In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

📆NEW EVENT CALENDAR

🚔 Major Gun Trafficking Operation Busted in Pennsylvania, Nine Charged

 🏥 New Partnership Enhances Support for Domestic Violence Victims at Pottstown Hospital

 🐻 Celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80th Birthday at Berks Heritage Center

🏊‍♂️ Cheer on Olympic Swimmer Chris Guiliano at Island Pizza Watch Party

⚾️ Strategic Trades Set Phillies Up for October Success

Major Gun Trafficking Operation Busted in Pennsylvania, Nine Charged

Nine men have been arrested and charged in connection with a gun trafficking ring spanning eight Pennsylvania counties. The suspects used 3D printers to manufacture and sell ghost guns and other illegal devices.

The investigation began on February 1, 2024, when police responded to a stabbing at Pottstown Hospital. The victim, James Hiller, was later found to have been stabbed during an illegal firearm sale, leading to the discovery of the trafficking network.

The suspects, aged 18 to 36, are from Boyertown, Birdsboro, and Pottstown. They purchased 31 firearms from various stores and used a 3D-printing lab to create untraceable ghost guns and devices converting semi-automatic firearms into machine guns.

Authorities from multiple agencies used cellphone data, firearm records, surveillance footage, and social media analysis to investigate. They recovered 17 of the 31 firearms, some linked to past criminal incidents.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry called for stricter gun laws and praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in dismantling the network. The suspects face charges including corrupt organization, illegal firearm sales, and criminal conspiracy, and were scheduled for arraignment on July 30.

New Partnership Enhances Support for Domestic Violence Victims at Pottstown Hospital

Pottstown Hospital has announced a new partnership with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County. This collaboration aims to improve resources and services for patients, particularly those experiencing domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

As part of the partnership, a medical advocate from the Women’s Center will be onsite at Pottstown Hospital two days a week. This advocate will provide immediate support and services to patients and offer confidential consultations for those disclosing domestic, partner, or elder abuse.

Celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80th Birthday at Berks Heritage Center

The Berks County Parks & Recreation Department will host a free event for Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday on Saturday, August 10th, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Berks County Heritage Center. Activities include storytelling sessions by the Berks County Library System, a Smokey Coloring Station, a kids coloring contest, firetruck displays, and a drone demonstration. Food will be available from the Lio Colon Food Bus and Greco’s Italian Ices & Homemade Ice Cream. Other attractions include face painting and a Smokey Passport contest. The Heritage Center is located at 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading, PA 19605.

Cheer on Olympic Swimmer Chris Guiliano at Island Pizza Watch Party

Join us at Island Pizza on Wednesday, July 31st, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM for a special watch party to cheer on our local Olympic swimmer, Chris Guiliano! Chris will compete in the 100m freestyle finals at around 4:39 PM. Wear your Daniel Boone or USA gear and enjoy $1.50 domestic drafts and $1 slices of pizza.

Chris, a Daniel Boone graduate and Notre Dame senior, has had a busy Olympics in Paris. He advanced to the 100m freestyle finals after placing seventh in the semifinals with a time of 47.72 seconds. He previously won the 100m freestyle at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a time of 48.25 seconds.

Additionally, Chris earned a silver medal on Tuesday for his performance in the 4×200-meter relay, contributing to the U.S. team's second-place finish. On Saturday, he made history as the first Notre Dame men’s swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal, helping the U.S. secure victory in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay.

Come out and show your support for Chris as he goes for another gold medal. Let’s bring our community spirit and loudest cheers to Island Pizza!

Strategic Trades Set Phillies Up for October Success

The Philadelphia Phillies, led by President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, made significant moves just before the July 30 trade deadline. The team acquired left-handed pitcher Tanner Banks from the Chicago White Sox and traded left-handed pitcher Gregory Soto to the Baltimore Orioles for right-handed pitchers Seth Johnson and Moisés Chace.

Tanner Banks, 32, joins the Phillies' bullpen with a .184 batting average against left-handed hitters this season. He is expected to be crucial in high-leverage situations during the NL playoffs and is under team control until 2028.

Gregory Soto, a two-time All-Star, was traded to the Orioles in exchange for prospects Seth Johnson and Moisés Chace. Despite his potential, Soto's control issues led the Phillies to seek a more reliable option in Banks.

Seth Johnson, a first-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019, Johnson has a 2.63 ERA in Double-A this season. The Phillies expect him to develop into a starter at the MLB level.

Moisés Chace, 21, has shown promise with a 3.81 ERA in High-A. The Phillies see potential in Chace to become a starter in the majors.

The Phillies aimed to bolster their bullpen and maintain a balance between competing for a World Series and preserving their top prospects. The additions of Banks, Johnson, and Chace, along with earlier acquisitions of Austin Hays and Carlos Estévez, aim to strengthen the team for a deep playoff run.

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!

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