Godiva Layoffs, Berks Murder Breakthrough, Eagles' Ertz Reunion?

Issue #032

December 3rd, 2023

In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆 Lots of Events This Coming Week!

 🍫 50 Employees to be Laid Off in Godiva’s Exeter Township Facility

 👮🏼‍♂️ Forensic Genealogy Leads to Arrest in Long-Unsolved Berks County Murder

⚖️ Court Date Set for Blair Watts in Slaying of Business Partner Jennifer Brown

 🏈 Eagles in Talks to Bring Back Tight End Zach Ertz

 🏒 Reading Royals Rally Past Kalamazoo, Bertuzzi Scores Twice in 5-3 Win

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EVENTS

 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

December 3rd

December 4th

December 5th

December 6th

December 7th

December 8th

December 9th

December 10th

50 Employees to be Laid Off in
Godiva’s Exeter Township Facility

Godiva Co. has announced plans to lay off about 50 employees at its Exeter Township plant as part of a strategic transformation aimed at enhancing the company's growth and competitiveness.

This restructuring includes reducing the variety of products and packages, leading to a decrease in the overall volume of chocolate products produced at the Exeter facility. Affected employees will receive a 90-day notice period and a month of paid administrative leave in February 2024, along with support from human resources for accessing benefits like COBRA and unemployment.

Despite the layoffs, the Exeter plant, operational since 1979, will continue to employ 200 to 300 people. Godiva, a Belgium-based chocolate maker founded in 1926 and owned by Turkish company Yildiz Holding since 2007, remains committed to the Reading area facility, known for producing many of its famous products.

Forensic Genealogy Leads to Arrest in Long-Unsolved Berks County Murder

A homicide case dating back over two decades has finally reached a resolution, marking a significant moment in forensic technology's impact on criminal investigations. The Berks County District Attorney's office recently announced that DNA evidence has led to the identification of Cynthia Baver's killer. Baver, who was found unconscious in a row home on North 10th Street in April 2001, had been stabbed, with a cord tied around her neck. The crime scene contained substantial forensic evidence, including blood in a breezeway and on a window connecting to a neighboring house. Despite this, the case remained unsolved until recently.

Advancements in DNA technology played a pivotal role in this breakthrough. Investigators sent out blood samples to obtain a DNA profile, which matched that of 62-year-old Timothy Bernard, Baver's next-door neighbor. Bernard consented to a DNA test, and his sample confirmed the match. Charged with first- and third-degree homicide, aggravated assault, and robbery, Bernard is currently held in Berks County prison without bail.

The long wait for justice was a taxing period for Baver's family, who never lost hope. Her niece, Crystal Baver, reflected on the importance of preserving evidence and the advancements in science that ultimately led to solving the case. Police had always suspected Bernard but lacked probable cause for an arrest until the emergence of this DNA evidence.

CRIME

Court Date Set for Blair Watts in Slaying of Business Partner Jennifer Brown

Blair Watts is set to stand trial on December 6 for the first-degree murder of Jennifer Brown, a Limerick Township mother and his former business partner and friend. The jury selection will take place in Montgomery County Court, with the trial expected to last two weeks before Judge William R. Carpenter. Opening statements will follow the jury selection.

Watts, 33, is currently held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility near Eagleville. If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces a mandatory life sentence. He is represented by Philadelphia lawyer Michael Coard, whose request to exclude evidence collected from the victim's home was denied by the judge on August 15.

Brown, who worked as a senior representative of Inside Sales at Wesco Distribution in Norristown, was reported missing on January 4 after failing to pick up her 8-year-old son from the bus stop. Watts himself initially reported her missing. However, an investigation led to Watts being identified as a suspect. Brown's body was discovered on January 18, buried in a shallow grave behind a warehouse in Royersford.

Evidence against Watts includes bank records showing a $17,000 transfer from Brown’s account to his own, and phone records placing him at the crime scene. Watts and Brown had plans to open a restaurant, “Birdies Kitchen,” in Spring City before the tragic incident.

Reading Local Scoop - Sports

Eagles in Talks to Bring Back
Tight End Zach Ertz

Eagles

Zach Ertz may soon return to the Philadelphia Eagles following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. After successfully clearing waivers, Ertz is now a free agent, and the Eagles have shown interest in bringing him back. This move is particularly timely given the Eagles' current tight end situation. Dallas Goedert, while back in practice, remains doubtful for the upcoming game against the 49ers, and Grant Calcaterra is ruled out, leaving limited options for the team.

Ertz's potential return to Philadelphia is not just a strategic move for the Eagles; it also holds sentimental value. Philadelphia is where Ertz's illustrious career began and flourished. His familiarity with the team, including players like Jalen Hurts and his experience with coach Nick Sirianni, could ease his transition back into the squad. Furthermore, his strong work ethic and dedication, which have been consistent throughout his career, are expected to aid in his quick adaptation to the current team dynamics.

The prospect of rejoining the Eagles is not just a professional consideration for Ertz. His family, including his wife Julie, who recently retired, and their son, have deep ties to the Philadelphia area. Returning to the Eagles would mean more than just playing for a contender; it would be a homecoming for Ertz and his family.

In summary, Zach Ertz's return to the Philadelphia Eagles appears to be a harmonious blend of professional strategy and personal sentiment. His familiarity with the team and strong work ethic are poised to make this transition seamless, while the emotional connection with the city and his family adds a deeper layer to this potential reunion.

Reading Royals Rally Past Kalamazoo, Bertuzzi Scores Twice in 5-3 Win

Reading Royals

Tag Bertuzzi emerged as a key player for the Reading Royals, scoring twice to secure a 5-3 victory over the Kalamazoo Wings. The game saw the Royals overcoming a deficit, trailing 2-1 midway through the second period. Bertuzzi's first goal was pivotal, bringing the score level with just under 10 minutes left in the period. This was followed by Devon Paliani putting Reading ahead shortly thereafter.

The momentum continued into the third period, with Joseph Nardi extending the lead to 4-2. Although Kalamazoo narrowed the gap in the final minutes, Bertuzzi clinched the win for Reading with an empty-net goal, 45 seconds later. This win sets the stage for the Royals' next challenge, as they prepare to face the Adirondack Thunder in an away game on Wednesday night.

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