Pennsylvania
Christmas Eve fire damages multiple homes in Chester, Delaware County
CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) — A fire that tore through four rowhomes in Chester on Christmas Eve displaced eight people and killed one cat, officials said.
The fire broke out minutes before 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 900 block of West 7th Street, sending flames and smoke billowing into the sky.
Firefighters arriving on scene encountered heavy fire conditions and quickly called for additional help.
No injuries were reported.
“They instantly struck a second alarm which brought the recall of off-duty personnel as well as fire departments from surrounding municipalities,” said Chester Fire Commissioner John-Paul Shirley.
Flames spread from a corner home to three neighboring rowhouses, traveling through the attic space, Shirley said.
“The fire wound up extending into three other row homes through the cockwall space in the attic, it was just a lot of fire and crews had their hands full,” he said.
Shirley said there were no reports of anyone missing and that all residents were accounted for.
Eight people were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross.
“It’s horrible to happen anytime but it’s especially horrible you know on the holidays, tomorrow’s Christmas, there might be Christmas presents in the houses that now families aren’t gonna be able to get but we’ll do everything we can to help them out. The most important thing though is that everyone’s OK,” Shirley said.
Neighbors watched the scene unfold as firefighters battled the blaze, which burned through the roofs of at least two homes and caused partial roof collapses, according to Shirley.
Crews remained on scene extinguishing hot spots before going inside to determine whether the buildings are structurally sound.
James Reed, who lives nearby, said he saw the fire rapidly intensify.
“I heard the fire engines coming by, I look out the window I seen that they had a line, look down here and seen smoke and I went in the house put a coat on and by the time I came out it burst into flames. I believe it was like a common roof and just everything went berserk,” Reed said.
Reflecting on other recent tragedies, Reed said the timing made the fire especially difficult to witness.
“It’s terrible I mean, so much has happened this week… State Police getting shot down in Delaware, the thing up in Bristol, it’s always around Christmas Eve… Something always happens. Just have faith in God,” he said.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation.
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Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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