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WEST CHESTER, PA — A mail-in ballot containing what Commissioner Josh Maxwell described as a “granular substance” prompted a lockdown of Chester County’s government offices at 313 W. Market Street in West Chester on Friday morning. The scare came shortly after the county Board of Elections held its last public meeting before Tuesday’s election.

A Voter Services worker sorting mail-in ballots on the fourth floor felt the substance pass through the envelope into his hand. The envelope was never opened. Workers called 911, deputies sealed the building at about 10:15 a.m., and employees who had been near the ballot were isolated and monitored. Hazmat teams cleared the room within about 45 minutes, and the lockdown ended around 11:30 a.m. No one was injured.

District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe said the ballot is now with the F.B.I. for analysis and the investigation is ongoing. Mr. Maxwell said ballot processing paused for about three hours in total but no ballots were opened. Watch de Barrena-Sarobe’s update on the DA’s Facebook page.

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has opened three lanes in each direction on a four-mile section of I-76 near Downingtown, between Mileposts 312 and 316. The section passes through Upper Uwchlan, Uwchlan, West Pikeland and Charlestown Townships, and the work began in May 2023.

The roadway was rebuilt down to its foundation. It now has 12-foot lanes and shoulders and a 26-foot median, which give emergency crews and stranded drivers more room. Three bridges were replaced, including the crossings at Pine Creek Road and Route 401. The project also added noise walls and 28 stormwater basins to protect nearby watersheds.

Tolls paid for the entire project. The commission cited a cost of $214 million, but its records show a $215.5 million contract. Its website also still lists completion in 2027, so some finishing work may remain. About 180 miles of the turnpike have now been rebuilt under the commission’s long-running reconstruction program.

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Borough Council will take public comment on two proposed ordinances on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, 4 West Lancaster Avenue.

Ordinance 2026-05 would prohibit electric-assist bicycles on borough sidewalks and require riders of other wheeled devices to use due care. It would also let the borough restrict wheeled devices in designated park areas. The public notice does not list penalties or name the parks involved.

Ordinance 2026-06 would adopt the 2021 International Fire Code with local amendments and update requirements for Knox boxes, the lockboxes that let emergency crews get into secured buildings. Details of the changes were not included in the notice.

Council may adopt, change or postpone either measure after the hearing. The full proposals can be reviewed at the Borough Codes Department on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. — The Downingtown Young Whippets 12U team won the BuxMont championship on Sunday, Nov. 1. The title is a big achievement for the young players, their coaches and the families who supported them all season. Downingtown Local Pulse congratulates the team on a championship season.

Upcoming local events…

West Bradford Tree Planting (Brandywine Meadows Preserve) - Nov 4, 9am-4pm

Caln Clean-up Crew (Caln) - Nov 7, 10am-12pm

Uwhclan Fall Clean-up Event (Exton) - Nov 8, 8:30am

Rain Barrel Workshop (Upper Uwchaln) - Nov 19, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Medicare Information Session (West Bradford Building) - Nov 20

Snow-Ready Uwchlan Kick-off (Exton) - Nov 21, 12:30pm-4pm
Holiday Light Parade (Kennett Square) - Nov 21, 6pm

Catch up on previous issues…

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