Tragic Motorcycle Fatality in West Chester

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

🏍️ Tragic Motorcycle Fatality in West Chester

🍫 Chocolate Factory Fined $44k for Explosion

🚧 322 Undergoes Safety Enhancements, Expect Delays

🚦 Chester County Embraces Operation Green Light to Honor Veterans

👻 Upper Uwchlan Hosts Trunk-or-Treat

🎨 Maker-in-Residence Program Launching at Chester County Libraries

📆 Upcoming Local Events

Tragic Motorcycle Fatality in West Chester

A fatal motorcycle accident occurred in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on the 300 block of Reservoir Road, with the rider declared dead at the scene. The West Chester Police Department has called in an accident reconstruction team to investigate, and the roadway has been closed for safety reasons. The specific details of the accident and the identity of the rider remain undisclosed, pending further investigation.

Federal Investigation Holds R.M. Palmer Co. Responsible for Fatal West Reading Chocolate Factory Explosion, fined $44,500

A federal investigation into the March explosion at a West Reading chocolate factory that resulted in seven deaths has placed the blame squarely on the company, R.M. Palmer Co. The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the company failed to evacuate the facility despite employees reporting the smell of natural gas before the explosion. OSHA also issued two citations with penalties totaling nearly $44,500 for various safety violations, including failure to evacuate and issues with emergency exit signs, flexible cord usage, and recordkeeping.

In response to the OSHA findings, Palmer officials issued a statement vehemently contesting the citations, claiming their commitment to employee and community safety. They also cited their active participation in the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) ongoing investigation into the explosion. The NTSB has indicated that the blast resulted from a gas leak in an out-of-use natural gas service line. The company stated it would refrain from commenting further on federal investigations until the NTSB study is completed in 2024.

Chester County's U.S. 322 Undergoes Safety Enhancements, Expect Delays

PennDOT is launching a $3.6 million project to enhance safety along a 2.87-mile section of U.S. 322 in Chester County from October 9 to October 13. The project includes lane narrowing, acceleration lane extension, traffic signal upgrades, and bicycle-friendly shoulder construction. It also involves installing center line rumble strips, guide rails, and measures to counter wrong-way drivers. The goal is to improve safety and efficiency for all road users in the area, with completion expected in winter. Travelers should anticipate delays due to intermittent lane closures during construction. Road conditions can be monitored on www.511PA.com for traffic alerts and information on other construction projects affecting nearby counties.

Chester County Embraces Operation Green Light to Honor Veterans

The Chester County Commissioners and Department of Veterans Affairs are backing Operation Green Light, a nationwide initiative recognizing veterans' contributions from November 6-12. To support this initiative, Chester County will illuminate the façade of the Historic Courthouse in green, distribute green light bulbs to residents, and organize a public ceremony on November 6. Operation Green Light aims to raise awareness of veterans' unique challenges and available resources while expressing gratitude for their sacrifices. Chester County encourages residents to join by shining green light bulbs during the specified dates to show appreciation to veterans and their families.

Public Review Open for Chester County's Watersheds 2045 Plan

The Chester County Water Resources Authority (CCWRA) has made the draft of the county's integrated water resources plan, Watersheds 2045, available for public review and comments until November 17. This updated plan builds upon the 2002 original Watersheds plan and aims to empower communities to protect and sustain the county's shared water resources. Watersheds 2045 addresses various water resource concerns such as stormwater management, pollution prevention, recreational access, and sustainable water supplies. It will also serve as the updated County-wide Act 167 Plan and Rivers Conservation Plan. Residents can access the draft plan and provide feedback through email, mail, or web form. CCWRA is also hosting public informational sessions on October 17 and October 24, with a pre-recorded session available later in October for those unable to attend.

Save the Date for Upper Uwchlan's Trunk-or-Treat!

Join the Upper Uwchlan Police Department and Park & Recreation Board for the annual Trunk-or-Treat event at Hickory Park on Saturday, October 28, from 3-5 PM.

Enjoy displays and equipment showcases from Township departments and local emergency services agencies, along with trunk-or-treating from car to car!

Location: Hickory Park, 301 Park Road, Chester Springs, PA. See you there!

Maker-in-Residence Program Launching at Chester County Libraries

Chester County Libraries are inviting local makers to participate in their Maker-in-Residence (MiR) program. The program seeks passionate creators willing to share their skills through open studio hours and free workshops, fostering community engagement in various art forms. Selected makers will receive a stipend of $1500 and up to $1000 for supplies. Applicants should have teaching abilities, enjoy collaboration, and a commitment to their craft. The application deadline is October 20, 2023, with interviews and selection from October 25-27, and the residency will begin by mid-November 2023.

To apply, visit https://bit.ly/CCLMakerFall23 by Friday, October 20, 2023. The application will require an artist statement, details of your planned hands-on activities, workshop ideas, examples of your work, teaching experience, and two references. Interviews and selection will take place from October 25-27, with the residency starting no later than mid-November 2023.