In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Lots of Events This Coming Week!

 🏈 Wyomissing Spartans Clinch Fifth Straight District III 3A Title with Decisive Win Over West Perry

⚠️ EPA Progresses in Cleanup of Lincoln Chemical Factory Fire in Reading, Ensures Community Safety

👮🏼‍♂️ Man Arrested in Texas for Alleged Kidnapping in Reading, Pennsylvania

⚾️ Philadelphia Phillies Lock in Ace Aaron Nola with Historic $172 Million Deal

 🏈 Kelce Brothers Shine in NFL and Pop Culture: Jason and Travis Make Headlines Beyond Football

 🏒 Philadelphia Flyers Extend Winning Streak to Five with 5-2 Victory Over Columbus Blue Jackets

 🏀 Embiid Leads 76ers to Commanding Victory Over Nets, 121-99

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 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

November 20th

Family Game Night - 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Taste of Berks 2023 at The Berkshire Mall - 5-8 PM

November 21st

Joe Bonamassa Live - 8 PM –12 AM

November 22nd

Ice Nine Kills & In This Moment: Kiss of Death Tour - 6:15 – 10:15 PM

November 23rd

Boscov's Fairgrounds Farmers Market - 8 AM - 7 PM

PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing - 9 AM – 6 PM

Koziar's Christmas Village - 6-9 PM

November 24th

 PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing - 9 AM – 6 PM

 Gourmet Popcorn Flights At Setter Ridge Vineyards - 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

NEW! Mean and Green - 1 – 3 PM

November 25th

 Gourmet Popcorn Flights At Setter Ridge Vineyards - 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Pierce The Veil: The Jaws Of Life Tour 6:30 – 10:30 PM

November 26th

 Gourmet Popcorn Flights At Setter Ridge Vineyards - 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Wyomissing Spartans Clinch Fifth Straight District III 3A Title with Decisive Win Over West Perry

Wyomissing High School's football team, secured their fifth consecutive District III 3A championship with a dominant 42-14 victory over the West Perry Mustangs. The championship game, held on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Bob Wolfrum field, mirrored last year's outcome where the Spartans also triumphed over the Mustangs, albeit with a more significant margin of 63-7.

The game began with West Perry's attempt to gain an early advantage through a successful fake punt by Marcus Quaker, advancing them near midfield. Despite this initial progress, an interception halted their drive. The Spartans then showcased their strong running game, covering 72 yards in 12 plays, culminating in a touchdown by running back Ryker Jones, leading to an early 7-0 lead. This win propels the Spartans into the quarterfinals of the state playoffs, set to be held in Berks County the following weekend.

EPA Progresses in Cleanup of Lincoln Chemical Factory Fire in Reading, Ensures Community Safety

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making headway in cleaning up after the fire at the old Lincoln Chemical Factory in Reading, which occurred two weeks ago. The EPA, along with its contractor and local and state partners, is investigating the incident. Their initial findings indicate that the factory had hazardous chemicals stored throughout.

To ensure safety and structural integrity, further demolition of the building has been carried out. Air quality is being continuously monitored for dust and volatile compounds, with results so far aligning with normal background levels. The community will be updated with additional air sampling results when they become available.

Cleanup efforts will slow down during the week of Thanksgiving but will resume afterward, focusing on the characterization and disposal of the hazardous materials found. Security measures, including fencing and personnel, will remain in place during this period.

The road blockade near the site will continue, but its scope will be reduced to allow easier movement for residents around the area. However, the section of 9th Street between Laurel and East Laurel Streets will stay closed for the duration of the cleanup.

The EPA assures its commitment to resolving this issue and addressing community concerns. Residents with questions can reach out to the local Citizen Service Center or the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, Renata Thakurdyal, for more information.

Man Arrested in Texas for Alleged Kidnapping in Reading, Pennsylvania

Yusuf Scott, 37, was arrested in Amarillo, Texas, for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping incident in Reading, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred early Thursday morning when Scott reportedly broke into a home on Windsor Street and kidnapped a 26-year-old woman at gunpoint. The kidnapping was discovered when the victim's mother checked her home camera footage after a reported burglary.

The victim managed to escape a few hours later by jumping out of a third-floor window and running across rooftops. She fell through the roof of a neighboring house, where she was able to use a resident's phone to contact her mother, who then alerted the police. The victim, who had previously dated Scott, sustained injuries during the ordeal.

Scott is charged with kidnapping, burglary, and related crimes, with the investigation noting that he displayed a gun during the incident. The Reading Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation and is seeking further information from the public.

Philadelphia Phillies Lock in Ace Aaron Nola with Historic $172 Million Deal

Philadelphia Phillies Sign Aaron Nola to a Landmark Seven-Year Contract

The Philadelphia Phillies have successfully extended their commitment to right-hander Aaron Nola by signing him to a seven-year contract, reportedly worth $172 million. This significant move comes after a quiet period in the MLB free agent market and highlights the Phillies' strategy of building a strong team around key players.

Nola, 30, has been a consistent and leading figure in the Phillies' rotation since his draft in 2014. His performance has been particularly notable in the last six seasons, where he led in the number of games started and ranked second in innings pitched in Major League Baseball. His decision to stay with the Phillies, despite interest from other teams like the Atlanta Braves, demonstrates his deep bond with the city and its fans.

The contract sets a record for the Phillies, being the largest ever for a pitcher in the team's history. Nola's track record includes two top-five finishes in NL Cy Young voting and a strong ability to pitch significant innings while maintaining high strikeout and low walk rates. These attributes made him a highly desirable free agent this winter.

Nola's contribution has been crucial in the Phillies' recent successes, including a World Series appearance in 2022 and reaching the NLCS in the current season. His postseason performances and mastery in pitching have been key factors in these achievements.

Nola's signing is expected to stimulate further activity in the baseball free agency market, with several prominent players anticipated to secure major deals.

Kelce Brothers Shine in NFL and Pop Culture: Jason and Travis Make Headlines Beyond Football

The Kelce brothers, Jason of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis of the Kansas City Chiefs, are increasingly prominent figures both on and off the football field. Jason Kelce, the Eagles' center, has been named one of the "Sexiest Men Alive" by "People" magazine. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Travis Kelce, a star tight end for the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs, is in a relationship with Grammy-winning singer Taylor Swift.

Their influence extends beyond their NFL careers. The Kelce brothers co-host a highly popular podcast and have contributed their voices to a Philadelphia-themed Christmas album. Their growing presence in popular culture has established them as icons beyond the realm of professional football.

The Eagles and Chiefs play tonight!

Philadelphia Flyers Extend Winning Streak to Five with 5-2 Victory Over Columbus Blue Jackets

The Philadelphia Flyers got their fifth straight win by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2. Key players for the Flyers included Ryan Poehling, who scored a goal and two assists, and Joel Farabee, who also scored. Additional goals came from Bobby Brink, Travis Konecny, and Cam York, with Samuel Ersson making 20 saves as goalkeeper. The Blue Jackets, facing a nine-game losing streak, had goals from Boone Jenner and Alexandre Texier. The team missed Patrik Laine, benched for confidence-building. The Flyers initially led with Farabee's goal, but the Blue Jackets tied it before the Flyers secured the win with further goals. The Blue Jackets will next play the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Flyers will meet the New York Islanders.

Embiid Leads 76ers to Commanding Victory Over Nets, 121-99

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 121-99, led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and De’Anthony Melton. Embiid's 32 points were crucial, while Maxey and Melton added 25 and 21 points, respectively. The 76ers excelled in 3-point shooting and continued their winning streak against the Nets. Despite efforts from the Nets, including Lonnie Walker IV's 26 points, they couldn't keep up. A significant 23-7 run by the 76ers at the end of the second quarter was pivotal. The 76ers' strong defense and consistent performance across the team were key to their victory.