In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

👮🏼‍♂️ Berks County's Penn Street Bridge Renamed in Honor of Fallen Officer Scott A. Wertz

🏛️ Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Celebrates Local Growth with Building Berks Awards, Honoring 19 Key Construction Projects

🏛️ Berks County Commissioners Declare Emergency for $50K Window Replacement After Shooting

👮🏼‍♂️ Orwigsburg Man and Slatington Woman Charged in Fuel Oil Theft and Drug Possession

 🏈 Kevin Byard Joins Eagles: Hometown Hero Reunites with Old Teammates

 🏐 Berks Catholic Narrowly Escapes Upset, Advances to Volleyball Semifinals

 📆. Lot’s of Events Today!

 This Week’s Events in Reading PA

October 27th

 Cole Swindell: Twelve Tour

• Today, 7 - 11 PM

• Santander Arena, 700 Penn St, Reading, PA

 ReadingFilmFEST

• Oct 26 - Sun, Oct 29

• Location: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading, PA

Pedro Capó @ Santander Arena

• Today, 7 PM

• Location: Santander Arena, 700 Penn St, Reading, PA

 KONO NATION @ Shocktoberfest

• Date & Time: Today, 7 PM

• Location: Shocktoberfest, 94 Park Ave, Sinking Spring, PA

Shillington Farmers Market

• Today, 7 AM - 7 PM

• Shillington Farmers Market, 10 S, Shillington, PA

 Behind the Scenes: The Art of Special Effects

• Today, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

• GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading, PA

 PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing

• Today, 9 AM - 6 PM

• PA Dutch Farmer's Market of Wyomissing, Wyomissing, PA

 Audrey An: Gimul: Wishful Things

• Oct 27 - Nov 26

• Location: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading, PA

Berks County's Penn Street Bridge Renamed in Honor of
Fallen Officer Scott A. Wertz

The Penn Street Bridge in Berks County will be renamed as the Police Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Bridge, following the signing of Senate Bill 621 into law by Governor Josh Shapiro.

Officer Wertz, a lifelong Berks County resident and dedicated law enforcement officer, tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 2006. The renaming, sponsored by Senator Judy Schwank, honors Wertz's commitment to public safety and service to the City of Reading.

The bridge will stand as a lasting tribute to Officer Wertz's legacy, with a formal naming event planned once new signage is installed. Senate Bill 621, now Act No. 17 of 2023, ensures that Officer Wertz's memory will continue to inspire future generations.

Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Celebrates Local Growth with Building Berks Awards, Honoring 19 Key Construction Projects

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) honored 19 construction projects in Berks County at its fourth Building Berks Awards & Expo, attended by over 145 people. The biennial event, established in 2018, celebrates construction projects that contribute to economic growth and development in the Greater Reading area. This year, 30 projects were nominated, showcasing a variety of new constructions, renovations, and innovative initiatives.

The 2023 Building Berks Awards recognized projects in categories like commercial offices, renovations, historic preservation, agribusiness, healthcare, mixed-use, residential, education, placemaking, hospitality, industrial, infrastructure, sustainable development, and out-of-the-box concepts. These projects collectively represent $148 million in investment, 1.2 million square feet of development, and the creation of 2,100 jobs.

Since 2018, nominated projects have amounted to $849 million in investment, 7.8 million square feet of development, and 11,325 jobs created. A panel of judges evaluated the projects based on economic impact, innovation, creativity, and community impact. Nominations for the awards were open from July 10 to August 11, with eligibility requiring project completion by July 31.

Berks County Commissioners Declare Emergency for $50K Window Replacement After Shooting

The Berks County Commissioners have declared an emergency to expedite the replacement of a 16th-floor window at the Berks County Services Center, damaged by a stray bullet from a firearm discharged outside the building on October 6. The repair, costing up to $50,000, is urgent due to the window's critical condition. Negotiations are underway with firms specializing in high-rise structures. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident. In other news, Christie Billman was promoted to supervising attorney in the public defender’s office, replacing Timothy Biltcliff who moved to another position.

Orwigsburg Man and Slatington Woman Charged in Fuel Oil Theft and Drug Possession

Scott M. Albert from Orwigsburg and Tara N. Frye from Slatington have been charged with stealing fuel oil from a property in West Penn Township.

They face felony and misdemeanor charges including burglary, theft, and possession of a controlled substance. The duo allegedly siphoned oil into drums using a garden hose and transported them in a pickup truck. Methamphetamine was found in the vehicle, with both denying ownership.

Albert had three bench warrants and a suspended license, while Frye was released on bail. Albert remains in jail.

Kevin Byard Joins Eagles: Hometown Hero Reunites with Old Teammates

In a move that's all about connections, the Eagles have traded for veteran safety Kevin Byard, bringing him back to his hometown and reuniting him with former teammates like A.J. Brown, Julio Jones, and Marcus Mariota. Byard, who's had a whirlwind 48 hours, expressed his excitement about returning to Philly, a place filled with personal memories and family ties. He reminisced about growing up watching Eagles legends and is eager to play in front of Philly fans.

While Byard's role in the defense isn't defined yet, he's ready to learn the playbook, bond with teammates, and contribute to the team's winning culture. He feels he still has plenty of gas left in the tank in his eighth season and is looking forward to bringing his versatility and experience to the Eagles' secondary, alongside veterans like Darius Slay and James Bradberry.

An interesting twist is Byard's connection with Reed Blankenship, a fellow Middle Tennessee State alum. They trained together in Nashville and are good friends. Byard is excited to join Blankenship in the secondary and looks forward to leaning on him while getting up to speed with the playbook.

Berks Catholic Narrowly Escapes Upset, Advances to Volleyball Semifinals

In a thrilling District 3 Class 3A girls volleyball quarterfinal, top-seeded Berks Catholic edged out ninth-seeded Big Spring 3-2, securing a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2021. They're now one win away from a state berth and eyeing their first district title since 2016.

Standout performances included Olivia Jones with 22 kills and 21 digs.

Meanwhile, Twin Valley's season ended in a close 3-2 loss to Middletown, despite a valiant comeback effort after dropping the first two sets. Mikayla Riehl shone for Twin Valley with 17 kills and nine digs.

Berks Catholic is set to face Middletown in the upcoming semifinal.