>COVID-19 Related Deaths Reported In Berks County
(Berks County, PA) -- More COVID-19-related deaths are being reported from Berks County. The Berks County coroner announced yesterday that 17 people have passed away due to complications of the coronavirus. The total number of COVID deaths this month is now at 116, which is the second highest the county has had since the beginning of the pandemic.
>>Lancaster Fire That Killed Man Ruled Accidental
(Lancaster, PA) -- A Lancaster house fire that killed one man is being ruled as accidental. The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire announced yesterday that the Saturday morning fire in the 500-block of Beaver Street started in a kitchen area and was caused by electric extension cords and a power strip. A 33-year-old man perished in the flames. The bureau is encouraging people to review electric cord and power strip safety reminders or contact the Fire Marshal Division.
>>Downtown Improvement District In Reading Given 45 Extra Days
(Reading, PA) -- The Downtown Improvement District in Reading is getting an extra 45 days before it will close for good. Reading City Council voted yesterday to give the organization an extra 30 to 45 days to prepare to close its business. A request to allow the DID to have a 90-day extension was denied, but the vote for the 45 days passed six-to-one. The council voted last week to not reauthorize the DID for another five years, and it was expected to close on December 31st before yesterday's extension.
>>Red Rose Transit Authority To Increase Bus, Parking Fare
(Lancaster County, PA) -- Red Rose Transit Authority is going to increase bus and parking fares for next year. The RRTA announced yesterday that it will be restructuring for 2021. Due to the new changes, officials say the cash fare for buses will increase by ten-cents and the student cash fare will be one-dollar per ride. There will also be rate changes for the Queen Street Station Parking Garage located on the corner of Chestnut and Queen streets in Lancaster. New Ride Guide information is available on the Red Rose Transit website.
>>DeLong Christmas Tree Farm Sells For 930-Thousand-Dollars
(Berks County, PA) -- DeLong Christmas Tree Farm is going to have a different owner after it sold for about 930-thousand-dollars. The farm in Brecknock Township was put up for auction yesterday. The 42-acre property that was sold includes a bank barn, a pole barn and a custom ranch home. Its previous owner R.T. Custer says the property is expected to stay as a Christmas tree farm.