Reading Area Community College Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Weitz Healthcare Pavilion

A momentous groundbreaking ceremony took place at Reading Area Community College, marking a significant step towards its growth and impact on the healthcare community. The event celebrated the start of construction for the Weitz Healthcare Pavilion, a long-awaited project that will be instrumental in training healthcare workers and meeting the city's healthcare needs.

Tony DeMarco, the Vice President of College Advancement at RACC, emphasized the importance of the project and its significance in RACC's history. The college has advocated for the Weitz Healthcare Pavilion, recognizing its potential to benefit both the institution and the wider community.

RACC President Susan Looney expressed gratitude for the strong support from the community, acknowledging the validation that the event brought to the college.

The construction will occur in phases, allowing classes to continue as the building progresses. Once completed, the pavilion will feature state-of-the-art facilities that resemble a modern emergency room hospital. This upgrade will enable RACC to double its healthcare departments and offer a range of programs, including nursing, nursing aid, phlebotomy, lab technicians, histotechnologists, and other specialized fields.

The expanded programs will address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in hospitals, medical centers, and senior care facilities. The college aims to train a diverse range of healthcare workers to fill crucial roles in the industry.

To achieve the final goal of the project, RACC seeks support from community leaders and philanthropic contributions to ensure the successful realization of the Weitz Healthcare Pavilion.

Man Arrested for Bike Theft and Harassment on Union Township Recreational Trail

A 27-year-old Birdsboro man, identified as Wiliam VanLeuven, was taken into custody by state troopers for allegedly stealing a bike from a 15-year-old boy who had stopped along the Union Township Recreational Trail. Subsequently, he used the stolen bike to pursue the teen's younger sisters. VanLeuven now faces charges of theft by unlawful taking, stalking, and harassment.

Following the incident on Wednesday around 1 p.m., troopers responded to a call regarding the recreation trail situated along Route 724, just east of Campbell Ford Road. On arrival, they encountered VanLeuven and three juveniles – a 14-year-old girl, her 13-year-old sister, and their 15-year-old brother.

During separate interviews with the teens, their accounts were strikingly similar. According to the siblings, they were cycling together on the loop trail when the brother had to step away briefly to relieve himself. Upon returning, he found that his bike had been taken by a white, balding man with a thick brown beard – identified as VanLeuven.

Alarmed by the situation and fearing possible abduction, the young girls quickly rode off on their bikes. The 14-year-old stated that she ensured her younger sister rode in front of her, as it felt like VanLeuven, now on their brother's bike, was following closely enough to reach out and touch them.

The girls maintained a full loop around the trail with VanLeuven in relentless pursuit until they encountered an older adult couple. This couple confronted VanLeuven, who reacted with cursing, obscene gestures, and even throwing rocks and a turtle into the woods.

During this intense ordeal, one of the girls managed to use her cellphone to capture a picture of VanLeuven, providing valuable evidence for the authorities.

Meanwhile, the 15-year-old boy, who had returned to look for his missing bike and sister, received a Facetime call from one of his siblings. Though the connection was not optimal, he could hear her expressing their distress, informing him that someone was chasing them on his stolen bike. Eventually, he located his sisters with the help of the concerned couple.

After his arrest, VanLeuven was arraigned before Senior District Judge Gloria W. Stitzel in Reading Central Court. He was subsequently committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $5,000 bail pending a hearing.

The authorities are actively investigating the matter to ensure justice is served in this unsettling incident on the Union Township Recreational Trail.

Pottstown Man Receives Jail Sentence for Illegal Firearm Possession Following Traffic Stop

Maurice William Brothers, a 32-year-old resident of Chestnut Street in Pottstown, finds himself facing jail time for the second time due to illegally carrying a firearm within the borough. The recent incident came to light during a routine traffic stop by state police, leading to his sentencing in Montgomery County Court.

Brothers pleaded guilty to a felony charge of firearms not to be carried without a license, stemming from a September 2022 incident in Pottstown. As part of the plea agreement, Judge Thomas M. DelRicci sentenced him to 11½ to 23 months in the county jail, with an additional three years of probation upon parole, subjecting him to court supervision for approximately five years.

The events unfolded on September 17, 2022, around 1:53 a.m. State troopers from the Skippack barracks conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Impala, driven by Brothers, for alleged traffic violations on Rowan Alley near North Charlotte Street. During the stop, a trooper noticed Brothers making suspicious movements towards the passenger side of the vehicle. Additionally, the smell of marijuana emanated from inside the car.

Brothers became confrontational with the troopers, insisting that the stop was unwarranted. Despite this, the troopers grew more concerned as he distanced himself from the vehicle and seemed preoccupied with his marijuana and medical marijuana card. When questioned about the presence of firearms in the car, Brothers hesitated before denying their existence.

Refusing to grant consent for a search, Brothers further complicated the situation. Consequently, a police K9 unit was called to the scene. The K9 alerted officers to drug odors near the open front driver side window, leading to the impoundment of the vehicle.

Obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, authorities discovered a loaded Glock 48 9mm handgun in the center console of the Impala. The Glock contained 10 rounds of ammunition in the magazine but was not chambered, and it was within Brothers' reach while he occupied the driver's seat. The absence of a concealed carry permit for the weapon resulted in the charge of firearms not to be carried without a license.

This is not the first time Brothers has faced firearm-related charges. In March 2022, he pleaded guilty to a similar charge and was sentenced to two years of probation following a February 2021 incident on East High Street in Pottstown. During that encounter, police discovered a loaded Girsan 9mm handgun in the armrest compartment of his vehicle.

In addition to these cases, Brothers is still awaiting court proceedings for charges of marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, stemming from an alleged incident on May 8, 2023, in Lower Providence.

With his latest conviction and subsequent jail sentence, Maurice William Brothers finds himself facing the consequences of repeated firearm violations, a crime that has brought him back to court once again.

Walmart to Offer Half-Price Walmart+ Membership to Customers on Government Assistance Programs

Walmart has announced a new initiative to expand its Walmart+ membership program by offering it at a discounted price to customers on government assistance programs. Approximately 25% of current Walmart+ members would be eligible for the half-price promotion. Customers on programs like SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can avail of the discounted rate.

The Walmart+ membership offers various perks, including free shipping with no order minimums and a subscription to Paramount+. The regular annual membership costs $98.

This move comes as Walmart seeks to attract more members to its program and compete with other retailers, such as Amazon and Target, who are also working to expand their membership bases. In 2017, Amazon introduced a similar program called Prime Access, offering eligible customers government assistance a Prime membership at half the regular price.

To apply for the discounted Walmart+ membership, both current and new members can verify their eligibility on Walmart's website. Current members who qualify will also receive a prorated refund.

While Walmart has seen increasing popularity among wealthier shoppers, it remains committed to its reputation for providing "everyday low prices." Additionally, the company has been recognized for having a significant number of employees who qualify for government assistance programs.

Approximately 64% of Americans shop at Walmart regularly, and around 28% have made recent purchases from Walmart's website, according to a study by payments analysis firm PYMNTS. The discounted Walmart+ membership is expected to attract even more customers and expand the program's reach.

Upcoming Local Events

• PHILADELPHIA FUNK AUTHORITY AT RIVET! July 21st, 8 PM

• Roaring 20’s Gatsby Themed Dance Party w/ The Blackbird Society Orchestra Inside the SunnyBrook Ballroom - July 21st, 7-10 PM

• Rich Vos headlines at SoulJoel’s Comedy Dome - July 21st, 8 PM

• Family Friendly Illusionist Show w/ Tom Coverly July 22nd, 3:30 PM

• Stephanie Grace Band / Free Outdoor Show at Rivet! July 22nd, 6-10 PM

• Sean Donnelly and Friends headline at SoulJoel’s inside SunnyBrook - July 22nd, 7:00 PM

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PHILLIES

Corbin Burnes Dominates as Milwaukee Brewers Regain Top Spot in NL Central

Corbin Burnes's exceptional performance in July has propelled the Milwaukee Brewers to reclaim the top spot in the National League Central Division. In their latest victory against the Philadelphia Phillies, Burnes pitched brilliantly, allowing only two hits and striking out 10 batters over eight innings. Christian Yelich contributed significantly to the win, smashing a three-run homer in the third inning, nearly completing a cycle as he finished the game 3-for-4.

The Brewers have been displaying all-around strong baseball during their recent road trip, securing a 5-1 record against formidable opponents like the Cincinnati Reds and the Phillies. Burnes, who had a rough June, has regained his form and dominated July, boasting a 4-0 record with a 1.33 ERA and 36 strikeouts.

The Phillies struggled to find their footing against Burnes, with only one runner reaching second base throughout the game. Burnes kept them off-balance with his cut fastball and curveball, demonstrating why he is an All-Star pitcher.

Andruw Monasterio and William Contreras also made valuable contributions to the Brewers' offense. Yelich continued his impressive run with RBIs in the last five games and his ninth three-hit game of the season.

On the opposing side, Phillies starter Taijuan Walker endured his first loss since June 1, while Bryce Harper's possible season debut at first base remained a subject of interest.

The Brewers' victory over the Phillies has solidified their position at the top of the division, giving them a 2 1/2 game lead over the Reds. Burnes's outstanding performance and Yelich's offensive prowess have been key factors in the team's success as they aim to maintain their strong form in the upcoming games.

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