The Delaware Riverkeeper Network is claiming that the proposed Sunoco Mariner East 2 pipeline project violates municipal zoning ordinances and has filed a lawsuit in Chester County’s Court of Common Pleas Wednesday against the Sunoco Pipeline, asking the Court to “enjoin Sunoco from maintaining, placing or operating a hazardous liquid and/or gas pipeline.” The network, along with local landowners, say the project is hazardous with known detrimental impacts on health, safety, welfare, property values and public natural resources. According to the complaint, Sunoco cannot construct the Mariner East 2 Pipeline in a manner that is inconsistent with West Goshen Township ordinances. Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper said in a statement: “Sunoco is flouting the requirements of local zoning and inflicting incredible harm on the community and our environment. The blatant violation of the law, and constitutional rights, cannot be allowed to stand.”

The EMS staff of Longwood Fire Company will be conducting the hands only CPR classes at 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Monday, May 15. The station is located at 1001 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square. The classes are open to the public and are free. Registering for the class is recommended but not necessary. To register, call Lori Kaluzny, Longwood Business Manager, at 610 388-6880.  Longwood Fire Company has served the communities of Kennett, East Marlborough, Pennsbury and Pocopson Townships since 1921. Longwood Fire Company provides fire and rescue and emergency medical services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information see www.longwoodfireco.com.

State Senator Andy Dinniman this week joined his legislative colleagues and officials from the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, PennDOT, and the Pennsylvania State Police to discuss ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. Dinniman said: “Pennsylvania has taken important steps to end the scourge of human trafficking. But there is more work to be done and we can succeed in doing it and putting an end to this modern-day slave trade by bringing together legislators, social service professionals, and law enforcement.” Dinniman’s comments came during a rally in the state capitol rotunda organized by PPA to condemn human trafficking and describe the coordinated efforts taken by multiple agencies and organizations to eradicate it. According to Krista Bower, executive director of the PPA, human trafficking alone victimizes more than 5 million children worldwide and produces over $150 billion in illegal profits. Senator Dinniman was a driving force in passing Act 105 of 2014 (Senate Bill 75), which improves and better defines Pennsylvania’s human trafficking laws so that they can be better utilized by law enforcement. Dinniman is also a supporter and co-sponsor of Senate Bill 554, which aims to protect juvenile victims of human trafficking from potential prosecution.

West Chester University will graduate its largest class on Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14, 2017. A total of 3,148 students (2,590 undergraduates & 558 master’s and doctoral degree recipients) are eligible to graduate this spring. The number of graduates includes those eligible for both May and August graduation. With the predicted severe weather forecast for Saturday, the University has moved its Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. outdoor undergraduate commencement ceremony to Sunday, May 14, at 3:00 p.m. The outdoor ceremony, which will take place in Farrell Stadium, includes undergraduates from the College of Business & Public Management, College of Health Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

On Thursday afternoon, May 11, Dr. Zachary Ruff, Dean of Student Life and Academics at the Downingtown STEM Academy, tendered his resignation to the Downingtown Area School District Board of Directors. Ruff was at the center of a controversy surrounding comments he made to abortion protesters outside the school’s campus last month. His comments–specifically when he told the protesters to “go to hell” –were viewed by thousands after they were captured on video and posted to YouTube. Ruff was then placed on administrative leave and was required to attend a hearing May 5, in which the District’s solicitor reviewed and discussed the confrontation between Ruff and those protesters, identified as Connor and Laura Haines. Many in the district and beyond expressed their views in support of Ruff and also denouncing his actions. The letter issued Thursday afternoon by the school district stated: “After considering this situation in total, its divisive impact on the community, the reaction from his students, and the attention this situation has garnered nationally, it is clear to us that Dr. Ruff decided that the best thing for his students, the School District, and the community was to resign from employment.”

State Senator Andy Dinniman’s legislation to prohibit leaving a dog or a cat in a hot vehicle was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. Dinniman said: “There are too many stories of dogs succumbing to the heat because they were left in cars on warm, summer days. This legislation aims to prevent such inhumane treatment while empowering law enforcement and public safety officials to rescue dogs from danger in such situations.” Senate Bill 636, the Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act, makes it a summary offense (punishable by fine of up to $300) to confine a dog or cat in a vehicle under conditions that jeopardize the animal’s health.  Dinniman said that his bill is based on similar measures passed in other states. Currently, 17 states t have laws that protect animals from being left in hot cars, with Arizona passing such a bill on May 10. The bill, which has 12 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle, now goes to the Senate floor.

Matthew J. Mendenhall was recently sworn in as Chester County’s newest deputy sheriff. Mendenhall previously served as a captain for the Berks County Sheriff’s Department, but he grew up in the Downingtown Area School District. The father of four and his wife Sharon recently moved back to the area. Capt. Jason Suydam explained that the high competition for the position enables the office to select employees that not only meet the job qualifications but also represent a good fit. Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said: “We are fortunate to be able to bring Deputy Mendenhall into the Chester County Sheriffs Office.” Mendenhall joined the Berks County Sheriff’s Department in 2003 and held a variety of leadership posts there. He received his Act 120 certification from the Reading Police Academy in 2002, and he earned Act 2 certification from Penn State University in 2005. On the personal side, Mendenhall is an avid musician who has been playing guitar since the age of five. He says he would welcome the opportunity to band together with any like-minded colleagues.”

State Rep. Carolyn Comitta announced last week a $180,000 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation grant to improve area traffic signals. The money will pay for West Chester Pike and North Chester Road signal upgrades in Westtown Township. Westtown Township will provide the remaining $45,000 match of the total project cost of $225,000. Comitta said: “It’s important to increase the longevity of our infrastructure by making enhancements and improvements to our communities.” The grant comes from PennDOT’s Green Light – Go Program, which provides state funds for the operation and maintenance of traffic signals along critical and designated corridors on state highways. The Green Light – Go Program was created by Act 89, Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure investment plan passed in 2013.

While the case of a missing Chester County woman still remains unsolved, police announced Monday that her car was located. Pennsylvania State Police at the Embreeville barracks located Anna Bronkislawa Maciejewska’s Audi A4 last Monday in an overflow parking lot of the Charlestown Meadows housing development. The 43-year-old was last seen April 10 when she left for work from her home on Hedgerow Lane in Charlestown Township. The Embreeville Station requested search dogs and the help of the state police Cadets from Hershey who performed a search of the woods and neighborhoods surrounding Charlestown Meadows. State police said in a news release today: “To date we still have not located Anna Maciejewska and continue to investigate the case as a missing person.” She is described as 5-foot, 4-inches tall, approximately 160 pounds, with hazel eyes. State police also say she may be in need of her medication, which she does not have with her.

Lincoln University’s Board of Trustees announced that Dr. Brenda Allen will serve as the university’s 14th president. The announcement was made at a special meeting held May 11. Allen is currently provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Winston-Salem State University. Allen, who is also an alumna of Lincoln University, will assume the duties from Dr. Richard Green, who has served as Lincoln’s interim president since July 2015. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lincoln University, a master’s degree in experimental psychology and a doctorate in developmental psychology, both from Howard University in Washington, DC. Lincoln University’s Board chairwoman Kimberly Lloyd said: “The Board is confident in its selection of Dr. Allen to lead the institution at this most pivotal time in its history.”

Edward Lasorda was arrested by East Brandywine Township Police for allegedly stealing a wedding ring that was valued at $79,000. The 55-year-old Downingtown man is the owner of A Plus Certified Home Inspectors Inc., and was reportedly in the home of a client when he stole the ring in April. Police also learned that Lasorda was on probation for a prior theft. According to a news release: East Brandywine detectives, with permission from the Chester County District Attorney’s office, recorded a conversation on April 21 between Lasorda and the victim, who questioned Lasorda and demanded her ring back. The next day Lasorda left a message for the homeowner that he would put roofing brochures in her mailbox. Later that day she found her wedding ring and roofing brochures in the mailbox. Police now urge anyone who had their homes inspected by Lasorda to contact their local police department. He was arrested on Wednesday and charged with felony theft and receiving stolen property. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 31.

The Chester County Board of Commissioners announced Monday the kickoff of a public opinion survey for Chester County. The announcement came at the Commissioners’ public meeting. The survey, which will help to identify citizen priorities for the future of Chester County, will contribute to the vision for Landscapes3, the county’s long-range comprehensive plan. Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline said the commissioners are “asking all county residents and businesses to take five minutes to complete the electronic survey because it is important to find out public opinion” before beginning to plan the County’s future. The information gathered from the survey will help to transition the development of Landscapes3 from the identification of issues to building the vision for the future. Landscapes2, the county’s current long-range policy plan, is the basis for such initiatives as revitalized urban centers and protected farmland and open spaces, which were identified as important to citizens in the 2007 survey. The new survey can be accessed online at www.chescoplanning.org.

PennDOT announced Monday that weekday lane restrictions are scheduled on Creek Road between Indiantown Road and Pumpkin Hill Road in Wallace and West Nantmeal townships, starting Thursday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for core boring. The weekday lane restrictions will be in effect through Friday, June 9. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through this area. The work schedule is dependent on the weather.

PennDOT announced today that, due to a facilities issue, the Pottstown Photo License Center located at Commonwealth Auto Tags, 978 East High Street in Pottstown, is closed until further notice. All customers who use this center are being asked to utilize the Harleysville
Photo Center located in Harley Commons, 345 Main Street in Harleysville, the Norristown Driver License Center at 1700 Markley Street, Suite 30, in Norristown, or the Reading Driver License Center at the Shillington Shopping Center, 530 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 5 in Shillington for their photo licensing and identification card needs until appropriate repairs are made to the Pottstown facility. Customers may also obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website,
www.dmv.pa.gov.

The Chester County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit conducted a warrant sweep on Wednesday, May 10.  Five people were arrested on seven outstanding warrants.  Sheriff’s deputies arrested three people at a home on the 100 block of Highland Avenue in Valley Township.  Candice Volmer initially provided deputies with a false name, but was eventually identified and arrested.  Volmer was wanted on Chester County bench warrants for a probation violation and a Domestic Relations violation.  Alyssa Burn also initially provided deputies with false identification, but was also correctly identified and arrested.  Burn was wanted on a Chester County bench warrant for a probation violation.  Joshua Short was found hiding under a bed and arrested.  Short was sought for a Chester County bench warrant from Domestic Relations.  Short was in possession of suspected marijuana.  Additional charges are pending for all three subjects.

The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department is attempting to locate 16-year-old Brittany Leigh Walsh of Avondale. Walsh is described as being five-foot-two, approximately 150 pounds, with reddish brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a navy-blue fleece pullover jacket, black yoga pants, and black sneakers. Walsh had been on a home-pass from a placement facility and was due to return. She is known to frequent the Oxford and Coatesville areas. Walsh has been entered into the National Crime Information Center as a runaway. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department at 610-268-3171.

The Chester County Press is reporting that the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board has appointed a new principal for Charles F. Patton Middle School. The Board voted to appoint Steve Dissinger during a meeting at Pocopson Elementary School on May 15. Dissinger is currently the principal at Hillendale Elementary School. He will become the principal of Patton Middle School, effective July 1. His salary will be $148,101.24. ” District superintendent John Sanville said, “We are thrilled that Steve will be the next principal for the middle school. We had an extensive process to find our next principal. We had 60-plus folks apply.” The replacement process for Dissinger at Hillendale is under way. Patton’s former principal, Tim Hoffman, was promoted to Director of Curriculum for the district earlier this year. In addition, the board approved one of the final steps for next year’s budget, and Rep. Eric Roe was in attendance at the meeting to address the school board to say that he is “determined to keep our school funding at the local level and not let anybody touch that funding.” The budget calls for total appropriations of $84,932,572. The final adoption of the budget is expected to take place at the June 19 school board meeting.

The Chester County Agricultural Land Preservation Board is accepting applications for two programs funded by the Chester County Commissioners, the Commonwealth/County Program and the Chester County Challenge Grant Program. Both programs offer funds to qualifying Chester County farm owners who are interested in preserving their farms. The County pays farm owners for their development rights in exchange for a permanent agricultural conservation easement on their land. To date, 460 farms totaling 37,270 acres have been preserved in Chester County through these programs. Farms with 10 acres or more are eligible for both programs if they are adjacent to other permanently preserved land. For farms not adjacent to permanently preserved land, the acreage minimums are 50 acres for the Commonwealth/County Program and 25 acres for the Challenge Grant Program. The application deadline for both programs is August 1, 2017. For more information, including applications and program guidelines go to www.chesco.org/openspace.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will hold an open house public meeting on Thursday, June 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to inform citizens about the project to reconstruct and improve the section of U.S. 30 between Business U.S. 30/Quarry Road and Reeceville Road in Downingtown
Borough, and East Caln, Caln, East Brandywine, Uwchlan, and West Brandywine townships. The upcoming public meeting will be held at Downingtown Middle School at 115 Rock Raymond Road, Downingtown. The meeting will feature a project presentation and an open house plans display where citizens will have the opportunity to circulate among the various subject displays to gather information and discuss the different facets of the project with  PennDOT’s project team. Conceptual plans for the improvements can be viewed at http://www.us30-chesco.com/.

PennDOT announced Wednesday that the Pottstown Photo License Center located at Commonwealth Auto Tags, 978 East High Street in Pottstown, has reopened for business. The building was closed yesterday due to a facilities issue. Customers may also obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and
services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.