Cloudy with more rounds of showers and possibly some downpours or a t-storm who police shot during a standoff in Pottstown says he knew the man had some troubles but thought he was on a better path – A house nestled on the corner of a quiet neighborhood now takes on different meaning for neighbors in Pottstown "I thought about walking the other way right now because I didn't want to see anybody else down here or the tape or anything else," said Jim Calvin The home became the scene of an hours-long police standoff Sunday night "My wife and I were getting ready for dinner and there was just a two or three small-caliber cracks and a lot of large cracks," Calvin said Police say 25-year-old Andrew Ecker fled the scene of a car crash with a gun barricaded himself inside his home on Winding Road Ecker hit Officer Caleb Whitney on the shoulder Whitney was later released from Reading Hospital the Pottstown Borough Authority vice chairman and owner of Jackson Ecker Plumbing "He's a pillar in the community," Calvin said of the father Neighbors said AJ would often work with his father Many neighbors like Calvin say they got to know the son but I knew he was on a better path," Calvin said and sat for long time until they moved them out to try to negotiate," Calvin said "I feel for them as a parent and how this is going to affect them," Calvin said "It's...I don't know how you get over that."  is investigating the officer-involved shooting 25-year-old Andrew Jackson 'AJ' Ecker was fatally shot by police Sunday night after a more than five-hour stand-off at his home on Winding Road Email notifications are only sent once a day Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device NPR's Morning Edition takes listeners around the country and the world with two hours of multi-faceted stories and commentaries that inform Morning Edition is the most listened-to news radio program in the country If the 45-bed homeless shelter gets the approval of the planning commission Pottstown Borough Council would have the last say questions Pottstown Planning Commission during public comment and expresses his opposition the construction of the shelter Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania says unhoused people must have an opportunity to store and access personal property during sweeps The organization’s journey to get to this point has been rather lengthy organizers have tried to accomplish the goal of installing a permanent transitional housing facility here in the borough “We did get zoning approval in September 2022 It took us over two years to close on the property for title reasons we’re finally at that point [where] we see light at the end of the tunnel,” Niarhos said Over the past two years, the visibility of homeless encampments led to clashes between unhoused residents and local officials — and ultimately encampment sweeps. Pottstown was sued in 2023 over plans to clear an encampment along the Schuylkill River In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson handed communities the ability to criminalize homelessness, prompting even more localized sweeps. Norfolk Southern cleared “Tent City” from its property along the railroad tracks near Montgomery County Community College’s satellite campus “Sweeping just moves people around they get destabilized and re-traumatized,” Niarhos said “So what we intend on what we’re going to be building we’ll definitely be part of the solution There needs to be similar projects throughout the county and throughout the country.” Weand pinned a lot of the problems and tension on the closure of CHOC “They closed it without knowing what they were going to do with the residents and those poor people were just out on the street,” Weand said “A lot of them migrated out here because we have a lot of charitable institutions that will give a handout they ended up sleeping wherever they could find space He said the borough begged the county for assistance there are now more funds available for programs designed to help unhoused people “I’m going to stick my neck out and speak for all of council and the people involved We want to give these people with problems a hand up — not a handout,” Weand said When asked if Pottstown Beacon of Hope’s shelter could be a solution “A good portion of them could be with the proper assistance I don’t know where they’ll go or what they will do But if they’re willing to take the necessary assistance there’s someone out there with a hand to help pull them up,” Weand said Signs posted outside demand unhoused people vacate “Tent City” by Jan Tent City sits on Norfolk Southern property Although Wednesday’s meeting was supposed to be focused on the minutiae of land development details — parking requirements street trees and windows — a handful of nearby residents raised concerns and objections about the purpose of the property said during public comment that he has and will continue to oppose the construction of the shelter “I came to Pottstown because I like the community Pottstown unfortunately has had some stumbles and we’ve already seen some evidence of what happens in homeless shelters — not just in Pottstown One resident criticized the shelter for having the potential to lower his home value Another community member questioned the shelter’s walking-distance proximity to a playground in Stowe The meeting wasn’t intended to be a Q&A. Nevertheless, Boorse, who also works as director of community development with Access Services, listened. The organization provides street outreach services for unhoused people in Montgomery County He’s spent a great deal of time forming relationships with the people who find themselves sleeping outside or in their cars “A lot of the things that people have concerns about when they see people being outside “We don’t think that people should see trash outside We don’t think people should have to live outside in spaces that were not really intended for that The solution to that is helping people get inside.” Boorse believes the public’s concern is rooted in fear Pottstown Beacon of Hope has looked around at regional shelters that succeeded in places such as Kennett Square “A lot of the focus in many spaces is getting rid of visible homelessness rather than addressing the problem of it And the communities who have done a good job at solving for that — for creating housing opportunities for people creating housing that people can pay for themselves creating spaces for people to be inside — their communities get stronger faster,” Boorse said the traditional emergency shelter approach usually focuses on placing unhoused people in a centralized place that is often removed from their support system He believes it creates a set of “twin problems” — dislocating people from their network and excluding the community from the equation In his view, Pottstown Beacon of Hope is a local response to helping neighbors experiencing homelessness. He commended a similar endeavor set to break ground in Lansdale this year The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today. Neighbors say they first noticed the flag along Meng Road about two weeks ago and contacted Lower Frederick Township to see if anything could be done Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija wrote to Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffet asking for expanded severance packages for SPS employees Initial reports are that one unit was involved causing smoke to fill the building and forcing everyone to evacuate Kenny Cooper is WHYY’s suburban reporter covering Chester and Delaware counties Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY Pottstown has one of the highest percentages of homelessness in the county The shelter could reduce homelessness in the area by up to 75% File - Pottstown Borough Hall in Montgomery County the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners voted to establish temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness in Pottstown Borough Winder said in addition to the Pottstown temporary housing and the Lansdale shelter she hopes to have one or two more shelters in place in other boroughs and municipalities by the end of the year County officials are currently exploring options in Norristown to provide year-round emergency shelter to many of the people currently living in encampments in the area “There’s multiple reasons why somebody ends up in a homeless situation and they’re not people that we should look down on,” Commissioner Tom DiBello said at Thursday’s meeting “They’re people that we should work aggressively on to help and help them through these rough times we’ve been working extremely hard to lift these programs up throughout Montgomery County.” Winder said providing solutions to unsheltered residents is important for all community members She challenged assumptions about why or how some people end up experiencing homelessness “This is around changing hearts and minds,” she said “This is about having the courage that even if homelessness isn’t my lived experience that seeing any friend or neighbor on the street gives me the motivation to invoke real change in helping get that person off the street.” The city's Office of Homeless Services’ annual count will commence Jan Interested participants can sign up online by Jan meals and wrap-around services for up to 20 people at a time Emily Neil is a WHYY News reporter covering Bucks and Montgomery counties Mostly cloudy with a few scattered showers lingering overnight A neighbor recorded cell phone video on Sunday - 69 News has new video Tuesday night of the man who shot and wounded a police officer in Pottstown before officers shot and killed him Police say Ecker fired at them before running into the home He was treated and released from a hospital Police tried for hours to get Ecker out of the home So they stormed the place late Sunday night One neighbor called the whole thing "tragic." 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the past 30 years PrimoHoagies has been serving the highest quality Thumann's meats and cheeses The grand opening of its newest location in Pottstown The store is located at 351 West Schuylkill Drive and is owned by local group Pennmark Management A ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m “We’re thrilled to bring the legendary taste of PrimoHoagies to our community and Primo vibes ahead!” says a member of Pennmark Management To celebrate Pottstown’s new favorite hoagie destination PrimoHoagies is offering the first 100 customers* in line on March 13 customers who enroll in the rewards program will enjoy Primo Size Hoagies for just $6.99 the #1 Best Sandwich or Sub Shop in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards The 1800-square-foot store is expected to employ about 12 employees including its popular hoagie trays – perfect for special events This location is open from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m *To enjoy the Grand Opening Day Specials, customers are encouraged to join PrimoHoagies complimentary Rewards Program by visiting primohoagies.com/rewards PrimoHoagies has proudly served top-quality Thumann's meats and cheeses on award-winning seeded bread PrimoHoagies now has franchise locations open across Colorado Contact: PrimoHoagies Marketing856-742-1999 File - Volunteers helping municipal workers with the Borough of Pottstown remove personal items left behind from a vacant encampment in April 2024 The count showed an uptick in people experiencing homelessness — although more people were in emergency shelters rather than outdoors compared to the year before Officers have to rely on their training and try to always be prepared for any situation - Local law enforcement officials say large-scale police responses like the one that happened after a car crash escalated to a standoff in Pottstown "I just hope that SWAT team can get them out safely and nobody has to die," said Hillary Lavender She expressed her desire for a peaceful resolution The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office says a car crash at Beech and North Mount Vernon streets escalated when police discovered a gun in the possession of the driver Ecker took off as officers followed on foot Authorities say he fired shots at police and barricaded himself in his house ultimately resulting in the Montgomery County SWAT team and other police responding Authorities say one officer was shot in the shoulder and Ecker was shot and killed by police the individual did die," said Wyomissing Police Chief John Phillips Phillips is the commander of the Berks County Emergency Response Team (BCERT.) The team was not involved in the incident but Phillips is no stranger to the scenario that unfolded and says it's difficult to navigate "We want it to be safe for everybody," Phillips said "If we can convince that person to surrender peacefully officers have to rely on their training and try to always be prepared for any situation He says it's also important for officers to be able to debrief after it's over "The ultimate goal is for everybody to be safe Not only every day when they're handling these incidents but after the fact as well," added Phillips Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele announced his office is investigating the incident in a news release issued late Monday morning By GARY GERARD HAMILTON - Associated Press Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates A 4-year-old child was found unresponsive in a backyard pool in North Coventry Township A North Coventry Police Department vehicle Police were called to the 1100 block of Foxview Road in Pottstown shortly after 7 p.m according to a release from the North Coventry Police Department Family members were searching the area when officers arrived and joined the efforts The child was soon discovered in the property's pool and was not breathing Officers began CPR at the scene before the child was rushed by Goodwill Ambulance to Pottstown Hospital The child was later transferred to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for further care Members of the Norco Fire Company also assisted in the emergency response and search efforts The incident remains under investigation by the North Coventry Police Department MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. (CBS Philadelphia)— The man who allegedly shot a police officer during a barricade situation in Pottstown according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office In an updated press release Monday DA Kevin Steele identified the suspected shooter as 25-year-old Andrew Ecker a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety initially told CBS News Philadelphia that police had taken a suspect into custody shortly before 11 p.m the DA's office said Ecker was actually fatally shot around 10:45 p.m Officials said the incident started just after 5 p.m when officers responded to a crash involving two cars at Beech and North Mt officers got into a struggle with Ecker when he tried to grab a .22 caliber gun Police chased Ecker back to his home on Winding Road where Ecker fired multiple shots at police and struck Pottstown Officer Caleb Whitney in the shoulder Whitney was treated at Reading Hospital and was released later Sunday night Ecker barricaded himself inside the home for more than five hours and refused to leave at which point SWAT negotiators were brought in to try and get him out of the house A shelter-in-place order was temporarily issued for residents on Winding Road A neighbor who did not want to be identified said they first heard gunshots around 6 p.m "I was actually making dinner and you just heard this really loud bang and then all of a sudden there was probably a series of six or eight gunshots right in a row like somebody unloaded a clip," the neighbor said The DA's office said Sunday that officers returned fire when Ecker shot at police earlier in the evening Detectives with the county are investigating the circumstances around the shooting Police arrested Lamar Roosevelt Lewis of Norristown - A place where people come together saw dozens of people scrambling for safety the night of Feb A woman who didn't want to be seen on camera describes when shots rang out on the basketball court until my grandson came down the stairs and said It was gunshots,' and that's when the helicopters came and the sirens started," explained the woman police arrested Lamar Roosevelt Lewis of Norristown -- calling him the lead instigator Court paperwork shows charges were filed a day after the shooting but Lewis was on the run from authorities for a week A camera near the basketball court captured the 21-year-old leading a group of seven masked men onto the court police say Lewis confronts a man in his 20's -- only identified as victim 1 -- before hitting the man The man manages to get away from the group it is unclear by who — bullets hitting the victim in his hand and a second man in the side "It seemed it was specific to whoever was on the court," explained the woman Police have revealed it was a targeted act of violence 69 News has come to learn Victim 1 is a friend of Tyshaun Harvey. Harvey is serving time for shooting and killing 22-year-old Nahmir Baird and police say Lewis has vowed to avenge Baird's death He went to Pottstown with one goal: Hurt the victim That's not how we're supposed to be doing things We have enough crap going on this world for people to be picking things like that Authorities took Lewis into custody in Miami Beach Charges against him include two counts of aggravated assault and 26 counts of recklessly endangering another person Police say they discovered the 21-year-old had a handgun which Lewis is not allowed to have as a felon They are looking for others involved in the incident and asking anyone who has information to contact them has been living in Pottstown's "Tent City" for nearly three years The West Philadelphia apartment building will be gutted and rehabbed Residents were notified Tuesday that they will need to relocate The borough amended its sale agreement with Our Lady of Charity Parish and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia keeping the shelter open for the “foreseeable future.” Norfolk Southern has ordered smaller encampments on their property around the borough to close Another stretch of tents runs parallel to the tracks alongside High Street People moved to the area to escape the flood prone region along the river has lived in Pottstown for his entire life He became unhoused eight months ago and set up camp in the flat settlement He said he and his neighbors are often harassed by local teenagers who hurl rocks at their tents He dismantled the instrument and put it back together again Fellow encampment residents helped paint it “It was inspiring to people and had something positive back here where there’s so much negative,” Messner said He now has to find a new home for the piano before he must leave on Jan Messner plans on donating it to another unhoused musician who lives in an encampment unaffected by the sweeps Messner said he would celebrate his birthday on Thanksgiving this year. Messner joked that residents could sing “Happy Birthday” and place a candle on a Poptart 2025 at 11:44 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Andrew Jackson Ecker PA — The man who shot an officer in the midst of a barricade in Pottstown Sunday night was later shot and killed by police the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office confirmed Monday after some five hours of barricading himself inside his home Ecker was involved in a two-car crash at around 5 p.m Sunday near the intersection of Beech and Mount Vernon Streets Previous coverage: Officer Shot After Standoff In Pottstown Early reports from police indicated that Ecker became involved in a struggle with responding officers over his firearm that was inside the vehicle and barricaded himself inside his nearby home on Winding Way striking Pottstown Police Officer Caleb Whitney in the shoulder A shelter in place was announced for the neighborhood as SWAT teams and law enforcement swarmed the area One of Ecker's relatives arrived and helped a SWAT negotiator establish contact with Ecker The injured officer was treated at Reading Hospital and was released late Sunday night The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office is investigating the shooting as they do with all officer-involved shootings Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. police say four gunshots were fired after an argument broke out on a basketball court near the Richard J - A Montgomery County man charged for his alleged involvement in a shooting last month outside a Pottstown community center 21-year-old Lamar Lewis of Norristown is charged with aggravated assault reckless endangerment and related offenses Pottstown Police say four gunshots were fired after an argument broke out on a basketball court near the Richard J Ricketts Center on Beech and Grant streets in Pottstown they found a 21-year-old man who had been shot in the hand and a 26-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the hip area Investigators believe Lewis was the lead instigator of the incident and led his co-conspirators to Pottstown with the intent of finding the victim Lewis was taken into custody Wednesday by the United States Marshal Service Florida in an Airbnb rental and surrendered without incident Detectives say when the suspect was taken into custody something Lewis is not permitted to have as a felon Florida law enforcement officials say they will be charging Lewis for possessing the firearm and his extradition is pending the outcome of those charges in Florida Pottstown Detectives continue to investigate the incident in the hope to identify others involved and ask anyone with information on this incident to call 610-970-6574 Two men were shot and taken to the hospital Wednesday night Pottstown police have determined that the shooting happened after an argument broke out on the basketball court One person was taken to the hospital late Tuesday night after an incident — One person was taken to the hospital late Tuesday night after an incident Emergency officials in Montgomery County said it happened near the 400 block of High Street in Pottstown Crews were called to the scene just before 10 p.m The Pottstown Police Department did not release any other details at the time This is a developing story and will be updated Check back on wfmz.com for more information as it becomes available is charged with multiple felonies for the theft of $300,000 from the 'Carousel of Pottstown' foundation Sager was a former board member and attorney for the foundation — The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office announced that an arrest warrant has been issued against a former 'Carousel at Pottstown' board member and attorney District Attorney Steele says that Adam Sager is charged with numerous felony counts related to a theft of $300,000 from the 'Carousel of Pottstown' 'Carousel at Pottstown' is a nonprofit foundation that oversees the historic carousel Adam Sager is a former board member and attorney for the nonprofit board members and administrators met with Montgomery County Detectives to share they discovered a $300,000 embezzlement Montgomery County Detectives say they began an investigation into the theft They report that they interviewed board members and administrative staff and reviewed dozens of bank records and business files The investigation found that a $300,000 theft occurred in 2019 and was done by Adam Sager Detectives say they learned that on June 28 a judgment in a civil action ordered Sager and a co-defendant to pay Total Rental $451,000 officials say the 'Carousel at Pottstown' board approved a large renovation of the Carousel and decided to seek private donations to finance the improvements Sager allegedly volunteered to contact local philanthropist Sager arranged for a $300,000 line of credit loan for the Carousel non-profit foundation that had him as the only designated signer Sager submitted fraudulent Carousel board minutes as evidence that the board had approved the loan Officials say the loan was disbursed on July 29 via a $295,000 cashier’s check payable to Total Rental and a $5,000 check to a builder hired to construct a small patio the Court marked the judgment against Sager as satisfied Sankey issued a $300,000 check to “Carousel at Pottstown,” which Sager used to pay off the line of credit loan he took out in July This theft by Sager caused the 'Carousel at Pottstown' foundation to suffer a loss of $300,000 which had been donated for improvements that were never made DA Steele says Sager is charged with multiple felony counts of theft deception theft by failing to make required dispositions forgery and dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activity The case will be prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office along with the Pottstown Community Justice Unit the Carousel at Pottstown sent the following statement: "The Carousel at Pottstown Board of Directors and Management Staff are deeply saddened and appalled that a person who had been entrusted with the care of our Carousel restored in the memory of a 13 month old little boy We feel sure that the members of our community who have generously given of their countless volunteer hours and financial support over the last 27 years must feel the same we are forever grateful for all of the love and support we have been shown We are asking for your continued support at this time as we are determined to make sure that The Derek Scott Saylor Memorial Carousel is a part of the Pottstown community’s legacy for many PHL17.com (WPHL) — A suspect has been killed after he allegedly shot a Pottstown police officer while responding to a car crash and then barricaded himself inside his home Editor’s note: The above video is from a prior report According to the Montgomery County District Attorney at Beech Street and North Mount Street in Pottstown when an officer was responding to a two-car crash began fleeing on foot toward his home on Winding Road after police located a .22 caliber firearm in his car In the initial statement from the DA’s office Sunday night it is alleged one of the vehicle’s occupants attempted to reach for a firearm in the vehicle hitting Officer Caleb Whitney in the shoulder according to the Montgomery County DA’s Office Officer Whitney was treated at Reading Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and released Sunday evening Police began shooting back but did not hit Ecker Ecker then allegedly barricaded himself inside the home for five hours “With the help of one of the suspect’s relatives a SWAT negotiator established communications with Ecker SWAT was unable to get Ecker out of the house The suspect’s condition was unknown in the initial release Sunday night from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Montgomery County Detectives are investigating This is a developing story; stay with PHL17.com as more information becomes available Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" these are the actual most popular baby names so far in 2025 Whether it’s a short vacation or they’re jetting off to begin their career show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift National Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 5 take advantage of these freebies and deals With three games left in the 2023-24 season Pottsgrove was on the verge of making the District 1 5A tournament trying to finish in the top 12 out of the district’s 23 5A schools and earn that postseason bid 12 West Chester East but fractions of a point behind in the district formulas which factor in strength of schedule.  Julius Marshall (above) and Pottsgrove beat Pottstown by 28 on Thursday the Falcons are determined to settle their postseason fate well before February — and then make a whole bunch of noise while they’re there.  that we missed it by a game or two last year,” Pottsgrove coach Scott Palladino said “That’s been one of our goals this year Obviously we want to make the league playoffs and qualify for districts this year and even go to states — I think we have the ability to do it Pottsgrove’s 74-46 win over crosstown rival Pottstown on Thursday night moved the Falcons to 9-1 on the season and 4-1 in the Pioneer Athletic Conference’s Frontier division Palladino’s squad doing so in impressive fashion.  getting 20 steals alone from its starting five all of whom contributed near-equally to the win getting the edge comfortably into the high 20s early in the fourth quarter before the bench took care of the last six minutes.  Junior Deymein Doctor led the way with 15 points Senior Julius Marshall joined them in double digits with 10 points and junior Bryce Phillips stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points two blocks and an assist; he also had the highlight plays of the night back-to-back dunks to send Pottsgrove into the locker rooms with a 39-22 lead Kamal Curry ended the half with two dunks, including this putback at the buzzer to send Pottsgrove into the half with a 39-22 lead. Impressive showing thus far.[image or embed] Palladino said that balance has been the case all season long with five different leading scorers over the first five games of the season who scored nine points against Pottstown and is providing quality depth after missing last season due to injury “You can’t key on one of us and that’s the beauty of our team They trust each other and if it’s not their turn that night they’re going to get their buddy involved Equally fun to watch were the number of dunks Pottstown threw down the result of an aggressive 1-3-1 trap defense which deployed Doctor up top to great effect Many of those 20 steals ended up as easy buckets on the other end each one another energy boost to the Falcons bench which had plenty to cheer about all night long before getting into the game themselves at the end because that really sets the tone of how we play,” Marshall said “We’ve gotten a lot better at it,” added Doctor who threw down a couple fastbreak slams of his own “Last year we would play the 1-3-1 and wouldn’t get as many steals and disruptions but this year we’re really tipping all the balls and getting dunks [...] we’re more confident in our defense and our speed and ability to get in (passing) lanes.” Pottsgrove’s been gaining momentum the last couple years under Palladino who first coach at Pottsgrove from 2006-16 before leading Pottstown from 2018-21 returning to Pottsgrove immediately thereafter The Falcons won six games two years ago and improved that total before the calendar hit 2024 last year; now they’re only two wins from matching last year’s tally Doctor and Marshall both said the team has been confident since early in the 2024 offseason when they played the likes of Coatesville and Lower Merion close during various leagues and tournaments even without having the full roster available before their only setback to date against defending PAC champion Phoenixville on Dec the Phantoms hitting 14 3-pointers in a 74-70 win at Pottsgrove The Falcons have won their next four by no fewer than 15 points each.  “I know last year and my sophomore year second half we’d play worse,” Marshall said “and this year we’ve started to play better in the second half and that’s a main focus of what coach wants — in the third quarter The first half of Pottsgrove’s regular season ends on Saturday with a road game at Upper Moreland (8-2) which could very well be for the Frontier division title.  so a second-place division finish would earn them a postseason spot for the first time since a state playoff berth in 2019 Pottsgrove’s already thinking bigger I’m going to be mad,” Marshall said Women of Influence Awards Stacy Wescoe//February 17 Pottstown’s former Mercury building sold to developer The former Mercury building in downtown Pottstown has been sold to a developer with revitalization in mind Fellowship Community in Whitehall is adding luxury senior apartments with smart tech and custom finishes to me[...] Lehigh Valley Health Network’s planned neighborhood hospital and medical office building is starting to take[...] The former Harmony Press building in Easton and boosting industrial rent prices across Lehigh Vall[...] Lehigh Valley’s housing crisis deepens with a 9,000-unit deficit and rapid population growth  The spring weather is having a positive impact on the housing market on both the national Sign up for your daily digest of the Greater Lehigh Valley LLP Marketing and Communications Manage[...] Fisher joins Gross [...] Fleischaker joi[...] Strauss joins Gros[...] Listen to this article Brian Fanning Miller-Keystone Blood Center Vice President of Operations Brian[...] Listen to this article George Marinelli KeyBank Senior Relationship Manager George Marinelli joins K[...] Listen to this article John (JR) Raebiger CTFA™ KeyBank Senior Relationship Manager JR Rae[...] location” is an adage typically used when buying a home but the same princ[...] Invoice fraud involves submitting fake or illegitimate invoices often with convincing documentation[...] Prescription drugs continue to be the fastest-rising cost to many employer-sponsored health plans discussion of tariffs (and the economy in general) seems to center around talk of “uncerta[...] Parents aren’t just part of most companies’ staff – they’re a huge part Gene and cellular therapies are exceedingly rare – sometimes one-in-a-million rare Lehigh Valley Business provides 24/7 business news coverage and events honoring top business professionals Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions Click here for information about plaques permissions and reprints of previous editions Several drops of blood could be seen on the sidewalk outside a Pottstown Community Center after a shooting that occurred Wednesday night – Police could be seen investigating outside and inside a community center in Montgomery County where officials confirmed a shooting Wednesday night Ricketts Center in Pottstown is used by people of all ages in the community A large police presence could be seen outside the center at the basketball court There was also one detective still inside the center a couple hours later Several drops of blood could be seen on the sidewalk outside the center as well as some leading up to the door of the center People using the gym told 69 News the center was still open to use Less than an hour after the call came in for a shooting in the area Ronnie Schueck says she was able to get inside the Ricketts Center to use the gym "Weren't quite sure if the center was open or not because of it," she said all while police investigated the basketball court area right next to it "There were about three police officers around the corner," she said and you could see they were investigating the basketball court." By the time 69 News arrived just before 8 p.m. with several evidence markers on the ground Shueck says she was told by her trainer that there was no threat while confirming a shooting in the 600 block of Beech Street didn't immediately say whether anyone was shot One anonymous retired official told 69 News it appears two sustained non-life-threatening injuries and it was safe and OK to go," Shueck said "Our trainer said it seems like the police officers are taking care of everything and there was no concern The center is used among people of all ages Community members said there are plenty of programs for kids as well a dance thing and karate class," Schueck said Shueck says she wasn't worried about any threat to individuals who had been at those programs "I think all after-school programs have been done for the day by the time it happened," she said The district attorney's office told 69 News its homicide unit was not called — and it would have been They do their due diligence," Schueck said "I think that they have this under their wing and they are going to take to justice the person who did this." Officials have not said whether any arrests have been made at this time Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a temporary homeless facility at the Days Inn Hotel on High Street The facility will provide 62 rooms to locals who are living outdoors – Meeting Thursday morning during one of the coldest spells Montgomery County has seen in decades the Monroe County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a temporary homeless facility at the Days Inn Hotel on High Street in Pottstown mostly on Norfolk Southern Railroad property temperatures have been dropping below freezing increasing the need for services that help protect individuals from harm We are taking a vote later in this meeting to start emergency hoteling services in Pottstown for the homeless to provide them a warm safe place to stay while the advocates work on providing long-term solutions." we announced a new shelter in Lansdale," Makhija noted "It's truly been a united effort across the county for this project." He added that this shows that the county can make a difference on a seemingly intractable issue like homelessness Commission Vice Chair Jamila Winder commented "We will be voting on the authorization of a lease for up to 62 rooms at the Days Inn in Pottstown These rooms provide a safe warm space for residents experiencing homelessness to seek shelter starting with those on the property of Norfolk Southern and the Borough of Pottstown This project demonstrates the seriousness which this county is taking in tackling housing insecurity." "Providing housing for our most vulnerable residents has and will continue to be a priority," Winder added "And we're proud to announce the new year-round partnership in Lansdale And now we can bring these resources to the people of Pottstown we also hope to provide in Pottstown 24/7 services." Winder went on to say that Pottstown has one of the county's highest percentages of unsheltered people and that the new units have the capacity to reduce the homeless by up to 75% Winder invited Pottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller to comment "We're really happy that this partnership could come in this time of need for the borough but we needed someone to step up and fill the gap." Keller went on to thank the county commissioners and staff for stepping up "It was refreshing to see how fast this solution came up," he said and that's something you don’t often see at the local level." Pottstown has been dealing with the homeless issue for many years but this time we had private investment that got the ball rolling." He went on to say that what is being done in Pottstown goes beyond just dealing with homelessness; it's also providing wrap-around services that can address other needs addiction or multiple other reasons that someone becomes homeless "They are not people that we should look down on," DiBello stressed and we should help them through these tough times He also said that the commissioners are looking to open another center in 2025 at an unnamed location "If we can get 90% of the homeless in these shelters I feel that we commissioners can be proud of that success," DiBello said county Planning Manager Anne Leavitt-Gruberger presented a status report on the county's 2040 Comprehensive Plan She outlined a number of projects that should be implemented in 2025 including promoting ongoing Health and Human Services projects to promote family health education and literacy; continued construction on the Ridge Pike Improvement Project; and the county's bridge reconstruction program To achieve the comprehensive plan's goal of sustainable places some projects in 2025 that will be implemented include the Perkiomen Creek flood reduction study; beginning the county's stormwater planning upgrade; continuing to support farmers through educational events and the farmland preservation program; and continuing the implementation of the "Homes for All" plan to support the housing needs of the county's residents Leavitt-Gruberger pointed out a number of 2025 projects to be implemented including improving the transportation infrastructure by starting construction of an exit ramp at the Fort Washington Interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to create direct access onto Commerce Drive and continuing to collaborate on the passenger rail extension to Pottstown and Reading She also stressed the importance of partnering with the Valley Forge Convention and Tourism Bureau to promote the county's regional assets and grow the county's share of the state tourism business the commissioners appointed Michael Thevar and Ayo Patterson to the Montgomery County Community College Board of Trustees DiBello stated that he opposed the nominations because he had only received the nominations the previous day and did not have time to study the nominees' qualifications the commissioners awarded a contract for Bridge Rehabilitation to AECOM Technical Services Inc. The contract provides for the selected consultant to complete preliminary engineering construction services and right-of-way acquisition services for the rehabilitation or replacement of Montgomery County Bridge No The bridge carries Fruitville Road Bridge over Perkiomen Creek in Upper Hanover Township - A Montgomery County police officer is recovering after an officer-involved shooting and barricade situation in Pottstown Police were initially called about a car crash at Beech and North Mount Vernon Streets around 5 p.m ran from the scene and started shooting at police A bullet struck one officer in the shoulder Police say a SWAT negotiator and a relative tried to get Ecker to exit the home and he refused officers entered the home and Ecker was shot Matt McGuigan was one of many Pottstown residents who sheltered in place so I never really expected something like that," McGuigan told us Neighbor Lou Chillot has known Ecker since he was a child and is in shock Losing his life for something that should never happen I'm very happy that the policeman was only injured and is recovering," Chillot told 69 News Ecker is the son of Pottstown Borough Authority Vice Chairman Aram Ecker Chillot told us AJ Ecker has worked on his house alongside his father over the years He's been my plumber since we moved in here I can't say anything but good things about the family he's been to my house and just good people," Chillot stated Chillot told us he's sad it had to end this way Even the best of us who think we're doing the best Let's pray for the family and their recovery," Chillot said The Pottstown police officer who was shot was treated at the hospital and released Parishioners observed the Stations of the Cross stopping along the way and recognizing different moments of the crucifixion Montgomery County marked this Good Friday with a ceremonial walk through town Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church and Zion's United Church of Christ hosted the event they read a passage from the Bible and prayed Some prayers were even accompanied by music 2025 at 2:02 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A new homeless shelter is opening in Montgomery County (Shutterstock)Editor's note: While this program has been approved the available rooms at the Day's Inn have not yet been prepared and are not yet ready to accept individuals off the street PA — A new emergency "hoteling" program that will provide shelter to homeless individuals in Pottstown was approved on Thursday at the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting It's the latest step toward addressing the homelessness crisis in Montgomery County and comes in one of the county's most high need areas “It's unacceptable that any of our residents are sleeping on the streets especially during a brutally cold winter," Commissioner Neil K "That's why Montgomery County has and will continue to take steps to address homelessness with compassion and urgency." The project will allow the county to use 62 rooms at the Days Inn in Pottstown to provide what officials called "safe temporary housing" for individuals without a roof The initial term of the lease for the county to use the Days Inn property is six months “This collaborative effort helps bridge the gap in services as we await the completion of the permanent shelter facility," Pottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller added "We value the County’s willingness to implement a tailored approach that meets Pottstown’s unique needs during this transitional period and we look forward to working with them as this project moves forward." It comes after Pottstown borough cleared out a significant stretch of homeless encampments along the Schuylkill River. It's the second new shelter to be announced by the county in the past several weeks, as a shelter opened in Lansdale in late December. commissioners also voted to provide emergency funding to a project called Opportunity House this would increase the amount of available rooms at the Days Inn to 98 while also adding services like permanent housing placement assistance and connections other key community services Pottstown had 55 individuals on the streets during the county's January 2024 "point in time" count and it's estimated about 359 individuals are without full time shelter making the borough one of the worst in the county for homelessness