In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

 📅 Pottstown Area Events

 🚂 Pottstown Prepares for Big Boy Locomotive Visit on July 2, Road Closures & Stormwater Repairs

🗄️ TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Hiring Office Administrator

 🌵 Chester County Faces Longest Dry Spell in More Than 25 Years

 💲 SUN Bucks Program Offers $120 Per Eligible Child for Food Assistance

 June 10th

• Free Music Open Mic hosted inside Gatsby’s Pub - 7:00pm

• The Last Big Band: Jazz Orchestra LIVE at Rivet! - 6:00pm - 9:00pm

 June 11th

• Best of The Burbs Semi-Finals - 6:00pm & 8:00pm

• SoulJoel’s Unplugged w/ Ian Althouse - 6:30pm

• Ben Folds with special guest Lindsey Kraft - 7:00pm

 June 12th

• Elmo's Got The Moves - 5:00pm

• 80’s vs 90’s Dance Party - 6:30pm

• Comedian Lewis Belt debut at SoulJoel’s - 7:00pm & 9:00pm

 June 13th

• Candice Guardino’s Italian Bred - 7:30pm

• Late Night Laughs w/ Jay Yoder - 8:00pm

 June 14th

• Pennsylvania Benjamins vs. Zurich Ibexx - IAL Football - 2:30pm

• Mojo Hotel @ Sly Fox Tastin' Room - 4:00pm - 7:00pm

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Pottstown Prepares for Big Boy Locomotive Visit, Road Closures & Stormwater Repairs

The Borough of Pottstown has released several important updates following its recent council meeting, including preparations for the arrival of the historic Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive, infrastructure improvements and changes to rental inspection policies.

Big Boy Locomotive Visit Set for July 2

Borough officials are coordinating with Union Pacific as the legendary Big Boy steam locomotive makes a scheduled stop in Pottstown on Thursday, July 2, as part of the America 250 Tour.

🚂 Expected Arrival: Approximately 3:30 p.m.
⏱️ Stop Duration: Approximately 15 minutes

Due to the anticipated crowds and visitor traffic, the following closures are planned:

🚧 Hanover Street (between High Street and Industrial Highway)

• Closed from Noon to 5 p.m.

🅿️ Parking Lot #1

• Closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Officials say additional details regarding traffic patterns and viewing opportunities will be released closer to the event.

Goose and Tanyard Run Repair Project Approved

Council also approved bids for the Goose and Tanyard Run Repair Project, a grant-funded initiative focused on maintaining and improving the borough's stormwater infrastructure.

Planned work includes:

• Approximately 1,000 linear feet of new concrete benching

• Approximately 1,000 linear feet of concrete patching

• 300 square feet of Gunite lining

Officials say the preventative maintenance project will help improve system performance and protect critical infrastructure.

Ride for the River Returns Sept. 19

Council approved plans for the annual Ride for the River cycling event, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19 at Riverfront Park.

The event typically attracts more than 200 cyclists and visitors and showcases Pottstown's connection to the Schuylkill River Trail, local parks and regional attractions.

Rental Inspection Ordinance Updated

Council also adopted amendments to the borough's rental inspection and licensing ordinance.

The changes:

• Allow property owners to utilize qualified third-party inspectors for certain inspections

• Expand inspection options while maintaining borough safety and compliance standards

• Continue oversight of rental housing throughout the community

Officials say the updates are intended to provide additional flexibility while ensuring safe housing conditions for residents.

TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce

Hiring Office Administrator

The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a new Office Administrator to join its team in Pottstown.

The position offers an opportunity to work at the center of the region’s business community, supporting the Chamber’s mission of connecting, educating and advocating for businesses throughout the TriCounty area.

Chamber leaders say the organization works daily with local entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders and community partners to help strengthen the regional economy and foster professional growth.

The Office Administrator role is ideal for someone who enjoys organization, customer service and relationship-building while working in a collaborative and community-focused environment.

Responsibilities include supporting Chamber operations, interacting with members, assisting with events and helping maintain the organization’s day-to-day administrative functions.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply and learn more about the opportunity.

Chester County Faces Longest Dry Spell

in More Than 25 Years

Chester County officials are urging residents and businesses to conserve water as the county experiences its longest dry spell in more than two decades and remains under a state-issued drought warning.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) first placed Chester County under a drought warning on Feb. 18, and despite some rainfall in May, conditions have not improved enough to lift the designation.

According to data from the National Weather Service, precipitation levels remained below normal from August 2025 through April 2026, creating a significant moisture deficit across the region. Water officials say one month of above-average rainfall is unlikely to offset nearly nine months of dry conditions.

Stream levels throughout Chester County's 73 municipalities continue to run well below normal. Officials also pointed to a prolonged freeze in December that limited the amount of snowmelt able to soak into the ground and replenish groundwater supplies.

While public reservoirs remain in good condition, concerns are growing for residents and farmers who rely on private wells.

Water Authority officials warn that continued dry conditions could lead to declining groundwater levels, potentially impacting well performance and increasing the risk of pumps running dry or burning out.

Under the drought warning, residents and businesses are being asked to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10 to 15 percent, equivalent to approximately six to nine gallons per person per day.

Officials emphasized that a drought warning is voluntary, while a drought emergency would trigger mandatory water restrictions imposed by the state.

The last time Chester County experienced an official drought warning was from November 2001 through February 2002, a period that eventually escalated into a drought emergency lasting through the end of 2002.

SUN Bucks Program Offers $120 Per

Eligible Child for Food Assistance

Families across Pennsylvania may be eligible for additional food assistance this summer through the state's SUN Bucks Summer EBT Program.

The program provides a one-time benefit of $120 per eligible child to help families purchase groceries while school is out of session and students may not have regular access to school meal programs.

Benefits can be used at participating retailers to buy eligible food items and will be issued through an existing SNAP or TANF EBT card when applicable. Households without an existing card may receive a new Summer EBT card.

According to state officials, many eligible children will automatically receive the benefit, while some families may need to complete an application to participate.

The program is designed to help reduce food insecurity during the summer months and ensure children continue to have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session.

Families are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and application information through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.