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Penn Street Bridge Renamed in Honor of Fallen Officer
Issue #025
In this issue of Reading Local Scoop
๐. Lots of Events This Coming Weekend!
๐ Francis Camara Named New Head Boys Basketball Coach at Reading High
๐ฎ๐ผโโ๏ธ Penn Street Bridge in Reading Renamed in Honor of Fallen Officer Scott Wertz
โ๏ธ Reading Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses
๐ Eagles and Bills Update Injury Reports Leading Up to Week 11 Game
๐ Wyomissing and Danville Set for High-Stakes Rematch in State Quarterfinals
This Weekโs Events in the Reading PA Area
November 24th
PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing - 9โฏAMโโโ6โฏPM
Gourmet Popcorn Flights At Setter Ridge Vineyards - 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
NEW! Mean and Green - 1โโโ3โฏPM
November 25th
Gourmet Popcorn Flights At Setter Ridge Vineyards - 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pierce The Veil: The Jaws Of Life Tour 6:30โโโ10:30โฏPM
November 26th
Gourmet Popcorn Flights At Setter Ridge Vineyards - 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Francis Camara Named New Head Boys Basketball Coach at Reading High
Francis Camara has been appointed as the new head boys basketball coach for Reading High, a decision confirmed at Tuesday's Reading School Board meeting. A 2008 graduate of Reading High, Camara has been an assistant coach for the Red Knights since the 2019-20 season and is taking over the reins as the team begins practice for the 2023-24 season.
He succeeds Rick Perez, who resigned last month after a highly successful tenure. Perez led the Red Knights to an impressive record of 281-74, securing three PIAA Class 6A titles, five District 3 championships, and six Berks Conference titles over 12 seasons. Under his guidance, Reading High achieved a remarkable 32-1 record last season, clinching county, district, and state titles. Although Perez, who is now an assistant at Muhlenberg, had indicated Camara as his successor, the school district proceeded to officially advertise the position.
Camara, who played multiple sports during his high school years, was a letterman in football, basketball, and track at Reading High. In basketball, he contributed to the team's success, averaging 1.4 points per game as a senior and 2.9 points per game as a junior, during seasons where the Red Knights won Berks and District 3 titles. In football, Camara stood out as a three-year starting defensive player and was recognized for his performance in his senior year.
Post-high school, Camara continued his athletic journey by playing football at Holy Cross. The Reading High basketball team is set to open their season on December 5th with a game against Central York.
Penn Street Bridge in Reading Renamed in Honor of Fallen Officer Scott Wertz
The Reading community recently gathered to honor the memory of fallen Police Officer Scott Wertz, who was killed in the line of duty in August 2006. The event, held at the Miller Center at RACC, was a poignant tribute to Wertz, marked by the dedication of the Penn Street Bridge in his name.
Officer Wertz, a Reading native, had always dreamed of serving his city in uniform. His widow, Trish Wertz, poignantly remarked, โIt's not how these men died that made them heroes. It's how they lived.โ The dedication ceremony underscored this sentiment, emphasizing Wertz's lifelong commitment to his community.
Mayor Eddie Moran noted the appropriateness of the tribute, stating, "It's a very fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his entire adult life to serving and protecting his community.โ Similarly, State Senator Judy Schwank reflected on the risks police officers take to ensure public safety, highlighting the significance of Wertz's sacrifice.
The event saw a significant turnout from law enforcement agencies, demonstrating solidarity and support. District Attorney John Adams acknowledged Wertz's ultimate sacrifice for the community's safety. Chris Jenkins, a colleague of Wertz from the Reading Police, shared a personal reflection, noting how Wertz's sacrifice serves as a daily reminder of the risks associated with police work.
The renaming of the Penn Street Bridge as a memorial to Officer Wertz provides a lasting symbol of his sacrifice. The bridge will stand as a reminder to all of the risks and dedication of those who serve in law enforcement. Trish Wertz, in her closing remarks, imagined her late husband appreciating the gesture with his characteristic smile, humorously noting, "It's about time."
Reading Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses
John Fidanqui-Marten of Reading has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentencing follows a guilty plea involving methamphetamine distribution and brandishing a firearm during a crime in Schuylkill County.
๐ Eagles and Bills Update Injury Reports Leading Up to Week 11 Game
The Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills have issued their respective injury reports ahead of their Week 11 game.
Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report: The Eagles conducted a walkthrough on Wednesday due to their Monday night game. Key players listed under 'Did Not Participate' include Dallas Goedert, Milton Williams, Derek Barnett, Grant Calcaterra, and Justin Evans. Goedert is expected to miss multiple games due to a fractured forearm. Williams is recovering from a concussion, and Barnett is out for personal reasons. Calcaterra suffered an ankle injury, and Evans' status is uncertain following a knee issue. Players under 'Limited Participation' are A.J. Brown, DโAndre Swift, Quez Watkins, and Julio Jones. Brown and Swift are being managed, Watkins is returning from injured reserve, and Jones' progress this week remains to be seen.
Buffalo Bills Injury Report: For the Bills, starting cornerbacks Dane Jackson and Taron Johnson are both suffering from concussions and may miss the upcoming game. Safety Taylor Rapp, who left the field in an ambulance in Week 11, did not practice on Wednesday. Micah Hyde is likely to play after returning in Week 11. Backup cornerback Cam Lewis, nursing a shoulder injury, is expected to step into a starting role. Josh Allen, despite being added to the injury report on Friday, was a full participant and performed well against the New York Jets.
Wyomissing and Danville Set for High-Stakes Rematch in State Quarterfinals
The Wyomissing football team is set to relive a familiar matchup, facing Danville in the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals at Albrightโs Shirk Stadium this Friday, almost exactly a year after their narrow 21-19 victory against the same opponent. In last year's dramatic finish, Danville missed a crucial field goal in the final moments, giving Wyomissing the win.
Wyomissing, aiming for their fourth consecutive state semifinal appearance, plans to deliver a stronger, more consistent performance against Danville this time. Coach Bob Wolfrum emphasized the importance of playing the entire game with intensity, acknowledging Danville's near-win last year.
The Spartans have demonstrated formidable strength in their running game, with significant rushing yards in recent games, and a total of 3,657 rushing yards this season. Senior quarterback Logan Hyde and freshman running back Justice Hardy have been key contributors to Wyomissing's offense.
Danville, on the other hand, poses a strong threat with its passing game. Junior quarterback Madden Patrick has an impressive record this season, with his primary receiver, Aaron Johnson, on the verge of breaking the PIAA record for receiving touchdowns in a season.
Wyomissing's defense, known for scoring on turnovers, will be crucial in this matchup. They have scored five defensive touchdowns this season and will aim to pressure Danville's quarterback to disrupt their passing game.
As both teams come off recent district championship victories, this quarterfinal clash is poised to be a contest of contrasting strengths: Wyomissing's powerful rushing attack versus Danville's potent passing game.
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