[naviga:h3]Gun background checks jump in Pa.[/naviga:h3]

The number of background checks conducted for firearm purchases through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) increased by nearly 100,000 in the second quarter this year over the same period in 2019.

PICS is used by county sheriffs, police chiefs in first class cities and licensed firearms dealers to determine a person’s legal ability to acquire a license to carry firearms or obtain a firearm through a purchase or transfer.

An investigation is referred to a law enforcement agency when a person provides false information on a state or federal form. It is a third degree felony in Pennsylvania to make a false oral or written statement on any federal or state agency form or present false identification to a firearm seller, licensed dealer or licensed manufacturer.

Police said 314,319 PICS checks were conducted in the second quarter this year; 217,444 were conducted the same time last year.

The number of people denied licenses, purchases or transfers increased from 3,085 to 5,801. The number of denials referred to law enforcement agencies increased from 1,197 to 1,238.

Of those denials, referrals to state police increased from 318 to 342, referrals to local law enforcement increased from 851 to 878 and referrals to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms decreased from 28 to 18.

The number of people arrested on warrants at the point of purchase increased from 42 to 83.

[naviga:h3]Diocese planing for return to school[/naviga:h3]

The Diocese of Pittsburgh is working on a COVID-19 plan to reopen its schools. A team from Catholic Schools is working with a focus group of parents, teachers and diocesan officials to create the plan.

The first day of classes for elementary schools is Aug. 27 and high schools have staggered starting dates.

The plan will include daily temperature screening for students, teachers and staff; cleaning and disinfecting schools; social distancing and mask wearing; and providing virtual learning options.

[naviga:h3]Electronic waste collection planned [/naviga:h3]

Cranberry Township will host a household hazardous and electronic waste collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 25 at the Public Works Building on Route 19.

The collection is being held in conjunction with ECS&R Recycling and advance registration at www.ecsr.net is required. Collection fees are 55 cents per pound for TVs, universal waste like light bulbs and batteries, and computer monitors, printers and towers; 19 cents a pound for all other electronics and freon containing devices; 70 cents a pound for household hazardous waste; and 20 cents a pound for propane tanks.

Items not accepted include explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials, large appliances, pharmaceuticals, syringes, medical waste, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, devices containing mercury, compressed gas canisters and tires.

[naviga:h3]Butler street cleaning planned[/naviga:h3]

Parking will be restricted from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on nine streets in Butler for street cleaning. The streets are Howard, E. Penn, E. Walnut. E. Brady, E. Fulton, E. North from Mckean to Franklin streets, Polk and Charles streets, and Lamar Drive.

[naviga:h3]Adam Rettig family reunion canceled[/naviga:h3]

The annual Adam Rettig Sr. family reunion scheduled for Aug. 2 in Butler’s Memorial Park will not be held due to COVID-19 concerns.