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- Trial Set for Reading Man in Fatal North Coventry DUI Crash
Trial Set for Reading Man in Fatal North Coventry DUI Crash
Issue #271

In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…
⚖️ Trial Set for Reading Man in Fatal North Coventry DUI Crash
☀️ Code Red: Montgomery County Opens Cooling Centers Amid Heatwave
🎬 Colonial Theatre Hosts Classic Comedy Screening on August 10
⚽️ Sunrise Day Camp Welcomes Philadelphia Union Players for a Special Day
🏈 Eagles' Hurts Thriving in New Offensive System with Kellen Moore



Trial Set for Reading Man in Fatal North Coventry DUI Crash
A Reading man will stand trial in Chester County for DUI-related charges after a February crash that killed his girlfriend. Calixto Melendez, 28, faces charges including homicide by vehicle and DUI. The crash occurred on South Hanover Street in North Coventry Township when Melendez lost control of his car, which collided with another vehicle before hitting a tree. His girlfriend, Ashley Tordonato, died at the scene. Melendez, who was found intoxicated, has been in custody since June 26, held on $150,000 bail.
Code Red: Montgomery County Opens Cooling Centers Amid Heatwave
Montgomery County has issued a Code Red hot weather emergency as extreme heat moves into the greater Philadelphia area. The emergency is in effect 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. The county declares a Code Red when the heat index is expected to exceed 100 degrees for more than two hours, with Tuesday's index forecasted to reach 108.
This declaration enables the county to provide additional emergency resources, including cooling centers, to assist vulnerable populations such as low-income households, homeless individuals, children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions. Residents are encouraged to check on at-risk neighbors and seek medical attention if they experience heat-related symptoms like muscle cramps, headache, nausea, or vomiting.
Cooling centers in Norristown and Pottstown will be open during the Code Red hours, including:
Norristown Hospitality Center: 530 Church Street, Norristown
Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library: 1001 Powell Street, Norristown
Pottstown Regional Public Library: 500 East High Street, Pottstown
TriCounty Active Adult Center: 288 Moser Road, Pottstown
Colonial Theatre Hosts Classic Comedy Screening on August 10
Families in Chester and Montgomery counties can enjoy an afternoon of classic comedy on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville. The event, beginning at 1:30 p.m., will feature a selection of beloved Three Stooges shorts and a full-length Laurel and Hardy film.
The screening, organized by local chapters of the Laurel and Hardy appreciation group Sons of the Desert, will take place at the historic Colonial Theatre on Bridge Street. The program includes four remastered Three Stooges shorts, such as "Hoi Poloi" and "Three Little Pigskins," along with the Laurel and Hardy classic "Way Out West," considered one of their funniest films.
Tickets are priced at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, and military personnel, and $8 for children under 13. They can be purchased in advance on the Colonial Theatre’s website. For more information about the event or the Sons of the Desert group, interested individuals can contact Madden via email or visit their Facebook page.
Sunrise Day Camp Welcomes Philadelphia Union Players for a Special Day

Philadelphia Union players brought smiles and excitement to children at Sunrise Day Camp in Wynnewood during a special visit on Thursday. The camp, dedicated to children battling cancer and their siblings, welcomed Union players Kai Wagner and Leon Flach, who spent the day teaching soccer moves and sharing joy with the campers.
Executive Director Jenni Rebetti expressed her excitement about the Union’s involvement, noting that this is the second summer the players have visited, serving as incredible role models for the children. For Wagner, this was his second visit to the camp, and he brought along Flach for his first. Both players were touched by the children's enthusiasm, with Flach sharing how rewarding it was to see the kids having fun.
Sunrise Day Camp will continue until August 15, with slots still available for children with cancer and their siblings.
Eagles' Hurts Thriving in New Offensive System with Kellen Moore

Jalen Hurts is quickly adapting to the Philadelphia Eagles' new offensive system under coordinator Kellen Moore. In the first days of training camp, Hurts has impressed with his sharpness, avoiding interceptions and showing promise in Moore's offense.
After a challenging 2023 season where Hurts threw 15 interceptions despite career highs in yards and touchdowns, he’s focused on improving decision-making. The Eagles struggled late last year, losing six of their final seven games, but Hurts is optimistic about the fresh start with Moore, who brings a more dynamic approach, including increased pre-snap motion.
Hurts will also be working with a new center, Cam Jurgens, and has an All-Pro addition in running back Saquon Barkley. With star receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who both signed long-term extensions, the offense is poised for a strong season.
Head coach Nick Sirianni praised Hurts’ performance, noting his control of the offense and strong execution in camp. As the Eagles prepare for their preseason opener, all eyes are on Hurts and his development under Moore's guidance.
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?👇
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