Amity Township House Fire: Family Safely Evacuates, Cause Under Investigation

Firefighting crews responded to a blaze in a house on Green Meadow Drive in Amity Township on Tuesday evening.

The fire, which reportedly began in the garage of the property located in the 400 block, saw all three residents – a couple and their teen child – evacuate safely.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

The fire was reported around 9 p.m. A fire marshal is set to conduct an investigation. Meanwhile, the affected family is seeking alternative accommodation for the night.

US Postal Service Announces 24 Regional Job Fairs in September; Two in Berks County

In honor of Labor Day, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced its plans to host 24 job fairs throughout the region this September. Berks County will host two of these hiring events.

Paul Smith, a spokesperson for USPS, remarked, “For those who enjoy being outdoors and want to 'Deliver for America,' the Postal Service presents an excellent chance to join our reputable government agency."

At each job fair, USPS staff will be present to share information about current job openings and to aid in the application process. All applicants should be at least 18 years old.

The job fairs in Berks County are scheduled as follows:

- September 6th at Reading Post Office, located at 2100 N. 13th Street, Reading, PA, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

- September 19th at Boyertown Post Office, located at 128 S. Washington Street, Boyertown, PA, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For details on other USPS job fairs in the area, additional information can be accessed online here.

Pottstown Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession after Tavern Shooting in Reading

A man from Pottstown, Bruce Criddell, has been sentenced to 8 1/2 to 20 years in state prison after a shooting at the Penn Street Tavern in Reading on May 1, 2021.

Although initially charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment, those charges were dropped due to the victim's lack of cooperation.

However, due to Criddell's prior convictions, he was found guilty of illegally carrying a firearm. During the incident, after an altercation with another patron, Criddell fired three shots, injuring one man. The sequence of events was confirmed by the bar's security footage.

Man with Gun Charges Absconds from Berks County Court Hearing

Jonathan Polanco, a 28-year-old man facing multiple charges including prohibited firearm possession and receiving stolen property, did not appear for his scheduled hearing at the Berks County Court of Common Pleas last week, according to state police in Reading.

In addition to these charges, Polanco is also accused of attempting to evade an officer and traffic-related offenses. He has connections in both Reading and New York City. Authorities have warned that Polanco has a history of carrying stolen firearms and should be viewed as armed and potentially dangerous.

The police are urging anyone with relevant information to reach out to state police at 610-562-6885. Tips can also be anonymously provided to the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or through their online platform.

Upcoming Local Events

• Biergarten Bingo - Root Down Biergarten - AUGUST 30TH, 6 PM – 8 PM

• Wacky Wednesday Cash Bingo - AUGUST 30TH, 6:30 - 9:30 PM

• Farewell to Summer: Luau Bingo at SoulJoel's for $2,550 Cash - AUGUST 30TH - 7 PM – 9 PM

• Norah Jean Schweitzer liver Comedy Fundraiser at SoulJoel’s - AUGUST 31ST, 7 PM

• Trivia Thursdays at Gatsby's Pub - AUGUST 31ST, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Trivia Night at Iron Gate Biergarten - AUGUST 31ST, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Gianmarco Soresi debuts at SoulJoel’s INSIDE Sunnybrook - SEPTEMBER 1ST, 7PM

• Friday Night Cash Bingo - SEPTEMBER 1ST, 7 PM – 10:15 PM

• MR. NICE GUY / FREE OUTDOOR SHOW AT RIVET COURTYARD BAR! - SEPTEMBER 1ST, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• The Ty Faherty Band at Rivet! / FREE Outdoor Show on High Street - SEPTEMBER 2ND, 3PM

• Disney Junior Live On Tour Costume Palooza - SEPTEMBER 2ND, 3PM

• Alan Massenburg headlines inside at SoulJoel’s - SEPTEMBER 2ND, 6PM

• Ludwig's Corner Horse Show & Country Fair 2023 - SEPTEMBER 3RD, 12 PM – 4 PM

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PHILLIES

Harper's 299th Homer Sparks Phillies' Surge, Eyes on Milestone in Upcoming Games

Bryce Harper energized the Philadelphia Phillies with his 299th career home run, pushing him close to a significant MLB milestone. Alec Bohm's three-run homer after Harper was intentionally walked led the Phillies to their fifth straight victory, defeating the Los Angeles Angels 12-7.

The Phillies' prowess this season was evident with five home runs in one night, matching their season's best. The Angels, meanwhile, seem to be in decline, with seven losses in their last nine games.

Anticipation is building around Harper potentially achieving his 300th home run soon. On the pitching side, Michael Lorenzen stood out, allowing only three runs in six innings and making a critical play against Shohei Ohtani.

EAGLES

Philadelphia Eagles Make Roster Adjustments Ahead of the 53-Player Limit for Regular Season

OVERVIEW OF ROSTER CHANGES

RELEASED:

The listed players, being vested veterans with at least four seasons under their belt, are now eligible to join any team:

- LB Nicholas Morrow

- WR Greg Ward

- C Cameron Tom

- OLs Dennis Kelly, Brett Toth, Josh Andrews

- TE Dan Arnold

WAIVED:

The following players have been placed on waivers:

- LB Ben VanSumeren

- OG Josh Sills

- DE Janarius Robinson

- S Tristin McCollum

- CB Mekhi Garner

- S K’Von Wallace

- ... [and 17 others, for brevity]

TRADE INCOMING:

- TE Albert Okwuegbunam

NOTABLE PLAYERS WHO SECURED A SPOT:

- CB Eli Ricks

- S Justin Evans

- DTs Kentavius Street, Moro Ojomo

- TE Grant Calcaterra

INSIGHTS:

The Eagles currently lack both a punter and punt returner. They might be in the market for a new punter and could hope Britain Covey makes it to their practice squad for a temporary elevation for punt returns, echoing last year's strategy.

Although Derek Barnett remains, despite permission to seek a trade, it's noteworthy that Jalen Reagor made the initial 53-man roster last year but was later traded.

The release of K’Von Wallace, a 2020 fourth-round pick, was unexpected. Despite a less-than-stellar performance last season, he had managed to stay on. Reports suggest that he has garnered interest from other teams and won't return to Philadelphia.

Despite showing promise in the preseason, Ben VanSumeren needs further refinement. Josh Sills, meanwhile, had a shot at staying but underperformed after his recent activation.

As the Eagles gear up for their opening match against the New England Patriots on September 10, it's anticipated that the team will see further tweaks, though the core roster will remain largely consistent.

Pottstown Senior High School Football Schedule

Varsity Football

Pottstown Senior High School takes on Interboro Senior High School this week.

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

  16Th & Amosland Road Prospect Park, PA 19076

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