PennDOT announced Friday that travel restrictions are scheduled on U.S. 202 in Tredyffrin Township for bridge inspections. The work schedule is Wednesday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the right lane scheduled to close on southbound U.S. 202 between the Route 252 South/Paoli and Route 29 North/Great Valley interchanges; and on Wednesday, May 3, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., with the left lane scheduled to close on northbound U.S. 202 between the Route 252 South/Paoli and Valley Forge Road interchanges. Drivers are advised to allow extra time when traveling through these work areas. The schedules are dependent on the weather.

State Senator Andy Dinniman announced Monday that PennDOT is currently in the process of rehabilitating six bridges in Chester County, among other transportation, highway, and road improvement projects slated for this spring and summer made possible by Act 89. Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Transportation Committee and supported Act 89 of 2013, Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Transportation Funding Plan, said: “We are making great progress on improving our roads and bridges that are in need of repair and safety upgrades both here in Chester County and across the Commonwealth.” The size of PennDOT’s construction and highway budget has been bolstered by Act 89, which also increased payments to municipalities for their road and bridge systems by more than $100 million a year. Of Chester County’s 664 state-owned bridges, 106 are rated as structurally deficient. According to PennDOT, being rated structurally deficient means that the bridge has deterioration to one or more of its major components, but is safe for traveling.

Construction is currently underway on the following projects in Chester County:

The rehabilitation of three bridges in Southern Chester County, including the U.S. Route 1 Bridge over Church Road in New Garden, the University Road Bridge over U.S. Route 1 in Upper Oxford, and the Hayesville Road Bridge over U.S. Route 1 in Lower Oxford. Work on those three bridges is part of a $5.5 million project to improve 10 structurally deficient bridges throughout the region and is slated for completion next spring.

Additional repairs to the Pa. Route 23 Bridge over the French Creek in Phoenixville, East Pikeland, and Schuylkill Townships. Initial work on that bridge rehabilitation was completed last year. Currently, crews are working to rehabilitate the box beam and other structures. That project is slated for completion this fall.

The deck and substructure replacement of the U.S. Route 202 bridges over the Amtrak railway in West Whiteland and East Whiteland Township. That project is estimated to cost $26 million and is slated for completion in 2019.

The replacement of the State Road Bridge over the Elk Creek in Elk Township. This $1.8 million project also involves the reconstruction of associated roadway approaches, as well as guide rail and drainage improvements. Work is expected to begin this spring and be completed early next year.

Safety improvements at the intersection of Pa. Route 41 and Newark Road in New Garden. The project calls for the addition of left-turn lanes on the Newark Road approaches to Pa. Route 41 and the retiming of traffic signals. It is estimated to cost $1.6 million and is slated for completion this spring.

Ramp adjustment at the U.S. Route 422 and First Avenue interchange in Tredyffrin, and other improvements between the Pa. Route 23 and Pa. Route 363 interchanges near Valley Forge National Historic Park. This work comes as part of a larger project to restore the U.S. Route 422 Betzwood Bridge over the Schuylkill River.

Dinniman said: “All of these projects mark important investments in our local economy, traffic safety, and transportation infrastructure.” Dinniman said.

A group of students at Downingtown STEM Academy are gathering signatures on a Care2 petition to support their assistant principal, Dr. Zach Ruff, who was placed on administrative leave for arguing with a group of teenagers who were protesting abortion at the school. The argument happened at the end of the school day on April 21 and was captured on video. The video, which has tens of thousands of views, shows Ruff approaching a protester with the group “Abolish Human Abortion.” That protester was identified as Conner Haines. Haines repeatedly said, “Sir, these are image bearers of God.” Ruff responded, “You can go to hell, where they are.” After the altercation was discovered, the District placed Ruff on administrative leave and issued a statement on its website. It read: “We have begun a thorough investigation into this unfortunate situation and have placed the staff member on administrative leave.” The petition has gathered more than 15,000 signatures. Only 787 students attend the school. ” The petition reads: “Dr. Ruff is a crucial and valuable member of the STEM community.  As the Dean of Academics & Student Life, Dr. Ruff has consistently continued to make sure that his students are safe and they have a comfortable environment to learn in….Sign this petition to show that you care about Dr. Ruff, that you do not want him to lose his job over this incident, and to let him know what you think as well.”

Plans for a $15 million community center in Kennett Square were unveiled at a meeting Tuesday at the Kennett Library. The center would contain the library, along with borough offices and the borough’s police department. According to a report in the Daily Local News, a feasibility study will begin in September to learn if enough funds can be raised for the project. The library portion will cost about $9 million, requiring roughly $7 million to be raised because the library has $2 million in assets. The results of the study will be available in November. If there is enough community support, a capital campaign will be launched. According to the newspaper’s report, the center’s first floor would have a lobby and waiting area, an auditorium and board room, a 3,200 square foot planning and zoning room, restrooms and a room for police administration and police operations. The second floor would feature a more than 4,400 square foot children’s area, staff offices, a multi-purpose room and restrooms. The 45,000 square foot complex would be built on a lot just east of the current library building, near the Kennett Area YMCA.

West Chester Area School District Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon updated parents, school staff and the community on a new homework policy in the district. In a letter Monday, Scanlon explained the outcome of a committee’s work on addressing homework concerns in the school district, specifically with regard to the amount of homework given and the stress it imposes on students involved in extra-curricular activities and their families.  He wrote: “A committee of nearly 100 parents and staff members has been working over the last four months to address the issue of homework in the West Chester Area School District. We are very aware of the impact the amount of homework our students receive can have on them and their families, and we wanted to work to address the need for balance in our students’ lives, while not comprising student achievement.” Scanlon further explained that after examining the issue and meeting with teachers at each of the district’s 18 schools, the committee “has developed a new homework policy that provides parameters and guidelines specialized to elementary, middle and high school levels. These include the goals of homework, a requirement for consistent communication from teachers about homework, and limits on homework due dates.” Scanlon added: “With this new policy, we are setting a new expectation in communication from parents, as well. If a parent feels their child is struggling and they’re having a hard time getting him or her to accomplish their homework in what seems like a reasonable amount of time, we are asking parents to contact their child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor.” The School Board will give final approval to the policy on May 24. You can find the policy, research used in its development, and notes from meetings at: http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/ForParents/Homework_Committee_2017 Those with questions can also email homeworkfeedback@wcasd.net.

Following recent escapes from the Devereux Foundation’s Brandywine Campus, State Senator Andy Dinniman announced Tuesday that he is introducing legislation to improve security and notification procedures at non-secure juvenile facilities in Pennsylvania. Dinniman said: “There are real and valid concerns regarding the safety of non-secure juvenile facilities in Chester County and throughout the Commonwealth.” Dinniman said multiple escapes from Devereux Brandywine in recent weeks have highlighted the need to both tighten security measures at non-secure juvenile facilities and improve public notification procedures in the event of an escape. He and his staff reached out to local law enforcement officials, including police departments located near non-secure juvenile facilities and Pennsylvania State Police at Embreeville, in crafting the legislation. Dinniman is also planning to meet with Devereux officials to gather input on the bill.

The Chester County Commissioners recognize county Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary (center right) as recipient of a Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence. Pictured with Brian, from left to right are: Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell; County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline; and County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone.

Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary recently received an award from Governor Tom Wolf for his dedication to strengthening communities and providing assistance to residents. The Chester County Board of Commissioners recognized Brian’s accolade at this week’s Sunshine Meeting.  Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline noted, “In addition to his dedication to public service, Brian was recognized for providing many opportunities to collaborate and share best practices. He is currently leading our Landscapes3 comprehensive plan development process, which is built upon partnerships with teams of people who provide input on the key topics, as well as members of the public who are joining in the conversation, both in person and through our surveys.  This is a perfect example of how Brian – and Chester County – is strengthening our community through collaboration.” O’Leary was among 10 government officials and 11 communities from across Pennsylvania that received awards in Harrisburg in April as part of the 21st Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence.

A fire Saturday night in Glen Moore destroyed a home and injured the man who resided there. The man suffered minor burns on his hands and legs and was able to be treated on the scene. The fire broke out along Potts School Road about 10:30 p.m. Glen Moore Fire Chief Michael King told the Daily Local News that upon his arrival, the home was fully engulfed. King also said several propane tanks located around the foundation of the house exploded, challenging firefighters as they attempted to stop the blaze. He said fire crews managed the fire from a distance and stayed away from areas that were likely to collapse. They were on the scene until roughly 4:25 a.m. The injured man received assistance from the American Red Cross, including clothes, food and a hotel room for the night, according to firefighters. The cause of the fire is listed as undetermined and under investigation.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, they are investigating an attempted burglary that happened around 4:27 a.m. on April 26. The incident occurred along the 400 block of Pequea Ave. in Honey Brook Borough when a suspect or suspects attempted to force entry through an exterior window of a business. No entry was made, and the suspect or suspects fled. Witnesses or those with information regarding this incident are asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police at Embreeville at 610-486-6280.

State Rep. Becky Corbin is inviting veterans, active duty personnel and their family members who live in the 155th House District to attend her fifth annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day Picnic. The event will be held Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Alison Pavilion at East Brandywine Community Park, 466 Dilworth Road in Downingtown. The Pennsylvania National Guard Transition Assistance Advisor will be present, as will the Department of Military Affairs’ mobile unit. Attendees can receive free help with issues ranging from military pensions to Veterans Administration health care benefits. They will also receive a picnic lunch. The 155th district consists of East Brandywine, West Brandywine, Uwchlan, Upper Uwchlan, East Pikeland, Spring City and part of Phoenixville Borough.

An historic property in West Whiteland Township may be re-purposed for modern-day use. The builder Wolfson Group is planning on restoring the property, located near Commerce Drive at Main Street at Exton. The house was wrapped in protective tarps nearly 15 years ago and has been deteriorating since. The 1840s, 26-room mansion, known as the Richard Ashbridge House, may now become a community center according to a report in The Daily Local News. The house had not been occupied since approximately 1950. According to historians, a Welsh Quaker named Richard Thomas built a cottage at the site, making him the first European to settle in the Exton area. West Whiteland Township has not yet awarded final approval for the apartment project. The property is zoned TC or Town Center. The property in which it sits was once known as Indian Run Farm. The Ashbridge house features a two-story porch, columns, antique marble mantels and other uniquely historic features. According to a township official, if plans proceed as expected, construction of the apartments could begin as early as this summer.

PennDOT announced Thursday that Sunoco Logistics is planning a lane closure on westbound Ship Road between King Road and Boot Road in West Whiteland Township on Monday, May 8, through Thursday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for excavation work. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work area. The schedule is dependent on the weather.

The West Whiteland Township Police Department is investigating a bomb threat that occurred at the Sam’s Club Store located at 280 Indian Run Street in Exton. On Sunday, April 30 at approximately 2:27 p.m., patrol officers were dispatched to the store for the bomb threat that came in by phone. Upon arrival, store employees advised the responding officers that a male subject called the store and threatened to “blow up” the store if he was not provided with $7,500 in gift cards. Officers then evacuated the store with the assistance of Sam’s Club management. With the assistance of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and the Montgomery County Bomb Squad, the building was cleared, and no explosives were found. Employees were allowed back into the store at approximately 6:00 p.m. Investigators are attempting to determine the source of the phone call and whether the incident is related to similar incidents at Sam’s Club stores in Pennsylvania and other states that occurred the same day. The West Whiteland Township Police Department was assisted by the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Bomb Squad, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, West Whiteland Fire Company, Uwchlan Ambulance, Uwchlan Township Police Department, West Goshen Township Police Department and the Westtown East Goshen Regional Police Department.

Nina Scott of Downingtown will face trial on charges of sexually assaulting a child. The 28-year-old waived her arraignment Wednesday. She has been charged with institutional sexual assault. Scott was a teacher at The Village school on Roberts Road in Radnor. The school works with students who are dealing with emotional issues. Scott was arrested at her home in Downingtown by Radnor Police a few months ago for her alleged involvment in a sexual relationship with a minor female student for eight months. Radnor Police filed 70 total counts against Scott, including 34 counts of institutional sexual assault of a minor. Scott was allegedly involved in repeated sexual encounters with the 16-year-old, at Scott’s home, on school property, and at local parks, from February 2016 to October 2016. Police said one reason they wanted to get the information out to the public was to ensure no other students were involved with Scott. Radnor Police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward and speak with them. An exact date for her trial has not yet been set. Scott is currently free on $100,000 bail.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced that Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Harrar has enlisted in the United States Army and will be serving as an officer in the Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps, also known as Army JAG. The Army JAG handles the prosecution and defense of criminal matters involving Army personnel, as well as other legal matters. Hogan said that Harrar has had a distinguished career in the District Attorney’s Office, working as the lead prosecutor in the courtroom of the Honorable David Bortner. Recently, Harrar convicted James Cannavo of attempted murder and related charges in the highly publicized trial for a shooting of a West Chester University student in the borough. Hogan stated that: “The District Attorney’s Office is proud that Harrar has chosen to serve his country.” Harrar said that it has been “a great honor to represent the citizens of the Commonwealth throughout” his tenure in the Chester Country District Attorney’s Office.

A Kennett Square man was sentenced to state prison for his connection to five area bank robberies in Montgomery, Westmoreland and Lancaster Counties. Between 2010 and 2012, Joseph Mieluchowski of the first block of Jonathan Court robbed the banks at gunpoint, allegedly terrorizing bank staffers and customers. The Daily Local News reports that Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Laura Bradbury sought a lengthy prison term of 29 to 58 years for the 46-year-old Mieluchowski, given the number of bank robberies he committed, the number of victims in each of the banks, and the terror he inflicted on those victims. Investigators focused on Mieluchowski after authorities received an anonymous tip in 2013. Evidence at his December trial included bank surveillance footage and DNA evidence obtained from a fake moustache he allegedly wore. Also heard at that trial was testimony from his co-conspirator that linked Mieluchowski to the heists. That jury found Mieluchowski struck three times in Montgomery County, once in Westmoreland County and once in Gap, Lancaster County.

The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls is currently accepting applications for its Girls Advisory Board program. The Girls Advisory Board is a unique girls grantmaking program in which 20 local girls are given the opportunity to award $20,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations that help other young women in Chester County. More than 100 high school girls have participated in the program over the past 11 years. Since its inception, the Girls Advisory Board has awarded over $200,000 to agencies that target the needs of women and girls faced by poverty, illiteracy, violence, homelessness, mental illness, teen pregnancy and substance abuse. From September to December 2017, Girls Advisory Board members will learn about and discuss community needs, create their own grant application, review proposals, conduct site visits and work together as a group to award grants to the organizations they feel best address their identified priorities. Applications are available online at http://ccfwg.org/girls-advisory-board/ and will be accepted until Friday, May 26. If selected, the program is free to all participants. Please contact Michelle Legaspi Sanchez with any questions about the application process at michelle@ccfwg.org.

Chester County government and business leaders are set to send their largest delegation ever to China, to open doors for local companies to explore business opportunities. The trip is also designed to identify possible Chinese investors for projects in the county, according to Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell. Farrell made two previous trips to China in 2014 to foster ties with Chinese officials and business leaders. Michael Grigalonis, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of the Chester County Economic Development Council said: “Further developing relationships between China and Chester County bring lasting benefits to both the businesses and residents of our community.” Farrell says that the day before the trip begins, a Chinese trade representative will tour Chester County.The trip includes visits to multiple cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. A visit is scheduled to Flower Flag Trading Company, a business owned by a Chester County businessman. According to Farrell, Michael DeThomas of Levante Brewing Company of West Chester will be exploring opportunities to bring Levante beers to China.  Prior trips have been successful and have helped some local businesses to gain work in China, according to Grigalonis. Genesis Health Care, Vanguard, Bentley Systems and others are already in the process of working there. West Chester University graduate student Jingjing Lin who is from China is making the trip with the county delegation and will be one of two bilingual persons on the tour. The Chester County delegation also plans on seeing the Philadelphia Orchestra perform at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center on May 26. The tour concludes on May 27.

Troop J of the Pennsylvania State Police have developed a Distracted Driver initiative during the month of May leading up to Memorial Day weekend. The campaign has been developed to deter motorists from distracted driving, specifically texting while driving. The Pennsylvania State Police will be using a combination of traditional and innovative strategies to crack down on distracted driving violations. Troopers are encouraged to have a zero tolerance for distracted driving during this campaign. The Pennsylvania State Police announced that troopers issued a total of 753 citations related to distracted driving in the first quarter of 2017. In addition, 311 official warnings were issued from January 1 through March 31, 2017 to drivers who failed to give the task of operating their vehicle their full attention. Texting while behind the wheel is one example, but distracted driving includes any activity that diverts a person’s attention away from their duties as a driver and is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in Pennsylvania.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Safe Driving Competition as held May 3 at the West Whiteland Township Police Department in Exton. The winner was Downingtown West High School’s Kaleigh Krakower, who received a $2,000 scholarship. A Chichester High School student finished second in the competition, and Coatesville High School’s Hunter Watterson finished third. Krakower said in a written statement that “the competition was extremely informative and eye-opening,” teaching her a lot about being a safe and cautious driver. The competition was hosted by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office Highway Safety Project, together with safety partners from Delaware County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia. District Attorney Tom Hogan said: “too often, law enforcement only gets to see the consequences of bad teen driving, broken bodies and shattered lives. It was a pleasure for all of us to work with students who are models of good technical driving skills and outstanding judgment.”