In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Lot’s of Events This Week!

 👮🏼‍♂️ Reading Police Department Proposes Expansion with Social Workers and Tech Specialist Amid Budget Discussions

 🔥 Charging Battery Malfunctions, Sparks Fire in Reading Apartment

 🚑 39-Year-Old Woman Dies in Accidental Vehicle Collision in Muhlenberg Township

 🐶 Fee-Waived Adoptions for Senior Pets in November by Humane Pennsylvania

👮🏼‍♂️ Caernarvon Township Issues Door-to-Door Solicitation Permit for Window Sales; Valid Until November 26

👮🏼‍♂️ Chester County Man Charged with Sexual Assault of Teen and Providing Meth

 🏈 Eagles' Jalen Hurts Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week Following Stellar Performance

 This Week’s Events in Reading PA

Thursday - November 2nd

Jim Breuer LIVE at Soul Joel's inside SunnyBrook - 7:00 PM

Friday - November 3rd

Romeo Santos - Formula Vol. 3 Tour - 8 PM

Saturday - November 4th

2nd Annual ThanksGIVEmas Festival
@ Motta's Country Gardens and Landscaping - 11 AM - 4 PM

Fat Pineapple Beer Dinner - Oakbrook Brewing Company - 7 PM

Reading Police Department Proposes Expansion with Social Workers and Tech Specialist Amid Budget Discussions

The Reading Police Department is proposing to expand its staff by adding several full-time officers and civilian roles, including two social workers. This proposal was discussed by Capt. Cheryl Pentheny at a City Council committee meeting, focusing on the department's staffing and budget for 2024. The expansion, which could cost nearly $1 million, aims to improve interactions with individuals needing social or mental health services. The social workers would connect residents to existing services, reducing the burden on officers responding to non-crime related calls.

Additionally, the department seeks to hire a full-time technology specialist to address specific software and hardware needs, enhancing efficiency. The proposed changes also include adding an assistant Police Academy director, promoting the quartermaster to lieutenant, and increasing investigator and evidence technician positions. The total cost for these positions varies, with social workers costing between $185,500 to $235,000 and the technology specialist between $83,000 to $98,000.

Council members Christopher Daubert and O. Christopher Miller expressed support for the social worker roles but emphasized the need for more patrol officers. City Managing Director William Heim assured that the additions wouldn't reduce patrol numbers, noting the importance of planning for future staffing needs.

Charging Battery Malfunctions, Sparks Fire in Reading Apartment

A fire broke out in a Reading apartment on Tuesday night after a lithium-ion battery, charging for a one-wheeled motorized transport device, malfunctioned.

The incident occurred at 27 S. 11th St. around 10 p.m. The occupant, who suffered minor burns while extinguishing the flames with buckets of water, was treated at the scene.

All residents of the three-story building were evacuated but later returned. This was the first fire caused by a rechargeable battery in the city, according to Michael Glore, first deputy chief of the Reading Fire Department.

39-Year-Old Woman Dies in
Accidental Vehicle Collision in Muhlenberg Township

Britni R. Merritt, a 39-year-old resident of Muhlenberg Township, tragically lost her life after being hit by a vehicle on North Fifth Street Highway in Muhlenberg Township on Sunday.

She was pronounced dead shortly before 9 p.m. The Berks County coroner’s office ruled her death as accidental, caused by multiple injuries.

Fee-Waived Adoptions for Senior Pets in November by Humane Pennsylvania

November, recognized as National Adopt A Senior Pet Month, encourages the adoption of older shelter pets. Humane Pennsylvania is offering fee-waived adoptions for senior pets aged 10 and above throughout November at its Berks and Lancaster County centers, sponsored by Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (LHP). LHP's Managing Partner, Jenna Kaufman, highlights their commitment to community and animal welfare.

Adoptions include health supplements, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, flea treatment, microchipping, and a bag of pet food. Interested adopters can visit the shelters or HumanePA.org, but must pass the adoption screening process. For more details, visit Humane Pennsylvania's website or contact The Lancaster Center for Animal Life-Saving at (717) 393-6551 or The Freedom Center for Animal Life-Saving at (610) 921-2348.

Caernarvon Township Issues Door-to-Door Solicitation Permit for Window Sales; Valid Until November 26

Caernarvon Township in Berks County has granted a solicitation permit to an individual for door-to-door sales. This person will be promoting Renewal by Anderson windows and will carry a pink permit card issued by Caernarvon Township. The permit is valid until November 26, 2023.

For any concerns, please contact the Caernarvon Township Office at 610-286-1010 or the Caernarvon Township Police Department at 610-286-1012.

Thank you,

Chief Paul R. Stolz, Jr.

Chester County Man Charged with Sexual Assault of Teen and
Providing Meth

Kevin L. Pethtel, a 53-year-old from East Coventry Township, faces charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and giving her methamphetamine over four months in Chester, Montgomery, and Berks counties.

He is currently held in Chester County Prison with a $1 million bail. The charges include statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, corrupting minors, delivering methamphetamine, and related offenses.

The victim reported meeting Pethtel in May 2023, with incidents occurring in various locations. Police corroborated the allegations with video evidence from the victim's phone, which matched Pethtel's tattoos.

Eagles' Jalen Hurts Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
Following Stellar Performance

For the first time this season and the second consecutive week, a Philadelphia Eagles player has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Following A.J. Brown's recognition last week, quarterback Jalen Hurts earns the title this week. In a victory against the Washington Commanders, Hurts delivered an impressive performance, completing over 76% of his passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns, achieving a 135.7 passer rating.

This marks Hurts' third NFC POTW honor, having won twice last year. He's the fourth Eagle to receive a POTW award this season, joining Brown, D’Andre Swift, and Jake Elliott.