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Archive | November, 2015

UPDATE: Man dies after being struck by SEPTA El train at 56th and Market

November 3, 2015

1:35 p.m.: Surveillance video from the station showed that a man, who is believed to have been in his 40’s or 50’s, died after jumping in front of the train as it pulled into the station, according to SEPTA.

12:35 p.m.: We’re very sad to report that the person who was struck by an El train at 56th Street Station has died. Emergency crews are still working to remove the body from the tracks. It is not clear yet whether the person fell or jumped onto the tracks.

12:20 p.m.: A person is trapped beneath an El train at 56th and Market, according to reports. Medics are on the scene. The person was struck by the train around noon, according to SEPTA. There is no word yet on their condition.

Shuttle buses are operating between 52nd Street Station and 69th Street Terminal. Delays are expected.

 

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Smelly, cloudy water reported near 49th and Larchwood as Water Department doing repairs (updated)

November 3, 2015

West Philly Local readers who live near 49th and Larchwood reported problems with their water last night, including low pressure, cloudiness and odor. As of this morning, the water seemed less cloudy, but there was still a mineral smell to it, according to residents. We contacted the Philadelphia Water Department, and it turned they are doing some water main work in the area, which “could cause some cloudiness.” They said that tap water in the area is safe to use and drink, but the taste/odor complaints should be called in, if possible. The PWD customer info line is: 215-685-6300.

PWD provided these tips for residents on what to do after street repairs have been made:

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2015 Pumpkin Carving Contest: Here are the winners!

November 3, 2015

We’re happy to announce the results of our 5th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest.

Many thanks to everyone who voted for their favorite pumpkin. We received a record number of votes this year – over 400! This time around, there wasn’t a clear winner from the beginning; the winner pumpkin beat the second most favorite pumpkin by only seven votes (75 to 68). So here is the Readers’ Choice winner (drumroll…):

“Spooky Trumpkin” carved by Nate Johnson:

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Congratulations, Nate! Many folks, including us, appreciate your pumpkin carving skills and your sense of humor. You will receive our grand prize: a $35 gift card from Renata’s Kitchen, a $25 gift card from a local business of your choice, and two Curio Theatre tickets ($50 value).

Just because it was so close, we also would like to mention Kathryn Kamowski whose “Skull” pumpkin finished second. Amazing work, Kathryn! We’ll also send you a prize.

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Election Day! Don’t forget to vote today

November 3, 2015

Don’t forget to vote today. The slate of offices up for grabs include mayor, city council and, perhaps most important and least predictable this time around, seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Courtvote.

Check on your voter registration status here and find your polling place here. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registered voters who are in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

All 17 seats on the City Council will be on the ballot. Some 14 candidates are running for at-large seats. Here’s a rundown from the Committee of Seventy. Jannie Blackwell is running unopposed for the 3rd District seat. As usual, the mayor’s race was likely decided in the primary.

The election for three seats on state’s Supreme Court has drawn a lot of interest among criminal justice activists, who see it as a test of the state’s commitment to easing mass incarceration and sentencing reforms. Here’s a rundown of the candidates for Supreme Court from the Committee of Seventy.

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Big improvements coming to 40th Street Station

November 2, 2015

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Some long-anticipated accessibility improvements are finally coming to SEPTA’s 40th Street Market Frankford Line Station. Today, SEPTA, with state and city elected officials, disability advocates and West Philadelphia community and business leaders broke ground on the 40th St Station ADA Accessibility Project, which will include the installation of two elevators on the northwest and southeast corners of 40th and Market Streets. In addition to the two new elevators, the $7.4 million construction project includes four new head house entrances and overall station improvements.

“In addition to the accessibility enhancements, all users will benefit from the improvements to be made at this station,” according to SEPTA general manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel, who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.  Continue Reading

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Woman dragged into minivan at Sunoco station at 52nd and Spruce found safe

November 1, 2015

The woman who police feared was abducted on Halloween night at the Sunoco station at 52nd and Spruce, was found safe. Police had asked for the public’s assistance in locating the woman after she was seen dragged into a minivan by an unknown man around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. Police say that the woman was involved in a domestic matter and was not injured.

 

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