Corrections Officer, Others Charged In Prison Drug-Smuggling Scheme

Eight people, including a Chester County correctional officer, inmates and their friends, have been arrested in an operation to smuggle drugs into the county prison, according to prosecutors.

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office said the group concocted a scheme for the correctional officer to bring in heroin, prescription drugs and other contraband to inmates at the Chester County Prison.

Correctional Officer Douglas Keck, 45, would obtain the contraband from inmates’ friends outside of the detention facility, then bring the smuggled goods to the inmates, officials said. He was paid $100 per delivery.

“We expect members of the criminal justice system to keep drugs away from criminals, not act as an in-person drug dealer,” District Attorney Tom Hogan said in a statement.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150428_Corrections_officer__others_charged_in_prison_drug-smuggling_scheme.html#29ufP9sCum30fbyo.99

Man Arrested In Shooting Of Child In Pottstown

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting that wounded an 8-year-old boy in Pottstown Friday evening.

Wayne Snowden, 55, apparently fired off a random gunshot that struck the child shortly before 5 p.m. as he rode his bicycle near West Main Street and Coyne Alley, officials said. The boy was shot in the left thigh and flown by helicopter to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

“I want to reassure the community that the victim in this case was not specifically targeted,” North Coventry Township Police Chief Bob Schurr said in a statement praising investigators for the speedy arrest. “This was a case of irresponsible gun handling in its most tragic form.”

Just before the gunfire broke out, Snowden was standing on the porch of his home at 301 S. Hanover St., which faces the area where the boy was shot, according to a criminal complaint.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Man_arrested_in_shooting_of_child_in_Pottstown.html#5meyQ3j42F82SgOh.99

Boy Airlifted After Shooting In North Coventry

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA— Two bicycles were left abandoned on the sidewalk of West Main Street in the South Pottstown section of the township Friday evening while emergency responders treated a child who suffered a gunshot wound.

The 8-year-old boy, according to witnesses, was riding his bicycle past the Pottstown Dance Studio near Coyne Alley when the incident happened.

An arch of blood that started near the bikes showed the path the victim took after the shooting. The crimson spots stopped in the grassy driveway next to the dance studio at 72 W. Main Street.

The child was not a student of the school, a dance studio official told The Mercury.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20140509/boy-airlifted-after-shooting-in-north-coventry-video

Veterans Expo To Be Held At Norco Fire Hall

Montco Official Says Keim Street Bridge Project Moving Forward

Location of Lower Pottsgrove Township in Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

LOWER POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP, PA — Not that she needed a reminder that all politics are local, but Montgomery County Commissioner Leslie Richards still remembers one of the first calls she got on the historic night she and Commissioners Chairman Josh Shapiro made history by being the first Democrats to take the majority in 100 years.

“I’ll never forget one of the first calls I got on election night,” she said March 24 as she, Shapiro and Commissioner Bruce Castor conducted the last of their roundtable meetings around the county, this one at the Lower Pottsgrove Township Building.

“I said ‘hello’ and the voice on the other end said ‘so when is the new Keim Street Bridge going to be finished?’”

The answer, she gave Monday, is that the project is “moving forward.”

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20140331/montco-official-says-keim-street-bridge-project-moving-forward

Owen J Robert SD Loses $2 Million A Year Under Lowered Coventry Mall Tax Assessment

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SOUTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA— The Owen J. Roberts School Board unanimously approved a real estate tax appeal settlement with Coventry Retail, LP, that lowers the assessed value of the Coventry Mall from $98 million in 2012 to $23.2 million in 2014.

The reassessment will equate to a loss of about $2 million a year in property tax revenues to the district.

In addition to the revenue loss, the agreement is retroactive to 2012, so the district will have to repay mall owners $1,619,799 of taxes paid in 2012, 2013 and 2014. In accordance with the agreement, $650,000 of that will be paid in cash within 60 days, according to attorney David L. Allebach Jr., who represented the board on this matter. The remaining funds will be credited to the mall against future taxes,

District officials had anticipated that cost and have reserved the full $1.6 million, according to district Chief Financial Officer Jaclin Krumrine. Therefore, the district has the $650,000 on hand to pay back the mall owner. The remaining nearly $1 million will help balance the 2014-15 budget to make up for the tax credit the mall will receive during that fiscal year.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/social-affairs/20140129/ojr-loses-2m-a-year-under-lowered-coventry-mall-tax-assessment

Cedarville United Methodist Church – Live Nativity – December 15, 2013‏

LIVE NATVITY, Sunday 15, 2013 5:30 -8:00PM., at Cedarville United Methodist Church 1092 Laurelwood Road Pottstown, PA 19465 – 610-326-4173 – www.cedarvilleumc.org

You will walk with a Sheppard Guide; following the star of Bethlehem and visit seven scenes that tell the story of Jesus’ birth.  Outside scenes so please dress accordingly.  Our gift to your family – no charge. Parking is free and the event is handicapped accessible.   Following the tour there will be refreshments, music and children’s crafts in the Family Life Center.

Directions:  Rt. 724 WEST from Coventry Mall to LEFT @ Light (Laurelwood Rd.) to Church on LEFT● Route 422 to SOUTH  Rt. 100; ● OR ● Route 23 to NORTH Rt. 100; then turn WEST at Cedarville Rd. light ½ mile to Church on right.

Sexual Abuse Charges Dropped Against Pottstown Middle School Teacher

NORTH COVENTRY — The sexual abuse charges against a suspended Pottstown Middle School teacher were dropped Thursday morning.

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jared Leimeister, 33, of North Coventry,had been charged with multiple felony counts of aggravated assault involving a child. According to the police report, he was accused of inappropriate contact with an 8-year-old girl, who spent time with Leimeister between October 2012 and February 2013.

Leimeister had also previously been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person less than 13-years-old.

He was accused of making the victim sleep in his bed or in a cardboard box when she misbehaved while she was at his apartment in the 800 block of East Schuylkill Road, police said.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20130919/sexual-abuse-charges-dropped-against-pottstown-middle-school-teacher

Coventry Mall Sold At Auction, Will Remain Open

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA — The Coventry Mall was sold Thursday at auction for $49.5 million to U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, pending judicial approval of the proceeding.

An attorney for the bank was the lone bidder in the auction of the property.

The mall has remained open throughout the process and will continue normal operations, according to William Ritterling, general manager of Coventry Mall.

The auction, which lasted less than 15 minutes, attracted about 10 onlookers and was conducted outside the mall in front of the empty Sears store.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/business/20130919/coventry-mall-sold-at-auction-will-remain-open

Coventry Mall Kohl’s Security Officer Arrested For Assaulting Photographer

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA — Police have charged a woman working as a loss prevention officer for Kohl’s at the Coventry Mall with assault of a local photographer.

Sarah Roller, 36, from Collegeville, reported she saw a man in his vehicle taking video of “police and her activity” while she was helping search for a suspect in a retail theft from Boscov’s, police said.

Roller is accused of approaching the photographer, Tom Kelly III, and attempted to take his camera “by force.”  Kelly is a former Mercury staff photographer and frequently does work as a free-lancer for The Mercury and its related websites.

“During the struggle over the camera, the victim was struck in the face,” the report said.  “He sustained an injury to his eye and is also being treated for neck and shoulder pain.”

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130909/NEWS01/130909490/coventry-mall-kohl-s-security-officer-arrested-for-assaulting-photographer#full_story

Notice Announces Auction Of Coventry Mall Property

NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP — A notice posted to the doors of the Coventry Mall Monday announced a pending receiver’s sale of the mall property.

According to the notice, U.S. Bank National Association sought and received approval of the sale in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  The property will be sold to the highest bidder at auction on Sept. 19.

The notice states that the plaintiff, U.S. Bank National Association, is owed $62,406,171.09 plus “continuing interests and costs” as of June 26.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130820/NEWS01/130829973/notice-announces-auction-of-coventry-mall-property

North Coventry Seeks Court Approval To Build On Preserved Land

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

NORTH COVENTRY — Township supervisors have petitioned Chester County Court for permission to build a new police and public works building on land originally deeded as open space.

A hearing has been scheduled on Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. at the Chester County Justice Center to determine whether the township can use 12 acres of a 22-acre tract located along Route 100, just south of Town Square Plaza for a municipal services building.

Township officials believe the land is well-suited for both the police department and the road crew because of its proximity to Route 100, and because it is situated near the township’s population center.  What’s more, since it is already in the township’s possession, using that land saves taxpayers the cost of purchasing property for a much needed municipal building.

However, at least one township resident has come out staunchly against constructing a municipal facility on land set aside as open space.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130815/NEWS01/130819634/north-coventry-seeks-court-approval-to-build-on-preserved-land#full_story

UPDATED: Pottstown Middle School Teacher Charged In Sexual Assault Of Girl, 8

Editor’s note:  This is a bad week for role models with a local police officer charged with retail theft and a teacher charged with molesting a child.  Very upsetting!

(Updated 3:15 p.m.) NORTH COVENTRY — A Pottstown Middle School teacher has been charged with multiple felony counts of aggravated indecent assault involving a child.

Jared P. Leimeister, of North Coventry, posted bail and was released from the Chester County Prison on Monday.

The 33-year-old teacher was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old after police spoke with an 8-year-old girl who spent time with Leimeister between October 2012 and February 2013.

Leimeister is listed as an eighth-grade science teacher, according to the school district’s website.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130709/NEWS01/130709395/north-coventry-man-allegedly-molested-8-year-old-girl-posts-bail/?nocache=1

Upgrades Reduced Route 100 Crashes, Study Finds

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After a $1.5 million investment for safety-related improvements, crashes along Route 100 in northern Chester County were reduced by 30 percent between 2007 and 2011, an analysis by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission found.

Improvements along the 8-mile stretch of road from the Pottstown area to Font Road in Upper Uwchlan included surface treatment, tree management to help the roads dry faster, additional signage and speed enforcement.

The commission examined the road after 10 fatal crashes between 2003 and 2006 and recommended several short-term safety improvements.  Since the improvements have been implemented, the number of fatal crashes dropped to three from 2007 to 2011, and none were reported in 2012, according to Regina Moore, a transportation engineer with the commission.

“A lot of the credit goes to (the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation), since they were the implementors of the safety improvements, which helped to reduce crashes along the corridor,” said Moore. “We couldn’t have reached this point if it weren’t for the stakeholders (state legislators and municipalities) caring to see that something got done to improve safety on (Route) 100 and being supportive of working with us in helping to develop recommendations.”

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130619/NEWS01/130619133/upgrades-reduced-route-100-crashes-study-finds#full_story

YWCA Tri-County Area Summer Outdoor Camp

June 24^th through August 30th

Fernbrook Access Park in North Coventry

A Full Day School-Age Care Program

For Ages 6 to 12 –   $155.00/week

Transportation Provided

Subsidized families – call your case manager

YWCA Phone – (610) 323-1888, Renee Spaide, Child Care Director

CEDARVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2013 FUN FAIR

On May 18^th– 19^th  Methodists around the world will unite again for “Change The World” weekend, as an effort to reach out and make a positive difference in their local communities and around the world.  In 2012, Change The World was observed by more than 1500 locations.

To that end, on Saturday, May 18^th (Rain Date: May 19^th), Cedarville United Methodist Church of Pottstown is holding another FREE Fun Fair for local residents.  Last year we enjoyed welcoming many new faces to explore the grounds of our facility and share some good times with many of our friendly members.

We look forward to seeing local families come to enjoy pony rides, a moon bounce, Rainbow the Clown, puppet shows, story time, games, prizes, food and so much more.   It is all FREE.  This is a gift to your family from ours.

The Fair is from 1p.m. – 5p.m. at Cedarville United Methodist Church, 1092 Laurelwood Road.  Less than 1 mile from Coventry Mall.  For more information visit www.cedarvilleumc.org or call 610-326-4173.

Woman Found Dead In North Coventry House Fire

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP — Officials believe the fire in a Mount Zion Avenue home where a woman was found dead Tuesday morning was accidental in nature.

Township Fire Marshal Ron Comtois said there was nothing suspicious about the fire, though its cause and origins are not yet being released.

Comtois said the patrolman who came upon the fire around 3:58 a.m. attempted to enter the home but could not and called the fire department.

Responding firefighters discovered a deceased woman, whom officials were not identifying, on the kitchen floor of the home.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130507/NEWS01/130509506/breaking-woman-found-dead-in-north-coventry-house-fire-(video)#full_story

Major Road Projects In The Region

US 422 west near Pottstown. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Editor’s note: To see the complete list of projects for the Delaware Valley, click on the link below!

Montgomery County

Markley Street: Work began in February in Norristown on the first of two construction contracts to improve Markley Street from Main Street to Johnson Highway in Norristown. The initial $20.8 million project will rebuild and improve 1.1 miles of Markley Street between Elm Street and Johnson Highway, and a half-mile stretch of Johnson Highway between Markley and DeKalb Streets. Work is to end in fall 2016.

U.S. 422/Route 363: Work will start in August or September to complete the interchange of U.S. 422 and Route 363 (Trooper Road) in West Norriton and Lower Providence.

Montgomery and Chester

U.S. 422. A $73.3 million project to rebuild 1.6 miles of U.S. 422 from about a mile east of the Armand Hammer Blvd. interchange to the Route 724 interchange in Lower Pottsgrove and North Coventry Townships. Construction started in fall 2012 and is to last five years, involving new bridges and pavement.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/20130415_Major_Road_Projects_in_the_Region.html#ixzz2QYIJbQQX 
Watch sports videos you won’t find anywhere else

Pottstown Regional Recreation Post Could Wear Many Hats

POTTSTOWN — Sometimes things just fall into your lap just when you need them.

Just one day after members of the Pottstown School Board and borough council brainstormed about ways they can work together to cut costs and market Pottstown to a broader region, an opportunity to do just that for free was again presenting itself.

During their first joint meeting of the year on Feb. 25, members of both Pottstown boards echoed a common lament, the need to market what Pottstown has to offer to a wider audience, to better coordinate and add to major events and the need for additional funding help from outside sources and the surrounding townships.

On Tuesday, the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee heard about an opportunity being developed over the last year with the help of the Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation to do many of those things at a ridiculously low cost.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130304/NEWS01/130309833/pottstown-regional-rec-post-could-wear-many-hats#full_story

Chesco D.A.: Norco Murder Scene Was ‘Doorway Into Hell’

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WEST CHESTER — Two weeks after the grisly discovery of a body inside a burning North Coventry apartment, authorities announced an arrest in the murder of 17-year-old Kevin Allen.

Shakeem Carter, 20, of Norristown, was arraigned Wednesday morning after an investigation concluded he was responsible for the brutal stabbing death of the Norristown High School student inside his father’s home at the Hanover Garden Apartments, officials said.

Allen’s body was discovered on Feb. 12 after a neighbor dialed 911 to report a “terrible struggle,” according to Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan, who announced Carter’s arrest at a Wednesday morning new conference.

Officers from the North Coventry Police Department were the first to enter the apartment, but they had to retreat when they discovered the apartment was on fire.  Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames, but when they returned, they told police there was a body inside.

Read more:

http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130228/NEWS01/130229413/chesco-d-a–norco-murder-scene-was-doorway-into-hell-(video)?nstrack=sid:387506|met:300|cat:0|order:2#full_story\