🚧 PennDOT Fixing Potholes | More Fraudulent Signatures Found | NTSB Unveils Initial Findings

In Today’s Special Saturday Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🖊️ More Fraudulent Signatures Found on Democratic Candidate Nominating Petitions

🚧 PennDOT Launches Repairs on Key Routes in Chester County

🚁 Philly YouTuber Faces Federal Charges

✈︎ NTSB Unveils Initial Findings in Coatesville Plane Crash Investigation

📕 Chester County Unveils Draft Heritage Tourism Plan

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

More Fraudulent Signatures Found on Democratic PA Auditor General Candidate Nominating Petitions

Allegations of forged signatures on the nominating petitions of Democratic state auditor general candidate Mark Pinsley have surfaced in Chester County. The allegedly false signatures, including those of elected officials, were discovered by freelance investigators. The petitions, filed earlier this month, have raised concerns about the credibility of the nominating process. Judge Alita Rovito, one of the affected officials, denies signing the petition. Pinsley's campaign is investigating the matter and considering options to address the problematic petitions.

A group of six local Democratic committee members and activists have been examining the petitions, revealing suspicious signatures that deviate from standard procedures. Signatures were found to be inconsistent in handwriting and location, prompting concerns about the validity of the nominating process.

Pinsley's campaign manager, Mariel Martin, stated that the campaign is investigating the issue and exploring ways to discard the problematic petitions if they are found to be invalid. The significance of the apparent misuse of the nominating process is emphasized, with concerns about its impact on voters' trust. The signatures were collected as part of the process to secure Pinsley's candidacy for the state auditor general position.

Winter Road Recovery: PennDOT Launches Repairs on Key Routes in Chester County

In response to the adverse effects of winter weather on Philadelphia area roads, PennDOT crews are initiating pothole repair efforts on over 40 state highways in Chester County. The impact of winter conditions on major routes like 422 and Route 100 has prompted the need for these repairs, with a focus on addressing road damage caused by fluctuating temperatures.

Key locations in Chester County slated for repairs include U.S. 1 (Baltimore Pike) in New Garden and Kennett townships, U.S. 30 (Coatesville-Downingtown Bypass) in Sadsbury, Valley, Caln, and East Caln townships, as well as U.S. 30 (Lancaster Avenue) in East Whiteland and Easttown townships. Other areas targeted for repair include U.S. 322 (Downingtown Pike) in East Brandywine, West Brandywine, and Caln townships, Route 10 (Octorara Trail/Compass Road) in West Sadsbury and Caln townships, Route 23 (Ridge Road) in East Vincent and East Coventry townships, and Route 41 (Gap Newport Pike) in Londonderry Township.

Motorists are advised to be aware of travel restrictions in areas undergoing repairs, which may result in minor delays. The repair efforts aim to address the impact of winter-related road damage and enhance road conditions for safer travel.

Philly YouTuber Faces Federal Charges for Reckless Drone Flying

A Philadelphia man, known for his YouTube channel PhillyDroneLife, is facing federal charges for allegedly violating FAA rules while flying drones in the city. Michael DiCiurcio is accused of reckless flying, including nighttime flights and close proximity to buildings and landmarks. Federal prosecutors claim he operated drones unlawfully and unsafely from December 2019 to the present, with incidents nearly causing collisions and breaching controlled airspace near Philadelphia International Airport. Despite warnings and offers of education, DiCiurcio is alleged to have continued these practices.

NTSB Unveils Initial Findings in Coatesville Plane Crash Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released initial findings on the Coatesville plane crash that claimed the life of Octorara school board president Sam Ganow. The crash involved a twin-engine Grumman American GA-7 undergoing a restoration project documented on YouTube. Ganow, the sole occupant, was flying the plane to its new owner in Knoxville, Tennessee. The NTSB report highlighted factors such as Ganow's haste, insufficient fuel checks, and a missing engine runup. Witnesses reported a smooth engine sound until a post-takeoff disturbance, followed by an aggressive turn before the crash.

Chester County Unveils Draft Heritage Tourism Plan to Showcase Local Narratives

Chester County introduces a draft Heritage Tourism Plan designed to weave local narratives into a comprehensive framework. The plan's primary objective is to spotlight community identity, support preservation efforts, and enhance the overall quality of life. Encompassing six key themes, including the natural landscape, cultural evolution, evolving values, Revolutionary War events, iron and steel industries, and creative expression, the plan provides a thematic framework for diverse stories within the county's development.

The Heritage Tourism Plan envisions a countywide interpretive presentation where communities, sites, and entities tell their stories through exhibits and public art. Coordinated storytelling initiatives will connect existing national and regional attractions with local communities, fostering a richer heritage tourism experience. The plan not only seeks to boost economic factors through increased tourism but also encourages the preservation and investment in heritage sites and resources.

A vital aspect of the project involves the creation of a marketing plan and the consolidation of data for Chester County tourism. These components are integral parts of the comprehensive Heritage Tourism Plan, contributing to the overall goal of creating a cohesive narrative that enriches and enhances local communities throughout the county.

See the plan draft here

Newly Listed Homes:

1296 Marshallton Thorndale Road, Downingtown, PA

566 Whitford Hills Road, Exton, PA

613 Brainerd Place, Exton, PA

1224 Clearbrook Road, West Chester, PA

Upcoming Local Events…

• Home Composting Workshop - Feb 24th, 10am

• Kennett Winterfest - Feb 24th, 12:30pm-4pm

• Attatoba Clayworks: Night of Music - Feb 24th, 7pm

• OCHS Presents - The Thorndale Coal Wharf - Feb 25th, 2pm

• The Hidden History of Milford Mills - March 4th, 6pm

• Healthcare Hiring Event - March 6th, 11am-3pm

• Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour - March 7th, 5pm-7pm

• Invasive Plant Clean-up at Broad Run Park - March 9th, 9am-12pm

• St. Matthew’s Consignment Sale - March 15th 5pm-8pm, 16th 8am-12:30pm

• Wallace Twp Egg Hunt - March 23rd, 11:30am