In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

 📆  NEW EVENT CALENDAR

 🚨  Authorities Seek Public Help in Locating Abraxas Academy Escapees

 🛼 Fun-Filled Week at Ringing Rocks Roller Rink: Don’t Miss Out!

 🚧  U.S. 422 Construction Continues: Expect Delays and Lane Closures

⚽️ Rookie Andrew Rick Shines as Union Draw with Red Bulls

⚾️ Seven Phillies Players Heading to 2024 MLB All-Star Game

 🤖 Workshop Notice: AI Made Easy For Local Businesses to be held at Diamond Credit Union in Pottstown

Authorities Seek Public Help in Locating Abraxas Academy Escapees

Pennsylvania State Police are actively searching for two males who escaped from Abraxas Academy in Berks County. The escape occurred on Saturday around 4 PM. One of the individuals is from Reading, while the other hails from Bristol Township in Bucks County.

The escapees' descriptions have not been released to the public, but authorities urge residents in the surrounding areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Police are collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to track down the individuals.

The Abraxas Academy, a residential facility for at-risk youth, has not commented on the incident. This escape has raised concerns among community members about security measures at the facility.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the escapees is encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police immediately.

Fun-Filled Week at Ringing Rocks Roller Rink: Don’t Miss Out!

The Ringing Rocks Roller Rink has a fantastic lineup of events for the week of July 8th. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for some fun on wheels!

• Tuesday: Cheapskate Night – Enjoy discounted admission and skate the night away without breaking the bank.

• Friday: Family Skate – Bring the whole family for an evening of fun and bonding on the rink.

• Saturday: Rockstar Roller Derby Fundraising Event – Support your local roller derby team and enjoy thrilling action!

• Sunday: Easy Like Sunday Morning – Relax and unwind with a laid-back skating session to wrap up the week.

Don’t miss out! Visit the website to purchase your tickets in advance: https://ringingrocksrollerrink.square.site/#BxMFgz

U.S. 422 Construction Continues:

Expect Delays and Lane Closures

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that construction activities will continue next week on U.S. 422 as part of an $83.6 million project aimed at reconstructing and improving approximately 2.1 miles of the expressway. The project also includes replacing bridges between the Sanatoga Interchange and Porter Road in Lower Pottsgrove Township, Montgomery County.

Motorists should be aware of the following travel restrictions:

• Monday, July 8, through Thursday, July 11: A lane closure will be in place on westbound U.S. 422 between the Oaks and Sanatoga interchanges from 4:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

• Monday, July 8, through Friday, July 12: A lane closure will be in place on westbound U.S. 422 between Evergreen Road and Armand Hammer Boulevard from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

• Monday, July 8, through Friday, July 12: A lane closure will be in place on eastbound U.S. 422 between Keim Street and Evergreen Road from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through these work areas as backups and delays are expected. All scheduled activities are weather-dependent.

The Section M1B project involves reconstructing U.S. 422 on both existing and revised alignments to improve horizontal curve radii, shoulder widths, and vertical clearance to enhance travel and safety. Additionally, a culvert at Sprogels Run, just east of Porter Road, will be removed and replaced with a new two-span bridge. The bridge carrying U.S. 422 over Sanatoga Road and Sanatoga Creek will also be reconstructed and widened.

Workshop Notice:
‘AI Made Easy For Local Businesses’

to be held at Diamond Credit Union

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This event will be held at Diamond Credit Union in Pottstown PA - 1600 Medical Dr, Pottstown, PA 19464

Rookie Andrew Rick Shines as

Union Draw with Red Bulls

Andrew Rick showcased his defensive prowess on Saturday night, helping the Philadelphia Union secure a 0-0 draw against the New York Red Bulls at Subaru Park. The rookie goalkeeper, a Homegrown talent, managed to block all five shots aimed at his goal, preventing a sixth consecutive loss for the Union.

Rick downplayed his contributions, labeling the saves as "routine," but his efforts were anything but ordinary for a team that has conceded 18 goals in their last six games. With just four starts and two full 90-minute matches from perennial All-Star Andre Blake this year, Rick’s solid performance brought much-needed stability.

Union manager Jim Curtin praised Rick’s impact. “Anytime you make an early save, it builds confidence and belief,” Curtin said. “He made some big saves tonight that we needed. It’s a clean sheet for a young goalkeeper, which can only build confidence.”

The Union, struggling with a record of 4-9-9 and 21 points, have been in desperate need of defensive confidence. The team has allowed multiple goals in 12 of their last 15 games and often concedes first. Rick’s performance against the Red Bulls, especially against a 2.7 expected goals (xG) tally, was a bright spot in a turbulent season.

Defender Damion Lowe highlighted Rick’s contributions, saying, “He came up with three big saves, especially in the first half with the two breakaways. He’s a kid destined for greatness. We have to show him that we believe in him.”

Signed on May 4, Rick made five saves in a 2-0 loss to Charlotte and faced a tough 4-2 defeat against Montreal. His recent performances have come amid a series of injuries and international absences for the team. Manager Curtin has lamented having to rely on Rick in such challenging circumstances, but the teenager has taken it in stride.

“Right now, that’s the situation,” Rick said. “If they trust me to step in now, then I’ll step in now and do my job as best as I can.”

With Blake expected to return to training soon after recovering from meniscus surgery, Rick may still be needed for the upcoming match against Toronto. Despite the Union’s struggles, the team is just three points away from the last playoff spot in the East, and Rick’s performance offers a glimmer of hope.

“When I step on the field, I try not to do too much,” Rick said. “I trust my teammates, I let them defend, I let them attack, and I do my job to give them as much confidence as possible.”

Seven Phillies Players Heading to 2024 MLB All-Star Game

The Philadelphia Phillies are making history by sending a franchise-record seven players to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas, later this month. This remarkable achievement highlights the team's stellar performance this season, particularly their pitching staff, recognized as one of the best in baseball.

The MLB announced the All-Star pitchers and reserves on Sunday, and the Phillies' representation is impressive. Pitchers Ranger Suárez, Zack Wheeler, Matt Strahm, and Jeff Hoffman have been selected as All-Stars, alongside position players Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Alec Bohm.

Suárez, Strahm, and Hoffman are first-time All-Stars, while Wheeler will be making his second appearance, having previously been selected in 2021. Both Suárez and Wheeler are strong National League Cy-Young candidates, contributing significantly to the Phillies' league-best 58-32 record. They each rank in the top 10 in MLB for ERA.

Ranger Suárez, 28, is enjoying the best season of his career with a 10-3 record, which ties for second in wins in the league. He also ranks 12th in the league with a 1.02 WHIP and is on track to set a personal best for strikeouts in a season. Despite a challenging June, including a minor injury against the St. Louis Cardinals and a rough outing against the Atlanta Braves, Suárez remains a key player for the Phillies.

Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman are also heading to their first All-Star games. Hoffman boasts a team-leading 1.21 ERA, with eight saves, 47 strikeouts, and a 3-1 record. Strahm has a 4-1 record with a 1.59 ERA and 45 strikeouts.

This achievement surpasses the Phillies' previous record of five All-Star players, which occurred six times, most recently in 2011 with Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Placido Polanco, and Shane Victorino.

The 2024 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.

Pottstown Local Scoop Launches
New Community Event Calendar

We’re excited to announce that we’ve launched a New Community Event Calendar! Introducing Pottstown Live!

To better serve and provide quick turnaround, we thought providing a resource that provided value through promoting local and community events more efficiently.

We invite you to check it out, stay informed, and submit your events to Thousands of Pottstown Locals!

👇 Have an Upcoming Event?👇