commons during their Monday meeting.

Previously in July, the township supervisors had permitted the restaurant to narrow their drive-thru lanes by two feet. Justin Thornton, from the engineering firm representing Chick-Fil-A, shared that the site's modifications aim to enlarge the kitchen space for faster food preparation and incorporate two drive-thru lanes for efficient traffic movement.

Although these changes led to a reconfiguration of the parking lot and the apparent loss of 11 parking stalls, Thornton emphasized that the restaurant's practice of blocking 11 spaces for drive-thru efficiency meant no real loss of parking spaces, aligning with the township's regulations. The restaurant's interior seating capacity remains unchanged, and new landscaping will be introduced east of the building due to construction.

The township engineer, Joseph Rogosky, noted that initial plans were presented in May, which were followed by a discussion in July about the approved zoning variance. Updated plans were submitted in late June to accommodate the previous comments. Thornton informed the commissioners about an impending 6 to 8-week closure of the restaurant during construction, though the exact commencement date remains undetermined.

Vic DiBitetto headlines SoulJoel's INSIDE SunnyBrook

SoulJoel Presents:

Vic DiBitetto Headlines SoulJoel's INSIDE SunnyBrook

Friday August 25th @ 7pm

Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm

General Admission only $25

VIP tickets only $35

50 Sunnybrook Road Pottstown, PA 19464

Get tickets here: https://www.souljoels.com/shop/tickets/vicdcomedydome/

About Vic:

✅ Over 1 Billion views on social media worldwide

✅ Cast member for Amazon Prime television series Gravesend with Chazz Palminteri, Armand Assante and William Forsythe

✅ Regularly featured on syndicated daytime tv series Right This Minute

✅ Currently touring US, Canada, and Europe

You’re Invited To Join the Pottstown Local Scoop - Official Community Discussion Group on Facebook

We’re so glad you’ve joined the Pottstown Local Scoop - Official Community Discussion Group! This group was created as a place for residents to come together and discuss everything happening in our great town.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just moved to Pottstown, we’re excited to have you as part of this community forum. Here are a few things we hope you’ll use this group for:

• Share local news and events - help your neighbors stay in the know!

• Recommend your favorite local businesses - help support our local economy

• Ask questions and get advice about the area

• Join or organize community groups and meetings

• Stay up to date on town issues and developments

• Connect with fellow residents who share your interests

• And more! Everything Pottstown-related is welcome.

This group is for residents to discuss news, events, businesses, issues, and anything else related to our town. Let’s keep the conversations friendly, relevant, and productive.

We can’t wait to see members sharing local insights, tips, and perspectives.

Introduce yourself in the comments!

• What brought you to Pottstown?

• What do you love about the town?

• What would you like to see happen here in the future?

Thanks for being part of this community forum. We’re looking forward to the great discussions ahead!

Lower Pottsgrove Man Sentenced for Unlawful Firearm Possession During Traffic Stop

Tracy Plummer, a 42-year-old man from Lower Pottsgrove, was sentenced to 11½ to 23 months in Montgomery County Jail for unlawfully possessing a firearm during a traffic stop in Whitpain Township.

Although eligible for the jail’s work release program, he must also complete seven years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

The handgun in question will be destroyed by county detectives. Plummer claimed the firearm was registered to his wife, but he lacked the necessary permit.

His defense stressed past convictions were from his late teens and highlighted his current positive community contributions. Some charges against Plummer were dropped.

Lower Pottsgrove Man Sentenced for Possession of Over 500 Child Pornography Files

Lower Pottsgrove resident, Donovan Michael Leach, 51, has been sentenced to a state correctional facility for 1 to 2 years after admitting to possessing over 500 images and videos of child pornography on his cellphone. The Montgomery County Court found him guilty of multiple counts of child pornography possession relating to incidents from July to August 2022.

Judge Thomas P. Rogers, recognizing Leach's former occupation as a photographer, ordered him not to have any contact with children and to avoid any offensive interactions with his own two children. Leach must also adhere to any recommended treatments or counseling. Furthermore, he is required to register his address with state police for the next 15 years as per Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act, also known as Megan’s Law.

Assistant District Attorney Karla Pisarcik emphasized the severe impact of Leach's actions on the young victims, some as young as 8 or 9. She highlighted that child pornography is not a victimless crime and every viewing re-victimizes the child. Pisarcik reiterated that without viewers, there wouldn't be a market for such heinous content.

A statement from one identified victim, residing out-of-state, was presented to the judge. Law enforcement's practice is to notify victims, even those who are now adults, whenever their images are viewed, possessed, or shared.

Pisarcik underlined the perpetual trauma victims endure, as they never know when their images will resurface. Hence, she pushed for a state prison sentence to ensure Leach comprehended the gravity of his actions.

While in court, Leach received support from his wife and church members who vouched for him and pleaded for mercy. His defense attorney was Gabriela Sanchez.

The investigation into Leach began in July 2022. State police, while probing internet sharing of child pornography, pinpointed a video on a computer linked to Leach's IP address showing numerous child victims. Subsequent to a search warrant execution on August 4 at Leach's residence, he confessed to possessing child pornography on his devices. Data extraction from Leach's phone unveiled 20 videos and over 500 images of female children in compromising situations.

Certain charges against Leach, including the dissemination of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility, were dropped.

Three Men, Including Two from Reading, Charged with Child Pornography Possession

Adam Weinsteiger, 29, Edwin M. Gual, 48, both from Reading, and Victor Batista-Sanchez, 20, currently residing in Bronx but formerly from Reading, have been charged with the possession and distribution of child pornography.

The Berks County District Attorney's Office reported that from May to September 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children forwarded three referrals to Berks County detectives concerning file sharing of child pornography. Separate investigations were launched, connecting the three men to specific internet accounts distributing these materials.

After securing search warrants for each defendant's residence, authorities confiscated electronic devices which, upon forensic analysis, revealed numerous illicit images and videos.

Weinsteiger, charged with possession of child pornography and the criminal use of a communications facility, turned himself in and was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Sandra L. Fegley. His bail is $50,000.

Gual, similarly charged, was apprehended and presented before Magisterial District Judge Carissa Johnson, with a bail set at $100,000.

Batista-Sanchez faced charges of possession, dissemination of child pornography, and the criminal use of a communications facility. After surrendering, he was brought before Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. As of the latest update, his bail amount remains undetermined.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Release Delayed Due to Image Sensor Shortages; Other Models Expected to Ship On Time

Apple is set to announce its iPhone 15 series in three weeks, with shipments expected to start in four weeks. However, the premium iPhone 15 Pro Max model, which features the most advanced camera system, may face delays into October due to image sensor availability issues.

Sony, the camera parts supplier, is reportedly unable to provide the image sensor for the Pro Max model on time. This model is expected to feature a periscope lens system for greater optical zoom.

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will have ultra-wide and wide cameras, but not telephoto cameras. Apple has previously faced similar delays with other iPhone models. The new iPhone 15 lineup is also expected to feature USB-C charging ports and a Dynamic Island design. The Pro models will likely use titanium instead of stainless steel and replace the mute switch with a programmable button.

The Alley Arts & Craft August Event

You’re invited for an afternoon of sipping and shopping!

WHEN: SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2023 AT 12 PM – 5 PM
WHERE: The Alley On High Street, 228 E High Street Pottstown PA

A great gathering of local artists will be set up and sharing to make The Alley and artisan market.

You’re not gonna wanna miss this event. Great Alley drinks, good music, amazing artist, family and dog friendly.

Free parking in the back lot and free admission. The only vendor contact for this event is Christy Morrell from Made by Morrell.

Upcoming Local Events

• Dueling Pianos: Wednesday's at Gatsby's Pub Sunnybrook - AUGUST 23rd, 7PM - 10PM

• Barbie themed Bingo at SoulJoel's for $2,550 in CASH - AUGUST 23rd, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Trivia Thursdays at Gatsby's Pub at Gatsby's at the Sunnybrook - AUGUST 24th, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Country Line Dancing @ Island Pizza!! - AUGUST 24th, 7:30-10:30 PM

• Vic DiBitetto headlines SoulJoel's INSIDE SunnyBrook - AUGUST 25th, 7 PM

• Late Night Laughs w/ Jay Yoder and Steve Rinaldi -

  AUGUST 25th, 9 PM – 11 PM

• DJ Saturday's at Gatsby's Pub w/ MC ΔT The SunnyBrook Ballroom - AUGUST 26th, 9 PM – 11 PM

• Muhlenberg Township's RiverFest at Jim Dietrich Park - AUGUST 25th (5PM) through 27th (7PM)

• BMBA Wine Walk - Camping Party - AUGUST 25th, 5:30 PM – 8 PM

• Rivertribe Outdoors Presents the Red Corner Benefit - AUGUST 26th, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

• Shrimp and Steamed Clams “Open to the Community" Event @ Boyertown American Legion Post 0471 - AUGUST 26th, 5 PM

• Special Event: Line Dancing Saturday at SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook - AUGUST 26th, 7 PM – 11 PM

• National Cinema Day 🎥 Flagship Cinemas Pottstown - AUGUST 27th, 10 AM

• The Alley Arts & Craft August Event at The Alley on High Street - AUGUST 27th, 12 PM – 5 PM

• Sundaes and Succulents at Scoupe DeVille in Birdsboro - AUGUST 27th, 1 PM – 5 PM

• Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Hustle, Night Club and Country 2 Dance plus lessons w/ Larry and Claudia - AUGUST 27th, AT 2 PM

• Jackie "The Joke Man," Martling debuts at SoulJoel's inside SunnyBrook - AUGUST 27th, 7:00 PM

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

PHILLIES

Turner's Late-Inning Hit Seals Phillies' 4-3 Win Over Struggling Giants

Trea Turner delivered a crucial two-run single off Camilo Doval's glove in the ninth, propelling the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-3 win against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday evening.

This win extended Philadelphia's advantage over San Francisco to four games in the National League wild-card contest. The Giants, having lost 12 out of their recent 16 matchups, now rank third in the wild-card standings, paralleling Arizona.

Reflecting on the team's resilience, Turner remarked, “We've often been a run or two behind late in the game, particularly at home, but we've consistently piled pressure on opponents and pulled through.”

Craig Kimbrel secured the win with a solid inning, prompting Phillies manager Rob Thomson to praise the team's competitive spirit.

The Giants' relievers initially contained the Phillies to two hits over almost five innings. However, the Phillies eventually found their stride against Doval. Giants manager Gabe Kapler attributed the change to the Phillies' batters understanding Doval's mix of sinkers and cut fastballs.

The game's critical moment came when, following a series of plays, Turner faced a 2-2 count and hit a decisive liner, driving in the tying and winning runs.

Joc Pederson's two-run double seemed to be the game's highlight until the ninth-inning drama. He drove in Estrada and Wilmer Flores, with Estrada impressing with three hits for the night.

Highlighting the team spirit, Kapler said, "We had opportunities early in the game, but couldn't capitalize. We triumph and falter as a unit, and tonight was a collective setback.”

The game also saw the major league debut of Kyle Harrison, the Giants' top pitching prospect. He pitched over three innings, allowing two earned runs.

On the Phillies' side, Bryce Harper showcased his prowess with a two-run homer, his second in consecutive nights. Taijuan Walker's performance was also notable, pitching five innings with two earned runs and seven strikeouts.

NBA Slaps $100,000 Fine on 76ers' James Harden Over Trade Comments

Philadelphia 76ers guard, James Harden, has been penalized $100,000 by the NBA for remarks he made publicly about his position with the team.

On Aug. 14 and Aug. 17, Harden voiced that he wouldn't fulfill his contractual playing duties unless he was transferred to a different team. The NBA's subsequent investigation, which included discussions with Harden, confirmed that these statements stemmed from his perception that the 76ers would decline his request for a trade.

Pottstown Senior High School Football Schedule

Varsity Football

• Saturday - August 26th at 1:00 PM vs MLK

  (AWAY) - Benjamin L. Johnson Field 

  1199 E Sedgwick Ave Philadelphia, PA 19150

• Thursday - August 31st at 7:00 PM vs Interboro Senior HS (AWAY) Interboro Senior High School

  16Th & Amosland Road Prospect Park, PA 19076

• Friday - September 8th at 7:00 PM vs Harriton Senior HS

  (Home) Pottstown High School

  750 N Washington St Pottstown PA, 19464

• September 15th at 7:00 PM vs Executive Education Academy Charter

  (Home) Pottstown High School

  750 N Washington St Pottstown, PA 19464

• September 22nd at 7:00 PM vs Pottsgrove

  (Home) Pottstown High School

  750 N Washington St Pottstown, PA 19464

• September 29th at 7:00 PM vs Phoenixville

  (Away) Phoenixville High School

  1200 Gay St Phoenixville PA 19460

• October 6th at 7:00 PM vs Upper Perkiomen

  (AWAY) Upper Perkiomen

  2 Walt Rd Pennsburg PA 18073

• October 13th at 7:00 PM vs Pope John Paul II

  (Home) Pottstown High School

  750 N Washington St Pottstown PA 19464

• October 20th at 7:00 PM vs Upper Merion Area

  (Home) Pottstown High School

  750 N Washington St Pottstown PA 19464

• October 27th at 7:00 PM vs OPEN

  TBD - PAC Crossover Week

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