Latest news with #JudySchwank
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
Legislators propose changes following explosion at Pennsylvania chocolate factory
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Two state senators are proposing legislation that would implement changes recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the wake of an explosion at a Berks County chocolate factory. Senators Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) are proposing three bills that would implement recommendations made by the NTSB. 'On March 24, 2023, a tragic explosion occurred at the R.M. Palmer Company in West Reading,' Schwank said in a co-sponsorship memorandum. 'This horrific event sent shockwaves through the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We still feel those effects today as we continue to mourn the seven lives we sadly lost.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The NTSB released their final report on the explosion this week. The three bills, if passed, would implement three recommendations: (1) to modify the Underground Utility Line Protection Law to require all owners and operators of pipelines transporting steam or other high-temperature materials located in public rights-of-way to register their assets with the Pennsylvania One Call System; (2) to clarify that confidential security information disclosure restrictions do not apply to the National Transportation Safety Board when it is conducting an accident investigation; and (3) to require the installation of natural gas alarms that meet the specifications of National Fire Protection Association 715 in businesses, residences, and other buildings where people congregate that could be affected by a natural gas leak. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices In the final report, investigators say the probable cause was likely a retired plastic natural gas service line and an adjacent steam pipe leak. The retired line was a stub that remained connected to the gas main. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Supporters recognized for contributions to Berks public libraries
Berks County Public Libraries recognized individuals and organizations for their support during its 22nd Annual Awards Celebration. Presented at the Berks County Agricultural Center, the event Wednesday was held to honor those who demonstrated leadership and excellence to public libraries in Berks. Members of the library community nominated individuals, groups or events that demonstrated outstanding commitment or service to their library and patrons. The Berks County Public Libraries Advisory Board considered nominations from 2024 and announced the category winners during the ceremony: • Outstanding Elected Official — State Sen. Judy Schwank. • Trustee of the Year — Michel Micozzi of the Reading Public Library. • Outstanding Local Business — Brakeman's Cafe of Boyertown. • Outstanding Library Volunteer — Mike Najarian of the Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library. • Outstanding Fundraising Effort — Library Fall Fair of the Wernersville Public Library. • Outstanding Community Organization — Preston's Pantry of Boyertown. • Outstanding Library Director — Chelsea Williams of the Hamburg Public Library. • Outstanding Library Staff Member — Daphne Meyer of the Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library. • Outstanding Youth Program — Camp Pollywog of the Wernersville Public Library. • Outstanding Teen Program — Driving Simulation of the Reading Public Library. • Outstanding Adult Program — WriteFest at the Spring Township Library. • Chet Hagan Memorial Public Relations Award — Kutztown Community Library. • Dreisbach Award for Exemplary Service — Betsy Kreider of the Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library.
