Latest news with #BerksCounty
CBS News
12-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Legionella bacteria detected at buildings in Berks County, Pennsylvania, officials say
Berks County, Pennsylvania, will conduct remediation efforts at its South Campus on Tuesday after a low level of Legionella bacteria was detected there, officials said. Legionella can cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia. Berks County said the bacteria was detected as part of routine water testing at the campus on 400 East Wyomissing Avenue in Mohnton. The remediation efforts include water system flushing and additional testing. In the meantime, the county is providing temporary bathroom facilities and drinking water. The campus includes the county's Planning Commission, Redevelopment Authority and several other agencies. No staff are required to vacate the campus due to the remediation work. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people who become infected with Legionnaires' disease get infected from water droplets. Outbreaks have been linked to air conditioner systems, hot water tanks and drinking water systems. The disease does not spread from person to person. The disease has been in the news recently after a major outbreak in New York City's Harlem neighborhood was responsible for 90 confirmed cases, including three deaths, CBS News New York reported. The disease got its name from a 1976 outbreak at a Philadelphia hotel that hosted the Pennsylvania American Legion, sickening well over 100 members and other people in the hotel or in the area. In the end, there were 182 cases that killed 29 people.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania watch out: Spotted lanternflies get their wings
(WHTM) — It's been a calm summer, but soon they'll be flying in your face. The invasive spotted lanternfly inhabits all but ten of Pennsylvania's counties. The polka-dotted planthoppers began hatching in May and June, and come July they will get their wings. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The species has spent the last few months as immature nymphs. Spotted lanternflies have four nymph stages known as instar phases, according to Cornell Integrated Pest Management. During this time, they can only hop or crawl, and they are often mistaken for other insects. As the adult stage begins in late July, the spotted lanternfly will develop its distinct red wings with black polka dots. They will remain in this stage until their deaths in December, though not before mating in August. The invasive species is native to Asia. However, the first sighting of the pest in the United States was in 2014 in Berks County. It poses a serious risk to agriculture in PA, feeding on grapes and fruit trees. Anyone who spots the spotted pest should squash it and scrape any eggs found on trees, vehicles, playgrounds or other outdoor surfaces. World Snake Day: Many, sometimes venomous, snakes call Pennsylvania home Officials said it's especially important to ensure spotted lanternflies are not on trucks, firewood or plants being transported across the state. If you see a spotted lanternfly, officials ask you to report it online or call 1-888-4BADFLY. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Yahoo
Wanted in Berks, July 13, 2025
The Berks County sheriff's department is seeking the following fugitives: Xzavion Jackson-Washington • Xzavion Jackson-Washington, 21, whose last known address was in the 900 block of Washington Street, Reading, is wanted on charges of aggravated assault and carrying a firearm without a license. Reading police said he pulled a black handgun and fired into a vehicle in the 300 block of North Front Street on Sunday, July 6. The victims were a female, a male and a 3-year-old child. The incident was captured on video and Jackson-Washington identified as the shooter. He is described as 6 feet and 160 pounds. Thomas Wakefield • Thomas Wakefield, 51, whose last known address was in the first block of George Avenue, Wyomissing, is wanted on felony receiving stolen property charges. West Reading police said he received and disposed of a .40-caliber loaded firearm belonging the victim. Wakefield was observed on surveillance video throwing a backpack with a firearm inside it into a garbage receptacle. He is described as 5 feet 11 inches and 230 pounds. Anyone with information about these fugitives is urged to contact the warrants division of the sheriff's department at 610-478-6390. Find the complete list of Berks County's most wanted at
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Montgomery County
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly at 4:33 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8. This warning applies to Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties. Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph. Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 0.75 inches. The NWS warns: "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. In addition to large hail and damaging winds, frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Move indoors immediately. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways." At 4:33 p.m., the NWS issued a statement: "The National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Southeastern Berks County in eastern Pennsylvania, West central Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Northern Chester County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Until 5:15 p.m. EDT. At 4:33 p.m. EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Adamstown to Terre Hill to near Paradise, moving east at 50 mph. HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE: Radar indicated. IMPACT: Damage to roofs, siding, trees, and power lines is possible. Locations impacted include: West Chester, Pottstown, Phoenixville, Coatesville, Downingtown, Birdsboro, Royersford, Parkesburg, Honey Brook, Elverson, New Morgan, Pughtown, Marshallton, Lionville-Marchwood, Glenmoore, Chester Springs, Lionville, Cedarville, Gilbertsville, and West Goshen." A severe thunderstorm warning means the area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail an inch in diameter or larger. Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing. Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of loss of power. Remember to bring pets inside. If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds. Postpone outdoor activities until the storms have passed. Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article. This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor. See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Montgomery County
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Yahoo
Wanted in Berks: July 6, 2025
The Berks County sheriff's office is seeking the following fugitives: Victor Alicea-Velez • Victor Alicea-Velez, 25, whose last known address was in the 1200 block of Cotton Street, Reading, is wanted on an attempted first-degree murder charge. Reading police said a witness saw Alicea-Velez arguing with the victim in the 1200 block of Cotton Street on May 17. The witness heard gunshots and noticed Alicea-Velez had left. The victim was shot in the chest and taken to Reading Hospital. The victim told police that he argued with Alicea-Velez when Alicea-Velez grabbed a firearm and shot him. Police filed charges on June 16. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches and 150 pounds. Jeanelly Arroyo-Santiago • Jeanelly Arroyo-Santiago, 28, whose last known address was in the 300 block of Lackawanna Street, Reading, is wanted on receiving stolen property and theft by deception charges. Muhlenberg Township police said Arroyo-Santiago deposited a bad check for $5,700 into her bank account on Sept. 27, 2023. Police said she admitted her role in a fraudulent check-cashing scheme. When police tried to follow up with her, she could not be located. Police filed charges on May 8. She is described as 5 feet 7 inches and 160 pounds. Anyone with information about these fugitives is urged to contact the warrants division of the sheriff's department at 610-478-6390. Find the complete list of Berks County's most wanted at
