Advocacy group offers helping hand to homeless in Berks

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Reading's mayor and other city leaders had an eye opening experience Tuesday afternoon as they saw firsthand where homeless people live.


Robert Youse wakes up in a tent every morning. He has been homeless for the past three years. He set up camp in a wooded area just outside Reading.


"In the summertime, it is not that bad. I can always jump up in the lake or in the creek to cool off, but in the wintertime, it is pretty brutal," Youse explained.


Youse is a Navy veteran who served from 1978 until 1982, but because he is a non-wartime vet, he said he has no benefits, so he worked a lot of odd-end jobs, but just could not make ends meet.


But this is not the end of the road for Youse. He recently learned about a nonprofit organization, called We Agape You Inc. The organization has a mobile ministry and food bank that feed the homeless throughout the month.


We Agape You is now seeking to rehabilitate two transitional houses in Reading for people to live in. Both row homes were donated to the organization.


"We are just seeking the community to reach out to us and help us with donations, building supplies, contractors. We need your help to get these guys out of a tent," said Randy Simmons, the president of We Agape You Inc.


It is a project Youse wants to be a part of, but Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer told 69 News it is going to take community support to get this project off the ground and assist other organizations throughout the area looking to end homelessness.


"When you see this situation, it kind of refocuses on what people are doing to survive and what we need to do as a community to make sure that we are providing a safe environment for people to live in," Spencer said.






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Potential lawsuits put Reading's gun laws in jeopardy

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A new state law is taking aim at Pennsylvania municipalities that have their own gun laws, and Reading is taking heed.


Council members told 69 News that they intend to soon repeal the ordinance that requires people to report lost or stolen guns within 24 hours.


"At the advice of our solicitor, we will now have on our agenda to introduce, an ordinance to repeal the current firearms ordinance," said Councilwoman Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz, D-Reading.


As of Monday, Act 192 went into effect, making it possible for people or groups to file suits against Pennsylvania municipalities that have firearms regulations. Complainants don't need to prove injury in order to recover costs.


Already taking action is attorney Joshua Prince, who represents a variety of gun rights groups. Prince has sent letters to the city of Reading, along with other municipalities across the state, warning of his intent to sue unless unlawful gun ordinances are dropped.


"If they inform us that, no matter what, they are going to stay steadfast, and they're going to retain their ordinances and enforce them, we will be prepared to take legal action," Prince said.


Since 1974, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania have been prohibited from passing their own gun ordinances, he said.


"All we're requiring is that the municipalities comply with the law," Prince told 69 News.


Reading police Chief Bill Heim called the action "disappointing," stating that he believes cities should have the right to pass their own gun laws.


Heim said that since 2008, when the ordinance requiring residents to report a missing weapon was passed, roughly a dozen offenders have been fined.


"I think we just need to move on and look at how we can strengthen all our public safety within the guidelines of the state," Goodman-Hinnershitz said.


She opted not to address the specific lawsuit threat.


"I think across the board there's always threats for lawsuits and we want to make sure that our laws, according to the advice of our solicitor, are really following what state law says," she said. "So therefore, it is logical for us to move ahead to repeal the current ordinance."


Prince told 69 News that he has not heard from Reading officials. Other municipalities, however, have informed him of their intent to comply.


He said that Harrisburg, so far, is the only city to outright refuse.






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Social club treasurer surrenders on theft charges

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A treasurer accused of pocketing cash and games of chance from a social club in Reading has surrendered to authorities.


Donald Frankhouser turned himself in last week.


Frankhouser took about $8,000 in cash and nearly $1,000 worth of games from the 18th Ward Democratic Club, police said.


Frankhouser admitted to using the money for gas and other expenses, police said.






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Scouts and Blazers Start New Year Strong

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In Leesport, the Conrad Weiser Scouts defeated Schuylkill Valley 65-41. The Scouts were paced by Cartier Talford's 31 points. The Scouts remain unbeaten in Berk's II.



At Brandywine, The Blazers went on a 16-0 run in the first half to distance themselves from the Bullets. Brandywine's Deanna Daddona lead all scorers with 16 points. For Daniel Boone Julia Bookwalter, Alayna Roesener, and Steph Sievers each poured in 13 points.






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Trial underway for 1 of 2 men charged in violent home invasion

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The trial is underway for a Northampton County man charged in a violent home invasion.


The jury was selected Tuesday in Steven Tomino's trial.


Police said Tomino and another man, Ramon Clark, posed as home buyers before tying up a couple and robbing their home on Delaware Drive in Washington Township in April.


Tomino was arrested in Easton following a chase; Clark later turned himself in.


Clark's trial is set for later this year.






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Flu has yet to knock down attendance in area schools

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The flu is making headlines across the country, but there's one place it doesn't seem to be making its way into -- schools.


Schools throughout the region told 69 News on Tuesday that their attendance levels have been in check since the end of winter break.


"We haven't noticed very much since the break," said Sheri Fredrick-Deeb, the school nurse at Orefield Elementary School in the Parkland School District in Lehigh County.


But that's not to say the numbers won't climb as time goes on.


"Incubation periods take time, so until they actually get back here, and we reinfect the environment, so to speak, if that were to occur. Yes, you have to wait a while to see what happens," Fredrick-Deeb said.


There is still a push to prevent it from creeping in. The school is urging students to cover their faces when coughing or sneezing, and there are hand sanitizer stations throughout the building.


There are also reminders on school televisions, and posters hanging on the walls.


The school is also asking parents to use caution when sending their children to school.


"We encourage parents to keep their children home if they are sick, 24 hours fever-free without medication before returning," Fredrick-Deeb said.


The Northern Lehigh School District said it's attendance levels are also in the normal range. It, too, is doing what it can to keep that from changing. The district is disinfecting desks, doors and school buses daily.


The Allentown and Easton Area school districts said their attendance levels are also normal for this time of year.


The Bethlehem Area School District did not immediately provide absentee numbers.






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Sarah, Duchess of York Defends Ex-Husband After Underage Sex Allegations Emerge

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Prince Andrew's former wife, Sarah Ferguson, addresses the allegations made against the British Royal.


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Health Beat: Gastric pacemaker to the rescue

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Something as simple as having a slice of pizza wasn't possible for Pam Thompson earlier this year.


"I would have to have just a little tiny piece and then 50/50 on whether I was going to be sick or not," Thompson said.


Diagnosed with gastroparesis 25 years ago, Thompson's stomach wouldn't digest food properly and she couldn't eat anything without throwing up.


"Almost every day, sometimes two or three times a day, I just couldn't keep anything down. I was always nauseous, never wanted food, didn't want to smell it, cook it, or see it," Thompson explained.


Medications failed, but thanks to a new pacemaker device placed under the skin, Thompson is getting her appetite back.


"It's changed her life," said Dr. John Petersen, board certified gastroenterologist at Borland-Groover Clinic.


Petersen said gastroparesis is a condition where the nerves that control stomach functioning are damaged. It's typically seen in diabetics like Thompson, but can strike anyone.


"They can't accept a meal properly," said Petersen. "They can't grind a meal into the right size and shape to get out into the intestine so it can be absorbed."


The gastric pacemaker uses electrical stimulation to get the stomach to contract and do its work. Doctors can monitor functioning and make adjustments as needed.


"I think it's a massive breakthrough for the people that just had nothing to look forward to," Petersen said.


Now, Thompson can eat without worry and focus more attention on her dog Tango.


Patients can also get gastroparesis after a viral infection impacts the nerves. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea with vomiting, bloating and weight loss.






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Pennsylvania House elects a new speaker; other legislators sworn in

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Pennsylvania's House of Representatives has a new speaker, and all but a handful of the lawmakers elected in November have been sworn in.


Mike Turzai, the former House Republican leader from Allegheny County, faced no opposition Tuesday in his election as the new presiding officer.


In brief remarks, Turzai joked that he was the product of a mixed marriage because his father was a Democrat and his mother a Republican. He vowed to consider the viewpoint of the Democratic minority on partisan issues, while acknowledging he has not always done that in the past.


Several legislators were absent and will be sworn in later.


In the Senate, only the 25 senators elected in November were sworn in. The other 25 are only midway through their four-year terms.






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Tom Caltagirone appointed Democratic chairman of House Urban Affairs Committee

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A Berks County lawmaker is taking on a new role in Harrisburg.


Pa. Rep. Tom Caltagirone, has been appointed to serve as the Democratic chairman of the House Urban Affairs Committee for the 2015-16 legislative session.


The committee deals with legislation affecting first-, second- and third-class cities and counties in Pennsylvania. Housing and public safety issues also pertain to the work of the committee.


"I am grateful for this opportunity to narrow my focus onto the dire needs of our cities," Caltagirone said. "At a time when there is great financial and economic stress throughout many of our urban areas, I am hopeful my work will help rectify some of their largest problems."


Caltagirone has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1977. He most recently served his second stint as chairman of its Judiciary Committee.






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Berks lawmaker to host child abuse prevention seminar

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A Berks County lawmaker who has shared his story of being sexually abused as a child will host a seminar in hopes of preventing others from becoming victims.


Pa. Rep. Mark Rozzi will host the free event on Jan. 22 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Muhlenberg Middle School, 400 Sharp Ave.


The seminar, Rozzi said, will teach parents how to prevent, recognize and react to child sexual abuse.


Offered by Darkness to Light and the Berks County YMCA, the training session will feature a combination of survivor stories, expert advice and practical guidance, Rozzi said.


"I am proud to partner with Darkness to Light to open the conversation on this tragic topic. As difficult as it is to discuss, we have to bring it to the forefront to better protect children from abuse and to help those who have been abused," Rozzi explained. "Prevention education is essential to breaking the cycle of abuse."


Rozzi came forward in 2009 to share his own experience of being sexually abused by a priest when he was 13 years old. Since his election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2012, he has fought to help other victims of child sexual abuse.






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Humane Society of Berks County offers tips to keep pets safe in winter weather

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The first measurable snow of 2015 and the forecast for below-zero wind chills prompted the Humane Society of Berks County to issue a pet safety advisory on Tuesday.


The goal, officials said, is to ensure that every animal is safe and healthy during the cold weather months.


"Every year we hear stories about pets becoming endangered because of the cold," said Karel Minor, the Humane Society of Berks County's president and CEO. "Please remember that if it's too cold for you, it's likely too cold for your pet, too."


The Humane Society shared the below pet safety tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA):


1.Rapid temperature changes caused by repeatedly coming out of the wet cold into the dry heat can often cause itchy and flaky skin. Make sure to keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as it comes inside. Be sure to give feet and the space between toes extra attention.


2.During cold spells, bathing your pets too often can remove necessary oils from their skin and fur and can increase the change of skin irritation. Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold snaps, and if your pet must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo or rinse.


3.Longer coats provide more warmth during the coldest months, so give your pets a good brushing. Regular brushing not only gets rid of dead hair, it stimulates blood circulation to improve skin's overall condition.


4. Dress your pets in a sweater or coat when they head outdoors. This will help retain body heat and prevent skin from getting dry or inflamed during winter walks.


5. Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm during the winter. Feed your pet a little bit of extra food during the cold weather and make sure plenty of water is available to keep pets well-hydrated and prevent skin dryness.


6. Winter walks can turn dangerous quickly if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off legs and paws. Throughout winter, wipe off your dog's legs, paws and stomach when he first comes inside and be sure to clean up any spills from your vehicle. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.


7. Remember, pets should stay indoors as much as possible during winter monthsand never leave your pup alone in the car.


For more tips on keeping your pets safe and healthy during the winter, visit the ASPCA's website.






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Love Yuengling's Ice Cream? Picture yourself in company's 2016 calendar

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Yuengling's Ice Cream is looking to recruit some creative fans for help in compiling the company's 2016 calendar.


The Orwigsburg, Schuylkilll County-based Yuengling's is holding a contest, asking fans to submit photos that answer the question, "How do you love your Yuenging's Ice Cream?"


"2014 was a huge year for us, and we have our fans to thank for that," said David Yuengling, president of Yuengling's Ice Cream. "We want to show our appreciation by dedicating each month of a 2016 calendar to some of our biggest supporters."


Between now and Nov. 30, fans can submit their photos by email to info@yuenglingsicecream.com.


The company is asking fans to be creative and seasonal to reflect holidays and special occasions, with different winners being highlighted in each month of the calendar.


Each winner will receive a free calendar, apparel, a bowl and coupons for 12 quarts of free ice cream.


The calendar, featuring discount coupons each month, will be sold on Yuengling's Ice Cream's website.


Proceeds will be donated to the Mary J. Yuengling Scholarship Fund at Dickinson College in Carlisle.






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Delivery truck slides off road, takes out pole, signs in Maidencreek

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The first snowfall of 2015 is creating some travel troubles around Berks County.


The driver of a truck delivering uniforms was unable to stop at the slippery intersection of Maidencreek and Calcium roads in Maidencreek Township late Tuesday morning, according to police on the scene.


The truck slid off the road, sheering off a utility pole and knocking over a pair of road signs.


No one was injured, police said.


The intersection was closed until the scene could be cleared.


Another accident Tuesday morning split a utility pole in the area Rehrersburg Road and Little Swatara Road in Tulpehocken Township.


There were no reports of serious injuries in that accident or in any other weather-related crashes around Berks County.


With temperatures failing to climb out of the 20s on Tuesday, officials advise motorists to use caution when traveling as many roads will likely remain slick throughout the day.


The overnight low temperature is forecast to be 15 degrees Tuesday and only 3 degrees Wednesday. The wind chill will be below zero.






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Exeter man inappropriately touched 2 children, detectives say

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An Exeter Township man has been arrested for allegedly touching two children inappropriately.


Paul Englebach Sr. was charged with two counts each of indecent assault - person less than 13 years of age, corruption of minors - defendant age 18 or above, and endangering the welfare of children and one count of aggravated indecent assault.


Englebach, 74, committed the acts against the girls, both under the age of 13, in October, detectives said.


In an interview with detectives prior to his arrest, Englebach admitted to touching the one girl but denied touching the other, although he implied he may have and just does not remember, according to the affidavit of probable cause.


Englebach is free on $60,000 unsecured bail while he awaits his preliminary hearing before a district judge on Jan. 12.






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