Hamburg tradition postponed

For the first time in 15 years, the King Frost Parade has been called for bad weather--rain in this case expected all day Saturday.

The decisions by parade officials is disappointing. I was hoping to bring my 10-year-old son Noah along for the ride Saturday with the hopes of either riding on the float (our company's first ever) or marching in the parade.

Fortunately, the traditional Hamburg event has NOT been cancelled. Organizers say the eventg will be rescheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 1 instead. Hamburg Area Item editor Joshua Sophy has more...

Photo credit: Berks-Mont File Photo

Rhoades dies after Friday crash

A state senator representing much of northern Berks County as well as Schuylkill and portions of Carbon and Monroe since 1981 died today from injuries sustained in a Friday evening car crash.

Sen. James J. Rhoades, R-29, age 66, represented Albany, Windsor, Perry, Tilden and Heidelberg townships locally and was seeking re-election in a three way senatorial contest on Nov. 4.

State and local leaders reacted to his death Saturday by reflection on a legacy of leadership especially in education.

"Jim's passing is a tremendous loss for Pennsylvania. He was a great person and a tremendous fighter for school children in the commonwealth. No one cared more about advancing education in Pennsylvania than Jim. He will be missed,” said Gov. Ed Rendell in a statement issued Saturday.

For more on this breaking story read Hamburg Area Item editor Joshua Sophy’s report at www.berksmontnews.com and this week’s edition of The Hamburg Area Item from Berks-Mont Newspapers…