U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, the congressman representing Pennsylvania’s 6th congressional district, presented John Cochran of Malvern with six service medals Tuesday. Cochran is a 92-year-old, World War II veteran originally from Oswego, New York. He served in the Army as a radar specialist in the Philippines. Cochran originally received the medals in the 1940s for his war service but had lost track of them over the years. In an interview with the Daily Local News Cochran said he’s not exactly sure what happened to his original medals but that his interest in replacing them increased following a visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., where his grandson Ryan is a National Park Service Ranger. Cochran contacted Costello’s staff, who worked with the family to secure the medals. With many of Cochran’s four children, 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren present during a brief ceremony held at Great Valley High School, Costello thanked him for his service and presented Cochran with his new medals.

The Chester County Press is reporting that  Pennsylvania State Constable Dave Cox, a lifelong Chester County resident, has announced his candidacy for a vacant magisterial district judge seat in Kennett Square. Cox is a graduate of West Chester University, with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. He is also certified by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is trained to provide service and security to the Courts’ Minor Judiciary. Cox plans to volunteer his time with the Kennett and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts to help keep the youth on a path to a safe and brighter future. Specifically, Cox told the Press he plans to also help those who come before him who are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, family crisis, disability challenges, or are domestic and crime victims.

Coatesville Area Teachers Association president Audra Ritter issued a statement on the outcome of recent fact-finding that was orchestrated by the Coatesville Area School Board Negotiating Team as an effort to reach an agreement between the School Board and the Coatesville Area Teacher’s Association. The teacher’s contract expired August 30, 2016. Fact-finding is an option often pursued when negotiations are deadlocked where a neutral third party, called a fact-finder, is assigned by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board to examine both sides’ proposals. The Fact Finder’s report was issued April 7. The Coatesville Area School Board voted yes in favor of that report, but the teachers association voted no. In response to the report Ritter said in a written statement: “The Coatesville Area Teacher’s Association (CATA) agrees with most of the Fact Finder’s recommendations, but several key pieces are vague and unclear. CATA believes these broad areas were done intentionally by the Fact Finder to draw both sides back to the bargaining table to settle a fair and competitive contract.” The Teachers Association voted unanimously against the Fact Finder’s report, Ritter says, due to a lack of specific information regarding costs associated with the prescription drug plan, out-of-pocket maximums and other components related to health benefits. Ritter says that the teachers association also has “serious concerns” regarding the proposed language on the teacher work day.

Fearing the opioid epidemic crossing over into its high schools, the West Chester Area School District will make a decision later this month whether to carry the lifesaving drug Naloxone. Also known as Narcan, the drug is being carried by Chester County’s police departments and is capable of blocking the deadly effects of an opioid overdose. According to a report in the Daily Local News, the district’s plan to bring a single dose into each of the district’s three high schools, Rustin, Henderson and East. The medication will likely be available in schools by the fall start of the 2017-2018 school year, and its costs will be covered by a state grant. WCASD superintendent Dr. James Scanlon was quoted as saying: “It’s another layer of protection in case something happens until the paramedics arrive.” Scanlon also told the Daily Local News that no district student has overdosed during his eight-year tenure. District school nurses have already completed a half-hour training course to administer the medication.

The Downingtown-Thorndale and the Exton Region Chambers of Commerce will host a Government Affairs luncheon Thursday, April 20. Sen. Bob Casey will speak about the state of affairs in Washington D.C., followed by a Q and A session. The luncheon will be held the Downingtown Country Club, located at 93 Country Club Drive in Downingtown, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Go to http://www.ercc.net/ for more information.

On April 12, 2017, the North Coventry Township Police Department took a report of a hit and run crash which occurred on Route 100 southbound between King Street and Cedarville Road.  The incident happened at about 9:45 a.m.  According to the victim, a black minivan, possibly a Honda Odyssey, driven by a white female with brown hair, pulled up alongside of the his vehicle.  The female turned her vehicle into the side of the victim’s vehicle, which caused damage to the rear right side panel and rear bumper.  The female exited Route 100 onto East Cedarville Road.  The victim advised that the female’s minivan had its front bumper cover partially torn off.  Anyone with information related to this incident should contact the North Coventry Police Department at 610-323-8360.

Cory D. Foster of of Philadelphia was sentenced Thursday by United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney to a total of 714 months (59.5 years) in prison for three armed robberies of convenience stores and an armed carjacking. In May 2016, a jury convicted Foster of robbing at gunpoint a  CITGO gas station and convenience store in Phoenixville. Foster was also convicted of stealing a customer’s car at gunpoint during that robbery. He was also convicted of robbing at gunpoint two additional locations, a Lukoil Service station and convenience store in Trevose, Bucks County, and a Liberty gas station and convenience store in Plymouth Meeting, Montgomery County. Foster committed these crimes during November and December 2014. In February 2015, Delaware State Police arrested Foster in possession of the stolen car and the semiautomatic pistol. Foster has been sentenced to ten years in prison for possession of the pistol by a convicted felon. He must serve 57 years of the prison sentence imposed by Judge Kearney after serving the previous ten-year sentence. Foster’s confederates in the robberies have not been identified. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Plymouth Township Police Department, which with the FBI took the lead in the investigation, the Bensalem Township and Schuylkill Township Police Departments, and the Delaware State Police. The case was prosecuted by then Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel C. Magee.

West Chester Borough Council Vice President Jordan Norley was unanimously selected by Borough Council to be the new Interim Mayor, replacing Carolyn Comitta, who is now a State Representative. Council held a special meeting to hear presentations from four candidates, former Council President Holly Brown, current Mayor candidate Kyle Hudson, former Mayor and Councilman Tom Chambers and Norley, who announced his resignation from Council just before the meeting. Norley’s was the only name placed in nomination by Council. He was immediately sworn in by District Judge Marion Vito. Norley will serve out the remainder of Comitta’s term until January of 2018.

According to Coatesville City police, they initiated a vehicle pursuit Thursday morning at approximately 6:58 a.m. Corporal Michels observed a stolen white 2011 Lexus RX 350. The vehicle was reported stolen by Valley Township Police. Cpl. Michels attempted to conduct a traffic stop of that vehicle in the area of 3rd Ave and East Lincoln Hwy. The driver, identified as Eric Maucher failed to stop. Police pursued the vehicle east bound on Route 30 into Caln Township, where Maucher collided with another motorist at South Bailey Road. The collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles. Immediately after the collision, Maucher exited the stolen vehicle and fled on foot running south bound across the railroad tracks. Corporal Michels was able to apprehend Maucher on the south side of the railroad tracks after a foot chase. Maucher was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation from injuries sustained from the collision. He is being charged with Receiving Stolen Property, Assault, DUI, and multiple other charges and other related traffic violations. The Valley Township Police Department is handling the theft of the Lexus because it occurred in their jurisdiction. The Caln Township is handling the accident that occurred during the pursuit. Maucher was arraigned and held over to the prison on $125,000 cash bail.

Police had an usual chase Friday evening. They were called to respond to an ostrich that had escaped from a barn fire in Charlestown Township. The roughly 200-pound bird ran away from Canter Hill Farm after a fire at the hay-filled barn, leading police on a nearly half hour long chase. All the excitement happened just before 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, when East Whiteland Fire Company responded to the fire along the 2100 Block of Valley Hill Road. The bird was finally captured at Meadowbrook Manor Park on Swedesford Road near the Exton Mall. It was returned to the farm by the owner. That fire is currently under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal’s office

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Aqua Pennsylvania and PECO Energy announced Friday that they will restrict several state highways over the next two weeks in Chester County for utility work. The work schedule, which is weather dependent, is Tuesday, April 18, through Tuesday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., where lane restrictions are scheduled on State Road between Creek Road and Pothouse Road in Schuylkill Township for gas line installation. Traffic will be controlled by flagging. From Monday, April 24, through Monday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekday lane restrictions are scheduled on Bridge Street between Church Street and Penn Street in North Coventry Township for gas line installation. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through these areas. Aqua Pennsylvania and PECO Energy will complete the work under PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permits.

Chester County Cpl. Brad DeSando (from left), Chester County Sheriff Carolyn ‘Bunny’ Welsh, and Deputy Sheriff Christian Medina escort the Easter Bunny during the office’s annual visit to Chester County Hospital.

The Easter Bunny enjoys ‘Meet My Egg Family,’ written by Jackie Felicetti, who heads Chester County Hospital’s Human Resources Department.

Jason and Jodi Kukulka of West Chester recreate history by celebrating the birth of their daughter with their son Owen and the Easter Bunny. Three years ago, the Easter Bunny visited Chester County Hospital right after Owen was born.

For more than a decade, the Chester County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with Chester County Hospital to spread cheer in the pediatric and maternity wards during the Easter season. Leading the effort is a furry, six-foot rabbit. Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said: “This is a really feel-good detail, bringing joy to these darling children and new mothers. Who doesn’t love the Easter Bunny?” Cpl. Brad DeSando, who has organized the event for the past six years, said the initiative is always well-received and showcases the inner child of whichever deputy gets to wear the costume. On Thursday, April 13, DeSando and Welsh escorted the Easter Bunny to the hospital, where word spread fast that a special guest was roaming the halls. Visitors, staff, and patient enthusiastically awaited their turns to get photos. Welsh said the reception from hospital personnel made the experience even more gratifying. “It was really great to see the reaction of the doctors, nurses, and other staffers,” Welsh said. “The whole event was just pure joy.”

State Sen. Andy Dinniman announced Monday that three Chester County organizations were awarded $900,000 in state funding to improve and expand affordable housing options for those in need. Dinniman said: “These funds will go a long way in supporting important programs that provide affordable and accessible housing here in Chester County to some of our residents who need them the most.” Funds were awarded to the Liberty Housing Preservation Project, in the amount of $500,000; the Chester County Department of Community Development for the Decade to Doorways System Expansion, in the amount of $300,000; and to Home of the Sparrow, in the amount of $100,000. The funding comes through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program’s Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund (PHARE/RTT), administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Act 58 of 2015 recently expanded the PHARE program – also known as the State Housing Trust Funding – to include revenues from the real estate transfer tax (RTT). The PHARE program has been expanded to all 67 counties in the Commonwealth.

At a hearing Monday, Gary Lee Fellenbaum III, the man accused of the brutal torture and murder of 3-year-old Scotty McMillan in 2014, was ordered competent to stand trial. That trial was originally scheduled for this month. However, Common Pleas Judge William Mahon in Janurary ordered a new trial date be set for Sept. 18, citing Fellenbaum’s potential incompetency to aid his attorney in his defense. Mahon gave Fellenbaum’s attorney, George Yacoubian, 45 days to have his client evaluated by a mental health expert to determine whether he will be competent to stand trial. That evaluation was completed in February and deemed Fellenbaum capable for trial. Fellenbaum and his girlfriend and the mother of Scotty, 33-year-old Jillian Tait, allegedly participated in the beating and torturing of McMillan prior to his death. Yacoubian  did ask the judge for a change of venue for the trial due to all the pretrial publicity surrounding the high-profile case. First District Attorney Michael Noone said that the case did not meet the definition for such a venue change. The prosecutors in this case are seeking the death penalty for the 25-year-old Fellenbaum.

On the evening of April 3, West Chester police say they responded to a call of a man trying to enter another person’s apartment window. The victim described that person for police, who were able to apprehend the man in the same area. He was identified as Christopher Burkenstock of the 200 block of North Bradford Avenue. The 26-year-old was charged with loitering, prowling at night and public drunkenness. He is awaiting a court hearing.

The Daily Local News is reporting that West Chester’s Planning Commission, with support from its Board of Supervisors, has put into place plans to design an official borough map. The map would show existing, as well as planned, public streets, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, and other properties. An official said finishing this project may take some time, but its completion will give the borough some important benefits, including the opportunity for West Chester to have the right of first refusal when it comes to proposed projects. The public will get a chance to review the map during a 45-day time period prior to a final council vote. Borough Codes Enforcement Director Michael A. Perrone said an official map should not be confused with existing zoning maps; however, the borough has never had an official map. According to Perrone, one county and about 64 Pennsylvania municipalities have official maps.

According to West Whiteland Township police, they charged 27-year-old Naeem Lusk with Forgery, Theft by Deception and Receiving Stolen Property on April 10, 2017, after officers responded to two stores in the Whiteland Towne Center for reports of a suspect allegedly attempting to pass $100 in counterfeit cash. Lusk of Willingboro, New Jersey, was arrested and arraigned by Judge Grover Koon. He was remanded to Chester County Prison after failing to post 10% of his $10,000 bail.

According to West Brandywine Township Police, they are asking the public’s help finding Felix Calle. Calle is wanted for violation of Protection from Abuse Order, Endangering the Welfare of Children, Escape from Police Custody and related charges. If seen please call 9-1-1, or, for those who know Calle’s whereabouts, can call during normal business hours at (610) 380-8201 or after hours (610) 383-7000.

Chester County made it to the Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence in three areas. Two townships and one individual were recognized by Gov. Wolf. Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary was honored for his dedication to public service in the community. Along with O’Leary’s recognition, East Goshen and Kennett Townships were recognized; East Goshen for its health and wellness initiatives and Kennett for its efforts building community partnerships with a variety of stakeholders. Ten government officials and 11 communities from across the commonwealth received awards. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development annually sponsors Local Government Day to honor local governments and officials.

A Downingtown teacher who’s taught for more than 40 years in the school district has been selected as a finalist for the 2017 Citadel Heart of Learning Award. Jerome Nowak, a tech education teacher at Downingtown West High School, was selected. Every school district in the county will select one winner from those teachers nominated. The selected teachers will attend a dinner hosted by Citadel. Nowak was recently recognized and honored by a former student, Brett Gerry, who gave a $5,000 scholarship to the Downingtown Education Foundation in Nowak’s name. Gerry, a 1989 graduate of Downingtown High School, was coached by Nowak as a cross country runner. In a letter, Gerry wrote of his respect and admiration for his former coach, saying he made him both a better athlete and person through his mentorship. Nowak graduated with a B.S. from Ball State University and also has a Master’s of Education from Millersville University.