Norwin briefs: Sound of Freedom showing at Lamp Theatre

Sound of Freedom showing at The Lamp

A movie about sex trafficking, will be shown for free at The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin, at 8 p.m. Jan. 26.

The doors for the showing of “Sound of Freedom” will open at 7 p.m. with an informational introduction video at 7:30 p.m. by Rooted Outreach and Hope Remanes, two Westmoreland County non-profit organizations that offer education, resources and hope to those affected by human trafficking. The film will begin at 8 p.m.

Free tickets will be available at The Lamp Theatre the night of the show on a first come, first serve basis

The movie is based on the true story of a federal agent, Tim Ballard, who sought to rescue a girl who was being held by child traffickers in the Columbia jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.

Ballard and his organization, Operation Underground Railroad, were sued in a Utah court last year over an alleged sexual assault of his former female assistant, who also filed a criminal complaint, according to a story in the Salt Lake Tribune. Ballard has separated himself from the Operation Underground Railroad he founded, according to news reports.

Rooted Outreach’s mission is to bring awareness on human trafficking, sexual abuse and assault and homelessness. Hope Remanes connects children and adults with rescued horses to discover hope and to heal from trauma linked to abuse and other emotional pain.

Donations for Rooted Outreach and Hope Remanes will be accepted and a gift basket raffle will also take place.

Irwin appoints board chairman; accepts resignation

Irwin Borough has appointed Cody Karch as chairperson of the borough’s vacancy board and accepted the resignation of Bo Wagner as a member of the borough’s Civics Board.

Council on Jan. 10 also agreed to the borough contributing $3,000 to the Civics Activities Committee to help fund the annual Concerts in the Park series this summer at Irwin Park.

Shari Martino, borough manager, will apply to the Westmoreland County Parks & Recreation department for a local arts grant on behalf of the civics committee. Martino said those grants, when approved, are typically for $1,000 and helps to pay for music and arts.