http://www.wfmz.com/rss/rss-title.gif http://www.wfmz.com/ http://www.wfmz.com/ The online information service of WFMZ-TV. We feature news, weather, scores, webcams, and other items of interest to our viewers. en-us 30 WFMZ-TV/69News/regional/Berkshttp://feedburner.google.com http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1299223 Folks from the Lehigh Valley and many other parts of the state trekked to Harrisburg on Saturday, to rally on the steps of the State Capitol. An estimated crowd of 1,000 people showed up for the afternoon rally. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack reports.

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1299154 The economy is hitting a lot of households hard every day. And those who provide them help are noticing that they have fewer donations to give. WFMZ's Pam Cunningham reports.

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1299164 Community policing will become even more key if the number of officers in the police department drops. But one Reading High School student isn't waiting until those officers are off the street he says action needs to be taken now. WFMZ's Dwayne Parker has the exclusive story behind a students' fight to "Take Back His School" ]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298956 A student has been charged for having a loaded handgun and a knife in his vehicle at Tulpehocken High School. State Police say a school official noticed the weapon in Joseph Freeman, Junior's vehicle yesterday in the school parking lot. Authorities say Freeman told them that he didn't know the weapons were in his vehicle.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298957 A live round of ammunition was found inside Reading High School today. The High School principal tells 69 News the bullet was discovered near a stairway. Police say it was found around dismissal time. They're going to review surveillance video to see if they can find out who it belongs to.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298949 This Friday the 13th is a very lucky day for a little boy who's turning one. When he was born -- he weighed less than a pound. His parents credit this birthday to the nurses who cared for him those first few months. WFMZ's Pam Cunningham has the story.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298959 265 employees of Pottstown Memorial Medical Center are preparing to walk off the job in the next couple weeks. Their contract expired in August and now they're claiming unfair labor practices on the part of the hospital's parent company. WFMZ's Melissa Fullerton has the story.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298410 A former New York City rookie police officer busted after robbing a bank in Muhlenberg Township will spend an extra year behind bars. Christian Torres' attorney says the additional year in prison is his sentence for robbing a Sovereign Bank in Manhattan... twice. That will bring his total sentence to 11 years. The attorney says the judge took into account the fact that Torres met with Sovereign Bank officials to give them advice on how to prevent similar robberies. He was arrested in April of 2008 just moments after robbing the Sovereign Bank on the 5th Street Highway.  He was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison for that robbery.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298839 Shillington Police say they have charged two students with Terroristic Threats and Threats to Use Weapons of Mass Destruction for bomb threats made at the Governor Mifflin High School on October 28th and November 3rd.  The school was evacuated on both occasions and nothing was found.  The students have been charged and placed in the custody of their parents. ]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298781 Muhlenberg Police have charged an 18-year-old student with phoning in bomb threats to the Muhlenberg High School and the Muhlenberg Middle School on October 14, 15, and 16. Police say Cassondra Perez has been charged with four counts of Terroristic Threats and four counts of Threats to use Weapons of Mass Destruction.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298393 Holocaust survivor Eva Kor is sharing her story and her life lessons at a lecture at Kutztown University tonight. Kor survived horrific medical experiments at the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. But Thursday night, she glazed over the torturous experience. She focuses instead on life lessons. ]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298418 Thursday night, Reading city council members met for their third time this week to hammer out details of the 2010 budget. And the future for some may not be as bleak as previously projected.  WFMZ's Dwayne Parker has the details. ]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298249 The city of Reading has been accepted into the Act 47 Program.  The head of Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development announced the decision about the city's application Thursday morning.  WFMZ's Melissa Fullerton has the story.

[ 9/4/09 REPORT: City Applies For Act 47 ]]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1298124 The FOP Lodge #9, which represents the Reading Police voted today to assert a vote of no confidence in Chief of Police William Heim.  Members voted 66-0 in favor of the vote of no confidence.  The union listed several reasons for the vote, including a claim that Chief Heim has refused to negotiate with the union.   WFMZ's Pam Cunningham has the story.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297756 A tractor trailer broke down in the wrong place at the wrong time and was slammed into by a train in Berks County. Officials say the truck stopped on the tracks on Walnuttown Road just south of Park Road in Richmond Township Wednesday night at about 11:00.

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297757 The city of Reading has been accepted into the Act 47 Program.  The head of Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development announced the decision about the city's application this morning.  WFMZ's Melissa Fullerton has the story.

[ 9/4/09 REPORT: City Applies For Act 47 ]]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297758 Singer Taylor Swift made more than music at last night's CMA Awards...she made history. The Berks County native became the youngest person ever, and the first female since Shania Twain in 1999, to be named "entertainer of the year."

 [ Best Performance ] [ Best Female Vocalist ] [ Performer of the Year ] [ AP: PLAY VIDEO ]]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297593 Only one lane of traffic was flowing on the Warren Street bypass Wednesday night because water was flowing out of a water main. The main broke around 6:30 just west of Route 183 in the westbound lanes. Officials say it's a serious break and the Water Authority may completely close the westbound lanes Wednesday night. They're asking drivers to avoid the area if possible.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297484 How's this for old school: kindergarteners at Oley Valley Elementary took part in a 50's themed sock hop this afternoon. They danced, listened to music and even got to play with some hula hoops. And the sock hop is more than just a good time.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297528 Some spent Veterans Day looking for sales. As shoppers poured into local stores, some retailers were preparing for the grand daddy of all shopping days in a new way. WFMZ's Melissa Fullerton explains.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297534 Cumru Police aren't saying much about a recent raid at The Auto King on Lancaster Avenue. They are saying that they executed a search warrant at the auto dealer on Monday. Police say they seized all the vehicles on the lot, and the automotive equipment inside the building. The business -- formerly known as American Auto Mecca -- is a lease-to-own car dealership.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297537 Reading High School could have a courtroom in it by January, as the school superintendent explained Wednesday afternoon. WFMZ's Pam Cunningham reports.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297391 Veterans were treated to some eats this morning at Robeson Elementary School in Robeson Township, Berks County. The Veterans Day event included not only breakfast, but a candle-lighting ceremony and student teacher presentations. Veterans here say they appreciate what the students and their teachers are doing.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1297405 Veterans were honored this morning in Berks County at Country Meadows in Wyomissing, during the Veterans Day Commemoration Service. About 50 World War Two Veterans live at Country Meadows. The Wilson High School Junior ROTC participated in the breakfast event, and Dr. Charles Kupfer was the guest speaker.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296973 Berks County foreclosures were at the highest number last month.. since the recession began. But experts say that shouldn't keep you from living the American dream. WFMZ's Dwayne Parker has the story. 

Click here for more information on the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296984 The Reading City Council is digging for dollars and trying to calculate all the money available to save police and fire positions. City Council met again Tuesday night to discuss the Mayor's proposed budget.  WFMZ's Pam Cunningham has the details.   
]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296797 It may have been a first at this morning's county commissioners meeting. Folk music was on the agenda. Hank Cramer sang patriotic songs for Berks County veterans. Hank's a retired Army Green Beret from Winthrop, Washington.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296802 Local business leaders are learning more about the pros and cons of alternative energy. It's part of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce's second annual Energy Summit. The chamber is teaching members about the drivers behind electric costs and showing off what some Berks County businesses are implementing to reduce energy costs.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296807 Animal officials say they raided a house in Reading that was home to more than 40 animals. Officials at the Animal Rescue League say 19 dogs, 13 cats, two lizards, three birds, three opossums, and a tarantula were kept in a house on North Eleventh Street. Some animals needed medical care and had to be euthanized.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296816 In the past two years, after-school meal programs have been dropped from several schools in Reading. And tonight, we'll show you how a new set of wheels will help replace what's being lost. WFMZ's Karin Mallett has the story.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296826 State funding cuts are hurting all libraries in Berks County. Officials in Reading have been discussing options to prevent closing three branches. WFMZ's Pam Cunningham shows how you can help and get something in return.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296829 Two of the people shot at an illegal after hours club in Reading have been released from the hospital. Four others shot Sunday morning on Schuylkill Avenue remain hospitalized, and one man, Richard Gonzalez of Maryland, was killed. Yesterday police said the person who fired the fatal shot may have fled the scene, but now they're saying maybe not.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296830 Reading police say a shooting at an apartment complex Friday may have been the result of an attempted robbery. And they say the man who was killed, Andres Ortiz Cajigas, was the robber. The person being robbed was also shot. He's in stable condition.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295531 Philadelphia's mayor was in Reading tonight to mark a milestone. Michael Nutter was the keynote speaker at the Reading Branch of the NAACP's Freedom Fund Banquet. This year marks the 100th anniversary for the NAACP.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296662 A former Berks County prison guard is facing charges for supplying an inmate with a cell phone. The Berks County District Attorney says Kareem Cade has been charged with perjury and criminal conspiracy. Officials say former inmate Roger Tirado is also facing charges in connection with the crime. Investigators say they don't know who gave the phone to the guard. WFMZ's Melissa Fullerton reports. 

[ 11/10/09 REPORT: What Is Congress Doing To Keep Cell Phones Out Of Prisons? ]]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296291 A one car crash closed part of Route 183 in Bethel Township today. Police say Melissa Donlen lost control of her SUV just north of Route 419. They say her car hit a guard rail and then flipped. Route 183 was closed for about an hour and a half while crews cleared the wreck.  Donlen is in critical condition.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296290 Volunteers from Reading's Latino Community had the ear of the decision makers Monday night. The goal: to help Hispanic residents better integrate in the City of Reading. WFMZ's Dwayne Parker reports.

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296293 The State Police are looking for the person who stole $10,000 worth of power tools from the Wernersville State Hospital Corrections facility. Police say the tools were reported missing at around 10:30 Monday morning. They say the thief smashed a basement window to gain access to the building.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296305 Can the library branches be saved? Reading Mayor Tom McMahon says he has a plan that could rescue the Reading public library's branches. There has been talk about shutting the libraries down because of the city's dire economic trouble. ]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296112 Since 1982, parts of Berks County's history have been collected and neatly packaged in 16 different volumes of "The Passing Scene." Volume 17 is on the printing presses this week.. But you might want to reserve your copy ahead of time. WFMZ's Karin Mallett reports.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296143 Cuts are coming, and that means new priorities for the Reading Police Department. The mayor says he'd like an agreement on the city's budget by next week.  That could mean a different response when you call 9-1-1. WFMZ's Melissa Fullerton has the details.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295600 One person is dead, and six are recovering after a Sunday morning shooting in Reading. Police say it happened at an after-hours club on the 500 block of Schuylkill Avenue. They are calling it a speakeasy. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack has more from Reading.

[ 11/8/09 Report: Are Speakeasies a Problem in Reading? ]]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296027 One person was flown to the hospital after a motor vehicle accident in Bethel Township, Berks County.  The accident happened just after 2:30 on Route 183 in the area of Route 419.  Initial reports indicate the driver of a car may have been trapped in the wreck. ]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296026 A Penn Township man will spend the next 12 and a half to 30 years in prison.  Michael Reichard was sentenced today after pleading guilty in April to charges of molesting a 13-year-old girl.  Reichard pleaded guilty to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, and related charges.



]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295660 A speakeasy sounds like a word from the past, but police tell us they are more common than one might think. And police say they are constantly trying to break them up, in order to prevent the violence that can be caused by late night drinking in an underground establishment. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack joins us now in the studio with more: >>Jackie Shutack: By definition, a speakeasy is a nightclub selling alcoholic beverages illegally, especially during Prohibition. Now, in 2009, they still exist, as after hours nightclubs that police say are a threat to the community. >> REPORTER: Twelve hours after 7 people were shot outside of this illegal nightclub in Reading, police still collect evidence. One person died in the melee, an eruption of violence that police say started because clubs like this cultivate danger. >> DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN ADAMS/BERKS COUNTY: "It was an illegal gathering place, it is not one that the city has authorized or licensed. There was alcohol being sold, there was a cover that you paid to get into this place." >> REPORTER: Police say they were familiar with this particular speakeasy. >> SGT. GUY LEHMAN/READING POLICE DEPARTMENT: "We try and close them down as quickly as we find them, this particular place was a problem earlier, we had closed it down, and it wasn't a problem for a long time, now it's started up again." >> REPORTER: Now, as 6 men recover from gunshot wounds, and the family of Richard Gonzalez mourns his death, police say they have to rely on the community's tip calls to help them shut down other speakeasy's in the city. >> SGT. GUY LEHMAN/READING POLICE DEPARTMENT: "It shouldn't be opened, after hours clubs are serving alcohol, until all hours of the morning, and there's always a problem with these clubs, they're fighting or shooting." >>Jackie Shutack: Police tell us that they usually find and close speakeasy's about 3 or 4 times a year in Reading.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295483 Tempers are flaring over proposed police and fire cuts in Reading. Saturday morning, city leaders met with police and fire union leaders. The latest numbers add up to over 50 people being laid off. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack reports.


]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295364 It's the last Friday night of football in the regular season. And the Holy Name Blue Jays took on their fellow Catholic school rival the Central Catholic Cardinals. WFMZ's Pam Cunningham was in the stands, as was the new Bishop of the Allentown Diocese.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295167 This weekend, the Family Expo is coming to the Greater Reading Expo Center.  And one of the highlights will be a magician.  This afternoon he revealed some of his illusions to WFMZ's Pam Cunningham... and how he performs with his own secret. 

>> SAM SANDLER: Most magicians do a thing pick a card from the front I'm going to try something from behind my back. 

>> REPORTER: Sam Sandler's card trick isn't the only thing that sets him apart from other performers. 

>> SANDLER: The key when you are talking to me I need to see the mouth. 

>> REPORTER: Sandler is profoundly deaf. He says he lost all his hearing two years ago but does his best not to let the audience found out. 

>> SANDLER: I like the fact that they don't know that I am deaf. As you noticed, I've been learning sign language. I use the sign language at the end of my show once I talk about being deaf. 

>> REPORTER: Sandler doesn't talk about it until he pulls a string apart. 

>> SANDLER: In all my shows, I explain how each and every one of us face difficulties in life. We're guaranteed to face brokeness whether it's losing your hearing, whether it's loss of a love one or loss of a job. 
>> REPORTER: But before this trick he is dancing and performing with music he doesn't hear. He disappears into a box and somehow reappears. 

>> SANDLER: My goal is to inspire my audience not just entertain them. 

>> REPORTER: And in the end the string is unraveled. 

>>SANDLER: You'll discover the magic is in each and every one of you and you truly can accomplish anything when you believe in yourself. 

>>REPORTER: Sam Sandler will be at the Family Expo on Saturday at 1pm and 2 pm and on Sunday at noon. 

>> SANDLER: The only thing I can't do is hear other than that I can do anything else. 

>>REPORTER: In Muhlenberg Township, Pam Cunningham 69 News.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295177 A man who's been doing research on the Latino population in Berks County is sharing his findings.   Dr. Mark Reisinger is an associate professor of geography at Binghamton University in New York. He says the Reading area is usually the second stop for Latinos who settle here.   The first stop is usually the New York City area. He also says the Latino population in Reading is concentrated in the Center City area.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295179 Fire officials are blaming yesterday's two-alarm fire in Washington Township, Berks County on spontaneous combustion. They say some oily rags went up in flames in the garage of this house, and quickly spread. The house is in the 400 block of Weinsteiger Road. No one was hurt fighting the fire.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295180 A bomb threat led to an early dismissal at Tulpehocken Junior Senior High School in Jefferson Township, Berks County. School officials say the threat was found written on a wall at 10:30... and students were moved to safe areas in the school. Students were sent home around noon. State Police searched the building. Nothing was found.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1295181 A Reading man will spend seven-and-a-half to 20 years behind bars for his role in a deadly shooting. Officials say Enrique Vazquez pleaded guilty to criminal homicide, but a judge found Vazquez guilty of voluntary manslaughter. Police say Vazquez shot and killed Jose Joel Mendez Garcia at Tulpehocken and West Greenwich streets in Reading in November of last year.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1294920 Police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and sent another to the hospital. They tell 69 News they responded to the report of shots fired at Building 29 of the Wyomissing Garden Apartment complex in the 1100 block of East Wyomissing Boulevard in Reading around 3:30 this morning.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1294624 Fort Hood is the largest U.S. Army base in the world. And many across the country are concerned for people living and working on that base. Names of the shooting victims are being withheld until families are contacted first. But many are picking up the phone to find out what they can on their own. ]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1294439 Transportation officials say they've agreed to take a closer look at making a stretch of Route 222 a four lane highway. County officials say the study will focus on 222 from Maidencreek Township up to the Kutztown Bypass and the intersection of 222 and Long Lane on the other end of the bypass.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1294451 Wachovia Bank has opened its newest branch in Berks County, but it's closed two others. The bank celebrated the opening of its new location in the Exeter Commons shopping center this morning. The new bank has seven teller stations, four drive- through lanes, and two ATMs.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1294459 Say "Reading" and many will say "outlets," even though the heyday for those shops has long past. Now, federal stimulus money is going to be part of the effort to revitalize the buildings that remain. 


]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1294343 Dozens of firefighters battled a two-alarm fire that gutted a house in Washington Township, Berks County Thursday afternoon. We're told it started shortly before 3 PM in the 400 block of Weinsteiger Road, near Bechtelsville. Investigators haven't determined what sparked the fire, but they say it started int he garage and does not appear to be suspicious.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1294341 If you filed your federal income tax return and haven't gotten your refund check yet, the IRS may be looking for you. The IRS says Post Offices in Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties returned nearly $800,000 in refund checks to the U.S. Treasury because the of mailing address mistakes.

[ WEB LINK:  ( Where's My Refund? ) ]
]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293867  One person is in the hospital and another is in custody after an argument led to gunfire in Berks County. It happened a little before 7:30 last night at a house in the 100 block of South 5th Avenue, near Franklin Street, in West Reading. 

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293908 It's a do or die situation for the Philadelphia Phillies. The Yankees are one game away from winning the Fall Classic, but Phillies fans are still hoping for a chance at Game 7. WFMZ's Dwayne Parker and he went all over New York looking for the ultimate baseball fan.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293919 Plans for a new sports complex in the Daniel Boone School District in Berks County are being met with some concerns by the Union Township Planning Commission. And if the school district doesn't come up with a plan to meet them, then the project will not move forward. 


]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293668 The votes are counted and the dust has settled and the city of Reading has emerged from Tuesday's election with only one party in complete control. The Republicans lost their one and only seat on City Council.


]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293665 The Reading Phillies today unveiled four more items in their on-field line-up of player uniforms and caps. The jersey and three caps will be worn by R-Phils players during the upcoming season. They'll also be available for fans who want to sport the same look.

[ WEB LINK:  ( New On-Field Uniform Line-Up ) ]
]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293595 It was another do or die game for the Phillies Wednesday night. Down three games to two, the defending world champions were defeated by the Yankees in Game 7. Thousands of Phillies fans gathered in New York to cheer on their team, and there was at least one place some of them could go and make friends. It's a little taste of home for Phillies fans in the middle of the West Village in Lower Manhattan, complete with the cheesesteaks and Yuengling.
]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293177 The Berks County Coroner, Dennis Hess, won election to a second term in office by defeating the man who held the job before him, Dr. Nick Bybel, in a closely-watched race. With 100% of the precincts reporting their results, Hess got 56% of the vote to Bybel's 44%.

[ RAW INTERVIEW: Dennis Hess, (D) Berks County Coroner ]
 ]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293073 With electric rate caps set to expire in Pennsylvania, local businesses have a new way to take charge of what they pay for power. The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry is setting up a power pool for its members. WFMZ's Pam Cunningham explains how this could help businesses lock in low rates.

[ WEB LINK:  ( Power Pool Enrollment Page ) ]
]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293085 Police in Exeter Township, Berks County are asking for your help to catch the guy behind a string of burglaries this afternoon. They say the guy was caught on camera taking things from at least four units in the Madison Apartment complex off Lorane Road. They say all the burglaries happened between noon and 2:00.

[ CRIME ALERT BERKS COUNTY:  877-373-9913 ]
]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1293094 Election officials say voter turnout was light Tuesday, but that was expected for this election. And while those in Berks County who voted were focused on the races, there was a milestone being marked and you might not even have known.

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292961 Voters are trickling into polling locations around the region. The races on the ballot include that for governor of New Jersey, mayor of Allentown, executive in Lehigh County, and coroner in Berks County. 

POLLS OPEN IN PA & N.J. UNTIL 8 PM.
]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292499 Firefighters and police responded to a fire at Victoria's Secret in the Berkshire Mall in Wyomissing, Berks County Monday night. Fire officials say the lights in the display case caught fire. They say the smoke caused more damage than the flames themselves. Smoke spread throughout the store though, and could have damaged a significant amount of merchandise.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292657 The Philadelphia Phillies avoided elimination in the World Series last night with an 8 to 6 win over the New York Yankees in Game 5. Chase Utley provided the spark again with a pair of home runs, including a three-run bomb in the first inning to give the Phillies a lead they would never surrender.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292598 Reading City Council continues to plow through the mayor's budget and look at where cuts can be made to deal with a $15 million shortfall. The finance committee has been meeting twice a week for the last month to review the budget line by line.

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292601 Candidates were out Monday making that last minute push leading up to Election Day to make sure every voter exercises his or her constitutional right. WFMZ's Dwayne Parker has more on this story. 


]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290895 Phillies / Yankee rivalries are heating up in some homes across Berks County. This entire family in Birdsboro supports the Fightin's...except 23 year old Danielle. She decided to push her step- dad's buttons at a young age and bleed blue. And that means Danielle has to endure some grief. 
]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292422 Some call it an off-year election, but the local Republican and Democratic parties are still preparing for an all-out showdown at the polls on Tuesday. 




]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292318 The driver of a minivan was killed in a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 78 in Upper Tulpehocken Township, Berks County Monday afternoon, according to State Police. They say a van, driven by 37 year old Darren Whipple, crashed his mini van into the back of a tractor trailer around 4:30 as it was slowing to enter a construction zone.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292314 State prosecutors today arrested nine people for allegedly operating a $2.5-million marijuana ring that stretched from New York to Easton to the Kutztown University campus in Berks County. Attorney General Tom Corbett said the year-long investigation, known as "Operation 777," began during the summer of 2008.

[ GRAND JURY PRESENTMENT ]     [ NEWS RELEASE ]
]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292251 A pair of Berks County Sheriff Department deputies returned to work today after being hurt in a crash that happened during the course of a DUI checkpoint detail they were conducting in Sinking Spring over the weekend. We're told both deputies were treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1291782 Families in Reading took their Halloween celebration indoors. The Reading Public Library hosted a Wild Rumpus Saturday afternoon. The Reading Philharmonic Orchestra got into the Halloween spirit by dressing up in costume for the performance. There was also plenty of candy, a costume parade, and ghost stories.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1291704 Emergency officials said flames were going through the roof of a barn on the Berks-Lebanon County border Saturday morning. They say the fire was reported just before 10:00 at the barn on Krieder Road in Jackson Township, Lebanon County. Emergency officials say all of the 100 milking cows inside made it out safely. Two people driving by stopped and helped get the cows out of the barn. One cow did break its leg on the way out and had to be put down. Fire officials have ruled the fire accidental.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1291703 People hoping to see the 2009 King Frost Parade will have to wait another week. Parade officials said this morning they are postponing the parade due to the weather. The parade will step off in Hamburg, Berks County next Saturday, November 7th at 7:00 p.m.

[Web link: WFMZ's Halloween Happenings ]

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1291676 Halloween is one day away but for some fright night is already here. WFMZ's Pam Cunningham was at the Barn of Horror and Trail of Terror to show us the extra challenges behind the scenes of making you scream.


]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1291450 The Yankees and Phillies have the night off but that doesn't mean fans are taking a break. WFMZ's Pam Cunningham shows how one doctor's office took the World Series theme to the extreme for Halloween.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1291463 A two- billion dollar a year business in Berks County is expanding its global reach. WFMZ's Melissa Fullerton explains how its success may also offer glimmers of an improving economy.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1291467 Thousands of dollars in budget cuts have threatened to bring much of the Reading Public Library system to a screeching halt.   But the library is fighting back.   WFMZ's Dwayne Parker has the story from the main branch of the Reading Public Library.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290922 What's in a name? According to the warden of Berks County Prison, a great deal and that's why he says it's time for a name change. WFMZ's Pam Cunningham toured BCP to find out why.

]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290764 The Miller-Keystone Blood Center is limiting the age of volunteers because of the flu. It says volunteers at its blood drives must be at least 18-years-old. The center is also asking donors to postpone visits if they have flu like symptoms. The changes come as hospitals in our area are putting similar policies in place, restricting the age of visitors.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290748 At its official grand opening, the new Lowe's in Exeter Township, Berks County didn't settle for the traditional ribbon cutting. Officials sawed a board in half to celebrate the newest addition to the Exeter Commons Shopping Center. And all day, for every dollar spent on a gift card, the store donated a dollar to the Reading-Berks Habitat for Humanity.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290761 More police will be on the beat at Reading High School because of some rowdy lunchtime crowds. One school board member says three more officers will be at the high school starting November 16. Two officers are already at the school daily, so this will boost the total number to five.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290201 Halloween arrived a little early at Penn State Berks.   Children and their parents trick-or-treated at Sage Hall this evening. Penn State students passed out the candy. There was lots of State pride with kids dressed up as Joe Paterno, cheerleaders and even the Nittany Lion. Buzz Lightyear and Woody made an appearance... and another cute costume...  two peas in a pod.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290125 A man shot and killed his wife inside the couple's house in Berks County and then fired on responding officers before finally surrendering to police after a six-and-a-half-hour standoff, according to authorities. It all began around 9:30 Wednesday night when police say William Landis called 911 to report a shooting inside his house on Arrowhead Trail in Spring Township.

[ RAW VIDEO: William Landis Led To Prison ]
[ 10/29/09 REPORT: Body Found After Spring Township Standoff ]]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290216 A lack of funds has caused a major obstacle for one woman from Reading. She's been trying desperately to expose inner-city kids to the arts. But her cries for help will not go unanswered. WFMZ's Dwayne Parker has her story.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1289968 Pennsylvania is preparing to roll out its program for low income home energy assistance. The program is better known as LIHEAP. Grant money is distributed based on income level. Applications will be accepted starting November 2.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290124 There is one other Philadelphia-New York battle this week and it's taking place in Berks County. The Lingerie Football League's New York Majesty and Philadelphia Passion will kick off their season at the Sovereign Center Friday night. The two teams met the media this morning in Reading.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290030 A state senator serving Berks and Schuylkill counties is proposing a plan to reduce the size of the state legislature by 20%. The proposal by Senator Dave Argall would eliminate one Senate seat and ten House seats every decade through 2053. All told, it would change the number of Senate seats in Pennsylvania from 50 to 45 and the number of representatives from 203 to 153.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290032 State Senator Mike O'Pake says there may be hope for Reading's cash-strapped libraries. He says members of churches are offering to step up to help the three library branches that are in danger of closing. The Reading Public Library is expecting to lose $450,000 of city funding next year.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290053 A Reading man arrested last week is now charged with murder in New Jersey. Authorities say Jose Antonio Melendez Garcia, also known as "Hector Garcia," shot and killed Albert Santana in Camden last summer. Melendez Garcia was picked up on drug charges. He remains in the Berks County Prison.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290054 Ten police K-9 units from across Berks County put their noses to the test at the Berks County Prison. The Sheriff's K-9 Corps joined local forces and the State Police dogs on a contraband sweep. They say the dogs searched a big portion of the jail found no drugs. Prison officials say searches like this send a message to inmates.]]> http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1290055 Local governments are facing a budget crisis just like many families are facing. But imagine if you had to pay a bill when you never wanted the service. That's what the local governments call "unfunded mandates," when the states say "do something" but don't give them the money to do it. Now, a proposal is on the table to suspend those mandates in Pennsylvania.]]>