In a letter to parents in the Kennett Consolidated School District Thursday, Superintendent Barry Tomasetti explained that the hot water systems at Kennett High School had tested positive for legionella bacteria. The bacteria, which is common in the environment, is associated with Legionnaire’s Disease, a severe form of pneumonia and lung inflammation. The bacteria was not found in the drinking water supply. Tomasetti explained that as a proactive measure, they have discontinued the use of a boiler room spigot where the positive sample was found and shut down all the showers. Kennett High School will be closed Friday; however, while crews sanitize the HVAC system.  The district says it is closing out of an abundance of caution and that it will be working with the Chester County Health Department and other appropriate government agencies to ensure remediation is complete and that the community is informed of its progress.  All other schools in the district will be open tomorrow.

Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello will hold and open town hall meeting Saturday at his office at the Historic Chester County Courthouse in West Chester. The event will be held in room one of the second floor, and doors open at 2 p.m. Those wishing to attend are asked to register because seating is limited. Email Natalie.Gillam@mail.house.gov by 5 p.m. today. WCHE’s Bill Mason will serve as the question moderator.

State Sen. Andy Dinniman announced Friday that the Chester County Workforce Development Board will receive $135,000 in state funding for programs to connect local businesses with school districts to promote job and career opportunities. The Business-Education Partnership grant, which comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, was part of $2.4 million in total state funding awarded to 19 recipients throughout the Commonwealth. Dinniman, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Education Committee, said: “The path to success in the workplace begins in the classroom. By coordinating efforts between educators and employers, we can ensure that our students are better prepared for innovative and rewarding career and job opportunities. That’s why this grant funding is important and I want to thank the Chester County Workforce Development Board for making this program available.”

Robert Covatta of Exton, was charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Criminal Mischief and Receiving Stolen Property. The charges were filed after an investigation into a March 25 incident at the Exton Store-N-More located in the 300 block of East Clover Mill Road. It was alleged that the 52-year-old unlawfully entered six storage units and removed more than $3,000 in property. Covatta was charged after an investigation into the incident.

Rep. Ryan Costello addressed roughly 200 area residents Saturday in a scheduled town hall meeting at his office at the Chester County Historic Courthouse in West Chester. The Republican congressman spoke to a largely Democratic crowd, calling the district “purple” for its strong mix of support for both parties. WCHE’s Bill Mason moderated, selecting questions from more than 70 that were submitted in writing. Costello fielded those questions for nearly 80 minutes, after a brief opening statement. On the minds of those in attendance were issues ranging from the Affordable Care Act, increasing the minimum wage and the environment to infrastructure projects and the war in Syria. Demonstrators also rallied outside the event, waving signs.

Last Thursday, Pennsylvania legislators gathered in East Brandywine to hear statements from medical professionals, law enforcement and elected officials with respect to the current opioid epidemic. The attendees were invited by State Rep. Becky Corbin, a Republican representing Pennsylvania’s 155th district, along with Chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff. First Assistant District Attorney Michael Noone spoke, along with Coatesville City’s Police Chief Jack Laufer, both explaining that the impact of the epidemic is far and wide. The County’s drug take-back programs, a series of local initiatives to get unused or expired prescription drugs removed from the homes of residents securely, were also highlighted. In addition, officials spoke of the effects of the lifesaving drug Narcan, also known as Naloxone, that is carried by all of Chester County’s police departments. According to the Chester County Coronorer’s Office, there were 97 accidental drug overdose deaths in 2016.

A group of Chester County deputy sheriffs recently concluded a hair-raising initiative – one that they are eager to repeat. Dubbed “Goatees for Charity,” the deputies donated $10 a paycheck for the privilege of bucking office policy, which only permits mustaches. All proceeds from the five-month program, which debuted in 2013, are donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Explaining the origin of the program, Cpl. Brad DeSando and Cpl. Wayne Johnson said they were musing one day about the office prohibition on chin hair and began brainstorming about a potential, temporary fix. Inspired by Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh’s support for charitable events, they came up with a proposal, DeSando saying they figured they had a better chance of getting the sheriff’s approval if they picked a charity for children.

Rep. Harry Lewis is hosting two paper shredding events to help 74th district residents safely dispose of sensitive information used during tax season. The first event will be Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at Bradford Heights Elementary School, located at 1330 Romig Road in Downingtown. The second will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gordon Early Literacy Center at 351 Kersey Street in Coatesville. Both events will feature an onsite industrial paper shredder. Only paper, no cardboard will be accepted. For more information contact Rep. Lewis’ district office at (610) 269-1289.

Residents in East Whiteland are currently circulating a petition addressed to the township’s Board of Supervisors. The petition is entitled: “No Bishop Tube Housing Development, Full Clean Up & Public Park Instead.” The controversy surrounds the proposed development of more than 220 townhomes on the former site of Bishop Tube Company, a steel tube manufacturer that operated from the 1950s to the late 90s. The site is currently being monitored by the EPA, which found a cancer-causing, toxic agent in the property’s groundwater. The developer, J. Brian O’Neill, bought the property in 2005. The petition states that residents wish for the site to be fully cleaned up to all applicable legal standards and “turned over to the community for recreational use and open space preservation.” A meeting is scheduled for April 19 at 7:30 p.m. for the Supervisors to discuss the developer’s building proposal. The full transcript of the petition can be viewed here.

According to West Chester Police, they were dispatched Sunday, April 9, shortly after 4 p.m., to the 100 block of North Darlington Street for the report of criminal mischief. The female victim stated that males on a roof next to her property threw a beer bottle at her bathroom window, breaking the exterior glass. Phone contact was made by police with Paul Dooley, of that residence. Dooley stated he was going to talk to the victim immediately, but police advised him not to do that because she did not want him there. Police then immediately called the victim to speak with her, who had explained to officers that Dooley was at her door and had forcibly entered the residence. Dooley was charged with criminal trespass, defiant trespass, criminal mischief and public drunkenness.

On Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the New Garden Township municipal building located at 299 Starr Road, a ceremony will be held to recognize the officers from the former New Garden Township Police Department. The New Garden Township Police Department came to a close at 11:59 pm on December 31, 2016. The current Southern Chester County Regional Police Department was formed when New Garden Township Police merged with West Grove Township Police. The ceremony will serve to recognize several police officers’ performance for 2016.

On Sunday morning, members of the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department responded to the 1800 block of Valley Drive in East Goshen Township after a resident of the condominium unit called 911 to report a break in on the floor above. As officers were responding to the scene, 911 dispatch received another call from a resident from inside where two individuals forced entry into the third floor unit with a handgun.  During a physical confrontation both intruders had possession of a loaded handgun and pointed this handgun at the two occupants of the residence.  One of the residents was able to overpower a male intruder initially, but then the intruder assaulted this victim with a fireplace poker. During the attack, the second victim turned over a credit card to a female intruder.  Both intruders then left the residence as police were arriving on scene, but police were able to stop the car in which the suspects were riding. The female suspect, identified as 22-year-old Monica Iris DeJesus of Philadelphia, told police she was raped inside the residence. The male driver of that vehicle, identified as 36-year-old Justin Atchison Harris of Mickleton, N.J., was bleeding heavily from his face and transported to Paoli Hospital for his injuries. The male victim from that residence suffered moderate injuries during the attack, and he reported that his male roommate had fled on foot.  Police were able to locate the second victim who was not injured. Police determined that DeJesus was a prostitute who wasn’t paid after a visit to the residence. That is when she contacted Harris, who was waiting in a nearby parking lot, and the pair entered the residence after Harris kicked open the door. Through their investigation, police were able to recover a loaded .45 caliber handgun and property stolen during the attack. DeJesus and Harris were both arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses. Bail was set at $150,000 dollars for Harris and $100,000 for DeJesus.  A preliminary hearing for both defendants has been scheduled for April 19.

Christine A. Wittman

On Saturday April, 8, at approximately 12:11 a.m., officers from the Southern Chester County Regional Police responded to the unit block of Daniel Drive in Avondale for a domestic incident involving the discharge of a firearm. The caller reported that a female, identified as 44-year-old Christine Wittman, pointed a firearm at him and three other guests. The guests immediately left the residence, leaving the victim alone with Wittman.  Wittman then allegedly pointed the gun at the victim again before turning away and discharging a round into the wall.  Wittman then retreated into a bedroom locking herself inside with the firearm. Upon arrival, officers from multiple agencies secured the perimeter and surrounded the residence. Once the scene was secure, officers instructed Wittman to exit the residence, while leaving the firearm inside. Wittman complied with the instructions and was taken into custody without further incident. She was arraigned before the on-call Magisterial District Justice on charges of Recklessly Endangering Another Person and Harassment.  Wittman was remanded to the Chester County Prison after failing to post the required bail.

West Brandywine Township police say they arrested a man Sunday who assaulted a woman in his home and then threatened to shoot a police officer. Police were dispatched after a call to 9-1-1 in which dispatchers could hear heavy breathing. Upon police arrival along the 700 block of Highspire Road, they found a 46-year-old female lying on the floor near a door with injuries to her face. The officer helped her evacuate the property safely. When the officer made contact with the suspect inside the home, identified as 53-year-old Ryan Patrick Jensen, Jensen said he had a gun and indicated he’d shoot both the officer and himself. That is when police activated the Emergency Response Team and negotiators for assistance. A negotiator was able to make contact with Jensen who surrendered and exited the home. He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats and related charges. The female victim was transported to Brandywine Hospital for treatment of her injuries. There were no other reported injuries in the incident. Brandywine Hospital’s Medic 93 and a medical crew from East Brandywine Fire Company also responded to this incident.

  The Board of Directors of the Downingtown Area School District approved at a meeting Monday night the appointment of Dr. Emilie M. Lonardi, Ph.D. as the district’s new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Lonardi currently heads up the West York Area School District in West York, PA, a post she’s had since 1998. She will replace retiring superintendent Dr. Lawrence J. Mussoline on July 1, 2017. Board of Education President Colleen Cranney and her fellow Board members conducted a 9-month national search that attracted candidates from several states. Chester County Intermediate Unit Executive Director Joseph O’Brien and his team worked with the Board during the candidate selection process. Dr. O’Brien hosted more than ten forums to solicit desired characteristics and potential candidate questions from the community, staff, municipal leaders and business leaders. These questions were used during the interview process and helped the Board narrow down the field from 33 applicants to one. Dr. Lonardi was the 2014 recipient of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) “Superintendent of the Year” award. The award, based primarily on innovative leadership and academic achievement, is selected yearly by the membership. Dr. Lonardi also serves as the president-elect for PASA and is on the PASA Governing Board for the American Association of School Administrators. Cranney said in a written statement that: “Dr. Lonardi is an outstanding educator with a remarkable breadth of experience. She has clear ideas on how best to move this district forward. These points made her our clear choice for this most important position.”

(left to right): David Rollenhagen, Miller for the Mill at Anselma; Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell and Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline; Kathy Lovell, Executive Director for the Mill at Anselma; County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone; and Steve Rhoads, Chair of the Anselma Mill Preservation and Educational Trust.

The Chester County Commissioners recently presented a check for $1,000 to representatives from The Mill at Anselma in Chester Springs.  The funds are part of the County’s annual appropriations to organizations and non-profits, and will be used for the purchase of grain used for educational grinding demonstrations at the historic Mill. The Mill at Anselma is one of Chester County’s National Historic Landmarks and is the most complete known example of a custom grain mill in the United States.  A working example of more than 250 years of Chester County’s industrial heritage, the Mill has retained its original colonial-era power train as well as multiple layers of industrial equipment raging from the 1700s to the mid 1900s. The first Mill demonstration day of the 2017 season was held on Saturday, April 8^th and will continue on the second Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through to December.  Milling demonstration days include talks by the miller who shows how the mill parts work together to grind the grain, hands-on activities for children including sifting through the milled flour, and 22 acres of grounds to explore.  For further information, including opening hours and a schedule of all 2017 milling demonstration days and special events go to www.anselmamill.org.

According to a report on NBC.com, a King of Prussia addiction treatment facility will be setting up in Easttown Township, Devon. Recovery Centers of America’ plans to open a center at the site of the former Devon Manor nursing home, located at 235 Lancaster Ave. It will accommodate 300 patients within a 200,000 square-foot campus. The facility would be one of the largest of its kind in the United States. The company was formed by Montgomery County-based real estate developer J. Brian O’Neill.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced that the Phoenixville Borough Police Department would receive a District Attorney’s Commendation. The police department received the commendation Tuesday night at the Phoenixville Borough Hall. The commendation was for the investigation, arrest and conviction of Steven Warren, Arthur Lintott and Casey Morris for drug trafficking heroin and cocaine. Their arrests followed three separate undercover drug investigations, which lasted three to five months.

PennDOT announced Wednesday that right lane restrictions are scheduled on Route 926 (Street Road) at Pocopson Road in Pocopson Township on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for curb improvements related to an $8.6 million project to replace the structurally-deficient Route 926 (Street Road) bridge over the Brandywine Creek in Birmingham and Pocopson townships. The
new bridge is scheduled to reopen by September 1, 2017.

Jillian Tate, the mother of a Chester County toddler brutally murdered in 2014, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder Wednesday morning. The plea will help remove the possibility of a death sentence for the 33-year-old. Her formal sentencing will follow the trial of her former boyfriend, Gary Lee Fellenbaum III, who is accused of beating and torturing Scotty.  Tate is a co-defendant in the case, and both she and Fellenbaum are currently being held without bail in Chester County prison. Tate lived with Fellenbaum and his wife, Amber Fellenbaum, who called 911 in early Nov. 2014. She is also a defendant in this case. When West Caln police arrived to that call, they found Scotty unresponsive. Gary Fellenbaum is accused of abusing both Scotty and his 6-year-old brother, beating them with whips and tying them to chairs. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty in this case, which has been widely publicized in both local and national media. The trial was originally set for this month. Instead, Common Pleas Judge William Mahon ordered that the new trial date be set for Sept. 18.