Fleetwood police seek suspect in credit card fraud
Tipsters with crime information can call 877-373-9913 anytime or contact Crime Alert at its website at www.alertberks.org or via the AlertBerks smartphone app. No one will ask the name of the caller, who will be assigned a code number.
Offense: Credit card/access device fraud
Date: Between April 22 and May 1
Location: Lowe's, Shillington Road, Spring Township.
Police synopsis:
According to Fleetwood police, fraudulent orders totaling more than $20,000 were placed via phone using a Fleetwood-area construction business' credit card and were subsequently picked up by a person not affiliated with the business. The pictured suspect picked up an order and identified herself as Ventura Polanco.
COURTESY OF FLEETWOOD POLICE
Fleetwood police are trying to identify this suspect in connection with a credit card fraud. (Courtesy of Crime Alert Berks County)Fleetwood police are trying to identify this suspect in connection with a credit card fraud. (Courtesy of Crime Alert Berks County)
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Alert or Criminal Investigator Keith Merkel at Fleetwood Police Department at 61-944-7011 ext. 500. Refer to incident #83-25-02626.
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New York Post
4 days ago
- New York Post
Bathroom tool that saves money and water — all you need is this simple upgrade
August is National Water Quality Month and the perfect time to give your water some TLC. With low-flow water fixtures, you can do so just that—while still keeping your budget in check. 'Low-flow plumbing fixtures are made to help you use less water in your home without greatly reducing the water pressure. They use gravity-flow designs and built-in pressure systems to get the job done with less water each time,' says Joseph Wade, vice president of operations for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Cleveland, OH. Place them in your bathroom, and watch your water bill go down and water quality go up. Why low-flow fixtures are worth it Low-flow bathroom fixtures like showerheads, toilets, faucets, and even urinals are specifically engineered to use less water than their standard counterparts. 5 Low-flow water fixtures such as showerheads, toilets and faucets can help you use less water and stay on budget. New Africa – 'As an example, it can take a standard toilet anywhere from 3.5 to 6 gallons per flush, while a low-flow or high-efficiency toilet consumes as little as 1.28 gallons,' says Alex Atkinson, plumber and HVAC technician at Super Brothers in Sacramento, CA. Similarly, low-flow showerheads typically limit flow to 2.0 gallons per minute or less, while the old standard was 2.5 GPM or more. 'These fittings utilize smart technology like aerators, pressure-compensating valves, and dual-flush components to deliver strong pressure while reducing water usage,' explains Atkinson. 5 Low-flow showerheads typically limit flow to 2.0 gallons per minute or less. Towfiqu Barbhuiya – The most obvious perk of low-flow fixtures is reduced water use, which means lower water bills. If you have a family of four, for example, you can save up to 20,000 gallons of water per year by simply fitting toilets and showerheads with low-flow features. While these appliances don't have the ability to filter water themselves, they indirectly enhance your water quality. 'For example, by alleviating the pressure on municipal water systems, they lighten the load on water treatment plants, thereby leading to cleaner, better-regulated local water supplies,' says Atkinson. 5 'Alleviating the pressure on municipal water systems, they lighten the load on water treatment plants, thereby leading to cleaner, better-regulated local water supplies,' Alex Atkinson, a plumber and HVAC technician, said. Allison – Start and end your day informed with our newsletters Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters They're available at your local home improvement store for fairly cheap You don't have to be a licensed plumber or go somewhere fancy to buy some low-flow fixtures for your bathroom. Just pop into a nearby Lowe's or Home Depot and you're sure to find plenty of options. 'I always recommend starting with a WaterSense-certified toilet. They're EPA-tested to ensure strict performance and efficiency standards using no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (GPM) compared to older toilets that use over double that,' explains Atkinson. Atkinson also recommends a low-flow showerhead, like the Niagara Earth 1.25 GPM or Kohler Awaken series, which has very good pressure but reduces water consumption by a substantial amount. 'For bathroom faucets, you should use a 1.2 GPM-rated faucet with an aerator to give you a steady stream and consume up to 45% less water compared to a standard faucet,' says Atkinson. A basic WaterSense-approved, low-flow showerhead can start between $15 and $25, while high-end options with multispray settings and pressure-boosting technology can run from $50 to $100. Low-flow bathroom faucets will begin around $30 to $75, and installing a simple aerator attachment will cost as little as $10. WaterSense-approved toilets typically begin at $150 and go up to to $350, depending on design and flushing technology, with dual-flush options being slightly higher. 5 'These upgrades pay back in one to three years in energy and water savings and are a smart investment for your wallet as well as the planet,' Atkinson said. ungvar – 'The good news is that most of these upgrades pay back in one to three years in energy and water savings and are a smart investment for your wallet as well as the planet,' explains Atkinson. Other ways to improve your water quality Low-flow fixtures are just one cost-effective way to give your water a makeover. Here are several other options: 5 Hiring a licensed plumber to inspect water heaters, pipes, and valves every year to make sure your water supply system is safe. fotofabrika – Install a whole-house filter This can make your water taste and smell better, which is ideal for drinking, cooking and bathing. 'It also helps cut down on exposure to things you don't want in your water, like lead and PFAS,' explains Wade. Clean your showerheads every few months This is a simple but effective way to enhance your water quality. Here's why: Mineral deposit not only reduces flow but also affects water taste and clarity. Consider a water softener A water softener, which helps stop minerals from building up in your pipes, is usually a good idea. 'It can reduce the risk of problems in your water and keep your family healthy,' says Wade. Schedule an annual plumbing inspection Hire a licensed plumber to inspect your water heater, pipes, and valves every year. Old or corrosive plumbing may leach the metals lead and copper into your water supply system even when your water emerges from the treatment plant squeaky clean.
WIRED
06-08-2025
- WIRED
How to Keep Your Outdoor Griddle From Rusting
An outdoor griddle turns your backyard into a short-order kitchen. Here's how to season a griddle, and how to keep it seasoned. Courtesy of Lowe's; Matthew Korfhage All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Learn more. OK, so you've got a backyard griddle. Congratulations, it's a little like joining a cult—albeit one whose shrine is smashburgers, tacos, and pancakes. (Check out WIRED's guide to the best griddles here.) Each outdoor griddle lover has their own conversion story, one they can't stop telling friends and strangers about. But especially, the griddle has its own distinct set of rituals—a cycle of seasoning and cleaning and maintenance it's possible to love, but also maybe fear. On Reddit or Facebook, posts from new griddle owners betray earnest anxiety … am I doing it wrong? Why can I not get the even black surface I see on griddle videos? I've tested and broken in 10 new flat-top grills this summer alone, so I get it. I've made the mistakes. I've tested the solutions. Here's a quick guide to griddle-seasoning and care, and a few pieces of gear that'll help you along the way—with some advice cribbed from pros at the best griddle makers, like Blackstone, Weber, and Traeger. Why Season a Griddle? Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Properly seasoning a griddle, and keeping it seasoned, is the best way to keep your flat-top from rusting—and also to get a smooth surface that'll both transfer heat more evenly and keep food from sticking as much. The process of seasoning involves heating up unsaturated fats, often high-heat oils like grape-seed oil or canola oil, atop a porous metal like carbon steel or cast iron. Once you reach the smoke point of each oil (more on that later), the liquid fat polymerizes into a hard, nonstick surface that chemically bonds to the surface of the metal and fills in its pores. This protects the metal from oxidizing, which is good: That's what rust is. It also makes the surface of your griddle smoother and more hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. This means food is less likely to stick. All of these things are what you want, cookingwise. But to get this effect, you'll need a wafer-thin, even coating … not a gummy buildup of lots of oil. Here's what to do. First, Clean Your Griddle With Soap (Probably) Check your user manual before any initial cleaning. Some griddles, like the Weber Slate Rust Resistant Griddle, come preseasoned with food-grade oils and already have a layer of seasoning. This doesn't mean you don't have to season it again—but it does mean you shouldn't clean off the seasoning and start over. But most griddles arrive seasoned with shipping oil meant to protect it on its journey to you, but which you don't necessarily want to keep. As a first step, you'll need to scrub your grill with soap and water. Note that almost every guide from every griddle maker says not to use soap and water to clean your grilltop on an ongoing basis: This is the first, last, and only time you'll likely use soap. But do so this time. I tend to favor Dawn Powerwash Spray ($5) and a sponge for this, rather than messing around with a bucket. Just spray lightly, wipe in a circular motion with the sponge across the entire surface of the griddle, then rinse out the sponge and wipe the soap off with water. Dry with a cloth or paper towel, and you're done. How to Season Your Griddle the First Time OK, so now you've got a clean slate. This is good. That's what you need for polymers to form chemical bonds with the griddle surface. Here are the tools you'll want to season your griddle: An unsaturated (read: plant-based) oil with neutral flavor and a high smoke point above 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This includes grape-seed (my go-to), avocado, or canola oil. Refined olive oil can sometimes work, but avoid extra-virgin, which usually has a lower smoke point. Avoid peanut oil unless you universally like the flavor of peanuts. A good set of grill tongs, like this excellent pair from Traeger. Paper towels or preferably blue shop towels that don't throw off as many nubs and fibers. An infrared thermometer gun. (Optional) a squeeze bottle for oil. The process from here is easy, but there's a bit of nuance to getting a good first few layers down, and it'll depend a bit on the evenness of heating on your griddle. Note: Even if your griddle comes preseasoned, you'll probably want to apply a coat or two anyway. The seasoning won't be as hardy as you'd like. Here are the steps to seasoning a griddle the first time. Heat up your griddle on high at first without applying oil, waiting around 10 minutes or until the color of the griddle starts to darken somewhat. If you've got your thermometer handy, aim for about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Fold up a couple of paper towels or shop towels and cinch the square into your grill tongs as a kind of sponge: This will be your spreader, and possibly your grease applicator. Squeeze a few tablespoons of oil into the shop towel, or onto the griddle directly if you prefer. Spread a wafer-thin layer of oil across the entire surface of the griddle, and up the sides. Heat until you reach the smoke point of your oil: The griddle will start to smoke. This is good. This your sign the oil is forming polymers. Do this until the griddle stops smoking. Repeat multiple times, until the coloration of the grill begins to even out and the whole surface appears at least somewhat seasoned. Colorwise, you're aiming for the range between amber and brown-black. Photograph: Matthew Korfhage That's the baseline, but there are additional tips. Most griddle makers will tell you to just blast your burners on high—but that's a bit of a recipe for quickly burning off oil at the hottest spots of your griddle before the edges have a chance to season. Seasoning cast iron pans in an oven is a much more controlled and even process. But most big backyard griddles have strong hot spots, and temperature can vary by anywhere from 50 to 150 degrees across the cooking surface—with the hottest spots above the burners. I like to use an infrared thermometer, and I adjust my burner dials to keep my griddle temperature at or below 500 degrees while seasoning. Often this means having a lower temp in the middle burner or burners, but keeping side burners on higher. When in doubt, your grease towel and tongs are your friend—the towel can be used to even out the thin layer of oil across the surface of the griddle, and replenish oil in hot spots where the oil was burned off before it had the chance to polymerize. But when in doubt, don't worry if it's not perfectly even: You don't have to get a perfectly even coat on your first seasoning, or your second, or even your third. As you cook, the oil you use to cook will help you keep it seasoned, and you'll develop a bit of an equilibrium. You'll keep reseasoning through the life of the griddle, both as you cook and as needed. In general, you'll be ready for your first cook after two or three coats of seasoning. Blackstone's reps, and a whole lot of cast-iron folk wisdom going back decades, recommend that your first cook be a whole griddle full of onions, to further even out the seasoning. Some believe that the sulfur content in onions is helpful for polymerization, though I haven't seen the science behind this. But one thing that is sure is that onions tend to sop up griddle char and excess grease, and I've never regretted having caramelized onions around. One way or the other, cooking with oil, evenly and often, will help keep your grill seasoned. One quick caveat: Don't try to season your grill with bacon fat. Modern bacon has a number of chemicals that'll interfere with bacon fat's ability to create an even polymer layer on the griddle. How to Clean and Care for Your Griddle Ok, so now that you've cooked, how do you keep your griddle in good shape without using soap? This is a good question. But the main answer is: scraping, scrubbing, and steam. Here's what you need. Other people have their own methods, but my preference for cleaning griddles tends to use more steam than elbow grease. Here are a few tips. Clean when the griddle is hot. The best way to clean is almost always to do so while your griddle is still hot—or at least hotter than around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. When you spritz a bit of water on a hot grill, the steam from the fast-boiling water will help release the food from your already somewhat nonstick seasoning. This is the same process you use to deglaze a pan when cooking on your stove. (Note: Don't use water when the griddle is too cold to steam off the water, unless you plan on also drying your griddle with towels. That's how things rust.) Start with a scraper. The first step should be to use a metal grill scraper to get any bulky food particles or char off the griddle, pushing particles and liquid into the grease trap. Follow up with griddle tongs and a towel or rag. From here, spritz more water on the grill, and use folded-up paper towels or shop towels gripped tightly in griddle tongs. (Most griddle tongs can be made to lock firmly onto a rag.) As the steam loosens up particles of fat and food, use the towel or cloth as your scrubber, repeating as many times as necessary until the surface is smooth, pushing all material into the griddle's grease trap. Apply a new layer of oil. Once the griddle's free of food and char, apply a new thin layer of oil, which will protect the griddle even if you don't plan to add a new layer of seasoning yet by polymerizing the oil. Spread the oil thinly and evenly using griddle tongs and a towel or cloth. Depending on the state of the griddle's seasoning, you may want to apply a new layer of seasoning before the next use. But either way, you should always apply a protective layer of oil after each use, and before storing the griddle. Allow the griddle to cool before closing the lid. Clean your trap. Finally, remove your grease trap and clean it out with soap and water. (Or, change your grease trap lining if you used disposable aluminum liners.) Also wipe down the exterior of the griddle, if needed. Store the griddle in a way that won't get moisture on the cook plate. If you're storing your griddle outside, you should get a model with a hood, and get a cover. Moisture is the enemy! Rust is the enemy! If you can wheel your griddle inside a garage or shed between uses, doing so may help your griddle top resist rust—and thus live long and prosperously, without need of replacement.
CNN
06-08-2025
- CNN
The 11 best over-the-toilet storage solutions to declutter your bathroom, according to the pros
Over-the-toilet storage quick picks A cabinet that conceals clutter: RiverRidge Somerset 3-Shelf Over-the-Toilet Storage A compact editor favorite: YouCopia Hideaway Toilet Cabinet A stylish natural option: Catgood Over-the-Toilet Bamboo Storage An organizer with adjustable shelving: Vevor Adjustable Over-the-Toilet Storage Your bathroom doesn't have to be small to benefit from over-the-toilet storage. Really, if you've ever found yourself wishing you could use a little more storage space for toiletries, cleaning supplies or any other items you keep in the bathroom, some extra shelving will definitely prove helpful. But with so many different kinds of over-the-toilet organizers to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for your space? To answer this question, I spoke to a home improvement expert and a professional organizer. They shared advice on features and materials to look for, as well as their product recommendations. The final list has something for everyone, whether you want a container with a small footprint and easy installation or a storage solution with a cabinet that hides your messy makeup collection. It's all here! Veikous 2-Shelf Over-the-Toilet Storage Cabinet organizers are one of the most popular kinds of over-the-toilet storage. Brian Shaunfield, a Lowe's store manager in North Carolina, called out this one as a trending model for the retailer. It has three shelves — one of which is adjustable and two of which are concealed behind doors — making it a good option for people looking to store a larger quantity of items, like body care refills and cleaning supplies. Professional organizer Megan Golightly likes this similar cabinet-style organizer from Amazon, which comes in several finishes and features an adjustable shelf. Costway 4-Tier Over-the-Toilet Storage Rack For an industrial-looking option, look no further than this durable metal and engineered wood rack. Copy editor Danielle Poiesz owns it and said it was easy to assemble. Of course, that's not all she loves about the organizer. 'Unlike a lot of wire storage racks, it's also very sturdy and super easy to dust and wipe down,' she said. 'It's affordable too — and usually on sale — without looking cheap. Win after win after win here!' Design Ideas Meshworks 3-Tier Bathroom Shelf Shoppers after a slender but strong shelving system should check out this steel organizer, which has three adjustable shelves that can hold up to 440 pounds each. Professional organizer Melanie Summers recommends it because of the simple design and the fact that it won't take up a lot of space in a small bathroom. The shelf extends out from the wall less than 10 inches, so it won't make the surrounding area look congested. YouCopia Hideaway Toilet Cabinet I've had this over-toilet cabinet suctioned to the lid of my toilet tank since the beginning of the year, and it's the perfect size for my small bathroom. I frequently switch out the products I keep inside it, but I tend to store my current favorite skin care serums, wet wipes and contacts. And honestly, I like that it's made of plastic. 'Plastic organizers are lightweight, waterproof and easy to clean for low-maintenance storage,' Shaunfield said. 'They're also typically the most affordable option.' Umbra Bellwood Over-the-Toilet Shelf When it comes to beautiful bathroom organizers, Umbra's Bellwood collection is the one to beat. Sporting a two-toned steel and wood construction, this unit features three surfaces for all your bathroom essentials and backups. It comes with all the hardware needed for easy assembly, and it would look so cute decorated with plants and other decor. West Elm Modern Leaning Over-the-Toilet Cubby Wood is another viable material to look for when shopping for over-toilet storage systems. 'Wood not only adds warmth and character but also creates a more elevated feel and is great for making bathrooms feel less sterile,' Shaunfield said. He added that wooden furniture intended for use in bathrooms is usually treated and sealed to resist moisture. This leaning wooden shelf system from West Elm is made from commercial-grade, kiln-dried mahogany wood to resist splitting and warping. It also has sealed metal hardware that won't rust or corrode. RiverRidge Somerset 3-Shelf Over-the-Toilet Storage This shelf system is relatively slim in profile despite its generous capacity. Like most over-the-toilet organizers in its category, it comes with anti-tip and wall-mounting hardware, making it a great choice for homeowners and parents. Honey-Can-Do 3-Tier Metal Bathroom Shelf Space Saver 'Metal is great for a clean, modern look,' Summers said, pointing to this Honey-Can-Do unit as one of her favorites. The steel organizer is popular among Amazon shoppers too, and it's generally a solid choice for people who prefer a shelf that blends into the background. Plus, its design is versatile. If you wanted to, you could also use it as pantry storage in the kitchen. Catgood Over-the-Toilet Bamboo Storage Not only does bamboo look chic but it also doesn't damage easily. Golightly even named it a go-to material for moisture resistance. 'Bathrooms are humid zones, so skip anything that warps, rusts or makes you regret your purchase a year later,' Golightly said. You certainly won't regret this bamboo organizer's three wide shelves, anti-slip foot pads or bottom bar that adjusts to fit around plumbing. Vevor Adjustable Over-the-Toilet Storage Summers likes an organizer with adjustable shelving, and this freestanding unit is a good example of that. It's available in three colors and comes with three removable hooks that you can use to hang towels, scrub brushes and more. It's easy on the eyes too, not to mention a foolproof choice for people who don't want an industrial aesthetic. Kalrin Over-the-Toilet Storage Rack Golightly recommends this storage rack because it's 'sleek, stable and doesn't scream 'dorm room.'' Similar to the Costway model, it has four roomy tiers and sports a two-toned construction, though you can also buy a monochromatic version. Golightly also said to look for something with hooks and a raised edge on the shelves so items don't fall off — two features included in this rack. When shopping for over-the-toilet storage, Summers said to look for a design that makes the most out of vertical space while keeping items you frequently reach for easily accessible. Ideally, the unit will fit your bathroom's layout without crowding the space or making it feel more cluttered than before. To avoid a bad fit, Golightly said to measure the wall space, toilet height, baseboards and plumbing. Her biggest piece of advice, though, is to be realistic. 'If you're already dealing with bathroom chaos, don't buy something that looks like a Pinterest dream but doesn't actually fit your lifestyle,' she said. 'The best organizer is the one that helps you breathe easier every time you walk in the room.' Although open shelving is helpful for easy access to toiletries, Shaunfield said some people might prefer to keep things tucked away for a more organized bathroom aesthetic. In that case, it's best to go with a cabinet-style organizer. Finally, think about whether you'd prefer a no-frills design or something with special features like adjustable shelves and drawers, which Summers noted can help organize items of different sizes. 'Ease of installation and cleaning are always a plus,' she added. The following FAQs have been answered by professional organizers Megan Golightly and Melanie Summers, and home improvement expert Brian Shaunfield. How do you install over-the-toilet storage? How do you install over-the-toilet storage? Shaunfield said it's important to assess your bathroom before buying an over-the-toilet storage solution. 'Measure from the floor to the top of your toilet tank and the width between any nearby walls or fixtures to ensure a proper fit,' he said. He added that you should choose an organizer with anti-tip brackets and sturdy feet, especially if you have pets or kids, to prevent sliding. 'Wall mounting can add extra stability and safety too, but make sure you know what kind of walls you're working with,' Shaunfield said. 'Anchoring into tile, for example, can be trickier than drywall.' What should you store in an over-the-toilet organizer? What should you store in an over-the-toilet organizer? 'Over-the-toilet organizers are great for storing things like extra towels, toilet paper, toiletries and even decorative items like plants or candles,' Summers said. 'I also love using the space for organizing first-aid kits, extra bathroom cleaning supplies or backup bathroom products that don't need to be accessed every day.' Golightly suggests using matching bins and baskets to store items like extra towels, wipes and shampoo and, in turn, create a calmer, more cohesive aesthetic. 'Hide the visual noise,' she said. 'Show the pretty stuff.' For this article, I consulted the following home improvement and organizing experts to gain their insights. Megan Golightly, professional organizer and founder of GoSimplified Brian Shaunfield, Lowe's store manager in North Carolina Melanie Summers, professional organizer and founder of I Speak Organized CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska talked to home improvement and organization experts to determine the over-the-toilet storage solutions worth shopping.
